Explore Italy with kimkim's hand-picked selection of activities. Try an early morning Vatican tour in Rome, giving you a one-hour start ahead of the crowds, or a scenic drive along the renowned Amalfi Coast. Or maybe a guided food tour in picturesque Siena is what you're after. Regardless of what you choose, be sure to check out our top recommended activities in Rome, Amalfi Coast, Florence, Venice, Siena, Milan, and beyond to ensure a truly memorable Italian adventure.
Italy's culture is renowned across the globe, which is why it's the 5th most visited country in the world. Go beyond the typical tourist attractions and dive deeper into Italian culture. Visit bustling food markets, discover traditional music, join the locals for an afternoon Apertivo, and take an art class. Ditch the crowds of Venice and explore its islands, or take a break from shopping to learn the secrets behind Milan's fashionista reputation. Make the most of your trip by truly experiencing the authentic Italian culture!
From north to south to the islands, Italy has a prime coastline with some of the Mediterranean's most beautiful beaches. You can find stretches of pebbles and sand in lakes surrounded by mountain peaks, lagoons with wetlands and colorful villages, hidden bays enveloped by cliffs, and scenic gulfs and coves. Combine a little adventure with relaxing on the beach, or spend your entire day zipping around the seaside searching for the dolce vita.
The Amalfi Coast is arguably Italy's most glamorous destination, lined with pastel villas, colorful port towns, hiking paths, rocky shores, and posh islands. Enjoy walking along some of the trails, including the popular Path of Gods, and exploring the beaches, islands, and coastline by boat. Go wine tasting or peruse the region's signature lemon groves and tasty products. And because the Amalfi Coast is so close to Naples, enjoy a day trip to the ruins of Pompeii near Mt. Vesuvius.
Naples is an eclectic mix of traditional Italian culture, authentic grit, and modern polish. It's loud, it's passionate, and it has a personality of its own. You'll arguably find Italy's best pizza here, the renowned Neapolitan variety that seems to melt in your mouth, and the city's musical heritage has influenced opera across the country and world. But it's Naples' location that makes it a hotspot, close to Mt. Vesuvius and the ruins of Pompeii, plus the scenic Amalfi Coast and islands of Capri, Ischia, and Procida.
Cinque Terre needs little introduction with its world-famous colorful villages hanging onto dramatic cliffsides. Explore this popular region by land and sea, hiking along its scenic paths suspended above the waves and cruising or kayaking along its coastline. Visit picturesque harbors, wander charming streets, or dig deeper into the local culture by exploring vineyards, tasty gastronomy, and traditional crafts.
Italy has its fair share of beautiful lakes, but the most popular area to relax along freshwater is the Northern Lakes District. Here, you'll find the big three: Lake Como, Lake Garda, and Lake Maggiore (among others). Of all the scenic pools, Como and Garda steal the show with their dramatic mountainous surroundings, posh grand villas, and elaborate garden terraces. You can explore impressive waterfront castles, charming cobbled streets in historic villages, and even the famed Amarone wine region.
Being active in Italy is easy, and it's a great way to dive a bit deeper into the cultural essence of the country. You can hike and explore lakes in the north, walk the cliffs of Cinque Terre, the Italian Riviera, and the Amalfi Coast, and take full advantage of the warm, crystalline waters with swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking excursions. With so much diversity, you can quickly build an adventurous dream trip for any interest or ability!
A trip to Tuscany is truly memorable, 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.
Art and architecture dominate most visits to the historical city of Florence, but there's also plenty to keep little adventurers entertained. From a rewarding climb up Giotto's Bell Tower, to hanging out with local kids in the park, to a hands-on gelato-making class, here's our guide to the best things to do in Florence with kids.
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 archaeological 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.
Known as a global fashion capital, this historic city is much more than high-end shopping. Its reputation sprouts from a fashion heritage dating back generations. You'll find authentic shops honoring the exceptional "Made in Italy" label selling everything from handmade bags to shoes to watches, clothing, and more. But Milan also offers a fascinating history with incredible architecture and the third-largest church globally, the Duomo. Attend an opera, visit the nearby Lakes District, or join the locals by bar-hopping for an evening Apertivo.
Italy may be the most family-friendly destination, with so much diversity in history, environment, and activity. Plus, kids love Italian food like pizza, pasta, and gelato! From kid-friendly hikes and boat trips to interactive city tours with scavenger hunts to hands-on workshops, you can easily keep your little ones entertained and engaged. Follow the steps of Marco Polo, become archeologists in Pompeii, zip through Rome on a golf cart, and learn how to sculpt like Michaelangelo. The sky's the limit for kids in Italy!
Sorrento sits ideally between Naples and the Amalfi Coast on a peninsula jutting out into the sea. It makes an excellent hub for exploring some of Italy's most beautiful scenery and historic ruins, like Pompeii. You can discover the region's traditional wooden art and lemon-infused culinary treats, and enjoy the surrounding nature along the coast, in protected parks, and within the Campanian Archipelago, a group of islands including posh Capri.
Rome's nearly 3,000 years of history developed into a fascinating city filled with quintessential architecture, world-renowned gastronomy, and vibrant local culture. Besides the must-sees and top sites, you can dive deep into Italian traditions with a cooking class, an Apertivo in artsy Trastevere, and a trip to Rome's wine region. Get off the beaten path by exploring under the city and biking along ancient pathways.
From strolling across the iconic Ponte Vecchio and admiring famous artworks in the Uffizi to learning how to make gelato and shopping lively markets. Then, there are the medieval hilltowns and Chianti wineries of Tuscany, explored by Vespa. To ensure you don't miss out on the main attractions and authentic local experiences, read on for the six best things to do in and around Florence.
Although Venice has a reputation for crowds, it's an Italian city not to be missed. With over 100 islands, you can enjoy the top sites and still find hidden corners and authentic cultural elements, like tasting Cicchetti and drinking an Apertivo. You can't miss Venice's primary landmarks, including the sprawling Piazza San Marco and its dominating church, San Marco Basilica, nor the Grand Canal and the ornate Doge's Palace. But Venice allows you to go further, exploring its island network and venturing into the nearby Prosecco Hills.
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