Italy Travel Insights

Rome, Perugia & Florence - 9 Days

This nine-day itinerary combines bucket-list sights with plenty of self-guided tours—so you can set your own pace as you discover the best of central Italy. Start in Rome to see the Colosseum at first light and go behind the scenes at the Vatican. Venture off the tourist trail with a trip into Umbria for walled cities and wine-tasting. End in Florence, choosing your own path through Renaissance squares, palaces, and museums before getting hands-on with a pasta-making and cooking experience.

Rome, Perugia & Florence - 8 Days

Spend eight days soaking up central Italy's art, culture, and history as you zip between Rome, Perugia, and Florence by train. Start in the Eternal City to walk in the footsteps of the Roman Empire at the Colosseum before ducking into the museums and galleries of the Vatican. Head north into Umbria for wine tasting and two nights in the hilltop city of Perugia, then continue to Florence for a walking tour through its Renaissance splendor and a "skip the line" ticket to see Michelangelo's "David" up close.

Rome, Perugia & Florence - 7 Days

With a week at your disposal, you can discover two of Italy's most historic cities with time to get off the beaten path in between. See Rome's ancient origins on Palatine Hill, then witness the spirit of the Renaissance as you tour the Sistine Chapel. Break up your journey north with a night in the hilltop Umbrian city of Perugia, and end your trip in Florence—where you'll explore the city's elegant piazzas, parks, and galleries before settling in for an "aperitivo" and a Tuscan sunset over the River Arno.

Best Time of Year to Visit Venice

Venice is justifiably one of Italy's most popular tourist destinations, with a charming combination of scenic beauty and cultural treasures. But, with immense popularity comes the problem of overtourism. To have the most enjoyable experience in Venice while minimizing your imprint on the local people and surroundings, it's advisable to visit outside the peak season. Read on to find out when is the best time of year to visit Venice.

How Many Days to Spend in the Dolomites

Some of the best hiking, cycling, and skiing in the world can be found in the Dolomites, a portion of the Alps that crosses northern Italy. Even with 24 hours, there are great outdoor options, like day hikes in the gorgeous Ampezzo Valley. Come for three days and combine hiking with cycling for tours of remote prairies, glaciers, and limestone peaks. With a week you can cycle and hike from one side of the region to the other, stopping at high-altitude lakes, charming mountain towns, funky art installations, and relaxing day spas along the way.

Active Italy: Trekking & Tuscan Heritage - 7 Days

From the Renaissance jewel of Florence to the vistas of the UNESCO-listed Val d'Orcia, spend a week discovering central Italy's medieval hilltop towns and vineyard-strewn landscapes with this gentle Tuscan walking tour. Hike through undulating hills dotted with cypress trees to some of the area's iconic towns, including Radda in Chianti and Pienza, before finishing with a well-deserved glass of wine in beautiful Montepulciano.

Rome, Bologna & Florence: Best Itinerary Ideas

For most travelers, 7 to 10 days are the perfect amount of time for a trip with stops in Rome, Bologna, and Florence. Travelers with less time can hit the highlights in six days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. Travelers with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop or explore more of the country—some of our favorite itinerary extensions include Venice and the Amalfi Coast. Get inspired with our trip ideas below.

South of Puglia and Matera Self-Drive Tour - 8 Days

Discover the best spots in southern Puglia and explore Matera's unique cave dwellings on this self-drive tour. Your trip begins in Bari, the regional capital. You'll wander the streets of Alberobello, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its famous trulli—cone-shaped, whitewashed houses that are unique to this part of Italy. From there, you'll travel to Matera, famed for its sassi, or cave dwellings, and explore the Lucanian Dolomites. You'll continue on to the Salento Peninsula, stopping at Lecce, the provincial capital, and using Otranto as a base for your explorations of the tip of the peninsula and the area's crystal-clear beaches. Along the way, you can hike, swim, or simply relax and enjoy views of some of southern Italy's most iconic towns and landscapes.

Sicily Road Trip & Relaxing Sardinia - 21 Days

Experience Sicily and Sardinia—Italy's two largest islands—during this immersive three-week trip, which offers a nice mix of guided tours and free time to explore on your own. Your self-driving tour highlights include Palermo, a cultural melting pot, and Taormina, the elegant village famous for its Greek theatre. You'll also visit Syracuse and Agrigento, with their archaeological treasures, and  Mount Etna—Europe's most active volcano. Finally, combine a city stay with beach trips in Sardinia for the last four days of your trip.

Discover Northern Italy, From Florence to Milan - 12 Days

Discover the best of Italy's northern regions, starting in the medieval city of Florence, with guided walking tours and wine tastings in Tuscany. Make your way through San Marino and the coastal cities of Riccione and Ravena before heading into Emilia-Romagna for a culinary exploration through Bologna and Parma. Take a cooking class and learn how to identify wine with a sommelier, then enjoy exploring the extravagant shores of Lake Como and the fashion-focused streets of Milan.

Best Time of Year to Visit Cinque Terre: Seasons, Travel Tips, & More

Located in northwestern Italy, Cinque Terre is a Mediterranean dreamscape as beautiful as any other in Italy. However, the seasons determine the type of holiday you can expect here. Fall and winter bring grey skies and chilly weather. Summer is the most popular month, with the beaches of Monterosso al Mare overflowing with sunseekers, making the shoulder seasons the ideal time to travel. But there are other secrets to seasonal travel to Cinque Terre, and you'll find them below.

Venice, Rome, & Florence: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most travelers will find that 7 to 10 days is perfect for a well-paced Italy trip with stops in Venice, Rome, and Florence. If you don't mind a fast-paced journey, you can see the highlights of this route in less time—as few as 5 or 6 days. Travelers with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop, or explore more of the country—some of our favorite itinerary extensions include Amalfi, Sorrento, or Maiori. Keep reading for more inspiring Venice, Rome, and Florence itineraries.

Luxury Venice, Rome & Sorrento - 7 Days

Spend seven days exploring art and history in three of Italy's most beautiful cities with this luxury itinerary. Start in the north, touring the famous islands of Murano and Burano to watch the master glassblowers and lace makers at work and explore Venice's canals on a private gondola. Head south to see ancient ruins in Rome and Pompeii, then spend three days relaxing in fragrant Sorrento on the elegant Amalfi Coast.

How Many Days to Spend in Milan

In Milan, all you need is a day to experience the highlights, whether it's visiting the Gothic Cathedral or shopping the high streets of the Quadrilatero della Moda. With more time, however, you can venture outside the city for a hike around the famous Lake Como. And with close to a week, there's the added adventure of visiting Turin and the wine-producing region of Piedmont, too.

How Many Days to Spend in Venice

Spend two to three days in Venice, and you'll be able to experience the city's many highlights and visit a few of the surrounding islands, like Burano and Morano. With up to six days, you can add more local experiences—try a cooking class in a Venetian palace or rowing lessons from a professional gondolier. If you only have 24 hours here, you can still cover the basics: stroll St. Mark's Square, hit the art museums and blown glass galleries, and toast an Aperol spritz as the sun sets over the canals.

How Many Days to Spend in the Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a collection of five seaside villages on a 2-mile (3 km) stretch of Italy's northwest coast. Known as the Italian Riviera due to its dramatic setting, it takes a mere day to visit each of these gems. Two to three days would allow you to enjoy its beaches and discover the culture via a cooking class. And with four to five days, you could get to know every inch of Cinque Terre on boat trips, hikes of the surrounding mountains, and even make an extra trip to historic Genoa.

Hiking Amalfi Coast & Naples - 11 Days

Explore Italy's spectacular Amalfi Coast with an 11-day trip that combines hiking, boating, leisure time and sightseeing. This hiking-centric itinerary revisits those old walking trails, including the legendary, rugged Sentiero degli Dei path, and includes stops on the islands of Capri and Ischia. Every turn along the Amalfi Coast road and pathways is like a postcard, with perfect scenes of bougainvillea, lemon trees, terraced vineyards, and that dazzling blue water beyond—and it's best explored on foot!

Explore the Amalfi Coast and Sicily - 18 Days

This tour starts along the Amalfi Coast, exploring picturesque hillside villages, the famous Path of the Gods hiking trail, the lively city of Naples, and the islands of Ischia and Capri. You'll then fly to the island of Sicily, where you'll discover the famous Sicilian-Baroque architecture in towns like Ragusa, Syracuse, Noto, and more, plus ancient ruins in Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples. End the trip on the top of Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano, and along the historic streets of Taormina and Catania.

Romantic Italy: Rome, Florence & Venice by Train - 10 Days

On this 10-day trip, you'll travel by train to three of Italy's most popular cities, where flavors, history, archaeology, and the territory intertwine. Your journey begins in Rome with a day-long excursion to the fabled ruins of Pompeii. Next, you'll visit Florence, the city of Michelangelo, and take a day tour of the Chianti region. Your Italian adventure concludes in Venice, where you'll wander through Saint Mark's Square and travel by boat along the famous Grand Canal. After this trip, you'll truly understand why Italy is called the "bel paese"!

Highlights of Rome & Florence - 7 Days

Your trip to Rome and Florence starts with guided tours through Rome's historical core, Vatican City, and the Roman Forum, with walks through the Colosseum and to the top of Palatine Hill. Head to Florence to experience its historic squares, cathedrals, and museums, plus an Italian cooking class to learn how to make traditional pasta and dessert. End your trip in the Tuscan countryside with visits to Siena and San Gimignano, complete with walking tours and a wine tasting.

Highlights of Rome & Florence - 6 Days

Combine the best of Rome and Florence in this six-day trip, starting with guided tours of the Vatican City, the Sistine Chapel, Rome's historical center, and the ancient Colosseum and the Roman Forum sites. Take the train to Florence, where you'll discover medieval plazas, monuments, cathedrals, and museums, plus incredible views of the Arno River and Ponte Vecchio. End your tour with a cooking class in Florence, where you'll learn how to make traditional Italian pasta, dessert, and more.

Highlights of Rome and Florence - 5 Days

Start your 5-day trip by discovering the sites of Rome with a guided tour through historic cathedrals, squares, museums, and bridges, plus enjoy incredible views atop one of its seven hills. Visit Vatican City, perusing its Renaissance art through museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica, then head to Florence to discover its famous Duomo and the statue of David in the Galleria dell'Accademia. Finish the tour with a visit to Lucca and Pisa, two Tuscan cities with history that goes beyond the Leaning Tower.

History and Architecture of Malta and Sicily - 11 Days

Explore the highlights of Malta and Sicily, starting in Valletta with day trips to prehistoric cities and sites, ancient temple ruins, and the natural beauty of the Blue Grotto and Gozo Island. Sail to Sicily to admire its famed baroque architecture, its ancient temples and Greek ruins, and the views atop Mount Etna. Explore cities like Syracuse, Catania, and Palermo, plus enjoy a wine tasting and some of the region's best cuisine.

History and Architecture of Malta and Sicily - 10 Days

Starting in Valletta, Malta, this tour explores the island's ancient ruins and historical cities, with visits to Mdina, Marsaxlokk, and the "Three Cities", plus the Blue Grotto sea cave, the megalithic temples, and Gozo Island. Sail to Sicily to discover its beloved baroque architecture in Ragusa, Noto, and Syracuse, followed by a day atop Mount Etna for impeccable views of the island, lessons on past eruptions, and a wine tasting. End your tour with a visit to Taormina's Greco-Roman theater and a farewell dinner amongst Catania's historical streets.

History and Architecture of Malta and Sicily - 9 Days

Combining the two islands of Malta and Sicily, this tour starts with ancient history and ruins in Valletta, where you'll visit prehistoric and medieval cities, a deep sea cave, and megalithic temples. Sail to Sicily on a catamaran to explore the island's impeccable baroque architecture in Ragusa, Noto, and Syracuse, then enjoy the history, views, and wine of Mount Etna. End your trip with a visit to ancient Greek and Roman ruins in Taormina, plus a Sicilian dinner in the city of Catania.

Hiking and Swimming at Sardinia's Best Beaches - 8 Days

Discover the beauty of Sardinia's best beaches, starting from Santa Teresa di Gallura, right at the northern tip of the island. Explore the secret heart of the island hidden in the scenery of the Supramonte limestone mountain range. Your grand finale will include a hike among the granite rocks and gorgeous beaches of the southernmost point of Sardinia. As you enjoy Sardinia's incredible scenery and crystal-clear water, you'll be surprised by the diversity of this enchanting island.

How Many Days to Spend in Southern Italy

Italy’s southern half is full of treasures both artistic and architectural, historical and natural, with culinary delights you’ll want to taste again and again. You can get a sense of the country’s past and present with just five days in the capital—but with one, two, or three weeks, you’ll be able to branch out, exploring several different regions and seeing plenty of the island of Sicily, which has a culture, history, and even dialect all its own.

Best Time of Year to Visit the Amalfi Coast

In southern Italy lies the Amalfi Coast, a 31-mile (50 km) stretch of coastline that's the very definition of Mediterannean beauty. Known for its sunkissed lemon groves, pebble beaches, and romantic islands, everyone from rich socialites to budget-conscious tourists holiday here during spring and summer. But despite fluctuations in weather throughout the seasons, the Amalfi Coast offers a great getaway any time of year. You just have to know what to expect.

Cycling and Food Tour of Tuscany: Alba, Asti, Pienza, & Montepulciano - 8 Days

Some of the best wines and food in the world will fuel you on this 8-day cycling adventure through rolling hills and quaint villages in Tuscany. Begin your active trip with a truffle workshop in Alba before cycling through Piedmont and on to Tuscany. Along the way, you'll wander through medieval villages of golden sandstone and limestone, dine in Michelin-starred restaurants, sample world-class wines and cheeses, and learn how to make pasta.

Apulia by Bike: Matera, Alberobello, Monopoli, Ostuni, Gallipoli, & Lecce - 12 Days

Active travelers will get a full dose of sea and countryside views as they bike their way through southern Italy. Begin in the prehistoric town of Matera, then pick up your bike and ride to the whimsical settlement of Alberobello with its conical trulli houses. Sample local wines and culinary delights in Cisternino, then soak up some sun in charming beach towns on the Adriatic like Monopoli, Gallipoli, and Polignano a Mare. End your trip with excursions to spectacular grottos, and stroll past Baroque architecture and Roman ruins in Ostuni, Otranto, and Lecce.

Explore Liguria & Tuscany: Cinque Terre, Florence, Pisa & Val D'Orcia - 13 Days

Explore Mediterranean beaches, Renaissance capitals, and medieval hill towns on this delightful 13-day tour through the Italian regions of Liguria and Tuscany. Start your adventure on the west coast, where you'll discover the quaint villages, rugged shorelines, and breathtaking scenery of the Cinque Terre. Head inland to spend a day wandering through history in Pisa, before journeying west to soak up the Renaissance splendor of Florence. The final five days take you deep into the Tuscan countryside, where you'll stay at a rural agriturismo villa and immerse yourself in the culture and landscape of the Val d'Orcia—wine tasting and truffle hunting around picturesque hill towns.

Hiking in Naples and the Amalfi Coast - 7 Days

Stretch your legs around the beauty of the Amalfi Coast in this 7-day tour, starting in the vibrant city of Naples. Explore the monuments and sites of your city hub and explore the nearby island of Capri and the ruins of Pompeii, plus hike around the crater of Mt. Vesuvius. Then move on to the scenic Amalfi coast where Agerola will be your hub, allowing you easy access to breathtaking hikes leading to the villages of Ravello, Positano and Antrani.

Hiking the Villages of Cinque Terre - 6 Days

On this colorful, seaside tour, you'll hike the routes along Cinque Terre's famous coastlines, visiting villages like Vernazza, Riomaggiore, Corniglia, and Portovenere. You'll hike through scenic vineyards and along steep trails to score the best views of the Ligurian Sea, stopping at sanctuaries, churches, castles, and seaside abbeys. At the end of your trip, enjoy a boat cruise along the entirety of Cinque Terre, from Portovenere to Levanto.

Discover the Tastes of Salento & Southern Puglia - 10 Days

Discover Salento's culinary treasures with wine, burrata, and olive oil tastings while mastering the art of local cuisine and exploring several of southern Puglia's most enchanting towns. Stroll through historic Ostuni and Alberbello, savor delicious seafood in Lecce and Gallipoli, and feast on farm-to-table specialties at your cozy "agriturismo." End your trip in the stunning mountainside city of Matera, where you'll explore the famous Sassi cave dwellings.

Discover the Tastes of Salento - 8 Days

Indulge your tastebuds in this gastronomic tour of beautiful Salento, starting with an olive oil tasting at your local farm stay, where you'll also enjoy cooking classes and daily farm-fresh breakfasts. Explore the historic towns and cities of Salento, including Lecce, Ostuni, Otranto, and Alberbello, home of the famous Trulli huts. Visit a local fish market, learn how traditional pasta and burrata cheese are made, and explore the fascinating archeological dwellings of UNESCO Heritage Site Matera, with its famous rustic bread.

Discover the Tastes of Salento - 6 Days

Discover the authentic taste of Salento in this gastronomic tour that takes you through some of the most charming villages in Southern Italy, including Alberobello with its Trulli houses, Ostuni with its white-washed facades, and Castro with its rocky coastline. Enjoy tasting farm-fresh foods, local olive oil, wine, and burrata cheese, plus take cooking classes with your hosts and in the town of Maglie. End your trip with a walking tour of a stunning limestone landscape filled with fascinating archeological sites near the UNESCO Heritage Site of Matera, a ancient hilltop city famous for its rustic bread.

Exploring Italian Wines in Tuscany and Cinque Terre - 8 Days

This tour takes you through the gorgeous region of Tuscany, where you'll indulge your tastebuds with locally-sourced cuisine and wine tastings, all while sleeping in a farmhouse surrounded by the scenic Chianti Hills. Visit medieval towns and cities, like Siena, Florence, Volterra, and San Gimignano, tasting wine along the way, including the famous noble wine at Brunello di Montalcino and Sassicaia in Bolgheri. End your trip in beautiful Cinque Terre, where more wine and local food awaits you, plus a private boat tour of all five villages.

Italian Wine Journey Through Tuscany & Cinque Terre - 7 Days

Indulge your taste buds on a Tuscany tour, exploring charming medieval towns like Siena, Volterra, and San Gimignano. Wander ancient streets and savor local wines and cuisine, with stops at Florence, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and Montalcino. Finish on Cinque Terre's rocky coast, savoring regional delights in La Spezia, Portovenere, and Riomaggiore.

Exploring Italian Wines in Tuscany & the Cinque Terre - 5 Days

Embark on a five-day Tuscan tour, savoring the region's delicious fresh produce and fine wines, strolling medieval piazzas in hilltop towns like Siena, Volterra, and San Gimignano, and concluding with a visit to the dazzling Cinque Terre for aperitivo and Ligurian cuisine with unbeatable sea views.

How Many Days to Spend in Northern Italy

Italy is a place you can spend a lifetime getting to know, while still feeling like you’ve barely scratched the surface. This country rewards long periods of time and repeat visits, but even if you only have a few days, you can still get a sense of its many rich and varied regions. In as little as five days (or as much as three weeks), you can cover Northern Italy’s elegant cities, sweeping mountains, and seaside towns, seeing some legendary works of art and architecture and enjoying more than a few good meals.

How Many Days to Spend on the Amalfi Coast

Around five days should be more than enough time to soak in the wonders of the Amalfi Coast, one of Italy's most beautiful destinations, but even if you have a day or three to spare, you'll be able to see just why this region has been captivating visitors since Ancient Roman times. The Amalfi Coast isn't a place you rush through, and with a little planning, you'll be able to relax on its beaches, explore its secluded coves and grottos, wander its dreamy towns, and enjoy some incredible meals.

How Many Days to Spend in Florence

Once the center of the Italian Renaissance, Florence has evolved into a sophisticated city that holds firmly to its cultural past. Filled with world-class museums and galleries, beautiful churches, and former palaces, this is a city where you'll want to spend at least two or three days—enough time to hit most of the essential landmarks, shop for quality leather goods, and stuff your face with delicious Tuscan food.

5 Luxury Trips To Take in 2020: Morocco, Italy, Peru, Myanmar, Kenya

Treat yourself in 2020 with a luxury trip to an unexpected destination. Glamp under the stars in the Moroccan Sahara, take a sunrise hot air balloon ride in Myanmar, enjoy haute cuisine in Lima's world-renowned restaurants, and stay in exclusive safari lodges in Kenya's top game reserves. Or, redefine a classic Italy itinerary with private tours of major attractions in Rome and Florence, a helicopter flight over Mt. Vesuvius, and a luxe yacht cruise to glittering Capri.

Hiking Through Tuscany: Florence, Chianti, & Siena - 8 days

Active travelers who value independence and flexibility will appreciate this self-guided tour through the Tuscan countryside. Opt for a leisurely pace, or more involved hikes, as you first see the masterworks of Florence—the birthplace of the Renaissance—and then make your way to Chianti. You won't want to miss tasting some of the region's famous vintages, with Cypress tree views all around you. End your journey with an exploration of the preserved medieval city of Siena for a trip back in time.

Cycling Tour of the Dolomites - 8 Days

Perfect for active travelers looking to enjoy one of Italy's most picturesque regions, this cycling trip will take you along snowy peaks and tranquil lakes in the Dolomite Mountains. Begin and end your trip with a bit of relaxation in the charming town of Pian dei Pradi before beginning your adventure through this lush region's hills, valleys, vineyards, farms, and quaint villages. Along your loop, you'll have time to sample authentic cuisine, soak in thermal baths, explore a nature preserve, and sip wine by the lake.

Self-Guided Sardinia Coastal Walking Tour – 8 Days

This eight-day walking tour takes you to Sardinia's Costa Verde, the Green Coast, which is known for its amazing views, wild deer, watchtowers, and sparkling waters. You'll visit a UNESCO geopark at Montevecchio, then walk through the dunes of Piscinas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, you'll explore beaches and granite cliffs before heading to two coastal islands to discover traditional fishing towns and popular resort areas.

Nature in Italy: Lake Como and Cinque Terre - 5 Days

Explore Northern Italy's natural charm starting with Lake Como, where you'll take a boat tour of its extravagant shore lined with mansions. Ride the funicular to the scenic vista in Brunate where you'll catch a panoramic view of Como and the stunning surrounding nature. Transfer to colorful Cinque Terre, where you'll hike from one seaside village to another while enjoying breathtaking sunsets and views of the Ligurian Sea.

Nature in Italy: Lake Como, Cinque, Terre Florence - 6 Days

This 6-day tour is perfect for those wanting to relax on the peaceful shores of Lake Como while still tackling Italy's impressive history. You'll hike the villages of Cinque Terre and enjoy the ancient cities of Parma and Florence, where you'll discover endless monuments, art galleries, and museums, including the Accadmia Gallery to see the David. After reveling in the scenic vistas of Levanto on the Ligurian Sea, explore vibrant neighborhoods in Florence, where you'll eat late into the night in buzzy neighborhoods.

History and Nature in Italy: From Lake Como to Rome - 7 Days

An excellent combination of nature and history, this tour starts on the shores of picturesque Lake Como before heading to the colorful hills of Cinque Terre. Enjoy relaxing on the waterfront and hiking from one colorful village to another. End the tour in the ancient cities of Florence and Rome, where private guides will take you through the historical streets to the best art galleries, museums, and monuments, including the Vatican Museums, the Roman Forum, and the Accademia Gallery to see the David.

History and Nature in Italy: From Lake Como to Rome - 8 days

Explore the historical heritage of Italy combined with its natural splendor, starting with the scenic areas of Lake Como and Cinque Terre, where you'll cruise the shore by boat and hike from village to village. Stop in Parma to learn the secrets of world-famous prosciutto curing and discover the hidden side of Pisa beyond its leaning tower. End your trip in the ancient cities of Florence and Rome, where private tours will guide you to all the best monuments, museums, and art galleries, including the Accademia Gallery, the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and the Roman Forum.