Italy has 20 regions, each with its own identity. Landscapes, cuisine, and dialect differ greatly from one to the next, and each merits its own visit. If your time is limited, you'll be able to see Italy's highlights in a matter of days—but spending two weeks or more means you'll get to explore multiple regions and fall in love with authentic Italy.
So you’ve ticked off the Colosseum in Rome, boated the canals in Venice, and have come back for more. Bravo, as the Italians would say—there is a lot more to this country than the trophy sights, and enough little-known treasures to fill a lifetime of repeat visits. Get to know the Aeolian Islands, Saturnia, the hill towns of Umbria, and more.
While the weather has turned grey and rainy, November sees fewer crowds, lower-priced accommodation, and Tuscany's largest truffle fair in medieval San Miniato. Discover the region's cultural attractions: museums and galleries, monuments and castles.
Getting lost in the mazy streets of a tucked-away hill town is one of the true delights of travel in Italy. Here you'll wander cobbled streets lined with shuttered houses, turning a corner to find a majestic piazza or wonderful family-run trattoria. But don’t limit yourself to the best-known towns—read on for six of our hidden favorites.
Cinque Terre is a collection of five seaside villages on a 2-mile (3 km) stretch of Italy's northwest coast. Known as the Italian Riviera due to its dramatic setting, it takes a mere day to visit each of these gems. Two to three days would allow you to enjoy its beaches and discover the culture via a cooking class. And with four to five days, you could get to know every inch of Cinque Terre on boat trips, hikes of the surrounding mountains, and even make an extra trip to historic Genoa.
Tuscany, like most of the country, is hot and crowded. It's the peak of tourist season, but this monthly guide can point you in the right direction—to less-crowded beaches and cooler locales.
Most travelers will find seven to 10 days perfect for a well-paced Italy trip to Sicily with stops in Taormina, Palermo, and Catania. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in six days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. Yet those with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop or explore more of the country—some favored itinerary extensions include Syracuse. Keep reading for more inspiring Taormina, Palermo, and Catania itineraries.
Eight to 10 days is a great length for an Italy trip with stops in Lake Como, Milan, and Lake Garda. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in a week, which makes for a fast-paced journey. Travelers with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop or explore more of the country—some favored itinerary extensions include Verona or Rome. Keep reading for more inspiring Lake Como, Milan, and Lake Garda itineraries.
The term "farm to table" is taken seriously in Tuscany. This northwestern region of Italy embodies the ethos of celebrating regional meats and produce, from its root vegetables to its prized Cinta Senese pigs. Here, these ingredients are treated with care to produce some of the finest dishes in the nation. Read on for our guide to the best things to eat in Tuscany—and where to try them.
Welcome to Bologna, home of the world’s oldest continually operating university, not one but two "leaning towers," and some of the best food in Italy. Many tourists overlook this historic city in favor of Italy's other highlights—but Bologna is a can't-miss for culinary hounds and anyone who appreciates the artistry of grand Italian churches. Find out what to do, see, and eat below.