Italy tours,
trips & holidays
It goes without saying that a first trip to Italy will inevitably become the first of many. Italy has long been a highlight of Europe with few places rivalling its beauty, charm and allure. Famous for its art, fashion and gastronomy, Famous for its art, fashion and gastronomy, Italy bestows a love for the finer things in life. Where quality beats quantity and every street, every sentence and every mouthful is injected with the passionate Italian flair that we’ve come to love.
Italy tours are for everyone. Fashionistas will swoon over garments in Milan, art-lovers will be spellbound by the galleries in Florence and foodies will indulge in the decadent taste of Venice. From the eternal city of Rome to the romantic region of Tuscany, it’s no wonder why Italy was named ‘il bel paese’ - the beautiful country.
Top 12 places to visit in Italy
With a country that bore one of the greatest empires the world has ever seen. A place where pioneers in art, fashion, gastronomy and science thrived. A culture as rich as the cuisine and a landscape as romantic as the language, it can feel like every corner of Italy is calling to you. But where to start?
1. Rome
A visit to Italy wouldn’t be complete without a few days exploring the ‘eternal city’ of Rome. Ancient landmarks such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Pantheon sit side by side trendy outdoor cafes. Boutiques, gelaterias and traditional bakeries line the cobbled streets, tempting in passers by.
Gorging on art is as easy as gorging on pizza. It seems that every corner turned reveals another iconic piece. Try your luck throwing a coin into the Trevi fountain. Hop over the Tiber river and wander the streets of Trastevere, an authentic Italian neighbourhood. And wile away long afternoons sipping Chianti, sharing delicious trays of Suppli.
Travel Tip
Queues for big attractions like the Colosseum and the Roman Forum are unfortunately unavoidable in Italy, but you can lessen the chaos a little by booking tickets online.
2. Milan
The fast-paced metropolis of Milan offers a different experience of Italian culture. In Venice you have romance, in Rome you have history, and in Milan you have creativity. Being Italy’s hub of fashion and business, this vibrant city is forever changing. New restaurants, activities, galleries and bars pop up weekly.
Visit the Gothic glory of the Duomo, study the infamous mural of ‘The Last Supper’ and shop to your heart’s content in the oldest shopping mall in Italy - Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. And as for the food, Milan has the largest collection of michelin starred restaurants in the whole of Italy.
3. Venice
The city built on water never ceases to enchant its visitors. Spend the days getting lost amongst the labyrinth of narrow streets, stumbling upon neighbourhood trattorias, each one seemingly better than the last. Or if you’d prefer, navigate by gondola around the maze of waterways all connecting to the heart of Venice - the Grand Canal.
Learn the history of the Bridge of Sighs, visit the famous St Mark's Basilica, climb the towering St Mark's Campanile for some of the best views in Venice and marvel at the ornately designed interiors of Doges Palace. Venice also has a few nearby islands to explore if you have a little extra time. San Giorgio Maggiore and Murano tend to be the most popular.
Venice is particularly renowned for its seafood, so be sure to try the squid-ink pasta or the seafood melody pizza. And Venice by night seems like a different city entirely, but one where romance prevails. The still water weaving through the streets, catching the occasional spot of light from candle lit dinners, gives a dreamy, romantic aura completely unique to Venice.
4. Florence
Florence should be top of your list if you appreciate Renaissance architecture and crave the Italian art scene. From the fresco-adorned churches to the art museums packed with famous works from Botticelli and Michelangelo, you are never more than a few paces away from world-class art. And the Florentine cuisine is nothing short of magnificent. From the Lampredotto to the Florentine steak, every bite in this city is worth savouring. Walk the many isles of the Uffizi gallery, take in the skyline of the city from Piazzale Michelangelo and experience true serenity in the Boboli Gardens.
5. Vatican City
Located in the heart of Rome, Vatican City is religious, mysterious and full of worldly treasures. At 0.44 km2 Vatican City is the smallest state in Europe, but it packs a big punch.
Visit the extravagant Apostolic palace, the home of the Pope, and marvel at the impressive artwork covering almost every inch of every wall. Explore one of the largest and holiest churches in the world - St Peter’s Basilica. And visit The Sistine Chapel to admire the famous ceiling - the depiction of the nine stories from Genesis. Possibly one of the most famous pieces of art in the world.
6. Lake Como
Resting at the foothills of the Rhaetian Alps, Lake Como is the perfect Italian countryside retreat. Flanked by dense forests and adorned with brightly painted buildings, Lake Como has the calm feeling of isolation compared with the nearby bustling Milan. This is the ideal Italian location if you enjoy relaxing walks. Visit the typically romantic spot of Villa Balbianello where numerous movies were filmed. Explore the perfectly kept gardens of Villa Carlotta and visit the towering Duomo in the centre of Como town. With many villas, hikes and villages surrounding the lake you will never run out of places to explore.
Top 12 places to visit in Italy continued...
7. Tuscany
Tuscany is idyllic Italian countryside at its best. With glorious, rolling hills and vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see, this is the perfect place to indulge in a bit of Italian heritage. Tuscany has something for everyone. From art-buffs in search of the world’s finest collections, to foodies indulging in the local truffles and wine, to hikers seeking the best view in Italy - this is country-living like you’ve never seen before. Take a day trip to the ancient town of Cortona, hike among the marble quarries of Alpi Apuane spotting wildflowers poking through the green, and finish with a well-earned pitstop in Chianti, sipping away at the local vino.
8. Cinque Terre
This pastel-perfect, coastal settlement was once a hidden gem, now grown into a must see destination in Italy. A cluster of small fishing villages line the rustic Riviera coastline, surrounded by centuries-old vineyards. The Cinque Terre comprises of five villages - Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza, Monterosso and Corniglia. Resting between dramatic landscapes and sharp cliffs, colourful houses line picturesque, winding roads. Tourists flock to this idyllic piece of the coast for its famous walking trails. Days are spent hiking the paths which connect the vibrant villages providing perfect pitstops for fresh seafood pasta and an Aperol Spritz, or two...
9. Sicily
When travelling around Italy you’ll notice is the sheer diversity of the country, and Sicily once again, adds another layer. From the smouldering Mount Etna to the paradise beaches, Sicily is the idyllic mediterranean retreat. Be dazzled by the sparkling water surrounding the islands, tempting you in for a mid-morning dip. Sicily’s cuisine revolves around simplicity and authenticity, with many head chefs preferring their grandmothers recipes to modern innovations. Sit amongst the ruins of the Teatro Greco, an amphitheatre seating 16,000 people. Wander the trendy town of Catania, stopping off in the myriad of gritty, almost-too-cool underground bars, and soak up the hot, medditerranean sun on Licata beach.
10. Naples
Naples holds a cultural significance that is often overlooked in favour of other Italian destinations. With three castles, two palaces, many ruins and the nearby eerie Pompeii, you will never run out of cultural, historical or archeological masterpieces to explore. Naples is also the birthplace of many classic Italian dishes, so the food here is incredible. Pizza, spaghetti and parmigiana all originate from this small coastal city, so make sure you get your fair share! As well as the lip-smackingly good food and the abundance of culture, this metropolis has a great nightlife, an exquisite shopping district and a fantastic restaurant scene. In other words, lots to explore!
11. Amalfi Coast
Known for its unique beauty and relaxing atmosphere, the Amalfi coast is one of the top holiday destinations in Italy. From the ultra-glitzy cliffside village of Positano with its narrow streets lined with stylish boutiques and glamorous rooftop bars, to the small-town atmosphere and romantic seclusion of Praiano and Conca dei Marini. The dramatic contrast of soaring cliffs and azure seas makes for one of the most scenic drives in Italy, so it’s a great place to hire a car. As for walking, make sure you bring comfortable shoes. When a colourful town is built on steep slopes heading for the sea, the chances are you will encounter steps every few feet!
12. Pisa
Over one million tourists each year flock to this tiny town in Tuscany to see one of the world’s most famous landmarks - the leaning tower of Pisa. Actually, a rather significant architectural mishap, this beautiful building wasn’t built to lean but has shifted during the years due to its foundations laying on unstable ground. Climbing the 300 steps to the top will reward you with spectacular views over the city and the Arno River. As well as witnessing the precarious tilt of the tower, Pisa has lots of other great draws. Take in the beauty of the Duomo, the Santa Maria della Spina and the University before visiting the birthplace of Galileo. Pisa is also particularly known for its incredible gelato, so pick up a few scoops at least!
