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Best Italy Vacations 2024 & 2025

Introduction

Italy Vacations – Italy provides ageless beauty and cultural richness, a treasure trove of artistic and historical marvels. The Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece, dominates the skyline of Florence, a city replete with Renaissance architecture in central Tuscany. The Last Supper, a fresco painting by Leonardo da Vinci, is the most sought-after sight among the many art galleries and museums found in Milan, the fashion hotspot located inside the northern Lombardy region.

Italy Vacations in Florence
Italy Vacations in Florence

Rome, which borders the Tyrrhenian Sea in the middle Lazio area, is home to the Pantheon, a former Roman temple, and the old Colosseum, an amphitheater that hosted gladiatorial contests.

The seaside town of Sorrento, which is located in the southwest region of Campania, is well-known for its lemon gardens. These groves yield some of the best lemons in Italy, which are used to make the exquisite Limoncello, an Italian liqueur with a lemon flavor. Built on more than 100 islands in the northern Veneto region.

Italy Vacations in Venice
Italy Vacations in Venice

Venice is one of the most distinctive cities in the world. Take a gondola ride through its charming canals. Taste the centuries-long culinary skill and delectable symphony of Italian gastronomy with real Italian gelato, spaghetti, and pizza.

Hand-Picked Italy Tours

Italy is a country that has something to offer for everyone. Whether you are interested in history, art, food, or fashion, Italy has it all. The country is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks and beautiful beaches, making it a popular destination for travelers from all over the world. Italian cuisine is also famous for its simplicity and use of fresh ingredients, making it a must-try for food lovers. We offer more than 30 Italy tour packages. One of them is for you!

Beautiful young girl with a retro camera in Burano

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Summer holiday in Italy. Back view of young woman with straw hat and yellow dress with raised arms looking at Atrani village, Amalfi Coast, Italy

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Exploring Italy

Italy Geography

It may be true that some people claim Italy has it all. From its picturesque coastal regions to its vibrant mountain ranges, it has breathtaking landscape. It boasts an enormous abundance of historical sites, architecture, and culture. It features contemporary cities that perfectly capture Italian culture, and don’t forget about Italy’s amazing wines and cuisine, which are gifts to the world’s palates.

The majority of Italy is a peninsula on the Mediterranean Sea, bordering Slovenia, France, Switzerland, and Austria to the north. The Mediterranean and Ionian Seas to the south, the Adriatic Sea to the east, and the Ligurian and Tyrrhenian Seas to the west encircle the boot-shaped nation. Although there are many different types of landscapes, the bulk of the continent is covered in mountain ranges, particularly the Alps and Apennines. This nation is made up of two large islands: Sicily, located in the southernmost point of the boot, and Sardinia, which is located in the Mediterranean Sea off the west coast of Italy.

Italy Regions

Beginning with the eternal city of Rome, there are some of the most well-known archeological sites in the world as well as abandoned marvels of the Roman Empire. Rome does, yet, nevertheless provide all the conveniences of a global metropolis.

Italy Vacations in Tuscany Sorano

The main draw of Tuscany is Florence, frequently referred to as the “Cradle of the Renaissance,” but visitors can also enjoy plenty of activities in the neighboring hill towns of Siena, Pisa, and Lucca. Next door is Umbria, which is home to several charming cities including Assisi, Perugia, Orvieto, and Gubbio. The picturesque canals of Venice are well-known, and a trip there is always enjoyable. Bologna’s culinary treasures are a haven for foodies.

Mountains and Lakes

The stunning Dolomites mountain range, which includes world-class ski destinations like Bolzano and Cortina d’Ampezzo, is located in the northern Italian Alps. There are many beautiful cities in northern Italy, such Parma and Verona. They provide history and culture in addition to authentic Italian character. With a distinctively Central European character, South Tyrol and the vibrant city of Trieste are great destinations. Italy’s industrial hub and a world-class metropolis is Turin. Located on the Mediterranean Sea, Genoa is the largest port in the nation.

Italy Vacations
Seceda peak, Trentino Alto Adige, Dolomites Alps, South Tyrol

Milan serves as the primary hub for business travel, but it also has additional attractions like a cathedral and great shopping. Italy is distinguished further by its picturesque lakes, all of which are found in the country’s north. The main ones are Lake Garda, Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, and Lake Lugano, which are all shared with Switzerland. Naples is not only the birthplace of pizza but also a vibrant, multiethnic city with plenty of charm. The breathtaking islands of Capri and Ischia, the eruptive Mount Vesuvius, the picturesque Amalfi Coast, and the dramatic remains of Pompeii are all nearby.

Italian Food

Italian cuisine Italy is undoubtedly one of the most diverse countries in the world, with a wide variety of specialties to be found in every area, town, and hamlet you visit. Contrary to common opinion, pasta and tomatoes are not the only ingredients in Italian cuisine.

Italy Vacations
Italy Vacations: Tasty hand made Italian tortellini for autumn season

It is uncommon to eat pasta in several regions of Northern Italy. Some regions of the nation have a lot of meals that include rice, potatoes, lentils, soups, and other similar foods. Similar to the language and customs, regional variations exist in Italian cuisine. Italian wine, which is exported all over the world, cannot be disregarded. Brands like Brunello, Chianti, and Barolo are very recognizable.

What to drink in Italy?

Italy has a wide variety of beers, most of which are pale lagers under well-known brands like Peroni and Moretti. Still, nothing compares to wine in Italy when it comes to alcoholic beverages. Italy is home to some of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world and has 20 distinct wine regions. Italy produces more than 60% of its red wine from Chianti, which is its most well-known varietal.

In Italy, coffee is yet another popular beverage. Espresso is the style from Italy. Coffee is medium-roasted in the north of Italy and gets darker as one moves south.

Frequently Asked Questions on Italy Vacations

What currency is used in Italy?

The euro (EUR) is the main currency used in Italy. Visa and Mastercard credit cards are also accepted however it is recommended to call ahead and advise the credit card company of travel plans to avoid interruptions while on vacation.

Do I need a visa to travel to Italy?

Italy is part of the Schengen travel zone. Until the end of 2024, Canadian and US citizens do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days within the zone. 

When is the best time to travel to Italy?

The summer months are both the most popular and busiest time to visit Italy, and with good reason. The warm weather makes the Amalfi coast a delight, while iconic cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice are in full swing. Visiting the country in the spring or fall months is an excellent alternative as the weather is very pleasant weather there are fewer crowds. The caveat here, and with winter, is that many regional gems close for portions of the spring and fall and much of the winter.

How is the transportation within Italy

Train travel is one of the most popular and efficient ways of travelling within Italy and is widely used to get between the major cities. Public transportation is available in major cities but isn’t commonly used among tourists. Many of the major cities such as Milan, Venice, Florence, and Rome are quite walkable. There are many gondolas in Venice that serve as a great way to travel through the canals. Smaller towns or areas like Lake Como and the Amalfi Coast offer several day cruise options to explore the neighboring villages.

Is Italy a family-friendly destination?

Italy is a destination that has something to offer to everyone. From mouthwatering cuisine, historical landmarks, and breathtaking natural surroundings, the country offers endless options for its visitors. Families with young children will have no challenges finding something to do as there are many excursions and activities to keep both parents and children interested and eager.

Is Italy safe?

Italy is a generally safe country to travel to, and most American tourists do not experience any safety concerns during their trip. However, as with any destination, it’s always a good idea to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.

What else should I know about Italy?

Be sure you know, understand, and observe local laws in Italy. For example, it’s against the law not to have identification on your person while visiting Italy. 

Before you leave the U.S., make sure you’ve left a color copy of your passport along with information about where you’ll be lodging with a loved one in the U.S. If you need the U.S. Consulate or Embassy while on tour, click here for locations and phone numbers in each Italian city.

And finally, don’t forget to enjoy the views, art, festivals, food, and Italian wine!

Social Conventions

In Italy, family is incredibly important and spending time with them is a treasured moment. Handshakes are customary, followed by a kiss on both cheeks as you become more acquainted with someone. First impressions matter. Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees if you intend to attend churches.

Language

Italian is the official language of the country, but there are different dialects. In areas bordering Austria, German is spoken. English is also spoken often in tourist areas.

Religion

Almost 90% of the population of Italy is Roman Catholic. There are also Protestant and Muslim population.

Things To Do In Italy

Rome

Vatican

Italy Vacations Vatican

Since 1929, Vatican City has existed as a sovereign nation with its own coinage, stamps, and flag. The present pope delivers his speeches from a balcony overlooking the majestic St. Peter’s Square. The location of the disciple Peter’s martyrdom is St. Peter’s Basilica. The inside is spacious and filled with several really valuable pieces of art. It has a width of 190 meters (620 feet) and can accommodate 20,000 people. Peter’s Tomb, which was constructed in his honor, is one of the popes’ and other monarchs’ tombs housed in the grottos. The famed Sistine Chapel, located in Vatican City, is another must-see sight. Its amazing ceiling and wall murals, which include Michelangelo’s “The Creation of Adam,” are breathtaking. Masterpieces from the Egyptian era to the late Renaissance are housed at one of the most significant museum complexes in the world, the Vatican Museums.

 

The Colosseum and the Roman Forum

The Roman Colosseum has withstood the test of time and is a remarkable emblem of Rome, despite not being in its original state. This was the gladiatorial arena, large enough to accommodate fifty thousand people. You may explore a system of passageways by going on an underground tour underneath the stadium. Many stray cats have taken up residence in the Colosseum throughout the years. The nearby old Roman Forum served as a venue for weddings, memorial services, and other occasions. Excavations didn’t begin until the early 1900s. Reach the summit of Palatine Hill, which is close by, for sweeping city views.

The Pantheon

The most well-preserved structure from ancient Rome is the Pantheon. Built between 118 and 125 AD, the temple was devoted to all the gods of ancient Rome. It is a concrete circular temple with a beautiful dome rising beyond its walls and a façade modeled by Greece. The building’s most remarkable feature is the 27-foot-diameter hole in the dome. Later, once the nation gave up its pagan gods, an altar was constructed for Christian worship. Following the Renaissance (1300–1700 AD), the Pantheon was chosen as the final resting place for a number of the city’s aristocracy and artists, including previous Italian rulers and painter Raphael.

Piazza Navona

Rome is home to several lovely and quaint squares, but Piazza Navona is the most stunning of them all and should not be missed when visiting Italy. It has three fountains, the most notable of which is the Bernini fountain, in which each of the four sculptures symbolizes a river from a different continent. The area is lined with charming eateries where you can sit and take in the atmosphere. One of the street painters may paint your portrait while you’re at work. You will emerge from the Piazza Navona into a tangle of quaint, winding lanes crammed with eateries, more cafés, and small, mostly high-quality stores offering souvenirs, clothing, shoes, and pastries.

The Trevi Fountain

One look at this massive, well-known fountain, which is located in a little plaza, will explain why it is so well-liked. The deity Neptune is depicted in this masterwork of Baroque architecture, riding a chariot formed like a shell and pulled by seahorses. Throwing three coins into the fountain (with the right hand draped over the left shoulder) is a custom that might lead to the discovery of love or the return to Rome. Your kind gift is gathered from the fountain and goes toward feeding the underprivileged residents of the city.

The Spanish Steps

One of Europe’s largest and most expansive stairs is the Spanish Steps. Locals and visitors alike gather on this ornate 135-step staircase, first to catch up with friends and, second, to soak up some much-needed relaxation. Within the Palazzo di Spagna, there is a stunning fountain, and the centuries-old Trinita del Monti Church is situated at its summit.

 

Florence

The most well-liked artistic city in Italy is Florence, also referred to as the Cradle of the Renaissance. The largest collection of Italian Renaissance art in the world is found at the Uffizi Gallery. Constructed between 1560 and 1580, the Medici family handed the art collection to the city in 1743 with the stipulation that it remain in Florence forever. The Duomo in Florence is the most famous structure in the city. It’s a massive cathedral with a bell tower that towers over the city, a magnificent front of pink, white, and green marble, and a red-tiled cupola.

Italy Vacations :  Florence

It took about 150 years to build, and 1436 was the year of consecration. Up until 1218, there was just one bridge over the Arno, the Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge), which is situated atop the gorgeous river. These days, it’s a well-liked spot for tourists to pause, take in the view of the river, and buy for gold and silver at the several stores that flank the bridge. Since the thirteenth century, there have been stores on Ponte Vecchio. The Piazzale Michelangelo, which is located just outside the city center, is a fantastic position from which to truly see the entirety of Florence in perspective. It is quicker to stroll down the hill back to town, although you can get there by bus or on foot.

Siena

Possibly the most picturesque medieval city to visit while on vacation in Italy is Siena, located in Tuscany. You may experience a true trip back in time as you stroll through the historic, winding lanes. The Piazza del Campo, which was formerly a Roman forum and has a ring of medieval-style buildings around its periphery, is the focal point of Siena. At one of the several cafés encircling the plaza, you may take in its splendor. If you are lucky enough to travel in Italy in July or August, you could visit Siena during Il Palio, a unique and vibrant event that happens just twice a year. The pageant is a competition between ten of Siena’s seventeen Contrades, or core districts and neighborhoods, and it begins with a horse racing around the Piazza del Campo. Don’t miss it!

Pisa

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

Everyone is familiar with this renowned leaning structure. It was intended to be vertical, but began to slant during construction, which took 200 years beginning in 1173 AD. The angle of its lean is 10 degrees. It stands 8 storeys tall, has 207 columns, and resembles a gigantic wedding cake. The tower is one of four buildings that comprise Pisa’s cathedral complex known as Campo dei Miracoli or Piazza dei Miracoli, which translates to “Field of Miracles.”

Venice

Italy Vacations Venice

In addition to its 177 world-famous canals, the city of Venice is home to 900 palaces, 105 churches, and 400 bridges. There are very few motorized cars in the downtown area, and the city is full of winding alleys and streets to discover. Navigating the many canals by boat is the primary mode of transit. To really appreciate this magnificent city, a gondola ride is an absolute must. St. Mark’s Basilica, with its majestic Campanile tower, stands proudly in Piazza San Marco, often known as St. Mark’s Square. Overlooking the Grand Canal, the Bridge of Sighs was built around 1600 AD. The idea that inmates would let out a farewell sigh as they looked out the window at picturesque Venice before being led to their cells is the origin of the building’s name.

The Dolomites

The flavor of this southern region of the Alps is equally Austrian and Italian. The entrance to the Dolomites lies in the city of Bolzano. It’s a skier’s paradise in the winter, with many of top-notch ski resorts. There is an abundance of natural beauty during the summer, including pastureland, lush woods, waterfalls, and orchards, after the snow melts. Here, quaint little settlements are surrounded by rough, high mountains. Chairlifts and cable trains make it simple to reach high elevations. There are maintained hiking roads and clearly defined trails for walkers and hikers.

Milan

The Duomo, often known as the Milan Cathedral, is a significant landmark in this busy city. This white marble, Gothic-style edifice is a municipal landmark, magnificent and incredibly beautiful. Thousands of sculptures and hundreds of spires are fastened to the outside of the 14th-century church. On a clear day, visitors can see the Swiss Alps from the rooftop, which offers breathtaking views of the city. Then there’s Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” in the Basilica Maria delle Grazie, which is the most well-known mural in Milan. La Scala Theatre is arguably the most famous opera house in the world. In addition to hosting opera performances, it features a museum with an assortment of artwork, costumes, and other records documenting La Scala’s past.

Pompeii and Vesuvius

Italy Vacations Pompei

Back in 79 AD, Mount Vesuvius erupted, and it was right near Pompeii. After a long time, archaeologists found a normal Roman city with a Roman Forum, the Temple of Jupiter, and an Amphitheater built in 70 AD that is one of the oldest in the world and has such good sound that the performers don’t need monitors. All of the ruins can be found at the Pompeii historical site, but all of the things that were found during the digs can be found at the Naples historical Museum. Mount Vesuvius is the only volcano in Europe that is still active. It is most famous for erupting in 79 AD and destroying the towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum. About 36 times since then, the most recent time being in 1944 AD.

The Amalfi Coast

Italy Vacations Amalfi Coast

The breathtaking Amalfi Drive, which connects Sorrento and Amalfi town, is the highlight of the Amalfi Coast. The road, which is dug out of the side of the coastal cliffs, provides breathtaking views of the high cliffs above and down to the sea. There are many of charming towns that are perfect for a visit. The most picturesque village on the Amalfi Coast is Positano, where homes appear to fall into the sea. There are hotels, eateries, and little boutique stores along the steep streets.

The Island of Capri

Italy Vacations Capri Island

Naples and Sorrento both have hydrofoil routes that lead to Capri. It is split into two sections: Anacapri, which is positioned atop a hill and offers breathtaking views, and Capri Town. With its opulent homes and profusion of vibrantly colored bougainvillea, Capri nevertheless exudes an untainted charm. The most well-known location is the Blue Grotto. The carved Roman landing stage is still visible in this sea cave, which is lit by a bright blue natural light that comes from behind the cave. The grotto ascends to a height of 15 meters (48 feet) and is 54 meters (175 feet) by 30 meters (98 feet). But the height of the entryway is merely 1.3 meters/4.25 feet. To see it, you have to go on a boat tour; swimming is no longer allowed for safety concerns.

The Cinque Terre

Italy Vacations Cinque Terre

The Amalfi Coast and the Cinque Terre on Tuscany’s Mediterranean coast are quite similar. There are five little, traffic-free settlements along this stunning 9.5 km/mile stretch of beach. When visiting Italy, you may take advantage of the breathtaking landscapes, boat cruises, hiking, and swimming. Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore are the five towns. The most well-known village is Vernazza, which features a tiny beach, a waterfront square and harbor, ruins of an ancient city wall, and a castle. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, the entire region.

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