Where to go in Italy

Marvel at Venice’s romantic canals and blended Byzantine, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture - especially stunning in spring or late winter for Carnevale. 

• See St. Mark’s Square and Basilica for its bell tower and gold mosaics 
• Cross the Bridge of Sighs in the Gothic Doge’s Palace
• Explore the winding canals with a relaxing gondola ride
• Eat Cicchetti, plates of crostini, seafood, and meatballs
• Experience the elaborate masquerade festivals of February’s Carnevale
• Visit nearby Murano for world-renowned glass blowing

Find rugged alpine beauty, glacial lakes, and Austrian influence in the Dolomites. This region is popular for summer hiking and world-class winter sports.

• Hike the Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop for peak views
• Take an easier stroll through Alpe di Siusi, a wide alpine meadow
• Row along Lago di Braies’ picturesque green water
• Ski along the Sellaronda circuit or across Prato Piazza
• Enjoy Christmas Markets in towns like Bolzano for festive crafts
• Sample Canederli, bread dumplings in broth or with cheese

Find postcard-perfect scenery and relax by the water at Lake Como, the ideal spring and early summer retreat.

• Visit Bellagio for central lake access and photogenic streets
• Walk along Varenna’s romantic waterfront and villa gardens
• See Villa del Balbianello in Lenno, featured on the silver screen
• Take the cable car from Como City to Brunate for panoramic views
• Try Risotto e Pesce Persico, buttery risotto with lake-caught fish

Taste your way through Italy’s culinary capital, Bologna; Come in spring or fall for mild weather and uncrowded food markets. 

• Sample dishes born here, like Tortellini and Tagliatelle al Ragù
• See Neptune’s Fountain and San Petronio Basilica in the main square
• Stop at Osteria del Sole, a centuries-old neighborhood wine bar
• Explore food markets like the Quadrilatero and Mercato delle Erbe
• Follow the covered Portico di San Luca for hilltop views

Follow the scenic roads through traditional vineyards and family-run estates in the Prosecco Hills.

• Witness the harvest season in September; pair wine with fall produce
• Explore Conegliano’s hilltop castle and the School of Winemaking
• Visit Valdobbiadene (“Prosecco Capital”) for estate tours and tastings
• Stop at a self-serve hillside prosecco bar, Osteria Senz’Oste
• Wander quiet villages like Follina; See the Abbey of Santa Maria
• Try local Sopressa, a garlic-infused salami that’s soft and spicy

Take a cultural excursion to Milan for high-end fashion, iconic art, and impressive landmarks - expect price and crowd spikes during Design Week in April and Fashion Week in September.  

• See da Vinci’s The Last Supper in Santa Maria delle Grazie
• Visit the main square for the massive, Gothic Duomo di Milano
• Browse luxury stores in the glass-roofed Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
• Stop in the museum of musical history at Teatro alla Scala
• Sip on a negroni sbagliato made with prosecco, the city’s invention
• Taste creamy, saffron-infused Risotto alla Milanese

Step back in time at Rome’s ancient sites, and marvel at the world-famous art of the Vatican. Come in the spring or fall for lower temperatures, prices, and crowds. December visits are chilly but uniquely festive. 

• Walk in the footsteps of gladiators at The Colosseum
• Explore the ruins of the Roman Forum and the temples of Palatine Hill
• Visit the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel for Michelangelo’s iconic ceiling 
• Sample classic Roman dishes like creamy carbonara pasta
• Head to the Villa Borghese to stroll the gardens or row on the pond

Dive into the Renaissance in Tuscany’s capital, especially charming in the fall when nearby wine festivals are in full swing.

• Tour the Duomo, its massive red dome dominating the skyline
• See the Uffizi Gallery’s collection of Renaissance masterpieces
• Visit Michelangelo’s “David” in the Accademia Gallery
• Enjoy panoramic views from the Piazzale Michelangelo, best at sunset
• Sip on Chianti wines and try local Schiacciata (flatbread with salami)
• Dip almond cookies into dessert wine, called Cantuccini con Vin Santo

Enjoy walkable, medieval Siena, offering a quieter Tuscan experience than Florence.

• Start in the central square, the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo
• See the intricate mosaics, frescoes, and marble details of the Duomo
• Climb Torre del Mangia for views across the surrounding rolling hills
• Explore the tunnels and chapels of the Santa Maria della Scala
• Taste Pici Pasta, thick noodles served with wild boar or garlic sauce
• Try the dense spiced fruit cake, panforte

Unwind among the vineyards and historic villages of Val d’Orcia, a southern Tuscan valley. September is peak season here; consider an October visit for quieter tastings and tours. 

• Visit Pienza for its Renaissance architecture and Pecorino cheese
• See Montalcino’s fortified walls and sip Brunello di Montalcino
• Head to Montepulciano’s palaces and drink Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
• Explore Bagno Vignoni’s unique thermal pool town square
• Tour Castello Banfi, a high-end wine estate in a castle

Visit this hilltop town for its Gothic cathedral, mysterious cave system, and handmade ceramics. Avoid crowds in April, or come in late May or June to see a costumed festival from medieval times.

• See the golden mosaics of the Duomo di Orvieto
• Admire the dual staircase of St. Patrick’s Well
• Sip on Orvieto Classico, a crisp white available in local enotecas
• Shop for bright pottery crafted by local artisans 
• Soak up views of the Umbrian hillscape from Torre del Moro

Explore the quaint birthplace of St. Francis, packed with religious art and home to a medieval castle. Flowers bloom in April, and the “Calendimaggio” festival celebrates the return of spring in early May.

• See the huge Basilica of St. Francis, containing his tomb
• Admire the stonework of the Cathedral of San Rufino, the main church
• Hike up to the Rocca Maggiore castle for panoramic valley views
• People-watch in the Piazza del Comune and see an ancient church
• Eat dishes flavored with black truffles, harvested in the fall

Embrace the bustling energy of Naples. Classic Italian street food, massive museums, and gulf views await visitors. March offers a quiet experience, but anticipate some rain showers.

• See the artifact collections of the National Archaeological Museum 
• Eat a classic Neapolitan pizza, invented here
• Uncover the city’s secrets in ancient Roman Naples Underground 
• Stroll the old town’s main street, the Spaccanapoli
• Visit the Duomo, the main church, with a relic of St. Gennaro
• Head to the hilltop fortress, Castel Sant'Elmo, for bay views

See the ruins of this city that the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius froze in time. In the crowded summer months, choose the Herculaneum ruins instead for a quieter alternative.

• Walk the central forum with standing columns and volcano views
• Visit the amphitheater, one of the oldest of its kind, from 70 BC
• Admire the preserved frescoes in the House of the Vettii
• Marvel at the art and inventive heating systems in the Stabian Baths
• Try Lacryma Christi, produced from grapes grown on nearby Vesuvius

Find colorful villas and dramatic cliff views in the towns dotting the Amalfi Coast. Come in September or early October for still-warm water and milder weather than the peak summer months.

• See the pastel homes of Positano, and sunbathe at Spiaggia Grande
• Visit the Duomo di Sant’Andrea in historic Amalfi Town
• Wander the hanging gardens of Ravello and explore villa grounds 
• Hike the cliffside “path of the gods” from Bomerano to Nocelle
• Dig into fresh clams with garlicky pasta (Spaghetti alle Vongole)
• Sip on the region’s famous Limoncello, a bright and sweet digestif

Find one of the world’s oldest cave cities in Matera. Arrive in December for a “Living Nativity” event, or in spring for pleasant hiking weather.

• See the two ancient cave-dwelling neighborhoods
• Visit the furnished cave house, Casa Grotto di Civo Solitario
• Tour stunning rock churches like Santa Maria di Idris
• Take in the view at Belvedere di Piazza Giovanni Pascoli
• Try Fave e Cicorie, a creamy fava bean and chicory puree
• Eat at one of the cave restaurants, like La Lopa

Explore medieval sites and taste Puglia’s favorite flavors in coastal Bari. Come in May or early June before the bulk of travelers arrive.

• Stroll the winding medieval alleys of Bari Vecchia
• Watch local women shape pasta on Strada Arco Basso 
• Wander the stone walls of Castello Normanno-Svevo 
• See the Romanesque Basilica di San Nicola, a key pilgrimage site
• Eat Baresi Focaccia, crispy and fluffy, topped with tomatoes or olives

Soak up the sun in Sicily, popular among beachgoers. Visit in the spring and fall to avoid crowds, or during summer, try the remote islands and interior towns.

• See Mount Etna, the tallest active volcano in Europe
• Explore Palermo’s busy food markets and pedestrian squares
• Enjoy the family-friendly beach of San Vito Lo Capo
• Find otherworldly beauty at Scala dei Turchi, giant limestone cliffs
• Visit the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento for ancient Greek ruins
• Snack on arancini (fried risotto balls) and classic cannoli