Italy Travel Insights

Explore Northern Italy from Milan - 5 Days

Explore Northern Italy's cities and landscapes in this packed five-day trip. Start in Milan, the fashion, culture, and business capital of Italy, to see the 16th-century Royal Palace-turned-art museum and enjoy the buzzing nightlife at the Navigli canals. Continue to Lake Como to enjoy a day on the lake and a trip on the funicular to see views of the snow-capped Alps. End in Bologna and Turin to explore medieval churches, the National Cinema Museum, and endless cafés and aperitivo bars.

6 Hidden Hill Towns in Italy

Getting lost in the mazy streets of a tucked-away hill town is one of the true delights of travel in Italy. Here you'll wander cobbled streets lined with shuttered houses, turning a corner to find a majestic piazza or wonderful family-run trattoria. But don’t limit yourself to the best-known towns—read on for six of our hidden favorites.

Getting Off the Beaten Path in Rome

There’s more to Rome than standing in line at the Colosseum and jostling up to the Spanish Steps. With a little insider knowledge (and a pair of decent walking shoes), you can see a totally different side of the Italian capital. See an Egyptian-inspired pyramid, take in the views from hidden hilltop gardens, and stroll through blissfully uncrowded neighborhoods brimming with markets and cafés.

Getting Off the Beaten Path in Venice

Venice is one of the most popular destinations on Earth, with a well-developed hospitality industry that goes back to the early 1800s. It can seem like the city is little more than a giant museum where visitors far outnumber the locals, but it’s surprisingly easy to lose the crowds. Indeed, getting off the beaten path is the best way to appreciate the enduring charm of “La Serenissima”—find out how below.

Ultimate Guide to Venice: Floating City of Art & Culture

From its famous canals to festive Carnivale, Venice is a constant in pop culture imaginings of Italy. Long dismissed as over-touristed, this city still has some tricks up its sleeve: think historic restaurants with jaw-dropping wine lists, small islands full of master craftsmen, and lesser-known neighborhoods with nary a traveler in sight. Learn how to do Venice right with this guide.

Ultimate Guide to Florence: Cradle of the Italian Renaissance

One of the world's most beloved cities, Florence was the birthplace of the Renaissance. Today, it remains a lively cultural hotspot—this is where "masterpiece" could mean a centuries-old Botticelli painting or, just as easily, a made-from-scratch cone of stracciatella gelato. Learn when to go, what to do, and where to stay in this idea-filled guide to vibrant Florence.

Ultimate Guide to the Italian Lakes: Mediterranean Meets the Alps in Northern Italy

With mountain views, sapphire waters, pine-wooded slopes, and islands brimming with botanical gardens, the Italian Lakes are in many ways Italy at its dreamy best. Here lakefronts are lined with medieval towns and grand belle époque villas, beaches for swimming and sunbathing, and promenades made for aimless strolls. Visit the Italian Lakes, and you'll happily master 'il dolce far niente': the art of doing nothing.

How kimkim Trips Work in Italy

Italy is one of the most sought after destinations in the world for its history, romance, and (of course) incredible cuisine. Hit the classic stops or head off the beaten path—no matter which route you want to take, kimkim can create a perfectly unique experience.

Authentic Sardinia Drive & Hike - 12 days

Sardinians greet each other by saying, “A kent’annos” — “May you live to be a hundred.” Discover the landscapes that inspire these words on this incredible 12-day itinerary. Eat and drink your way through Sardinia's incredible food and heart-healthy red wine, walk alongside shepherds on rocky hillsides, and haggle for your lunch in bustling marketplaces. From stunning beaches to quiet towns this trip has it all.

Explore Tuscany: Florence, Siena, Pisa & Lucca - 7 Days

Discover Tuscany's resplendent art, history, and landscapes on this weeklong jaunt that starts in Florence and ends in charming Lucca. See world-famous works by Michelangelo and da Vinci in the Uffizi Gallery, climb Pisa's iconic Leaning Tower, and relax over aperitivo in Siena's Piazza del Campo. Experience La Dolce Vita with trips to the hilltop towns of Pienza and Montepulciano to sip fine wines and stroll cobbled backstreets before finishing your trip with a pasta masterclass.

Explore Tuscany: Florence, Siena, Pisa & Lucca - 8 Days

This packed eight-day itinerary is perfect for travelers on a time crunch. Begin your trip in Florence to see top Renaissance works by Michelangelo da Vinci, tour the iconic Duomo, and go shopping on the Ponte Vecchio Bridge. Climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa and see the 12th-century Monumental Cemetery, then head to the countryside for wine tasting and afternoon coffee in medieval village piazzas. End in Lucca, where you'll tour the 11th-century Duomo di San Martino, then make—and eat!—the perfect bowl of pasta. 

Explore Tuscany: Florence, Siena, Pisa, & Lucca - 9 Days

If spending 9 days seeing top works of art and eating chocolate Foccacia sounds good, then this trip is perfect for you.  Start in Florence to see Michelangelo's 'David', tour the Uffizi Gallery, and go shopping on the medieval Pontevecchio Bridge. See the Tuscan countryside from the top of Pisa's leaning tower, then see soaring cathedrals and ancient Piazzas in medieval Siena. Explore food and wine in the Val d’Orcia before ending in romantic Lucca, where quiet courtyards, 12th-century chapels, and the perfect cup of afternoon coffee await.

Explore Tuscany: Florence, Siena, Pisa, & Lucca - 10 Days

If you only have 10 days to spend in Italy, this is the tour for you. Start in Florence to see Renaissance works by da Vinci and other artists in the Uffizi Gallery, then head to Pisa to climb the famous leaning tower. Continue to the Tuscan countryside to see the medieval city of Siena, and end in Lucca, where 11th-century churches and the perfect plate of handmade pasta await.

Explore Tuscany: Florence, Siena, Pisa, & Lucca - 11 Days

Explore the region that gave birth to the modern Italian language on this packed 11-day trip. Start in Florence to see Michelangelo's 'David' sculpture and other famous Renaissance works, then head to Pisa to climb the leaning tower and try the local gelato. Sample world-famous wine and local pecorino cheese in the Val d'Orcia region and see Tuscany from a hot-air balloon. End in medieval Lucca, where you'll learn how to hand make your own pasta before relaxing in a 12th-century Piazza with a cup of coffee and a good book.

Explore Tuscany: Florence, Siena, Pisa, & Lucca - 12 Days

Discover why Tuscany is a favorite second home to many celebrities on this 12-day trip. Check out the iconic Duomo dome and the world-famous Uffizi Gallery in Florence, then climb to the top of the leaning tower in Pisa. Tour the medieval cities of Siena and nearby village of Montepulciano to see 12th-century architecture and the rolling Tuscan countryside. Sample the renowned Brunello di Montalcino wine, then end your trip in Lucca where you will learn the art of pasta making and go horseback riding in the Tuscan hills.

Explore Tuscany: Florence, Siena, Pisa, & Lucca - 13 Days

With 7 UNESCO designated sites (as many as Egypt!), Tuscany's rich historic background is matched only by its wine and food traditions. Explore all this and more on this 13-day itinerary, starting in Florence to see world-famous Renaissance art by Michelangelo and Da Vinci. Take in the views from the top of Pisa's leaning tower, explore Siena's 13th-century streets, and discover the rambling country roads of the Val d'Orcia region. End your trip with a pasta-making class and a full-day hike connecting historic fishing villages on the Mediterranean coast. 

Explore Tuscany: Florence, Siena, Pisa, & Lucca - 14 Days

Discover why Pisa's famous tower leans so much (and why it's not the only one!), plus much more on this exploration of Tuscany. Start in Florence to see Da Vinci's 'The Annunciation' and other famous Renaissance works in the Uffizi Gallery. Look for treasures in the San Lorenzo market, browse shops on the medieval Ponte Vecchio, and explore history in the medieval cities of Siena and Lucca. End your trip with sweeping ocean views on the Cinque Terre hiking trail.

Explore Tuscany: Florence, Siena, Pisa, & Lucca - 15 Days

Explore the birthplace of Pinnochio on this packed 15-day itinerary of the Tuscany region. Begin in Florence to see Michelangelo's 'David' sculpture and works by Da Vinci, Caravaggio, and Donatello. Hunt for flavorful truffles in the countryside, climb the leaning tower of Pisa and take a vintage Vespa out for a ride on rolling country roads. Visit the pretty medieval cities of Montepulciano and Siena, tour Tuscany's top vineyards, and handmake your own Italian pasta. Round out your trip with a hike on the historic Cinque Terre trail, which hugs the stunning Mediterranean coast.

Food & Wine in Italy: Bologna, Florence & Rome - 7 Days

Embark on a week-long culinary journey through Bologna, Tuscany, and Rome, savoring the best in Italy's regional produce and wine. Treat your taste buds to Parmigiano Reggiano and prosciutto in Parma, then head to Florence for, culture, Chianti, and Bistecca alla Fiorentina. A masterclass in the perfect Pizza Romana and aperitivo in the shadow of the Pantheon completes your small but perfectly formed trip.

Food & Wine in Italy: Bologna, Florence, Rome - 8 Days

This 8-day trip is perfect for travelers who want a packed itinerary but don't have tons of time. Explore Bologna's culinary delights, from traditional Parmeggiano Reggiano cheese to local prosciutto, then head to Florence to see pieces by top Renaissance artists like Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Machiavelli. In Tuscany, visit medieval villages, sip on full-bodied Chianti, and relax in sun-filled plazas overlooking rolling hills. End the trip in Rome to see the Sistine Chapel, Colosseum, and try your hand at making the perfect pizza. 

Food & Wine in Italy: Bologna, Florence, Rome - 9 Days

If sitting on a Tuscan hillside winery with a glass of Chianti, kneading fresh pizza dough, and seeing the Sistine Chapel sound like a good way to spend nine days—look no further, because this packed itinerary is for you. Start in Bologna to see the 11th-century university and stuff yourself full of Parmeggiano cheese, prosciutto, and Ragu alla Bolognese. Continue to Florence to see Michelangelo's 'David' in the Uffizi Gallery, then spend a day drinking Chianti like the Romans do in Tuscany. Finish in Rome to see the Galleria Borghese and Colosseum before becoming best friends with your perfectly handmade Italian pizza. 

Food & Wine in Italy: Bologna, Florence & Rome - 10 Days

Savor the highlights of Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, and Lazio with this foodie trip that begins in Bologna for the best in regional cheese and prosciutto. Then, it's off to explore Florence's Renaissance gems and sample artisan olive oil and focaccia. Sip Chianti and tour hilltop towns laden with vineyards before perfecting your pizza-making skills in Rome, where you'll step back in time to explore the city's extraordinary ancient ruins and taste the perfect gelato.

Food & Wine in Italy: Bologna, Florence, Rome - 11 Days

Eat like royalty, drink like a Roman, and explore Italy's top cultural and historic sites on this packed 11-day trip. Start in Bologna and explore the 11th-century university and the covered porticos which line the streets. Indulge your taste buds with the local Parmigiano Reggiano and mortadella, then continue to Florence to see the iconic Duomo and Galleria dell'Accademia, which houses Michelangelo's 'David'. Pair handmade chocolate Foccacia with a glass of chilled Prosecco and the rolling Tuscan countryside for a perfect afternoon delight. End in Rome to see the Galleria Borghese & Sistine Chapel and spend lazy afternoons trying every single flavor of gelato.

Food & Wine in Italy: Bologna, Florence, Amalfi Coast, & Rome - 12 Days

Is twelve days enough time to try every single gelato flavor? Likely not—but you can try your best with this food-centric tour of Italy. Start in Bologna, where artisanal cheese, cured ham, and medieval architecture dominate the scene. Then, head to Florence and visit a perfect Tuscan winery before soaking in the sunshine of the Amalfi Coast. End your trip in Rome, with nightlife, the iconic city highlights, and plenty of pizza.

Food & Wine in Italy: Bologna, Florence, Amalfi Coast, & Rome - 13 Days

If you like eating and think thirteen is a lucky number, then we've got the trip for you! Start in Venice, the "City of Water", and explore the Grand Canal with a ride on a gondola. Sample Parmigiano-Reggiano, local prosciutto, and explore medieval architecture in Bologna, then head to Tuscany to see Renaissance-era art in Florence and spend a sunny afternoon with a glass of local Chianti. Explore the steep cliffside wineries, turquoise water, and lemon groves of the Amalfi Coast before ending your trip in metropolitan Rome at the Galleria Borghese & Sistine Chapel, and exploring bohemian Trastevere in a full-day food & wine tour.  

Food & Wine in Italy: Venice, Bologna, Florence, Rome & Amalfi Coast- 14 Days

Indulge in a 14-day culinary odyssey across Italy's foodie hotspots. Begin in Venice with local cicchetti, and venture to Bologna for 11th-century architecture and the best parmigiano and prosciutto. Admire Florence's Renaissance masterpieces and savor Tuscan Chianti with traditional farm-to-table fare. Conclude your trip in Rome and the Amalfi Coast, where you'll master the art of Neapolitan pizza and savor the Eternal City's famous street food and pasta dishes.

Food & Wine in Italy: Venice, Bologna, Florence, Rome & More - 15 Days

This 15-day itinerary is our most comprehensive culinary tour through Italy, from a Venice street food excursion to wine tasting in Tuscany's medieval vineyards. You'll visit Bologna for medieval churches, aged cheese, and cured Parma ham, spend four days relaxing on the sunny Amalfi Coast, and end your trip in Rome, where the Vatican City, Colosseum, and the perfect cappuccino await.

7 Unique Places to Stay in Italy

One way to really get under Italy's skin is to swap the run-of-the-mill hotel experience for something more unusual. Drift off in a "floated" in Venice, sleep troglodyte-style in the "Sassi" (cave dwellings) of Matera, cuddle up in an igloo in the Alps, or stay in a monastery on the fringes of Rome—we've got you covered with this list.

The 7 Best Boutique Hotels in Rome

Rome is a city where you can fully embrace la dolce vita, especially if you opt to stay in style and intimacy in one of its boutique hotels. Whether it's a chic and central escape near the Spanish Steps or a historic palace overlooking the Fountain of the Four Rivers, we've sought out places that skillfully bring together history, design, entrancing views, and tempting food.

Explore Tuscany: Florence, Siena, Pisa & More - 5 Days

Spend five days exploring the art and cuisine of Italy's Tuscany region. Discover Renaissance art in Florence, browse bustling markets for fresh produce and cured meats, and stroll through narrow medieval streets to see the 1,000-year-old Ponte Vecchio bridge. Head to the Tuscan countryside to visit Siena, tour a typical Chianti winery, and see the medieval Monteriggioni fortress. End your visit with a trip to see the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa and Lucca's historic city walls.

Naples & Amalfi Coast - 5 Days

This packed five-day itinerary is perfect for travelers with a thirst for adventure who are on a time crunch. Explore the glass-roofed Galleria Umberto shopping center, enjoy coffee on the medieval Piazza del Plebiscito, and try the seafood cuoppo in Naples. Visit the Pompeii ruins, hike around Mount Vesuvius, and visit the colorful bohemian Positano on the Amalfi Coast. Make sure you try the Naples pizza—the Amalfi Coast's real highlight. 

Explore Rome - 5 Days

Discover historical and modern highlights of the Eternal City in this five-day tour. Hear stories of gladiators in Rome's ancient Colosseum, tour the iconic Pantheon, and visit the Vatican Museum to see the world-famous Sistine Chapel. Explore the Galleria Borghese to see works by Rafaello and Caravaggio, then stroll around the peaceful gardens of Villa Borghese. Enjoy a quiet cup of coffee in the Piazza Navona and unwind at night with a homemade Italian pizza and a glass of wine.

Cycling Tuscany: Florence to Siena - 5 Days

Take a quick spin through the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance with this five-day Tuscan cycling tour. This challenging bike route will take you through the medieval villages and cypress-spotted hills of the Tuscan wine region . Go from Florence to Siena as you take in the region's food, historic castles, and sun-kissed landscapes, accompanied, of course, by a good glass or two.

Cycling In Southern Italy - 8 Days

Soak up the sunshine and go off the beaten track on this 8-day cycling expedition around Puglia in the heel of Italy's boot. You'll bike to lesser-known towns and villages on this moderate-level ride, pedaling through lush inland plateaux and down the coastline on mostly flat terrain. Enjoy southeastern Italy's historic sites, flavorful food, and natural beauty on this active tour.

Cycling Tour of Southeast Italy - 8 Days

Spend a week cycling through Italy's Apulia region in the Mediterranean southeast. Start in ancient Matera to see 9,000-year-old cave dwellings, then continue to the laid-back Ionian coast. Cycle through endless olive groves, white-walled coastal resort towns, and quiet country roads.

Cycling in Tuscany - 6 Days

Active travelers dreaming of a Tuscan retreat will love this six-days cycling itinerary that winds through medieval towns and quiet wine country. Begin in the artistically vital city of Pisa where you can learn about the Italian Renaissance before beginning your cycling trip through the lush countryside. You'll pass villas on your way to bustling Lucca, enjoy thermal spa treatments in Montecatini Terme, and visit the home of Leonardo da Vinci before enjoying a final night in the piazzas of Pisa.

Dolomites High Traverse: Hut-to-Hut Hiking in Italy - 7 Days

On this seven-day trek, you'll encounter some of the world's most beautiful alpine scenery, including Tre Cime di Lavaredo, a mountain group that includes three of the most famous peaks in Italy's Dolomites. It's a rugged adventure where you'll hike between mountain huts, traverse sheer rock walls on the famous via ferrata routes, and enjoy authentic Italian cuisine in cozy refugi lodges along the route.

Dolomites High Traverse - 10 Days

Traverse the northern Dolomites starting at the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, three of the range's most famous peaks, and make your way to the Grupo Latemar near Bolzano. You'll hike through a number of national parks, crossing desert rocklands, forests, and green pastures as you travel the cultural and historic border between Europe's southern Latin and northern Germanic regions.

How Many Days to Spend in Italy

Italy has 20 regions, each with its own identity. Landscapes, cuisine, and dialect differ greatly from one to the next, and each merits its own visit. If your time is limited, you'll be able to see Italy's highlights in a matter of days—but spending two weeks or more means you'll get to explore multiple regions and fall in love with authentic Italy.

Best Time of Year to Visit Italy

When should you go to Italy? Summer is very warm, especially in the south, along with plenty of tourists in pursuit of "la dolce vita." Hit the coast in late spring, early summer, or September when weather is warm and crowds are manageable. Autumn brings moderate temps throughout the country and beautiful foliage in Tuscany—this is also a quiet time of year in Rome and Florence, making it ideal for sightseeing.

Italian Highlights from Rome to Cinque Terre - 8 Days

From artistic Florence to the famously beautiful National Park of Cinque Terre, this week-long highlights tour will give you a taste of some of the best that sunny, charming Italy has to offer. Explore Rome's ancient monuments, soak in the beauty of the Tuscan countryside, and visit vineyards, food shops, and incredible restaurants along the way.

Highlights of Italy: Venice, Florence, Rome, Naples - 14 Days

Discover the sights and delights of Italy on this two-week highlights tour. Explore the floating city of Venice, the Renaissance jewel of Florence, and the Eternal City of Rome. Ride a Vespa through picturesque Tuscany and discover the beautiful Amalfi Coast. Soak up the culture, food, and wine while you fall in love with Italy.

Cycle the Eroica Among Tuscany's Famous Vineyards - 7 Days

Get ready, cyclists: this one's for you! The Eroica is a world-renowned vintage bike race, held annually in the hilly, vineyard-dotted region of Chianti in Tuscany. With a week to spare, you can follow the route of this legendary race, experiencing the "strade bianche" (unpaved white roads) that take you through the heart of this magnificent countryside. Between epic rides, you'll spend your free time strolling through hilltop medieval villages, sampling the local wines, and relaxing at peaceful agriturismos.

7 Signature Sicilian Dishes and the Best Places to Try Them

In Sicily, culinary tradition is a unique mix of flavors from the Greeks, Arabs, and Normans who once called this island home. Dynamic food experiences reach far beyond Sicily's famed eggplant specialty, caponata. To give you a glimpse of Sicily’s food culture, we share a few less-talked-about (but equally important) signature dishes—paired with a list of restaurants locals swear by.

7 Days in Sicily: Mount Etna, the Ionian Coast, and Cefalú

This region of Sicily is perhaps the most popular part of the Mediterranean's most iconic island — and for good reason. Europe's largest volcano, ancient archeological sites, shimmering turquoise waters, and easy to navigate resort towns are all reasons travelers flock to this region of the island in droves each year. Step slightly off the beaten path, however, and it is still possible to catch a glimpse of the Ionian coast's beauty, history, and culture.

Sicilian Bike Tour - 7 Days

Sicily is a captivating destination, with scenic beauty, historic sites, and culinary delights. This 7-day itinerary is for the active traveler looking to experience the best of the island while cycling and walking.

Southeast Sicily in 7 days: Syracuse, the Sicilian Baroque, and the Valley of the Temples

This 7-day tour along the southeastern coast of Sicily features impressive archaeological sites, including the Neapolis Archaeological Park in Syracuse and the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. It's an incredibly scenic drive, with golden beaches and vineyards, plus overnight stays in ancient, seaside towns.

Sicily's West Coast in 7 Days: Fishing Villages, Wineries & Archaeology

This tour of Sicily starts in the island's largest city, colorful and vibrant Palermo, before continuing to the country for scenic drives and island hopping. Boat rides, visits to wineries, walks along cobblestone streets and exploration of archaeological sites are just a few of the bucket list items you can tick off on this Sicilian adventure.

How Many Days to Spend in Sicily

Sicily can be experienced in as little as three to five days if you are short on time and interested in a quick coastal retreat. However, it's much better to spend at least a week discovering this Mediterranean paradise. If you have seven days, you can explore a meaningful section of the island. Lucky travelers who have two weeks for their trip to Sicily can comfortably drive around Italy's entire coastline, experiencing the island's colorful clash of amazing flavors, ancient ruins, medieval villages, beaches, and volcanoes.

1 Week in Sicily - 3 Unique Road Trip Itineraries

If you have a week in Sicily, it’s best to focus on one or two regions as opposed to trying to see everything. There's the wine country of the west, the medieval villages of the southeast and the giant Etna volcano in between. The following 7-day itineraries offer some of these attractions, plus incredible food, dramatic coastal views and a history and culture that stretches to time immemorial.