Siena is the Gothic masterpiece of sunny Tuscany. Come for the impressive Duomo cathedral and medieval museums, stay for cheerful gelato shops, quiet botanical gardens, and a leisurely glass of Chianti (or two) with a view of famous Piazza del Campo. Find out what to do, where to stay, and what to eat with this ultimate guide to the city.
The five villages of the Cinque Terre are clustered on a terraced, hilly stretch of Italian Riviera coastline. Hiking between the centuries-old settlements is a popular summer pursuit, the steep footpath perpetually filled with camera-happy tourists. To beat the crowds, veteran travel writer Stephen Keeling attempts a February through-hike instead—all in just one day.
By summer, beaches in Italy's popular coastal areas engorge with both tourists and sun-seeking locales. Where does one go, then, to find those stretches of sand that are not only beautiful but relatively undiscovered? The answer is the southern region of Puglia—Italy's "heel of the boot"—which abounds with secluded coves and golden beaches fronting crystalline waters reminiscent of the Caribbean.
Italy has its fair share of beautiful lakes, but the most popular area to relax along freshwater is the Northern Lakes District. Here, you'll find the big three: Lake Como, Lake Garda, and Lake Maggiore (amongst others). Of all the scenic pools, Como and Garda steal the show with their dramatic mountainous surroundings, posh grand villas, and elaborate garden terraces. You can explore impressive waterfront castles, charming cobbled streets in historic villages, and even the famed Amarone wine region.
The Duomo of Florence is one of the great monuments of Europe, and there's much more to it than the mighty cathedral. This ultimate guide to il Duomo in Florence will help you get the most out of your visit to the Duomo complex.
Ten days to two weeks is a great length for an Italy trip with stops in Venice, Rome, Cinque Terre, and Florence. It's also possible to hit the highlights in eight or nine days if you don't mind a fast-paced journey. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region like the beautiful Amalfi Coast, Milan, or Sorrento. Get inspired with kimkim's Venice, Rome, Cinque Terre, and Florence trip ideas below.
While the weather is a little rainier than the rest of the year, November remains an excellent month for urban and cultural exploration as well as a possible beach day. November also ushers in wine season with St. Martin's Day kicking off a host of festivals celebrating seasonal fare and, of course, wine. Let this monthly guide help you find the best places to visit and things to do.
Most travelers will find that 13 to 15 days is perfect for a well-paced Italy trip to Sicily with stops in Syracuse, Taormina, Palermo, and Catania. It's also possible to hit the highlights in 8 to 12 days if you don't mind a fast-paced journey. See more ideas for Syracuse, Taormina, Palermo, and Catania itineraries below.
Treat yourself in 2020 with a luxury trip to an unexpected destination. Glamp under the stars in the Moroccan Sahara, take a sunrise hot air balloon ride in Myanmar, enjoy haute cuisine in Lima's world-renowned restaurants, and stay in exclusive safari lodges in Kenya's top game reserves. Or, redefine a classic Italy itinerary with private tours of major attractions in Rome and Florence, a helicopter flight over Mt. Vesuvius, and a luxe yacht cruise to glittering Capri.
Most travelers will find that 7 to 10 days is perfect for a well-paced Italy trip with stops in Venice, Rome, and Florence. If you don't mind a fast-paced journey, you can see the highlights of this route in less time—as few as 5 or 6 days. 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 Amalfi, Sorrento, or Maiori. Keep reading for more inspiring Venice, Rome, and Florence itineraries.