Travel to Italy in 2015 is a Great Choice

New access is being offered this year to great sites.  Even the Domus Aurea, Nero’s enormous palace near the Colosseum, is accessible this year. To fund various restoration projects in Rome, the opulent private residence will be open to the public.  Look into the resources that give you a chance to truly see top attractions, like a private Pompeii tour, the Domus Aurea and the catacombs under Rome, for an updated trip in 2015.

2015 brings the next World’s Fair – the Expo at Milan. Italy has always been known for its food but with this year’s Expo theme, “Feeding the Planet: Energy for Life,” you can tour food from throughout the world all in one city! Open from May 1 to October 31, 2015, the Expo will host over 130 participants and expects over 20 million visitors. New York Times Travel even named it the number 1 top place to visit in 2015.

With the Euro at a 9-year low against the U.S. dollar, international travel is more accessible now for Americans than it has been in nearly a decade. The exchange rate valued €1 at roughly $1.35 for years. Today, it’s around $1.10. This means that planes, trains and automobiles, not to mention museum tickets, restaurants and hotels, will cost a lot less than in recent years for American travelers. Take advantage of the favorable exchange rate to experience Italy.

Italy has some of the best art and architecture in the world and 2015 gives you a chance to see even more of it! In Siena, the Santa Maria della Scala museum is finally open after extensive renovation. See some of the most ancient Byzantine relics in the world as well as a new room dedicated to Siena’s history.  With more and more museum, monument and event tickets available for advanced sale to prevent waiting in line, head to Italy in 2015 for a whirlwind of inspiration.

Pope Francis’ popularity is huge and doesn’t seem to be declining in 2015. With thousands of visitors every day to the Vatican City, masses in St. Peter’s Basilica and throngs of crowds in the Piazza for his weekly Wednesday blessing, Pope Francis is a huge draw to Italy – and with reason! After starting the year with messages of hope for the 2015 World Day of the Sick and messages of peace for the Epiphany, he promptly named 20 new cardinals from all over the world, including countries like Thailand, Myanmar and Tonga. Take a trip to the Vatican City to see the Pope yourself and hear his message at one of the many 2015 papal audiences.

So you’ve never been to Italy but always dreamed about it? You’ve seen movies, heard stories, salivated over the photos and maybe even came close to booking a trip, yet still haven’t made it across the pond to beautiful Italia? With more help, more tours and more access than ever, there’s no more reasons to wait. Over 47 million visitors go to Italy every year to learn the language, experience the culture, see the landscapes and priceless art and, of course, taste the delicious food – make this year yours!