Italy is on the Mt Olympus of global food destinations, and each region within the country has its own delectable specialties. In Rome, you'll find everything from world-class coffee to pizza by the slice, along with the best 'cacio e pepe' around. Check out our list below for everything you should try on your trip—and where to find it.
If you're heading to Italy, your first stop will likely be Rome. With its position halfway down Italy's western coast, it's a convenient travel hub and one of Italy's most appealing destinations in its own right. Spend at least a couple of days exploring, starting with Rome's most famous icons—the Colosseum and the Vatican—and stay for the fun neighborhoods, food, and excellent day trip opportunities. See our recommendations below for one night, five days, and everything in between.
Venice is one of the most popular destinations on Earth, with a well-developed hospitality industry that goes back to the early 1800s. It can seem like the city is little more than a giant museum where visitors far outnumber the locals, but it’s surprisingly easy to lose the crowds. Indeed, getting off the beaten path is the best way to appreciate the enduring charm of “La Serenissima”—find out how below.
For most travelers, 7 to 10 days are the perfect amount of time for a trip with stops in Rome, Bologna, and Florence. Travelers with less time can hit the highlights in six days, 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 of our favorite itinerary extensions include Venice and the Amalfi Coast. Get inspired with our trip ideas below.
Sicily's first month of the year is also its wettest. But with the rainy weather comes the start of Carnival season, fewer crowds, and lower costs than other times of the year. This is also one of the best winter months to do a little skiing on the slopes of Mount Etna.
Like the proverbial iceberg, the bulk of Sicily's allure and natural beauty exist just beneath the surface. Beyond the major tourist sites, there are lesser-visited offshore islands, remote coastline with secluded beaches, and delicious street food found in cobbled alleyways. It's on excursions like these that you'll get to the true heart of Sicily.
After you've marveled at the Grand Canal and St. Mark's Square, what's next? A short boat ride from central Venice, the island of Murano has long been famous for its glass. Lace is the claim to fame of tiny Burano, and bucolic Torcello contains the huge Basilica di Santa Maria dell’Assunta. Learn more in our guide to island-hopping in Venice.
Famous as the home of Fiat, Alfa Romeo, and the Turin Shroud, the capital of Italy’s Piedmont region is a fine Baroque city of grand palaces and piazzas on the River Po. Come to learn about the shroud and its royal Savoy rulers, and stay for the soaring Mole Antonelliana; the original Eataly and first Lavazza coffeehouse; its ancient Egypt museum and the local vermouth. Learn more about what to do, see, and eat in Turin below.
Some of the best hiking, cycling, and skiing in the world can be found in the Dolomites, a portion of the Alps that crosses northern Italy. Even with 24 hours, there are great outdoor options, like day hikes in the gorgeous Ampezzo Valley. Come for three days and combine hiking with cycling for tours of remote prairies, glaciers, and limestone peaks. With a week you can cycle and hike from one side of the region to the other, stopping at high-altitude lakes, charming mountain towns, funky art installations, and relaxing day spas along the way.
Nothing makes you feel like you're living la dolce vita quite like a sun-drenched hotel terrace. These hotels are distinguished by terraced restaurants and impressive ocean views that will allow you to take in the multicolored architecture of Amalfi and Positano on your own private balcony, a glass of sparkling wine in hand.