Italy Travel Insights

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

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The Colorful Village of Vernazza, Cinque Terre

History and Nature in Italy: From Lake Como to Rome - 8 days

Explore the historical heritage of Italy combined with its natural splendor, starting with the scenic areas of Lake Como and Cinque Terre, where you'll cruise the shore by boat and hike from village to village. Stop in Parma to learn the secrets of world-famous prosciutto curing and discover the hidden side of Pisa beyond its leaning tower. End your trip in the ancient cities of Florence and Rome, where private tours will guide you to all the best monuments, museums, and art galleries, including the Accademia Gallery, the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and the Roman Forum.

History and Nature in Italy: From Lake Como to Rome - 9 Days

Find the perfect balance of Italy's history and natural beauty on this tour, starting with boat rides and scenic vistas on Lake Como before heading to the scenic hills of Cinque Terre, where you'll hike from one colorful village to another. Transfer to Pisa and Florence, meandering the cobblestone streets in search of endless monuments, museums, and art galleries, including the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa and The David. End your trip with a private tour of Vatican City and Ancient Rome, all while enjoying traditional dishes in Rome's hip and buzzy neighborhoods.

History and Nature in Italy: Venice to Rome - 15 Days

Spend two weeks exploring the historical and natural charm of Italy, focusing on the highlights of ancient cities like Venice, Pisa, Florence, and Rome, where you'll enjoy sunset gondola rides, guided tours, traditional meals in hip neighborhoods, and endless visits to museums, art galleries, and monuments. Travel in style with private, guided tours of the medieval city of Siena, the Chianti Wine Region, Vatican City, and the Roman Forum. Swap the bustle of city life for solitude in Lake Como and Cinque Terre, enjoying boat tours, day hikes, and traversing the seaside in search of colorful villages.

History and Nature in Italy: Venice to Rome - 14 Days

Combine the historical splendor of Italy with its natural charm in this 14-day tour, highlighting the ancient cities of Venice, Pisa, Florence, and Rome with sunset gondola rides, regional dishes in local neighborhoods, and guided walking tours, plus visits to many museums, art galleries, and monuments. Enjoy tasting wine in the picturesque hills of Tuscany, plus guided tours of Siena, Vatican City, and the Roman Forum. Swap lively city centers for outdoor experiences in Lake Como and Cinque Terre, like boat tours, day hikes, and traversing the seaside in search of colorful villages.

History and Nature in Italy: Venice to Rome - 13 Days

Your exploration of Italy's historical and natural charm starts in the streets of Venice and continues through the ancient cities of Parma, Pisa, Florence, and Rome, where you'll discover museums, art galleries, monuments, and more. Enjoy a sunset gondola ride, a private food tour, traditional dishes in hip neighborhoods, and a guided visit to Vatican City and the Roman Forum. Trade bustling city centers for outdoor experiences like boat tours and day hikes in Lake Como, as well as the unforgettable memory of traversing colorful villages in Cinque Terre.

History and Nature in Italy: Venice to Rome - 12 Days

From a romantic gondola ride in Venice to exploring ancient ruins in Rome, this 12-day tour is the perfect harmony of history and nature. Aside from Venice and Rome, you'll also discover the ancient cities of Pisa, Florence, and Parma by sampling the region's famed prosciutto, visiting monuments and museums, eating traditional dishes in hip neighborhoods, and encountering some of Italy's most treasured art. Enjoy the country's natural charm with boat rides and scenic hikes in Lake Como, and walking from one colorful village to another in beautiful Cinque Terre.

History and Nature in Italy: Venice to Rome - 11 Days

Perfect for those looking to explore Northern Italy's range of historical and natural charm, this 11-day trip visits important sites in Venice, Pisa, Florence, and Rome, plus Lake Como and Cinque Terre. Enjoy your trip in style with private guides and transportations ensuring your discovery of museums, art galleries, and monuments, as well as the region's famous prosciutto. Satisfy your bucket list with a gondola ride at sunset, authentic meals in hip neighborhoods, a boat tour of Lake Como's famed mansions, and an incredible hike from one Cinque Terre village to another.

History and Nature in Italy: Venice to Rome - 10 Days

Combing nature, history, and culture, this Italian tour takes you through the ancient cities of Venice, Pisa, Florence, and Rome, plus Lake Como and Cinque Terre, all with luxury private transfers and guides. Enjoy meandering through museums, art galleries, and monuments, as well as trying the regions famous prosciutto, riding a gondola at sunset, and discovering hip neighborhoods. Relax on the shores of Lake Como before settling in Cinque Terre, where you'll hike from one village to another.

Views across the Marche countryside near Urbino.

Undiscovered Central Italy: Marche, San Marino & Umbria - 11 Days

Avoid the crowds and explore Italy's quieter central regions on this laid-back 11-day itinerary. Starting in Marche, you'll explore medieval hill towns, tour renowned wine country, and go truffle hunting in ancient woodlands. Spend a day climbing through the mountaintop kingdom of San Marino before crossing the Apennines to Umbria, Italy's "green heart." Here you'll soak up the art, culture, and cuisine of Perugia, its beguiling regional capital.

View over the rooftops and countryside of Urbino.

Undiscovered Central Italy: Marche, San Marino & Umbria - 10 Days

This relaxed 10-day itinerary gives you plenty of time to discover the hidden gems of central Italy. Start in eastern Marche, nestled between the Apennine Mountains and the Adriatic Sea. Tour the area's renowned wine country, settle into the medieval hill towns of Ascoli Piceno and Urbino, and spend a day exploring the tiny kingdom of San Marino. Head southwest across the mountains to end your stay in Perugia, where you'll discover its Renassaince history and immerse yourself in the regional cuisine.

Sunset over the countryside around Perugia.

Undiscovered Central Italy: Marche, San Marino & Umbria - 9 Days

This leisurely 9-day itinerary introduces you to the medieval hill towns and rolling countryside of Italy's lesser-known central regions. Skip the crowds and explore the rolling wine country and fortified villages of Marche before heading north to the tiny kingdom of San Marino. Cross the Apennines to end your trip in Umbria, sampling the culture and cuisine of the regional capital of Perugia.

Hilltop Urbino is filled with Renaissance art and history

Undiscovered Central Italy: Le Marche, San Marino & Umbria Road Trip - 8 Days

Step off the beaten path and discover some of central Italy's hidden treasures on this relaxed eight-day road trip. Start in the bucolic region of Le Marche, where the medieval hill towns of Ascoli Piceno and Urbino will serve as your base for touring local wineries. After a visit to the tiny mountaintop country of San Marino, cross the Apennines to beautiful Umbria. Here you'll explore the region's fortified capital of Perugia, a vibrant city of ancient ruins and Renaissance architecture.

Views across the Umbrian countryside from the regional capital of Perugia.

Undiscovered Central Italy: Marche, San Marino & Umbria - 7 Days

Spend a week exploring the historic hill towns and rolling wine country of Italy's lesser-known central regions. This 7-day itinerary starts in Marche, a lush, mountainous region hidden between the Apennine Mountains and the Adriatic Sea. Visit the fortified medieval towns of Ascoli Piceno and Urbino, discover the rich winemaking culture of its countryside, and spend a day in the tiny fairytale kingdom of San Marino. Cross the mountains into Umbria to end your trip in the regional capital of Perugia, where you'll spend your final day learning to cook and savor the local cuisine.

Views across the Marche countryside to the Renaissance hill town of Urbino.

Undiscovered Central Italy: Marche & Umbria - 6 Days

Skip the crowds on this packed 6-day jaunt through Italy’s lesser-known central regions. Hidden between the Apennine Mountains and the Adriatic Sea, Marche boasts the rolling hills and rustic hill towns of Tuscany with far fewer tourists. Visit its beautiful fortified villages of Ascoli Piceno and Urbino, then sample its rich winemaking traditions on a tour of surrounding vineyards. Cross the mountains into Umbria to end your trip in the regional capital of Perugia, where you’ll explore ancient ruins, browse Renaissance art, and spend your final day learning to cook the local cuisine.

Explore the History of Sardinia & Corsica - 15 Days

Perfect for the history buff and nature lover, this tour spends two weeks traversing the ancient history of Sardinia and Corsica, starting in the bustling city of Cagliari. Make your way across the two islands by visiting ancient ruins, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the birthplace of Napoleon, all while indulging in local culture as you visit vineyards, cheese farms, and cork producers. On your free days, sample the local cuisine, sun bathe on dazzling beaches, discover caves and panoramic cliffside views, and try your luck at windsurfing.

Cycle through the scenic Tuscan countryside

Tuscany By Bike: San Gimignano, Siena & Murlo - 5 Days

Tuscany is famous for its beautiful landscapes, vineyards, cypress trees, farms, and medieval hill towns. What better way to experience some of the best views in Italy than by bike? With this brief but immersive five-day itinerary, you'll explore the hills and towers of San Gimignano, have a chance to taste Brunello wines in Montalcino, and learn about the history and architecture of Siena.

Follow in the footsteps of history on the Francigena Way in Tuscany

Walk Italy's Via Francigena: San Miniato, San Gimignano & Siena - 5 Days

Embark on a scenic portion of the Via Francigena, once a path for religious pilgrims from Canterbury to Rome and today one of Italy's most magnificent long-distance walks. This five-day itinerary focuses on a short but spectacular section of the route that winds past quintessential Tuscan countryside, cypress avenues, and medieval fortresses. Along the way, you'll soak in ancient thermal baths, explore fortified castles, and spend your evenings in comfort in some of Tuscany's loveliest hill towns.

Taste of Italy: Florence, Pisa, Venice, Cinque Terre - 12 days

From Tuscany to Veneto to the Italian Riviera, this 12-day itinerary is perfect for indulgent travelers who want to see and taste the best of Italy. You'll start in Northern Italy, with a tour of Verona and then see romantic Venice. You'll visit the birthplace of the Renaissance in Florence, then tourTuscan vineyards, and visit Pisa's 'leaning tower.' Your adventure will end with the former fishing villages of the Cinque Terre where you'll sample the foods of Liguria — the Italian Riviera — including seafood, pesto, and focaccia.

Hiking the Hill Towns of Tuscany in Val d'Orcia: Montepulciano, Pienza, and Siena - 8 Days

Explore the magnificent natural beauty of the Val d'Orcia region in Tuscany, walking through cypress-lined hills and vineyards, with time for tasting the wine, cheese, honey, and other culinary delights that the area is known for. Your adventure will take you through the wine-growing town of Montepulciano, then to Pienza where you can taste its distinctive Pecorino cheese, and finally to the medieval Tuscan powerhouse of Siena.

A Wine-Lover’s Walking Tour: Piedmont & Tuscany - 8 Days

This 8-day itinerary takes you on a gastronomic adventure through two of Italy’s most spectacular landscapes and cuisines. Starting in the Piedmont hill town of La Morra, you’ll work your way south to Tuscany, ending in the medieval city of Montalcino. In between, you’ll explore picturesque villages, sample local dishes, and visit historic wineries.

Walk the Ligurian Coast: Portofino, Cinque Terre & Portovenere - 8 Days

Explore the coastal trails of the Ligurian Riviera on foot with this adventurous itinerary. Starting in the seaside village of Camogli, you’ll make your way south, visiting beachside San Fruttuoso and Portofino before hopping a train to the iconic Cinque Terre. These five colorful villages are set like gems along steep sea cliffs, and you’ll walk between them via the region’s famed footpaths. Your final day ends in Portovenere, where you can watch the sunset over the shimmering Bay of Poets.

Best of Puglia: Lecce, Otranto, & Alberobello - 5 days

Explore Puglia, the "heel of Italy," one of the country's southernmost regions, which welcomes visitors with olive trees, a sparkling turquoise sea, and whimsical towns and villages. Take a walking tour through Lecce, snap photos of the iconic trulli homes in Alberobello, and enjoy the beaches and cuisine this region is famous for.

Enjoy a day trip to stunning Capri, and check out the beach and Faraglioni cliffs

Rome, Amalfi Coast & Sicily - 18 Days

Take in the sights and sounds of Italy's romantic capital, travel along the ruggedly beautiful southern coast, and dive deep into Sicily's ancient culture. You'll do all this and more over 18 unforgettable days, beginning in Rome with tours of the city's emblematic sights before heading to the rocky beaches of the Amalfi Coast and the sunny island of Capri. Then you'll visit the island of Sicily, where you'll experience the best of its culture and cuisine on an adventurous road trip.

Rome, Amalfi Coast, & Sicily - 17 Days

This 17-day grand tour of Italy is your ticket to all the beauty and living history for which that country is famous. You'll begin in Rome and visit the most famous sights, including the Colosseum, Vatican, and Roman Forum, before absconding south to the sunkissed shores of the Amalfi Coast. A jaunt to Sicily and a road-trip around that incomparable island completes the adventure as you discover its great food, wine, and natural beauty.

Visit the Noto Cathedral in Noto, Sicily

Rome, Amalfi Coast & Sicily - 16 Days

This 16-day adventure includes visits to some of the most incredible locales in Italy. This includes everywhere, from the capital of Rome to the Amalfi Coast to the island of Sicily. On top of the beautiful sights, you'll also enjoy unforgettable activities like museum visits, a street-food tour of Palermo, hiking up Mount Etna, and more.

Rome, Amalfi Coast, & Sicily - 15 Days

Get ready for the ultimate 15-day Mediterranean experience. You'll first tour the highlights of Rome before venturing south to Italy's Amalfi Coast and the nearby island of Capri, which rises out of the sapphire blue waters like a siren. The adventure then kicks into high gear with an epic road trip around Sicily, where you'll explore its famous ruins, luxuriate in its rich culture, and dine on its incomparable cuisine.

Rome, Amalfi Coast, & Sicily - 14 Days

Over 15 days you'll experience the highlights of Italy. In the capital Rome, you'll visit landmarks like the Colosseum and historic institutions like the Vatican. You'll then enjoy the pebble beaches and sun-kissed coast of Amalfi before venturing far south to Sicily, where a road trip will take you from Palermo to Mount Etna.

Visit Sicily's Palermo Cathedral on a guided tour

Rome, Amalfi Coast & Sicily - 13 Days

Give yourself over to the beauty of Italy for 13 days of culture, romance, and adventure. After touring the famous sights of Rome, like the Forum and Colosseum, you'll travel south to the ruggedly beautiful Amalfi Coast and the incomparable Mediterranean gem of Capri. The trip culminates with an exciting road trip around the island of Sicily, in which you'll tour Palermo and visit ancient Greek ruins.

Rome, Amalfi Coast, & Sicily - 12 Days

Get away from it all for 12 days of unforgettable experiences in Italy. This includes touring the most famous sights of Rome, lazing on the pebbly beaches of the Amalfi Coast, and marveling at the cotton-candy-pink sunsets of Capri. The Mediterranean dream doesn't end there—you'll also embark on a road trip adventure around Sicily, from the historic streets of Palermo to the Greek ruins of Syracuse.

Rome, Amalfi Coast & Sicily - 11 Days

The only thing better than visiting one incredible region of Sicily is visiting three. Over 11 days, you'll do just that, beginning in Rome with tours of its ancient ruins and historic sights. You'll then travel south to the incomparable Amalfi Coast and island of Capri before finishing up in Sicily with an epic road trip that includes a visit to historic beach towns like Cefalú and ancient Greek ruins.

Rome, Amalfi Coast & Sicily - 10 Days

In just 10 days, you can craft a memorable Italian vacation that includes many highlights. This, of course, includes the historic locales in Rome, but you'll also travel south to the ruggedly beautiful Amalfi Coast and Capri, a pure postcard region if ever there was one. You'll then immerse yourself in the rich culture of Sicily on an adventurous jaunt that will take you from Palermo to Cefalú to ancient Greek ruins.

Discover the historic town of Gravina in Puglia

Puglia & Sicily Highlights - 18 Days

This 18-day itinerary covers two of southern Italy's most stunning regions: Puglia and Sicily. It begins in Puglia with visits to the cone-shaped trulli homes of Alberobello and the ancient cave dwellings in Matera. Then head to Lecce to see Baroque architecture and Roman ruins before experiencing the highlights of Sicily on a self-drive road trip.

Puglia & Sicily Highlights - 17 Days

On this 17-day tour of Italy's southern regions, you'll go beyond medieval and Roman history and also visit the ruins of ancient civilizations. 9,000-year-old cave dwellings exist in the historic city of Matera, in Italy's Puglia region, but you'll also visit coastal gems like Lecce and Bari. The adventure culminates in Sicily with tours of Greek and Roman ruins and a hike up Mt. Etna.

Puglia & Sicily Highlights - 16 Days

This packed 16-day adventure combines the culturally rich region of Sicily with one of Italy's less-heralded gems: Puglia. First, you're off to the heel of Italy's boot, home to ancient and unique cities like Matera and Alberobello. Then you'll jet to Sicily, where you'll hop in a rental car and drive across the island, stopping at ancient Greek and Roman ruins along the way.

Puglia & Sicily Highlights - 15 Days

In a little over two weeks you can enjoy comprehensive tours of southern Italy's most beautiful regions: Puglia and Sicily. The adventure begins in the former, where you'll visit historic cities on Italy's heel of the boot like Lecce, Bari, and Alberobello. Then it's off to Sicily, where on a self-drive road trip you'll discover Palermo, visit ancient Greek and Roman ruins, and hike up to Mt. Etna.

Puglia & Sicily Highlights - 14 Days

This two-week holiday combines anthropology and history with a road-trip adventure in two of Italy's most unique regions. First, you'll tour Puglia, Italy's "heel of the boot," which is home to beautiful beaches and ancient cities. Then you'll fly to Sicily for a road trip from the cultural melting pot of Palermo to ancient Greek and Roman ruins—plus enjoy a jaunt to Mount Etna.

Puglia & Sicily Highlights - 13 Days

Ancient ruins, beautiful beaches, historic cities—you'll get all this and more on a 13-day tour of southern Italy. First up you'll visit cave dwellings and go on food tours in Puglia, the southernmost region of mainland Italy. Then you'll fly to the island of Sicily, which you'll discover on a road trip that will take you from postcard coastal towns to ancient Greek ruins in Syracuse.

Puglia & Sicily Highlights - 12 Days

On this 12-day holiday in Italy, you'll visit ancient ruins and historic sights in two of Italy's most beautiful southern regions: Puglia and Sicily. Moreover, you'll enjoy various activities, from cooking classes to beach trips and even a hike up Mt. Etna. The best part is you'll finish the trip with a road trip around Sicily, visiting its most famous locales like the ancient Greek ruins at Syracuse.

Puglia & Sicily Highlights - 11 Days

Enjoy a different kind of vacation with this adventure in southern Italy. You'll arrive in the Puglia region and immediately visit historic cities like Alberobello, Matera, Lecce, and Bari. You'll then fly to Sicily, where you'll take a quick self-drive road trip around the island, stopping at ancient ruins and the historic beach town of Cefalú.

Puglia & Sicily Highlights - 10 Days

Over 10 days you'll explore Puglia and Sicily, two of the most historic and culturally unique regions of Italy. You'll begin this southern adventure with a tour of colorful villages like Alberobello and ancient cave dwellings in Matera. Then you'll arrive on the island of Sicily, where you'll embark on a street food tour of Palermo, visit Greek ruins at Segesta, and laze on the beaches of Cefalú.

Puglia & Sicily Highlights - 9 Days

Discover Puglia, one of the lesser-visited yet stunningly beautiful regions of Italy. Over nine days you'll experience the highlights of this southern coastal region, including the ancient caves at Matera and the historic streets of Lecce and Bari. To cap the trip, you'll fly to Palermo, Sicily, where you'll discover the culture on walking tours plus visit Cefalú, one of the most beautiful beach towns on the island.

Best Time of Year to Visit Tuscany

Tuscany is a fantastic destination throughout the calendar year. But there are advantages to visiting in spring and fall: you'll encounter fewer crowds, avoid high peak-season pricing on hotel rooms, and enjoy comfortable, sunny weather that's ideal for hiking, sightseeing, and the beach. Read on for more details on the best times to visit Tuscany—and the top events you won't want to miss during all four seasons.

Explore Northern Italy: Trieste, Venice, & More - 6 Days

Breeze through the Friuli Venezia Giulia region for six spectrum-spanning days. Whether you're in the craggy capital city of Trieste, hiking through ancient towns along the Corso Ridge, or gliding over Venetian canals, you're sure to find something to keep you here.

Explore Northern Italy: Trieste, Venice, & More - 7 Days

The Friuli Venezia Giulia region may be small, but it's packed with some of Italy's favorite spots. Spend seven days sauntering through historic architecture, hiking trails, handmade arts, and more as you explore the scenery and culture.

Explore Northern Italy: Trieste, Venice, & More - 8 Days

Get enchanted by eight days in this region of northeastern Italy. You'll stroll the city streets of Trieste before you hike its neighboring Carso Ridge, then switch over to seafaring Venice to see its dramatic landmarks and local artisans at work.

Explore Northern Italy: Trieste, Venice, & More - 9 Days

Petite Friuli Venezia Giulia offers plenty to cover on this nine-day trip. You'll learn about the arts of mosaic construction, glassblowing, lacework, and more as you traverse city streets and ancient mountain roads in Udine, Trieste, and Venice.

Explore Northern Italy: Trieste, Venice, & More - 10 Days

The capital of Friuli Venezia Giulia moved from Udine to Trieste, and so will you on this 10-day trip. Make your way through regional history, artwork, and landscapes to discover this distinctive region and its famous Venetian neighbor.

Explore Northern Italy: Trieste, Venice, & More - 11 Days

The Friuli Venezia Giulia region combines Slovenian, Croatian, Austrian, and Italian influences to create the perfect combination for this 11-day trip. Whether you're enjoying urban cafe culture on the streets of Trieste, lounging on the beaches of Grado, or exploring the Venetian canals, you're sure to learn something new along the way.

Explore Northern Italy: Trieste, Venice, & More - 12 Days

Taste thousands of years of cultural influences on this 12-day tour through northeastern Italy. Sample prosciutto in San Daniele, sip signature white and orange wines in the Friuli countryside, and dine alongside the edges of the canals of Venice as you make your way through the region.

Explore Northern Italy: Trieste, Venice, Milan, & More - 13 Days

The Friuli Venezia Giulia region and its neighbors are a work of art in themselves, but you can explore some of its smaller properties as well on this 13-day trip. Study the art of mosaic-making, visit Roman ruins at Aquileia, and hike the mountain scenery of the Carso Ridge before you leave the region for its neighbors. Then seek out Da Vinci's works in Milan and handmade traditions in Venice before you return home.

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