Sitting romantically astride the Arno River, topped by terracotta-tiled domes and medieval towers that lift the gaze skywards and bathed in painterly light—Florence is one of Europe's most captivating cities. The Tuscan capital has enough Renaissance art and architecture to keep you coming back for a lifetime, but in just one day, you can get a taste of what makes the city great.
From north to south to the islands, Italy has a prime coastline with some of the Mediterranean's most beautiful beaches. You can find stretches of pebbles and sand in lakes surrounded by mountain peaks, lagoons with wetlands and colorful villages, hidden bays enveloped by cliffs, and scenic gulfs and coves. Combine a little adventure with relaxing on the beach, or spend your entire day zipping around the seaside searching for the dolce vita.
With mountain views, sapphire waters, pine-wooded slopes, and islands brimming with botanical gardens, the Italian Lakes are in many ways Italy at its dreamy best. Here lakefronts are lined with medieval towns and grand belle époque villas, beaches for swimming and sunbathing, and promenades made for aimless strolls. Visit the Italian Lakes, and you'll happily master 'il dolce far niente': the art of doing nothing.
The only place to find all of Rome's globally celebrated gastronomic creations under one roof is at the city's public food markets. They offer everything from pizza and pasta to cured meats, cheeses, pastries, and much more. Let this guide direct you to the very best of Rome's myriad markets.
Made famous in a number of Shakespeare's masterpieces, Verona is as charming as you would expect. Come here to see Juliet's (fictional) house, and stay for an old Italian city marked by wide, photogenic piazzas and landmark bridges spanning the River Adige; pretty churches and the biggest wine exhibition in the world. Learn more about what to do, see, and eat in "fair Verona" below.
Most people visiting Tuscany spend about 7 to 10 days in Italy, which usually includes some time in Venice and Rome. If you're not interested in Venice and Rome, five to nine days is enough time for a trip to Tuscany. For travelers with limited time, a fast-paced highlights trip is possible in as little as two to four days. For the best itineraries including Tuscany, keep reading below.
Rome, the Eternal City, is a great destination at any time of year—with a huge variety of cultural and historic riches to explore, it matters little whether the sun is shining or there's snow on the ground. However, being a very popular destination, there are some times of year that are more crowded with tourists than others, and prices also vary depending on the season. Here are some tips for choosing the best time of year to visit Rome.
Once the center of the Italian Renaissance, Florence has evolved into a sophisticated city that holds firmly to its cultural past. Filled with world-class museums and galleries, beautiful churches, and former palaces, this is a city where you'll want to spend at least two or three days—enough time to hit most of the essential landmarks, shop for quality leather goods, and stuff your face with delicious Tuscan food.
For most travelers, 10 to 14 days is the perfect amount of time for an Italy trip with stops in Venice, Rome, Florence, and the Amalfi Coast. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in eight or nine days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some of the best-loved trip extensions include Naples, Bologna, or Sorrento. Keep reading for more inspiring Venice, Rome, Florence, and the Amalfi Coast itineraries.
Tuscany is a dream destination for travelers from all over the world. From the medieval towers of San Gimignano and the art galleries of Florence to the wineries of Chianti and the beaches of the Maremma, the region has something for everyone. Learn more about what to do, where to go, what to eat, and where to stay with this ultimate guide to Tuscany.