Italy Travel Insights

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

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Head to UNESCO-protected Cortina d'Ampezzo to hit the slopes on a January holiday to Italy

Italy in January: Travel Tips, Weather & More

January signals the middle of winter in Italy. This is traditionally when gloomy weather hampers outdoor excursions to the nation's famous coastal cities and beaches. However, winter-sports enthusiasts will find January a veritable playground of ideal skiing and snowboarding conditions. Even if you aren't up for hitting the slopes, we can still point you to the best places to spend an Italian winter while enjoying two great benefits: fewer crowds and lower prices.

Family Adventure in Italy: Venice, Florence, Rome - 7 Days

This packed weeklong itinerary is perfect for adventurous families who are short on time. Hit the top highlights with visits to Venice and Florence, where you'll tour medieval palaces, go on city-wide treasure hunts, and explore kid-friendly museums. End in Rome to go back in time to the ancient empire with a visit to the Colosseum and a chance to become gladiators for the day.

Endless Fun with Bubbles in Trastevere, Rome

Family Adventure in Italy: Venice, Florence, Rome - 8 Days

Eight days isn't enough time to explore all of Italy, but bring the family and hit the top highlights for an unforgettable adventure. Start in Venice for a city-wide treasure hunt and a ride on a gondola, then head to Florence for kid-friendly museums and delicious chocolate focaccia. End in Rome, where Ancient Roman ruins and the world-famous Vatican await.

Child playing in Piazza Gae Aulenti, Milan

Family Adventure in Italy: Venice, Florence, Rome - 9 Days

From city treasure hunts to skip-the-line tickets, this 9-day itinerary is perfectly crafted for your next family adventure. Hunt for hidden lion statues and go for a family bike ride in Venice, then tour medieval piazzas and learn to make the perfect pizza in Florence. End in Rome where you'll go on a kid-friendly tour of the Vatican and dive into Roman history at the Colosseum.

Family Adventure in Italy: Venice, Florence, Rome - 10 Days

Spend a week and a half exploring Italy with the family on this packed 10-day itinerary. Find hidden lion statues and visit sprawling villas in Venice, craft the perfect pizza and visit medieval plazas in Florence, then continue to Rome. Go back in time as you explore the Colosseum and ancient Forum, view art in the Vatican, and visit Gladiator School for an afternoon in Ancient Rome.

Curious kids will love a family-themed tour of the Colosseum

Family Adventure in Italy: Venice, Florence & Rome by Train - 11 Days

Discover three Italian cities at a relaxed pace during this fun-filled, family-focused vacation. Over 11 days, you'll hop between Venice, Florence, and Rome by high-speed train, with an itinerary of kid-friendly adventures in between. Craft colorful Carnival masks in Venice, dive into delicious Tuscan cuisine with a family cooking class in Florence, and save the best for last in Rome, where little ones can step back in time with an afternoon at "gladiator school."

Family Adventure in Italy: Venice, Florence, Rome - 12 Days

Bring the family and spend 12 days exploring Italy's top historic and cultural sites. Learn to make a carnival mask and visit medieval palaces in Venice, explore family-friendly museums and craft the perfect pizza in Florence, then head to Rome for 4 days in the bustling capital. Let the kids' imagination run wild as they tour the Colosseum and go back in time to Ancient Rome.

Family Adventure in Italy: Venice, Florence, Rome - 13 Days

From Venice's waterways to Rome's Colosseum, this thirteen-day trip is the perfect family-friendly Italian adventure. Explore Doge's Palace and go on a lion treasure hunt in Venice, then learn to make the perfect pizza and climb Pisa's famous tower in Florence. Finish in Rome for a kid-friendly tour of the Vatican and an afternoon at gladiator school.

Young child painting a carnival mask in Venice

Family Adventure in Italy: Venice, Florence, Rome - 14 Days

If spending two weeks traveling with the family through Italy's top cities and historic sites sounds perfect, then this packed itinerary is for you. Start in Venice to see ornate palaces and ride a gondola on city canals, then continue to Florence for amazing food, kid-friendly museums, and the rolling Tuscan landscape. End in Rome where the kids can follow Percy Jackson's adventures through Ancient Roman ruins.

Family Adventure in Italy: Venice, Florence, Rome - 15 Days

Bring the whole family on this incredible 15-day adventure through Italy's top sites. Start in Venice where you'll go on a city-wide treasure hunt and learn to make carnival masks, then continue to Florence for a food tour and craft making. End your trip in Rome, where you'll dive into Ancient Roman history with a visit to the Colosseum and spend an afternoon in gladiator school.

Taormina's Teatro Greco with a snowcapped Mount Etna

Best of Sicily: Palermo, Taormina & Catania - 7 Days

Explore Sicily's Arab-Norman highlights, mouthwatering cuisine, and ancient ruins with this weeklong foodie trip to Italy's "boot. " Delve into Palermo's vibrant culture and history, cook up a storm with a four-course masterclass, then head to elegant Taormina to hike the summit of Europe's largest volcano, Mount Etna. Your whirlwind trip concludes in Catania, where you'll sharpen your taste buds with a tour of Sicily's famous street food amid the city's famous Baroque architecture.

Best of Sicily: Palermo, Taormina & Catania - 8 Days

Discover what drew ancient and modern people to strategically located Sicily on this eight-day tour. Start in Palermo to explore its colorful history and exceptional food scene. See the 12th-century Norman Cattedrale, shop for lunch at the busy Vucciria Street market, and soak in the Mediterranean sunshine on Mondello Beach. Continue to Taormina, where you'll catch a performance at the Greek theater, see Sicily from the top of the Mount Etna volcano, and stuff yourself on delicious fried street food.

Best of Sicily: Palermo, Taormina & Catania - 9 Days

Explore why Sicily has been one of the world's most densely occupied regions for over 2,000 years on this colorful nine-day itinerary. Begin in the food capital of Palermo to see 12th-century churches, Italy's largest opera house, and learn to make a four-course meal. Continue to the resort town of Taormina to hike Mount Etna, see a show at the Greek theater, and explore the beautiful little island of Isola Bella. End in Catania, where finger-licking street food and Baroque architecture dominate the scene.

Best of Sicily: Palermo, Taormina & Catania - 10 Days

Cliff diving is the national pastime in Sicily, and it's easy to see why on this beautiful 10-day itinerary of the mountainous island. Begin your trip in diverse Palermo to discover history and culture through the medium of street food. Go back in time with a trip to the Cappuccini Catacombs and enjoy the sunshine and turquoise water on Mondello Beach. Explore art and history in Taormina and see Sicily from the top of Mount Etna, then end your trip with a street food tour in beautiful Catania.

Best of Sicily: Palermo, Taormina, Catania - 11 Days

Sicilians consider themselves Sicilian first, and Italian second—discover the source of their fierce pride on this beautiful 11-day itinerary. Start in culturally rich Palermo, voted by Forbes as the 2015 European food capital. See a variety of churches, from 12th-century to modern-day, and learn to make a traditional 4-course meal. Head to Taormina, where art and theater dominate the region. Catch a show at the Greek theater overlooking the Ionian Sea, then end your trip in bustling Catania—the perfect place to try finger-licking street food and enjoy views of Mt. Etna.

Best of Sicily: Palermo, Taormina, Catania - 12 Days

A favorite with bikers and hikers, Sicily's hilly landscapes are also perfect for travelers who want big views, diverse cultures, and sunny weather. Explore all this and more on this packed 12-day itinerary, which starts in the food capital of Palermo. Tour medieval churches and relax on sunny beaches, then head to Taormina to dive into the arts and theater scene. Explore Mount Etna and the local winemaking culture, then end your trip in Catania, where churches, street food, and views of the Ionian Sea create the perfect Mediterranean atmosphere.

Best of Sicily: Palermo, Syracuse, Taormina & Catania - 13 Days

Sicily has long been a favorite with maritime travelers, and you'll fall in love as well on this incredible 13-day trip. Tour churches and busy street markets in Palermo, then head to Syracuse, home of the famed mathematician Archimedes. Haggle for your lunch at the bustling Ortygia Street Market and visit the 13th-century Castello Maniace before making your way up the coast to Taormino and Catania, where theater, street food, and seafront promenades are a trip highlight.

Best of Sicily: Palermo, Syracuse, Taormina & Catania - 14 Days

If you have two weeks and a thirst for Sicilian sunshine, delicious street food, and fascinating culture, then this trip is for you. Spend four days exploring Palermo's diverse history, shopping at bustling markets, and relaxing on sunny beaches. Visit Syracuse and explore the Old Town of Ortygia, then head to Taormina to hike Mount Etna and catch a performance at the ancient Greek theater. End your trip with a street food tour and sunny views of the Ionian Sea in Catania.

Best of Sicily: Palermo, Syracuse, Taormina & Catania - 15 Days

Explore the best of Sicily on this 15-day itinerary, from Palermo's famous food scene to the Greek theater in Taormina. Visit Syracuse, the birthplace of Archimedes, to see the 2700-year-old town of Ortygia and sunny Arenella Beach. Spend four days enjoying nature and the arts in Taormina, then head to Catania, where filming sites from the Godfather trilogy, delicious street food, and bustling fish markets await.

View of Peschici from Gargano National Park

Laidback Puglia: Alberobello, Lecce, Bari - 7 Days

If you want to see the stunning Puglia region but are short on time, this packed 7-day itinerary is for you. Start in Alberobello to see the cone-shaped Trulli homes and ancient Matera caves, then head to Lecce to see Baroque architecture and a 2nd-century Roman amphitheater. End in Bari for religious icons, a medieval old town, and some of Italy's best street food.

Laidback Puglia: Alberobello, Lecce & Bari - 8 Days

Spend a relaxing eight-day exploring medieval architecture and enjoying nature in Puglia. Begin your trip in Alberobello, where storybook trulli homes pack the town center. Take a day trip to Ostuni, spend the afternoon on a beach, and learn to cook a Pugliese meal in Lecce. Finish in Bari, where narrow city streets, a vibrant religious presence, and freshly-baked focaccia barese await.

Laidback Puglia: Alberobello, Lecce & Bari - 9 Days

Spend nine days on the "heel" of the Italy boot on this packed Puglia itinerary. Start in Alberobello, where trulli homes, prehistoric caves, and ancient olive groves dot the landscape. Head down the coast to Lecce for Baroque architecture, sun-soaked towns, and rocky beaches. End in Bari to see religious icons, try delicious street food, and explore the medieval city center.

Laidback Puglia: Alberobello, Lecce & Bari - 10 Days

If you've explored Italy's famous highlights and want to see more, this 10-day Puglia itinerary is the perfect option. Explore Alberobello's history from medieval Trulli to prehistoric caves, then head south to Lecce for sunny beaches, sleepy fishing villages, and Baroque architecture. End in Bari in the north for 12th-century churches and delicious street food.

Laidback Puglia: Alberobello, Lecce & Bari - 11 Days

If spending 11 relaxed days in the sunny Puglia region sounds like a dream come true, this packed itinerary is yours. See storybook Trulli in Alberobello, visit the 9,000-year-old Matera caves, and lounge on warm beaches. Explore Lecce's Baroque city center and spend a day in the lovely coastal town of Otranto before ending in Bari to see beautiful historic churches and a medieval city center.

Laidback Puglia: Alberobello, Lecce & Bari - 12 Days

Explore Roman theaters, relax in small coastal towns, and soak in the sunshine on this twelve-day itinerary of the incredible Puglia region. From Baroque castles in Lecce and fairy tale Alberobello to the whitewashed buildings in Otranto, this trip hits the region's highlights with a focus on authentic Italian life. You'll learn to make a typical Pugliese meal and swim on rocky beaches, then eat delicious fried street food on the winding medieval streets of Bari.

Laidback Puglia: Alberobello, Lecce, Bari - 13 Days

If thirteen days exploring the sunny Puglia region seems like a lucky break, then this packed itinerary is for you. Start in Alberobello to see cone-shaped Trulli, ancient Matera caves, and stunning Polignano a Mare beach. Continue to Lecce to for a half day cooking class and Baroque architecture, then end your trip in Bari for delicious street food, vibrant religious sites, and a full-day hiking trip to Gargano National Park.

Laidback Puglia: Alberobello, Lecce, Bari - 14 Days

From fairytale Trulli homes to rocky sun-soaked beaches, this two-week trip to Puglia is perfect for travelers who want to see authentic Italy. See baroque architecture in Lecce, scrubby pine forests in Gargano National Park, and sunny southern towns of Otranto and Gallipoli. End your trip in the busy port city of Bari where a maze-like old town, deep-fried panzerotto, and 12th-century churches await.

Laidback Puglia: Alberobello, Lecce, Bari - 15 Days

If you've already visited Italy's famous cities and crave an authentic experience, this comprehensive 15-day itinerary in Puglia is for you. Spend time in the busy port city of Bari and relaxed Lecce and visit the small sun-soaked coastal villages of Gallipoli, Leuca, and Otranto. Eat hand-made Orecchiette, go swimming on rocky beaches, and explore life on the peninsula from the ancient Matera caves to the 12th-century Basilica of St. Nicholas.

Discover Milan and Italy's Lakes Region - 7 Days

Explore Northern Italy's Lakes district on this weeklong getaway trip. Tour the Royal Palace, see art in the Castello Sforzesco, and enjoy the nightlife on Milan's Navigli canals. See da Vinci's The Last Supper, then head to Lake Como and Lake Garda to enjoy small lakeside villages, sprawling summer villas, and a day trip to the Dolomite Mountains.

Discover Milan & Italy's Lakes Region - 8 Days

If spending eight days soaking in the sunshine and views of Italy's lakes district sounds like a dream come true, this relaxed trip is for you. Explore Milan's fashion and cultural capital, with time to go shopping and enjoy the buzzing nightlife. Spend five days on the lake, enjoying leisurely afternoons by the water, trips to the spectacular Dolomite mountains, and touring Napoleon-era villas of Italy's rich and famous.

Inside the dome of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in the historic heart of Milan

Discover Milan & Italy's Lakes Region - 9 Days

This packed nine-day itinerary is the perfect blend of metropolitan culture and a relaxed lake vibe. Start in Milan, the fashion capital, to see world-famous art and medieval churches. Head to the countryside for a week of exploring lakeside villages and villas, swimming, and market shopping for picnic lunches. From wine tasting to paragliding, Italy's Lakes are waiting to be explored.

Discover Milan & Italy's Lakes Region - 10 Days

From sophisticated Milan to leisurely Bellagio, this 10-day itinerary of Northern Italy is the perfect getaway. See da Vinci's "The Last Supper" and take in the buzzing Milan nightlife, then visit Lakes Como and Garda for a spectacular week on the water. Rent a kayak, go for an afternoon stroll through a sprawling lakeside estate and garden, and take a day trip to the Dolomite Mountains with a visit to the charming Tyrolian village of Ortisei.

Discover Milan and Italy's Lakes Region - 11 Days

Spend eleven days visiting the fashion and culture capital of Milan and relaxing on Italy's northern lakes. See world-famous art by da Vinci and shop for luxury items in the city, then head to the countryside for 8 days of sunshine. Explore sprawling summer villas and take a pasta-making class on Lake Como, then tour medieval castles and see Juliet's balcony in Verona near Lake Garda.

Discover Milan and Italy's Lakes Region - 12 Days

This twelve-day itinerary in Northern Italy is perfect for adventurous travelers with some time to spare. Start in Milan, the fashion and cultural capital, to see world-famous art and shop for luxury and designer items. Explore botanical gardens and family restaurants in Bellagio, then tour the Borromean Islands and browse the lakeside market in Lake Maggiore. End at Lake Garda for a Dolomite day excursion and wine tasting.

Discover Milan and the Italian Lakes - 13 Days

Thirteen is considered a lucky number in Italy, so take time off and explore Northern Italy for thirteen days. Take in the history and amazing street food in Milan, then head to beautiful Lake Como for a week of sunshine, sprawling lakeside gardens, and wine tasting. Continue to Lakes Maggiore and Garda for Sunday mornings at the market, Napoleon-era villas, and the stunning Dolomite Mountains.

Discover Milan and Italy's Lakes Region - 14 Days

Spend two relaxing weeks enjoying art, culture, and food. Shop for treasures at the Quadrilatero della Moda district and join the locals at the Navigli canals for high-energy nightlife in Milan. Spend four days on peaceful Lake Como, touring sleepy fishing harbors and learning to make the perfect pasta dish. Visit serene lakeside estates on Lake Maggiore, then end on Lake Garda for award-winning wine tasting and Tyrolean charm.

Discover Milan and Italy's Lakes Region - 15 Days

Get away from the hustle and bustle on this 15-day Lakes District itinerary. See da Vinci's "The Last Supper" and catch a football game in Milan, then enjoy the city's buzzing nightlife. Tour resplendent summer villas on Lake Como, shop flea markets on Lake Maggiore, then end your trip on Lake Garda, where sunny beaches, charming Tyrolean villages, and the Valpolicella wine region await.

Discover Venice, Florence & Rome - 7 Days

From Venice's Grand Canal to Tuscany's winemaking region, this weeklong itinerary is a top choice for travelers on a time crunch. See Michelangelo's "David" sculpture in Florence, shop for carnival masks and handblown art in Venice, and explore medieval hilltop towns in the Chianti Classico Region. End in Rome, where the legendary Colosseum, Sistine Chapel, and buzzing nightlife await.

Discover Venice, Florence & Rome - 8 Days

Explore Italy's top cities and winemaking regions with this whirlwind 8-day itinerary. Dive into history as you discover extravagant Venetian palaces, medieval Tuscan towns, and Rome's Vatican City. Ride a gondola on Venice's Grand Canal and taste world-famous wine in the Chianti Classico region. See masterpieces by Michelangelo and da Vinci in Florence, then end in Rome, where bohemian neighborhoods, a vibrant food scene, and the magnificent Colosseum await.

Discover Venice, Florence & Rome - 9 Days

From the Sistine Chapel in Rome to eclectic artist neighborhoods in Venice, this nine-day trip is perfect for travelers who want to see Italy's top sights at a relaxed pace. Start in Venice to see the Grand Canal, then head to Florence to see Michelangelo's "David" sculpture and taste Chianti wine in Tuscany. End your trip with three days in Rome for trendy wine bars, nighttime foodie crawls, and an exclusive tour of Vatican City.

Discover Venice, Florence & Rome - 10 Days

Explore Italy's top cities and cultural sights on this 10-day trip. Start in colorful Venice to see the ornate Doge's Palace and enjoy a cruise on the Grand Canal. In Florence, see world-famous art by Renaissance masters like Michelangelo and Donatello, then go wine tasting in rural Tuscany. End your trip in Rome, where visits to the Sistine Chapel, bohemian Trastevere neighborhood, and mouth-watering pizza round out the perfect getaway.

Discover Venice, Florence & Rome - 11 Days

Spend eleven days visiting historical sites, eating delicious food, and enjoying yourself in Italy. Start in Venice, where romantic canals, Italo-Byzantine architecture, and exquisite hand-blown glass beckon. Tour the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, then spend a day visiting vineyards and medieval fortresses in Tuscany. Finish the trip in Rome, where you'll dive into history at the Colosseum and Sistine Chapel, then enjoy the buzzing nightlife.

Discover Venice, Florence & Rome - 12 Days

From the top of the leaning tower of Pisa to the rolling hillsides of Tuscany, this 12-day itinerary is perfect for adventurous travelers. Start in Venice to explore ornate palaces and tour glassblowing workshops. Head to Florence for masterpieces by da Vinci and tour small vineyards and farms in Tuscany, then end in Rome—the world-famous home of the Vatican, bohemian neighborhoods, and a buzzing street food scene.

Discover Venice, Florence & Rome - 13 Days

Explore Renaissance masterpieces and modern culture in this 13-day packed Italy trip. See the Grand Canal in Venice, visit colorful Murano island, and tour the gothic Doge's Palace. Head to Florence for Michelangelo's 'David' and a visit to Pisa's famous tower, then spend a day in rural Tuscany. End in Rome, where Vatican City, trendy restaurants, and a visit to the serene Castelli Romani estates await.

Discover Venice, Florence & Rome - 14 Days

Spend two weeks visiting Italy's top cities and world-famous winemaking regions. See ornate palaces and colorful bohemian islands in Venice, tour the Uffizi Gallery to see da Vinci's work in Florence, and climb the leaning tower in Pisa. Spend a day touring vineyards and small farms in Tuscany, then make—and eat!—the perfect pasta dish. Round out your trip in Rome for a visit of the Sistine Chapel and buzzing neighborhood wine bar.

Discover Venice, Florence & Rome - 15 Days

Spend 15 days discovering Italy's art, culture, and cuisine with this comprehensive trip. Ride a gondola in Venice, climb Pisa's famous tower, and see Michelangelo's 'David' sculpture in Florence. Enjoy wine tasting in Tuscany and learn to make the perfect pasta dish. Round out the trip with 5 days in Rome, where world-famous Vatican City and a relaxing visit to Castelli Romani summer estates await.

Tuscany Off the Beaten Path: 7 Ways to Go Beyond Florence

It’s easy to fall into the Florence trap in Tuscany. While no one is denying the appeal of that most cultured of cities, Tuscany goes way beyond the obvious appeal of Pisa’s leaning tower, Siena’s Palio and popular hill towns like San Gimignano. Read on to find out how you can sidestep the crowds and find Tuscany's off-the-radar highlights.

Parmesan cheese from Parmigiano-Reggiano

6 Best Culinary Experiences in Italy

Eating in Italy goes way beyond the restaurant terrace. Factor in a first-hand experience to get closer to the source, be it tasting wafer-thin prosciutto on a food tour of Parma, a wine tour in the vine-clad Tuscan hills, or white truffle foraging in misty autumn woods of Alba in Piedmont. Dive in with our six favorite culinary experiences.

Spoleto at sunset, with the medieval bridge of Ponte delle Torri and Rocca Albornoziana hilltop fortress

6 Places Most Travelers Miss in Italy (But Shouldn't)

So you’ve ticked off the Colosseum in Rome, boated the canals in Venice, and have come back for more. Bravo, as the Italians would say—there is a lot more to this country than the trophy sights, and enough little-known treasures to fill a lifetime of repeat visits. Get to know the Aeolian Islands, Saturnia, the hill towns of Umbria, and more.

Getting Off the Beaten Path in Florence

As the epicenter of the Renaissance, Florence remains one of Italy’s—and Europe’s—most popular destinations, crammed full of mind-blowing art. But as Mark Twain wrote in Innocents Abroad, “I used to worship the mighty genius of Michelangelo…But I do not want Michelangelo for breakfast, for luncheon, for dinner, for tea, for supper, for between meals. I like a change, occasionally.”

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