Italy

For centuries, Italy has drawn people in search of culture, history, and their own slice of the good life. Not many countries can compare with its architectural and historic monuments, art traditions, beautiful scenery, and amazing regional food and wine.

Consistently ranking among the world’s most popular tourist destinations, Italy’s unfailing cultural and historical charm continues to attract increasing numbers of visitors. Its varied landscape offers endless possibilities for actively enjoying the outdoors, from walking or biking among vineyards, fields, and pine forests in Tuscany to hiking the well-groomed paths of the Cinque Terre, to exploring the mighty and majestic Dolomites.

To get a proper sense of what Italy has to offer, you will need at least 10 – 12 days and there are many possible itineraries based on the logistical details and on your particular interests and preferences.

First-time visitors and those having a week to spend usually focus on the ‘big 3’ must-sees – Rome, Florence, and Venice, to soak in their overwhelming abundance of historical and cultural sites – from Rome’s Colosseum and the Vatican museums, to the Renaissance treasures and art collections of Florence, to Venice’s Grand Canal and Piazza San Marco. With a few more days to spare, you can add-on one or more days of walking along the rocky picturesque coastline of the Cinque Terre or exploring the Tuscan countryside with its picture-perfect hill towns and vineyards.

Alternatively, if you are lucky enough to have two or more weeks for your Italy trip, a good option would be to split your time between Northern Italy where you can explore Milan and the lake region before moving on to Venice and the Veneto region, Florence, walk between the charming villages of the Cinque Terre, and finally, drive or bike through the enchanting Tuscan countryside. Continuing south with a few days in Rome, you could then end your trip in Naples, see Pompeii’s ruins, and end up on the famed Amalfi coast.

Need more options?

Why not take the overnight ferry from Naples to Palermo and explore Sicily – the largest Mediterranean island?

Or take the hydrofoil from Venice to the Istrian Peninsula in Croatia? Once part of the Venetian Empire, the Italian influence in the region’s architecture and cuisine is hard to miss.

Just a couple of hours’ drive east of Venice and you will be in Slovenia – an outdoor lover’s paradise with Alpine peaks, pristine lakes, sparkling rivers, charming rustic culture, surprisingly good wine, and sophisticated cuisine.

Need to read up on Italy? Here’s some destination information and even more travel ideas!

Looking to plan a bespoke itinerary or a small group tour of Italy? Contact us and we will help you choose the best option!