Italy holidays 2019 & 2020
Seat of the Roman Empire, leading light of the Renaissance and fervent advocate of la bella vita, Italy is renowned for its art, architecture, style and passion. Such is the depth of Italy’s cultural treasures, even the most modest church façade can hide work by the likes of Michelangelo. Our Italy specialists draw on their deep-seated connections with the country to help you unravel Italy’s well-known highlights, from Rome's ancient Colosseum to the untouched medieval towns of Tuscany and the lagoon city of Venice.
They also use their first-hand knowledge to show you Italy's lesser-known ways of life. You might find yourself truffle hunting with an expert and his dog in Tuscany’s hillsides, sampling street food in Palermo, Sicily, exploring the characterful villages of Puglia, or hiking through terraces of vines to reach the tiny villages of Liguria’s Cinque Terre. Whether you explore great cities, alpine lakes, or Roman relics, our specialists can help you unlock Italy’s hidden secrets, from exploring Pompeii without the crowds to uncovering the many delicacies of Italy’s gastronomic capital, Bologna.
Suggested itineraries for Italy
These itineraries give you a starting point for what your trip to Italy could entail. They cover routes we've found work particularly well and feature some of our favourite places to stay. Treat them as inspiration, as each trip is created uniquely for you.
Grand Tour of Sicily
Puglia and Matera
Venice and the Lakes
Luxury Italy Honeymoon
Grand Tour of Italy
Why travel with Audley?
- 100% tailor-made journeys
- Fully protected travel
- Established for 20 years
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98% of our clients would recommend us to a friend
Best time to visit
Our specialists advise on the best months to visit Italy.
Italy by region
If you’re planning to focus your time in Italy around a particular area, you can jump into the region you're most interested in to find detailed itinerary ideas together with accommodation choices and a taster of the experiences we can offer.
The Amalfi Coast Region
The Italian Lakes
Tuscany
Italy in pictures
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![Ice Cream, Italy]()
Italian gelateria -
![Varenna, Lake Como]()
Lake Como -
![City views, Florence]()
Florence skyline -
![Greek ruins, Agrigento]()
Greek ruins at Agrigento -
![Vernazza, Cinque Terre]()
Vernazza, the Cinque Terre -
![St Peters Statue at the Vatican, Rome]()
Statue of St Peter, Rome -
![Trullo house, Alberobello]()
Trullo house, Alberobello -
![Ancient statue, Palermo]()
Palermo Cathedral, Sicily
Tell us your travel plans and a specialist will be in touch
Our expert guides to travelling in Italy
Written by our specialists from the viewpoint of their own travels, these guides will help you decide on the shape of your own trip to Italy. Aiming to inspire and inform, we share our recommendations for how to appreciate Italy at its best.
Introducing Italy
Watch our short video that looks at Italy's many highlights such as its varied scenery, culture and rich history.
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.
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 and honey tasting.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Discover more about Italy on our blog
Provide us with a few starting details about your travel plans, and one of our Italy specialists will be in touch to give you suggestions and ideas.