Italy travel guides
Our specialists return to Italy time and time again, expanding our knowledge of its places and discovering new sides to this intoxicating country. In these travel guides we share our thoughts on how you can get the most out of your trip to Italy. Whether you’re looking to focus your travels on a particular region such as Tuscany or you’re seeking out Venice’s lesser-known highlights, we’ll tell it like it is, based on what we've most enjoyed ourselves. We’ve also dived into particular aspects of Italian culture, giving our opinions about which of Italy’s many churches to visit, which Italian dishes to try, or how to explore historic Roman sites.
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip by calling one of our Italy specialists at 617-223-4395
Ideas for how to explore Italy
Our travel guides share our specialists’ passion and knowledge for Italy. We travel here regularly to discover new experiences, explore untried areas and dig deeper into the better-known places and attractions. At the same time, we gather advice and up-to-date information on the best-quality guides, new hotels and restaurants, and the most memorable forms of transportation.
The Amalfi Coast Region
The Amalfi Coast is a beautiful region to explore, with lemon trees and olive groves hugging winding coastal roads. Visit Sorrento, with its marinas and cafe-lined squares, and the glamorous island of Capri.
The Italian Lakes
Nestled between rugged mountains, the Italian Lakes are ideal for some relaxation. Explore lakeside villas and elegant gardens, take a boat trip to the Borromeo Islands or visit grand palaces on Lake Maggiore.
Tuscany
Tuscany is renowned for its food, Renaissance art and terraced vineyards. Visit medieval towns and villages, including San Gimignano and Siena, venue for the Palio horse race.
Our expert guide to exploring the Amalfi Coast & Capri
Italy specialist Caroline picks some of her top things to see and do on and around the Amalfi Coast and Capri. Highlights include driving along the Amalfi coast, taking a boat tour of Capri, and hiking the Path of the Gods and Path of the Forts.
Hidden highlights of Tuscany
This guide describes some of the lesser-known highlights of the Tuscany region. Our Italy specialist Kimberly has included her top things to see and do in Florence, Siena and San Gimignano as well as truffle hunting.
A guide to the regions of Italy
A tour of a private palazzo, or a cooking class with a Sorrento grandmother? We highlight the major sights and unearth lesser-known attractions for some of our best-loved Italian regions, spotlighting tours that really explore their character.
Unlocking Italy’s key Roman sites of Rome, Pompeii & Herculaneum
Italy has been at the forefront of so much: a military empire, art, architecture, cuisine and of course a penchant for style. For many however it’s still characterized by a handful of famous places. We highlight the key Roman sites of Rome, Pompeii and Herculaneum.
Basilicas, cathedrals & churches in Italy’s art cities
The focal point of history and culture for over 2000 years, Italy is perhaps understandably also the world’s pre-eminent destination when it comes to its art and architecture. This guide highlights its basilicas, cathedrals and churches, and the priceless artworks contained within them.
Secret canals & corners of Venice
Italy specialist Kimberly describes how to get off the beaten track in Venice and discover some of the city’s lesser-visited highlights. These include Venice’s lagoon islands, Castello, Cannaregio and Torcello and taking in the sights and sounds along the Zattere.
Food highlights of Italy
Italy specialist Caroline talks about her love of Italian food in this guide, focusing on the more renowned culinary cities and regions. She also talks about her experiences of creating pasta, catching fresh fish for dinner in Sorrento, wine tasting in Tuscany's Chianti region and where to eat like a local.
How to eat like the Romans do
Bold, powerful and deceptively simple, Roman cuisine is often overlooked. That’s a shame, says Italy specialist Nick, a one-time resident of Rome. He talks about where to eat the city’s signature dishes and why you shouldn’t buy bottled water when you visit.
Italy’s art cities: Venice, Florence and Rome
From classical Roman statues through Renaissance frescoes to modern installations, you can trace a complete history of Western art in Italy’s great cities. Specialist Kimberly talks about how to deal with the crowds as you take in these important works.
How to see Rome in four days
Discover Rome’s long history, from the half-ruined majesty of the Colosseum to a romantic burial yard for non-Catholics. Nick, a one-time resident, talks about what to see and do in Rome and how to beat the crowds at the Sistine Chapel.
Where to visit in Sicily
Beyond its azure waters and white pebbled beaches, Sicily offers a complex cultural experience, one that is seen in its Baroque churches, open-air markets, Greek ruins and complex cuisine. Discover why it’s the crossroads of the Mediterranean with Audley specialist Kimberly.
Visiting the Cinque Terre
The Cinque Terre is a collection of five historic fishing villages that are literally carved into the rocky shoreline of the Italian Riviera. Italy specialist Kerry-Ann talks about walking along their seaside trails and eating basil gelato on a windy seaside terrace.
Introducing Puglia
Roman ruins, a Baroque city, sunbaked beaches and olive groves — Puglia is where Italians go to relax, away from the cruise-ship crowds. Specialist Cara talks about the region’s highlights and why it’s worth getting to know this quieter corner of Italy.
Family vacations in Italy (in 5 experiences)
If you’re considering a family trip to Italy, here are five hands-on classes to entertain your children or teens. They can don glasses that let them see through time, swing a sword like a gladiator or explore ancient cave dwellings.
The best World War II sites in Western Europe
In many ways, World War II still shapes the cities and landscapes of Western Europe. Here are a handful of the war’s most compelling sites, including the beaches at Normandy, a naval headquarters in Liverpool and a secret tunnel under Naples.
Explore the Renaissance
Walk in Da Vinci’s footsteps, marvel at Michelangelo’s genius and see Shakespeare’s plays as he intended. Our Europe specialists suggest ways to explore the Renaissance across the continent, including both must-see destinations and lesser-known sights that you might otherwise overlook.
Outdoors in Europe: Taking to the water
While away your day on a private boat, admiring the hidden coves around Capri, or hike among the fantastical waterfalls deep in the heart of a Croatian park. Our European specialists suggest seven great ways to enjoy the continent’s waterways.
Where you can enjoy the outdoors in Europe
From the breathless heights of the French Alps to mirror-like lochs in Scotland’s Cairngorms to the turquoise waters of Italy, our specialists suggest the best destinations for you to enjoy the outdoors on your trip to Europe.
6 reasons to visit Europe in autumn
From hiking among the heather in the Highlands of Scotland to truffle hunting in Greece to French wine harvest fêtes, Europe is really at its best in autumn. Here are six reasons to visit after the summer crowds have gone.
A tale of three cities: London, Paris and Rome
How do you make the most out of Europe’s trio of classical cities when you’re pushed for time? We asked our England, France and Italy specialists to create their dream two-day itineraries for time-limited visitors
Pintxos to praline brioche: 5 of Europe's signature dishes
From England to Italy, most European countries still retain strong regional identities, which they often express through food. Our specialists discuss the local signature dishes — regional and national — that they love around the continent.
20 Festivals in Europe worth visiting
From small village fairs to sophisticated, city-wide fêtes, Europe boasts a calendar of festivals to satisfy almost any interest. Discover new varieties of gelato in Florence, party all night in Paris and attend a Regency-era ball in Bath.