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, exploring the characterful villages of Puglia, tasting wines at a family-owned estate in Piedmont, 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.
Puglia and Matera
Venice and the Lakes
Italy Outdoors
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Best time to visit
Our specialists advise on the best months to visit Italy.
Guides to Italy's regions
To help you decide where to focus your time in Italy, our region guides describe the areas that you're most likely to visit when travelling. Each guide highlights the types of experiences the region can offer.
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.
Puglia
A region to explore at leisure, Puglia combines fine food and wine with historic hill towns. Explore Alberobello's conical trulli (stone houses) and Lecce's Baroque architecture along with golden beaches lapped by clear waters.
Piedmont
Piedmont offers you fine food and wine, rolling countryside and a slower pace of life. From cosmopolitan Turin, with its imposing architecture and numerous museums, you can visit small villages where family-run wineries produce some of Italy’s finest labels.
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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.
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.
Family holidays 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.
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.
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.
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.