Ah, Italy, simply mentioning its title conjures up photographs of affection, scrumptious meals, and historic structure. There are so many issues to do in Italy, that it may be overwhelming to resolve the place to start. From the Mediterranean to the Mountains, Italy has one thing for everybody. While everybody flocks to Rome or Venice, there are numerous well-known sights, gorgeous landscapes, and delightful cities in this wonderful nation. Italy really has all of it.
So let’s check out the perfect issues to do in Italy from our 5 totally different journeys to the nation. Psst, we’ll be heading again there this summer time too!
Top Things to do in Italy
We have had the chance to see most of the finest locations in Italy, and for the few that we’ve left, we plan to see them this summer time. We’re heading again to Europe in May and are planning on visiting the locations we’ve but to see together with a go to to Sardinia’s stunning seashores and participating in Sicily’s out of doors adventures. Are you prepared to discover Italy with us? Let’s have a look at the perfect issues to do in Italy, that we’ve performed to this point!
Drive the Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is what desires are manufactured from. This beautiful stretch of shoreline alongside the Mediterranean Sea spans 50 km by means of a few of Italy’s most stunning cities like Positano, Amalfi Town, Ravello, and Sorrento. With excessive sea cliffs and lengthy stretches of gorgeous seashores, this stretch of shoreline is without doubt one of the most stunning locations to go to in all of Italy.
The Amalfi Coast lives up to the hype and we discovered that by staying in Positano with a view of the Mediterranean from our balcony, that’s was positively one of the crucial romantic locations in Italy. Read extra at 16 Best Things to Do On The Amalfi Coast
Book a Balcony Room in Positano
While there are a number of locations to go to alongside the Amalfi Coast, Positano is the quintessential city the place colourful terraced buildings cling to the aspect of cliffs alongside the Mediterranean Sea. Positano will be very busy, however if you guide a room in one of many motels lining the water, you’ll be able to cover in just a little romantic oasis as you benefit from the views. We stayed at Palazzo Talamo in Positano and have been inside strolling distance to the seashore, the previous city, and to many eating places and outlets.
You can guide a personal switch from Naples to Positano for a hassle-free drive to your lodging. The price begins at $74 USD pp and you’ll be able to guide right here. Or this sharted switch is barely $34 USD pp.
Our lodge was one of many extra inexpensive and fundamental motels in Positano, however others we recommend are:
Hotel Eden Roc Positano – This four-star lodge is only a few meters from the seashores and the middle of Positano with a panoramic pool and terrace overlooking the ocean.
Hotel Poseidon – is one other historic lodge in Positano that has been in operation for 60 years with a primary location on the vertical hill overlooking Positano and the ocean.
Sail to Capri
While you’re visiting the Positano, Sorrento or Amalfi Town, you need to take a ship journey to Capri Island to see the blue grotto and catch a glimpse into the lives of the wealthy and well-known. Capri is an attractive island off the coast of Italy in the center of the Mediterranean Sea.
Book this tour in advance from Positano to Capri. The final Capri boat journey takes you on a full-day tour to Capri with a cease on the blue grotto. Also identified at Grotta Azzurra, the Blue Grotto is Capri’s high attraction. But you received’t cease there, you’ll admire different grottos, the pure arch, Faraglioni rocks, and the Punta Carena lighthouse. It additionally contains, snorkeling, snacks, drinks, and limoncello tasting.
Go Back in Time to Ancient Rome
There is little doubt that Rome is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to in Italy. In truth, it must be one of many first locations it is best to go to in Italy. How are you able to not go to Italy with out seeing the traditional metropolis? From the Colosseum to Pantheon, there are such a lot of historic websites in Rome that may blow your thoughts. Rome is a metropolis of historic monuments. Just a number of of the highest issues to see in Rome are the well-known sights corresponding to Trevi Fountain, Colosseum, and the Pantheon. I’m positive you will have heard of all of them. Hint – Visit the Trevi Fountain at night time to keep away from the crowds.
If you’re planning a visit to Italy, an excellent place to begin is Rome. The historic ruins are strewn all through the town and you are feeling as if you’re strolling by means of a residing historical past museum.
Hot tip: Make positive to guide a tour to go contained in the Colosseum and consider the world ground. It is magnificent to see from the skin, however a tour takes you inside to actually delve into its bloody and brutal historical past.
Read extra about journey to Rome
Take a Roman Holiday
One of the bucket listing objects to do in Italy is to drive a Vespa by means of the town streets identical to Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday. However, Italian motorways will be chaotic, so guide a Vespa Tour by means of Rome to see its high sights.
Our Vespa Tour with GetYourGuide has us sit again and calm down behind an expert driver as we whisked by means of the streets to see the Roman Colosseum and admired a number of the Eternal City’s high neighborhoods, corresponding to Trastevere, Centro Storico, and different websites such because the Roman Forum, Spanish Steps.
We have a whole article written about the place to keep in Rome right here however if you need a fast reference, listed below are our high ideas.
Inn on the Roman Forum: This chic-friendly boutique lodge has its personal historic ruins and a panoramic roof terrace. It lies hidden behind a quiet avenue close to the Imperial Forums.
Hotel Ponte Sisto: Located steps from the River Tiber with views of Renaissance and Baroque Rome. Via dei Petinari 64.
See the Pope at Vatican City
While in Rome, make certain to cease at Vatican City to see the Pope. While you might give you the chance to catch a glimpse of him from St. Peter’s sq. as he offers his weekly tackle on Wednesdays, additionally, you will need to take a tour to see the work of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums.
When visiting Vatican City, guide your tickets in advance right here. This entry ticket will get you into the Vatican Museums the place you’ll see artwork from the Papal collections and Michelangelo’s legendary frescoes. You’ll additionally get pleasure from non-obligatory entry to the Papal Villas and Vatican Gardens.
Visit the Ruins of Pompeii
Located simply exterior of Naples, Pompeii is without doubt one of the high vacationer sights in Italy. We popped in to see the traditional metropolis throughout our street journey from Rome. This UNESCO World Heritage web site is without doubt one of the most well-known vacationer sights in Italy. In the 12 months 79 AD, when the complete metropolis was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The metropolis was frozen in time as a thick blanket of volcanic ash coated its inhabitants providing a glimpse into historic Roman life. Pompeii Tickets will be booked in advance for a reserved timed entry.
You can go to Pompeii by yourself and buy skip the road tickets in advance right here. But a tour is an effective way to actually benefit from the historic metropolis.
This guided tour from downtown Naples to Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii. They’ll clarify the historical past and what you’re seeing as you stroll by means of the Thermal Baths, Roman Forus, and Greek Theater. You’ll get pleasure from a Naples pizza lunch earlier than heading to Mount Vesuvius.
Take a Gondola trip in Venice
No Italian trip can be full with out a journey to Venice. Being serenaded on the Grand Canal is without doubt one of the quintessential issues to do in Italy. And you need to do it as soon as, even whether it is touristy. With its stunning canals weaving by means of the town, a ship trip is most positively in order. Take a gondola trip alongside the Grand Canal or discover the smaller canals taking you off the crushed path. Go underneath the Rialto Bridge and exhale as you cross the Bridge of Sighs.
This gondola tour not solely takes you on the Grand Canal, you additionally cruise by means of extra secluded canals going underneath a few of its well-known bridges whereas having fun with Italian music. Now that’s extra.
Stay Overnight in Venice
Many individuals we meet inform us that they do not get pleasure from Venice, however that’s as a result of they’ve solely visited on cruise ships or day excursions. You should keep in a single day in Venice to really recognize its allure and wonder. Walking by means of the streets and alongside the canals, after the tour boats have left is magical.
All paths lead to Saint Mark’s Square the place Saint Mark’s Basilica stands proud over one in all Europe’s most stunning gathering locations. And visiting Piazza San Marco (Saint Mark’s Square) at dawn when no person else is round is great. While a gondola trip is probably the most well-known means to get round Venice, we recommend water taxis and personal taxis to really discover its most well-known sights.
Read extra about journey to Venice
Hike the Cinque Terre Villages
One of the very first locations we visited in Italy was the Cinque Terre. We have been on a street journey in France and determined to pop over to the well-known Italian Riviera to hike alongside the coast to go to its 5 cities often called the Cinque Terre. The Cinque Terre Villages are one of the crucial in style locations to go to in Italy so anticipate crowds, however if you happen to go to in the low season, you’ll be able to get pleasure from these stunning locations, with out the crowds.
Located alongside the coast, these stunning villages are related by mountaineering routes the place you’ll be able to stroll by means of olive groves, sip on superb wine and marvel on the spectacular sea views.
All the villages make up the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Cinque Terre which can be related by boat, bus, practice and strolling trails. They embrace Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Their rugged landscapes make for a number of the most stunning views in Italy. Plan your journey to the Five Towns of Italy with Hiking in Cinque Terre – Complete Guide to Italy’s 5 Villages
Climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa
If you’re in search of issues to add to your Italy bucket listing, climbing up the Leaning Tower of Pisa is a should. We didn’t anticipate to be impressed with this vacationer attraction, nevertheless it really was a surprise to see. Located simply one hour from Florence by practice, the Leaning tower of Pisa is without doubt one of the most well-known towers in the world.
It will be visited as a day journey and many individuals cease right here when touring between the Cinque Terra and Tuscany, however we extremely recommend staying in a single day to see this surprise free from crowds after the tour busses have left. No journey to Italy can be full with out seeing its most well-known bell tower.
Its 294 steps to the highest is definitely worth the view and expertise. When taking a guided tour, your skip the road tickets permit you to head proper into the entrance of the tower. Apparently, you’ll be able to spend over an hour in line, however we walked proper in at our allotted time. Read our full information: Tips for Visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Say Hello to David in Florence
Florence is commonly touted as Italy’s most stunning metropolis and with good purpose. This metropolis of artwork is stuffed with artwork museums, well-known work, and naturally the sculpture of David. It is the birthplace of renaissance artwork with the likes of Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Leonardo da Vinci settling right here to create their masterpieces.
Take a stroll by means of the historic metropolis heart of Florence the place the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Cathedral of Saint Mary) stands entrance and heart in the Piazza del Duomo. It is definitely one in all Italy’s most recognizable sights with the immense dome towering overhead.
Top issues to do in Florence: Piazza del Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Statue of David at Galleria Dell’Accademia, Santa Maria del Fiore (Florence Cathedral), Piazzale Michelangelo, the Uffizi Gallery and a lot extra.
Read extra about journey to Florence
Boboli Gardens
While in Florence, don’t miss seeing the Boboli Gardens designed by the Medici Family. Boboli Gardens are an attractive show of greenery adorned with renaissance statues, grottos, and fountains. Located behind Pitti Palace it’s a gorgeous backyard that’s extra like an open-air museum. Don’t miss seeing the Grotta del Buontalenti which is a synthetic cave full with stalactites and stalagmites. You can guide timed entries which give entry to Boboli Gardens, Bardini Gardens, and Grotta del Buontalenti.
Indulge in Italian Food
No matter the place you go in Italy, it’s a meals lover’s paradise. While in Tuscany, an effective way to immerse in the tradition is to pattern the native delicacies corresponding to Schiacciata with balsamic vinegar, Cantuccini, recent home made pasta, conventional pappa al Pomodoro. Plus, you need to eat Gelato in each metropolis. It is heavenly. While in Florence, guide this tour that takes you on a avenue meals tour coronary heart of the town to pattern some scrumptious delicacies. and to go to a neighborhood market.
A Walking tour of Florence is the proper means to get acquainted with If there’s one factor you can’t miss doing in Italy is to pattern its scrumptious meals. A avenue meals tour takes you across the Local favorites to strive areand extra. It might not be on the menu, however after we visited Florence, we couldn’t get sufficient of the gelato. During this tour, you’ll additionally go to a neighborhood market. Details right here.
Drink Wine in Tuscany
Wine lovers will put Tuscany on the high of their listing of issues to do in Italy. With its inexperienced rolling hills, vineyards, and Tuscan villas, Tuscany is a dream to go to. Staying in a Tuscan villa was on the high of our Italian bucket listing and Elena, the proprietor of Borgo Argenina was the proper host. Read extra: Tuscany Dreams – Stay in a Tuscan Villa
We made a base at a villa and took day journeys across the picturesque area the place we perused castles, and hill cities, and took half in many a wine tasting and cooking class as we made our means up and down the Tuscan countryside. Tuscany is the quintessential Italian Vacation. When placing collectively your Italy bucket listing, Tuscany ought to go to the highest.
Siena
While Florence is the Capital of Tuscany, Siena is one other place you need to go to in this stunning area. Albeit, our go to was bittersweet as we received misplaced and ended up driving in direction of Piazza del Campo and had a site visitors ticket ready for us after we returned to Canada. We didn’t even know we have been driving on a closed avenue. But I digress. Siena is price visiting for its metropolis heart which is taken into account Europe’s biggest Medieval Square.
Things to do in Tuscany: pattern the scrumptious wine of Tuscany, Chianti Classico, and discover the town of Florence, Sienna, San Gimignano and the smaller hill cities. Read extra at Unforgettable Reasons to Visit Tuscany
Milan
Milan is the style capital of Italy, and let’s face it, it’s the style capital of the world. The second largest metropolis in Italy is the middle of finance, and like so many different of the perfect locations to go to in Italy, there’s an abundance of Italian artwork, in truth, Leonardo Da Vinci’s Last Supper is on show at Santa Maria Delle Grazie.
The stunning Porta Sempione City Gate stands proud as trams whisk you from one grand landmark to one other and customers will love going into Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II for eating, high fashion purchasing or just taking in the sights of Italy’s oldest purchasing heart.
Plus Milan homes one of many largest cathedrals in the world. Duomo di Milano is the third largest cathedral in the world. The Duomo di Milano, (Milan Cathedral) is bigger than St. Peter’s Basilica on the Vatican and that claims so much. Don’t miss marveling on the Gothic structure of the delight of Milan when visiting the town. Get your your rooftop tickets in advance to entry all areas of the Milan Duomo, together with its terracesfor a panoramic metropolis view
Bask in the Most Enchanting Hot Springs
The Saturnia Hot Springs in Tuscany is certainly one of the crucial fascinating locations to go to in Italy. (and stress-free too!) These free out of doors sizzling springs in Tuscany are world well-known and when visiting Tuscany you’ll be able to cease to benefit from the thermal springs for a number of hours.
Make positive to lease a automobile when exploring Tuscany, it’s one of the simplest ways to get round and discover the realm with out crowds. We made positive to go to locations at dawn earlier than the day trippers got here into city.
See the Car Culture of Emilia Romagna
When visiting Emilia Romagna, you’ll be able to’t assist however get excited over vehicles. Known because the land of motors, this Italian province takes quick vehicles severely. This area of Italy is the place Ducati, Ferrari and Lamborghini all originated. When there, you need to have a Ferrari expertise at Auto Dromo di Modena and the Ferrari Museum.
Make positive to go to the Lamborghini Museum to be taught in regards to the evolution of Ferrari. When you go to the Lamborghini museum additionally, you will be taught of its historical past and the rivalry between the 2 main automobile firms. Read extra: Lamborghini Museum Tour with Fabio Lamborghini
Drive a quick Car – Preferably Ferrari or Lamborghini
Italy is the land of Motorsport and whereas visiting museums is good to see the vehicles, why not drive a Ferrari and really feel what its like to drive just like the Italians. We drove a Ferrari on Auto Dromo di Modena close to the city of Modena which is the birthplace of Enzo Ferrari. Isn’t everybody’s fantasy to get in a race automobile simply as soon as in their lives, why not do it in the land of motorsport? You can guide your Autodromo di Modena on monitor race experiences right here
Read extra about Emilia Romagna
Wine and Dine in Bologna
Bolognia is the gastronomical capital of Italy and that claims so much! It is thought for its beautiful meals tradition making it the most effective locations to go to in Italy for foodies. But there are such a lot of issues to do in Bologna corresponding to climbing the leaning Asinelli Tower, attending the The Western World’s Oldest University – Teatro Anatomico, purchasing in its porticoes and visiting Neptune’s fountain in Piazza Maggiore.
What many individuals say, (And we agree) is that Bologna provides probably the most genuine Italian expertise. It’s the place tourism hasn’t taken over and you may decelerate to benefit from the countryside and surrounding cities corresponding to Modena and Ravello. Read extra at: The 26 Best Things to do in Bologna, Italy
Balsamic Vinegar, Gelato and Parmigiano Romano
It is in the Bolognia area that you simply’ll discover a number of the biggest balsamic winemakers on the planet. Aged Balsamic vinegar is simply as essential and critical as winemaking. See how Balsamic vinegar is made and in addition take a tour to see how the world-famous Parmigiano Romano is made. Bologna can be the place you’ll be able to attend Gelato University. It really is a foodies paradise. Read extra: Traditional Balsamic Vinegar, 150 Years in the Making
Bologna is actually the most effective locations for foodies to get pleasure from in Italy and to actually get a way of its meals scene you need to take a meals tour. This meals tour in Bologna takes you on a multi-course lunch to 5 totally different eating places hand-selected by native consultants.
Climb Mount Etna
We have but to climb Mount Etna, however The Gap Decaders wrote an exquisite visitor put up for us about how to climb this energetic volcano. Located in Sicily, Mount Etna is without doubt one of the most energetic volcanoes in the world and climbing to the summit at 3,326 meters above sea degree. (10,912 ft) it’s a thrill. If you’re in search of one of the crucial adventurous issues to do in Italy, make certain to add this to your listing. The full information to planning and what to anticipate will be discovered right here. The Best Guide to Hiking Mount Etna
We are spending the summer time in Europe and we are able to’t wait to see extra of Sicily. It has been excessive on our Italian bucket listing. We can’t wait to see the Valley of the Temples. Yet one other of Italy’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, The Valley of the Temples appears like one thing proper out of Greece, and it ought to! It dates again to the sixth Century BC by Greek settlers.
Say Hi to George at Lake Como
Okay, chances are high you received’t see probably the most well-known resident of Lake Como however when in search of romantic issues to do in Italy, Lake Como is the place to go. We not too long ago made it again to the realm on the Switzerland aspect of this area at Lake Maggiore and Lake Lugano in on the Italian border and have been reminded simply how stunning this a part of the nation is.
Located in northern Italy, this stunning lake area of Italy is a must-visit. Take the time to discover the small fishing villages dotting the lake. The allure of visiting Lake Como and this area is to calm down in its small cities, drink wine and decelerate.
Pay a Visit to Gargano
Gargano is without doubt one of the lesser-known locations to go to in Italy (for vacationers anyway), however if you’re in search of issues to do in Italy which can be just a little out of the extraordinary, Gargano ought to positively be added to your Italian bucket listing. We all know that Italy is in the form of a boot and Gargano Peninsula in Puglia is the spur of stated Italian Boot.
With a whole bunch of kilometers of coastlines, sea caves, coastal lakes, islands, and mountains Gargano is a nature lovers’ paradise. Gargano National Park is the spotlight of the area with the gorgeous Tremiti Islands positioned simply off the coast. There are sea caves and grottos and the gorgeous whitewashed buildings in the city of Vieste is a good place to make a base.
And these are the perfect issues to do in Italy. If you will have the possibility to go to this wonderful nation make certain to add all of those locations to go to onto your Italy bucket listing. One day, you simply may even see all of them! It has taken us 5 go to and we nonetheless have a lot extra to see in Italy, however that’s the fantastic thing about this nation, you’ll be able to return many times and all the time discover one thing new.
Looking for extra issues to do in Italy? Read our different Italy journey guides for in-depth articles to assist along with your planning.