A trip to Tuscany is truly unforgettable, with its landscape of endless vineyards and hills dotted with medieval villages and castles. Explore the historical centers of Florence, Siena, and San Gimignano and taste the region's famed wine at picturesque vineyards, estates, and bars. Savor the views with unique experiences, like ballooning over Chianti or walking along an ancient pilgrim path. Enjoy sunset-filled dinners, delicious cuisines, and some of Italy's most important history, architecture, and art.
Italy's twenty wine regions have something for everyone, from full-bodied reds in the hills of Tuscany to crisp sparkling wines in the northern lakes region and one-of-a-kind varietals at rustic island wineries in Sicily. Whether you want to detour from Florence for a quick tasting or plan your vacation around wine, learn more about six of the country's best wine regions with this guide. _x000D_
Often overshadowed by Tuscany, its culturally mega-rich neighbor, Umbria is brimming with treasures of its own. Think gorgeous medieval hill-towns, plenty of art, and olive-growing and wine industries that have been thriving for thousands of years.
For most travelers, 7 to 10 days are the perfect duration for an Italy trip with stops in Tuscany, Venice, and Rome. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in five or 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 favorite itinerary extensions include the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, and Milan.
October is one of the prettiest months to visit Tuscany. With few visitors, experience the changing foliage throughout the country, the Casentino National Park being a great place to start. Plus, the Tyrrhenian Sea is still warm enough for a dip.
From Ancient Rome to the Middle Ages to the World Wars, Italy is steeped in fascinating history. Whether you're exploring historical Verona in the north, medieval Tuscany and the catacombs of Rome in central Italy, or the archeological ruins of Pompeii to the south, you can walk through the centuries. Discover the Colosseum and Roman Forum, stroll the cobbled streets of Siena, and discover the secrets of St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace in Venice.
Italy is a country made for slow touring: whether you’re cruising through vineyards and silver-green olive groves that dip to the sea in sun-baked Puglia, negotiating hairpin bends on a cliff-hugging road skirting the dramatic island of Sardinia, or making an epic drive along the coast of Sicily. Wind down the window, breathe in the scent of wild herbs on the breeze, crank up the radio and get ready for five of our all-time favorite coastal road trips.
Art and architecture dominate most visits to the historical city of Florence, but there is also plenty to keep little adventurers entertained. From a rewarding climb up Giotto's Bell Tower, to hanging out with local kids in cute parks, to a fun gelato-making class, here’s our guide to the best things to do in Florence with kids.
May is synonymous with spring, although in Italy you can expect the tourist crowds to be more on par with summer. Still, the weather is often great during this month, which means prime conditions for outdoor activities like sunbathing and hiking. And what better month than May to hit the road and discover the nation's countless vineyards and sample its most legendary wines?
One way to really get under Italy's skin is to swap the run-of-the-mill hotel experience for something more unusual. Drift off in a "floated" in Venice, sleep troglodyte-style in the "Sassi" (cave dwellings) of Matera, cuddle up in an igloo in the Alps, or stay in a monastery on the fringes of Rome—we've got you covered with this list.