Italy Travel Insights

Insights, ideas and itineraries from kimkim's trusted network of Local Travel Specialists and Experts in Italy

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Luxury Italian Highlights: Venice, Florence, Amalfi Coast, Rome, & More - 13 Days

Explore the best of Italy's culture and history on this luxurious 13-day trip. Begin with the City of Water to dine on famously fresh seafood and visit a gondola workshop, then head to Tuscany for world-famous artwork and a stay in a luxurious countryside Relais. Tour Rome on a private city tour and dive into ancient history at the Colosseum, then end on the Amalfi Coast for old-world fishing villages and a helicopter flight over Pompeii.

This two-week grand tour of Italy includes exclusive guided experiences in Rome

Luxury Italian Highlights: Venice, Florence, Chianti, Rome & Amalfi Coast - 14 Days

Experience Italy's cities, countryside, and coast over two weeks with this luxurious grand tour. Start in Venice to see ornate palaces and visit a traditional gondola workshop. Get an insider's look at Renaissance gems in Florence, then continue into Chianti for wine tasting and a hot-air balloon ride over Tuscany. Dive into the history of Rome with priority access to the Vatican and a private tour of the Colosseum, and end on the Amalfi Coast to tour lemon farms and cruise to the isle of Capri.

Luxury Italian Highlights: Venice, Florence, Amalfi Coast, Rome, & More - 15 Days

From metropolitan Rome to small-town Amalfi, explore Italy's cities and coast on this luxurious 15-day comprehensive itinerary. Start in Venice to tour grand palaces and dine on fresh seafood, then head to Florence for world-famous art museums and famous Tuscan wine. End the trip with exclusive access to Vatican City and three days on the Amalfi Coast for luxury yacht tours and a helicopter flight over Pompeii.

Former Jewish ghetto in the Cannaregio district, Venice

Jewish Heritage in Northern Italy - 9 Days

Jewish history is of fundamental importance for Italian cultural heritage, and nearly every city in Italy can trace back their Jewish communities. Spend 9 days exploring the synagogues, ghettos, old cemeteries, and more to explore this rich culture. See the San Sabba concentration camp in Trieste, explore Venice's medieval ghetto and view ancient Hebrew texts in Bologna.

Food & Wine in Northern Italy - 7 Days

Eat and drink your way through the incredible cuisine of Northern Italy on this 7-day tour. Explore the 11th-century university and covered porticos in Bologna, indulge your taste buds with visits to prosciutto and parmesan producers, and stay in a quiet medieval town in the Emilia Romagna countryside. End the trip in the Valpolicella wine region for a full-day wine tour and cooking class.

Guide to Italy's Regions: Where to Go for Beaches, Wine, History & More

Italy is comprised of 20 different regions, each with its own identity and heritage yet all combined to form the Bel Paese (Beautiful Country) we know and love. While navigating these geographical divisions can be logistically challenging, travelers owe it to themselves see as much of the country as time and budget will allow.

What to Eat in Rome (and Where to Eat It)

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.

Sant`Angelo Bridge and St. Peter's Basilica

Relaxed Amalfi Coast & Rome - 6 Days

This packed 6-day itinerary is perfect if you want to discover the best of Italy but are short on time. Start on the Amalfi Coast for Roman villas and small fishing villages, then head to the beautiful coastal town of Sorrento for a cooking class. Stop to see the Pompeii ruins, then head to Rome for a classic tour of the historic city.

Relaxed Amalfi Coast & Rome - 7 Days

This seven-day getaway trip is a short and sweet solution for travelers who want to relax and explore Italian culture. Start on the Amalfi Coast for small fishing villages and old-timey villas, then head to sunny Sorrento for an authentic cooking class. End your trip in the capital city of Rome to see the world-famous Vatican and other top city landmarks.

Relaxed Amalfi Coast & Rome - 8 Days

Take in the sights and sounds of the Amalfi Coast and dive deep into Roman history on this eight-day itinerary. Start on the Amalfi Coast for rocky beaches and a day trip to the sunny island of Capri before heading to Sorrento, a favorite Italian getaway. End your trip in Rome to see the world-famous Sistine Chapel and enjoy Rome's buzzing nightlife.

Relaxed Amalfi Coast & Rome - 9 Days

Blend relaxation and culture on this laid-back nine-day itinerary to Italy's favorite getaway destinations. Explore cliffside villages and go wine tasting on the Amalfi Coast, then learn to make the perfect Italian meal in sunny Sorrento. Finish the trip in the capital city of Rome to tour the world-famous Vatican and view art in the Galleria Borghese.

Relaxed Amalfi Coast & Rome - 10 Days

Spend a week and a half delving into history and relaxing on the laid-back Amalfi Coast. From small fishing towns to buzzing Rome nightlife, this itinerary has something for everyone. Go wine tasting and take a day trip to the Ancient Roman resort island of Capri, then end your trip with four days in Rome to see the world-famous Sistine Chapel, stroll through bustling piazzas, and enjoy the city's vibrant food scene.

Relaxed Amalfi Coast & Rome - 11 Days

Escape your daily worries and discover the magic of the Amalfi Coast on this 11-day itinerary. Visit the seaside towns of Positano and Amalfi, go for a sunset cruise, and enjoy a full day of wine tasting at the Marisa Cuomo vineyard. See the abandoned city of Pompeii then head to Rome fo ancient ruins, world-class art, and trendy wine bars in bohemian neighborhoods.

Relaxed Amalfi Coast & Rome - 12 Days

From the sleepy towns of the Amalfi Coast to Rome's buzzing nightlife, this 12-day itinerary has something for everyone. Go wine tasting, tour the ruins of Pompeii, and take a day trip to the island of Capri, Ancient Roman's favorite summer getaway. End your trip with five days in the capital city of Rome to see the world-famous Vatican and explore family-run cafes and old city streets.

Relaxed Amalfi Coast and Rome - 13 Days

In Italy "fare tredici" means to hit the jackpot, and you'll do that on this relaxed 13-day itinerary. Start on the Amalfi Coast, where lemon groves and sleepy fishing villages tumble down steep cliffs to the turquoise sea. Visit the Pompeii ruins, explore the resort town of Sorrento, then continue to Rome where world-famous art, eclectic neighborhoods, and historic city monuments await.

Relaxed Amalfi Coast, Naples & Rome - 14 Days

Spend two weeks living "la dolce vita" on this relaxing getaway trip. Spend four days exploring rocky beaches and sprawling summer villas on the Amalfi Coast, then head to Sorrento for beautiful architecture and a cooking class. Go shopping in Naples' glass-roofed Galleria Umberto, then head to Rome to discover Roman ruins, cozy streetside cafés, and serene city parks.

Relaxed Amalfi Coast, Naples & Rome - 15 Days

If spending 15 days relaxing on the beautiful Amalfi Coast and exploring history and culture in Rome sounds perfect, this itinerary is for you. Start in Amalfi to see old-timey fishing villages, go wine-tasting, and eat fresh-caught seafood. Take a day trip to see the Pompeii ruins, then visit Naples' medieval city center. End your trip in Rome to see world-famous art in the Galleria Borghese and explore ancient Roman ruins.

Garden of the villa San Michelle in Anacapri, island of Capri

Relaxed Amalfi Coast, Naples & Rome - 16 Days

Get away from it all on this comprehensive 16-day trip to the Amalfi Coast and Italy's capital city. Soak in the sunshine and explore small fishing villages on the Amalfi Coast. Visit ancient summer villas on Capri and go wine-tasting on the cliffs along the sea. End your trip in Rome, where the world-famous Vatican, bohemian neighborhood food tours, and a buzzing nightlight await.

You'll spend two nights on the Amalfi Coast, known for its colorful cliffside villages and fragrant lemon groves

Italy by Train: Venice, Florence, Amalfi Coast & Rome - 9 Days

This fast-paced itinerary packs plenty of highlights into just nine days, thanks to Italy's comfortable, high-speed trains. Begin in the floating city of Venice to explore ornate palaces and sip canalside Aperol spritzes, then zip to Florence for Renaissance splendor and a day trip into the Tuscan countryside. After two nights on the sun-soaked Amalfi Coast (including a trip to the fabled island of Capri), you'll wrap things up in Rome with illuminating tours of the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Vatican.

Venice, Florence, Amalfi Coast & Rome - 10 Days

From Venice's canals to seaside towns on the Amalfi Coast, this packed 10-day itinerary covers Italy's top sites. Tour the Doge's Palace and look out on the city from the Bridge of Sighs in Venice, then view Michelangelo's art and explore the Chianti region in Tuscany. Continue to the Amalfi Coast for cliffside villages and rocky beaches, then end in Rome to see the Vatican and Ancient Roman ruins.

Venice, Florence, Amalfi Coast & Rome - 11 Days

Experience la dolce vita on this packed 11-day itinerary of Italy's favorite cities. Start in Venice to see the Grand Canal, then head to Florence for a tour of the Uffizi Gallery and a day in Tuscany. Continue to the Amalfi Coast for rocky beaches and summer villas, then end in Rome, where the Sistine Chapel, Galleria Borghese, and bohemian Trastevere await.

Venice, Florence, Amalfi Coast & Rome - 12 Days

If spending 12 days exploring art and history in Italy's beautiful cities sounds perfect, this itinerary is for you. Tour the exquisite San Marco Basilica and bohemian San Samuele district in Venice, see Michelangelo's "David," and go wine tasting in Florence, then spend three days in the stunning fishing villages of the Amalfi Coast. End in Rome for ancient Roman ruins and the world-class Vatican.

Venice, Florence, Amalfi Coast & Rome - 13 Days

Immerse yourself in the richness of Italian culture and Renaissance art on this 13-day itinerary. View ornate palaces in Venice, go wine tasting in Tuscany, and enjoy rocky beaches and summer villas on the Amalfi Coast. End in Rome, where bohemian city neighborhoods, the world-famous Sistine Chapel, and ancient Roman ruins await your exploration.

See Murano artisans craft decorative pieces like these flowers

Venice, Florence, Amalfi Coast & Rome - 14 Days

Spend two weeks delving into Italy's historical and cultural sites on this packed itinerary. Ride a gondola down Venice's Grand Canal and see art by Michelangelo and da Vinci in Florence. Explore Tuscany's medieval towns, then continue to the Amalfi Coast for ancient summer villas, limoncello, and seaside terraces. End in Rome to see the Vatican and explore eclectic neighborhoods.

Venice, Florence, Amalfi Coast & Rome - 15 Days

Head to Itay for 15 days of adventure and relaxation. Visit world-famous art museums and historic palaces, take a gondola ride in Venice, and explore Tuscany's Chianti wine region. From the cliffside villages and rocky beaches of the Amalfi Coast to the ancient Colosseum in Rome, this itinerary offers the best of Italy's culture for every type of traveler.

Venice, Florence, Amalfi Coast & Rome - 16 Days

Spend sixteen days visiting Italy's incredible cities and explore the sunny Amalfi Coast on this getaway trip. Visit ornate palaces and art galleries in Venice and Florence, go wine tasting in Tuscany, and slow down to a quieter pace of life on the Amalfi Coast. Spend the last four days in the capital city of Rome where ancient ruins and a buzzing nightlife meet for a modern vibe.

Gondolas in front of Venice's Grand Canal

Venice, Florence, Amalfi Coast & Rome - 17 Days

Discover Italy's incredible history and beautiful cities on this whirlwind 17-day trip. Explore Venice on foot, try Tuscany's famous gelato and visit art museums in Florence, then check out the turquoise sea and old-timey fishing villages of the Amalfi Coast. Your trip ends in Rome where the ancient Roman Colosseum, world-famous Vatican, and the perfect slice of pizza await.

Venice, Florence, Amalfi Coast & Rome - 18 Days

Explore world-famous art and discover Italy's incredible food on this packed 18-day itinerary. Visit ornate palaces and go on a food tour in Venice, check out Tuscany's hilltop villages and learn to cook in Florence, then relax on the rocky beaches of the Amalfi Coast. End your trip in Rome to see 2nd-century Roman catacombs and view the world-famous Sistine Chapel.

Vatican through the Aventine Hill keyhole

Venice, Florence, Amalfi Coast & Rome - 19 Days

Get to know Italy on this comprehensive 19-day city highlights itinerary. View world-famous art by Michelangelo and da Vinci, explore medieval piazzas, and spend a day on a wine tour of Tuscany. Relax in the old-timey fishing villages of the Amalfi Coast and see how Roman emperors spent their summers, then head to Rome for a visit to the Vatican and ancient Colosseum.

Venice, Florence, Amalfi Coast & Rome - 20 Days

From the sunny Amalfi Coast to Rome's buzzing nightlife, this incredible 20-day highlights trip through Italy is perfect for travelers who want to see it all. Start in Venice to see the famed Grand Canal, then head to Florence for Tuscan wines and da Vinci's art. Round out your trip with a stay in the small coastal town of Amalfi before ending in Rome, where ancient history, eclectic neighborhoods, and a vibrant food scene await.

Gondolas near Piazza San Marco in Venice

Venice, Florence, Amalfi Coast & Rome - 21 Days

Dive deep into Italian life and culture on this immersive 21-day highlights itinerary. Sample the chocolate focaccia and go wine tasting in Florence, tour ornate palaces and glass-making workshops in Venice, and relax on the sunny beaches of the Amalfi Coast. End your trip in Rome, where the world-famous Sistine Chapel, bohemian neighborhoods, and Ancient Roman ruins await.

Cycling Through Sardinia - 8 Days

Experience the stunning landscapes, delicious food, and incredible people of Sardinia on this 8-day cycling tour through the Mediterranean island. Journey through thousands of years of history as you cycle challenging mountain passes and coast alongside endless sea cliffs. Start in the Catalan-heritage town of Alghero, then cross the heart of the island through the Barbagia region to end your trip on the southern tip of the island.

Travel Feature: A Winter Hike Through the Villages of Cinque Terre

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.

Ultimate Guide to Rome: Italy's Enigmatic Capital City

Ah, there's no place like Rome! The Italian capital never loses its touch, with its peerless ensemble of ancient monuments, lavish galleries, basilicas adorned with Renaissance art, streets lined with baroque palazzi, and fountain-splashed piazzas. Learn more below about where to eat, stay, and play—along with expert trip planning tips.

Wine Regions in Italy: Scenery, Cities & Signature Wines

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.

What to Eat in Tuscany (and Where to Eat It)

The term "farm to table" is taken seriously in Tuscany. This northwestern region of Italy embodies the ethos of celebrating regional meats and produce, from its root vegetables to its prized Cinta Senese pigs. Here, these ingredients are treated with care to produce some of the finest dishes in the nation. Read on for our guide to the best things to eat in Tuscany—and where to try them.

The 6 Best Boutique Hotels in Venice

It's no surprise that the beautiful "City of Canals" features an abundance of fabulous accommodations. Eschew the chain hotels for more intimate and artistic options with this list of the city's best boutique offerings that balance Venetian glitz with a contemporary design inspired by everything from classic watches to the Byzantines.

The 6 Best Boutique Hotels in Florence

Hang your hat in the birthplace of the Renaissance, where history's influence can be found in the most unexpected places. Whether you're eating breakfast or sipping a spritz while overlooking the Duomo, or relaxing in a garden where a young Michelangelo once practiced his carving, these hotels will put you in touch with the city's past in style.

Sardinia & Corsica - Boat & Bike - 7 days

On this week-long adventure, you'll sail and cycle around two crown jewels of Europe's islands: Sardinia and Corsica. The landscapes here are the stuff of Mediterranean dreams, where sky-blue waters turn crystal clear as they reach the soft white sands of emerald coasts. Then there's the countryside, which abounds with landmarks both natural and man-made, from bronze-age ruins to the great granite rocks shaped by wind over millennia into unique formations.

Head to the Vatican City for bonus Christmas pageantry in December

Italy in December: Travel Tips, Weather & More

The chill may be coming in strong, but December in Italy also signals the start of the Christmas season. Across the nation, there are holiday markets galore, selling everything from hot roasted chestnuts to mulled wine. Plus, all those ski slopes in the north of the country are starting to open for business.

Check out the treasures inside Milan's Sforzesco Castle when the weather turns unfavorable in November

Italy in November: Travel Tips, Weather & More

The sunny splendor of Italy is officially gone by November. However, you shouldn't let a bit of inclement weather spoil your Italian holiday. During this month, the crowds are gone, the museums and restaurants are less crowded, and there are some delicious food festivals you can attend. So pack your appetite, because you're off to Italy.

Drink wine and sample truffles in the Piedmont region when towns like Alba come alive with harvest festivals

Italy in October: Travel Tips, Weather & More

Anyone looking for an Italian holiday mostly free of foreign sightseers would do well to travel in October. Despite the cooler weather, it's still possible to catch some rays and laze on uncrowded beaches. Plus, you can take advantage of a few delicious harvest festivals in October.

Discover Sardinia's Is Arutas Beach now that Italians have returned to their regular schedules in September

Italy in September: Travel Tips, Weather & More

Italy in September means you can still count on summer crowds and prices. That aside, some of the vacationers have gone home, freeing up much desirable real estate on Italy's famed Mediterranean coast. Plus, September kicks off harvest season in the country, so foodies, grab your forks.

Avoid the crowded beaches in August and stay cool in Northern Italy's Val di Funes, South Tyrol

Italy in August: Travel Tips, Weather & More

Italy in August is hot and crowded. But if you know where to go, you can plan the perfect summer holiday that all but ensures great weather and great adventure. And if you want to get in some beach time, we'll point you in the direction of the best and most secluded gems.

The famous Verona Arena is a popular summer venue worth buying tickets for an opera performance

Italy in July: Travel Tips, Weather & More

From the north to the south, east coast to west, summer temperatures mean all of Italy is open for business. Take a dip in Lake Como, tour the vineyards of Tuscany, or cruise the coastal roads of Sicily—the sky is the limit. Plus, two world-renowned cultural festivals occur during July, making this a prime month on the holiday calendar.

Discover the walled hill city of Orvieto in the lesser-visited Umbria region in June

Italy in June: Travel Tips, Weather & More

June is the month when tourists flock from all over the world to claim for themselves a bit of the beauty, splendor, history, and culture that defines Italy. From Venice and Florence in the north down to Sicily in the far south, this is a month for outdoor excursions and lazing on Mediterranean beaches. And although you'll have to contend with sizable crowds, there are plenty of destinations to choose from in which to craft your perfect Italian holiday.

The Uffizi Gallery is one of the oldest and most famous art museums of Europe

Italy in May: Travel Tips, Weather & More

May is synonymous with spring, although in Italy, you can expect the 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?

Follow the trails on Mount Vesuvius in April ahead of the crowds and heat

Italy in April: Travel Tips, Weather & More

To venture to Italy in April is to experience a gem of a Mediterranean country in the throes of spring. Sunny days are now the norm, having supplanted the rain and gloom that defined winter. This is the last and greatest month to take advantage of the country's spring shoulder season, lower fares, and less-crowded historic sites. So pack your bags, because Italy is calling.

Explore the ancient stone streets of Matera in Italy's south during the spring months

Italy in March: Travel Tips, Weather & More

Those who plan an Italian holiday in March are a little bit ahead of the curve. This is the sweet spot on the calendar when the gloomy weather is just beginning to turn for the better, yet the tourist hordes are still far away as they plan their summer invasion. What better time, then, to venture to the old boot and journey down to its sunnier Mediterranean locales. Sicily, we're looking at you.

If you're in Italy in February, make sure to visit Venice for masked Carnevale revelry

Italy in February: Travel Tips, Weather & More

February in Italy may be right in the middle of the chillier off-season, but those who venture here during this month are in for some pleasant surprises and wild parties. Not only are there fewer crowds to contend with, but all across the country, Italians celebrate one of the biggest religious shindigs of the year: Carnevale.

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