It takes a while to see everything, so it's best to plan your trip over a couple of days. That way, you can get a feel for each destination and really soak up all the culture!
1. Rome
Rome is a treasure trove of art, fascinating history and charming atmosphere. With sights like the two thousand year old Colosseum and Imperial Forums, Castel Sant’Angelo and the Pantheon, it offers a world of memories that will stay with you forever.
There’s also a lot of good food, from pizza and pasta to gelato and coffee. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite on the go or something more elaborate for dinner, Rome is a food lovers paradise.
It’s no surprise that Rome is one of the most popular destinations in Italy. With a wealth of historical landmarks, archaeological sites and museums, as well as a wide selection of restaurants and bars, you’re bound to have an incredible time here.
2. Tuscany
Tuscany is an excellent choice for travelers who want to get a taste of rural Italy. Its gently rolling hills and villages offer a relaxed vibe, where you can sample homemade food, top-notch wine, and fascinating history.
In this region, nearly two-thirds of vineyards are planted with Sangiovese—a grape that makes the classic red wines Chianti and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. It also produces some of the world’s best whites, including Vernaccia and Vermentino.
The region is known for its refined mix of new and old elements, as well as its ingenious methods to build homes that establish a deep connection with the natural surroundings. You’ll often see this style of architecture in the hilltop towns and villages that dot Tuscany.
If you’re lucky, you may be able to catch a Serie A soccer match while you’re in Tuscany—an experience that will leave you feeling like you’ve really lived the Italian way.
3. Venice
Venice is one of those places that you can’t help but fall in love with. From the charming atmosphere of ’calli’, the narrow streets that create a labyrinth that is a pleasure to get lost in, to the impressive Piazza San Marco with its Basilica, and all the ornate palaces reflecting in the water of the canals.
There’s a reason Venice is considered one of the most incredible cities in the world. It’s the first city in the world to be built on water, and it’s one of the most pioneering and successful - as a trade city with great shipping links, it was able to become one of the wealthiest cities in the world for hundreds of years.
You can’t miss the Bridge Of Sighs, a unique enclosed bridge of white limestone that spans the Rio di Palazzo and offers stunning views of Venice from above. It’s also one of the best spots to watch as gondolas and water buses drift up and down the Grand Canal.
4. Milan
Milan is the fashion capital of Italy, home to a shopper's paradise with smart streets and high-end stores. It's also the perfect place for a visit if you're an art lover, with some of the world's finest museums dotted around town.
You could easily spend a day exploring the city on foot, but if you do need to get out of the city centre it's easy enough to hop on one of the many public buses that run throughout the day.
You might also want to check out the Piazzi dei Mercanti, which used to be the heart of the city during the Middle Ages. It's a little tucked away, but it's worth a visit. It's a little different to the Piazza del Duomo and is full of history.
5. Lake Garda
Whether you're looking to go hiking, sailing or just spend some time on the beach, Lake Garda has everything you need. It's the perfect destination for families, honeymooners and those seeking a little adventure.
The 370-square-kilometer lake lies in the northern regions of Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino Alto Adige, divided by a fjord-like shoreline with dramatic mountains. Picturesque villages, medieval castles and lakeside promenades dot the landscape.
The peninsula tip spa town of Sirmione is a popular stop, but be sure to arrive early or stay overnight to avoid the crowds. For a different perspective, tour the historic Castello Scaligero, one of Italy's best-preserved castles.
6. Lake Iseo
Lake Iseo is a less well-known Italian lake than its neighbours, Lake Como and Lake Garda, but it's an excellent place to visit. This 25-kilometre long lake, surrounded by steep wooded hills and dotted with picturesque fishing villages, has plenty to offer the intrepid traveller.
The main towns, Iseo, Lovere and Sarnico, have a pleasant promenade and some interesting buildings. They are also good starting points for inland walks and some have ferry services to the mainland.
The best way to explore the lake is by boat. The ferries run all year round and you can reach Monte Isola, one of the largest islands in Italy, on a ferry from Sulzano. The island is a paradise for hiking and it's possible to climb to the top for spectacular 360deg views of the lake.
7. Piedmont
Piedmont is one of Italy's most desirable destinations thanks to its striking natural beauty, all-season outdoor activities, important cultural history and coveted wines. It is known for its UNESCO-listed Langhe and Roero wine regions, including Barolo and Barbaresco, and it's the birthplace of the Slow Food movement.
It's also home to a network of royal castles and an elegant capital city. Its mountains – especially the peaks of Monviso and Monte Rosa – offer the most spectacular backdrops for hiking.
The region's unique cafe culture is also a draw for many visitors. 'Aperitifs' are the order of the day, with snacks served alongside drinks.
Spring is another popular time to visit Piedmont, with vineyards burst with color as the hills come alive. Be sure to check out the Vinum wine festival in Alba, the asparagus and agnolotti festivals in Santena, and more.
8. Cinque Terre
It's hard to overstate how spectacular this region of the Italian Riviera is. The five fishing villages - Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore - are strung along cliffs overlooking the sea and make for some of the most stunning photos in the world.
But while these colorful towns may be the main draw, it's the rustic old world charm, dazzling sunsets and captivating people that really pull you in. That's why we think this is a destination worth spending some extra time in.
The best time to visit is shoulder season, between May and September when the weather is warm and there's fewer people than in peak season. That's also the only time that boats will run between the villages, so be sure to take them if you want to see the coastline.
9. Pisa
The famous Leaning Tower is one of the highlights of visiting Pisa, but there are many other sights worth exploring in this stunning city. You can walk to many of the hot spots, but it is easier to get around by train or on a guided tour.
A great option is a half-day trip from Florence that includes a skip-the-line Leaning Tower of Pisa ticket, so you can avoid the long lines and save time. Plus, a local guide will give you an extra perspective on everything you see during your journey.
You can also visit the Museum of Human Anatomy at the University of Pisa to learn about how the human body works, from bones to muscles and organs. This is a fascinating and educational experience for anyone interested in the study of anatomy.
10. Sicily
Sicily may be Italy’s troubled child, but it’s also one of its most fascinating. Its multi-cultural impression is particularly evident in architecture, where you can experience Greek temples, Roman villas and aquaducts, Norman cathedrals and Baroque churches all in the same place!
Sicilian cuisine is rich and varied, with a range of dolci (pastries) to satisfy even the most picky palates. Among these, cannoli (thin tubes stuffed with ricotta and candied fruit) are a classic.
Another must-try is the granita di limone, a refreshing drink of ice and lemon slush. This is a great way to cool down in Sicily’s hot weather, and it’s especially popular in summer.
