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Introducing Italy

With unparalleled culture, art, architecture, food, and wine, Italy offers the quintessential European vacation. For travelers who haven’t yet made it to Italy, it’s time to see what la dolce vita is all about. And for those that have it's time to say "ancora"!

When is the best time to visit?
Italy is incredible year round, but since it is an internationally iconic place to visit, expect crowds at the premier tourist destinations from spring through fall, and during holidays when people are more likely to travel. If you have the flexibility, try and visit during the less crowded winter and early shoulder seasons. Learn more

Where should I go in Italy?
Rome, Florence, and Venice belong on every traveler’s bucket list. Visitors with a little more time should also see the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, Naples, Milan, the Cinque Terre, Sicily—the list of places to visit in Italy has no end. Learn more

How many days do I need?
A week is barely enough to hit the main attractions in Italy, but it is doable. Stay for up to a month or more to truly savor the whole experience as well as the food and wine. And no matter how long you stay, you'll surely want to return for your next visit. Learn more

Getting around Italy
Trains are a great option for trips between Italy's cities, such as Florence to Rome and Milan to Venice. Driving is not always straightforward, but still a great choice if you feel comfortable taking the wheel along Italy's Autostrada and curvy roads. Other options include domestic flights and ferries. Learn more

Looking for inspiration? See our top Italy itineraries

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 6 days · 7 days · 8 days · 9 days · 10 days · 11 days · 12 days · 13 days · 14 days · 15 days · 16 days · 21 days

Italy Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
View of the Amalfi Coast
Map of Naples & Amalfi Coast - 5 Days
Naples & Amalfi Coast - 5 Days

This packed five-day itinerary is perfect for travelers with a thirst for adventure who are on a time crunch. Explore the glass-roofed Galleria Umberto shopping center, enjoy coffee on the medieval Piazza del Plebiscito, and try the seafood cuoppo in Naples. Visit the Pompeii ruins, hike around Mount Vesuvius, and visit the colorful bohemian Positano on the Amalfi Coast. Make sure you try the Naples pizza—the Amalfi Coast's real highlight. 

Amalfi Coast
Map of Venice, Florence, Amalfi Coast & Rome - 9 Days
Venice, Florence, Amalfi Coast & Rome - 9 Days

This 9-day itinerary is perfect for adventurous travelers who are short on time. Start in the floating city of Venice to explore city canals and tour ornate palaces, then continue to Florence to see works by da Vinci and enjoy a full-day Tuscany wine tour. After exploring the beautiful Amalfi Coast, finish in Rome where the ancient Colosseum, world-famous Vatican, and romantic streetside cafes await.

Cefalú at sunset
Map of Spectacular Self-Drive Tour Around Sicily - 14 Days
Spectacular Self-Drive Tour Around Sicily - 14 Days

Experience Sicily in all its glory by driving around the island in 2 weeks. Highlights of this tour include Palermo, a cultural melting pot with stunning monuments and vibrant local markets and Taormina, the elegant village famous for its Greek theater and the postcard views. You'll also visit Syracuse and Agrigento, with their archaeological masterpieces, and hike Mt. Etna—Europe's most active volcano.

Florence, Italy
Map of Highlights of Italy: Venice, Florence, Rome, Naples - 14 Days
Highlights of Italy: Venice, Florence, Rome, Naples - 14 Days

Discover the sights and delights of Italy on this two-week highlights tour. Explore the floating city of Venice, the Renaissance jewel of Florence, and the Eternal City of Rome. Ride a Vespa through picturesque Tuscany and discover the beautiful Amalfi Coast. Soak up the culture, food, and wine while you fall in love with Italy.

View of Capri
Map of Rome & the Amalfi Coast - 10 Days
Rome & the Amalfi Coast - 10 Days

Spend 10 days discovering historical wonders, eating incredible cuisine, and taking in the natural beauty of Italy in this tour through Rome and the Amalfi Coast. Start in Italy's capital and stroll through ancient streets and piazzas before making your way south to the picturesque Amalfi Coast. Take in the views of the sparkling Mediterranean while dining on fresh seafood on waterfront promenades and meander through colorful coastal villages and sandy beaches.

Bellagio reflected in Lake Como in northern Italy
Map of Explore Northern Italy from Milan - 5 Days
Explore Northern Italy from Milan - 5 Days

Explore Northern Italy's cities and landscapes in this packed five-day trip. Start in Milan, the fashion, culture, and business capital of Italy, to see the 16th-century Royal Palace-turned-art museum and enjoy the buzzing nightlife at the Navigli canals. Continue to Lake Como to enjoy a day on the lake and a trip on the funicular to see views of the snow-capped Alps. End in Bologna and Turin to explore medieval churches, the National Cinema Museum, and endless cafés and aperitivo bars.

Make the Most of Your Time in Italy

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
Discover Italy's Veneto region and make a stop to check out the wooden bridge of Bassano del Grappa
How Many Days to Spend in Italy

Italy has 20 regions, each with its own identity. Landscapes, cuisine, and dialect differ greatly from one to the next, and each merits its own visit. If your time is limited,...

The laid-back beaches on the Amalfi Coast make a wonderful getaway
Map of 1 Week in Italy - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Italy - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With one week to explore Italy, you can focus on the country's must-see highlights while hopping between Rome, Florence, and Venice. Or, swap in the Amalfi Coast and a day trip...

Italy Travel Essentials

All you need to know to get started planning the perfect trip
Cycling in the Dolomites
Best Time of Year to Visit the Dolomites

Spread across Alto Adige, Trentino, and Veneto in northeastern Italy, and wedged between the Swiss and Austrian Alps, the Dolomites are a year-round mountain destination. Snow...

Amalfi
Best Time of Year to Visit the Amalfi Coast

In southern Italy lies the Amalfi Coast, a 31-mile (50 km) stretch of coastline that's the very definition of Mediterannean beauty. Known for its sunkissed lemon groves, pebble...

A woman walks the empty beach of Cefalu in the winter.
Best Time of Year to Visit Sicily

Sicily's iconic beaches, historic palaces, and cathedrals are best visited from May to June or September to October when temperatures hover around 70ºF (21ºC). While the weather...

Naples
Best Time of Year to Visit Southern Italy

Although not an exceptionally large country, Italy has a lot of geographic and climatic variety because of its long and narrow shape. Southern Italy has a generally warm...

Italy Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip

Italy Destination Guides

Detailed travel guides for the main regions of the country

Italy Hotel Advice

Unique places to stay, curated by kimkim specialists
Photo courtesy of Hotel Orto De' Medici
Florence
Hotel Orto De' Medici
4.9
(15)
· Comfort
Hotel Orto De' Medici offers a modern stay on one of Florence's oldest streets. In a city as historic as Florence, everyone's got a story, but Hotel Orto De' Medici has one that no one else does: its garden was once part of Lorenzo Medici's art school, where a teenage Michelangelo learned to...
Photo courtesy of Hotel Olimpia Venice, BW Signature Collection
Venice
Hotel Olimpia
4.9
(14)
· Mid-range
Housed in an elegant 16th-century building, Hotel Olimpia Venice offers a tranquil setting outside the busy hubs of Venice's more popular neighborhoods. The hotel is a 5-minute walk from Piazzale Roma, in a peaceful district close to the maritime station. Nearby bus stops connect to the mainland,...
Photo courtesy of Bonvecchiati Palace
Venice
Bonvecchiati Palace
4.9
(10)
· Comfort
Enjoy a contemporary stay in the midst of Venice's history at the Bonvecchiati Palace, a 5-minute walk from St. Mark's Square and Basilica. Take in a performance at the 18th-century La Fenice Opera House, also a 5-minute walk, or cross the Grand Canal on the Ponte di Rialto, Venice's oldest...

Best Experiences in Italy

Unique things to do, curated by kimkim specialists
Rome
Early Morning Vatican Tour in Rome
4.9
(19)
3 hours
·
Small group
Discover the museums of the Vatican City and the Sistine Chapel with an early-morning tour of the city's incredible art and history. By visiting the Vatican Museums early, you'll give yourself a one-hour head start on the rest of the crowds! A guide will lead you through the Pio Clementio Museum,...
The Roman Forum
Rome
Colosseum & Roman Forum Tour in Rome
4.9
(18)
3 hours
·
Small group
Discover the icon of Ancient Rome, the famous Colosseum that still ranks as the largest amphitheater globally. We recommend taking a VIP tour or buying a special ticket to bypass the long lines and access lesser-known areas of the historic site, gaining entrance to places that few tourists visit....
Sun-filled street in Trastevere
Rome
Trastevere Sunset Aperitivo in Rome
5.0
(6)
3 hours
·
Small group
Discover Rome’s trendy Trastevere neighborhood with a guided walking tour focused on food and wine. You’ll visit four venues beloved by locals, tasting over 16 delicious appetizers, main dishes, and sweets. As you walk from place to place, you’ll admire the neighborhood’s interesting...

Our Latest Italy Content

Experience the local tradition of evening aperitivo in Venice
Map of Mediterranean Culinary Odyssey: Rome, Venice, Crete & Santorini - 14 Days
Mediterranean Culinary Odyssey: Rome, Venice, Crete & Santorini - 14 Days

Experience the best of Mediterranean food, culture, and history with this two-week grand tour that sweeps you across Rome and Venice before alighting on the islands of Crete and Santorini. Start in Italy to step back in time with visits to the Eternal City's Vatican Museums and Colosseum, and sip fizz underneath the shady vines of the Prosecco Valley. Then, hop over to Greece for laid-back village life, ancient palaces, and a masterclass in Greek cooking.

Strike out into Tuscany to sip Brunello and Chianti among the vineyards
Map of Ultimate Italy for Foodies: Genoa, Bologna, Tuscany & Naples - 13 Days
Ultimate Italy for Foodies: Genoa, Bologna, Tuscany & Naples - 13 Days

Embark on the ultimate Italian food and wine tour as you uncover the secrets to delicious pesto in Genoa, sample the best of Emilia-Romagna's pasta, and savor artisanal cheeses and prosciutto in Bologna. Tour medieval Siena's foodie hotspots and wine taste your way through the hills of Chianti and Val d'Orcia, then save room for some southern Italian cuisine as you master the art of pizza making in Naples.

There's no place quite like Venice, Italy
Map of Italy Highlights Tour: Rome, Florence & Venice - 7 Days
Italy Highlights Tour: Rome, Florence & Venice - 7 Days

Experience "la dolce vita" with this weeklong jaunt to Italy that sweeps you into the ancient history, food, and laid-back piazza lifestyle of three of the country's best-loved cities. You'll start with the top sights in Rome and a deep dive into Roman cooking, then catch a train to Florence for Renaissance art and wine tasting in an elegant Tuscan vineyard. End your tour in enchanting Venice, where you'll weave through tiny canals on a Gondola and feast on Venetian tapas.

Italy Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map Guide to Italy's Regions: Where to Go for Beaches, Wine, History, and More
Guide to Italy's Regions: Where to Go for Beaches, Wine, History, and More
View article
Map 1 Week in Italy - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Italy - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article
Map 10 Days in Italy & Greece: 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Italy & Greece: 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article

Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Italy
Travel specialist Tasos Mylonas
active 3 hours ago

Tasos Mylonas

Traveling is a very personal matter! Following masses and ticking checklists has never been my cup of tea! As founder & director of travel12, I see every client as a unique personality who is...

read more...
Travel specialist Marina Courtaut
active 2 hours ago

Marina Courtaut

Can you think of a better way to live adventures than traveling? When we travel we open our minds to new experiences and learn new cultures by making the destination we visited our home for a...

read more...
Travel specialist Beatriz De Pablo Rocha

Beatriz De Pablo Rocha

The combination of the two places where I grew up (Madrid and a small village in Badajoz, Extremadura) has made me a passionate traveler almost from birth. Unknown destinations visited by travelers...

read more...
Travel specialist Chris Gravas
active 2 hours ago

Chris Gravas

My name is Chris and I have a passion for authentic experiences, cultural awakenings, and nature explorations. As a partner of a local boutique travel agency, I take every chance to explore Greece...

read more...

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Trip Reviews for Italy

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Off the beaten path in Italy
Italy | Apr 20 - Apr 30, 2024

Lauren
Lauren S.
Flagami, FL | Reviewed on May 10, 2024
So our time in Cortina d’ Empezzo was magical! This was the best part of my experience! It snowed for 3 days in the Dolomites, and we had an absolute blast winter hiking in a stunningly beautiful mountain environment. Our guide Anna was so delightful and experienced. We hiked to Tre Cime with her, which was amazing! It was full on winter, and we needed crampons for this hike, which Anna provided. She was a terrific guide!
The Hotel de Len in Cortina was fabulous! My room was beautiful...
Read more

So our time in Cortina d’ Empezzo was magical! This was the best part of my experience! It snowed for 3 days in the Dolomites, and we had an absolute blast winter hiking in a stunningly beautiful mountain environment. Our guide Anna was so delightful and experienced. We hiked to Tre Cime with her, which was amazing! It was full on winter, and we needed crampons for this hike, which Anna provided. She was a terrific guide!
The Hotel de Len in Cortina was fabulous! My room was beautiful and comfortable, and I loved the hot tea and cookies delivered to the room in the late afternoon. Chef Andrea was fantastic! He is highly creative and very personable. We loved our private ravioli cooking class with him. It was great fun. The staff at Hotel de Len were so personable and accommodating. (the 2 Francisco’s, Vita, Beatrice, Andrea, Gigi,)and the whole gang made our stay very special indeed. Great food and comfortable surroundings. Felt like family there. Also loved Fabio our guide on the second day of hiking. Fabio was kind enough to sit in for Anna whose father died the night of our hike to Tre Cime. So sad for Anna and her family, and for all of us who grew so fond of her. Fabio was really great too! He is an experienced and knowledgeable mountain guide. He is kind and respectful, and he took us to a beautiful mountain waterfall and then to a great local spot for lunch. Loved our time with Fabio too. He is a very fun guide who knows the Dolomites and the area around Cortina.
Santa Margarita Liguria was wonderful! We enjoyed our hotel and this beautiful small city by the sea. Excellent dining.
We did a wonderful hike to Portofino on a completely quiet trail with our guide Marta. Marta was very knowledgeable and personable, and super fun to spend the day with! We learned so much about the history of the area, lifestyle, plants, food etc…. We all loved Marta!
Life in Cinqua Terra was truly amazing. We hiked every day, one day with our guide Maura who we also enjoyed SO much! She taught us everything about foraging for edible plants as we hiked the trail from Manorolo to Corniglia, and then to Vernazza. Amazing day of photography and great food. The Pesto Experience at Nussin Dorma in Manorolo was wonderful! Highly recommend! Learning to make pesto the old Italian Ligurian way was great fun! The lunch and wine was out of this world.
Our time in Monterosso was amazing as well. I loved our little bed and breakfast high up and away from the hustle and bustle of city. Il Parco. It was clean and the breakfasts were terrific. The owner Marta was very accommodating. It is important to spend time on the sea when in this beautiful place. Just seeing the 5 villages of Cinqua Terra from the sea was an amazing experience. This should not be missed when in the area.
Last day was in Milano. Beautiful city. Need to go back and spend more time shopping!
Thanks for providing truly amazing people as guides , who will take you off the beaten path to places you would never see on your own. Loved the trip and love Italy.🇮🇹
Lauren

Hotel Review
HOTEL de LEN
Cortina d'Ampezzo BL

Loved my stay. Great staff. Great chef. Just a lovely experience!!

Authenticity & Character
Everyone is so welcoming and kind and accommodating. It has a cozy relaxing vibe with great food! Healthy restful vibe.
Location
Cortina is a beautiful village in a valley surrounded by the most majestic Dolomite peaks. It’s beautiful!
Staff
Well I can’t even begin to tell you how accommodating and wonderful the staff is at Hotel d Len. They make you feel like family.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Comfy beds and super clean bathrooms.
Local specialist: Eirini Daouka

Beautiful Sicily
Italy | Apr 22 - May 2, 2024

Jean
Jean F.
Storrs, CT | Reviewed on May 09, 2024
We had a wonderful time in Sicily. Our driver was great always making sure we got where we needed to be. The guides where excellent. The guide for Valley of the Temples was a forensic archeologist who had actually worked on the site at one time. He was truley informative. The chef for our cooking lesson was wonderful learning about shopping the market and techniques for preparing the seafood selected. We just had a fantastic vacation. Read more

We had a wonderful time in Sicily. Our driver was great always making sure we got where we needed to be. The guides where excellent. The guide for Valley of the Temples was a forensic archeologist who had actually worked on the site at one time. He was truley informative. The chef for our cooking lesson was wonderful learning about shopping the market and techniques for preparing the seafood selected. We just had a fantastic vacation.

Activity Reviews
Wine Tasting in Mount Etna
Wine Tasting in Mount Etna
Italy

Wonderful. We had a fantastic experience at the vineyard. The wines were grest and the sommelier was very knowledgeable about the vineyard and wines. The food served was fresh, delicious and complemented the wines.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Boat Tour around Ortigia
Boat Tour around Ortigia
Syracuse

We loved our boat tour going through the caves and around Ortigia Island. IT was great getting to see the island from the water.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Guided Tour of Syracuse
Guided Tour of Syracuse
Syracuse

The guide was good and very knowledgeable regarding Syracusa.

Cooking Class and Ortygia Market
Cooking Class and Ortygia Market
Italy

We loved the chef. She was very informative about the market, local products and buying techniques. Our lesson was a lot of fun and delicious.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Day Trip to the Valle dei Templi
Day Trip to the Valle dei Templi
Italy

Very informative. The guide was excellent.

Quality of Experience
Private transfer from Palermo to Syracuse with stop at Valle dei Templi
Private transfer from Palermo to Syracuse with stop at Valle dei Templi
Italy

Our driver was great.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Palermo and its street food walking tour
Palermo and its street food walking tour
Palermo

The guide who grew up in Palermo shared a lot of information about the history around the markets. He really helped us to understand the value to the neighborhood, the family run stalls and feel the vibrant street food experience.

Guides, Drivers and Staff
Driver always got us exactly where we needed to be including coordination with our guides. He helped to make our experience seamless when we were traveling.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Driver always got us exactly where we needed to be including coordination with our guides. He helped to make our experience seamless when we were traveling.
Transport
Transport
Local specialist: Vincenzo Granato

Amazing trip executed by an amazing team!
Italy | Apr 25 - May 8, 2024

Colette
Colette G.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on May 09, 2024
Barbara was fantastic! From beginning to end our trip was seamless. She really understood the assignment and delivered. Our excursions were amazing. The hotels were beautiful and centrally located to all sites. Rafaella and Daniella(Italian team) we're also fantastic. They communicated with us daily regarding pick up times, drivers, excursion, directions etc. Also, they were extremely quick to respond to any questions we had. The ground transportation team in each city(Amalfi, Rome & Naples)... Read more

Barbara was fantastic! From beginning to end our trip was seamless. She really understood the assignment and delivered. Our excursions were amazing. The hotels were beautiful and centrally located to all sites. Rafaella and Daniella(Italian team) we're also fantastic. They communicated with us daily regarding pick up times, drivers, excursion, directions etc. Also, they were extremely quick to respond to any questions we had. The ground transportation team in each city(Amalfi, Rome & Naples) were extremely professional and punctual. Can't say enough about how wonderful this Italian getaway was for us!!

Hotel Reviews
Grand Hotel Oriente
Naples

Well appointed hotel in the heart of Naples. Steps from tons of historical sites and shopping. Breakfast was awesome.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Kolbe Hotel Rome
Rome

This was a beautiful hotel. The staff was exceptional. Centrally located so you can walk to most sites. Note- This is a former Franciscan monestary that has a beautiful garden and 100 year old olive trees. It also backs on to Paletine Hill and steps from circus maximus.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Golf cart Tour of Rome
Golf cart Tour of Rome
Rome

This was a highlight of our trip in Rome. We had a 3hr private tour with Lorenzo. He was an amazing guide. He showed us so many landmarks and corners of the city we wouldn't have seen on our own. He was extremely knowledgeable about Roman history and navigating the city.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Lorenzo made the excursion exciting and educational.
Transport
Capri Island shared boat tour
Capri Island shared boat tour
Italy

Amazing boat day to Capri. We had not one but two Fabio's manning the boat. There were 12 of us and it was comfortable. They provided us with some history about the coast and Capri as we sailed. We even sailed thru the arch of Faraglioni. We had roughly 4 hours to roam Capri before sailing back to Amalfi. We were offered refreshments during the boat ride as well.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Lemon Tour and Cooking Class
Lemon Tour and Cooking Class
Italy

What a great experience! This is a 6th generation family run lemon grove. Wear running shoes because you'll be walking up hills and uneven terrain during your tour. The cooking class was awesome. This is a must do in Amalfi.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Barbara Rebella
Barbara
Barbara Rebella
Local specialist in Kirkland WA | Replied on May 09, 2024

Dear Colette and Lance.
From all of us at, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kind words and detailed review.
We are so proud and glad you had the opportunity to experience such beautiful places in our beloved Italy!!!
We hope there will be the chance to work with you again in the future! Such a lovely couple!
Best wishes
Arrivederci!
Barbara