Italy is a peninsula nation located in southern Europe. Due to its geographical features, it is often called lo Stivale "The Boot". Italy was the home to famous Renaissance figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Michaelangelo. The northern region of Italy consists mainly of the Alps, while the southern region hosts a Mediterranean feel.
Major cities like Rome, Venice, Florence, Milan, and Naples all call Italy their home, each with its very own distinct history, culture, and atmosphere. Explore the famous Vatican City or venture south to the picturesque Amalfi Coast; your perfect Italian adventure awaits you.
Rome, known as the Eternal City, has attracted visitors for over 2,000 years. It is one of the most magnificent and romantic cities in the world, boasting an attractive mix of grandiose sights — the likes of the Colosseum, Roman Pantheon and Forum — and bustling city life. Life is sweet: the cake is there for eating. Italian designer shopping, smooth ice cream, frothy cappuccino, tasty pasta and pizza, and exquisite wines to name but a few things that draw in over 4.2 million tourists in search of a taste of the Italian "dolce vita" every year.
Florence, the regional capital of Tuscany, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy. It is acknowledged by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and stepping onto its historic cobbles, it is easy to see why. Cradled between the surrounding hills, the city hosts some of the most famous works of art on the planet, and the whole of the city center is packed with stunning palaces, churches, and monuments. The surrounding countryside is well-known for its rolling hills and its wine, particularly the Chianti area between Siena and Florence.
From its unmatched romantic vibes to its historical heritage to its indisputable beauty, there is no other city like Venice. The "Queen of the Adriatic" is composed of a maze of islands, canals, and bridges, which hide magnificent buildings, historical landmarks of great artistic and cultural importance, as well as charming restaurants and squares. There are no cars in Venice, but you won't need them anyway since "The City of Bridges" is best explored on foot.
Sorrento, perched atop cliffs overlooking the Bay of Naples, offers stunning views, charming streets filled with shops and cafes, and delicious local cuisine. Visitors can explore historical sites like the Duomo and Villa Comunale, relax on picturesque beaches, and take day trips to Pompeii and Capri for a complete Italian experience.
You can also easily access the stunning coastal towns of Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello from Sorrento, making it an ideal starting point for a scenic coastal adventure in the region.
Milan is famous as one of the world’s most influential fashion capitals, so make some room in your wardrobe and get ready for a makeover. Milan is a major cultural center in Italy, with world class museums and galleries, the Duomo cathedral and ancient churches, impressive architecture of opulent Italian villas. After viewing da Vinci’s Last Supper, try Lombardi specials like ossobuco and risotto alla Milanese in one of the neighborhood restaurants. Milan is the perfect starting point for exploring the prettiest landscapes of northern Italy.
The beautiful Cinque Terre National Park is certainly worthy of taking up at least 2 days of any Italy itinerary. Located in the Liguria region in the northwest of Italy, the park is home to five wonderfully picturesque villages – Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corgnilia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare. Each village has something unique to offer, whether it’s stunning viewpoints or the charming pastel-coloured houses for which Cinque Terre is best known. Thankfully this wonderful national park is easily accessible, thanks to several hiking trails and regular trains running between the villages.
Crown jewel of the Italian Riviera, Portofino lies between two gulfs creating a picturesque hamlet embedded in a Natural Reserve, a protected area that houses Mediterranean flora and fauna. Myriad of pastel colors tint the houses that overlook the Ligurian Sea, in a scenic view of nature's blessings blending perfectly with human handwork. The port bustles with yachts and little boats in a display of luxury, so no wonder that the once fishing village of Portofino has become a favorite among VIPs.
Capital of the beautiful region of Sicily, Palermo is a fascinating hidden gem and a busy port city that brims with energy. Continuously changing, this city has reclaimed its place among Europe’s cultural cities. Palermo is full of sights and treasures: from Baroque churches and glorious Norman-Gothic architecture to Art Nouveau villas and lively markets – the flamboyant spirit of Palermo can be found down every corner of the city's chaotic streets.
The summer brings peak visitor numbers to Rome, and some of the year's highest temperatures fall in July and August. If your visit happens to be during these two months, make sure to check that your accommodation is equipped with air conditioning.
Having said that, the best time to visit Rome is from October to April when there are fewer tourists and airline fares and accommodation tend to be lower.