Well-known for its boot shape, Italy boasts a staggering number of renowned pieces of art, an abundance of UNESCO World Heritage sites, and welcomes visitors with a warm, friendly atmosphere. Let a private or small-group tour with an expert guide show you how to walk in Caesar's footsteps through the Forum in Rome. Take a gondola tour of Venice to glide by the city's classic architecture. Stare in awe at the colorful frescoes in the Vatican Museums Sistine Chapel one day, and hike the Path of the Gods along the Amalfi Coast on another. Italy is an art lover's paradise, where masterpieces by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio, and Raphael await. Learn about the birthplace of the Renaissance in Florence, and admire the Botticellis in the Uffizi Gallery. Then switch gears to explore hilltop villages in remote parts of Tuscany, or browse for the latest fashions in Milan. Foodies flock to Italy to taste pizza in its hometown of Naples. You can also take a cooking class to learn the secrets of Italian cuisine, like gnocchi and tiramisu in Sorrento, or risotto with prawns in Venice. And then there's the wine—book a wine tour to the Frascati region of Rome for reds and dessert wines, or head to Florence for Chianti. Meanwhile, other tours let you take in a Venetian concert or drift in a boat on Lake Como.
Italian summers are best spent at the beaches of Sardinia and Sicily, but festivals like La Tomatina, Rock in Roma, and the Palio horse races offer good reasons to head inland. The sun shines through fall, making it ideal for city sightseeing—or truffle hunting and wine tasting in Tuscany—while Venice’s legendary Carnival is worth braving the cold for.
Local Currency Euro (€) | Time Zone CEST (UTC +1) | Country Code +39 | Language(s) Italian | Attractions 842 | Tours 25,852 | Reviews 759,856 |
Known as il bel paese, or the beautiful country, Italy stands out for its wealth of art and architecture, ancient ruins, pretty landscapes and seascapes, unparalleled cuisine, and relaxed “la dolce vita” lifestyle. The country’s world-class fashion and design seal the deal for Italy’s top spot as a travel destination.
...MoreThe “Big Three”—Rome, Florence, and Venice—are must-see Italy destinations for their concentration of ancient sites, artistic masterpieces, and unique cityscapes. While marveling at the Roman Colosseum, Michelangelo’s David, and the Venetian canals, be sure to also try Italy’s food and wine and browse the country’s traditional artisan workshops.
...MoreYou could spend a year exploring Italy and still not cover all of its treasures, so consider that you’ll need at least seven to 10 days to visit the top three cities (Rome, Florence, and Venice) plus pop into a smaller town or two to experience Italy’s quieter side.
...MoreThe ancient Colosseum in Rome, the Leaning Tower of Pisa near Florence, and Venice’s Grand Canal are the three most iconic sights in Italy. Other top contenders include the Roman ruins of Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast in southern Italy, Liguria’s Cinque Terre, and the northern Lake Como.
...MoreItaly has more UNESCO-listed cities and landscapes than any other country in the world, so choosing the most beautiful is a challenge. The northern Dolomites, Tuscany’s Val d’Orcia, the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre coastlines, and rolling vineyards in Piedmont vie for the title of Italy’s most picturesque spot.
...MoreYes, Italy is safe to visit. It has very little violent crime, especially involving tourists. Pickpocketing and other petty theft are common in larger cities and tourist towns, so always keep your documents, valuables, and smartphone safely tucked away while exploring and avoid walking alone late at night.
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