Studying abroad in Rome is always a great idea. Even if you don't have the opportunity to live in Rome during the Fall or Spring semesters, you can always enroll in a summer session! You'll get the perfect taste of life in Rome while also getting to explore some of Italy's other incredible cities. Just hop on a train, rent a car, or grab a bus, and you can be in another gorgeous Italian city in no time.
Here are 3 Italian cities you should visit this summer:
1. Naples
Napoli or Naples is one of Italy's most famous cities. Although it has a reputation of being a little bit more "rough around the edges," it is a must-see if you are studying abroad at John Cabot University. Less than a 2-hour train ride from Rome, Naples is the perfect place to experience Southern Italian culture at it's finest. Not only will you have access to the beautiful coastal beaches and views of the Mount Vesuvius volcano, but you will be able to taste the world's most famous pizza. Yes, Napoli is famously known as the "home of pizza." While you're there, you can also take some pretty incredible day trips to Pompeii, Positano, the Amalfi Coast, and more!
2. Florence
Another great place to visit this summer is Florence. If you go there after Naples, you will get a taste of a very different region of the country. This will show you how diverse Italy really is! Located in the Tuscany region, Florence represents the birthplace of the Renaissance, and you can see that in much of the architecture there. Hop on a train from Rome, and you will be in Florence in only about an hour and a half! Walk around the beautiful city, check out the Duomo (cathedral), and of course pay a visit to the famous "Statute of David." If you want to buy something particularly Florentine, you should visit some of the local leather-goods stores, since the city is famous for its leather production--among many other trades.
3. Verona
Verona is a beautiful city in yet another one of Italy's distinct regions--Veneto. This city is most famous for being the setting of Romeo and Juliet. The main sites there are Juliet's balcony, the Verona Arena, and the Piazza delle Erbe--a central square full of restaurants, shops, and cafes. The city has a wonderful charm and authentic feel to it. However, Verona is a bit father away from Rome (about 3 hours by train), but that gives you a perfect opportunity to explore the Veneto region deeper. From Verona, you have easy access to Padua, Lago di Garda and even Venice!
Take advantage of your time left in Italy this summer, and take a few trips to these beautiful cities!
