Italy has many attractions that attract hundreds of thousands of tourists<\/em><\/p>
Tours to Italy are, fortunately, not rare on the tourist market. So there were no problems choosing a travel company; it turned out to be the firm Avis, conveniently located in the very center of St. Petersburg, which was decisive for me. So, all organizational matters were behind us, and soon the plane was landing at the airport of the small town of Rimini.<\/p>
It was the height of July, the sun was rising higher and higher, and we, without a roof over our heads, on the hot scorching sand of the local beach, were waiting for the arrival of the other tourists from St. Petersburg. I want to say right away: the tan we got during those four hours on the seashore on the very first day in Italy was enough for all subsequent 10 days. We did not sunbathe anymore. We decided that next time we would celebrate New Year in Italy, especially since it would be interesting to see if Italians really throw old furniture out of windows on New Year's Eve.<\/p>
Our first day continued. The bus took us to one of the smallest states – the Republic of San Marino. This oldest state in Europe is located on the territory of Italy on the slopes of the huge hill Monte Titano. However tired we were after the long sunbathing in Rimini, we appreciated the magnificent medieval view of the crenellated fortress walls of the capital and the wonderful view from the upper terrace of San Marino. The narrow, winding serpentine streets of this city, with shops enticing tourists from all countries, are very cozy and charming. I advise: when booking tours to Italy, ask if they include a visit to San Marino; you won't regret it!<\/p>
And we spent the night at a hotel at the very foot of Monte Titano, and before sleep we admired the illuminated walls of San Marino against the backdrop of the black Italian sky with a shining crescent moon. But first, our first Italian dinner awaited us!<\/p>
What to say about it? It consisted of three dishes: salad, pasta with tomato sauce, and potatoes with meat stewed in the same tomato sauce, cut into very thin slices. Unusual, but filling. Right before dinner, the guide warned us: first we order drinks! We decided we would do without them! No such luck: until everyone ordered water or wine or something else, we were not served a single dish.<\/p>
And in the morning, back on the road. Our path lay south, to the capital, Rome, where we were struck by a sense of our own smallness, the transience of our lives. Something great visits you when you are at the walls of the Colosseum or walking among the ancient ruins of the Forum. Piazza Venezia is beautiful both during the day, shining with the white splendor of the Altare della Patria, and looks magical in the evening. And in the evening you must definitely visit the Trevi Fountain – an extremely cozy place, although crowded with people. Throwing a coin into the fountain – what if you fall in love right in Rome! – is very romantic.<\/p>
But the most romantic memory of Rome will be the musical dinner at the restaurant, where, to Italian songs and arias from operas by Italian composers performed by tenor singers, we consumed one after another dishes of Italian cuisine, including the inevitable pasta. Fortunately, the drinks were already paid for, and nothing marred our wonderful mood! "Arrivederci, Roma!" was not only the hit of the evening but also the symbol of our farewell to the great city.<\/p>
Our journey continued. The country of bright sun, excellent wine, with ancient history and easy-going people opened its expanses before us, but it was already clear: I want to come back here!<\/p>