travel adventure in italy

11 Absolutely Adventurous Things to Do in Italy in 2023

This post focuses on the best adventurous things to do in Italy.

Italy is home to breathtaking natural landscapes that offer relaxing moments of total abandonment of the hectic pace of everyday life. But not for everyone escaping the routine means relaxing: there are those who love adrenaline, adventure, and risk.!

In this post, we talk about the 15 best adventures in Italy to add to your bucket list if you dare!

Even if you are only spending a week in Italy you can do this easily.

Some of the activities I have listed are doable as a day trip from cities like Rome, Venice, Florence, Milan, and Naples.

*This post contains affiliate links from which I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you (for more info, read my   disclosure )

About the authors: Alessandra and Lisa are two Italian women who love writing and adventures.

15 Most Adventurous Things to Do in Italy

Monte bianco skyway.

Let’s start from the Western Alps, more precisely from the quintessential meaning of adventure: height. We are talking about the highest mountain in Europe, Mont Blanc , which, at 4,807 meters, remains the highest mountain in all the Italian and French Alps. 

With the Sky Way Monte Bianco cable car, it is possible to have a 360-degree vertical experience, starting from its slopes and arriving at the Punta Helbronner station at 3466 meters above sea level. There is also a bistro at the station where you can have a snack before descending back to earth. 

Mont Blanc Adventure Park

But if height is not enough for you and you are looking for the real adrenaline rush, it is to Pré-Saint-Didier , in Valle D’Aosta , that you must go.

Mont Blanc Adventure Park , the largest in Italy, will truly leave you breathless. With its seven routes, divided by levels of difficulty, you can test your adventurous spirit. Spend a day immersed in the green forest enjoying the precious panorama of the Mont Blanc mountain range!

The trails, being divided by level of difficulty, are suitable for both children and adults. The park is located between Pré-Saint-Didier and La Thuile.

Mont Blanc Adventure Park is open mainly during the summer months every day, but by reservation on weekends during the fall months as well. 

Longest Tibetan bridge in the world

Let us now move on to Piedmont, specifically to Cesana Claviere (about an hour’s drive northwest of Turin).

Here stands the longest Tibetan bridge in Italy, and the world! At 468 meters long, it has held this record for many years now and is a destination for enthusiasts and the curious.

Definitely, if you suffer from heights this is not the right activity for you. On the contrary, if you love challenges and want to overcome your fears then this is the right place. You will, in fact, find yourself more than 35 meters above the ground and suspended over the San Gervasio Gorges . Embark on a journey on three bridges created by steel cables pulled among the immensity of unspoiled nature!

Brescia Underground

Let us now descend into one of the most mysterious areas of Lombardy, the Brescia underground . The Brescia Underground Association will guide you on several truly unusual and at the same time spectacular tours of the city’s most remote places.

Equip yourself with comfortable and appropriate clothing to explore sites of historical value found right in the Brescia underground. You will walk along the riverbeds of waterways that have been watering the area for centuries, Roman aqueduct routes, and visit the foundations of historic structures, such as the Clock Tower in Piazza della Loggia .

Are you ready to unearth places where even sunlight has never reached? Then don’t forget a flashlight and a great desire to explore! 

There are three different types of tours, and each involves certain physical conditions. To get there, you can use the subway and get off at the San Polo Parco Station. 

Now let us move to the northeastern side of the boot and arrive in Veneto , enjoying it, however, from an unusual point of view: that of the birds.

The surroundings of Mount Grappa are one of Europe’s cult places for free-flying enthusiasts. We are about 100 km away from Venice.

Paragliding near Venice

If you are a beginner and want to have an unforgettable experience where adrenaline kicks in, then I know the perfect place for you. You can have this experience while visiting one of the most famous cities in northern Italy : Venice.

There are associations like Vivere il Grappa where you can experience tandem paragliding , that is, you will be assisted during the flight by an expert. 

Experiencing nature from that perspective is a unique thrill. You will be captivated by the colors of the nature of that area, and you will ascend the updrafts while admiring up close the dances of the birds with whom you will share the sky. 

Free-flight activities are not possible every time of year, so it is useful to contact the various associations you want to rely on for your experience to set a date and get all the information in detail. You don’t want to miss out on one of the most thrilling activities to perform in northern Italy.

Drive sports car in Tuscany

Let’s abandon the clouds to move to Tuscany , with our feet firmly on the ground, on asphalt more precisely. This region is home to one of the best racetracks in the world . What greater adrenaline rush than to experience a once-in-a-lifetime high-speed race car drive? 

The Mugello racetrack is located just a few miles from the city of Florence, in the fantastic Tuscan countryside where the green cypress trees and fields give off their full force.

Here you have the opportunity to devote a full day to driving courses with sports car instructors. Are you ready to push on the accelerator? Fear not, you will never be alone. You’ll always be escorted by an experienced driver who will know how to speed safely while you experience one of the best fun things to do in Italy.

The circuit hosts car and motorcycle races during different times of the year, so it is highly recommended to book your day in advance. 

Hike to the Etruscan Pyramid in Lazio

History lovers lace up your hiking shoes because now is your time. We are in Lazio, in the province of Viterbo, near a small town called Bomarzo , where you’ll discover one of the most mysterious monuments in Italy.

The Etruscan pyramid of Bomarzo is protected by still unspoiled vegetation, on the edge of a canyon of tufa rock. It has not been possible to assign a real date to this very ancient construction, but being located in the Tacchiolo area, along with an Etruscan necropolis, we place its origin during the Etruscan period (9th to 3rd century BC).

Reaching the pyramid can prove to be an equally adventurous experience for young and old alike, precisely because it involves hiking for about 45 minutes into a wood.

This is one of the most adventurous activities to do near Rome with kids if they love to hike.

The beginning of the path leading to this monument is located near Via Cupa, which crosses the Strada Provinciale Bomarzese near the Pizzeria il Quadrifoglio.

The village of Bomarzo is known for another historical monument, the Renaissance garden nicknamed Monster Park. The park is home to numerous sculptures representing animals and mythological characters connected with the underworld. The gardens of Bomarzo are among the most beautiful historic gardens to visit near Rome . I recommend adding this stop to your itinerary.

Canyoning in Abruzzo

Let’s move to southern Italy, to dive for all intents and purposes into one of the most breathtaking adventures in Italy: canyoning in the wilds of Abruzzo. 

The region’s scenic nature lends itself well to this activity, and there are routes of all kinds, from the simplest for novice canyoneers to more challenging ones that should only be undertaken if you are an expert. 

To begin approaching canyoning, one can start with an easy route, such as the Salinello Gorges , about 20 km away from the city of Teramo. The gorge can be crossed in about 3 1/2 hours. Ropes and good water skills are required. We are located in the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park .

The trail has deep and narrow sections, rock walls up to 200 meters high, pools deep enough to dive into, swimming crossings, and waterfalls. 

To undertake these activities, we always recommend that you are accompanied by experts, such as the Mad Mad Canyoning Association . This association organizes activities in the Salinello Gorges from May to July.

Baia Underwater Park

Let’s dive now to southern Italy, where the sea at Baia, in the province of Naples, opens its waves to us in a truly incredible underwater world. 

In the Baia Underwater Park you can dive to explore Roman remains of domus, villas, and mosaics that have remained intact despite the years and the movements of the sea.

This underwater archaeological park is part of the Phlegraean Fields , and its historical evidence, which stretches from Baia to Pozzuoli, dates as far back as the 2nd century A.D. It was a popular place for both Roman and imperial aristocratic families, which is why today, during an immersive excursion, we encounter ancient architectural gems that evoke wealth and well-being.

The villas were abandoned around the 4th century, precisely because of the rising sea level, which thus submerged the whole area.

Today it is truly a privilege to be able to discover these marine treasures, and the charm of the sea makes everything more magical. To arrange a visit, one can consult the online site, where a wide range of services are also offered to those who do not want to dive (such as canoeing or renting a boat).

The Baia Underwater Park is located just 25 km west of Naples.

Hike in the Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast presents some of Italy’s most popular scenery in the world. The towns and villages that bring this region to life are also among the most expensive places to visit in Italy, but this time we are considering them from an adventure perspective.

There is a way to enjoy the spectacular view of the Italian coast without making your wallet cry. Walking the “ Path of the Gods ” will allow you to retrace the route that connected the main villages of the Amalfi Coast in ancient times. 

The trail starts in Bomerano , a hamlet of Agerola, 650 meters above sea level. After about 4 hours of walking you reach Nocelle , a village of Positano on Mount Pertuso. If you then want to see Positano as well, “just” walk down the 1,500 steps that connect Nocelle to Positano!

The Path of the Gods route is of low difficulty but absolutely not recommended for those who suffer from heights.

If you want to add a nature walk to your trip to Italy this is definitely one of the best trails available. The spectacular views of the Amalfi Coast, Capri, and the Faraglioni rocks will be even more satisfying after the physical effort, a hard-earned achievement.

Although the Amalfi Coast is at its peak in summer, I recommend avoiding the hottest months, namely July and August. Fall and spring are the best seasons to tackle this walk.

You can reach the trailhead by public transportation. Take a train to Salerno or Naples and then a Sita bus to Amalfi and from there a bus to Bomerano.

Italy’s most thrilling zip-line

We arrive in the far south of Italy, in one of the regions richest in traditions and unexplored places.

What better way, to admire things, than from above? In Basilicata , in the province of Potenza, a zip-line suspended in the Lucanian Dolomites can prove to be an experience that is not only very compelling indeed, but also romantic. 

The most daring couples can launch themselves together in the Flight of the Angel between the villages of Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa at over 100 km/h and enjoy the view up to 130 meters high!

Depending on the chosen flight station, you will be able to travel a length of 1415 meters (from Pietrapertosa) or 1452 meters (from Castelmezzano). Both villages are really picturesque to visit, I suggest you get lost in their streets before or after flying. 

You can reach them by bus from Potenza with the Sita lines to get to Castelmezzano or with Renna to get to Pietrapertosa.

Discover Sardinia’s Neptune Caves

We conclude our adventurous tour in northern Sardinia . Neptune’s caves open their doors to us along the Capo Caccia massif , near Alghero . 

To reach this enchanted place, full of natural halls, stalactites, and stalagmites, it is necessary to walk about 600 steps (don’t worry, if you don’t like stairs you can also get there by sea from the port of Alghero).

The highlight of the caves, which expand for more than 4 km, is the salt lake of Lamarmora . This is one of the most unique places to see in Italy, it is indelibly imprinted in the mind of every visitor. 

As we said, these caves can be reached from the beautiful city of Alghero, and if you precisely do not like steps, you can start from the port or from the Dragunara pier boarding at Porto Conte.

Descend into the Frasassi Caves

Embark on one of the most unforgettable adventures in Italy by venturing into the captivating depths of the Frasassi Caves. 

Located in the heart of the stunning Marche region in northern Italy, these awe-inspiring caves promise an exhilarating experience like no other. 

The journey begins as you descend into a mesmerizing underground world filled with remarkable stalactite formations, colossal chambers, and an ethereal atmosphere that transports you to another realm. Exploring the Frasassi Caves is an exhilarating activity, where every step unveils the beauty of nature’s hidden artistry.

To reach the Frasassi Caves, travel to the town of Genga , where they are nestled beneath the enchanting Apennine Mountains. Guided tours provide insights into the geological wonders that have formed over millions of years, and the tales of their discovery add an extra layer of fascination. 

As you navigate the labyrinthine pathways, you’ll encounter the awe-inspiring “ Ancona Abyss ,” one of the largest cave chambers in Europe, leaving you in sheer awe of the Earth’s geological history.

The Frasassi Caves stand as a testament to the unending marvels of the natural world. The intricate formations, delicate hues, and the sense of being in an untouched realm make this destination truly special. 

Whether you’re an intrepid explorer or a curious traveler, the Frasassi Caves beckon with their timeless allure. This will not only push your boundaries but also leave you with an indelible connection to Italy’s adventurous spirit. 

Discover Naples’ Underground

If you’re up for one more enthralling journey into the hidden depths of Italy, then you should explore the enigmatic Naples Underground . 

Beneath the bustling streets of Naples lies a labyrinthine network of tunnels, catacombs, and hidden chambers that unveil the city’s rich history in a truly captivating way. 

Venturing into the depths of Naples Underground is like stepping back in time, as you traverse through ancient passageways that once served as aqueducts, marketplaces, and shelters during World War II.

Located in the heart of this vibrant city, Naples Underground offers a unique and thrilling adventure for those seeking to discover the lesser-known facets of Italy’s past. 

Guided tours lead you through these underground passages, shedding light on the stories of resilience, innovation, and survival that echo within these ancient walls. 

As you walk through the dimly lit tunnels, you’ll encounter preserved artifacts, Roman ruins, and even glimpses of life as it was centuries ago.

The allure of Naples Underground lies not only in its historical significance but also in the palpable sense of mystery and intrigue that permeates every corner. 

Exploring this subterranean world is an invitation to delve into the layers of Naples’ past and to connect with the spirit of its people. 

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an adventurous traveler, or simply curious to uncover the hidden narratives beneath the surface, Naples Underground promises an immersive and unforgettable experience. 

The entrance to Naples Underground, known as “ Napoli Sotterranea ” in Italian, is located in the historic center of Naples, precisely in Piazza San Gaetano.

Naples Underground is not a self-guided attraction. Visitors must join guided tours to explore the underground tunnels and chambers. The tours are usually conducted by knowledgeable guides who provide insights into the history and significance of the site.

Exploring Naples’ Underground is one of the most interesting things to do in Naples . It’s advisable to make a reservation for the guided tour in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.

The guided tours typically last around 1 to 1.5 hours. Some parts of the tunnels might be narrow and require a bit of walking, so it’s recommended to wear comfortable footwear.

The underground environment can be cooler and more humid than the outside temperature, so bringing a light jacket or sweater is a good idea.

This is one of the best adventure activities in Italy and you can do it right in the heart of Southern ITaly’s most beautiful city.

Immerse yourself in the magical Blue Grotto in Capri

Capri is one of the most beautiful small islands in Italy. In summer its unspoiled nature is filled with fragrant flowers, and the small coastal towns are filled with enthusiastic couples of travelers.

If you want to be seduced by the Italian summer but at the same time want to get your adrenaline fix, then you need to find out what is the most exciting thing to do on Capri.

A natural wonder nestled along the rugged coastline, the Blue Grotto is a true masterpiece of nature’s artistry. 

The journey begins with a short boat ride from the Marina Grande to the entrance of the grotto. As you approach, the magical azure glow that bathes the interior becomes apparent, casting an enchanting spell that transports you to an otherworldly realm.

To enter the Blue Grotto, visitors transfer to small rowboats guided by skilled boatmen who navigate the low cave entrance. Once inside, you’ll be greeted by the breathtaking sight of iridescent blue waters illuminated by sunlight filtering through an underwater cavity. The play of light and water creates a surreal spectacle, with the cave walls reflecting the cerulean hues in a dance of vibrant colors.

Visiting the Blue Grotto is a testament to the wonders of Italian nature and the thrill of exploration. The experience of gliding through the cavern’s waters, surrounded by the ethereal glow, is a memory that will linger long after your journey ends. The Blue Grotto is a captivating reminder of the mysteries that the world holds, and a testament to the power of nature’s magic to inspire and awe. 

So, add this aquatic marvel to your bucket list of unique things to do in Italy.

Climb St. Peter’s Dome in Rome

Unleash your inner explorer with a daring ascent that unveils not only breathtaking heights but also offers unparalleled panoramic views of the Eternal City . 

Climbing up St. Peter’s Dome, a marvel of Renaissance architecture, in Rome is an adventure that seamlessly merges history, architectural brilliance, and the exhilaration of conquering an iconic landmark. 

Designed by Michelangelo and completed by Giacomo della Porta and Domenico Fontana, the dome stands as a testament to human ingenuity and artistic prowess, a fitting crown for St. Peter’s Basilica.

As you ascend the spiral staircase woven within the dome’s inner structure, intricate mosaics and frescoes grace your path, showcasing the craftsmanship that adorns this architectural masterpiece. The ascent to the summit involves conquering 551 steps, each step echoing with the history and devotion that have defined this place for centuries.

There is also the possibility of taking a “shortcut.” This is an elevator that will save you about 200 steps.

Entry is allowed from 7:30 AM to 5 PM. There is usually a very long line at the entrance, so I recommend you buy your ticket in advance.

The journey to the summit continues as you emerge onto the external viewing platform, revealing Rome’s sprawling expanse before your eyes. Ancient ruins, majestic monuments, and the meandering Tiber River create an enchanting tapestry that encapsulates centuries of history. 

The view from St. Peter’s Dome offers a vantage point like no other, gifting you the chance to see the city from a perspective few have witnessed.

While the climb may demand some effort, the reward is immeasurable. The sense of achievement upon reaching the peak, coupled with the beauty that envelops you, amplifies every step’s significance.

Wrap-up – Adventurous things to do in Italy

In the realm where history intertwines with adrenaline-pumping thrills, these captivating adventures in Italy call out to the intrepid spirit. 

From scaling the heights of St. Peter’s Dome to navigating the iridescent waters of the Blue Grotto, and from roaring down Tuscany’s scenic roads in a sports car to conquering the longest Tibetan bridge in Piedmont, the journey across this diverse nation is a tribute to the boundless human drive for exploration. 

Alongside hiking the enchanting Amalfi Coast and delving into the depths of Naples Underground, these remarkable escapades bridge the past with the present, intertwining artistry, history, and the thrill of discovery. 

Whether you’re a devoted adventurer or simply seeking a distinctive connection with Rome’s storied past, scaling St. Peter’s Dome promises an unforgettable experience that etches itself into your Italian journey. 

So, channel your adventurous spirit and seize the opportunity to witness Rome anew from a heightened and invigorating viewpoint above its timeless rooftops and domes. 

I’m Lisa, an Italian from Rome who one day discovered she finds incredible joy in traveling to new places. With this blog, I help you discover Italy (especially Rome and its surroundings) as a local would. Find out more about me here .

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4 Epic Adventure Travel Ideas in Italy, From Tuscany's Rolling Hills to the Dolomite Mountains

From Tuscany to the Dolomites, Italy’s vast and varied landscape is perfect for adventure travel.

Elizabeth Heath is a writer and editor living on a hill in Umbria, from where she writes about travel in Italy, the rest of Europe, and farther afield.

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to grip the world, it's hard to imagine a day when travelers will willingly crowd into the corridors of the Vatican Museums, squeeze into St. Mark's Basilica, or sunbathe elbow to elbow on an Amalfi Coast beach.

So, what's a vacation in Italy without crowded attractions, busy piazzas, and closely arranged restaurant tables? It's an active adventure waiting to happen.

While it's famous for its cities, museums, and monuments, Italy is also full of wide-open spaces, including those familiar rolling fields of Tuscany , the Apennine and Dolomite mountain ranges, and vast stretches of rugged terrain in the south. And all that space and solitude mean plenty of fresh air and room for safety and exclusivity. Adventure travel in Italy offers active vacationers a way to see the natural side of the country, stay in rural and semi-private accommodations, and enjoy excellent local food and drink. So, instead of the well-trodden Rome-Florence-Venice circuit, consider these less-traveled journeys in Italy's magnificent outdoors.

Walk the Via Francigena Path

Italy's answer to Spain's Camino de Santiago, the Via Francigena route starts in Canterbury, England, and stretches for 1,700 kilometers (1,056 miles) through France, Switzerland, and Italy, culminating in Rome. Four hundred glorious kilometers (248 miles) run north to south through Tuscany, and walking even a stretch of the path puts you in touch with the earthy, natural beauty of Italy's fabled heartland. The classic portion from the walled city of Lucca to medieval Siena is 132 kilometers (82 miles), typically spread out over seven nights. Stay in historic hotels in city centers, at simple pilgrim hostels, or at cozy agriturismi (farm stays) amid the iconic Tuscany landscape. Pointy cypress trees? Check. Rows of undulating grapevines? Check. Super Tuscans, salami, and pasta with porcini mushrooms? Check, check, check. Camino Ways can set you up for a weeklong hiking or biking trip with overnights in basic or luxury accommodations, plus meal and luggage transport options.

Follow the Shepherds in Abruzzo

For thousands of years, shepherds across the world would seasonally migrate their flocks of sheep between lowlands and highlands, a practice called transhumance. The movement shaped rural culture in Europe so much so that UNESCO added it to its List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Industrialized farming has eradicated transhumance in most places, but in Abruzzo, the mountainous region east of Rome, the practice lives on. In June and July, curious trekkers can join shepherds and their flocks for a few days and nights, wending along rushing rivers, through crumbling stone villages and Roman ruins, and up steep mountain tracts until the herd arrives at its summer stomping grounds. These are bucolic days indeed, with stops for snacks of bread and cheese and someone's homemade wine or fruit tart, hearty lunches and dinners, and sleeping under the stars (or, for those seeking more creature comforts, at a simple inn). Nunzio Marcelli, a legend among transhumanza proponents, organizes four-day, three-night trips through La Porta dei Parchi agricultural cooperative.

Hike to High-altitude, Rustic Digs in Trentino

In Italy's craggy Dolomite Mountains, a series of rustic huts provide hikers with simple, comfy overnight stays and rib-sticking meals. Called rifugi (plural of rifugio ), these high-altitude accommodations — some 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) above sea level — have welcomed weary mountaineers for a century or more. The region of Trentino alone has more than 140 rifugi , typically open from June through September. Some are reachable only on foot, while others are connected by roads or cable cars. But all are a welcome sight after a long day of lung- and thigh-scorching trekking. Accommodations range from cozy private rooms and family rooms to simple (and now, socially distanced) dorms. Virtually every rifugio has views that will leave you gobsmacked, and a nighttime celestial show that will make you forget all about flat-screens and Wi-Fi. Majestic doesn't even begin to sum it up. Visit Trentino has information on staying at rifugi , which must be booked in advance, including distances and degrees of difficulty for hiking from hut to hut.

Journey to Mount Etna on Horseback

Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Normans all rode through the seaside town of Cefalù, Sicily, the point of departure for a horseback trek to Mount Etna, some 130 kilometers (81 miles) away. On the way to Mount Etna, riders log up to eight hours a day in the saddle, traversing ancient roads through beech forests and alongside mountain lakes, and passing castles and villages rich with history. The Tyrrhenian Sea, with the Aeolian Islands in the distance, appears at turns until finally, Italy's largest active volcano is front and center. Climb past Mount Etna's orchards, vineyards, and olive groves to reach the closest you might ever come to riding a horse on the surface of the moon. Spend the night in rural farmhouses and dine on fresh farm-to-table products, local specialties, and of course, wine from grapes cultivated in the region's mineral-rich volcanic soil. Unicorn Trails organizes eight-day, seven-night programs that include meals, overnights, and transfers.

Writer and editor Elizabeth Heath covers travel, wellness, and lifestyle from her home in central Italy.

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The Ultimate Italian Bucket List | 40+ Incredible Experiences in Italy

Whether it’s for the mouthwatering cuisine, the culture, landscapes, or history, there’s no arguing with the 96 million tourists who visit the country each year. Like them, you’ll find an abundance of things to do in Italy.

Wherever your interests lie, you’ll find plenty of things to add to your Italian bucket list. Naturally, it’s a great destination for short city breaks, with Rome, Venice, and Florence topping the list. However, if you have more time to get outside these major hubs, there are so many outstanding experiences in Italy waiting to be had.

If you’re not sure what to see, Italy is home to no less than 55 world heritage sites, which is more than anywhere else in the world! These range from ancient ruins to natural landscapes and cultural experiences.

Read on to discover over 40 Italy bucket list destinations, to put on your itinerary. You’re not going to be disappointed.

This post may contain affiliate links. To find out what this means and more information visit my disclosure page .

Essential Things For Your Italian Bucket List – At A Glance

Wondering what to do in Italy, but have no time to read the full article now? no worries. You can download this checklist of places to visit in Italy, it includes everything mentioned in this article for offline viewing.

If you’re just after the low-down of things you must see in Italy, then below is a list of all places included in this article to help you plan your Italian itinerary.

Best Experiences in Italy

• The Canals of Venice, Rialto Bridge & Bridge of Sighs
• Milan From the Historic Duomo
• Pompeii, Herculaneum & Mt Vesuvius
• Da Vinci’s Masterpiece “The Last Supper”
• The Amalfi Coast
• Pisa and Pose With The Leaning Tower
• Colosseum, Underground Arena & Roman Forum
• The Islands of Burano and Murano
• The Uffizi Gallery
• Traditional Italian Food Tour
• Lago Di Garda ( Lake Garda)
• Five Villages of the Cinque Terre
• Stromboli Volcano
• Sicily’s Cathedral of Monreale
• Forte di Fenestrelle
• Royal Residences of the House of Savoy
• Sail Pan Di Zucchero
• Pizza Margherita in Napoli
• Climb Mt. Etna
• Vineyard-Hopping in Tuscany
• Carnival of Venice
• The Palatine Chapel
• Vatican City & The Sistine Chapel
• The Frasassi Caves
• Scaligero Castle (The Sinking Castle)
• The Italian Alps

Drive The Stelvio Pass

• Boating At The Blue Grotto
• Marmore Falls – World’s Tallest Man-Made Waterfall
• Medieval Walls of Lucca
• Labyrinth of Matera’s Historic Sassi

The Greek Temples at Paestum

The cathedral complex of siena.

• Lake Como, Bellagio and Varena
• The Trevi Fountain
• Ponte Vecchio
• The Sunken City of Baia

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40+ Things to Put On Your Italy Bucket List

This article has been written with the help of other travel writers who share with you what they think are the best things to do in Italy. Each of their suggestions features highlights of what to see, as well as useful insider tips for making the best out of your trip. Read on to discover the best things to see in Italy.

Explore The Canals of Venice, Rialto Bridge & Bridge of Sighs

Location: Venice

Highlights: Venice is known for its canals and exploring them is definitely one of the top things to do in Italy. The Canal Grande is the widest and most popular canal in Venice and the busiest waterway in the city.

Next to Piazza San Marco, Rialto Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in town. It spans the full width of the Canal Grande and is one of the oldest bridges in the city, whether you pass under it or walk over it, it’s a must for your Venice bucket list.

Ponte dei Sospiri, or Bridge of Sighs, is another popular landmark for your Venice itinerary . It gets its name from the belief that prisoners would sigh as they crossed the bridge on their way to jail.

Tips for Visiting: The Venice canals are some of the most unique and beautiful in the world. Exploring them on a gondola ride is certainly a bucket list experience for many, but not a cheap one.

Luckily, you can explore the canals by land as well and marvel at them from the many bridges. Arguably, the best way to explore Venice is on foot, so book your Venice accommodation somewhere central. Don’t be afraid to wander into less known and narrower streets, that’s where you’ll usually find the best photo opportunities.

Recommended by Zi from Craving Adventure

Panoramic Views of Milan From the Historic Duomo

Location: Milan

Highlights: Italy has some of the most incredible things to see and do. Some things are worth doing and some are not. There is one of the things in Italy you absolutely will not want to miss, and that is to visit the historic Duomo for the best views over Milan.

There are so many reasons to visit Milan , from its world-famous fashion brands to its tasty traditional dishes. However, its Historic Duomo Cathedral is probably the most iconic and breathtaking landmark in the city.

Here you can climb the stairs of this stunning piece of history and admire the best views over Milan. Not only will you learn so much about the city but be able to take some of the most phenomenal photos!

If you are looking to visit somewhere that you won’t forget in a hurry and you will not be able to find anywhere else in the world, stop by the Duomo.

Tips for Visiting: Even though this is the best panoramic view of Milan, it is first and foremost a religious building. Make sure you have dressed appropriately and do not wear anything revealing. It doesn’t matter if you have paid for your ticket, if you are not dressed conservatively, they will not let you in.

As this is a must-do in Italy, it can get really popular, especially during the summer. It is highly recommended to book your tickets in advance so you can skip the queues.

Recommended by Lowri Thomas from Many Other Roads

Discover the History of Pompeii, Herculaneum & Mt Vesuvius

Location: Southeast of Naples

Highlights: One of the best things about Italy if you’re into ancient monuments, is that the country is filled with them. The ill-fated cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum are two of the most iconic ruin sites.

Mount Vesuvius is one of the most active volcanoes in Italy, and in AD 79, an eruption destroyed a multitude of Roman cities through the eruption of volcanic gasses, stones and burning ashes. The cities were then buried by pumice, and volcanic debris, including people, that have been immortalised.

Visiting the ruins sites is one of the most interesting things to do in Italy. You can wander around the sites and still see mosaics, rooms, artefacts and the people, captured in time, from that fateful day.

Tips for Visiting: If you’re wondering if these are places to visit in Italy in summer, it’s worth knowing that all three sites get busy, in particular Pompeii. It’s worth booking a skip-the-line entry ticket in advance, especially in peak season.

It’s also worth noting that the site is large, and with little shade, so if you visit in the summer take plenty of water, sunglasses and sunscreen.

This is one of the top Italy things to do and see. Ideally, you’d want two days in the area to do all three things justice. You could easily spend a whole day at Pompeii. Then do Herculaneum the following morning and go up Mt Vesuvius that afternoon.

Related Article : Jerash Ruins, Jordan: The ‘Pompeii of the East’ .

Admire Da Vinci’s Masterpiece “The Last Supper”

Highlights: For art lovers, Europe is a wonderful place to be as Europe is filled with world-class art museums and institutions, showcasing classic and contemporary artworks from across the globe.

There’s one widely known artwork that is not on display in an art museum but remained on the wall of Santa Maria Delle Grazie, the original place where it was painted. The Last Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci, which needs no introduction, is an extraordinary art piece created in the late 15th century. The fresco depicts an iconic biblical scene that is considered the best version of its kind.

Da Vinci used unique drawing techniques by painting on the church’s wall after exhaustive research. The composition, content, and details of this fresco have a significant impact on art, history, religious and cultural studies – not to mention it is constantly featured in modern cultures, books, and movies. Going to see it is certainly something for your Milan bucket list.

Tips for Visiting: Visitors can view the artwork with an admission ticket or on a guided tour.

Entries are divided into 15-minute groups and tickets are often sold out because many available slots are booked by tour guides and agencies in advance. Always reserve a ticket online before visiting the church.

Santa Maria Delle Grazie is located in Milan’s city area and it is easy to get there by train. The closest station is Milano Cadorna and it’s only a few minutes walk to the site.  

Recommended by Kenny Chow from Knycx Journeying

Drive The Amalfi Coast

Location: Amalfi coast

Highlights: One of the most amazing things to do in Italy, and shouldn’t miss is driving along the Amalfi Coast. The narrow road, with tight curves bordered by the sea on one side and the mountain on the other, increases the level of adrenaline.

Known for its beautiful little towns that climb the mountain and for its breathtaking views over the sea, the Amalfi coast is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Italy. If you want to spend your holiday here, choose to stay in a hotel with an infinity pool . This way you can fully enjoy the landscape.

Tips for visiting : If you want to try this adventure as part of your road trip itinerary, when you book your car rental, opt for the smallest vehicle possible. This way you will be able to explore the little streets in the towns, and not just the main road.

That said, one of the most important attractions will be the main road. Located a few metres above the sea, it is exciting to see the water below you, and the mountain next to you as you navigate the bends in the road.

In Positano for example, there are some places where you should be careful because oncoming traffic, such as buses, pass just a few centimetres next to you. Also, the buildings are very close to the road so it’s easy to scratch your car if you don’t pay attention.

This is not a road for speeders, it is a road for those who want to enjoy the beauty of this coast and soaking up the atmosphere is one of the best things to do. In Italian driving, road users can often feel aggressive compared to other places in Europe, however, here is not the place for it, so take a more relaxed approach as you take it all in.

Recommended by Corina from Another Milestone

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Explore Pisa and Pose With The Leaning Tower

Location: Pisa

Highlights: Everyone knows Pisa, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa, which is considered to be one of the most popular landmarks in Italy! Of course, a visit to this attraction is one of the best things to do in Pisa and a must on any Italy trip.

Its leaning already occurred during its construction between 1173 to 1372. The tower even had to be closed and restored from 1990-2001 for safety reasons. People are still amazed by the leaning tower, and those after some light entertainment in Italy can have fun watching people taking the popular photo supporting the tower in imaginative ways.

Not only is the Leaning Tower beautiful, but the old town of Pisa is also a real highlight that should not be missed. Walk through the romantic alleys, try one of the fabulous restaurants and soak up the atmosphere far away from the touristic hustle and bustle.

Piazza dei Cavalieri is especially beautiful, one of the most charming squares in the historic centre of Pisa.

Tips for Visiting: It is best to visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa first thing in the morning, then you can take the best pictures and later you will have enough time to explore the old town. The tower is located in Piazza dei Miracoli, the so-called Square of Miracles, which you can visit for free!

If you want to visit other sights like the Duomo, the Baptistery, and the Cemetery or if you want to climb the Tower you have to pay an entrance fee. You can save money and time by booking tickets in advance!

If you still have time left, then you should check out the beautiful beaches of Pisa, especially the beautiful beach at Marina di Pisa! This one is only 10 kilometres away. Perfect if you want to combine sightseeing with swimming in the sea.

Recommended by Martina from Places of Juma

The Iconic Colosseum, Underground Arena & Roman Forum

Location: Rome

Highlights: If you quiz anyone about things to do with Italy, you can guarantee they’ll mention the Romans and the Colosseum.  Needless to say that visiting the Colosseum is an essential part of any first-timer’s Rome itinerary . But there’s more to the most popular ancient amphitheatre in the world than just what you can see from the outside or from simply stepping inside its century-old walls.

The Colosseum is also home to a vast network of tunnels in its underground area that you can now explore on a guided tour. Walking around this underground labyrinth under the arena stage is the best way to learn the history of those dark corridors. You will be amazed by the ancient elevators used to facilitate the performances held in the arena and the gruesome stories of the performances themselves.

Tips for Visiting: Until recently, the underground area of the Colosseum was inaccessible to the public. Therefore, even if you have visited the Colosseum in the past, it’s worth visiting again for a tour of its underground area and the Arena.

Bear in mind that you can only visit the underground area on a guided tour with a special ticket that grants you access to all parts of the Colosseum, and other worthy places for your Rome bucket list, including the underground area and the Arena, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

This special ticket is called Full Experience Arena & Underground. It’s recommended to book your tickets in advance to make sure they’re available on the day of your visit.   

Recommended by Katerina & Maria from It’s All Trip To Me

Visit the Islands of Burano and Murano

Highlights: Venice is an incredible city to begin with, but visiting the floating city without taking a day trip to its other islands of Burano and Murano would be a waste! They are a short boat ride away from the main island of Venice and you can spend an entire day exploring these magical places.

Burano is known for being the most colourful place in Italy , with its rainbow-coloured houses that line the canals. This is one of the must-see things in Italy, as each house is painted a bright and beautiful colour which make the prettiest photo backdrop. The island is also known for the delicate handmade lace the locals produce, and the delicious fried seafood.  

The neighbouring island of Murano is special for its glass production, which has become famous across the world. The locals who work at the glass factories produce intricate glass products from ornaments and glasses to huge chandeliers. Visit the island to watch the glassblowing and ship some back to use in your home!

Tips for Visiting: Visiting the islands should be an all-day adventure from the main island of Venice. You can either visit by taking the Vaporetto, the local water bus, or by booking a group tour.

The tour will be much simpler, easier and faster, but will mean you have less time on the islands and less flexibility in planning your day. The Vaporetto can be a little confusing to use, but once you get there, you can control how long you stay on each island.

It costs just a few Euros to take the tour of the glass factory on Murano, which is well worth it. And on Burano, wear white so you pop in all the photos with the bright backdrop!

Recommended by Tori Mitchell from Tori Pines Travels

Admire The Grandmasters At The Uffizi Gallery

Location: Florence

Highlights: If you’re planning your trip, and wondering what to see in Italy, I highly recommend the world-renowned galleries. A visit to Florence is incomplete without the world-famous Uffizi Gallery. This museum houses some of the most important artworks of the Medieval and Renaissance period.

Florence was known as the city of bright minds and for its progress of virtues during the height of the Renaissance. Some of the most well-known artists were from Florence, including Leonardo da Vinci and Botticelli. Sculptures and fine art paintings of these grandmasters as well as other renowned Italian painters, such as Raphael, can be admired in the Uffizi Gallery.

The Birth of Venus by Botticelli is a must-see in the Uffizi gallery and art aficionados come from far to see this breathtakingly beautiful painting. Other noteworthy art pieces include the ‘Coronation of the Virgin’ by Fra Angelico and ‘Adoration of the Magi’ by Leonardo da Vinci.

Tips for Visiting: Every guide to Florence will rate the Uffizzi Gallery as one of the must-see attractions in the city . The Uffizi Gallery is located in the old town adjacent to the Piazza della Signoria. The entry point is a narrow courtyard with a view of the river Arno. It’s near the Ponte Vecchio bridge and the Pallazzo Vecchio palace in the historical centre.

The best way to get around is by walking. It’s advised to book a museum visiting slot in advance because this museum is one of the most visited in the world. The opening hours are from 8:15 to 6:30 and the gallery is closed on Mondays.

Recommended by Paul D’Souza from Paulmarina

Go on a Traditional Italian Food Tour

Location: Emilia Romagna (Bologna/Modena)

Highlights: It’s no secret that Italy produces some of the best food in the world, and experiencing it fully needs to be on your Italy must-do list.

The region of Emilia Romagna is known for producing some of Italy’s most iconic foods. Three of the area’s most famous foods in particular — Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, prosciutto ham, and balsamic vinegar — are the stars of one of Italy’s most popular food tours .

You’ll visit a local Parmigiano cheese factory to learn about the full process of how they make the King of Cheese, see the process in action, and taste the end result. 

Next, the tour includes a visit to a family-owned acetaia where they make traditional balsamico di Modena which is aged for up to 25 years. You’ll sample different stages of the ageing process and see why this is such an amazing food. Finally, you’ll see the production of Italy’s famous prosciutto hams, arguably one of Italy’s most famous exported products.

Tips for Visiting: Several tour operators can take you on this unique tour but the Italian Days Food Experience includes an immersive and fun lunch feast where you’ll get to try all three of these foods and how they’re incorporated into their most unique dishes.

From prosciutto appetisers to a drizzle of aged balsamic on vanilla gelato, you certainly won’t be hungry, and you’ll leave with a keener palate and greater appreciation for the region’s cuisine.

If ever there was a must-do food tour, it’s this one! This is also a great region of the country to take an Italian cooking class.

Recommended by Lori from Italy Foodies

Relax at Lago Di Garda ( Lake Garda)

Location: Near Verona

Highlights: One of the top destinations Italy offers is Lake Garda . It’s the perfect getaway to the picturesque atmosphere just outside Verona and the largest lake in Italy embracing the Alpine mountains. The lake is abundant with castles and Scaglieri Castle in Sirmione is the most popular one. Garda town itself scatters the stunning views of the lake.

It stretches across three Italian regions- Lombardia, Trentino Alto Adige and Veneto, and covers various landscapes.

A popular destination here is Gardaland, which is an amusement park near Peschiera del Garda. Several adventure parks make up Gardaland, these include Caneva World which focuses on movie entertainment while Parco Natura Viva absorbs the African wildlife.

If you’re interested in history, then head to Desenzano on the western shore which holds the impressive Roman mosaics.

Tips for Visiting: The best way to reach Lake Garda is to take a train to Peschiera del Garda or Desenzano from Verona. From Peschiera, you can take the bus to pretty towns around the lake. Ferry service is available but takes a lot of time to get between places.

For the best views, climb the 2218m up Monte Baldo from the pretty towns of Malcesine (which also has its own castle). At the top, you’ll have stunning views. If you don’t want to walk, then taking a cable car is another option.

Recommended by Gabi from Under Flowery Sky

Visit the Five Villages of the Cinque Terre

Location: Cinque Terre National Park

Highlights: The historic villages of the Cinque Terre are famous for being some of the most picturesque in Italy. Perched on the cliffs in the Cinque Terre National Park , with colourful buildings leading down to the blue waters of the Italian Riviera, visiting these towns is easily a highlight of travelling to Italy.

While all the towns are incredibly pretty, Manorola is the subject of many paintings and Vernazza is renowned as one of the loveliest villages in the country. 

The five towns are connected by a walking trail and it’s possible to walk between them all in one day which should be one of your must-dos in Italy. If you want to spend more time in the villages themselves, opt for the train instead.

Tips for Visiting: Aim to go in June or September when the weather is warm but the villages aren’t quite as busy. Manorola and Vernazza are particularly lovely and popular with visitors, so try and visit these earlier or later in the day.

Be sure to check that the trails you want to hike are open before you go – rain can affect the pathways. For the best views of the towns, opt for one of the longer hikes in the Cinque Terre National Park – the alternative route that goes between Manarola and Corniglia via the tiny settlement of Volastra is particularly beautiful.

Recommended by Roxanne from Far Away Worlds

Visit (or Climb) Stromboli Volcano

Location: Tyrrhenian Sea

Highlights: If you’re looking for something to tick off your bucket list, Italy has numerous natural landmarks. Forget the tourist traps of Vesuvius and Etna and instead discover one of the world’s most active volcanoes (it erupts every 20 minutes or so).

This truly is one of the most amazing things to see in Italy. Stromboli is located on a small island (well, it IS the island) off the north coast of Sicily close to the Aeolian Islands.

One of the most incredible things about Stromboli is that the island has a permanent residence of around 400 people living in the shadow of the volcano with daily eruptions.

There are a couple of small villages with shops, restaurants, and hotels and it’s quite easy to arrange a trip to Stromboli. The volcanic beach is perfect for swimming in exceptionally warm waters, though it is quite rocky so you’ll need flip-flops or beach shoes.

It takes around 2 hours to reach Stromboli from the Sicilian town of Milazzo and daily ferries make the crossing. There are also ferries from Naples on the mainland with a journey time of around 5 hours.

Tips for Visiting: There are two ways you can reach Stromboli; either by taking a tour or catching a ferry from Sicily or mainland Italy. The tours usually include a trip to the Aeolian Islands and moor off Stromboli at night so you can see the eruptions and lava flow.  

Recommended by Steve Rohan from The Trip Goes On

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Admire the Norman Architecture of Sicily’s Cathedral of Monreale

Location : Monreale, Sicily

Highlights: Monreale is a small town just 7 kilometres away from the centre of Palermo, Sicily . The town is nestled up on the top of a hill, and it’s home to one of the greatest existing examples of Norman architecture in Italy. The building of Monreale Cathedral began in 1174 by William II of Sicily.

The cathedral is one of the most beautiful things to see in West Sicily . The inside is covered in beautiful, detailed mosaics that are rare to see. The mosaics are made of glass tesserae, and were created in the Byzantine style between the late 12th and the mid-13th centuries by local Sicilian and Venetian masters. The cathedral is a must-see Italy landmark.

After admiring the craftsmanship of the Monreale Cathedral, you can go for a wander around the town. There are plenty of cute lunch spots in the town’s main piazza, as well as small shops for gift shopping.

Tips for Visiting: The best way to visit Monreale is by taking the bus from Palermo. You can go by car, but parking is scarce, especially if you go in the summer when the town is busy. Bus number 389 which departs from Piazza Indipendenza will take you to Monreale and back. The trip is about 1 hour each way because of traffic. Once you’re there, it’s just a small fee to enter the cathedral.

Recommended by Erin From Pina Travels

Visit Forte di Fenestrelle

Location: Fenestrelle, Val Chisone, Province Torino

Highlights: One thing on your Italy must-see list should be Forte di Fenestrelle , the biggest alpine fortress in Europe. After the Great Wall of China, it is also the next largest wall structure.

It actually consists of 3 independent fortresses, connected by the largest covered staircase in Europe with 4000 steps. From the lowest part of that huge military complex in the valley bottom to the highest part at 1110m, high above beautiful Val Chisone, you will have to overcome 635 metres of altitude that the structure stretches along, meandering its way up the valley.

The fortress is an absolute masterpiece of military architecture, absolutely impressive to look at and visible from far!

Tips for Visiting: It’s located 74km away from Turin, you will need 1,5hrs from Piedmont’s capitol to reach the free parking area, right next to Fort San Carlo.  Only the courtyard of that main fortress is free to enter.

Like with quite a few Italy tourist activities, if you do not speak Italian, you should opt for the self-guided “Amici-Tour”. It only costs a few Euros. It only allows visiting a small fraction of the Fortress, but you will be able to enter the famous staircase and explore some of the buildings from the main fort.

If you understand Italian, you could join a fantastic guided day tour which visits all areas of that huge complex. The full-day tour “La Passeggiata Reale” is absolutely worth it.  

Check opening times before your visit, as those vary depending on the season and weekdays.

Recommended by Linda Bluemel from Insieme Piemonte

UNESCO Listed Royal Residences of the House of Savoy

Location: Turin (and the entire region of Piedmont)

Highlights: From the Palazzo Reale and Villa della Regina to the Palace of Venaria Reale and the Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi, this group of 10+ landmarks dates back to the 16th-18th centuries.

If you’re a fan of all things Italian, they make a wonderful place for travellers to immerse themselves in northern Italian architecture and get a glimpse into the country’s history.

The beautiful and underrated Turin was the capital city of the Duchy of Savoy, the Kingdom of Sardinia, and the unified Kingdom of Italy, all ruled by the House of Savoy, so visiting the dynasty’s royal residences in the city and around it is a true privilege.

Tips for Visiting: Three Royal Residences are located in the heart of the historic centre of Turin, and two are in other districts. Several of those that are situated outside of the city are easily reachable by public transport, including the Palace of Venaria, Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi, Castle of Moncalieri, and the Castle of Rivoli.

There are a range of ticket prices, depending on the landmark you want to visit, but they are completely free to visit with the money-saving Torino+Piemonte Card. This card also offers free entrance to countless attractions in Turin and Piedmont (and many other discounts).

Recommended by Or from My Path in the World

Take a Boat Tour to the Pan Di Zucchero

Location: Masua, Sardinia

Highlights: The Pan di Zucchero is an iconic white rock stack standing on the Mediterranean Sea off the town of Masua in Sardinia, Italy’s second biggest island after Sicily. And taking a trip out to see it is one of the things you have to do in Italy.

This natural wonder formed by erosion is famous for its unique sugarloaf shape (hence its name), for being the highest rocky outcrop in the Mediterranean Sea, and for offering splendid panoramas.

In fact, the Pan di Zucchero is part of the Iglesiente, the region along the Sardinian eastern part below Alghero, known for its wild coast full of Faraglioni, huge dramatic cliffs, wild beaches and coves.

Tips for visiting : There are several ways to visit the Pan di Zucchero, including by paddle or via Ferrata, but the best is definitely to take a boat tour. Boats leave every day from Masua beach and take you to discover not only the Pan but also Porto Flavia (a mining site inserted in the limestone cliffs facing the Pan), as well as the caves and other hidden gems of the Canal Grande.

These boat tours also include snorkelling time in wonderful caves filled with colourful fish of all kinds, which add wonderment to the experience.

You can book your tickets for this tour either directly on the beach or on the boat tour company’s website. Book in advance online if you plan to do it in the high season (June-September) to not miss your chance to do this adventure.

Recommended by Nesrine Chebbi from Kevmrc Travel

Eating a Pizza Margherita in Napoli

Location: Naples, Italy

Highlights: One of the good things about Italy, is that everywhere you’ll visit in the country, the food is divine! Naples is the home of pizza, and you simply can’t miss trying a famous Neapolitan pizza when you’re in Italy.

As the name suggests, the very best pizzas in Italy are served up in small restaurants in Naples -usually served hot out of the oven with fresh, blistered crust, sweet and tangy tomato sauce, and perfectly melted cheese.

Nowhere in the world makes pizzas quite like the pizzerias of Naples, where they’ve been honing the craft for generations. You’re all but sure to fall in love with Naples after your first bite.

In Naples, locals will typically order one pizza per person. The pizzas are crafted to be easier to digest than their North American equivalents, and they won’t leave you feeling overly full or bloated. Be forewarned that the pizzas come unsliced, so you’ll need a knife and fork to dig in.

Tips for visiting: There are three famous pizza restaurants in Naples, and it’s worth trying each of them if you have time in the city.

Arguably the most famous is Pizzeria Da Michel, the filming location for the famous pizza-eating scene in Eat, Pray, Love. This relatively small restaurant is nearly always bustling, with a small crowd of people waiting outside to get a table. They have a few pizza options, all combinations of crust, sauce, and cheese (except for the marinara, which has no cheese, and therefore vegan).

The other two are Sorbillo and Starita, both of which have large pizza menus with toppings like pesto and burrata, in a more standard restaurant setting.

Recommended by Amber from Amber Everywhere

Hike Mt. Etna in Sicily

Location: Catania,  Sicily

Highlights: Mt. Etna is located in the Catania region in eastern Sicily. It is the tallest volcano in Europe and one of the most active volcanoes in the world . On almost any given day it is visibly active, and small eruptions and the glow can be seen from many nearby villages and cities, including Catania and Taormina.

If you’re looking for unforgettable experiences in Italy, there are many opportunities to explore and experience Mt. Etna. You can go by foot, mountain bike , 4×4 vehicle, or even cable car. Hiking the volcano, in particular, gives you an extraordinary opportunity to explore the dynamic terrain from an up close and personal vantage point.  

If you’re looking for adventure in Italy, you’ll find hiking trails here that allow you to explore the inside of craters like the Silvestri craters, which are conveniently located near parking, lodging, restaurants, and gift shops.

Another highlight is hiking to the Summit Craters at a height of 3340 metres. This hike will generally get you as close as possible to the most active part of the volcano. These trails can feel strikingly close to the dramatic plumes of smoke billowing out of Mt. Etna. The landscape feels like another planet.

For those looking for quirky and cool things to do in Italy, you’ll also find trails that ascend and descend into newer nearby craters. Some of these craters contain heat vents where you can put your hand inside and feel the heat and steam from the underlying volcanic activity. These hikes also feature a fascinating collection of rocks in different shades of black, red, brown, yellow, and grey.

Tips for Visiting: It should be noted that conditions at Mt. Etna are constantly changing, not only daily but even on an hourly and minute-by-minute basis. Some hiking trails may be inaccessible based on those conditions. Please check daily conditions before you head out for your hike.

Also, hiking near the summit should only be done with a professional guide. These tours may include sunset hikes, as well as hikes that also include trips to nearby caves and other activities.

Like with many Italy outdoor activities at altitude, when hiking Mt. Etna, you should dress in layers, as the summit is often much cooler and windier than lower elevations.

Finally, make sure to always follow posted signs and not go into areas that are marked as unsafe. If you’re an enthusiast for landscapes, nature and adventure, this is one of the best activities to do in Italy.

Recommended by Merry Allison  from Virginia Vacation Guide

Related Article:  How To Hike and Cycle Around Mt Etna

Vineyard-Hopping & Staying at a Wine Hotel in Tuscany

Location: Tuscany

Highlights: Sampling fabulous, full-bodied, and fragrant wines is an absolute must-do when you’re in Italy. Fortunately, Tuscany is renowned as one of the best wine regions not just in Italy, but around the world.

Located in Central Italy, Tuscany is home to several charming storybook towns with strong wine culture, from Montepulciano to Montalcino, to Radda in Chianti. One of the quintessential Italy activities and the best ways to experience this magical region is through your palette on a vineyard-hopping excursion!

In addition to sampling some of Tuscany’s best bottles, you’ll also enjoy the bonus of uncovering some of Italy’s most spectacular scenery.

Tips for Visiting: Start your tasty adventures in magnificent Montepulciano, one of the top places to enjoy some of the best Italian wine. Located in Southern Tuscany, this Medieval hilltop town is best known for the variety that shares its name – the Nobile di Montepulciano.

This medium-bodied red offers a deliciously fruity experience with aromas of cherry, strawberry, and plum. Avignonesi, Poliziano, and Tenuta Valdipiatta are some of the top wineries featuring sprawling vineyards.

Plus, to make your Tuscan wine-sampling adventures even more fabulous, you’ll have to book a stay at one of the incredible wine hotels in Tuscany . Each of these properties puts wine tasting at the forefront – and some are even home to their very own vineyards!

For the best possible experience in Tuscany, be sure to rent a car so that you can easily navigate between the region’s top wine towns. It’s also advisable to book wine tastings in advance to ensure availability.

Recommended by Elena from The Carry-On Chronicles

Experience the Magical Carnival of Venice

Location: Venice, Italy

Highlights: Skip the heat and intense crowds of the summer months and visit Venice in February. One of the things you must do in Italy at this time is the annual Carnival festival. During this time, you’ll see people in elaborate masks walking around the city, many in full Renaissance-style costumes.

Be sure to stop in one of the many small shops throughout the city and pick up a Venetian mask of your own! On the first Sunday of Carnival, watch Il Volo dell’Angelo (The Flight of the Angel), where a costumed acrobat leaps from the top of the San Marco Bell Tower to the middle of Piazza San Marco. You’ll likely see many live musicians and outdoor performances in Piazza San Marco and other parts of Venice as well.

If you’ve ever asked yourself what are fun things to do in Italy? Then one of the must-do activities during Carnival is to attend a masquerade ball. You’ll feel like you’re on the set of Phantom of the Opera as you dine and dance among hundreds of other people in lavish costumes.

Tips for Visiting: Though Venice is not as crowded in February as in the warmer months, Carnival is still a world-famous festival. It’s recommended to book your hotel sooner rather than later as rooms can quickly fill up. If you plan to attend a masquerade ball, you will want to reserve that ahead of time as well.

One of the great things about Venice is you can keep the cost down by simply wandering the streets and taking in the stunning scenery, which becomes even more lovely and mysterious during Carnival. There is no shortage of things to see just by walking around.

The best way to get to Venice is by train. The Venice Mestra train station is on the mainland right before the Ponta della Libertá railway bridge, and the Santa Lucia station is on Venice itself. It’s most convenient to get off at Santa Lucia.

Recommended by Amanda from My Vintage Map

Visit The UNESCO Listed Palatine Chapel

Location: Palermo, Sicily

Highlights: The exquisite Palatine Chapel is one of the main places to visit in Palermo . Located at the entrance of the Centro Storico (or Old Town) of Palermo and within walking distance of the Palermo Cathedral.

The chapel dates back to the 12th century when Palermo was reigned over by various rulers including Byzantine, Norman and Fatimid. All of which are reflected in the architecture of the chapel.

If you’re looking for things to put on your bucket list for Italy, the Palatine Chapel is worthy of a place. Gazing upon the opulent chapel, it might be hard to imagine that this masterpiece was in fact originally intended for the private use of King Roger II.

The beautiful golden mosaics that cover the entirety of the ceiling depict a host of biblical scenes in exquisite detail. These mosaic scenes can also be found in the nearby cathedrals of Monreale and Cefalu, all of which are also UNESCO-classified.

Tips for Visiting: The Palatine Chapel is located in the Norman Palace, which is the current day seat of the Sicilian Government. Tickets can be bought opposite the entrance from a small ticket booth. Your entrance ticket is valid for both the Palatine Chapel and the Norman Palace.

Visits run from Monday to Saturday from 8.15 am to 5.40 pm, with the last tickets being sold at 5 pm and on Sunday from 8.15 am to 1.00 pm. On Sunday a mass is held between 09.45 am and 11.15 am inside the chapel and therefore there are no visits allowed.

Recommended by Caroline Muller from Veggie Wayfarer

Let Your Jaw Drop in Vatican City & The Sistine Chapel

Location : Rome

Highlights: A day spent wandering the museums, chapels, basilicas, squares, and gardens of Vatican City will have you dreaming of gold for months! To call it a luxe experience is such an understatement! 

The spoils of Empires, crusades, taxes, and of course, parishioner donations, have ended up here with room after room of many of the world’s greatest paintings, sculptures, and countless examples of the world’s best craftsmanship.

It’s impossible to rank the order of the ‘wow’ factor. Standing in St. Peter’s Square is something on many people’s Italy travel bucket list, and you can stand beside the place where the Pope gives his speeches and see for yourself the glorious circular colonnades and sculptures of saints that peer down from them.

St. Peter’s Basilica is simply awe-inspiring – its size, wealth, aesthetic proportions, and gold and marble are just unforgettable. Michelangelo’s La Pietà and his cupola are just two of the highlights.

But as wonderful as these two sites are, there are still the Vatican Museums to explore with 54 galleries and more than 70,000 works of art! The Gallery of Maps and the Raffaello Rooms are among the highlights, leading inexorably to the tiny but completely perfect Sistine Chapel. Here you can sit on the benches and stare up at the frescoed ceiling painted by artists such as Botticelli and Michelangelo. And here, in the last part of the Vatican Museum, you can look up at Michelangelo’s fresco, The Creation of Adam.

Tips for Visiting: Book online well in advance, book a skip-the-line ticket and wear modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders. A guided tour is a good option to cut down on the queueing and the difficulty of booking tickets.

The Vatican is open from Monday to Saturday between 9 am and 6 pm, although the ticket office closes at 4 pm. It is closed on Sundays, apart from the last Sunday of each month, when it’s open between 9 am and 2 pm.

Recommended by Monique at Trip Anthropologist

Spelunking in the Frasassi Caves

Location: Genga, Ancona Italy   

Highlights: Did you ever imagine you could add spelunking to your Italy bucket list?  If you find yourself on Italy’s east coast, you’ll definitely want to cross this one off your Italy to-do list.

Tucked deep inside the region’s mountains, Frasassi Caves was first discovered in 1971 and is now one of the largest known cave systems in Europe.  

Spend one hour and 15 minutes feeling the brisk cave air, twirling past crystal lakes, and losing yourself in mesmerising caverns.  Surrounded by dazzling crystal walls and hearing the slow water drip, it’s as if Frasassi Caves transfer you into another world! 

Tips for Visiting:   The easiest ways to get here are by car along highway A14, or by taking the train via Railway Ancona to S.Vittore Terme Station.  Arrive at the ticket office 30 minutes before your entrance time.

Tickets can be purchased online or on arrival at the ticket office.  You can choose to walk just under one mile from the ticket office to the cave entrance or ride the shuttle.  

The caves are chilly at a constant 13°C / 57°F all year-round.  Wearing a sweater, long pants, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.  

The caves are open year-round.  Closing dates are December 4th, 30th, and January 10th-30th. Spelunking the Frasassi Caves is not recommended for visitors with heart conditions. Wheelchair access is in place through the first room of the caves only.  

Recommended by Alyssa from An Apple A Plane

Visit Scaligero Castle (The Sinking Castle) in Sirmione

Location: Sirmione, Lake Garda

Highlights: Scaligero Castle, also known as the “Sinking Castle” because of its dock. It’s a beautiful Medieval fortress guarding the entrance to Sirmione’s old town. It was built in the 13th century, and it is one of the best-preserved castles in the entire country, and certainly, one of the must-do things in Italy.

As one of the top things to see in Sirmione , Scaligero is very popular with tourists for its beautiful views of both Lake Garda and the town. You can also take a boat trip around the peninsula to see the castle from the water.

Tips for Visiting: The opening and closing times for Scaligero castle vary depending on the season. In summer (April – September), the castle is open from 8.30 am to 7.30 pm (the last entrance is at 6.45 pm), Tuesday to Saturday, and from 9.15 am to 5.45 pm (the last entrance is at 5 pm) Sunday and during the holidays.

During the winter season (October – March) Scaligero is open Tuesday to Saturday (plus holidays) from 8.30 am to 7.30 pm (the last entrance is at 6.45 pm), while on Sundays you can visit it until 1.30 pm (the last entrance is at 12.45 am).

Try to go either close to the opening or closing time, as this way you’ll be able to avoid any crowds or potential waiting queues at the ticket booth.

Recommended by Andreea from Andoreia

Adventure In The Italian Alps

Location: North Italy

Highlights: If you’re searching for adventurous things to do in Italy, the Italian Alps are where you need to be. One of the top things to do in Italy during winter is head here for snow sports.

The Italian Alps are a popular ski sports destination that pulls thousands of visitors each year. One of the best areas to enjoy skiing is Sauze D’oulx. As part of the Via Lattea (Milky Way) ski area, there is more than 400km of skiing slopes to enjoy. From Sauze D’oulx you can visit the area Sestiere from where you can pass over the mountain tops into France.

Furthermore, both areas are great to visit in summer for hiking, mountain biking, river rafting, kayaking, horse riding, and much more. Visit the small art towns of Avigliana, Susa, and Pinerolo. In addition, it’s possible to visit ancient landmarks like Sacra Di San Michele, Exiles, and Fenestrelle.  

Another option is to explore the Aosta Valley which is a great travel destination both summer and winter. It is known as the smallest region in Italy offering the highest peaks of the Alps. If you’re looking for things to do in northern Italy, here you have endless activities to keep you entertained. Skiing is a given but in summer you also have the option of visiting ancient castles, hiking, trekking, river rafting, kayaking, and much more.

Visit the charming town of Champoluc and stay at a mountain refuge like Baita Belvedere. From there you can take many scenic trails as well as visit the highest thermal pool in Europe. Finally, this refugee is also famous for its kitchen and the whole valley is a foodie hotspot famous for its very own Fontina cheese, cold cuts, and wine from the region.

Tips for visiting: Prices around the Alps in Italy go up in the high season which is also the time for skiing. Know that the popular and best areas get extremely busy and it’s necessary to book ahead.

In summer the Alps have sunny and mild weather but it does get cold with the altitude. Since the weather can be shifty it’s a good idea to bring clothes for all types of weather.

While it is possible to catch many buses around the area, public transportation is inconsistent and limited to certain locations. The best option is to travel by car. Note that in winter snow chains are necessary.

Recommended by Josephine from Josephine Remo

Read Next: Important Things To Pack For Hiking

Location: Italian Alps (the mountain pass in the Dolomites in Northern Italy, near the border with Switzerland)

Highlights: This famous mountain pass, Passo dello Stelvio, has numerous hairpin bends and a view to die for. The pass is one of the highest paved ones in Italy at 2758 metres in height.

If you’re looking for cool things in Italy, this road features a multitude of hairpin bends and is a thrill to drive, either by car, motorbike or bicycle. It has breathtaking views from and on top of the pass. There are 75 hairpin bends, making it a challenge to drive. It has been part of the Giro d’Italia countless times.

The pass is situated in the Stelvio National Park, with wildlife and numerous hiking trails nearby. There are several hotels and restaurants on the Stelvio pass.

Tips for Visiting: The pass isn’t a toll road, and is free to enter and drive on. It isn’t kept snow free anymore, this was done before 2019. Since 2019 the road will be closed from the end of October to the beginning of May.

The Stelvio pass is perfect to include in a Trieste and Dolomites road trip . The Stelvio pass starts in Prato Allo Stelvio on the East side and ends in Bormio on the Western side. It can also be driven vice versa. The Stelvio pass can also be driven till halfway, the Umbrail pass starts halfway, this is the highest drivable pass in Switzerland.

Recommended by Cosette from Kars Travels

Take A Boat To The Blue Grotto

Location: Capri

Highlights: There are many indulgent things to do in Capri , Italy and no shortage of bucket list adventures. One of the best ways to see Capri is by boat, and the most famous attraction on the island is undoubtedly the Blue Grotto, la Grotta Azzura.

You can only visit the grotto with a ticket and a licensed guide, and at times there’s a long wait to get inside (depending on the time of year you visit). But the view inside is one of the most magnificent photo ops of a trip to Capri.

You’ll duck down low in a row boat to avoid bumping your head. Once inside, the view of the glowing water beneath your boat is simply enchanting. This is one of the most beautiful activities Italy has to offer.

Tips for Visiting: There’s more than one grotto to explore in Capri, and most tourists don’t know of two lesser-known grottoes — the Green Grotto and the White Grotto — where you can snorkel and splunk the nearby caves when the seas are calm.

Look for a guide that can take you to all three grottoes on a boat tour. If you want to spend the afternoon on the water and swim, it’s even worth the splurge on a longer tour.

Recommended by Lori from Travelin Mad

Related Article:  Love azure seas? You’ll adore the West Coast of Sicily, Italy

Experience Marmore Falls – World’s Tallest Man-Made Waterfall

Location: Marmore

Highlights: If you’re looking for unique things to do in Italy, one of the places you must see is Marmore Falls . It’s a historical waterfall that was created by the Romans around 271 BC to divert the Velino River away from a nearby city.

To this day, the beautiful waterfall is still the World’s tallest man-made waterfall with its 165-metre height. Marmore Falls has 3 tiers that can be seen from several viewpoints within the park – all of the views are different and offer unique sights of the waterfall.

Apart from its historical value and its beauty, Marmore Waterfall also helps create energy through the nearby hydroelectric power plant, which is pretty incredible in itself.

Tips for Visiting: Marmore Falls is pretty unique because it works on a schedule. Water is released twice a day and you will see a very powerful flow in the waterfall that creates energy for the nearby plant. The rest of the day, the waterfall flow is weak. So make sure to visit during the water release times for the best possible experience and bring a raincoat!

You can easily reach Marmore Town and the waterfall from Terni with a direct train. Just make sure to look up the opening hours and water release before your visit. There is an entrance fee to the waterfall and park.

Recommended by Cecile from Worldwide Walkers

Walk the Medieval Walls of Lucca

Location: Lucca

Highlights: The Tuscan city of Lucca is built like a fortress, surrounded by walls meant to protect it in Medieval times. Today, the walls, or Mura di Lucca, are hailed as one of the city’s top attractions, and walking the 4km path on top of them is a must-do Italy landmark.

From atop the Mura di Lucca, you can spot many of the most famous and historical structures of the old town. Some you’ll see close up like the stunning Cathedral San Martino. And some like the Torre Guinigi, aka the Tree Tower, make the city look magical from above.

You’ll pass the botanical gardens, the Palazzo Pfanner, museums, statues, and much more. And if you turn around and look away from the city centre, you’ll have a 180-degree mountain view.

Tips for Visiting: Walking the walls of Lucca is a great way to start your visit. You’ll be able to get a feel for where things are, and which sights may warrant taking a closer look.

There is no fee, so you can take this glorious promenade as many times as you’d like. And you can walk a bit, go have lunch at one of the amazing Lucca restaurants , and then come back and walk it off.

Seven gates or entrances allow cars to pass through the walls. At these gates lie the access to the top. So no matter where you stay, a gate will be close by.

The wide tree-lined path itself is quite beautiful, and you’ll find many locals riding bikes, running, and strolling babies.

Recommended by Denise of Chef Denise

Related Article:  Can’t resist a Medieval City? Then visit Erice near Trapani, Italy

Explore the Labyrinth of Matera’s Historic Sassi

Location:  Matera

Highlights: Matera is an ancient city located in southern Italy. It is a UNESCO world heritage site with a fascinating history dating as far back as the palaeolithic era. Although it is quickly becoming a tourist destination, Matera was once known as the “shame of Italy”.

For thousands of years, the inhabitants of this community lived without electricity, running water, or proper sewage systems. People lived side by side with livestock inside their homes and in the narrow passageways. Disease and poverty were rampant within the community. Eventually, the residents were forced to evacuate, leaving Matera abandoned for several years.

In the 1980s a group of investors moved in and transformed the network of cave dwellings, or the Sassi, into luxury hotels and boutique restaurants. Although modern amenities have been added, the history and culture of the region has been perfectly preserved.

There is nothing quite like it anywhere else in Italy. Matera has served as a filming location for period films including the Passion of the Christ and Ben Hur.  One of the most fun activities in Italy is to explore the Labyrinth of ancient streets.

Tips for Visiting: Matera is located in southern Italy, approximately 1 hour from the eastern coast and the Adriatic Sea. Although there are no roads and thus no vehicles permitted within the Sassi, there are several parking areas located just on the perimeter of the village. Those planning to spend the night inside the Sassi, should pack lightly and be prepared to walk as there are many stone stairs involved.

The best way to experience Matera is to get lost in the maze of stairs and corridors. One path may lead to a dead end, while another may lead to an incredible overlook of the Sassi or an ancient church carved into stone. While in Matera, it is also recommended to visit Alberobello , a neighbouring community known for its fairy-tale-like Trulli dwellings.

Recommended by Cecilia from Lovicarious

Location: Province of Salerno,  Campania

Highlights: If you’re interested in historical things to see, Italy has them in abundance. The Greek Temples at Paestum are probably one of the most significant monuments to visit in Italy.

This World UNESCO Heritage Site is impressive and not as often visited because of its remote location but definitely worth the effort. The ancient city has three large temples that are well preserved along with other ruins around the city perimeter that make Paestum a half-day or whole-day trip.

Outside of the main historic temples, you can find a variety of smaller tombs, the main thoroughfare that leads to the temples from the main gate, a sunken circular Ekklesiasterion dated around 480 BC and a fantastic museum that houses the main artefacts, murals and other collections that were found around the site.

The museum brings the UNESCO site to life with all of the found art, artefacts and collections of Paestum and gives an impression of daily life, art, food, lifestyle, traditions and day-to-day living in the area.

You’ll love exploring this historic site and better yet, know that this UNESCO site is not as well visited as many other ruins from around Italy.

Tips for Visiting: Getting here is easiest done by car, however, you can also use public transport. It’s located about an hour and a half train ride from Naples, the train ride is fairly quick and access to the city entrance is just a short walk from the main station close to the UNESCO site.

There is very little shade at the ruins, so if you’re visiting during the peak of summer take sunglasses and sunscreen. Also, some of the terrain is uneven, so wear sturdy shoes.

Recommended by Noel Morata from Travel Photo Discovery

Location: Siena

Highlights: While Siena, in the heart of Tuscany, may be best known for the famous Palio horse race that takes place twice a year in Central Square, you’ll also find that it makes a great day trip from Florence to visit the stunning Duomo built of white stone and rose marble.

One of the top things to see in Italy is the Cathedral Complex at Siena. One of the best ways to tour the Duomo and the entire Complex is with the Opa Si Pass which gives you access to all areas.

Discover the Cathedral which features treasures from Bernini, Donatello, and Michelangelo and then visit the Piccolomini Library. Other interesting places here are the Baptistry of San Giovanni, the Crypt, and Museo dell’Opera. Then wander through the Santa Maria della Scala Hospital and Museum.

If you’re feeling energetic, then climb the circular steps to the Panoramic Terrace of the Duomo Nuovo. This unfinished facade of the Duomo offers 360° of breathtaking views of Siena.

Tips for Visiting: Siena makes a perfect day trip from Florence. Whether travelling by car or bus (train is not available), it takes about 75 minutes. If you are arriving by car, note that Siena is a limited-traffic area. Several parking lots are available outside of the historical city centre.

The Opa Si Pass, which is valid for three days, allows you to immerse yourself in the history of Siena, view significant masterpieces, and take a step back into Medieval times.

From April to October, the complex is open from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, with reduced hours of 10:30 am to 5:30 pm between November and March.

Recommended by Jolayne from Simply Jolayne

Visit Lake Como, Bellagio and Varena

Location: Lake Como, Lombardy

Highlights: Lake Como, is an Italy must-see, located in the Lombardy region in the north of Italy, is the third largest lake in the country. It is also one of the most beautiful places in Italy. Be ready to see colourful buildings, famous villas, and impressive mountain views, and enjoy the local cuisine.

Visiting Lake Como is a worthy Italy bucket list destination. You will love discovering unique small towns that overlook the breathtaking lake.

There are many towns surrounding Lake Como, but Bellagio and Varenna are two towns you shouldn’t miss. They have picturesque streets with peek-a-boo views of the lake, alfresco restaurants, and exceptional villas with lush gardens.

Tips for Visiting: It is a very popular destination and can get crowded. This is why visiting Lake Como off-season is the best option. Although the weather may not be as good as it is in the summer months, it’s still pleasant with warm days and cool evenings. The trade-off is that you will enjoy Lake Como with fewer crowds.

You can go on a day trip from Milan to Bellagio and Varenna, and visit their main attractions and sites, but you need to spend more than a day to fully enjoy both places without rushing.

When visiting any of the towns in Lake Como, make sure to wear comfortable shoes. There are many cobblestone streets, and you will need to take many stairs to access viewpoints, restaurants, and attractions.

Recommended by Cristina of My Little World of Travelling

Throw Coins Into the Trevi Fountain

Highlights: Legend says that if you throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain, you’ll one day return to Rome. The 18th Century Baroque fountain is the biggest of its kind in the city and probably one of the most famous fountains in the world. It stands 26.3 metres high (86 ft) and is 49.15 metres wide (161.3 ft)

If you’ve wondered what are some fun things to do in Italy, tossing a coin here is one of them.  Each day, around €3,000 are tossed into the fountain. Over a year, this mounts up to approximately €1,000,000. The money gets donated to charity.

Tips for Visiting: The fountain is one of the best things to see in Rome, and features pretty much on every city walking tour you do. If you want to visit it without the crowds, then get there early in the morning.

If you’re after a quirky way of seeing it, then you can also opt for the underground tour of Trevi to view the area from a different perspective.

Shop for Jewellery on Ponte Vecchio

Highlights: The Medieval Ponte Vecchio translates to ‘Old Bridge’. Its arched structure stretching over the Arno River holds space for various vendors. This was the only bridge in Florence that survived World War 2 and historically was home to butchers and tanners.

Although the bridge has changed little in appearance over the years, today the shops are home to jewellery, fine crafts and art dealers. If you’re looking for fun stuff to do in Italy walking across here, and perusing the works is a must-do.

Tips for Visiting : The bridge is only open to foot traffic now, however, the number of tourists twinned with how narrow the bridge is, and people stopping to browse, means that bottlenecks often happen. If you’re wanting to enjoy it in a calmer atmosphere, go early in the day.

Also, because this is an incredibly busy area, pickpocketing around here is common. Keep your valuables safe and use a money belt .

It’s also worth noting that if you attach anything to the bridge, you risk getting a fine. Over 5000 ‘love locks’ were removed by the local council between 2005-6 because they ruin the aesthetics of the bridge as well as caused damage.

Scuba Diving Italy’s Sunken City of Baia

Location: Gulf of Naples

Highlights: If you’re an avid diver and looking for unusual things to do in Italy, then consider adding the sunken city of Baia to your itinerary. The city of Baia dates back to the Roman Ages when it was a vacation destination for the rich and powerful. It’s built over medicinal hot springs thanks to the natural volcanic vents in the region.

During the 16th century, the land dropped about 6 metres below sea level. This sank about half of the city into a shallow bay.

Today, you can book diving trips and swim amongst the sunken architectural remains which include statues, columns and mosaics. If you’re after fun things in Italy, this needs to be top of your to-do list.

Tips for Visiting: You will want to be confident with your diving here so you can control your buoyancy at the archaeological site. The depths are relatively shallow and range from 4 metres to 12 metres (13 and 42 feet).

The water is at its warmest between July and September, at around 23 degrees (75F), so depending on how easily you feel the cold, you might want to wear a 3-5mm shorty wetsuit.

How Many Are On Your Italian Bucket List?

Wow, if you made it to the end, well done! How’s your ultimate Italy bucket list shaping up? This article showcases the multitude of outstanding attractions and experiences in Italy. These ideas are so diverse, that there really is something for every type of traveller on here.

How many of these things to see in Italy are you going to add to your Italy travel itinerary?

Download the Italy bucket list items checklist and get it sent straight to your inbox.

Looking for More Things To Do In Italy

If you’re planning to visit Italy, take a look at these other useful guides for more inspiration.

• Discover more Italy Travel Guides here
• Find other Travel Bucket List Ideas
• Planning your travel? then check out these travel tips

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If you found this Italian bucket list guide useful, or know someone who would, then share or pin it for future reference.

Still wondering what is there to do in Italy or have a question about this article? then head to the Contact page and drop me a message.

Hey, I'm Becki......and I'm a self-confessed travel addict and experience connoisseur!

In other words, I’m a bucket-list traveller, on a mission to experience the best things our fabulous little planet has to offer with the least environmental impact.

When I'm not climbing mountains, scuba diving, spotting wildlife or exploring ruins, you'll probably find me sipping coffee, or with a glass of wine in hand planning my next adventure.

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THE 10 BEST Italy Adventure Activities

Best adventurous things to do in italy.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Florence Historic Center
• Centro Catania
• Adventurous
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Kids
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Galleria Borbonica

2. Mount Etna

Recommended Adventurous Experiences (2,635)

3. Underground Naples

4. Catacombe di San Gennaro

5. Gardaland Park

6. Napoli Sotterranea

7. Cupola del Brunelleschi

8. Stelvio Pass

9. Forte di Fenestrelle

10. Sidereus

11. Napulitanata

12. Jonian Dolphin Conservation

13. Strada della Forra

14. Pushstart

15. MUSA - Museo Universitario delle Scienze e delle Arti

16. Miglio Sacro

17. Dialogo nel Buio

18. Museo Storico Piana delle Orme

19. Bresciaunderground APS

20. Museo Faggiano

21. Museo delle Arti Sanitarie

23. Walk of the Gods

24. Paintball Milano

25. Grotte di Falvaterra

26. Setteventi del Pollino

27. Bunker H

28. Maso Guez

29. I Love Maranello

30. Cinque Torri

What travelers are saying

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Active Tours & Trips in Italy

Find the right active tour for you in Italy. There are 76 trips to choose from, that range from 3 days in length, up to 15 days. The month with the most departures is September, making it the most popular time to visit Italy.

76 Active tour packages in Italy with 307 reviews

• Train & Rail

Alps By Bernina Train & Northern Lakes - 6 Days

Excellent choice of places to visit. Tour Leader Chiara was fantastc. Nino the Driver was also very professional and friendly. Would recommend this tour to all my friends and acquaintances.

Best of Apulia region - 9 days (Small Group)

The destinations and hotel accomodations were excellent. We did this trip during the late May and early June timeframe. Our tour was promoted as a 14 person max tour which was not exactly true. There were 2 groups of people split by English Speaking and Spanish Speaking. There were 2 seperate groups but touring the same places, hotels and restuarants. More people then to deal with and figure out logistics and wait time. Overall fairly smooth but room for improvement by decreasing wait time staying on schedule. The tour left a little late each morning so we had less time to see the sights and our free time to explore on our own. Our guides English comprehension was limited and difficult to understand the English with her heavy Italy accent. The tour would be much better just having a group of 20 or less and a better guide that could explain the sights better.

• Christmas & New Year

LITTLE ITALY

• In-depth Cultural
• Local Living
• Hiking & Trekking

Local Living Italy—Amalfi Coast

The accommodations were in great locations allowing quick access to sightseeing. The food included at the St.Alfonso agrotourismo was delicious. The whole tour was very well planned out. No time was wasted and the mix between activities and relaxation was perfect. The guide Stefano did an amazing job and made sure everyone had a great time!!

Sail Italy: Procida to Amalfi

Fantastic sailing tour.

Italy Family Holiday

I took my 12 year old son on the Intrepid Family Adventure. We had an amazing time. The guide was helpful, considerate and lots of fun. Playing games with the kids in the pool and making sure everyone was comfortable and happy. The pace was fantastic for a family with the mornings full of exploring with the group and the afternoons reserved for free time for families to spend together. Our highlight was the sailing trip to Capri. Can't recommend highly enough

• Coach / Bus

A Taste of Italy: 8 Days

If you want to see a lot of Italy in a short amount of time this is the tour for you! Our guides and driver were fantastic. They took all the guess work out of the equation with their guidance on Italian culture and recommendations of good restaurants and safe areas to visit during free time. Be prepared for a lot of walking as much of Italy is best accessed via walking tours. There is beauty around every corner. If walking is difficult for you, be warned that the handicapped accessibility is not near the standard we find in the USA. All of our hotels were great—clean and comfortable. The bus was well appointed and had free WiFi.

Ultimate Italy

Like that I do not have to do any transportation arrangements. Just follow the ceo to the right place and get off when he says. No worries for someone who does not normally use public transportation. Like the new town orientation upon arrival and then do our own thing for the next day. Like that the supper reservations were made for us and get together with the group then. Like that we were shown the atms, and local grocery shops for snacks and anything needed for the next trip

Mamma Mia! - 13 Days/12 Nights

Thank you Eduardo & Italy on a Budget for a once in a lifetime visit to Italy ??!!

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

4-Day Rome, Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento and Capri

Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy

Although I have traveled often this was my first experience with an organized/guided tour. The tour was exactly as described. Our guide Gabriele was an outstanding host. He ensured we were well informed of all details throughout our journey which made it stress free and fun. He went above and beyond organizing a few group dinners. The one that stands out in my mind was our dinner in Lecce in a piazza under a star and moonlit sky. It was like a dream. Accommodations were characteristic of the town, clean and with friendly staff. Daily breakfast were fresh , abundant with plenty of variety. My personal favourite Apricot Crostata! If you take this trip here a few tips; - wear comfortable shoes with good treads. It would be difficult to navigate Materra and Alberobello in flip flops. - arrive hungry saving room for a gelato or two - be prepared to pay a small city tax to each hotel. It’s minor but in my opinion it would be more convenient for staff and guests if it were included. - take lots of pictures Pulgia…you won’t be disappointed. The tour was busy yet somehow I returned home relaxed. Buon Viaggio!!

• Mountain Hikes

Dolomites Adventure

• Kayak & Canoe

Italian Lakes District Adventure

Tailor-Made Private Italy Tour to Tuscany

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

Authentic Umbria

Wonderful experience. Raffaella was a fabukous host and cooking instructor. Our driver Paolo went above and beyond to accommodate my injured knee and its limitations; our tour guides were grest, especially Paolo, were knowledgeable and apleasure to spend time

What people love about Active Tours in Italy

Fantastic guide Salvo…wonderful people on the tour. I would have loved a local wine / lemon farm tour to have been included. The hikes (I did the first 3 ) were great , but calling the tour local living without doing some of the real local experiences is a little disappointing.

Regions in Italy

• South Italy (39)
• Northern Italy (20)
• Italian Alps (15)
• Central Italy (14)
• Campania (14)
• Sicily (11)
• Amalfi Coast (10)
• The Dolomites (10)
• Trentino Alto-Adige (7)
• Prosecco (7)
• Tuscany (6)
• Lazio, Marche & Abruzzo (6)
• South Tyrol (6)
• Italian Lakes District (5)

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The Ultimate Travel Guide to Italy

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• Best Places To Visit in Italy

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What’s not to love about Italy? Visitors and locals can find activities tailor-made to suit their vacation dreams in this legendary European nation. Whether that be constant consumption of Italian cuisine and sampling of fine wines, rugged adventures in the Alps, scenic bike rides in the countryside, beach lazing by the Meditteranean Sea, endless explorations of Roman and medieval ruins, and so much more. The bottom line: Italy is fun, stunning, and diverse.

In this Italy adventure travel guide, you’ll discover essential tips on hidden gems, exciting explorations, and other necessary information to ease your overall trip planning experience. Read on for detailed Italy travel tips!

Disclosure: This post contains references to products or services from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you buy one of these products or services. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page .

Within the towering Alps, misty sealine, and rolling countryside of Italy, you'll find just over 60 million residents. Add the number of tourists flocking here, and you get a lively, exciting nation. But tucked into this boot-shaped country stands various layers of landscape and history: mountains, lush countryside, Roman ruins, crumbling castles, a lengthy coastline. So while the cities may attract massive numbers of tourists and locals alike, it's pretty easy to find a quiet place somewhere in nature to escape to.

Italy's rich, powerful past is part of what makes this European nation such a fascinating place to visit today. Most of us are well aware of the once-world power, the mighty Roman Empire, which reached its peak in 177 AD. And you can see remnants of this dominant empire scattered throughout Italy (and Europe, for that matter). Catholicism is also a huge part of Italy's culture. In 2017, around 74% of the population claimed to be Roman Catholic Christians.

In Italy's capital city, Rome, you'll find an assortment of ruins and monuments that allude to Italy's storied past, such as the Colosseum. Within this medieval-ridden city sits a small country: Vatican City, the Roman Catholic Church's headquarters. The Pope lives in the Vatican Palace!

The official language is Italian, but you'll find that some speak English, French, German, and Slovene (to name a few). In the Aosta Valley, French is a co-official language alongside Italian. However, don't go to Italy and expect to speak English all of the time! Do brush up on common Italian phrases before you go.

Okay, now that you have some background info, let's get to the fun part: choosing where to travel! We will start by detailing some of the best places to have adventures in Italy.

Best Places to Visit in Italy

When you think of travel adventures in Italy, what are the first few words that pop into your head? Cheese, pizza, Roman ruins, gelato, historic architecture, cobblestone streets, wine? Okay, now intertwine your favourite Italian staples with soaring natural masterpieces. Think about some of the best places to visit in Italy, such as the rolling hills of green in Tuscany, the jet-high peaks dotting Alpi Marittime Natural Park, the Dolomites, and Gran Paradiso National Park, or the cliffs flanking the sea along the Amalfi Coast. Just imagine going on exciting adventures by day and sipping wine and munching on pizza by night. It sounds pretty magical, doesn’t it?

Take a look at some of the best places to visit in Italy (regions, provinces, and cities) below for inspiration on where to plan your adventure!

The Dolomites

Adventurers unite! Situated in northeastern Italy stands the imposing, all-mighty Dolomites. This mountain range attracts avid explorers seeking a wild immersion into Italy. You can spend days wandering the trails carved around these giant grey peaks, going from hut to hut. But this mountain paradise isn’t tailored for just hikers; road and mountain bikers, rock climbers, and river rafters will feel in their element here.

To top it off, when the undulations and meadows become laden with snow, skiers, snowboarders, and snowshoers will get a chance to explore this natural adventure hub, too.

Read our Dolomites trip planner !

Amalfi Coast

Excellent pizza and legendary coastal hikes? Sign me up! You probably don’t need much convincing to visit here—um, hello, salty breezes, charming towns, soaring seaside cliffs, excellent food. Still, you may want to know which town suits your vacation style best: Praiano and Conca dei Marini, Maiori and Minori, Ravello, or Positano.

Young couples and night owls will appreciate Positano. Honeymooners seeking a romantic getaway and excellent beaches will fall in love with not only their significant other but with the sunny vibes cloaking Praiano and Conca dei Marini. Families will enjoy the welcoming atmosphere in Maiori and Minori. While Ravello offers a quieter feel and stunning seaside views—there’s no beach here, though.

Find out more about what to do in the Amalfi Coast via this ultimate trip guide !

With ancient tales carved into Roman ruins, endless pizza options, cobblestone streets, gelato, Rome really is a tourist hotspot. But when you’re imagining what the Colosseum was like thousands of years ago or gazing at the dazzling architecture of the Trevi Fountain, all notice of crowds will fade away, and the magnificent attractions will steal your focus. Rome may not be an adventurers paradise, but the amount of walking you’ll do will make you feel like you’ve gone on some grand time travelling hike.

Cinque Terre

With canals snaking through marble palaces, it’s hard not to fall in love with the grandeur atmosphere blanketing Venice. Feel like a fairytale storybook has swallowed you into its pages as you meander Venetian architecture, a collection of churches, enjoy Venetian tapas, sips of prosecco, and so much more. Venice is glitz, glamour, and humbly astonishing all at once.

Shades of green coat the ever-so-lovely region of Umbria. The charming area boasts remarkable long-distance walking pathways, such as the famous St. Francis Way Assisi to Spoleto Walking Tour . When it comes to vibes, Umbria is enchanting, inviting, intoxicating. It unveils glimpses of Italy’s legendary past, pleases visitors with its smorgasbord of local cuisine, and provides ample opportunities to easily explore the countryside by bike or foot without working up too much of a sweat.

Flanked by soaring snow-capped peaks, Aosta invites adventurers and travellers from all over. Just moments away from town, you can find Gran Paradiso National Park , an exploration playground for hikers and mountain bikers in the summer, and a blissful snowy wonderland for skiers and snowboarders in the winter. Bundled within Aosta stands a historic centre crumbled together by Roman ruins.

What’s not to love about Tuscany? A visit to Tuscany blends history, beauty, and mesmerizing scenery into one unforgettable holiday! Just think of the rolling hills of green growing olives and grapes intertwined with charming villages and cities, such as Florence, Siena, Pisa, Lucca, San Gimignano, Volterra, to name a few. And you can’t go to Tuscany without sampling some of the local wine!

However, Tuscany isn’t all undulating green hills in the countryside; to the north boasts of a mountainous region, thanks to the imposing Apuan Alps, and the Etruscan coastal area gives you attractive beaches. There’s even a desert in Tuscany: the Accona Desert. Who knew Tuscany was so diverse?

Our ultimate guide to planning a trip to Tuscany may help to ease your woes of choosing where to stay in this vast, stunning region!

Otherwise known as the Italian Riviera, Liguria boasts of exceptional beaches and awesome adventures like hiking , snorkelling, and sea kayaking. This area is also home to Cinque Terre!

The dramatic scenery fused with the medieval stories embedded in Cinque Terre’s five fishing villages makes for an entertaining trip! While the centuries-old architecture captivates, the images of the seaside cliffs holding these fishing villages up high will intoxicate. It’s no wonder that Cinque Terre has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. While most flock to this region for the beaches, it also holds a concoction of hiking trails, most notably the route from Monterosso to Manarola , which winds to an array of vistas from atop the inviolable cliffs.

Epic places like Genoa, San Remo, Portofino are also situated in Liguria.

Nestled at the foot of the Alps, Piedmont not only attracts due to its mountainous backdrop, but it’s also a vineyard paradise! When it comes to architectural marvels in this region, you’ll find medieval castles, like the Castle of Ivrea, and city vibes in Turin. You can also enter Gran Paradiso National Park from the Piedmont region. One of the entrances is super close to Turin. Piedmont perfectly fuses relaxation with adventure—it caters to whatever vibe you’re feeling. Either way, you’ll get an authentic Italian experience.

Spend time exploring the salty coastline, hill towns, and endless farmland, embroidered with history in the heel of Italy’s boot. Several people overlook Puglia when planning a trip to Italy, making it a less crowded option that still explodes with the quintessential Italian attractions, such as food and drink (particularly bread, pasta, cheese, wine), ancient architecture (white Trulli huts), and castles. This southern region is also an ideal spot for beach and sea lovers!

Hiking in Italy

We can’t say this enough, but there really are endless things to do in Italy. Outside of the typical delights and attractions, adventure seekers will find a crazy amount of things to do in Italy, ranging from biking, hiking, skiing, whale watching, beach-friendly activities

Let’s take a look at some of the best adventures in Italy.

When it comes to top-notch hiking spots, Italy is rich. Seriously. This country is rolling in million-dollar trails carved into epic mountainous regions. For grand excursions, go hiking in the Dolomites , where soaring grey peaks cradle shimmering lakes and wildflowers blanket meadows. The views are otherworldly, supernatural, and unforgettable. One of the best hikes in the Dolomites is the Lago di Sorapiss Hike . This 13.5 km route winds past rocky peaks to a vibrant blue lake, backed by mountains.

You can also find magical hiking in Gran Paradiso National Park . You can access the collection of stunning trails from either Piedmont or Aosta. If you’re in this region, consider the Alpe Money Hike for 16.3 km of pure natural bliss!

But that’s not all! Explore more phenomenal trails in Alpi Marittime Natural Park . If you want a super long hike—which can turn into a backpacking adventure—look into the 22.1 km Rifugio Pagari Hike . This one is tough. You can stay at the Rifugio Nice del overnight!

Okay, two more? For hikes with cliffside sea views, look into the best hikes on the Amalfi Coast , and for meanders in rolling hills of green, check out the most epic hikes in Tuscany .

Skiing and snowboarding

Can’t make it to Italy in the thick of summer? No problem. You’ll get to enjoy the powdery bliss blanketing the mountains lining this country backyard. All skills levels can find a ski resort best suited for their vacation:

• Beginners and young families will enjoy Passo del Tonale Ski Resort .
• Intermediate skiers and snowboarders and families will love the slopes at Corvara .
• Experts will appreciate the long runs at Cervinia , which also connects to Zermatt, the Swiss resort.

The region of Piedmont also offers exceptional heli-skiing opportunities. The Monterosa ski park gives unspoiled powdered bliss in the hush of the wild. There are 20 drop zones within this area.

Sea activities

Grab your paddles, your snorkel, your towel, and go to the water! The salty coastline wrapping around a lot of Italy makes for fun water activities—or beach lazing if that’s what you’re in the mood for. Let’s take a look at some water sports you can do:

Navigate the blue waters within the Gulf of Naples! If you go to Sorrento, you can paddle along Roman ruins—who wouldn’t want to combine adventure with some fascinating remnants of Italian history? You can avoid the planning process altogether by booking the Amalfi Coast and Ischia Walking Tour !

Scuba diving

It's almost impossible with so many seafront locations not to grab your snorkelling or diving gear and swim with the rainbow of fish. Find extraordinary diving opportunities on the Amalfi Coast, where you can swim through caverns and caves. Or Sardinia provides vibrant images of the underwater world. Meanwhile, Portofino has you gliding in super clear water, and you can explore shipwrecks in Sicily.

Italy is home to an array of stunning, pristine beaches! Suppose you're going to Italy for a blend of delicious local cuisine and sun-soaking. In that case, Scala dei Turchi in Sicily, Atrani in Campania, or Chiaia di Luna in Ponza or La Pelosa in Sardinia may suit your vacation style. Most of these beaches are backed by soaring cliffs or charming, storied towns.

Sailing the Mediterranean Sea gives unique perspectives of seaside towns, cliff-backed beaches, and Roman ruins. Discover scenic excursions along the Amalfi Coast, in the Italian Riviera, or around Sicily.

Camping in Italy

You can find camping opportunities all over Italy! While most North Americans bring hot dogs, marshmallows, and beer, be prepared to pack bread, fancy cheese (for Canadian standards), and wine!

If you’re driving across Italy, you can look out for camper stops ( Aree di Sosta ). They may not be the most picturesque spots in the world, but they give you a chance to live on a budget. Use the app Park4Night to find where to go as it’s tough to find an official list of these places.

Another option is to go farm camping, giving you a chance to stay somewhere for super cheap and learn a little about local life. You may have luck finding these particular locations at Go Campr .

Travellers with caravans, tents, and campervans will also enjoy the luxuries offered at camping villages. Some of these places even have swimming pools. The website, PitchUp , may help you find a decent spot to park your van or pitch your tent.

Coastal mountainside Italian town by the ocean

Now we’re on to the super fun part: choosing your adventure tour in Italy. If you prefer planning your own vacations, let the following tours be a source of inspiration. However, if you want to skip the tedious planning process, take a look at the memorable adventure trips in Italy below.

Italy’s Biking Tours

Alba Bike Tour : This 6-day guided biking tour winds through Piedmont’s lush countryside, unveils exquisite views and includes scrumptious fulfilling dishes of local cuisine and sips of great wine. Collect images of historical wonders, such as the medieval castle in Barolo, en route!

Puglia Cycling Tour : Cycle from Polignano a Mare to Lecce, along Italy’s heel, on this 8-day self-guided tour! The Puglia Cycling Tour seamlessly blends adventure with refreshing sea views. But that’s not all. You’ll pedal by a film reel of mesmerizing villages, such as Alberobello, where you can marvel at lanes of Trulli’s (white stone houses).

Tuscany Cycling from Pisa to Florence : Squeeze in exercise and iconic city explorations as you wind through verdant Tuscany scenery on this 7-day self-guided cycling tour. Enjoy stops at classy wineries and rolling pictures of Tuscany’s striking countryside. Stamp the beginning and end of your journey with sightseeing opportunities in Pisa and Florence.

Italy’s Hiking Tours

Aosta Valley Hiking Tour : Say goodbye to the hustle and bustle of reality and escape to the Alps. This 9-day self-guided hiking tour winds to remarkable landscapes and sprawling views, but just because you’re in the mountains doesn’t mean you won’t escape cheese (expect Fontina and Toma cheeses). Spend your evenings in cozy mountain towns and your days climbing to breathtaking views.

Dolomites Hut to Hut Hiking tour : Traverse wild meadows, alpine lakes, refreshing forests as you hike from hut to hut in the Dolomites on this 7-day self-guided tour. Plus, travelling from hut to hut doesn’t require you to carry super heavy backpacking bags, so you can enjoy the fascinating scenery passing you by without the extra weight.

Hiking in Sardinia : Trek deep into the unspoiled landscapes cloaking Sardinia on this 8-day self-guided hiking tour. Encounter a compilation of ancient ruins and stunning scenery on this trip—as well as tasty local dishes. Enjoy dips in the sea en route, too!

Walking tours

Campania Guided Walking Tour : Explore the heart of Naples, La Mortella Gardens on Ischia, and go on a day trip to Capri. This 6-day guided walking tour really packs a punch when it comes to scenic sights and cultural delights. You’ll also go on a 3-4 hour hike on the only active volcano on Europe’s mainland: Mount Vesuvius.

Syracuse and Southern Sicily Walking Tour : Hop in a time-travelling machine and go back to Italy’s prehistoric era on this 7-day guided walking tour. Explore a montage of archaeological delights and rest your feet each night at a cozy Sicilian countryside farmhouse.

Walking and Wine Tour through Barola : Pair daily exercise with a supercut of Piedmont countryside views and samplings of some of the best wines in the region on this 8-day self-guided tour! This tour takes you on a long-distance walk that twists to and through attractive villages and by phenomenal historical remnants and incredible views.

Family-friendly tours in Italy

Ischia Family Tour : This 7-day guided family-friendly tour provides neverending entertainment for the entire family! Learn how to make pizza together, go to a suspended ropes course, admire the Mortella Gardens, marvel at the Aragon Castle, and so much more.

Italy’s outdoors flourishes with diverse landscapes and enchanting seascapes. To the north, you’ll find foothills holding Lake Garda and Lake Como while the snow-capped Alps and Dolomites soar in the backdrop. Go south, and picturesque meadows, rolling hills—growing grapes and olives—and bubbling brooks dividing the green scenery will captivate. Continue going south to encounter three towering volcanoes: Mount Vesuvius, a volcano on Stromboli, and Mount Etna (on Sicily).

To top it off, 8,000.0 km of coastline hug this boot-shaped country. Find soaring jagged cliffs along the Amalfi Coast and pristine sandy beaches on Sardinia . Four different seas surround Italy, too! You’ll find the Adriatic Sea in the east, splash in the Ligurian Sea or the Tyrrhenian Sea in the north, and bathe in the Ionian Sea in the south. These four seas are arms, extensions, bays, and parts of the Mediterranean Sea!

During your adventures in Italy’s outdoors, you may spot some animals roaming their natural habitat. Look out for Lynx in central Italy or the north. It’s rare to spot one, but still keep your eye out for it. Other wildlife to look out for are grey wolves, marmots, golden eagles, Corsican hare, ibex (wild goats), and wild boars.

Moped bike on cobblestone street between colourful houses in italy

What do Italy's travel costs look like? The following numbers come from Numbeo , personal resources within our 10Adventures team, and various other websites.

Food and drink

Before you read this section, keep in mind that you can always go cheaper by shopping at grocery stores! In general, cheese (and not just cheddar cheese, but good cheese), bread, and wine are way less expensive in Italy than in North America. However, it’s always fun to go out and eat at a restaurant! Here are some general meal costs (do note that some of these costs come from Numbeo):

Meal for two people at an average restaurant (three courses): 55 EUR (85 CAD) Beer and wine in a restaurant: Around 5 EUR (just under 8 CAD). Do note that outside of restaurants, you can find some bottles of wine (and they aren’t bad!) for as little as 2 EUR (around 3 CAD). Cappuccino: 1.38 EUR (2.15 CAD).

Transportation

You can rent a car, hop on the train, or take a bus to get around Italy. It’s super easy to go from one destination to the next via the train, but if you really want to cut costs, look into travelling via Flixbus or Blabla Bus !

For example, if you were to book a train from Florence to Rome, it could cost you anywhere between 35-85 CAD for a one-way ticket. Whereas travelling from Florence to Aosta can cost between 85 and 150 CAD for a one-way train ticket. It’s best to book in advance, but it’s still possible to book the day of (it will cost more).

Meanwhile, a one-way bus ticket (through Flixbus) from Florence to Aosta can cost between 58 CAD and 80 CAD. Of course, tickets will range in price depending on how far in advance you book and for which dates.

If you rent a car, be prepared to pay an arm and a leg for highway tolls and gas. According to Numbeo, a litre of gas can average out to 1.55 EUR (2.4 CAD). And car rentals typically cost over 20 CAD a day.

Accommodation

Accommodation in Italy can vary, just like most countries. For example, if you look at Booking.com for hotels in Rome in July, you can find places ranging from 30 to over 2,000 CAD. According to Budget Your Trip , the average accommodation for a night in Italy for two people costs 128 EUR (199 CAD).

When it comes to travel safety in Italy, this European nation takes the 34th spot in the world for being one of the safest places to visit. While crime happening on public transit, muggings, and the risk of women travelling alone are low, scams and pickpocketing are high. So keep your wits about you and don’t just place your wallet, phone, or passport in a loose pocket. And try to avoid randomly placing your bag down somewhere. But these dangers are similar to most cities in the world. Most people leave Italy without experiencing any problems!

The best time to visit Italy weather-wise is during the shoulder seasons: April to June and mid-September to October. The temperatures are pleasant and fewer people crowd the streets. It's warmest during the summer months (July and August), but this is the most popular time for tourists to visit. It doesn't get too cold in the south in the winter, but the north can experience snow.

Here are some places to consider going in the specific seasons:

Summer: It's best to go to beach-centric places since the weather can be sweltering. Consider checking out the Italian Riviera, Tyrrhenian Sea coast, or head to the mountains (Alps or Dolomites) for fewer crowds, less heat, and enjoyable hikes.

Fall and spring: These seasons are excellent times to go sightseeing in the cities, try out wine tours (fall), and spend time in the countryside. Consider checking out Tuscany's countryside (spring), Cinque Terre (fall), Piedmont (fall), Verona (spring), Florence (fall) during these months!

Winter: This is when the prices are low, and the visitors are few! Grab your skis and hit the mountains during this season. Head to the Dolomites or the Alps!

Beautiful countryside vineyard in Italy

Best Ways to get Around Italy

Like we mentioned earlier, you can easily get around Italy via public transport, you can rent a car, or if you want, you can look into taxis, although this option will be the most expensive.

For busses and travelling long distances across Italy, look into Flixbus or Blabla Bus. For trains, look into times or online booking options via Omio .

Want to be in charge of when you go and how long you take? You can find rental options on Discover Cars !

Do note that there’s only Uber in Rome and Milan, and it’s Uber Black, meaning jacked prices. Most people use taxis as an alternative to Uber. You can look into the app mytaxi , which is an excellent substitute for Uber.

If you’re staying in the city, it’s easy to get around on foot, but countryside locations may require you to rent a car to get around.

To get to places in Italy quickly (and for cheap), you can fly via the notorious, well-known Ryanair . Sometimes the prices are crazy low, so look out for seat sales. But it’s best to bring a carry-on bag on these flights to keep the price at a minimum, so you may need to leave your luggage somewhere else. They’re also strict with the size of your carry on; either wear a lot of clothes on the plane or pack super light.

You can find many places to stay in Italy, whether you're looking for swanky, chill, cheap, or rugged. It's common for people to choose to stay in hostels or to book bed and breakfast.

When it comes to booking places to stay in Italy, it's pretty straightforward: you'll find an abundance of hostels, hotels, and even Airbnb or Vrbo (they offer beach houses, condos, cabins, and maybe you can find a mountain hut to stay on your hikes) options in the cities, but if you want to visit somewhere in the countryside, look into Airbnb or Vrbo options.

As we mentioned above, if you have a caravan, campervan, you can use the app Park4Night to find a spot to park your car and sleep. Or you can check out camping villages if you have a tent!

For hostels, look into Hostelworld ! You'll find a collection of hostels dotting each city, some tailor-made for backpackers and partying, while other hostels, while still budget-friendly, can be more on the upscale side.

And with hotels, we prefer using typical hotel search sites, but with historical masterpieces and natural wonders scattered across Italy, it's hard to ignore some incredible unique locations to stay.

For example, in the Umbria area, you can rest your head in a 1,000-year-old castle. Behind the ancient walls, you'll find modern amenities that work to elevate the luxurious ambiance, such as a pool, WiFi, restaurant, and bar. You can find more details on this magical castle at booking.com .

Experience the best view of the Dolomites at the Miramonti Boutique Hotel , where expansive windows replace walls, giving a sky-high view of the layers of snow-capped mountains sprawled from just outside your hotel to the horizon. It's the perfect location for adventurers who want to explore by day and bask in luxury by night!

While we’ve mentioned some remarkable travel tools already, it may help you to see our favourite ones to use (and more) in one spot. Let’s take a look at awesome tools and apps to use to make your planning experience a little easier.

To Book Accommodation

The following sites give you a chance to filter your search to help you find your ideal accommodation for your budget!

• Booking.com
• Expedia.com

For fantastic bed and breakfast finds, we suggest looking into vrbo.com !

To Book Flights

The websites shared below scan a variety of sources for the best deals! We like using:

• Skyscanner.com
• CheapOair.com

To Rent a Car

We’ve mentioned Discover Cars, but we really like rentalcars.com . You can find a plethora of cars, listed from small to medium to large to SUVs on this site. And they’re affordable!

And many of our team members also love using Europcar , which we found were always very helpful and easygoing.

Beautiful mountain peaks in Italy

To Get Gear

The following provide excellent gear for outdoor adventures, whether you’re looking for intense backpacking gear, simple hiking swag, adventure-friendly clothes, shoes and boots, or other outdoor-related equipment and accessories.

We advise checking out:

• Arc'teryx
• Helly Hansen
• Backcountry.com
• Running Room

Other Useful Travel Services

We’ve talked about various transportation and camping apps throughout this article, such as Flixbus, Omio, Blabla Bus, but it’s also worth mentioning:

• Airportparkingreservations.com ! Americans and Canadians can look into this service to find ideal deals and places to park their car while they’re away.

Italy is within the Schengen area! Many citizens from a vast collection of countries can travel within the Schengen area for 90 days. This means you can spend 0-90 days in Italy or hop in and out of Italy and explore other neighbouring countries (ones within the Schengen area). You could fly into Italy, then go to Croatia for a week, and return without a hitch.

Suppose you want to leave the Schengen area and go somewhere like London. In that case, you’re allowed to spend a total of 90 days in Schengen countries within 180 days, meaning you can spend two months in Italy, go to London for a month, and then return to Italy for another month.

Some of the nationalities that can fly here and obtain a visa on arrival are Americans, Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders, and many more. For more information on flying into Italy, take a look at the requirements for a visa in Italy here .

Let’s face it: Italy is fascinating. So it has to have some cool facts, right? Here are some random, interesting facts about Italy:

• Despite being rich in history, Italy has only been an official country since 1861. What?!
• Tourists throw around 1.5 million CAD into the Trevi Fountain each year.
• Italy boasts of the most UNESCO sites on Earth.
• Italy not only has an extensive coastline but there 1,500 nestled into this country’s immaculate landscape.
• You probably already knew this, but if not, here you go: pizza was invented in Naples.
• The name Italy means “calf land.”

What is the best way to travel in Italy?

If you don’t have a car or haven’t rented one, we suggest taking public transportation, such as Flixbus, Blabla Bus, or looking into Omio to book train travel. It’s very easy to travel from place to place in Italy via public transport. It’s also easy to get by on foot in bigger cities.

Can I wear leggings in Italy?

You can, but it may be best to wear jeans instead! Rocking leggings can help locals easily depict you as a tourist. But if you’re wearing short shorts or a short skirt to the Vatican, you can bring along leggings to cover up your legs.

What is the most dangerous city in Italy?

Unfortunately, the highest crime rate is in Italy’s fashion capital: Milan. It takes the number one spot for theft rate.

What's the most beautiful city in Italy?

A lot of people believe that the most beautiful city in Italy is Florence! While most cities in Italy are beautiful, Florence tends to take the top spot on most lists.

What is considered rude in Italy?

Try to avoid carrying around an open bottle of alcohol and blatant drunkenness in public. It’s also rude to burp and fart when you’re out and about!

How do you dress in Italy and not look like a tourist?

Avoid wearing leggings, gym clothes, or baggy clothing when you're walking around cities. If you're hiking or doing an active activity, gym clothes are obviously okay, but you'll look out of place meandering city attractions in workout gear. Basically, it's best to avoid wearing clothes that don't belong to wherever you are. For example, if you're in the city, don't dress like you're going to the beach (flip flops, bathing suits).

Do and don'ts in Italy?

Do pay attention to how you dress Do be mindful of pickpockets Do carry some cash with you since some stores may not accept your credit card Do remember to cover your shoulders and knees if you plan on going into churches Do try to learn basic phrases in Italian

Don’t say ciao when you meet someone, Buon Giorno (good morning) or Buona Sera (good afternoon/good evening) Don’t wear flip flops when you’re walking around cities Don’t think that pedestrians have the right of way when crossing the street

There you have it! The ultimate Italy adventure travel guide. Hopefully, it helps to make your trip planning experience slightly easier.

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About Activity Holidays Italy

Welcome to Activity Holidays Italy! Our mission is to provide you with the most unforgettable activity holidays that showcase the best this enchanting country has to offer.

Our dedicated team of travel experts has meticulously curated a  diverse range of adventures  suitable for all ages, interests, and skill levels.

Explore regions such as the:

• Amalfi Coast
• Cinque Terre

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time explorer, anyone can  find the perfect Italian adventure holiday  for themselves here.

You can enjoy the freedom and flexibility of  self-guided adventure tours  while benefiting from our comprehensive support services. We take care of  booking your accommodations , organizing activities, providing detailed  itinerary booklets , GPS tracks for hiking and cycling routes, arranging transfers and logistics, and offering  full 24/7 support  during your holiday.

Embark on the journey of a lifetime and uncover the wonders of Italy with Activity Holidays Italy.  Inquire  about your unforgettable adventure today!

A Proper Italian Adventure

At Activity Holidays Italy, we specialize in crafting unforgettable experiences. Our adventure tours include diverse activities like:

Pedal through scenic landscapes and charming villages.

Trek along breathtaking coastal and mountain trails.

Food & Wine Experiences

Savor the authentic flavors of their iconic cuisine.

Cultural Exploration

Immerse yourself in their rich history and culture.

Some of the holidays are specialized in one of these activities, while others are a combination of many, providing a truly unique experience.

Browse through them and find the perfect one for you.

Explore Italy's Enchanting Landscapes

Get inspired by Italy’s stunning landscapes and diverse adventures waiting for you. The featured video showcases a glimpse of the breathtaking natural beauty and exciting activities that Italy has to offer.

Imagine cycling through the rolling hills of  Tuscany , where lush vineyards and olive groves stretch as far as the eye can see. Picture yourself hiking along the rugged coastline of  Cinque Terre , where pastel-hued villages cling to steep cliffs, and azure waves crash against ancient harbors below. Traverse the dramatic peaks and verdant valleys of the  Dolomites , where every step reveals a new, awe-inspiring panorama.

From the sun-kissed shores of the  Amalfi Coast  to the rich history and culture of  Sicily ‘s ancient sites, our self-guided adventures invite you to indulge in the captivating splendor of Italy’s landscapes at your own pace.

And for a perfect active winter holiday, you can opt for exciting ski holidays in Italy .

Handpicked Adventures

Hassle-free, trusted by many, unbeatable support, things to know.

The best time to go on an activity holiday in Italy depends on the region you plan to visit and the specific activities you’re interested in. Generally, our dry season-based activity holidays are most enjoyable from April to October, as the weather is typically pleasant and suitable for outdoor adventures. However, it’s important to keep in mind that climate conditions can vary between different regions.

Northern Italy (Dolomites and Venetia):  Everything from April to October works in these regions.

In the Dolomites, summer temperatures in the mountains are quite refreshing, ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), while the low valleys can be quite hot, reaching up to 30°C (86°F). Early-season hiking in higher mountain areas might still encounter some snow cover, so it’s best to check conditions before planning your trip

Central Italy (Tuscany and Cinque Terre):  The best time to visit these regions is between May and September when the weather is warm and sunny, perfect for coastal hikes, swimming, and enjoying the picturesque villages.

Southern Italy (Amalfi Coast and Sicily):  This part of Italy has a longer season, with ideal conditions for outdoor activities typically lasting from April to November. The temperatures in the south are generally warmer than in the north, ranging from 18°C to 30°C (64°F to 86°F) during the peak season.

Our focus is on providing flexible and customized tours that cater to your specific needs. To achieve this, we work with a variety of high-quality accommodations that can be adjusted based on your preferences, budget, and availability. Rest assured that the accommodation you will be staying at will be confirmed prior to the tour and communicated to you in advance.

Weather can sometimes impact the activities planned on our tours. If the weather is particularly bad, we may need to cancel or alter the itinerary to ensure the safety and satisfaction of our guests. If a cancellation does occur, we will provide suitable alternatives or offer a partial refund. If you are worried about the weather affecting your trip, please reach out to us before departure to discuss any potential impacts.

Our activity holidays are designed to be thrilling and enjoyable, but they do require a certain level of physical fitness. We recommend that all participants have a moderate level of fitness to fully engage in the activities and prevent potential injuries. If you have any doubts about your fitness level, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will gladly discuss your options and help you choose the right holiday for you.

Yes, we provide all the essential equipment needed for the activities on our holidays. This includes safety gear like helmets, harnesses, and other protective equipment, as well as any specialized equipment required for specific activities. Before arrival, we will need to take your measurements to ensure proper fitting of the gear. This is for your safety and comfort, and we guarantee that we are not being intrusive.

For the activities on our holidays, we recommend that you bring a swimsuit and towel for any water activities and comfortable shoes that are easy to move around in for hiking and cycling. Additionally, please bring comfortable clothing suitable for the activities you will be participating in.

Breakfast is included in our holidays, but we also provide ample time and options for lunch and dinner. We will provide information about local dining options and make recommendations based on your preferences and dietary restrictions. Our goal is to let you experience the local cuisine and have a delightful dining experience during your adventure holiday. Therefore, please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.

Most of our activities are suitable for children who are at least 12 years old. However, in some cases, the minimum age may be determined by the child’s height or weight rather than their age. If you have any doubts about your child’s ability to participate in a specific activity, please feel free to ask us directly. We are happy to provide more information and assist you in choosing the right activities for your family.

Ready for the time of your life?

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North America

Central america & caribbean, south america, north africa & middle east.

Few travellers make it to this icy continent, but the lucky ones who do get to explore a frozen Eden ruled by the elements and teeming with wildlife.

G Adventures Land

G adventures sailing & cruises, g adventures private travel.

Whether it’s a family retreat or a girls trip, you can surround yourself with a hand-picked crew and customize a tour that fits you all perfectly.

The Geluxe Collection

Our new line of premium active adventures is officially here. With perfectly paced itineraries, one-of-a-kind accommodations and elevated dining, this is adventure at its finest.

National Geographic Journeys

Go deeper into the cultures and habitats of the places we explore. More is included and you’ll enjoy greater hands-on exploration, interactions with local experts, and freedom to roam.

National Geographic Family Journeys

Are you an adventure-loving family in search of meaningful ways to discover the world together? These tours are specially designed for travellers seven and up and their inquisitive families.

Jane Goodall Collection

Step deeper into the animal kingdom while respecting all of its inhabitants. Our incredible collection of wildlife-focused tours is endorsed by the world-renowned ethologist.

Roamies by Hostelworld

The thrill of adventure. The awesomeness of hostels. Get ‘em both on these immersive small group trips for 18 to 35-year-old travellers.

Why choose us

As the leader in small group travel for 30 years, we know how to do it right: flexible itineraries, freedom to roam, safety, peace of mind, and locally based guides.

Change the world just by having the time of your life. When you travel with us, you become a force for good by acting responsibly and creating positive impact.

Together with our non-profit partner, Planeterra, we ensure local communities touched by our tours benefit from our visits in as many ways possible.

Trees for Days

Leave your destination even greener than you found it! For every day on tour, we’ll plant a tree in your honour and ensure that our forests get to live their best lives.

Travel resources

Last minute deals.

Looking to have the time of your life in the next 90 days or so? You can save big if you’re ready to book now.

Loyalty discount

Back home from a G Adventures tour? Submit a quick trip evaluation to save 5% on your next tour with us.

Student discount

Got proof that you’re pursuing higher learning? Then we’ve got a travel voucher with your name on it.

All travel deals

New ways to save pop up all the time. Here’s where you’ll find every hot deal in one easy place.

Ultimate Italy

14 days, rome to venice.

• Full itinerary
• Tour details

From the villages of the Cinque Terre to Tuscany's medieval splendour, this is an adventure for those looking to indulge in all of Italy’s delights. Walk through grand piazzas and winding lanes, stroll the canals of Venice, and float past villas on Lake Como. Marvel at the ancient grandeur of Rome and the Renaissance masterpieces of Florence. Your expert local CEO (Chief Experience Officer) will take care of the details so you can travel at a leisurely pace and appreciate the scenery, whether it’s sipping vino in Tuscany or sampling local delicacies within the walls of charming Montepulciano. Experience the best of Italy in this all-encompassing tour.

Rome to Venice

Special offers, is this tour for me, travel style: classic.

All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price.

Service Level: Standard

Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.

Physical Rating: 2 - Light

Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; Max 16, avg 12.

Age requirement: 12+

All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Check Your Visa Requirements

Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.

Alternative Trips

Don't miss out on the big Italian highlights plus all the mystery and excitement of Venice Carnival.

See how your trip uplifts communities

In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.

Help us spread love around the world — with trees! Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.

Trees planted for this trip: 14

Ripple Score

Want to create ripples that change lives? The higher the Ripple Score percentage, the more money stays in the local communities you visit.

Ripple Score for this trip: 89

More from Ultimate Italy

Places visited

Arrive at any time.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Enjoy a G Adventures supported migrant led walk of Rome before enjoying a free day to explore a myriad of options. Opt to tour Vatican City, cross the river to charming Trastevere, eat some gelato in Piazza Navona, or swing by the Colosseum and Forum.

Meals included:

Day 3 rome/montepulciano.

Travel to Montepulciano in the heart of the Tuscan countryside. Explore the medieval and renaissance hill town with an orientation walk.

Day 4 Montepulciano

Spend the day in the Italian countryside. The famous wine-producing region is the perfect place for an optional vineyard tour and wine tasting, or a bike ride in the rolling hills.

Day 5 Montepulciano/Florence

Continue on to Florence. Enjoy an evening walk to Piazzale Michelangelo for a fantastic panoramic view of the city.

Day 6 Florence

With a free day, the choices are endless. Opt to visit the Duomo, David at the Galleria dell’Accademia, Uffizi Gallery, medieval Ponte Vecchio, or the Medici Chapels, just to name a handful.

Day 7 Florence

Enjoy a day trip to vibrant Siena. After an orientation walk around this medieval city, opt to visit Torre del Mangia, Battistero, il Campo, or the Duomo or to take a "passeggiata" and meet the Sienese locals. Return to Florence at the end of the day.

Day 8 Florence/Cinque Terre

Visit Pisa en route to the coast. Settle into the colourful, charming town in the Cinque Terre.

Day 9 Cinque Terre

Walk the coastal path between Riomaggiore and Monterosso or opt to take the train. Visit charming, colourful towns along the way.

Day 10 Cinque Terre/Lake Como

Travel to Lake Como, a perfectly picturesque region laden with villas and lush gardens. Arrive in the late afternoon and start exploring the town.

Day 11 Lake Como

Spend the day on Lake Como with a day pass for the Lake Como boat. Visit multiple towns along the shores. Opt to take the funicular to Brunate for a fantastic view over the area.

Day 12 Lake Como/Venice

Travel to Venice, the "city of canals," and enjoy an orientation walk over bridges and canals and view Piazza San Marco.

Day 13 Venice

Spend the day getting lost in Venice. Opt for a vaporetto (water taxi) ride to the islands of Murano and Burano, take a gondola under the Ponte Rialto (Bridge of Lovers), explore the Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs, or get lost in the twisting maze of the city.

Day 14 Venice

Depart at any time.

What's Included

• Your G for Good Moment: Migrantour Rome, Rome
• Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
• Your Discover Moment: Rome
• Your Discover Moment: Florence
• Your Discover Moment: Venice
• Orientation walk of Montepulciano (Tuscany)
• Day trip to Siena
• Piazzale Michelangelo evening visit (Florence)
• Pisa visit (half-day)
• Cinque Terre park fee, unlimited train ticket and CEO-led hike
• Lake Como boat day pass
• Venice orientation walk
• All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodations

Hotels (13 nts).

13 breakfasts Allow USD510-665 for meals not included.

Transportation

Public bus, train, boat, walking

Staff & experts

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Available extras  (Add these to your tour when you book)

Florence food tour - from $98.00.

Uncover the treasures of Florence, savoured by locals for generations, on this 3-hour walking tour through Oltrarno. Experience the unique flavours and foods that make the cuisine of this region so distinct from the rest of Italy. Famous for being the birthplace of the Renaissance and home to Michelangelo’s famous statue of David, Florence is a city rich with culture, history and of course, some of the tastiest Tuscan food in the region. Wander the streets and soak up the bohemian vibe as you stop to sample wine and salami. There is even the chance to get hands on as you learn how to make Italian cantucci (cookies).

Rome Vintage Vespa Tour - From $221.00

When in Rome... live "la dolce vita" and hop onto a Vespa! Make your way around the city (like the locals do) on a vintage Vespa scooter. Visit Rome's must-see landmarks with a local guide, who will also be your Vespa driver, on this 3-4 hour afternoon excursion.

My Own Room - From $1199.00

If you're travelling solo and would prefer to have your own private room throughout your trip, select this option during the online booking process.

Make it a private tour

Book this tour as a private departure, with your own CEO and all the benefits of a G Adventures group tour.

Italy: a first-timer’s guide

Feb 28, 2024 • 8 min read

One of the best things to do in Italy? Spend time on the water (coast, lake or canal) © Catherine Falls Commercial / Getty Images

With its iconic monuments, timeless landscapes and irresistible food,  Italy is one of Europe’s most alluring destinations. Its historic cities promise thrilling art and architecture at every turn while its varied coastlines and Alpine heights provide a stunning outdoor playground.

In fact, the country is so packed with possibilities that it can seem almost overwhelming. Where should I go? How do I get there? How much will it cost? This planning guide tackles these questions and provides clear practical advice on how to get the most out of your first Italian trip.

When should I go to Italy?

The short answer is anytime. Spring and fall are best for sightseeing , touring and seasonal food. It’s warm without being stifling and nature is in full color. But with the glorious blue-sky weather come crowds and high-season prices in the main cities.

Summer sees cities empty as holidaymakers head to the coast. Prices skyrocket in popular areas, peaking in mid-August when beaches are packed and resorts full. Meanwhile, the festival season swings into gear with high-profile events such as Il Palio di Siena, featuring a wild bareback horse race around Siena 's Piazza del Campo , and Spoleto’s Festival dei Due Mondi , with musicians, artists and actors performing to passionate throngs.

Winter is generally quiet – except in ski resorts – and it can be wet and cold. But low season rates and empty museums make it a decent option for a city break.

How much time do I need to visit Italy?

Realistically, you’ll need at least two or three days in top cities such as Rome , Florence and Venice . That won’t give you enough time to cover everything, but it will allow you to get a feel for the place and explore some of the headline attractions.

If you’re happy to move fast, you could cover Italy’s highlights on a whistle-stop 10-day tour. That would give you a couple of days each in Venice and Florence, a day in Bologna , Pisa and Naples , and three days in Rome. Alternatively, you could focus on a particular area. For example, with a week you could explore southern Tuscany and parts of neighboring Umbria , or cut a swathe through Sicily’s baroque southeast .

Is it easy to get in and around Italy?

Italy is well served by air with flights from across the world. Major airports include Rome Fiumicino (officially Leonardo da Vinci) and Milan Malpensa , the two main intercontinental gateways, Venice Marco Polo , Pisa International (for Florence and Tuscany), Naples International  and Catania (Sicily’s busiest airport). There are also excellent rail and bus links, especially to northern Italy, and ferries to Italian ports from across the Mediterranean.

Once in Italy, you've got transport options . Trains are best between major cities and along the coasts, while buses are better for the mountains and hilly inland areas. For more remote parts you’ll really need your own wheels. Most major cities have decent public transport, though you can often cover their historic centers on foot.

Top things to do in Italy

Tour rome’s greatest hits.

First port of call for many travelers is Rome, Italy’s charismatic capital. You’ll never be able to cover all of its monuments and masterpieces, but there are some you won’t want to miss. The Colosseum and Pantheon are obvious highlights, along with the Roman Forum and Palatino . Then there’s the Vatican where you’ll find St Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel (in the Vatican Museums ). And, of course, you’ll want to toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure you return to the Eternal City.

For a taste of authentic Roman cuisine, try a slice of pizza from Forno Roscioli or a pasta carbonara at Flavio al Velavevodetto in the Testaccio neighborhood.

Marvel at masterpieces in Florence

One and a half hours north of Rome by train, Florence is the second of Italy’s ‘big three’ (Venice completes the trio). Visitors have been rhapsodizing about the city for centuries and still today it thrills with its Renaissance palazzi (palaces), frescoed churches and artworks such as Michelangelo's David at the Galleria dell'Accademia , Botticelli’s Birth of Venus at the Galleria degli Uffizi , and Brunelleschi’s red dome atop the landmark Duomo . Art apart, there are markets and boutiques to explore and Negroni cocktails to be sampled, including at the historic Caffè Rivoire .

With more time, you could add a day-trip to Siena or a tour of the Chianti wine country .

Get lost in Venice’s backstreets

As soon as you set foot in Venice you know it’s special. And confusing. To get your bearings take vaporetto (water bus) No 1 along the Grand Canal to Piazza San Marco where you’ll find several landmark sights. Chief among these are the Basilica di San Marco and the Gothic Palazzo Ducale , former residence of the ruling Doge. Elsewhere, you can catch modern art at the world-class Peggy Guggenheim Collection and browse colorful produce at the centuries-old Rialto Market .

To fuel your wanderings, Venice is famous for its cicchetti (bar snacks). A top spot for these is the canal-side Bracaro ae Bricoe bar in the Cannaregio sestiere (neighborhood).

Feast on pizza, art and street life in Naples

With Mt Vesuvius brooding on the horizon, Naples is sprawling, loud, sometimes edgy and often magnificent. Its Dickensian backstreets are a joy to explore and its regal palaces showcase world-class collections of Greco-Roman antiquities and baroque art – check out the Museo Nazionale Archeologico and Cappella Sansevero for a glimpse. Then, of course, there’s the city’s revered pizza, served at historic pizzerias such as Da Michele .

Beyond the city, Pompeii is an easy day trip and the Amalfi Coast is within striking distance via the sunny resort town of Sorrento .

Cruise the Italian Lakes

Ringed by brooding Alpine summits and steep wooded slopes, the Italian Lakes have been a popular holiday spot since ancient times. At Lake Maggiore , you can explore the Isole Borromee with their ornate palaces and lavish gardens, while further east you can go celeb-spotting on Lake Como , cruising around its exquisite villas and villages.

To reach the lakes you’ll often have to pass through Milan , Italy’s northern powerhouse. A day here would be enough to take in some of its signature sights: Leonardo Da Vinci's Last Supper , the fairy-tale Duomo , the Quadrilatero d’Oro shopping district.

My favorite thing to do in Italy

Italy’s obvious beauty and blockbuster sights abound, but what I love are its simple pleasures: a leisurely lunch in a favorite trattoria, the sight of pine trees towering over Roman ruins, a glass of prosecco on a Venetian canal-side.

I also love wandering around Rome and seeing how its life plays out against a backdrop of ancient monuments and historic palazzi . There’s always something going on and even without trying I usually come across something special, an amazing baroque fountain or a teeming market in a medieval square. The city’s streets really are an experience in themselves. I mean where else can you wait for a tram just yards from where Julius Caesar was stabbed?

How much money do I need for Italy?

Italy isn’t cheap. Accommodation rates vary enormously between places and seasons but prices are universally high in popular destinations. That said, you can still find deals if you book early and avoid peak periods. Sightseeing can also add up with top sites charging top dollar. On the plus side, eating out doesn’t have to cost the earth, especially if you stick to pizza and gelato.

Some average daily costs:

• Double room in an agriturismo (farm stay) €40-80
• B&B room €60-140
• Coffee (standing at a bar) €1.10
• Midrange meal €25-35
• Glass of wine €5-8
• Museum admission €10-20
• Public transport ticket (Rome) €1.50 for 100 minutes unlimited travel (but only one metro ride)
• High-speed train ticket Rome to Florence €55

Frequently asked questions

This is italy, so do i have to dress up all the time.

In a word, no. When sightseeing go for comfort, especially when it comes to shoes – you’ll be walking a lot and cobbled streets can be murder on the feet. Note also that major religious sights often enforce dress codes, so make sure you can cover your shoulders, torso and thighs. For going out in the evening, smart casual is the way to go.

What’s the score with tipping?

Tipping is not strictly necessary in restaurants as most places add servizio (service) to the bill. If they don’t or if you want to leave something, a few euros is fine in pizzerias and trattorias; 5% to 10% in smarter restaurants.

What’s this about not drinking a cappuccino after 11am?

Italy has a whole (unwritten) rule book on the dos and don’ts of drinking. As a foreign visitor you’ll get a pass if you order the wrong drink at the wrong time, but it helps to know that Italians regard cappuccinos as breakfast drinks, call an espresso un caffè , and drink beer with pizza.

What’s the card vs cash situation?

Businesses are legally obliged to accept digital payments but it’s always best to have some cash on you. You probably won’t have any problems but it’s not unheard of for payment machines to be mysteriously broken in smaller bars, shops, museums or restaurants. Major credit cards are widely accepted (Amex less so).

This article was first published May 24, 2019 and updated Feb 28, 2024.

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• Rocket Italian review: 2024 update
• Ultimate Italy Travel Planner
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How to plan an Italy trip

Want to know how to plan an Italy trip? You’ve come to the right place. Italy trip planning is one of our favorite things to do. So much so that we set up this website.

We wrote this article to take you step by step through planning your trip. From deciding when to go and how much it will cost to what to take and how to use your mobile phone, it’s all here to remove the overwhelm and make your trip planning easier. Even if you choose to hire a travel agent to assist with your bookings, it is a good idea to walk through these steps as it will help the agent build the best trip for you.

You can see an overview of the steps you need to follow in the article contents below. Follow our guide and you’ll be on your way to planning your own trip or choosing the right tour for you and your travel companions.

Article contents

Step 1 – Decide when you want to go and your budget

When to go to italy.

There is no bad time to visit Italy but there may be one that suits you better. Depending on your interests and the places you want to see you need to be aware of seasonal differences that you need to know about:

• Summer – June to August: peak tourist season, weather is hot and prices higher. Many Italians are on vacation and the coastal areas are very busy especially in mid August
• Fall / Autumn – September to November: September remains hot and busy in most of the major tourist centers. By October the weather is cooling and ferry services on the coast and lakes stop running. At this time grape harvest is in full swing. November is generally quite wet but there is lots of sunshine between the showers.
• Winter – December to February: As the weather cools so do the crowds. Attractions are much less busy and the lead up to Christmas is magical with lights and decorations in shop windows. In January and February restaurants in many coastal areas are closed. February’s Carnevale in Venice is generally one of the most expensive times to visit the city
• Spring – March to May: In March and April wildflowers bloom and the countryside is awash with color. Easter is a popular holiday for Europeans to visit Italian cities especially Rome, Florence and Venice.

NOTE: peak season in the most visited destinations is May – October.

Our favorite time to visit Italy in the shoulder months. In April and May and October and November the weather is generally sunny and mild, the crowds are manageable and you can find great value deals on your flight and accommodation.

Although we are past the worst of the pandemic and travel restrictions, things can change quickly – you can check our article Can you travel to Italy plus current situation.  We update this regularly with the latest travel news.  

READ: Our full article on the best time to visit Italy

How much will it cost?

This will depend on your expectations, interests and travel style. You can travel very cheaply in Italy if you visit lesser-known regional areas and avoid the big cities. Even in the big cities it is possible to find free attractions and budget accommodation if you know where to look.

If you want to see the main sights and enjoy experiences such as cooking classes, private boat cruises and wine tours then the sky is really the limit when it comes to cost.

Most travelers fall somewhere in the middle however and a reasonable daily budget per person for food, transport and activities is around €100 on top of flights and accommodation.

READ: Our full article on Budgeting for your trip to Italy.

Expert Assistance

Need some help planning your trip?

Book in for a trip consultation with our expert Italy travel planners ready to help you build your dream vacation in Italy whether that be a classic first timer trip or an off the beaten path adventure

Step 2 – Do some preliminary research and preparation

Where to research your trip to italy.

From online news and magazines, blogs, Instagram, Facebook groups (check out Italy Travel Planning ) and even podcasts like ours – there are thousands of resources online. I am sure you’ve already seen quite a few of them already. Sometimes endless options can be overwhelming so we recommend collecting ideas in an online folder or scrapbook and organizing them into destinations that you really want to see.

You’ll probably want to “do it all” but really have a think about your interests and what will best suit you and your travel style. Once you have some ideas, it’s best to consult a structured resource to check your assumptions and thoughts.

Traditional guidebooks definitely have their place for planning a trip to Italy. Well researched and structured, they’ll give you in depth information on destinations and sights to see as well as practical tips to help you plan. Even after 30+ trips to Italy we still consult guidebooks for new destinations we want to visit. You can find our favorite Italy guidebooks here .

Italy travel planners

We noticed that even guidebooks can provide too much information in the planning process so we created one page travel planners for the top places to visit in Italy. Our planners tell you the top sights, best viewpoints, must have experiences and our favorite places to eat (including best gelato stops) in each place.

You can print them off or keep them on your phone and there’s a link to an online map so you can map out your days. We have guides for Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, Cinque Terre, Amalfi Coast and Sorrento. Our goal is always to simplify the trip planning process and we know you will find them useful.

DISCOVER: Our Digital travel guides and planners .

Group tour itineraries

Tour companies – like ours ! – put a lot of effort into designing tours that cover the main sights and even lesser known regions. They know the times it takes to get around and how long you can stay in each place to get a taste or feel for the destination.

We often check itineraries of places we would like to visit as an input into our own planning.  Here are some recommended tour companies and itineraries to investigate.

Private tours

If you want maximum flexibility and comfort, consider a private driving tour . From the moment you land, to when you depart, you’ll have a personal driver with local knowledge making sure your trip is exactly what you imagined.

Passports and visas

At this stage of your planning it is a good idea to check the validity of your passport and if you require a visa. Citizens of the United States, Australia, Canada, United Kingdom and New Zealand may enter Italy and stay up to 90 days without a visa within an 180 day period. You must have 6 months validity on your passport when you enter Italy. Go and check this now as it can take several months for new passports to be processed.

All other nationalities should check this Italian government site that will walk you through whether a visa is required for your visit.

Citizens of the European Union can travel with photo identification.

Please note – this information is subject to change and it is always best to check with your local foreign office for the latest advice on travel to Italy.

• United States –  click here
• Australia –  click here
• United Kingdom –  click here
• Canada –  click here

READ: Can you travel to Italy plus current situation .

Step 3 – Confirm your itinerary

Itinerary planning is where many people get stuck. We understand. There are so many amazing places to see in Italy that deciding where to go and how much time to spend there can be hard. As a general rule, we like to spend a minimum of three nights in each place to minimize time spent traveling and also enjoy each place as much as possible. So if you have a 10 day trip then 3 main stops would be a good baseline to start with.

Where to go

From your research, you probably have an idea of where you want to go. You may want to visit the popular cities and regions on your first trip however each city and region in Italy offers something special.

Most popular cities

Most popular regions.

On our site, you can also browse Italy’s lesser-known cities and regions on the destinations page or visit our article on hidden gems in Italy for inspiration.

Itinerary suggestions

As a general rule, for a 3-5 day trip we suggest choosing one destination – a city or region. If you have a week to 10 days then you can plan 1-3 places in either the north OR south of Italy. In a two week trip you could cover 3-4 places and see both north and south.

Try not to squeeze too much in. It’s easy to underestimate transit times and getting in and out of airports and train stations. Plus you want to have plenty of time to enjoy yourself and soak up every last moment.

Suggested itineraries

If it is your first trip to Italy, like many first-time visitors you may choose to start your journey in Rome and visit Florence and Venice. This 10 day Italy itinerary covers that route. It includes detailed instructions on how to make the most of your time in Italy.

Want our FREE Italy trip planning checklist? >> Click here .

Alternative 10 day itinerary suggestions

Most people travel to Italy for 10 to 14 days so we built some itinerary suggestions to cater for that time frame that cover both northern and southern Italy.

Group Tours

Packaged group tours of Italy are a popular way to travel and avoid the stress of planning your own trip. They are also a great option if you would like some company along the way. Here is a quick summary of popular tour companies:

• Untold Italy small group tours – we run exclusive small group tours for food and wine-loving travelers wanting to get off the beaten path to see hidden Italy beyond the major cities and tourist areas. We lead groups of 14 people on journeys of discovery to experience the regions of Sicily, Puglia, Piedmont, Tuscany, Umbria, Bologna and surrounds, Capri and the Cilento coasts > learn more
• Trafalgar – popular and well respected brand appealing to the 50+ age group. Travel is by coach and the focus is on culture and history. Expect group sizes of 40-45 passengers and 4 star hotels. Trafalgar also include interesting local experiences such as wine tastings and unique stays in their itineraries. Check out their popular Best of Italy tour
• Intrepid Travel – small group tours with an average of 10 travelers with plenty of free time built in for exploring. Their popular Italy Real Food Adventure is an 8 day itinerary that showcases their travel style well
• Peregrine – Intrepid’s premium brand offers some interesting hiking tours of the Italian Lakes and Amalfi Coast
• Tourradar – is a market place for group packaged tours where you can browse hundreds of package tours by different operators, and by date. You then filter by your interests and age group and read detailed reviews. You can browse fully organized tours to independent self-drive or train itineraries

READ: Our full article on the Best package tours for Italy .

When should you start booking your trip?

Italy is one of the most visited destinations in the world, so in our opinion, it is never too early to start the booking process. Book accommodation as soon as possible, and at least 6-12 months in advance especially for peak times in July and August.  We prefer to pay the higher rate for flexible bookings on both Booking.com and Plum Guide .

Day tour and attractions also sell out months in advance at peak times. In 2020 our preferred booking site GetYourGuide refunded all tours canceled due to the pandemic and stand by their policy of allowing cancelations with a full refund up to 24 hours before your activity starts.

Flight bookings will depend on where you are flying from. For long haul flights the best deals are generally found 6-12 months in advance while deals pop up regularly for travel within Europe.

Rail bookings can be made up to 4 months in advance on high speed intercity and standard intercity trains.

Step 4 – Book your flights, inbound travel & insurance

Flights to italy.

It is easy to fly direct (or with a single stop) into Italy from most places in the world. Rome Fiumicino [Leonardo da Vinci](FCO) international airport is the main hub for air traffic but you can also easily fly into Milan Malpensa (MXP) or Venice Marco Polo (VCE) airports from major hubs around the world.

There are many other airports throughout the country that can be accessed within Italy and Europe. Pisa is useful for trips to Tuscany and the Cinque Terre and you will need to fly into both Sicily and Sardinia.

To source the best flight deals to Italy we use a combination of Skyscanner ,  CheapoAir  and  Google flights .

• Skyscanner  – portal where you can view cheapest days and routes to fly and set alerts for price drops
• CheapoAir – uncovers the best deals on first and business class flights around the world
• Google flights  – great for checking schedules and airline routes

Secure the best deals by setting up alerts on Skyscanner for the month you wish to travel and wait for price drops. It’s good to have a price that you wish to pay in mind but be prepared to be flexible on dates and stopovers. It is often cheaper to fly into Milan rather than Rome and that city is a useful entry point for northern Italy itineraries.

TIP: always use an incognito browser window to search for flight deals. Prices are amended up for users known to be searching for specific dates and times.

Inbound rail from within Europe

Major Italian cities – Milan, Rome, Florence and Venice – have fantastic fast speed train links from other capitals and major cities in Europe. The website  Seat 61  is a great resource for planning train travel within Europe.

Bus travel to Italy

If you’re on a tight budget and traveling within Europe, then you might want to consider coming to Italy by bus. Low cost operator  Flixbus covers 3,000 destinations in 39 countries.

You can compare schedules and prices using Omio – a useful site for booking a combination of train, bus and air travel within Europe.

Organize travel insurance

Once you have booked your flights or tour, we recommend organizing travel insurance straight away. The main reason you should purchase insurance is to cover health costs and emergency repatriation to your home country should you fall ill. Since 2020 you need to check whether there is cover provided for issues relating to covid19 however general health cover is recommended regardless.

Cover for cancelation, delays and loss of belongings is a bonus and again they may not apply under pandemic conditions. You need to read all the terms and conditions of your cover including any exclusions before you commit to buy.

Policy costs vary by your country of residence, what is covered, age, existing conditions and the insurer. You can visit Worldnomads for a quick quote. We use this company for our family travels and find the cost, coverage and claims process to be good to excellent.

Another option if you are in the United States is Safety Wing’s Nomad Insurance . Unfortunately neither option provides policies for those aged over 69. In this case you can try Travel Insurance Master – a service that allows you to compare quotes and insurance policies.

Step 5 – Book accommodation and transport

Accommodation.

Choosing where to stay at each stop is an important part of itinerary planning. Italy has many different options for tourists and you can expect the usual range of hotels and bed and breakfast accommodation as well as apartments and villas.

If you plan to spend any time in the country, consider staying at an agriturismo or farm stay. This is accommodation offered by Italian farmers who earn additional income by providing rooms and meals. Very popular in Italy and Europe, prices ranges from budget to luxurious. You can find agriturismi (plural) with swimming pools, hammams, restaurants and wine cellars. We always try to build them into our itinerary. 

LISTEN: Find out about farm stays in Italy in this podcast episode .

How much will accommodation cost?

Here is a rough guide to average prices for a double room. This will vary with prices higher in popular areas at peak times

Upscale / Luxury – €210+ [USD $240+] per night Midrange / Boutique – €120-260 [USD $135-295] per night Budget / B&B – €70-130 [USD $80-150] per night Ultra budget / Hostel or shared room in AirBnB – €30-45 [USD $30-40] per night

Best accommodation sites

Our favorite sites for booking lodging are Booking.com and Plum Guide – between them, you’ll find a huge range of options from hotels and resorts to bed and breakfast, apartments and farm stay accommodation.

Plum Guide is particularly useful for longer stays in apartments and villas and if you’re traveling as a family and need some extra space. Use the code “Untold5” for a 5% discount here .

Other sites we use and recommend

• BookingsForYou – beautiful villas and apartments in Tuscany, Italian Lakes and Puglia – 5% for readers when you mention our site or code – UntoldItaly – when booking
• VRBO – has some great options for long stay villas and apartments, particularly on the Amalfi Coast
• Agriturismo.it – great for finding smaller farm stays but the booking engine is terrible. You can usually find the same properties on Booking.com
• Airbnb – we have used Airbnb on many occasions in Italy but are now finding better value and booking conditions on Booking.com and VRBO

LISTEN: To more accommodation options and what to look for in this podcast episode .

Further reading:

• Where to stay in Rome – a district by district guide to the best areas to stay
• Best places to stay in Florence – neighborhoods and areas best suited to your trip
• Where to stay in Venice – a neighborhood and area guide
• Where to stay in Milan – best areas, places and hotels

READ: Our Italy accommodation guide .

Transport while in Italy

As a general rule, if you are traveling between cities and major towns then the best way to travel around Italy is by train. If you want to explore the countryside and small villages you will need to rent a car.

When you are mapping out distances to travel between destinations use Google maps or Rome2Rio .

Train travel in Italy

Trains in Italy are modern and efficient. Fast speed services link the major cities and regional trains connect smaller towns and villages. Two major train networks operate throughout Italy – Italo and Trenitalia .

You should book in advance for high speed intercity services where seats are allocated. If you purchase non-flexible tickets you can make significant savings with advance bookings. They are not required on regional services.

READ: Our Complete guide to train travel in Italy .

Recommended train booking sites – Omio and The Trainline

You can book directly with the Italian operators or an easier way is with:

Omio – compare train times and prices across both Trenitalia and Italo schedules and keep your ticket details on their handy app. Click here to search for rail tickets on Omio

The Trainline is a similar service to Omio offering schedules, pricing and booking for train companies in Italy and Europe. They also have a useful app and great instructions in English. Click here to search for rail tickets on The Trainline

High speed train intercity travel times on popular routes

Rome to Florence – 1 hour 30 minutes Rome to Naples – 1 hour 15 minutes Rome to Milan – 3 hours Rome to Venice – 4 hours Florence to Venice – 2 hours Florence to Milan – 2 hours

Car rental in Italy

One of the best ways to see the smaller towns and countryside in Italy is to rent a car and take to the open road. Driving in Italy is quite straightforward. You just need to do some forward planning and use your common sense. Here are some tips to

• You are required to carry an International Drivers Permit – these can be arranged in your home country at minimal cost
• Standard transmission on cars is manual or stick shift. If you want to rent an automatic car expect to pay extra, if you can find one available
• Rent the smallest car you can to fit you and your luggage – roads are often narrow and you don’t want to get stuck!
• Heavy fines apply if you enter ZTL zones or historic districts where driving is not allowed

We use both Car Rental by booking.com  and AutoEurope to find the best car rental deals in Italy including one way options. They both search international and local providers so you get a wide variety of choice and there is 24/7 support if you need it. AutoEurope is usually your best option if you want a one way rental.

Click here to search for car rentals in Italy with Car Rental by booking.com .

READ: Our guide to Renting a car in Italy .

Internal flights

If you want to visit the islands of Sicily or Sardinia, or travel very long distances, flying makes the most sense.

Check on Skyscanner  or  Google flights  for routes and prices. Remember to set alerts for those routes you want to fly and book early for flights in the summer months.

READ: Our guide to all transportation in Italy .

Step 6 – Book Attractions, tours and activities

Major attractions.

The major cities of Italy – Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan – are some of the busiest cities for tourists in the world. And most visitors want to spend time at their famous attractions

We strongly advise you to prebook advance skip-the-line tickets for the following attractions – the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Uffizi Gallery and Doge’s Palace. Otherwise, you could spend precious vacation hours standing in lines to enter these sites. Note – in winter months booking in advance is not as necessary.

We have given you the official booking sites and an alternative for approved ticket partners should you have trouble using the official site – unfortunately, that happens a lot! The direct sites are usually cheaper but the partner sites are generally more user friendly. Always check the terms and conditions of your purchase, particularly in relation to changes and refunds. GetYourGuide has a very easy cancelation policy which in many cases allows cancelation with refunds up to 24 hours prior to departure.

• Colosseum – official ticket site OR buy Colosseum tickets on Get Your Guide
• Vatican Museums – official ticket site OR buy Vatican Museum tickets on Get Your Guide
• Omnia pass – Colosseum + Vatican + one other museum + hop on, hop off bus – click here for details
• Uffizi Gallery – official ticket site OR buy Uffizi tickets on Get Your Guide
• ‘David’ statue [Accademia Gallery] – official ticket site OR buy Accademia tickets on Get Your Guide
• Duomo roof climb – official ticket site OR buy Dome climb tickets on Get Your Guide
• Doge’s Palace  – official ticket site OR buy Doge’s palace tickets on Get Your Guide
• San Marco basilica  – official skip the line tickets OR buy a tour of San Marco including tickets on Get Your Guide
• ‘Last Supper’ painting – official ticket site OR buy Last Supper tickets on Get Your Guide
• Duomo rooftop  – official ticket site OR buy Duomo tickets on Get Your Guide

READ: Our full review of Get Your Guide .

If you want to learn about the sites you are visiting then we recommend a group day tour. We prefer small group or private tours where you learn about the culture and history of the places you are visiting. It’s so much more fun than reading plaques and you are also able to ask questions.

So make sure to build in a couple of tours when you are planning a trip to Italy.

Our favorite small group tour companies are Take Walks (formerly Walks of Italy) and Liv Tours  and we prefer With Locals for private tours. Both offer very well designed and engaging tours of the major sights in Italy as well as interesting food and cultural tours.

• Take Walks have a longstanding reputation for excellent service, groups under 20 people and guaranteed departures. So if you are the only person booked on a tour it will still go ahead. We recently enjoyed our Colosseum at night tour and day trip to Tuscany with them
• Liv Tours – family run Italian company offering true small group tours of 6 people or less. All of their tours use expert guides who will help you fall in love with Italian history, culture, and food. Tours include a popular golf cart tour of Rome’s highlights and their fascinating Women’s history tours
• With Locals offer great value private tours. You choose from a series of set itineraries and guides in cities across Italy. There are tours focused on history, food, culture and other themes or they can be customized them for your group. We tried their 10 Tastes of Naples recently and it was lots of fun. They also have great options for families
• Eating Europe – food tour specialists who will ensure you discover the best local dishes

Save 5% on Liv Tours with code – ‘untold italy’ >> click here to browse tours

• Rome: A 3 Day Itinerary
• The best tours in Rome
• Unmissable day trips from Florence
• Day trip from Rome to Pompeii
• Best tours of the Vatican
• Tickets and tours for the Colosseum
• Rome’s best food tours

Activities and experiences

Seeing the sights of Italy is always a treat but you’ll also love immersing yourself in Italian culture. These days you can choose from a wide range of experiences and activities. From food and wine tours, to football matches, concerts and exploring the countryside by vintage car, there are memorable experiences to suit you.

Recommended experiences

• Cooking class with Nonna Nerina near Rome – Grandma Nerina teaches you how to make fresh pasta and welcomes you into her home. If you can’t wait until you get to Italy to do this she also does online classes
•   Capri boat trip –  small group on a private boat means a slower pace and more time to see the island. You can read what to expect on this day trip here

Our favorite companies for searching for interesting and unique things to do in Italy are:

• Cookly – cooking class and food and wine experiences like truffle hunting from small operators across Italy
• Get Your Guide – has the biggest listing of tours and experiences

Step 7 – Get ready for departure

Organize your money and credit card.

The local currency in Italy is the € Euro.

You do not need to carry too much cash when you are there. Credit and debit cards VISA and Mastercard are widely accepted while American Express and Diners Club are not as popular. You may want to consider a foreign currency card like the Wise Mastercard where you can convert Euros easily and cheaply from your US dollar, Australian dollar or Canadian dollar accounts (plus many other currencies)

Be aware of foreign currency charges and ATM withdrawal fees applied to your account when you are abroad. You may want to review the cards you are taking with you prior to your trip. We recommend that you take two – one as a back up for emergencies. And inform your bank before you go. Sometimes they can be overzealous and place a block on your card if they see unusual activity.

Book airport transfers

Planning your arrival in Italy is recommended. Most of the airports are a fair way out from the city center – and in the case of Venice, in the middle of a lagoon!

Compare different transfer services on Suntransfers – a company that specializes in transfer options from major airports. They have options to suit all budgets and prices for coach, mini bus, private car and limo services.

Rome – transfers from Fiumicino airport

Taxis are fine to take in Rome. There is a set rate into the center of €48 and the ride takes around 45 minutes. Or, if you would prefer to be met at the airport you can pre-book a transfer. A transfer is the best option if you are traveling with more than 2 people and have several items of luggage. We recommend:

• Welcome Pickups – available 24/7, a private car transfer means you are met at the arrivals hall and will take between 30 minutes and one hour door-to-door.
• Suntransfers – offers a wide range of vehicles for groups of all sizes. Transfers can be canceled up to 48 hours in advance with no penalty.

Another popular way to transfer into Rome is to take the Leonardo Express train . This non-stop service between Fiumicino and Rome Termini (the main station) takes 32 minutes. Trains depart every half hour from 6:08 to 23:23, and the cost is €14. You can purchase tickets at the station on the day. Unless you are staying close to Termini you will then need to get a taxi to your accommodation.

The cheapest transfer option – this bus goes direct from the airport to Termini – €6-7 one way.

READ: Our full article on Rome airport transfers .

Venice transfers

The water bus company Alilaguna runs shuttles every 15 -30 minutes in peak season to and from the airport and the islands on the lagoon. This bus stops at San Marco and Rialto as well as some other secondary stops. The fare is €8 one way €15 return and the journey takes 1½ hours – you can book online here

A private boat transfer or shared transfer in a water taxi is the fastest (and most glamorous) way to transfer to your accommodation in Venice. Journey times and prices depend on the number of people in your party and exclusivity. A direct private transfer to the airport takes around 45 minutes.

• Private transfer – around €200 for 6 people – book here
• Shared water taxi transfer – around €32 per person – book here

You can also take a taxi (cost €25) or express airport bus to Piazzale Roma (cost €8) and then take a vaporetto (water bus) or walk your hotel/accommodation. A one way trip on the ferry costs €7 per person and is valid for 60 minutes.

READ: Our full article on Venice airport transfers .

Florence transfers from Florence airport

Florence airport is very close to the city center and a 15 minute taxi ride away. There is also an airport bus that takes around 20 minutes.   A 20 minute tram ride takes you to the main Santa Maria Novella train station and costs €1.50.

Florence transfers from Pisa airport

Many people fly to Pisa to reach Florence as it is a larger airport. If you arrive during the day take the PisaMover train to Pisa Centrale train station – journey time 5 minutes. Then take a train to Florence. Starts at 6.00 am and the last train departs at midnight and it costs €5.00.

On our last visit we arranged a transfer with Suntransfers as we arrived too late for the last train. There is also a coach transfer option.

Amalfi Coast or Sorrento transfers from Naples airport or train station

We recommend organizing a private transfer for this journey. The train, ferry and bus via Sorrento can take 4 hours while a car service is around 1.5 hours. You can compare different services on Suntransfers – a site specializing in ground transportation.

You may find sites or groups where specific drivers are recommended. We do not recommend booking a driver this way for safety reasons – how do you know that the person recommending the driver is reputable, let alone the driver? And also for practical reasons – small operators may not have capacity or availability.

Plan how to access the internet

Consider how you will access the internet on your trip. You may be happy to disconnect and use paper or offline maps however many of us need internet access.

Italy has high speed internet and there are many options to stay connected depending on your needs. If you use minimal data and are happy to use offline maps and guides then you should be able to get by using wifi at your hotel or accommodation. Do not expect wifi to be available in restaurants and cafes because in Italy restaurants are for eating.

If you plan to use wifi make sure to turn off international data roaming before your trip to avoid unpleasant bill surprises.

Paid internet options

• Use your provider’s roaming plan – usually very expensive and slow speeds if coming from outside Europe
• Local SIM – purchase a tourist SIM before your depart or when you arrive that has enough data for map navigation and research. Italian provider TIM comes highly recommended and there are outlets at the airports and train stations
• Portable wifi device – connect multiple devices to high speed internet for reasonable prices. We use and recommend Solis Wifi (Get 10% off with our code – UNTOLDM )

READ: Our full guide to Cellphones and getting online in Italy (SIMs, wifi and more) .

Packing for your Italy trip

The key to packing for Italy is to pack the minimum that you need. Many people like to take carry-on luggage only for their trips. This is a great way to travel as you will find it much easier managing trains, cobblestones and stairs that are a feature of travel in Italy.

But, most of us find that a challenge, so try to stick to a medium bag per person plus one carry on item. Large suitcases are not a good idea. You will also thank yourself if you consider your footwear carefully. Three comfortable pairs will see you through most trips.

Note – We have a complete packing guide coming soon.

LISTEN: to packing strategies in this podcast episode .

Must have items for your trip

• Luggage – get the size right with our guide to the best luggage for Italy
• Untold Italy travel planners – one page checklists of the must see sights, restaurants and gelato bars in Italy’s most popular places
• Collapsible water bottle – stay hydrated and fill up at free water fountains all over Italy
• Camera – for your vacation snaps. We recommend lightweight mirrorless models like these ones
• Packing cubes – these make packing, organizing your luggage and unpacking so easy. We love them!
• Power cube – don’t bring lots of bulky converters. This one has 3 USB ports
• Battery pack – keep all your devices charged
• Plug adapter – you will need one!
• Face masks – for your safety and you may be required to wear one indoors
• Hand sanitizer wipes – to keep germs at bay

READ: Our Complete packing guide for Italy .

Get started and plan your Italy trip now!

We hope you now have more confidence to start planning your trip to Italy. This will no doubt be a trip that you’ll remember and cherish for years to come. And, like many of us, you may find it sparks a passion to return to bella Italia again and again.

Latest Italy Travel Podcasts and Articles

Visiting italy in august – reasons to visit and what to expect, how much does a trip to italy cost [updated for 2024], renting a car in italy – 12 top things to know, can you travel to italy – latest travel information [may 2024], italy in july – reasons to visit & what to expect, visiting italy in june – reasons to visit and what to expect, how to travel by train in italy, visiting italy in may – reasons to go and what to expect, planning a trip to italy.

We love travel in Italy and sharing our knowledge. Read our Italy trip planning guide or join our FREE Italy travel planning community . Our 140,000+ members are happy to answer questions about your itinerary, how to get from place to place, the best places to stay and fun things to do.

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5 places to escape the crowds in Italy for summer 2024

With the summer travel season fast approaching in the northern hemisphere, the scramble to secure a spectacular European vacation has officially begun. And booking a trip to Italy, one of the most in-demand tourist destinations on the planet, can seem like a bad idea if you’re wary of crowds. 

There’s no getting around it: Italy is popular. So popular, in fact, that cities like Venice have started imparting a cover charge for day-trippers in order to minimize the number of visitors during the warmer months. 

So, does that mean Italy is a no-go? Absolutely not! Beyond the hotspots you’ll see on Instagram and in the guidebooks, there are plenty of lesser-known (but equally enchanting) places to soak up Italy’s culture that are just a little less… congested. 

Here are the top 5 destinations to avoid the crowds on your trip to Italy this summer:

• Emilia-Romagna
• Alberobello
• The Aeolian Islands
• The Dolomites

Get inspired

Eat your way through Emilia-Romagna

This destination is for the real foodies – the ones who won’t be satisfied solely by Rome’s famed carbonara or the pizza margherita in Naples. Although these two iconic cities did serve as the setting for the Eat portion of Eat, Pray, Love, the narrow streets can become unpleasantly packed during the steamy summer months. So we’re gathering up our appetites and heading north to the Emilia-Romagna region, a hidden gem otherwise known as Italy’s ‘food valley.’

With a notable agricultural history and abundant farmland, it’s no wonder food is at the heart of Italy’s culture . And with more small towns than I can list (I’m talking well over 300) and plenty of open space, you won’t have to worry about beating the crowds here. 

Emilia-Romagna is home to some of the country’s most famed exports, like Parmigiano Reggiano and Balsamic Vinegar di Modena, as well as plenty of lesser-known specialties, like mortadella, castagnaccio (chestnut flour cakes) and Lambrusco, a light-bodied, sparkling red wine.

After you taste your way through 300 or so trattorias, don’t miss the opportunity to stroll around the town square. Good eating requires good digestion, and a post-meal passeggiata is not only a great way to soothe the stomach, but to get to know the locals as well.

Feast like a local on Intrepid’s Italy Real Food Adventure

Visit postcard-perfect Alberobello

Italy is a photographer’s dream, but when a dozen selfie sticks clog up the perfect shot, it can be anything but. So we’re trading in overcrowded, overphotographed landmarks like the Trevi Fountain and heading to the southern region of Puglia to visit Alberobello. 

This little town of just over 10,000 people is known for its curious-looking limestone dwellings known as trulli. From a distance, the whitewashed walls and cone-shaped roofs of Alberobello look a little bit like the Italian version of a hobbit village. 

But Alberobello is more than just aesthetic; the whimsical trulli date back to the 14th century and have only ever existed in this part of the world. Legend has it that locals created the conical (and easy to remove) roof structure as a ploy to skirt the tax collectors and avoid paying for a “finished” dwelling. But whatever the purpose, this UNESCO World Heritage Site, set among a backdrop of olive groves and rolling hills, is easily one of the most picturesque places in Italy.

Tourism to Alberobello has increased over the past few years, so while it’s not entirely off the beaten path, it’s worth noting that there are still plenty of quiet backstreets and hidden nooks outside the town centre to explore in solitude. Leave the souvenir shops of the main drag behind and head for the Rione Aia Piccola neighbourhood, a more authentic side of Alberobello where trulli still serve as family homes. If you want the full experience, many of the town’s 1500+ trulli have been converted into restaurants and accommodations for visitors.

Explore the Puglia region on a Rome to Southern Italy trip

Island hop in the Aeolians

Coastal Italy is undoubtedly the place to be in the summertime, but sitting shoulder to shoulder on the beach with thousands of other tourists isn’t exactly the recharging summer vacation we dream about during the ol’ 9 to 5. So why not break from the norm and swap the Amalfi Coast for Sicily’s Aeolian Islands, an archipelago known for its laidback vibe and unspoiled terrain. Think: all the best parts of a trip to the Med without the crowds, noise or long waits for Aperol spritz. 

The Aeolians are a chain of 7 UNESCO-protected volcanic islands, all relatively easy to access from the mainland. Serene Salina is best for those looking for charming boutique hotels, spas and vineyards, while Filicudi is an excellent choice for swimmers, divers, floaters and boaters. Adventure-seekers can get their thrills climbing Stromboli’s namesake volcano or taking a night-time cruise by the Sciara del Fuoco (Stream of Fire) to see the glowing lava slide toward the sea. 

Cruise the Aeolian archipelago on Intrepid’s Highlights of Calabria trip

Discover the dramatic peaks of the Dolomites

You know what they say about crowds: if you can’t beat ’em… climb above ’em. Summer is a great time to escape the major cities and head for the Italian Alps to trade an air-conditioning-less accommodation for a cool mountain breeze. 

The Dolomites are a paradise for active travellers, with an abundance of hiking trails, mountain biking routes and climbing opportunities. And it’s not just any hiking… it’s hiking with some of the most spectacular views in the country. Picture quaint mountain huts and crystal-clear lakes nestled against a backdrop of jagged peaks and impossibly green alpine meadows. 

But don’t worry, you won’t have to summit the peaks to get the epic views; there are lookout spots and photo ops around every corner. For those who like a vacation with a little less adrenaline and a little more R&R, consider a picnic lunch with some of the local delicacies, like apple strudel, local cheeses and speck ham. Food in this region has both German and Austrian influences. 

Although the peak season in the Dolomites does see its fair share of visitors, it’s nothing compared to Venice or Vatican City. Trust me, when you’re standing on the summit of Monte Elmo, taking in the jaw-dropping views below, the crowds will feel a million miles away.

Check out Intrepid’s range of walking & trekking tours

Peek into the past in Matera

In need of an ancient history fix, but Rome is just a little too crowded ? Try the city of Matera, one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited human settlements, instead.

Matera’s Old Town sits atop an impressive plateau and contains two Sassi, or communities, of over 3000 cave homes, frescoed churches, monasteries and amphitheatres dug from the soft limestone cliffside. What began as a collection of natural cave dwellings and grottos grew into a man-made labyrinth of alleyways, staircases and underground tunnels that snake through the limestone ravine. The Sassi extends 12 levels high because the inhabitants built dwellings one on top of the other. 

Unfortunately, a large portion of the population in the Sassi lived in poverty, and rampant disease and unhealthy living conditions forced the government to relocate many residents in the 1950 ‘ s. Today, the Sassi are undergoing continuous renovations, with museums, underground exhibits and tours giving an authentic peek into life in ancient Matera. You can even have dinner inside a 9000-year-old cave dwelling.

So as you plan your Italian adventure this summer, remember there’s more to this passionate country than the bustling tourist hubs. Whether your trip to Italy is about appreciating ancient history, admiring art, or just practising the Italian philosophy of “Il dolce far niente,” straying from the mainstream sites will allow you to explore a side of Italy the crowds haven’t quite reached.

See a more authentic side of Italy on a small group tour with Intrepid.  

Explore Italy's hidden gems in 2024

Will travel for food. From al pastor in Mexico to camel burgers in Morocco, khao soi in Thailand to perfect tomatoes in Greece, I've traveled far and wide for a tasty meal. When I'm not abroad searching for the perfect bite, I'm enjoying some good ol' home cooking in my tiny Seattle kitchen.

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4 Days in Rome: Locals Reveal the Best Way to Spend a Long Weekend in the Eternal City

Zip around on the back of a vespa, feast on reimagined cacio e pepe , and visit an ancient archaeological site that most tourists skip..

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The Temple of Aesculapius, in the gardens of the Villa Borghese, dates back to the late 18th century.

Photo by Laura Itzkowitz

Baroque churches containing artistic masterpieces, gurgling fountains, cocktails clinking on rooftop terraces, freshly baked pizza bianca —these are some of the sights, sounds, and scents that await you in Rome. You could explore ancient ruins in the morning, eat spaghetti carbonara at a trattoria for lunch, and sip creative cocktails at one of the city’s coolest bars at night. Now, thanks to an influx of hip new hotels and restaurants, plus reopened archaeological sites, Rome is definitely having a moment . After nearly five years of living here and more than a decade of visiting prior to that, I’ve gotten to know the best of the old and the new. This itinerary, designed for a Thursday to Sunday, reveals my insider intel as well as that of a few local experts.

Thursday: Get your bearings with a Vespa tour and dive deep into Trastevere

Trastevere, home to the Piazza di Santa Maria, is still one of Rome’s buzziest neighborhoods.

Whenever my family and friends come to Rome, I tell them to do a Vespa tour with Scooteroma and everyone raves about it. Hop on the back for a three-hour tour and feel the wind in your hair as one of their professional drivers-guides shows you the sights. Its classic tour is perfect for first-time visitors, but it also has several themed tours, including a street art tour, cinema tour, and foodie tour.

The tour will end just in time for lunch, so ask your guide to drop you off in Trastevere, one of the most quintessential Roman neighborhoods . Once a working-class area, it has gentrified over the years, but is still characterized by narrow cobblestone lanes draped with ivy and laundry hanging from the windows of apartments. Maria Pasquale, an award-winning Italian Australian journalist and author of several books, including Eternal City: Recipes & Stories from Rome , has called the neighborhood home for more than a decade. For a quick lunch she recommends the take-out spot Supplì , saying it offers “a taste of true Roman street fare.” In addition to the supplì (fried rice balls with a breadcrumb crust), she recommends the marinara pizza, which she calls “thin, crispy, and super saucy, with just the right balance of garlic, herbs, and tomato.” Bring your food a couple of blocks to the Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere and take a seat on the steps of the fountain, which is like the neighborhood’s living room, where locals and tourists hang out, enjoy the sunshine, and perhaps smoke a cigarette surrounded by bustling sidewalk cafés.

Afterwards, if you need a pick-me-up, pop into Bar San Calisto , an authentic no-frills spot where you’re as likely to spot a group of old men playing cards as a young musician drinking a beer in the sunshine. Join the Romans having a quick espresso at the bar or take a seat at the tables out front for some prime people-watching. From there, you’re only a 10-minute walk to Villa Farnesina , one of Rome’s best and most underrated sites. Commissioned by the wealthy banker Agostino Chigi on the occasion of his marriage, the villa contains incredible ceiling frescoes painted by Raphael in 1518, which depict the marriage of Cupid and Psyche.

For dinner, Giorgia Tozzi, the general manager of Soho House Rome , and Maria Pasquale both recommend Pianostrada , which recently moved from its location near the Jewish Ghetto to Via della Luce in Trastevere. “Experience a Roman culinary revolution at Pianostrada, a local hot spot owned by a visionary team of women,” says Pasquale. For the four partners—autodidact chef Paola Colucci, her daughters Flaminia and Alice Spognetta, and their friend Chiara Magliocchetti—the move is actually a homecoming, as Pianostrada originally opened as a gourmet street food spot in Trastevere in 2014. “From tempura-fried zucchini flowers to artisanal focaccia topped with prosciutto and figs, each dish is a masterpiece of innovation and tradition,” Pasquale says.

Friday: Delve into Rome’s baroque glory in the historic center

Entry to the Pantheon is free on the first Sunday of the month.

Today you’ll set out on foot to see Rome’s most famous monuments and piazzas. Start early in the morning at the Trevi Fountain, since that tends to attract the most crowds during the day. From there, it’s a 10-minute walk to the Pantheon , which is Rome’s best-preserved ancient monument because it was converted into a Catholic church in 609 C.E. If you’re ready for breakfast, head around the corner to the Caffè Tazza d’Oro for a cappuccino.

Continue walking west and you’ll come to Piazza Navona, the city’s most beautiful baroque piazza, where you can admire Bernini’s majestic Fountain of the Four Rivers. The streets surrounding it are lined with shops, restaurants, and cafés as well as under-the-radar museums like Palazzo Altemps , which is one of the seats of the Museo Nazionale Romano housed inside a noble palace containing magnificent 16th-century grotesque (i.e., inspired by decorations found in ancient Roman grottoes) frescoes. (Definitely pop in if you have time!)

Head north on Via della Scrofa, which becomes Via di Ripetta, and you’ll find yourself in the posh area around the Spanish Steps, where designer stores vie for shoppers’ attention. Turn onto Via Tomacelli, then Via dei Condotti and in a few minutes’ you’ll arrive at Piazza di Spagna. Bernini’s boat-shaped fountain at the bottom of the steps is another eye-catching masterpiece worth noting before turning your attention to the steps themselves.

Take Via del Babuino and walk north toward Piazza del Popolo, the large round piazza with an Egyptian obelisk flanked by sphinxes spouting water. This was once the northern gateway to Rome, and it’s another fine spot for people-watching, as fashionable locals cross the square on their way to bustling Via del Corso. Get a table at Canova , which was famed filmmaker Federico Fellini’s haunt, and have a salad or panino there or duck into the swanky Hotel de Russie for a plate of ravioli cacio e pepe at Le Jardin de Russie, a favorite of modern-day movie stars and VIPs.

In the afternoon, head up into Villa Borghese—the green heart-shaped park just up the hill from Piazza del Popolo. Inside the park, you’ll find a small lake with rowboats, a replica of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, and a handful of museums, including the spectacular Galleria Borghese (make sure you book in advance, as timed tickets are required). Afterwards, head over to the Pincio Terrace to catch the sunset with spectacular views of the city.

Ready for dinner? Hop on the metro at the Flaminio stop and take it to Re di Roma to try slightly elevated takes on Roman classics at Santo Palato run by young chef Sarah Cicolini. “I head to this trattoria with a twist for my favorite carbonara in Rome,” says Zoe Shapiro, founder of Stellavision Travel , a boutique feminist travel company that organizes size-inclusive tours in Italy . “The menu changes each day depending on fresh and seasonal ingredients, but stand-outs [including carbonara and oxtail meatball with peanut sauce and cacao] remain consistent and are paired with a wine list that highlights the next generation of Italian winemakers,” says Shapiro.

Saturday: See the treasures of the Vatican

There are a range of tours on offer at the Vatican Museums, including special itineraries for deaf and blind visitors.

The best way to see the Vatican Museums without the crowds is on an exclusive 6 a.m. tour with the key keeper, but barring that the next best thing is to go when the museum opens at 8 a.m. Home to some of the greatest works of art ever created by human hands, the Vatican Museums actually comprise 24 museums, plus various galleries and chapels. It would take all day to see the whole thing, but stick to the highlights (the Sistine Chapel, Raphael Rooms, the Statues Courtyard, and the Gallery of Maps) and you can get out in time for lunch.

Most people make a beeline to Bonci Pizzarium , which has a reputation as the best place for pizza al taglio (by the slice) in Rome, but pizzaiolo/baker Gabriele Bonci also has an eponymous bakery in the neighborhood that’s a bit of a local secret. There aren’t as many different toppings on the pizza, but it’s the same recipe.

Spend the afternoon exploring Prati, the neighborhood adjacent to the Vatican. Developed in the early 20th century, it may lack the cobblestone charm of the historic center, but it’s a busy business and shopping area where Romans hang out. Bustling Via Cola di Rienzo is the neighborhood’s main thoroughfare, where you’ll find midtier stores like Benetton for apparel, Geox for shoes, Castroni for gourmet foods, and the department store Coin. In Prati, Tozzi recommends visiting Casa Balla , the home of futurist artist Giacomo Balla (tours must be booked in advance).

Sunday: Follow the footsteps of Rome’s ancient emperors

The Court bar offers enviable views of the Colosseum.

By now you’ve learned that Romans start their day with breakfast at a bar, but aside from the ubiquitous cornetti , the most Roman pastry is a maritozzo . Try one at the historic Pasticceria Regoli near Piazza Vittorio, one of the city’s most diverse ethnic enclaves, where many Asian immigrants have opened shops and restaurants. You can find goods imported from the Middle East, Africa, Asia, South America, and beyond at the Nuovo Mercato Esquilino . From there it’s a quick walk to the Colosseum . New for 2024 is the ability to visit the attic level, featuring panoramic views and the Colosseum’s water management system (but make sure you book a ticket that includes it in advance). The same ticket grants you access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. You’ll need about half a day to visit them all.

Give your feet a rest at La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali , a family-run restaurant located on the edge of Monti, the charming neighborhood just uphill from the Forum. Try one of the quartet of Roman pastas ( carbonara , cacio e pepe , amatriciana , and gricia ) or a twist on them, like its version of la gricia with seasonal fruit.

Then for an alternative take on Roman history, join Stellavision’s Women and Secrets of Ancient Rome tour. “This walking tour showcases Rome’s Jewish Ghetto, Capitoline Hill, and Forum while centering the stories omitted by most tour companies and pulling important historical figures from the margins of history books,” says Shapiro. Or head over to Largo di Torre Argentina (the archaeological site where Julius Caesar was assassinated), which is now accessible thanks to new walkways.

If you’re ready to splurge on a fabulous aperitivo , book a table at the Court , one of the city’s most creative cocktail bars, which happens to boast head-on views of the Colosseum. Afterwards, take a taxi to up-and-coming San Lorenzo to check out a restaurant suggested by Tozzi and Shapiro. “ Mazzo shuttered five years ago and recently reopened in a new location with a menu that modernizes classic Roman ingredients and honors the city’s ‘ cucina povera ’ history,” Shapiro notes.

Where to stay

Soho House Rome is a hub for creatives in the artsy, up-and-coming neighborhood of San Lorenzo with a rooftop pool, an outpost of Cecconi’s, a screening room, and a gym with yoga and Pilates classes. Guests who book a room can access the private club’s amenities.

For a tried-and-true stalwart, check into the Hotel de Russie , a Rocco Forte Hotel, which is home to the aforementioned Le Jardin de Russie restaurant in the “secret garden” as well as the chic Stravinskij Bar, which is set to reveal a refresh this spring.

Or check into one of these 15 hotels we love in Rome , such as Hotel de la Ville (sister to Hotel de Russie) or newcomers like the Rome Edition or Six Senses Rome.

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7 of the best places to cruise in Italy

F ew countries can compete with Italy’s tourist appeal . Anyone who visits can enjoy fantastic cities, quaint villages, a string of picture-perfect coastlines, amazing cuisine and a fascinating history.

Alhough skiing , city breaks or a trip to one of the Italian lakes all have their own merits, there is a way to get a taste of several different parts of the country in one whirlwind trip.

Cruises around the Bel Paese give passengers the opportunity to see Italy ’s full range of sights. You can start with the romance of Venice and wind around to the rugged island beauty of Sicily and Sardinia, or begin surrounded by the stark coastal beauty of the Cinque Terre and end in hectic, characterful Naples , via the enchanting capital of Rome .

Whether you just want to see one destination or a handful, there’s likely a cruise to suit you; we’ve rounded up some of the best below.

Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast contains a little bit of everything that has made Italy so famous: beautiful coastlines, golden sands, picturesque towns, ancient historic sites and a hearty slice of la dolce vita .

The main towns along this coast include Amalfi, Sorrento and Positano , each renowned for offering a taste of the highlife in often luxurious surroundings, whether that be laid-back beaches or grandiose hotels. Pompeii lies close to these towns, offering an incredible insight into a famous bit of world history, while driving part of the Amalfi Coast’s winding roads is the best way to get amazing views while taking in some delightful towns.

How to do it

See both Sicily and the Amalfi Coast with the ‘ Amalfi & Sicily ’ seven-night package offered by Star Clippers. It starts in Civitavecchia, taking you to Amalfi and Sorrento before moving on to Messina and circling back to Rome.

Prices from £3,629pp including seven nights’ accommodation, all meals and drinks and select entertainment. Departing 6 July 2024.

Read more on the best hotels on the Amalfi coast

The capital is a beautiful fusion of historic and contemporary Italian life, from the modern cuisine and nightlife of Monti to the old houses and trattorias of Trastevere or Parione.

The Eternal City is also Europe’s most landmark-filled destination , with everything from Roman ruins to 18th-century fountains. The Colosseum, Roman Forum and Pantheon are the undoubtably highlights, as are the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain. The Vatican City is also contained within Rome, and you don’t want to miss the Sistine Chapel or St Peter’s Basilica.

Most cruises to this part of the country actually dock at nearby Civitavecchia, which is roughly one hour from the capital. Rome is often a starting point for cruises too, as passengers can head north to the Cinque Terre, east to Sardinia and south to Naples and Sicily.

The  Italian Treasures  cruise offered by Atlas Ocean Voyages begins in Valletta , the historic Maltese capital, but after departing very much focuses on the eastern Italian coast. It stops for a night in both Syracuse and Giardini Naxos (on Sicily), before departing to the Amalfi Coast and Capri and then finishing in the capital, where you can explore at your leisure before flying home.

Prices from £2,946pp including eight nights’ accommodation, all meals and drinks and onshore excursions. The company is currently running a promotion where the ‘second guest sails free’, so it is possible to get the entire package for just £2,946. Departing 1 September 2024.

Read more on the best hotels in Rome

Venice is perhaps the most beautiful of all Italian cities, situated on a vast lagoon and criss-crossed by dozens of bridges that hang over its canals. Its waterways are lined with the colourful facades of centuries-old buildings, many of which carry a Venetian style that is unique to the city, making for an eclectic cityscape.

A gondola trip, a stroll around St Mark’s Square, a walk over the Ponte Rialto and a visit to the Doge’s Palace are customary for those seeing the city for the first time, though for many the real attraction is getting lost in the sea of mazy alleys and historic bridges .

Many cruises start and end in Venice too, though due to its location at the top of the Adriatic, it can take a while to cruise down to other popular destinations like Bari, Sicily and the Amalfi Coast. If you’re visiting on a cruise, chances are it’ll be a longer one, or that it’ll stop in destinations in northern Croatia , Dubrovnik or northern Greece .

Azmara Cruises’ ‘ Italy Intensive Voyage ’ takes passengers all the way from Rome to Venice. It begins by going north to Florence , then turning back on itself and going south to the Amalfi Coast and Sicily. After a brief stop in Kotor, Montenegro , you’ll finish in Venice, with the opportunity to explore at your leisure before flying home.

Prices from £2,060pp including 10 nights’ accommodation, all meals and drinks, evening entertainment and select onshore excursions. Departing 10 April 2024.

Read more on the best hotels in Venice

Sicily is another of Italy’s famous islands, sharing a part of the Mediterranean with neighbouring Sardinia. It is equally as charming as Sardinia, and filled with similarly beguiling towns, a variety of natural landscapes and some of the finest culture and history that the country has to offer.

Tradition is paramount here, something that is reflected in a proud local populace. It is also visible in towns and cities like Palermo, and the timeless beauty of Syracuse, as well as on the olive groves and vineyards that dot the slopes of Mount Etna. It makes Sicily a great place to come if you want to see modern-day Italian living with a dose of outdoor adventure, in places like the Parco dell’Etna, along with historic charm (such as that at Syracuse).

Windstar Cruises’ ‘ Sicilian Spendours ’ cruise begins and ends in the Italian capital, but as the name suggests, this trip very much focuses on the largest island in the Mediterranean. It begins by heading to the Amalfi Coast, but then moves on to three Sicilian towns – Trapani, Porto Empedocle and Catania, via Gozo and Malta .

Prices from £3,105pp including 10 nights’ accommodation, meals and onboard entertainment. Departing 28 May 2024.

Read more on the best hotels in Sicily

Sardinia, which sits off the eastern coast around six hours from Civitavecchia by ferry, is one of Italy’s most popular summer destinations. A favourite among both tourists and Italians, it is home to a slew of great beaches – including Cala Goloritzé and the Costa Smerelda – and so is a good choice for days spent flitting between water sports and lying in the sun.

Though it’s understandable if you want to spend most of your time here on the sands, it would be remiss not to visit some of the pastel-hued towns and verdant national parks that lie inland and on the coast. Places like Alghero, Bosa and San Teodoro contain plenty of history throughout their cobbled streets, while Asinara and Gennargentu are two of the most picturesque natural areas.

Sardinia’s southerly location means that cruises that stop here often carry on to Sicily and Malta, and may go further on to the Balearics, Greek islands or even Tunisia .

The ‘ Enchanting Italian Coastlines ’ tour from Emerald Cruises covers both Sardinia and the eastern coast over a period of seven nights. It begins in the capital, moving first to Sorrento and Amalfi and then crossing the Mediterranean to Sardinia and Corsica before looping back.

Prices from £3,379pp including seven nights’ accommodation, all meals and drinks and airport transfers. Departing 27 April 2024.

Cinque Terre

The Cinque Terre competes with the Amalfi Coast for the title of Italy’s most famous coastal area, but the Italian Riviera offers a different kind of beauty in its emerald waters and pastel-coloured towns. The region is part of Liguria, and consists of five villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. 

Each one has an abundance of old Italian charm, from the faded colours that come alive at sunset to the mazes of alleys leading up from tiny harbours. Only Monterosso has a proper beach, but this village quintet isn’t the place for solely a beach holiday, despite the coastlines. Instead, wander aimlessly through the villages, enjoy a laid-back meal or take to any of the surrounding hiking paths.

These once isolated villages are now tourist hotspots in their own right, with the Cinque Terre Express one of the best ways to get between them. Most cruises dock at La Spezia, the province’s main city, which lies just 20 minutes from the nearest Cinque Terre village, Riomaggiore.

The Cinque Terre is a less frequented destination on longer cruises, so the best bet is to visit as part of a multi-country cruise. Celebrity Cruises offers one such option with their ‘ Italian Riviera & France ’ package, which departs from Rome and initially heads south to Naples before circling around to La Spezia and Santa Margherita. After some time spent enjoying the Italian Riviera, you move on to the French one, seeing Cannes and Marseille before finishing in Barcelona.

Prices from £1,209pp including nine nights’ accommodation, return flights, all meals, daily activities and entertainment. Departing 4 June 2024.

Naples is a fascinating city, buoyed by a vibrant and chaotic energy and blessed with beautiful surroundings – including Mount Vesuvius and an azure bay – and an eclectic blend of architecture.

The city itself has a wealth of culture and history, from the recent and immaterial – such as its devotion to pizza or its football club – to the ancient and pertinent, including the Duomo cathedral and a large collection of Greco-Roman artefacts at the National Archaeological Museum. Be sure to talk a walk around the Spanish Quarter, Centro Storico and Spaccanapoli (the city’s main thoroughfare) to get a real sense of how life is lived in this hectic city.

Naples is the closest major city to the Amalfi Coast, and as such many trips here are combined with a visit to towns like Sorrento or Positano.

You’re spoilt for choice when including Naples in a cruise itinerary, and many cruises that stop here also include visits to parts of Greece and Croatia. A seven-day Mediterranean cruise from Norwegian Cruise Line takes advantage of these stops, taking guests from Rome to Venice via Valletta, Split and Corfu. Nevertheless, the focus is still on Italy, taking in the historic capital, the romantic canals of Venice and all of Naples’ characterful chaos (with an added stop in Messina, Sicily).

Prices from £1,573pp including seven nights’ accommodation, all meals and drinks and onboard entertainment. Departing 14 August 2024.

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One train, three countries and a £7 ticket: Europe’s newest rail trip

Have a mini interrail adventure through italy, slovenia and croatia on an affordable route that takes in the adriatic’s aristocratic history.

I ’m riding a Slovenian train from Italy to Croatia, on a line built by the Austro-Hungarian Empire 150 years ago. Back then railroading Viennese royalty could breakfast in Trieste, shoot Slovenian game for lunch, then catch a show in a theatre decorated by Gustav Klimt in Rijeka, Croatia. A five-hour version of the route continued into the 1980s.

Now, after more than 30 years, the line between the port cities of Trieste and Rijeka was reinstated to run until late September, with a view to operating long term. It’s now a two-hour dash across three countries that costs £7. But since Croatia joined the Schengen zone last year you can hop on, hop off at any of eight Italian, Slovenian or Croatian stations on the new route. I chose to travel over a long weekend, buying a new ticket from the conductor for a few euros each leg. I was one of the first passengers.

My journey started in Trieste. Until 1918 the Italian city was the principal port of the Austrian Habsburg monarchy. The port ran like clockwork to import coffee beans from the Ottoman Empire to perk up the Austro-Hungarians. Trieste remains a regular Vienna-on-Sea. Locals pause punctiliously at zebra crossings. Triestini are still thought to sip more coffee than the inhabitants of any other Italian city.

At Antico Caffè Torinese I go local by ordering a capo in B (a heart-starting cappuccino in a bicchiere , or glass). This grand Trieste establishment stocks a zany selection of liqueurs forgotten in newer cafés: amaro d’erbe made with iris and mugwort; infuso di rabarbaro powered by rhubarb and a high alcohol content. However, café patrons wear blue jeans and puffer jackets rather than stylish Italian garb — this is Mitteleuropa meets the Med.

Outside the café I ride a bus to Miramare Castle, Trieste’s Habsburg must-see. The neo-gothic mansion was built by charismatic Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian, the spare-heir to Emperor Franz Joseph, who ruled the empire until 1916. The castle’s Aztec eagle motifs hint at the Habsburg’s global gallivanting, which climaxed in Maximilian becoming emperor of Mexico — where he was eventually executed by a firing squad.

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I stay at funky new hotel the Modernist. Imagine a stylish Italian escape meticulously run by Austrians — perfect (B&B doubles from £103; themodernisthotel.eu). James Joyce wrote and drank around the corner during the final days of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and once reflected: “[Trieste] was a ramshackle affair but it was charming, gay.” Habsburg machinations would result in Joyce’s departure in 1915, when the empire’s twin ports of Trieste and Rijeka became divided by politics. I’ll cross that former Cold War border tomorrow.

On day two I board the 7.50am train to Rijeka from a small station in the ritzy northern Trieste suburb of Villa Opicina, a ten-minute cab ride from Trieste’s main station. En route I savour a breakfast box prepared by the Modernist: a child’s fantasy consisting of one cake, three biscuits, two fruit yoghurts and a brownie. At 8am my phone pings as I cross mobile networks into Slovenia and gaze out from the new train’s picture windows. Drystone walls are razor straight. Rows of winter cabbages stand to attention. Unlike in Italy, everything is organised just so.

At 8.54am I alight at the charming Slovenian town Ilirska Bistrica, which has been governed by five regimes since 1918: the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Italy, the German Reich, Yugoslavia and now Slovenia. During the interwar period Ilirska Bistrica’s Italian overlords built 60 miles of tarmacked forest roads. These have been turned into cycle tracks in Slovenia’s most bike-mad town. I navigate them on one of the eight ebikes for rent from the tourist office in the town’s centre (£22 a day; visitilirskabistrica.si). The topography is Austria for softies: a green sheen of forest ringed by the snow-dusted Julian Alps, plus mossy streams that could double as a screensaver.

I pedal my ebike past some of the town’s 40 watermills. They once milled flour for the Austrians and sliced wood to box up Italian lemons. Ilirska Bistrica (population about 4,500) has always been international. I sample the town’s signature dish of sauerkraut, introduced by French engineers who helped to build the railway for the Austrians in the 1870s, before pedalling over to the honey producer Andrej Bergoc and the floral artist Sonja Prosen’s freshly renovated 18th-century cottage Belakapa (one night’s self-catering for six from £171; belakapa.si).

The couple give me their homestay’s honey-tasting experience (£34pp). It starts with sparkling honey wine and Slovenian sheep cheese that Bergoc traded for several jars. The highlight is the honey degustation. I try my host’s linden honey (menthol, chewy) and chestnut honey (spicy, smoky) chased by three shots of apple-honey liqueur, before settling into a sweet sleep. The next morning Bergoc makes me an omelette with his hens’ eggs and asparagus plucked from his garden. If only all Airbnbs were like this.

The next day, I board the new train at 8.55am. For 40 minutes we barrel through plum blossom and poppies before punching through a tunnel onto Croatia’s sunny coast. Opatija-Matulji railway station is choked in bougainvillea and has its own rose garden and vegetable plot. Plus a wooden swing from which to enjoy the sun-licked, clickety-click mise en place. I’m betting the adjoining resort of Opatija is fabulous.

And it is. Fifteen years after the train line arrived in 1873, 85 grand hotels and villas graced this rococo resort. These include the Heritage Hotel Imperial, where I check in. The Imperial has an imposing staircase wide enough for a hussar to gallop a horse up, and a ballroom (now the breakfast room) ceiling of Sistine complexity. At the turn of the 20th century hotel staff hailed from across the Austro-Hungarian Empire: Prague, Lviv, Krakow, Sarajevo. Last month several new staff arrived from the Philippines and Nepal (B&B doubles from £99; liburnia.hr).

To get my bearings I hike the seven-mile Lungomare seafront promenade. It’s a gorgeous symphony of Austrian architecture, Italian peacocking and Croatian coast. Greenfinches serenade the trail. Terraces edge towards the Adriatic carrying the scent of jasmine, iris and rose. This is Croatia’s answer to Capri or Cannes.

Lunch is fancy. Restaurant Bevanda could cater for an oligarch’s daughter’s wedding. Vast window panes overlook a shimmering Adriatic. I start with a tartare of Opatija’s famous prawns drawn from the Kvarner Gulf. Anchovies that taste like seaside jerky and octopus as crunchy as seafood chips follow. Just offshore, tuna hunt sardines that jump from the water. Seafood doesn’t get fresher.

The next morning only a ten-minute journey remains along the new train line. At 9.37am we meander to Rijeka like a clinking voyeur, past balcony breakfasters and laptop-tappers. Rijeka’s seafront railway station looks like a Habsburg wedding cake, built to impose. I arrive to witness a marathon, an outdoor jazz festival and a superyacht leaving port. Trieste’s twin brother is buzzing.

I visit the Sugar Palace opposite the station first. The former headquarters of the city’s sugar refinery is now a museum that shows — using blocks of sugarloaf, ocean liner models and fin de siècle fashions — how the port became Vienna’s window on the world. Nearby hotels such as the Lloyd and the Europa welcomed wealthy migrants, including the newsman Joseph Pulitzer and the inventor Nikola Tesla, who took ships directly to the New World from Rijeka.

My accommodation is even more central. Botel was once an Adriatic ferry that served Mali Losinj, an island that tempts across the bay. It has been sympathetically converted into a floating hotel with wooden panelling, exposed engines and deckchairs on the roof (room-only doubles from £83; botelmarina.com).

On my final morning I’m up early. Rijeka’s fish market looks like a Viennese palace filled with gilthead bream, clams of all sizes and swordfish spears. Michael Palin called it a “cathedral of fish”. This architectural wonder was completed in 1916. Two years later the polyglot Austro-Hungarian Empire was a train wreck. Its motto of “indivisibiliter ac inseparabiliter” (indivisible and inseparable) was sliced like the train tracks from Rijeka onwards. Miklos Horthy, the vice-admiral of the empire’s navy, who had attended naval academy in Rijeka, became the leader of land-locked Hungary.

There’s time for one last lunch. Since 1885 Conca d’Oro has served local fish in an alleyway frescoed with portraits of city figures. My waiter Dominik Mihic tells me how wasabi and sesame oil have infiltrated the city’s salty soul. A seafood platter that might cost £100 in London is £30 here, and could fill a family with carpaccio of octopus and prosciutto-style dried tuna. I’d love to lie down on the pine-scented beaches of Sablicevo, a 20-minute walk from Rijeka city centre, but I have a train to catch. On the 6.25pm to Trieste the sun sets on Slovenian hills and Italian villas. The aristocratic Adriatic is back on track. Tristan Rutherford travelled as a guest of the Croatia National Tourist Board ( croatia.hr ), Belakapa and the Modernist. Trains run daily in both directions from Trieste to Rijeka from £7 one-way (tickets bought on board). Fly or take the train to Trieste

Where to stay in Rijeka

1. hilton rijeka costabella beach resort & spa.

A 15-minute cab ride from downtown, this is Rijeka’s prime address. It’s the resort with it all: a 43m-long infinity pool, private (pebble) beach, kids’ club (ages 4-12) and six restaurants. The biggie is the Michelin-starred Nebo (tasting menu £125; neborijeka.com), which elevates local amberjack and shellfish with foraged asparagus and heirloom apple varieties. Rooms including suites and two-bedroom family apartments are contemporary: the Costabella opened in 2020 to coincide with Rijeka’s Capital of Culture celebrations. Most rooms enjoy a thumping panorama over Croatia’s Istria peninsula. Saltwater fiends can try wakeboarding, flyboarding or paddleboard yoga on the calm Kvarner Bay out front. Details B&B doubles from £135 (hilton.com)

2. Old Town Inn

This vintage charmer is just off Korzo, Rijeka’s buzziest boulevard. Built in the 19th century, stone arches frame the foyer, while vaulted brick ceilings grace the guesthouse’s fancier rooms. The Old Town Inn is individual and highly rated — but petite. Some of the clean, white en suite showers are shaped to fit slanting ceilings. Steep steps mean the hotel, welcoming though it is, is not accessible to all. Details Room-only doubles from £54 (oldtown.rest)

No accommodation captures Rijeka’s salty soul like Botel. Built in the 1930s, this former ferry chugged to nearby islands including Silba and Mali Losinj until 2007. It is now reincarnated as a floating hotel with exposed engine parts and steep naval staircases. The location is unsurpassed: slap bang in the centre of this port city. One, two, three and four-person rooms are basic and bright. Most have portholes that peep out onto yachts anchored alongside. The best part? Botel’s alfresco bar on the stern. Sink a flinty malvasia white wine or local Pan Zlatni lager on tap. Details Room-only doubles from £66 (botelmarina.com)

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Explore Paradise Destinations on a Budget! Join Ré Esordi as he takes you on a budget-friendly journey to travel and live abroad in stunning destinations worldwide. Whether you're considering retiring or simply living abroad, this informative content is perfect for you! Gain insights from interviews with expats and travelers who share valuable details on how to live in paradise locations at half the cost of living in the US. Discover visa requirements, healthcare options, rental opportunities, and more! Subscribe to our YouTube Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@adventurefreaksss

AdventureFreaksss (Living Abroad on a Budget‪)‬ Ré Esordi

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Really interesting expat podcast.

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My favorite podcast!!

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