Italy is a country that has something to offer for everyone – from the stunning art and architecture of the cities, to the relaxed way of life and delicious cuisine. In March, I had the pleasure of visiting some of the most beautiful cities in Italy, including Rome, Florence, Venice, Pisa and Milan, and each city had its own unique charm.



One of the most memorable experiences of my trip was seeing the ancient buildings and architecture. What sets Italy apart from other countries when it comes to history is how many ancient buildings are still standing. Unlike other places in Europe, such as England and Germany, where many historic buildings were damaged or destroyed during World War II, Italy has managed to preserve much of its heritage. Walking through the streets of Rome, Florence, Venice, Pisa and Milan, it felt like I was going back in time. The cobbled streets and ancient buildings were stunning, and I felt completely safe walking through them.



<h2>Traveling through Italy felt like going back in time</h2>



The Italian culture is also quite unique. The way of life is more relaxed than what you would experience in other countries in Europe. Shops often close early or are closed in the mid-afternoon, and people seem to prioritize family time and their health above other things. This is something I found very refreshing. It was also interesting to see how different parts of Italy had different cultural customs.



Of course, no trip to Italy is complete without trying the food. Italian cuisine is famous around the world, and for good reason. We tried several different dishes during our travels, but our favorite by far was gelato. The taste and creaminess of the gelato was far superior to ice cream, and the pistachio with ricotta cheese flavor was an unexpected delight. We also enjoyed picking up fresh produce from local markets and cooking meals in our Airbnb, as well as drinking fantastic, inexpensive Italian wine.



Using a lot of the travel tips from our free <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/european-soccer-travel-guide/">European Travel Guide</a>, traveling within Italy was also a breeze, thanks to the high-speed trains that run throughout the country. We settled in Florence as our home base and took day trips to other cities via train. The trains were very comfortable, efficient, and reasonably priced. It allowed us to relax on the train ahead of visiting new cities and to experience more of the beautiful Italian countryside. It also helped that the high speed trains had a top speed of 186mph, making long journeys far more preferable by train instead of car.



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While we visited some of the most well-known cities in Italy, there were still many other places we would have liked to see. Bologna, Sicily, Siena and the Tuscan countryside were on our list of places we didn’t have time for during this trip. We hope to come back to Italy someday and experience more of its beauty.



While we didn’t get a chance to go see any <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/serie-a-tv-schedule/">Serie A</a> games in person, this trip gave me the confidence in knowing that it’s so easy to travel from city to city. Several airlines offer <a href="https://www.flightconnections.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">direct flights</a> from the United States to Italy every day.



In conclusion, traveling through Italy was a unique experience. The ancient architecture, relaxed way of life, delicious food, and efficient transportation system made for an unforgettable trip. If you’re looking for a country with rich history, stunning art and architecture, and a unique culture, then Italy is definitely worth a visit.



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Traveling through Italy, we share our mesmerizing trip to some of Italy's most beautiful cities: Rome, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Milan.

Traveling through Italy: A journey through time and culture - World Soccer Talk

Traveling through Italy: A journey through time and culture

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The 2009 Champions League Final will be the 54th final of the tournament and the 17th under the current format. The final will be played at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on 27 May 2009. The stadium is located in the North of Rome along the river Tiber in the Foro Italico, about 4 miles from the city centre. It has a seating capacity of 82,000 and is one of the largest stadiums in Europe. It is the host stadium for two Serie A clubs in Roma and Lazio, along with the Italian National side.
History
The stadium, designed by architect Annibale Vitellozzi, sits between the Tiber river and the Monte Mario hill. It was built in 1952 as a venue for the 1960 Summer Olympics. In the outer grounds are various mosaics depicting different Olympic sports and similar statues in the gardens next to the stadium. Stadio Olimpico also hosted the 1987 World Athletics Championships. As a venue for the 1990 World Cup, the stadium underwent a good deal of reconstruction. A roof was added and the stands rebuilt closer to the playing surface, though retaining the “bowl” shape of the stadium. 2009 will be the fourth time the final has been played at the stadium, following Liverpool`s wins over Borussia Monchengladbach in 1977 and AS Roma in 1984, along with Juventus` win over Ajax in 1996.
Accommodation near Stadio Olimpico
Hotels
Rome has hotels in abundance, but given that the Stadio Olimpico is an hour and a half walk from the city centre, it seems sensible for those just wishing to attend the Champions League final to stay as close as possible. For those wishing to make the trip a bit more of a holiday, buses 32 and 280 and tram 225 from the centre of Rome serve the stadium. Some appropriate hotel choices close to Stadio Olimpico include:
Hotel Astrid, Largo Antonio Sarti 4, Rome. This hotel is located within easy walking distance of the stadium and offers garage parking.
Hotel Farnesina, Via della Farnesina 23, Rome. Also close to the stadium, offering full buffet breakfast and free Internet use.
Hostels
Rome`s many hostels, mostly located near the Termini train station, are a cheap and cheerful alternative to hotel accommodation, costing substantially less than a <a href="http:\/\/www.matchhotels.com/football/England/Manchester-United-hotels-1707.html">Manchester United hotel</a>. One appropriate hostel is the Happy Days Hostel, Via Trionfale 146, Rome. This is close to the stadium and a mere 10-minute walk from Vatican City, but has an age restriction of 18-35.
Apartments
Various self-catering apartments are also available for rent near Stadio Olimpico, with prices falling in the range between hostels and hotels.

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Traveling through Italy: A journey through time and culture

Leagues: Champions League

Champions League Final Stadium Guide: Stadio Olimpico