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The 20 Best Italy Tours

See Italy's top tourist attractions and stunning cities on these guided excursions.

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Visitors can discover charming neighborhoods, enjoy delicious food and see top sights on Italy's best tours.

There's so much to see and do in Italy that it can feel a bit overwhelming to plan a trip that makes the most of the country's fabled history, art, architecture and cuisine – not to mention its 55-plus UNESCO World Heritage sites. Guided tours are an efficient, hassle-free way to explore the country's top attractions and cities. These Italy tours – considered the best by travelers and experts alike – vary by region, focus and method of transportation, but they all have one thing in common: highly motivated and informed guides ready to help you better appreciate your time in this beautiful European country.

The Roman Food Tour – Prati by Sunset – Rome Food Tour

Price: Adults from 135 euros (about $148); kids from 80 euros (about $88) Duration: 4 hours

Enjoy Italian cuisine via this small group walking tour of five food-centric places in Rome 's Prati neighborhood near Vatican City . Stops include a cafe, a pizzeria and a gourmet food shop, and food samples typically include cheese, truffles, cured meat, pasta, tiramisu and pizza as well as wine. Food and wine enthusiasts regularly report enjoying learning about Roman culinary arts from the passionate, well-informed guides on this tour.

Outings last about four hours and are available daily all year long starting at 4:30, 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. with additional 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. start times from May through October. Prices start at 135 euros (about $148) for adults, 89 euros (about $98) for teenagers 13 to 17 and 80 euros (about $88) for children 5 to 12. Prices cover all food and beverage samples, which may exceed 20 in total. The Roman Food Tour offers a variety of other foodie outings to different areas around the city, including one to the Trionfale neighborhood.

View & Book Tickets:  Option 1 | Option 2 | Option 3

City Wonders – Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Skip-the-Line Tour

Price: Adults from $42; kids from $37 Duration: 2 to 3 hours

Visit some of the most famous attractions in Rome on this 2- to 3-hour walking tour. Highlights include the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums, which are filled with historic art pieces. Tour-takers rave about the spectacular art and architecture and appreciate the insightful guides.

Tours depart multiple times a day Monday through Saturday, typically between around 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Tickets start at $42 for adults and around $37 for children ages 6 to 18 (kids 5 and younger tour for free), but prices may vary by day and time. Tickets cover all entrance fees. Groups are limited to 20 participants. Note: Modest attire may be required to enter some sites. City Wonders operates several other tours around Rome as well as in other Italian cities like Milan .

View & Book Tickets:  Viator | GetYourGuide

LivItaly Tours – Colosseum Underground Tour with Arena, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum

Price: Adults from 139 euros (about $152); kids from 124 euros (about $135) Duration: 3 hours

Explore renowned sites of ancient Rome on this three-hour walk. Tours start at the Colosseum and visit areas of the amphitheater, such as underground cages and dungeons, that relatively few people get to see due to space and ticketing limitations. Other highlights include the Palatine Hill, one of Rome's seven hills where politicians of the Roman Empire once lived and where the ruins of numerous buildings from that era remain, and the Forum , once the center of social and political activity in ancient Rome. Reviewers frequently say the guides are not only informative, but also humorous and make learning about Roman history fun.

Tours, which are limited to six participants, are offered daily at a variety of times, typically between 9:15 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Tickets start at 139 euros (about $152) for adults, 129 euros (about $141) for teenagers ages 13 to 17 and 124 euros (about $135) for kids ages 3 to 12. Students also receive a slight discount. LivItaly runs multiple tours in Rome, including one that visits some of the city's top attractions .

View & Book Tickets: Option 1 | Option 2

Walkabout Florence Tours – The Best of Tuscany in One Day Trip from Florence

Price: Adults from 83 euros (about $91); kids from 70 euros (about $77) Duration: 12 hours

Take a day to experience Tuscany and its UNESCO World Heritage sites on this trip via air-conditioned coach. Highlights include a guided walking tour in the medieval town of Siena , a visit to San Gimignano and a trip through the countryside to Pisa. Optional upgrades include lunch and wine-tasting at a Chianti vineyard and skip-the-line entry to Pisa's famous Leaning Tower . While trip-takers consistently describe the guides as knowledgeable and personable, they also appreciate having time to explore each destination on their own.

Buses depart from Florence 's Piazza Stazione daily at 8 a.m. and return approximately 12 hours later. Prices start at 83 euros (about $91) for adults and 70 euros (about $77) for kids ages 8 to 17, not including lunch. The full tour, including lunch at the winery and access to the tower, costs approximately 113 euros (around $123) for adults and 100 euros (approximately $109) for kids. Note: While there's no charge for children younger than 8 to take the tour, they cannot climb the tower.

View & Book Tickets: Viator

Walks of Italy – Legendary Venice: St. Mark's Basilica with Terraces & Doge's Palace

Price: Adults from $113; kids from $107 Duration: 3 hours

This tour encompasses some of the most significant spots in Venice : St. Mark's Square , St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace . Both the church and the palace are art-filled buildings with eventful histories. (The palace, for instance, was more than a site of political administration; it also contains prisons and torture chambers.) Guides recount the colorful backstories, which tour-takers invariably find informative and entertaining.

Three-hour walking tours beginning in the square happen daily at 2 p.m. and every day except Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Earlier departures (at 8 a.m.) may also be available on select days. Tickets start around $113 for adults and $107 for children 2 to 14, though you may find some higher or lower prices depending on the date and time. (There's no charge for infants.) The visit to the basilica includes access to a balcony affording views of the square and nearby lagoon. Another bonus? Taking this tour enables you to bypass the lines to enter the palace and the basilica.

View & Book Tickets: Viator | GetYourGuide

Withlocals – The 10 Tastings of Venice

Price: From 85 euros (about $93) per person for a group of six Duration: 3 hours

As its name indicates, this tour features 10 tastings of typical Venetian food and drinks. It's essentially a private, customizable, small-group walking tour that can be tailored to participants' interests. Even so, samples usually include local favorites like spritz (a wine-based cocktail) and gelato. Tour-takers tend to enjoy both the visits to multiple local eateries and the amusing guides' insightful commentary.

Three-hour tours depart from Venice's Campo Manin daily with multiple start times; the earliest is typically 10 a.m. and the latest 6 p.m. Prices vary by group size and start at approximately 252 euros (about $275) for one person (the minimum) and descend to about 85 euros (about $93) per person for groups of six (the maximum). Groups larger than six should contact the tour company directly to schedule.

Blue Star Boat Tours – Amalfi Coast Group Tour

Price: From $88 Duration: 7 hours

Another option for seeing the beaches and caves of the UNESCO-listed Amalfi Coast is from the water. Sights seen on this daylong expedition typically include the picturesque geological features of Fiordo di Furore beach; Grotta della Pandora, a cave accessible only from the sea; and the Emerald Grotto, named for the color of the light that fills the cave. The approximately seven-hour tour, which departs from Positano, also includes an hour or two of free time to explore the town of Amalfi. Travelers typically appreciate the professional, personable staff and the opportunities to swim in such a scenic setting.

Tickets cost approximately $88 per person. There is a maximum of 12 people per group. Note: There's an additional fee to enter the Emerald Grotto. Private boat tours and sunset cruises are also available.

You Know! – Sorrento Coast and Capri Boat Tour from Sorrento

Price: Adults from 104 euros (about $114); kids from 84 euros (about $92) Duration: 9 hours

See the sights along the Sorrento coast, including a waterfall, a lighthouse and Roman ruins, on this boat ride. The tour also features a three- to five-hour stop on Capri during which travelers can explore the small island's famed Piazzetta, as well as churches and a medieval district. There's also time for swimming and snorkeling. Tour-takers consistently find the scenery beautiful and the guides professional and friendly.

The approximately nine-hour trips happen daily starting at 9:45 a.m. Prices vary by season, but typically start at around 104 euros (about $114) for participants 10 and older and 84 euros (about $92) for kids ages 3 to 9. (There's no cost for infants to join the trip.) Trips are capped at 12 to 14 people. Prices include transportation between Sorrento and the port as well as snacks and beverages on the boat. Fees don't cover lunch on Capri, snorkeling equipment or entrance fees to attractions. The company also offers boat tours to Capri that depart from Amalfi.

World Tours Italy – Pompeii and Amalfi Coast (with Lunch)

Price: From 128 euros (about $140) Duration: 8 hours

Visit two UNESCO World Heritage sites on this daylong excursion. When the volcano Vesuvius erupted in A.D. 79, ash swallowed the city of Pompeii and preserved many buildings. Now, the archeological site affords glimpses into how people lived during the era of the Roman Empire. This trip includes two to three hours at Pompeii as well as a drive along the Amalfi Coast with stops in the towns of Amalfi and Ravello, both of which boast notable art and architecture. You'll also have a few photo stops, including one in Positano . Travelers consistently remark on the exceptional coastal scenery and the insight and humor of the guides at Pompeii.

Tours occur daily. Passenger pickups begin around 7:30 a.m.; the drive to Sorrento begins at just before 9 a.m. After a busy day, the tour returns to the city around 5:30 p.m. Tickets start at 128 euros (about $140) for adults, with discounts for children ages 5 to 12. (There's no fee for children younger than 5.) Prices vary by time and day. Keep in mind that tours in English may not be offered in the colder months. Prices include lunch at a restaurant on the coast, but do not cover entrance to Pompeii. If you can't get enough of the Amalfi Coast, World Tours also offers daytrips that visit Capri and Sorrento.

Prestige Rent – Wine Experience in Tuscany

Price: Adults from 89 euros (about $97); kids from 79 euros (about $86) Duration: 5 hours

Enjoy red wines typical of the Chianti region on this trip to two wineries. You'll also sample Tuscan fare, including olive oil, cheese and cured meat, during this approximately five-hour outing. Along the roughly 45-minute drive from Florence, guides will provide background information on local viniculture. At each stop, resident experts will describe the wine-making process. Wine lovers typically find the samples delicious and the guides energetic and informative.

Tours, which are capped at 25 participants, are offered twice a day starting at 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Prices start at 89 euros (about $97) for adults and 79 euros (about $86) for youngsters 12 to 17 and include transportation between Florence's Piazzale Montelungo and the vineyards, as well as the various food and beverage samples. Note: Children younger than 12 are not permitted on this tour. Prestige Rent also leads tours to Siena and San Gimignano.

Italian Days Food & Wine Tours – Bologna Food and Wine Tour #1

Price: Adults from 180 euros (about $197); kids from 150 euros (about $164) Duration: 8 hours

Observe the production of three Italian staples – Parmigiano-Reggiano, balsamic vinegar and prosciutto – on this daylong culinary excursion. Of course, this tour also includes samples of the cheese, vinegar and cured meat, as well as breakfast, coffee, wine and a multicourse family-style lunch. Throughout the day, guides explicate the food-making processes, which foodies invariably find fascinating.

Minibuses pick up in front of Grand Hotel Majestic in Bologna around 7 a.m. and head to Modena every day except Sunday. The tour lasts about eight hours. Tickets start at around 180 euros (about $197) for adults and 150 euros (about $164) for children 2 to 11, though costs vary by season. Prices include transportation as well food and beverages. The tour is capped at 18 participants. Italian Days offers a variety of food tours, including a walking tour in Bologna.

View & Book Tickets:  Viator

Bici & Baci Tours – The Grand Tour of Rome

Price: From 150 euros (about $164) Duration: 3 hours

Admire the signature sights of Rome from atop an Italian Vespa, on this approximately 22-mile ride around the city. Highlights include the Aurelian Walls, the Appian Way , the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain , St. Peter's Basilica , the Pantheon , ruins of ancient aqueducts and baths, and more. Reviewers consistently describe the guides as helpful, skillful, knowledgeable and enthusiastic.

Fees start at 150 euros (about $164) for a single person operating a Vespa or a passenger riding with a guide. Fees are about 250 euros (about $273) for two people on a scooter. Prices include use of a helmet as well as coffee or ice cream. Daily tours start at 10 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. and typically last around three hours.

Note: Operators of Vespas must have valid motorcycle or driver's licenses. Children are permitted as passengers with their parents as long as they are tall enough for their feet to reach the scooters' foot pegs. The company also operates tours that travel to some of the city's most iconic movie filming locations.

City Wonders – Best of Milan Duomo Cathedral & Da Vinci's 'Last Supper' Tour

Price: Adults from $125; kids from $114 Duration: 3 hours

Take a walking tour of Milan and enjoy skip-the-line access to two of its top attractions. You'll experience the Duomo , a monumental cathedral, construction of which commenced around 1386 and went on for centuries. Another highlight of this trip is a visit to Leonardo's "The Last Supper" in its original location, a former convent. Plus, you'll visit spots like Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a 19th-century shopping arcade housing upscale boutiques; Sforzesco Castle , a 15th-century military fortification; and the cobbled streets of the Brera district. Travelers consistently describe the guides as insightful and professional.

This excursion happens multiple times every day except Monday. Specific start times vary by day. Tours last three hours, including 15 minutes with the famous painting. Prices start at around $125 for anyone 15 and older and $114 for those 14 and younger. Groups have no more than 14 participants.

Grape Tours in Tuscany – Super Chianti Wine Tour

Price: From 195 euros (about $213) Duration: 7 hours

Spend a day indulging in wine on this trip to the cellars and vineyards of two wineries. In addition to visiting Chianti and Chianti classico wineries and sampling vino, cheese and olive oil, you'll also enjoy lunch at an eatery in the Tuscan hilltop town of Panzano. Wine lovers report enjoying learning about the regions' wine from the adept guides.

Tours happen every day except Sunday. Buses leave Florence at 10 a.m. and return approximately seven hours later. Tours, including transportation and food and beverages, cost approximately 195 euros (about $213) per person. The outing welcomes up to eight participants, and guests must be at least 16 years old.

View & Book Tickets:  Grape Tours in Tuscany

TopBike Rental & Tours – Rome City Bike Tour

Price: From 65 euros (about $71) Duration: 4 hours

Wind through the streets of Rome and see several of its famed attractions on this four-hour electric bike ride, offered in either the morning or the afternoon. Tours may include visits to popular attractions like the Colosseum, the Piazza Navona , the Jewish Ghetto, the Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps and the Orange Garden for its views of the city, including the dome of St. Peter's. Cyclists regularly praise the insightful, friendly guides on this leisurely ride.

Morning start times vary by time of year, but are usually 8:45 or 9:30 a.m.; afternoon trips start at 2 or 3 p.m. It costs approximately 65 euros (about $71) to take this ride, and that includes use of an e-bike and helmet. The company also operates daylong bike tours that include lunch, as well as guided outings along the Appian Way.

City Wonders – Florence Fully Guided Tour with Uffizi Gallery, Michelangelo's David and Accademia

Price: Adults from $108; kids from $102 Duration: 5 hours

Bypass the lines to enter both the Uffizi Gallery – home to 14th-century and Renaissance masterpieces by the likes of Botticelli, Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo and Caravaggio – and the Accademia Gallery – where Michelangelo's 14-foot David sculpture resides – on this tour. In addition to independent visits to the galleries, the small-group outing includes a two-hour guided walking tour of the center of Florence to see top sights, such as its cathedral, the Ponte Vecchio bridge, the leather market and Piazza della Signoria. Tour-takers generally appreciate the guides' commentary regarding the city's art, architecture and history. Others warned future travelers that the visits to the galleries are unguided.

Half-day tours with 10 and 10:30 a.m. start times happen daily. Prices are about $108 for adults and $102 for children 4 to 14. Children 3 and younger tour for free. Groups are limited to 17 people.

Walkabout Florence Tours – Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence with optional Hiking Tou

Price: Adults from 113 euros (about $123); kids from 100 euros (about $109) Duration: 13 hours

This daylong expedition takes travelers to the towns comprising the Cinque Terre , a string of old fishing villages overlooking the Mediterranean Sea that form part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Buses travel from Florence to Manarola, home to vineyards and colorful buildings typical of the area. From there, trains head to Corniglia, which boasts unrivaled views of the sea. After lunch, participants can either hike the mule trails that connect the towns or ride a train to Vernazza, where swimming or visiting cafes and bars are among the optional activities. Trains then proceed to Monterosso, a town known for both beaches and shops. Weather permitting, the tour also includes a boat ride to the fifth and final Cinque Terre town, Riomaggiore. Trip-takers rave about both the scenic locations and the efficient, personable guides.

Tourgoers return to Florence approximately 13 hours after the daily 7:30 a.m. departure time. Tickets for the tour start at around 113 euros (about $123) for adults and 100 euros (about $109) for kids 8 to 17. Children younger than 8 are not permitted. Prices do not include lunch in Corniglia, but an upgrade is available for an additional fee.

Delicious Bologna – Daylight Food Tour Bologna

Price: Adults from 90 euros (about $98); kids from 70 euros (about $76) Duration: 4 to 5 hours

Taste some of the essentials of Italian cuisine on this small-group walking tour. In addition to a light breakfast of cappuccino and cornetto (a croissant-like pastry) and lunch of multiple pasta dishes, this outing features samples of local cheese, cured meat, vinegar and wine. It also visits a food market and a pasta factory. Throughout, guides provide commentary about regional culture and traditions, which culinary enthusiasts tend to find informative.

Tours take place every day except Sunday at 10 a.m. and last four to five hours. Groups of up to eight people begin the day at the Piazza di Porta Ravegnana. Fees start at 90 euros (about $98) for adults and 70 euros (about $76) for kids and teens ages 2 to 14. (There's no charge for infants.) Additional food and wine tours, as well as cooking classes, are hosted by Delicious Bologna.

Streaty Street Food Tours of Italy – Palermo Street Food and Local Market Tour

Price: Adults from 54 euros (about $59); kids from 20 euros (about $22) Duration: 3 hours

Savor varieties of Sicilian fare on this walking tour of Sicily 's capital, Palermo. Samples are likely to include arancina (stuffed rice balls), cazzilli fritters, pani câ meusa (a veal offal roll), sfincione (focaccia with tomato sauce), cannoli filled with ricotta, broscia col gelato (an ice cream sandwich) and seasonal items, as well as beer and wine. After departing from Teatro Massimo, tours wind through backstreets rather than the city's main thoroughfares. Travelers typically find this tour both fun and educational.

Walks last three hours and are available at multiple times Monday through Saturday all year, usually starting between 10 and 11 a.m. Prices start at 54 euros (about $59) for participants ages 12 and older and 20 euros (about $22) for children 6 to 11. Groups are limited to 10 participants. The company also offers an evening food tour in Palermo.

Etna Tribe – Excursion Etna and Taormina

Price: Adults from 85 euros (about $93); kids from 70 euros (about $76) Duration: 9 hours

Explore Mount Etna , an active volcano on the east coast of Sicily that ranks as the highest island mountain in the Mediterranean, on this daylong tour. Your guide will drive you from Catania to a section on Etna's south face where you'll hike up to 6,560 feet above sea level, or (for additional fees) take a cable car up to 8,200 feet. From there, you'll have the option of taking a van to Torre del Filosofo, which sits at an elevation of more than 9,500 feet. With an alpine guide leading the way, you'll explore the lava-carved terrain. The trip also includes a stop at an organic farm and a visit to the town of Taormina, where you'll have time to wander among attractions, such as a cathedral, a clock tower, a palace and a theater, before the drive back to Catania. Tour-takers enjoy walking among the volcano craters and learning about the area from the friendly, accommodating guides.

Pickup starts at 8:30 a.m. and tours, which occur daily, last approximately nine hours. Prices start at 85 euros (about $93) for those 12 and older, 70 euros (about $76) for kids ages 3 to 11 and 20 euros (about $22) for infants. Paying online in advance may save you a few euros per ticket. The optional cable car ride costs an additional 50 euros (about $55) and the high-altitude option, including both the cable car and the van rides, start at 78 euros (about $85) per person. Etna Tribe also offers sunset excursions to the mountain, among other options.

The Best Multiday Tours in Italy

While there are plenty of tours across Italy's most popular cities that last a few hours or an entire day, some travelers may be interested in multiday tours that visit several destinations or points of interest. Below are some of the top multiday tours in Italy.

• Best of Italy: Visit Rome, Assisi, Siena, Florence, Bologna, Venice and more. Book on GetYourGuide .
• Amalfi Coast Small Group Tour: Explore Pompeii, Capri and Sorrento. Book on Viator .
• Scenic Sicily Tour: See the towns of Taormina, Palermo, Mount Etna and Erice. Book on Viator .
• Classic Cultural Cities: Discover the sights of Rome, Venice and Florence. Book on Viator.
• Highlights of the Italian Lakes: Enjoy Milan, Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, Lake Garda and more. Book on Grand European Travel .
• Scenic Sailing Adventure: Sail around Sardinia and Corsica. Book on Viator .
• Fun for Foodies: Taste your way across Italy on a nine-day food tour. Book on The Table Less Traveled .

You may also be interested in:

• The Best Places to Visit in Italy
• The Most Beautiful Beaches in Italy
• The Best International Travel Insurance
• The Best Places to Visit in Europe
• The Best Cheap European Vacations

Tags: Tours , Travel , Vacations , Italy

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• # 4 Bora Bora

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Amazing Italy Private Tour with Olga... - Amazing Italy Tours

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Excellent tour 3 in 1. Visited a parmigiano Reggiano factory, Modena Balsamic vinegar and... read more

We had a wonderful walking food and wine tour in beautiful Bologna with our tour guide Sara. She... read more

Amazing Italy Private Tour with Olga Arena

This was by far the highlight of our 10 day trip to Italy! My group of 6 all agree. It was myself, husband, 2 boys (10 & 12) and an Aunt & Uncle (in their 70's). From start to finish Olga arranged a perfect day, including the train ride from Florence to Bologna, private driver, Mike and herself as tour guide all day. We had an all day tour from 8:30 AM (pickup at train station) until we were dropped back off at the station around 7:00 PM. We started at the Parmigiano Reggiano factory, then off to a Balsamic Vinegar Estate in Modena. Next off to the Ferrari Factory/Museum in Marenello for a tour and test ride. My husband really enjoyed taking the boys for a ride. Next, we went to lunch at a fabulous Trattoria with delicious and abundant food and wine. Then to the Prosciutto Factory. Last but not least a short tour of the Bologna main square and then gelato, before our train ride back. This trip was inclusive of all tickets, a tasting at each stop (including wine) and the pleasure of a wonderful guide, Olga and an equally personable driver, Mike. Olga explained the entire process of every food production stop we made. It was very interesting and the children as well as the adults were always entertained. This tour was worth every penny and very reasonably priced. I would recommend this tour to anyone in the Florence/Bologna area. This is a "MUST DO" tour for any family, especially with children. Thanks Olga and Amazing Italy!

Just wanted to say thank you to Andrea and Olga for the great places we've been shown during our stay in Bologna. We had such a wonderful time and we we'll definitely be back for more. The quality of the food, as well as the wine, was exceptional. The experience was full of highlights; never tasted a Parmesan cheese that good in my life, the prosciutto was exquisite and the balsamic vinegar exceptional. I would recommend anyone planning a visit to Emilia Romagna to get in touch with Amazing Italy for a truly wonderful experience. Ciao, anzi arrivederci!

When I submitted this article there were 48 reviews, ALL of them rated as 'Excellent'! (not surprising having been on this tour). It was absolutely brilliant and we will be recommending it to anyone who is traveling to this beautiful part of Italy. We were met at our hotel in the morning by Andrea who is incredibly friendly, knowledgeable and enthusiastic. We were taken to see and sample traditional balsamic vinegar production in the morning and this was followed by a brilliant tour of a Parmigiano Reggiano factory (I've never seen so much cheese!). In the afternoon we visited a Prosciutto factory and were walked through the entire production process from start to finish (over 20,000 legs of pork). We were then treated with a ham tasting with some delicious local Lambrusco wine. Then lunch. I honestly don't know how to explain how fantastic lunch was. We were taken to a beautiful, traditional little Trattoria and the food was out of this world. We had a plate of local meats with cheese and breads followed by some hand made lasagne, tortellini and spaghetti Bolognese. I ate some much amazing food that I could have passed out at this point but we had to save a little bit of room for salad and some incredible freshly made desserts. After this I had a quick nap in the bus in preparation for a tour of a local wine cellar where we got to taste some fantastic red and white wines. It was great to taste all of the produce and we bought ham, cheese, balsamic vinegar and wine home with us to share with our stories. This was one of the best day tours I have ever done and Andrea really made it for us. The whole thing was an absolute bargain and I can't wait to come back for the Ferrari tour! See you later in the year guys! James & Jess

Thank you so much for a such great description of the unforgettable day we had together.Looking froward to welcoming you again for a great FERRARI DAY.kindest regards.Andrea and Olga

I've been to Bologna for a business trip and I decided to make the most of my stay in Bologna to take a one-day guided tour. Olga took a colleague of mine and I to all of the main monuments in the city centre. The tour was amazing. Olga was very kind to us and suggested us other places to visit, restaurants and ice-cream shops in Bologna for the next days of our trip. I highly recommend to try Amazing Italy both for quality and for price.

Dear Alex, thank you for the kind review Andrea and Olga

Last October we have spent a memorable day with Amazing Italy.we have been pick up by a deluxe minivan in Ravenna port and we have begin a day that would have become memorable.our first stop was a balsamic vinegar producer what they call ACETAIA.we did the visit and next we sample 5 different quality of this black gold.Our second stop was the Parmesan cheese factory,oh my god what a surprise the aging room,unforgettable.next we have done the Ferrari museum and had also the time for a FERRARI TEST DRIVE,the dream of my love Steve came true.in the afternoon the ham factory another great discover before going back to Ravenna port.THANK YOU ANDREA AND OLGA for a memorable day.WE CAN SAY THAT WAS REALLY AN AMAZING ITALY DAY EXPERENCE!!!!!!

Dear friends.it was AMAZING to meet all of you.we had a great time.thank you very much Andrea and Olga

We were in Bologna with another couple a couple of weeks ago. Andrea took us on a "foodie" tour. We went to see where balsamic vinegar, parmesan-reggiano cheese and proscuitto ham were made. Had a wonderful lunch at a local restaurant and then to a local winery for a tasting. Couldn't have asked for a better day. Andrea was full of great information about the area and the places we went to. He also arranged for my husband and me to meet with a Murano glass maker when we were in Venice. We bought a beautiful piece of glass and can't wait to receive it. Would highly recommend this!

Dear Lisa, it is so nice to have received such a great feedback.It has been a real pleasure to spend a day with you and your friends andrea and olga

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Fully Guided Tours & Trips in Italy

Find the right fully guided tour for you in Italy. There are 870 trips to choose from, that range from one day in length, up to 25 days. The month with the most departures is September, making it the most popular time to visit Italy.

250+ Fully Guided tour packages in Italy with 12,095 reviews

• Train & Rail
• Sightseeing

Highlights of Italy

Enjoyed Highlights of Italy tour this August. Especially enjoyed Venice, with its spectacle of grand piazza's, canals and inviting shops of amazing masks and general festive atmosphere. Found our tour guide Inga, both engaging and professional with many tales of interest. Cinque Terra, was also very memorable with it's beautiful mountain top towns and vivid blue seascapes, walking the trail was unforgettable. With a great bunch of fellow travellers this was one of the most enjoyable tours i have booked. Only disappointment was arriving in Mestre to Hotel Mondail and the associated Hotel.açcross the road, this put a damper on the start of the trip, but fortunately the standard of hotels improved as we travelled throughout Italy. Overall fantastic trip.

• Hiking & Trekking
• Coastal Walks

Amalfi Coast Walking - Agriturismo

The tour was good but the activity level needs to be revised to moderate to difficult for some of the hiking parts. I learned by experience that I will only book directly with the tour company offering the trip. Was difficult to communicate through a third party. Did not realize this was not actually the tour company when booking through Tourradar. Our guide Genaro was lovely and being local was educational regarding his homeland.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• In-depth Cultural
• Local Living
• Christmas & New Year

Local Living Italy—Sorrento

I was a wonderful tour. We had a guided Tour in Naples, Pompei and a wonderful hike, garnished with interessting facts about history and the people living there. The family at the lemon farm was great and the food provided was really yummy. Luigi gave us a little tour around the property andbecame my personal hero, when he demonstrated how to make limoncello. Chiara was a very helpful and lovely guide. We already miss her :-)

Best of Sicily - 8 Days (Small Group Tour)

Tour was good with the right mix of tours and free time, my only complaint will be the Hotel in Ortiga, without elevators and was 3 starts not 4 stars as advertised.

• Food & Culinary

Small Group Tour of Sicily: Highlights (Maximum 8 Guests)

Good communication, excellent guides, easy access to paid sites. Loved the tour and would recommend

Local Living Italy—Amalfi Coast

This was my first hiking tour and I'm happy to say it exceeded all my expectations. It was exactly the type of holiday I wanted, hiking in beautiful scenery with good company and fabulous food. The food was absolutely fantastic - homemade and some homegrown. The hosts at our accommodations were wonderful and wend above and beyond for us. Our tour guide Elisa was perfect for this trip, she helped to make a great itinerary even better. She was very knowledgeable , accommodating and fun. The best kind any group can only dream of.

Discover Italy end Milan

The first day of arrival, the transport was not flexible with the pick up time of airport. Tour guide, Patricia, had no early posted itinerary for tour or introduction, expectation, rules, important information about tour. Left behind tourist under her care during the end of 1st day tour. She was late to start the tour, and never took count of the tourist she had under her care. On the way to Florence, Patricia left behind tourists , and placed them in danger. Luckily, the tourist had the proper connections with other people in tour to help them catch up with bus. The tour guide did not put safety first, and placed tourist under her care at risk. With several tourists complaining about the logistic thinking for the tour guide, Europamundo was able to switch all the non-spanish speaking tourist to new tour guide, Marsha. From then on, the tour turned around for the best. She introduced herself and driver, provided important details, rules, expectations about tour. She provided insightful information about each place we visited. She ensured that her group was not lost, and not left behind. She ensured for our safety. On the last day of tour she managed to fullfill my request to change the time of airport transfer to ensure we have enough time to get to airport and go through check in. Marsha made us feel safe to enjoy the tour. The accommodation are ok. Continental breakfast is ok. Tour buses in good condition and comfortable. Europamundo needs to imporve the tour guide to tourist proportion. 50 tourist is too much for 1 guide. If this is your first trip to a destination and/or not use to venturing on your own, do not use Europamundo. Tourradar and Europamunfo service is slow with replies. Europamundo Emergency does not provide quick response. Touradar insurance policy can't accommodate adding additional person ones a policy is purchased. Best to purchase the insurance policy else where. Overall, I give this tour 3.7

Best of Italy

A great trip thoroughly enjoyed by me and my wife. May thanks to Massimo Mabelia for his excellent leadership.

Italy City Break - 5 Days

Excellent, I enjoyed the cities we visited, the guides and the overall experience. The hotel on Florence was a bit odd but the food was great.

Walking the Amalfi Coast

Such a great experience! The hikes were awesome; picturesque and captivating. I believe this was the best way to explore the Amalfi coast line by getting the local tour guide who knows these paths so well to lead us through them. Needs a descent fitness level for these hikes as sadly there were elderly people and people in average physical condition that had to pull out of the hikes as early as day 1 which is very unfortunate for them. Thank you so much, I had the best experience and loved every minute. I’m so grateful for the amazing people I met.

UNESCO Jewels: Best of Italy - Rome, Florence, Venice in 8 days

What a fabulous day! Met at meeting place by Annalisa and John, (A.K.A James Bond.) Great tour guides and very professional. Safe driver. Stopped in Naples to view Mt Vesuvius and then on to a scrumptious lunch. Picked up Sacha along the way, who took us around Pompei ruins and was a brilliant guide. Was very knowledgeable and made Pompei come to life! Thoroughly recommend I Love Rome tours.

Italy Family Holiday

I took my 12 year old son on the Intrepid Family Adventure. We had an amazing time. The guide was helpful, considerate and lots of fun. Playing games with the kids in the pool and making sure everyone was comfortable and happy. The pace was fantastic for a family with the mornings full of exploring with the group and the afternoons reserved for free time for families to spend together. Our highlight was the sailing trip to Capri. Can't recommend highly enough

UNESCO Jewels: Best of Italy - Rome, Florence, Venice in 5 days

We had a blast! We had the tour organized by Fantasia by Carrani tour. It was great! Clara was an amazing guide. She explained everything and was a fun guide. She knew a lot about all the sites that we visited. She also gave us tips on where to go during our free time, which was amazing. It was a nice experience for first time travellers to Italy. The meals can be improved, but they were not our main concern. The hotels that were booked were pretty great and in safe areas that were close to the city centres and close to transportation. I highly recommend booking this tour if it is your first time in Europe.

The Essential of Italy

Love the hotel selection and the places visited.

• Coach / Bus

Italy from North to South

I am giving this review 4 stars because I did enjoy my time in Italy because I am the type of person who would not let disappointments hinder my enjoyment of a trip. To start with I was not picked up at the airport as promised, I realize my flight was approx. 45 minutes late ( the lateness was due to the airline while we were already sitting on the runway). I arrived at 10:15, collected my luggage and headed to the meeting point, there was no one there with my name on a placard, I walked around checking different places close to my meeting point, finally at 11:25 I took a taxi that cost me 57 euros(82 CAD) for the trip to the hotel that took about 45 minutes, when I arrived the guy on the desk told me they were looking for me at the airport ??? My itinerary did disclose that the day excursion to Capri is not included between certain months, although I don't remember paying less than someone who went in October and did get this excursion. While travelling to Sorrento the representative we had on the bus informed us we could book a trip to Capri for 165 euros (wow), so I am wondering why this tour group could offer the trip but my booking agency could not, I wandered around Sorrento on the main street and came across 2 companies offering the trip to Capri for 60 euros, remember that folks if you have the time to find a local company, I would highly recommend it. Another contention with me was the solo supplement, while I was investigating this trip there was no mention of extra supplement until I hit the Book Now button, I found this to be deceiving. I paid $945 for solo supplement for a 12 day trip, of course you meet people while travelling and someone shared with me that she was doing the 9 day portion of the trip and was paying $400 USD, now I totally understand the exchange rate between CAD and USD but I really think another $445 for 3 extra days is extravagant to say the least, this is a Canadian company taking advantage of Canadians. When we returned to Rome during our travels we stayed at the same hotel I was at on my first night in Rome where I had a double room, it was comfortable by most standards. I cannot say the same for my return stay, I was in a single room and may as well been sleeping on the floor, the bed was ROCK hard. I really enjoyed Rome and have plans to return but definitely not with this company and will not use this company to book any further trips. You have disappointed me Wingbuddy and I won't give you the opportunity to do so in the future, so this is good-bye.

What people love about Fully Guided Tours in Italy

The tour itself was amazing! A lot of value for money. The tour guide did seem to be a bit annoyed at us at the end when we wanted to get transport back to the hotel, after walking over half a marathon. This is notable considering a few members had lower body injuries/ health concerns. Other than that, I really loved my trip. I made friends for life, memories I’ll cherish for years

Overall I really enjoyed the Amalfi walking tour. Staying in a small community was a welcome change from the large city tourist experience. The accommodations were as expected, and the Agritourisimo owners were lovely hosts. I especially enjoyed the homemade pasta and desserts. The wine tasting dinner was a lot of fun and the pizza was excellent. I could not have asked for a nicer group of fellow hikers. Our guide, Peter, was very personable, attentive to everyone’s needs and abilities and was knowledgable about the region. I am a 67 year old Canadian woman in excellent health and keep physically very active. I live in a location that is predominantly flat land. I made an effort to climb hills as much as possible to train for the walk but walking on ground is not enough to prepare for all the stone steps on the walks. Stair climbing and descending would be at good training routine. I found going down the steps very hard on the knees, but they felt better after a couple of days of walking on this terrain. I would caution anyone with knee or hip joint problems about choosing this tour. A 76 year old woman in our group had no problems at all. However, after falling on the loose rock the first day, an 85-year-old man from North America was not able to participate in most of the walks. Peter was able to suggest alternate activities for him and his wife and they were still able to enjoy the trip. Anyone older should have excellent balance and be used to walking on uneven terrain and climbing up and down rocky obstacles. I think an upper limit of 85 is overly optimistic for this tour.

Carla was very kind and helpful on our tour

Regions in Italy

• South Italy (350)
• Northern Italy (155)
• Sicily (142)
• Central Italy (139)
• Tuscany (83)
• Campania (81)
• Amalfi Coast (80)
• Puglia (68)
• Apulia (56)
• Prosecco (51)
• Italian Alps (42)
• Veneto (39)
• Italian Lakes District (36)
• The Dolomites (28)
• Lombardy (25)
• Lazio, Marche & Abruzzo (20)

Travel Styles

• Fully Guided
• Italy Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Itinerary Ideas for 10 Days in Italy, 2022-2023
• Best 7 Day Italy Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)
• Discover the Best Italy Vacation Packages 2024/2025
• What is the best time to visit Italy in 2024/2025?

Amazing Italy Tours

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Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Amazing Italy Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

Food & Ferrari Tour

Visit boutique producers of Prosciutto, Parmesan Cheese, Balsamic Vinegar, and wine with our Bologna Food Experience Tour. Experience lovely tastes with accompanying wines and learn how our fabulous foods and wines are made.

Description

Our amazing Food & Ferrari Tour will take you to visit boutique producers of Parmesan Cheese, Balsamic Vinegar and Prosciutto, experience lovely tastes with accompanying wines and learn how these fabulous foods are made.

You will visit the worldwide famous  Ferrari Museum in Maranello  and maybe  test drive * your favorite Ferrari car!

At the end of the tour, enjoy a delicious traditional Italian lunch   at a family-run restaurant including homemade pasta and a selection of  local wines !

Availability:

Monday to Sunday except bank holidays

Starting time:

This tour is perfect for the travellers who only have limited time in Bologna and want to experience the treasures of the Bologna-Modena area in a comfortable, enthusiastic, and well-organized way. Your senses will be awakened and changed forever with the sights, sounds, and flavors of the day. You will even have the opportunity to buy the outstanding products you will taste directly from the producers.

The tour begins with an on-time pickup at your hotel by a top-notch guide, driver, and comfortable private minivan. Traveling to the various stops, your guide will share the history of the region and why it has been home to some of most important Italian brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Ducati, and Maserati. Plan to be ready at your hotel at 8am and return by 6pm.

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese factory tour

Regarded by many as the “King” of Italian cheeses, you will have the rare opportunity to see up close how this delight is created and aged. You will walk into a live production facility and stand side by side with craftsmen as they prepare and work the special milk, fill the iconic molds, and age the cheese to perfection. Finally, you will enjoy a generous tasting of a variety of ages, along with some local Lambrusco wine, to help you understand why this cheese always lives up to its heavenly reputation.

Prosciutto factory tour

Next, we are off to a multi-generation, family-owned and operated, artisanal prosciutto production facility. You will again tour and see the full process and understand the many painstaking and time-consuming steps required to produce this one-of-a-kind cured meat. We will visit the different seasonal simulation storage rooms, so bring your light jacket or sweater for the “fall” room. The tour concludes with some of the highest quality, freshly-sliced tastings you will ever have of this classic delicacy.

Balsamic Vinegar estate tour

Have you ever tasted 15-, or even 30-year-old barrel-aged balsamic vinegar? You might have heard of Balsamic vinegar from Modena but this one is the pure “black gold” you will not find in your grocery store. It begins with the pressing of Lambrusco grapes and cooking of the “mosto” but the secret is the multiple small “family” barrel aging process you must experience. Tastings paired with cheeses and even some ice-cream (or better, gelato!) will dazzle your taste buds like never before.

Ferrari Museum in Maranello

Whether you are a sports car fanatic, art lover, or simply wanting to extend your Italian cultural experience, you will be amazed with the Ferrari Museum tour. Located next to the actual factory where each “Cavallino” is born, this modern museum will take you on a ride through the history of Ferrari and its iconic sports and race cars. Visit the newly-updated Hall of Victories to see the actual world champion F1 cars that have thrilled millions of race fans over the years. You can even check “driving a Ferrari” on your bucket list accomplishments by test driving a choice of models on the roads of Maranello (separate fee).

Classic Italian Lunch Experience: mamma mia!!!

After a day of learning and tasting, we will conclude with an outstanding late afternoon lunch, complete with local wines in a picturesque setting where we can share our thoughts and favorite parts of the day together. This is “la dolce vita”!!!

The tour includes:

• transportation by private air-conditioned deluxe car/minivan with professional driver
• pick-up and drop-off from hotels in central Bologna and Bologna train station. Pick-up from other cities or Bologna airport available on request
• Amazing Italy top-rated guide service
• private visit to a Parmesan Cheese producer with tasting
• private visit to a Traditional Balsamic vinegar producer with tasting
• private visit to a Prosciutto producer with tasting
• admittance to the Ferrari Museum in Maranello (ticket and reservation, skip-the-line)
• traditional Italian lunch at a family-run restaurant with wine included
• bottled water available on board
• A lot of fun and wonderful memories!
• bottled water available on the minivan

Prices per person:

2 pax: Eur 720,00 3 pax: Eur 562,00 4 pax: Eur 482,00 5 pax: Eur 434,00 6 pax: Eur 402,00

Group quotations on request.

Prices are subject to confirmation at booking time. There might be prices increase on occasion of big events and due to the rise in raw materials and VAT.

Additional info

• Starting time will be confirmed at the time of booking. 
• Please note that walking through assembly lines inside the Ferrari factory floor is only for owners, journalists and sponsors; Ferrari directly manages these tours.
• The experiences can be enriched with a Ferrari test-drive on real roads. Prices and availability on request.
• Optimize your time: are you leaving Bologna by train after the tour or do you need to get off at Bologna airport to catch a flight? Come on the tour and bring your luggage with you!
• It is recommended to book any rail travel from Bologna after 6:15pm to allow time for any traffic delays on your return journey.
• This tour can be arranged with departure from Florence, Milan, Verona and Venice.
• Please let us know of any food allergies or dietary restrictions with your reservation.

Request info

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All Ferrari

Nov 19, 2023 • 11 min read

Rome should be the centerpiece of your trip if you’re going to Italy for the first time © Kathrin Ziegler / Getty Images

Home to some of the greatest artworks, historical monuments and food on the planet, and with the kind of varied landscapes that you often have to cross continents to see, Italy elates, inspires and moves its visitors like few other countries.

From its art- and architecture-stuffed cities to its astonishing diversity of natural landscapes – dramatic coastlines, serene lakes, pristine mountains, and those famous rolling hills – picking just a handful of destinations to visit in this wonderful country is no easy task.

So how do you decide where to go? It all depends on what you’re looking for in your Italian odyssey, whether that’s history, art, beaches, hiking or even food. No matter your passion, our list of 15 must-see places in Italy should be your starting point.

Best for history

Once caput mundi (capital of the world), Rome was legendarily spawned by a wolf-suckled boy, developed into a vast empire, rooted itself as the home of the Catholic church, and is now the repository of more than two millennia of art and architecture.

Rome should definitely be the centerpiece of your trip if you’re going to Italy for the first time, but there's simply too much to see in one visit, from the Pantheon and the Colosseum to Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel and countless works by Caravaggio. So do as countless others have done before you: toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain and promise to return.

Planning tip: There’s an overwhelming amount to see here, and with limited public transport in the city center, your choice of hotel can be crucial. Map out the sights you’re most interested in before you book – if you want to be at the Vatican at opening time, for example, don't stay near the Colosseum.

Read more: Italians reveal their under-the-radar vacation spots in Italy

Best for a Renaissance fix

From Botticelli’s Venus , emerging coyly from the water in the Uffizi Gallery , to the mind-boggling dome of its cathedral, Florence is a feast for the eyes. This was, of course, the seat of the Renaissance, and there are knock-out names at every turn – Michelangelo in the Accademia, Donatello in the Bargello, Leonardo and Raphael in the Uffizi. 

Further afield in  Tuscany – Italy's most romanticized region – is an undulating landscape of sinuous cypress trees, olive groves and coveted regional treasures. Glory in the Gothic majesty of Siena and the Manhattan-esque skyline of medieval San Gimignano before exploring the vineyards of Italy's most famous wine region, Chianti , and the rolling, cypress-studded hills of the Val d’Orcia.

Planning tip: You’re best off without a car if you’re sticking to major towns and cities since Tuscany has a good rail network. But if you want to explore the countryside, you’ll definitely need a car. 

3. The Dolomites

Best for dramatic mountains

Scour the globe, and you'll find plenty of taller, bigger and more geologically volatile mountains, but few can match the romance of the pink-hued granite Dolomites .

Maybe it's their harsh, jagged summits, the vibrant skirts of spring wildflowers, or the rich cache of Ladin legends. Then again, it could just be the magnetic draw of money, style and glamor at Italy's most fabled ski resort, Cortina d'Ampezzo , or the linguistic curiosity of picture-postcard mountain village Sappada . Whatever the reason, this tiny pocket of northern Italy takes seductiveness to dizzying heights.

4. Amalfi Coast

Best for classic beauty

Italy's most celebrated coastline is a gripping strip: coastal mountains plunge into the piercing blue sea in a prime-time vertical scene of precipitous crags, sun-bleached villages and cliffs rearing up behind. Between sea and sky, mountaintop hiking trails deliver Tyrrhenian panoramas fit for a god.

While some may argue that the peninsula's most beautiful coast is Liguria's Cinque Terre or Calabria's Costa Viola, it is the Amalfi Coast that has seduced and inspired countless greats, from Tennessee Williams and DH Lawrence to Elizabeth Taylor, Virginia Woolf and Jackie Kennedy. Of course, its staggeringly romantic looks also make it one of the best places in Italy for couples.

Planning tip: Yes, driving along the Amalfi Coast is one of the world’s most famous road trips, but often it feels like everyone else on the planet has the same idea as you. Traffic can be nose-to-tail, and parking is effectively nonexistent. Instead, take the ferry between towns or travel by public transport .

Best for stepping back in time

Frozen in its death throes, the time-warped ruins of Pompeii hurtle you 2000 years into the past. Wander through chariot-grooved Roman streets, lavishly frescoed villas and bathhouses, food stores and markets, theaters, and even an ancient brothel.

Then, in the eerie stillness, your eye on ominous Mt Vesuvius, ponder Pliny the Younger's terrifying account of the town's final hours: “Darkness came on again, again ashes, thick and heavy. We got up repeatedly to shake these off; otherwise, we would have been buried and crushed by the weight.”

Planning tip: If you have time, the other major city destroyed by the eruption, Herculaneum, is also worth a visit. Much smaller than Pompeii, its buildings are better preserved, and the location – surrounded by its modern descendant, Ercolano – makes the site even more piquant. Like Pompeii, it’s easily reached on the Circumvesuviana train.

6. Emilia-Romagna

Best for foodies

In a region as overwhelmingly foodie as Emilia-Romagna , it's only natural that its capital, Bologna , is dubbed “La Grassa” (the fat one). Many belt-busting Italian classics hail from here, including mortadella, tortellini and tagliatelle al ragù. Shop in the deli-packed Quadrilatero district – home to food stalls since medieval times – then hop on the train for an afternoon in Modena for world-famous aged balsamic vinegar.

Leave room for Parma , hometown of parmigiano reggiano cheese and the incomparable prosciutto di Parma. Wherever you plunge your fork, toast with a glass or three of Emilia-Romagna's renowned Lambrusco – a world away from the sickly sweet wine that was exported in the past.

7. Lago di Como

Best for a slice of luxury

If it's good enough for the Clooneys and vacationing Obamas, it's good enough for mere mortals. Nestled in the shadow of the Rhaetian Alps, dazzling Lago di Como is Lombardy's most spectacular lake. Its lavish Liberty-style villas are home to movie moguls, fashion royalty, and literal royalty, while the lake's siren calls include gardens at Villas Melzi d'Eril , Carlotta , and Balbianello that blush pink with camellias, azaleas and rhododendrons in April and May.

The city of Como itself is a hotbed of arresting architecture, from the Gothic cathedral to Palazzo Terragni – built by the Fascists as their party headquarters, it’s a classic example of Italian 1930s Rationalism and a striking reminder of the atrocities committed by the regime.  

Planning tip: Como is like the Amalfi Coast – the roads are clogged, and parking is a huge problem. Instead of driving, use public transport; there’s an excellent ferry and bus network, as well as a train line along the eastern edge of the lake.

8. Sardinia

Best for beaches and coastline

The English language cannot accurately describe the varied blue, green and – in the deepest shadows – purple colors of Sardinia’s seas. While models, ministers and perma-tanned celebrities wine, dine and sail along the glossy Costa Smeralda , much of the island – the Med’s second largest after Sicily – remains a wild, raw playground.

Explore its rugged coastal beauty, from the tumbledown boulders of Santa Teresa di Gallura and the wind-chiseled cliff face of the Golfo di Orosei to the windswept beauty of the Costa Verde's dune-backed beaches.

But spend time inland too, and you’ll find some of Europe’s finest prehistoric remains: mysterious nuraghi (megalithic buildings), burial sites so grand they’re known as “giants’ tombs,” and the mountain villages of Barbagia, where locals still practice centuries-old traditions.

Best for sheer italianità

Pompeii, pizza and a whole lot of panache – Naples is a city like no other. Layered like lasagna, each strip of history on top of the last, this is a place where (underground) you can walk along ancient Greek and Roman roads, while at street level there are sumptuous churches, baroque palaces and Maradona – Maradona everywhere .

Outside the city, Vesuvius looms over the time capsules of Pompeii and Herculaneum, while in town, living in the shadow of a volcano gives life a sense of urgency. All that makes for a place like nowhere else .

Planning tip: Naples becomes less chaotic from the water. Taking the ferry isn’t only an option if you’re going to islands like Ischia and Procida – you can also take a boat from the city to Sorrento , Positano and the Amalfi Coast.

Best for a fairytale city

“Unique” is an overused word, but in the case of Venice , there’s no better description. This really is a dreamscape of intricately carved palazzos, gilded churches and world-class museums, all floating on water and crisscrossed by quiet canals.

Avoid the temptation to do a quick drop-in visit to see the main sights – the real Venice is in the silent canals and narrow alleyways, which cast a spell on all who move through them. Tick off the Rialto Bridge and Piazza San Marco , but then stay on to experience this most precious, and precarious, of cities.

Local tip: This is not the place to run a tight schedule. Leave time to wander the alleys , look inside the churches and artisan shops you pass, and hop on a vaporetto that’ll chug through the islands of the lagoon.

11. Parco Nazionale del Gran Paradiso

Best for hiking

If you're pining for a mind-clearing retreat, lace up your hiking boots and explore over 500km (310 miles) of marked trails and mule tracks traversing “Grand Paradise.”

Part of the Graian Alps and one of Italy's very first national parks, Gran Paradiso's pure, pristine spread encompasses 57 glaciers and alpine pastures awash with wild pansies, gentians and alpenroses, not to mention a healthy population of Alpine ibex, for whose protection the park was originally established. At 4061m (13,323ft), the eponymous Gran Paradiso is the park's only peak, accessed from tranquil Cogne.

12. Mount Etna

Best for thrill seekers

Known to the Greeks as the “column that holds up the sky,”  Mt Etna is not only Europe's largest volcano, it's one of the world's most active. The ancients believed the giant Tifone (Typhoon) lived in its crater and lit the sky with spectacular pyrotechnics; today they simply call it idda , or “her.”

At 3326m (10,912ft), she literally towers above Sicily's Ionian Coast . Tackle the climb on foot, on a guided 4WD tour, or stick to the lower slopes, where you’ll find some of Italy’s most exciting wines being grown in the uber-fertile volcanic soil. Sicily is one of the nicest places in Italy to visit, thanks to its extraordinary wealth of history and architecture, its jaw-dropping coastline and, of course, the ever-welcoming Sicilians.

13. Cinque Terre and the Liguria coast

Best for classic coastline

Liguria’s remote Cinque Terre area is coastal Italy at its most spectacular. Five seaside villages wedged between cliffs, encircled by a national park and connected by clifftop footpaths, this is a place where humanity has lived in symbiosis with nature for thousands of years. People have chiseled terraces into the steep cliffs and grown wine here since Roman times; until the 20th century, the locals got about by sea or footpath.

The villages themselves are gorgeous, but spare some time for a hike along the Sentiero Azzurro, the most popular of the paths connecting them. Cinque Terre may be the best known, but Liguria’s coastline is one showstopper coastal village after another – additional highlights include Portofino , Portovenere and Santa Margherita Ligure .  

Planning tip: This is another area where it’s not worth driving – there are ferry services, but our favorite option is the train, which runs along the coast and stops at each of the villages.

14. Valle d’Itria

Best for picture-perfect villages

They look like hobbit houses – small conical-roofed cottages, often stitched together to form a bigger home but always fairytale pretty, whatever the size. Puglia, the heel of Italy’s boot, is famous for its trulli, but you won’t find them all over the region.

Head south of Bari, in from the coast and up onto the high karst plateau, and you’ll find the Valle d’Itria , where the green fields around towns like Cisternino and Locorotondo are dotted with trulli. Alberobello is the center of it all – the centro storico of the town is nothing but streets of them. This is one of the prettiest parts of Italy – truly.

Best for a real city break

Italy’s fashion capital  often gets a bad rap – too international, too organized, not chaotic enough. Don’t believe it. Where else can you go from a Gothic-style cathedral, started in the 14th century, to masterpieces by Leonardo (his Last Supper fresco in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie is a showstopper, but so is the Sala delle Asse in the Castello Sforzesco , which he painted as a trompe l’oeil forest bower)?

Milan's restaurants pull together the best food from the Italian peninsula, it’s home to one of Italy’s rare cocktail scenes, and its fashion houses are transforming the city’s modern art scene with venues like Fondazione Prada , an old distillery now housing works by the likes of Jeff Koons and Damien Hirst, as well as putting on top-notch temporary exhibitions.

Planning tip: Milan doesn’t really have high and low seasons like the rest of Italy does; instead, its hotel rates rocket up and down depending on whether there’s a major event in town. Avoid Design and Fashion Weeks if you're traveling on a budget .

This article was first published Jun 3, 2021 and updated Nov 19, 2023.

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Amazing Italy Tour to Amalfi Coast, Capri, Positano and Rome

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Places visited, suggested duration, customizable itinerary, positano - benvenuti a lusso.

Arrive in Naples, and a private transfer will take you along the scenic coastline to Positano. On this drive of a lifetime, look out at the seaside towns of Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello that stretch along this coastal highway. Step into your luxury hotel and relish not only in the stunning beauty of its elegant Mediterranean design but the fact that for the next week, you’ll retreat to a suite with a balcony that looks out to an incredible view of the Amalfi Coast. Choose to dine from an array of waterfront restaurants filled with friendly locals who eagerly await to serve their seafood delicacies. Have a peaceful dinner as you watch the sunset and listen to the ocean waves around you.

What's Included:

Positano - A Luxuriate Positano

After a gourmet buffet breakfast at the hotel, you’ll have the day to explore at your leisure. Positano is connected by winding cobblestone streets and stairways that lead up to extraordinary towering cliffs. Browse the quaint shops filled with artisan crafts while working your way up the lively city streets. In the afternoon, grab a book and sunbathe, finding a comfy sunbed. In the evening, enjoy a romantic but mellow dinner in the comfort of your hotel. The hotel restaurant has a great atmosphere, and the view from their patio is as visually delicious as their dishes of homemade pasta and seafood.

Positano - Gems of the Mediterranean Sea

Get ready for a memorable excursion on a boat along the Amalfi coastline. Set sail and visit an array of ancient utopian dreamlands only accessible from the sea. Cruising along crystal clear waters, pass the delightful shoreline of Praiano and have an afternoon coffee in the quaint city center where many of the natives and fishermen frequent. Witness the glow that sparkles from rich blue and green colors shining off the Emerald Grotto’s cavern walls in Conca dei Marini. You’ll return to Positano in the early evening completely satisfied and ready to unwind on your terrace over the majestic sea you uncovered earlier that day.

Positano - The Tranquility of Ravello

There’s an allure to Ravello, a rural village nestled high in the hills upon a jagged cliffside that’s both charming and mysterious. A majestic landscape of breathtaking views, ancient cathedrals, and villas built upon ornate and lush gardens, it seems that Ravello itself was designed to embody tranquility. For centuries, it’s wooed artistic legends like Greta Garbo and authors D.H. Lawrence, Tennessee Williams, and Gore Vidal, who come to escape in its peaceful and calming ambiance. Today it continues to be a haven where Hollywood’s celebrities and elite vacation. After wandering the manicured gardens of Villa Rufolo and the medieval cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, end the day with an unforgettable evening of classical music with a concert that overlooks panoramic views of the sea.

Positano - The Archeological Masterpieces of Pompeii

Today you'll have an opportunity to transport thousands of years back in time and behold a distant period of human culture. Travel north to Pompeii to wander the ancient streets. Completely destroyed and buried under ashes for nearly 1,700 years, it has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site and allows visitors to behold the life of the city. Alongside your guide, navigate the archaeological maze of stones and rubble to the cities most sacred monuments that exude a sinister charm. If desired, you can hike up Mt. Vesuvius, about a 45-minute climb. Behold the profound depth of the volcano's ancient rocky crater; it's chilling to peer down at its delicate and calm streams.

Capri - The Nautical Blue Heart

Ending a luxurious stay in Positano, you’ll feel content as you board the hydrofoil and jet-set off to Capri, a stunning island that will captivate you with grottos and caves of illuminating beauty tucked under the overhang of the towns staggering mountains.  Wander the streets around the lively square, known as ‘La Piazzetta’ in the heart of Capri and splurge on handcrafted sandals and a fragrance created by locals from the Carthusia perfume factory that will always remind you of paradise. After shopping, cool off with a refreshing glass of Limoncello, and savor the region’s local flavors at an outdoor café before you sail off into a remarkable sunset.

Capri - The Sacred Rocks and Caves

When you descend the port in Capri, enjoy lunch at a local pizzeria before diving into sacred landmarks on a boat trip to the Blue Grotto and much more. Your local captains will accompany you to the magic of an ancient cave, thought to be haunted by evil spirits centuries ago during Emperor Tiberius' ruling. A slow boat ride through the Blue Grotto makes you stare in awe at the natural beauty of this cherished cavern. To gain a full understanding of the brilliance that embodies this piccola Mediterranean island, stroll along the coastal path and encounter three large rock foundations. The rocks protrude up and out of the richly colored sea of crystal blue and emerald-green waters near the island coast. A quiet and peaceful activity, it's enlightening to gaze out at the symbolic formations of the Faraglioni Rocks, a trio of primitive artistic masterpiece.

Rome - The Artistic Treasures of Vatican City

Depart from Capri and enjoy a first-class ride to Rome. Spend the next two days discovering the city's sites from your centrally located hotel. You'll find the stairway of the Spanish Steps, a Rome landmark known in Europe for its widest staircases in the region. Many locals and travelers can be seen enjoying the view and the weather on the steps. The towering church of Trinita dei Monti sits at the top. Frolic in sheer delight around the Vatican Museum, an artist's playground of Renaissance, classical and contemporary treasures. Stimulate your senses for history and Italian culture within Renaissance landmarks like The Sistine Chapel and Saint Peter's Basilica as you witness the most extraordinary masterpieces of the world. Have dinner around Campo de' Fiori, a popular square outlined with restaurants, outdoor cafes, nightclubs, and theaters.

Rome - A Taste of the Sweet Roman Life

Jumpstart your imagination and transform into an emperor walking along the “Sacred Way,” the main pathway of the Roman Forum that dazzled with boisterous processions and festivals. Learn mythology while standing inside the Colosseum and hear the bizarre tales of gladiators, gory battles, and executions that took place in this legendary amphitheater. Enjoy the afternoon shopping around Trastevere, a lively neighborhood with buskers, street performers, and market vendors. After your imagination uncovers a wealth of history, spoil your palette with a food tour of Trastevere, including ten tastings of traditional foods and wines.  Before you retreat back to luxury quarters and prepare your belongings, stand amongst a somber Neptune springing outwards on a winged chariot drawn by leaping sea-horses over the Trevi Fountain. Admire the artwork that surrounds the waters, and its tradition of tossing a coin in its water to ensure your return to Rome.

Rome - Ciao Italia!

Depart for home after one last leisurely morning.  Step out for a morning walk and a coffee, or sleep in with a quiet breakfast before your transfer to the airport.

Trip Highlights

• Travel to the Amalfi Coast and take in the beauty of the coastal highway
• Uncover the ornate beauty that transcends from the gardens of villas in Ravello and the medieval charm of the towns local cathedral
• Transfer to Pompeii with ease to take a guided tour to explore the archaeological masterpieces of Pompeii ruins and tombs
• Enjoy the beauty of Capri with a boat excursion in the blue waters
• Take a hike up the coast to visit the stunning Faraglioni Rocks that exude natural beauty 
• Travel to Rome via train, enjoying the views from your first-class seat
• Visit the monumental gems that flourish the ancient city of Rome, including the Roman Forum, Colosseum, Vatican, and more

Detailed Description

Lusso in Italian signifies luxury, and is the essence of this incredible trip through the Amalfi Coast. Feel the serenity and tranquility of towns that hold rural enchantment and are situated along the cliffs of Italy’s coast. Take an Amalfi Coast tour that exceeds your expectations in hospitality and rejuvenates the inner spirit with unforgettable moments.

Spend five amazing days in Positano. Follow the narrow cobble stone pathways that are connected to age old staircases formed from incredibly large slabs of rocks. The paths will lead you up and around the beautiful pastel colored neighborhoods nestled between the craggy mountainsides. From these higher points of the city, find yourself overlooking a panoramic view of pristine waters that sparkle in deep blue and emerald green. Have a once in a lifetime experience on an excursion sailing to the charming bays and inlets of Amalfi. Only accessible by boat, splash around these utopian wonders and soak up the luxury.

During your stay in Positano, getaways to architectural and historic wonderlands Ravello and Pompeii are organized to bring you there in comfort. In Ravello, you’ll explore an age-old destination that’s captured the hearts of many celebrities. Today, the elite crowd frequent to relish in small towns, peaceful atmosphere, and friendly charm of the locals. The beauty is intoxicating around the villa and the property’s ornate gardens. Showered in colorful flower arrangements of bright blues, yellows, reds and magenta it’s as equally seductive as the grounds’ panoramic view that looks out over the Mediterranean waters. If you’re feeling courageous when you visit Pompeii, witness not only a calming energy that transcends from the city’s stones and rubble maze leading to daunting ruins and temples, but tackle the deadly, powerful Mount Vesuvius. Feel the eerie sensation of looking into the depths of an active volcano and the ignited confidence that arrives when you climb to the top and are rewarded with magnificent views of Naples Bay.

From Positano set sail to Capri, where paradise awaits you. Your accommodations mirror the charm of the island itself, and your boutique villa is tucked into the peaceful mountainside that’s sleek and elegant in design. When you descend the port in the delightful center, wander around the main streets and browse through handcrafted sandals made by locals. For a taste of optimal enlightenment, stroll along the coastal path to encounter three large rock formations which protrude up and out of the sea near the Islands Bay. Create a timeless moment gazing out at the Faraglioni Rocks, and appreciate their natural beauty.

For a sublime end to your journey, a first class transfer brings you to Rome where your last two nights are spent discovering the historic landmarks and masterpieces that flourish the eternal city center. The classical brilliance of artistic treasures displayed in the works of Michelangelo, Botticelli and Signorelli are all represented in The Vatican. Jumpstart your imagination with bizarre tales when you visit the Colosseum, and then later that evening dine around Campo de' Fiori. Absorb the cultural heritage of the lively square over a plate of Fiori di zucca , and see why this is Europe's most visited, famous and influential capital in the world.

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Bologna Food Experience

Visit boutique producers of Prosciutto, Parmesan Cheese, Balsamic Vinegar, and wine with our Bologna Food Experience Tour. Experience lovely tastes with accompanying wines and learn how our fabulous foods and wines are made.

Description

Join our Bologna Food Experience to learn about our regional food and wine recipes and meet boutique producers of the Italian finest foods: the best way to dive into the Italian culture.

Emilia Romagna culinary traditions are beloved at tables all around the world, especially Parmesan cheese, Balsamic vinegar of Modena, and Prosciutto from Parma. Go behind the scenes and discover the real Italian flavours!

Tour Descripton

This once-in-a-life-time experience will take you to the  italian food valley , where the most famous and delicious  italian foods  are made. you’ll be picked up at your hotel or bologna train statin by our guide and driver for this exciting and unique small-group tour..

First you will visit a  Parmigiano ‐ Reggiano PDO  producer. The secret of its unique taste resides in the place of origin, in the natural feed, and in the high-quality milk with no additives. During the long aging process, natural fermenting agents in the milk give the cheese its particular flavor and texture, in other words, its typicality. The verb “to make” is absolutely correct in this case because Parmigiano‐Reggiano is not just manufactured, but it is “made” today as it was made eight centuries ago, using the same typical and genuine ingredients: the precious milk from the area of origin, fire, rennet, the expertise of old methods and the skill and the secular knowledge that cheese masters have handed down, generation after generation. Then, it is aged naturally for two years or more; however, this implies a great deal of effort because cheese wheels must be brushed and turned continually, they must be taken care of, supervised and inspected day after day to assure their compliance with the rigorous maturation standards. The visit to the dairy production will be followed by a tasting.

Then you will visit a  Prosciutto PDO  producer. One of the earliest references to ham production in our region appeared in about 100 BC in the writings of Cato, who described the practice of burying pork legs in barrels filled with salt. The meat was then dried and smoked. As the process of making air‐cured Prosciutto was refined, the smoking step was discontinued. During classical times, hams from this region were one of the delicacies featured on banquet tables. The visit to the producer will conclude with a delicious Prosciutto tasting!

Have you ever heard about Italy’s black gold? We are talking about the  traditional balsamic vinegar  which is only produced in the areas of Modena and Reggio-Emilia. The families of the area have always been very proud of their production of Balsamic Vinegar, and have a set of barrels in the attic as a seal of ancient family traditions, if not a confirmation of noble family roots. Born centuries ago as a medicinal of exclusive use of kings and emperors, it has found its place in the kitchen as a product of excellence, it heightens the flavors and enriches every dish on the Emilian table, from the most simple ones, such as salads and raw vegetables, to the most refined dishes, such as filled pastas or meats. Welcomed in a private property, we will taste this special traditional balsamic vinegar and learn family recipes and secrets!

Enjoy a  wine tasting  in the most famous cellar of the territory. You will tour the winery and be explained how grapes are picked, crushed, blended and bottled. You’ll walk through beautiful vineyards with the winery  sommelier  and then taste the finished product.

Our day will conclude with a delicious  6-course gourmet lunch  accompanied by a selection of local wines served in a family-run restaurant on the hills.

After lunch, you will be transferred back to your accommodation in Bologna.

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Italy's Treasures

About this tour.

Vineyards, olive groves, and cities that float. Incredible history, indelible culture, and unforgettable cuisine. This is l’Italia at its most iconic. Enjoy the natural beauty and calm of the Alpine Lakes region. Snake along the edge of the sea to the medieval villages of Cinque Terre. Aboard off-road vehicles, explore the marble quarries of Carrara, where Michelangelo obtained the marble for his statue of David. Relax during a leisurely 4-night stay at a Tuscan villa. At a family-owned villa, learn the fine art of creating Tuscan cuisine during a hands-on cooking class. Explore Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Discover Venice, a city of winding canals and bridges. From medieval masterpieces to bustling piazzas, be swept away by the legendary treasures of northern Italy.

Your Tour Includes

• 4 Handpicked Accommodations

Included Highlights

• Italian Lakes Region
• Wine Tasting
• Impact Moment

Your Tour at a Glance

10 Breakfasts

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Explorations

Food & Wine

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Optional Excursions

Starting at $75.00

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Extension Style

Best time for travel italy's treasures art, food & wine of italy.

While just about any month is great to visit Italy, there are a few prime times of the year for the Italy’s Treasures tour. Here are some recommendations from our destination experts.

Throughout Italy, the most popular times to visit are April, May, June, September, and October. Along the coast, July and August are busy with locals and Europeans on summer holiday, while cities are usually less crowded.

Spring: In March, enjoy the calm before the summer season, especially Cinque Terre, which becomes quite crowded from April through October. While some seasonal attractions might not be open in early spring, countless opportunities to soak in the area’s beauty remain.

Fall: November is a fantastic time to visit Italy. The popular Cinque Terre becomes less crowded and even more enjoyable to explore.

Travel Styles

Highlights and inclusions.

Must-See Inclusions:

Spend two nights in romantic Venice.

Immerse yourself in Florence’s countless treasures on a guided tour of the city.

Uncover the prismatic landscape of the Tuscan countryside.

Cultural Experiences:

Explore Lake Orta, one of Italy’s hidden treasures.

Discover colorful Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Explore the marble quarries of Carrara aboard off-road vehicles.

Culinary Inclusions:

Journey by boat to Isola dei Pescatori for a lovely welcome dinner.

Taste authentic Italian gelato from an award-winning ice cream parlor in San Gimignano.

Learn the art behind Tuscan cuisine during a hands-on cooking lesson.

• Italian Riviera
• Cinque Terre
• Carrara Marble Quarries Off-Road Excursion
• Tuscan Countryside
• Italian Cooking Class
• San Gimignano

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Hotel-Regina Palace Hotel

During your stay at the Regina Palace Hotel in Stresa, you may choose to enjoy views of Lake Maggiore by upgrading your accommodations to a lake view room. Please inquire about this upgrade at time of booking.

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Hotel-Ca dei Conti Hotel

Surround yourself in the beauty and grandeur found on the lakes of Northern Italy. Cruise along scenic Lago Maggiore passing the Borromean Islands sprinkled throughout this stunning lake. These petite but incredible islands are brimming with grand villas and exquisite, world-renowned gardens. Glide past Isola del Pescatore viewing the gulf of Baveno before making a stop at Isola Bella. Then we make our way along the cobblestone streets of the quaint town to the impressive, Baroque Borromean Palace and gardens. This famed palace is steeped in immeasurable wealth and regal pageantry. On your guided tour, surroundings will bring you back to the 17th century. Get a glimpse inside life as a royal as you stroll through the opulent halls superbly decorated with rare artwork and tapestries. Then, you’ll head outside to the perfectly manicured, tiered gardens that abut the lakeshore. Behold stunning views and the splendor of the gardens as we make our way through with an expert. Return to the boat for a cruise back to Stresa.

Experience the romance that can only be found in Venice – La Serenìssima – while traveling on its famous waterways. Partake in one of Venice’s most famous pastimes – a gondola cruise. Take a pleasant stroll toward the Grand Canal to board your gondola. As you relax in your elegant watercraft, your gondolier navigates the Grand Canal as well as smaller side canals. Admire the scenery as you listen to the melodic voice serenading you in true Italian style – just like in those romantic Italian movies!

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Pre Night: Regina Palace Hotel From $150 per night

Regina Palace Hotel

Grand hotel dei castelli, hotel villa lecchi, ca' dei conti hotel.

Nights 9-10

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Post Night: Ca' dei Conti Hotel From $170 per night

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A trip to Italy is too special to get wrong. Here's how to do it right. (San Gimignano, Tuscany)

I absolutely love Italy, for many different reasons. But I hate the way in which many Americans go about planning trips there. Survey after survey shows it is the number one dream destination for U.S. leisure travelers, but the way those travelers get their information and advice gives me nightmares.

Throughout the years I’ve heard people say over and over that “I was told to do this in Italy,” or “I was told not to do this in Italy.” By who? “A friend.” I have close friends who recently planned their entire 12-day trip on the basis of another couple they knew who gave them advice—after their first visit. I’ve heard of many people who skipped Rome because “we heard it was too busy, just another big city.” Or passed on Venice, one of the world’s most magical destinations, because, “I heard it was touristy.”

There are American tourists who say you should skip Venice. They are wrong.

It goes on and on, but suffice to say, I have been to Italy in the neighborhood of two dozen times, summer and winter, for food, wine, skiing, golf, hiking, cycling and more food, from north to south and east to west and islands too, and I know a lot about Italian cuisine, but I still ask real experts for advice every time I go. I specifically ask for advice on where to eat, what to see, and who to choose as guides. And by experts, I mean people how live in Italy, specialize in particular areas of travel, and know their subject matter.

“We get multiple guests a year who want to wing it,” says Cherrye Moore, owner of My Bella Vita travel. Moore moved to Calabria two decades ago after falling in love with the region on a visit, and opened a bed and breakfast, learning about what her visitors were looking for. Her company now specializes in planning trips—especially foodie and ancestry trips—to the area in Southern Italy where many Italian Americans trace their heritage. “They say, ‘My neighbor just showed up in their family’s hometown and it went great for them,’ or, ‘Our friends went to Italy last year and said we don't need a driver.’ It’s true that you can rent a car and drive to your family’s hometown, but that experience is vastly different from having a dedicated driver and a heritage specialist who has done research on your family’s history, who has already identified the home your grandfather was born in, and who has arranged meetings with locals upon your arrival.”

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Anyone can tour the Vatican, but only the right guides can get you a private visit.

I just got back from an exploration of Turin followed by a weeklong hiking trip in surrounding Piemonte, Italy’s most prestigious wine region, which included multiple winery visits. For restaurants and guides and sightseeing in Turin I used an Italian-based travel specialist that is the choice of many of the best luxury travel agents/advisors in this country (the best travel agents are savvy enough to know what they do not know and regularly rely on local experts). For the hiking trip, I used an Italy-based active travel specialist that does nothing else, and does it with a food-centric spin. It was another fantastic Italy trip, one amazing day after another, featuring many meals, wineries and experiences I never would have found by myself, especially by asking random friends or watching You Tube influencer videos by people with far less Italy experience than myself.

“We don’t focus on stars or diamonds, we focus on really special one-of-a-kind experiences and lodging that lets you discover our Italy,” said Heather Dowd, who lives in Turin and along with her Italian husband Beppe Salerno. They run Tourissimo , the active travel company we used. We had several friends hiking with us who were on either their very first or second trip to Italy, and when we reviewed our experiences at the end for the trip, one place we stayed, an 18 th century castle turned boutique hotel, was the overwhelming favorite. It did not have whirlpool tubs or Frette linens, it did not have a concierge or room service, but it had excellent food and beautiful gardens in which we had an epic dinner. It had cooking classes, a great location, a fun aperitivo evening cocktail session, and most of all, incredible charm..

Everyone wants the perfect meal in Italy, but not everyone knows where the locals go to find it.

It was exactly what my first timers dreamed Italy would be like, and it was a place we never would have found online. It was perfect, and even in Italy not every place is, but the reality is that Heather and Beppe and their guides spend a lot of time behind the scenes visiting small hotels and vetting them, way more time than the people who rate their stays on booking websites. One of my friends was so impressed he is already planning an extended family hiking trip to Sicily with Tourissimo next year.

If you want to have an insider experience in Italy, and see the places locals go, you need a local insider to help you out.

“Our goal is for guests to experience Calabria like we do, so we’ve built experiences that aren’t available online,” said My Bella Vita’s Moore. “Nowhere else can you find a multi-course lunch hosted at Zia Pina’s or a picnic prepared and delivered by Signora Francesca. Lunch in the home of our friend, Chef Massimo, isn’t available on Google. When creating or reviewing experiences I always think of my sister in Texas. If she were visiting, would I take her here? If that answer is yes, I know we have a winner.” That is exactly the standard by which I’d like my Italy travels to be judged.

A trip to Italy is a beautiful, special, and almost sacred experience, so don’t screw it up by taking bad advice. I do not know every local specialist—and I hope to keep finding more—but I know several experts I would recommend for different kinds of travel. Or use a good travel advisor, something I recommend for all travel (Read my article Why You Need A Travel Agent More Than Ever here at Forbes ), and communicate with them to ensure they are on the same page in terms of sourcing these kinds of local experts. If they are good, they will already be familiar with several of these companies.

Active Travel

All of Tourissimo's cycling and hiking trips in Italy emphasize food and wine, which is how it ... [+] should be.

Italy has long been the dream destination of cyclists, with Tuscany atop the Bucket List for global road riding destinations. But for the past few years the fastest growing sector of cycling has been “gravel grinding,” and with hundreds of miles of its stunning unpaved “white roads,” Tuscany has also emerged as the world’s top travel spot for gravel lovers. There are also plenty of other amazing places to ride in Italy, including Piemonte, Sardinia, Puglia, the Lakes region, and many other areas. World class hiking abounds, especially the stunning Dolomites—a UNESCO World Heritage Site of beauty unmatched by most other mountain regions on earth. Beyond this there are the Alps in the east, the Cinque Terre, Sardinia, and many other great options.

Italy is so well known for cycling and hiking that every major active travel company in the world runs trips there. But for my last two active trips, one hiking and one biking, I chose a tour operator that is actually based there, founded by an Italian with a passion for cycling and food. Tourissimo may be Italian, but they cater to the American market, and founder Beppe Salerno worked for am American cycling company as a guide before realizing he could do the real Italy better himself—to me, the perfect startup rationale. Over the years since, Tourissimo has grown its library of offerings, with both with an array of scheduled group trips and private custom options. While they do mostly road riding, they are notably one of the only tour operators scheduling gravel trips, and can also arrange custom mountain biking itineraries, with years of expertise in cycling and hiking.

Superstar Chef Mary Sue Milliken has led about galf a dozen Chef's Cycling Tours in Italy for ... [+] Tourissimo.

In addition, Tourissimo has also been a pioneer in “Active Culinary Travel,” a hot new category I have written about here at Forbes (and for other magazines and newspapers). They offer an annual series of six group rides (and a hike) each hosted by an acclaimed chef like Mary Sue Milliken, an award-winning chef, restaurateur, cookbook author (five!) and co-host of the popular PBS cooking show Two Hot Tamales . She is also an avid cyclist and has led the Tourissimo Chef Bike Tours for several years, along with other big names. These trips are a unique option for serious foodies who also ride, while the other trips cater to just about anyone. Otherwise they offer several styles of trips, from Bici Basics for new riders to Ambitious Tours for the more hard core.

Tourissimo puts a focus on local, choosing small and often historic hotels that they have curated and vetted (like the castle I just stayed at in Piemonte), places that you would never be able to distinguish from hundreds of other non-chain options online. Same for restaurants, wineries, and all the other ways they take you behind the scenes and into their real Italy. Their Mission Statement? “We don't want to be the biggest adventure travel company. We want to design and run the best tours in Italy. We strive to be the most authentic and the most beneficial to local communities.” Fantastico!

Bellagio on Lake Como is one of the most famous destinations in Italy — and the perfect place for a ... [+] food-centric bike tour!

Bike It! Bellagio offers another insider biking experience on a much different scale, providing a great one-day experience for visitors to Italy’s most famous lake town. This bike shop on Lake Como is run by a former pro racer and his wife. They rent bikes (road, mountain and e-bikes) out, but also offer one-day guided tours with multiple food and drink stops. Given that the owner grew up here and knows everyone, it’s not surprising that the food and drink spots are insider picks. The shop sits near the iconic Madonna del Ghisallo climb, the most famous in the Giro di Lombardia, a race more than a century old, and several days a week the shop offers guided group rides with a climb of the pass, on road or e-bikes—Bianchi bikes of course!

There are scheduled tours Monday through Saturday, as well as wide range of customizable private tours. These are often taken by families with mixed ages, but for more aggressive riders they offer longer road tours, mountain biking and gravel riding, along with a wide range of less demanding e-bike tours, including some even more focused on food and wine. They also offer a handful of multi-day tours and can put these together as custom on demand, usually for groups, including an iconic coast to coast traverse of Italy. If you are a guest of one of the many stunning (and pricey) ultra-luxury hotels around Bellagio, and ask the concierge to arrange a bike tour, they are likely going to call this shop anyway (and mark it up) so just do it yourself.

Luxury Travel in Italy

From planning your entire itinerary with flights, hotels, and transfers to just booking the best tours, guides and VIP access (often to non-public highlights), it pays to use a top local specialist.

Last year I attended the annual Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas, which has been called “the Oscars of the travel industry.” Virtuoso is the leading global luxury travel consortium, and many of the best travel advisors on earth belong, So does just about every top hotel, resort, safari lodge, cruise line, and luxury tour operator. Virtuoso CEO Matthew Upchurch was explaining the many advantages of using a travel advisor (I wholeheartedly agree) and something he said really stuck with me. He explained that with all of the new online tour booking companies, it was easier than ever to book a tour or guide in just about any destination on earth, but harder than ever to judge the quality. The caveat was that, “you can book a guide, but you can’t book my guide.”

One of Italy's greatest hidden gems, Turin was the nation's first capital and a Winter Olympic host. ... [+] It's worth getting a good guide if you visit.

The Vatican is the Vatican and the Colosseum is the Colosseum, so when you opt for a guided tour, what really matters and makes it a good, bad or great experience is the guide—and their special access, like a tour of the Vatican when no one else is there.

For my recent trip to Turin, I called Imago Artis Travel , an Italy-based luxury travel specialist. They are what is known in the travel industry as a destination management company or DMC, the same companies luxury travel agents call to arrange local details for their clients. There are great DMCs all over the world, and local knowledge is valuable everywhere, but many of them do not deal directly with travelers, while in Italy the best ones do.

I wanted a private day tour of Turin and its surrounding attractions for my wife and I, most importantly the Reggia di Venaria Reale, aka the “Italian Versailles” (one of two places in Italy with this lofty but accurate nickname). The guide they got for me was a licensed guide, and lifelong resident of Turin, and spoke excellent English, which was all good, but she was also an architect, which was great in a city where so much is driven by architecture. That’s not so easy to find on global tour aggregator website. Imago Artis also gave me a list of their favorite restaurant recommendations, which were spot on, then made my reservations for me. At a minimum this eliminates the language barrier of calling or the technology barrier of booking through often tricky (or non-functional) Italian restaurant reservation websites, but in many cases it also gets you a better table and instant VIP treatment—which definitely does not happen when I book myself.

Italy is rich in world-class crafts, and companies like Imago Artis can take you behind the scenes ... [+] to meet the makers.

Imago Artis Travel is a Virtuoso member, which means when you book through them, if you book your luxury hotel, you get extras like room upgrades, late checkout, spa credits etc., one of the big advantages of working with Virtuoso travel advisors. If you have a bigger budget than I do, they can handle all sorts of luxury transport, private jets, helicopters, boat charters, and also offer VIP Meet and Greet services at just about every airport in Italy. They can even arrange private security details. On a more accessible luxury level, they specialize in exclusive experiences, unlocking historic buildings and art collections not open to the public, and taking you behind the scenes with many artisans of Italy, from custom shoemakers to sculptors to jewelry designers. They know food, they know the guides, and I especially like their mission statement, “Our mission is simple: Getting You to the Heart of Italy.” That’s what it is all about.

Another top luxury DMC that is also a member of Virtuoso that I have used in the past with great success is IC Bellagio . They offer a similar array of luxury services and are very well connected, but they also specialize in Villa rentals as well as 5-Star hotels. Differentiating villas in Italy may be the single biggest challenge, more so than restaurants, with so many options and so few valid reviews. IC Bellagio has also boldly acknowledged the overtourism problems some of the most popular parts of Italy face, and are pushing “Slow Season Travel,” which varies in each of the country’s 20 regions but is something they are expert in. Last winter I went to Venice in the off-season, and it was spectacular, and I just traveled in a slow season to Piemonte. It was much, much better than fighting the crowds.

Skiing in Italy is awesome, and it's the best place in the world to stay in mountain rifugios — but ... [+] you need help for the perfect trip.

Skiing in Italy remains a bit under the radar for Europe, especially compared to France and Switzerland. Well, let the crowds go to other countries, because Italy has two different major ski regions, both of which have hosted the Winter Olympics, and the Games are returning to Milan and Cortina in 2026. The interconnected Dolomiti SuperSki lift and trail network in the Dolomites is arguably the largest “ski resort” in the world, and inarguably one of the most beautiful mountain landscapes on the planet. The towns are charming, the food is great, there are spectacular hotels from non-chain independent hidden gems to world-class luxury (Aman, Mandarin Oriental, Relais & Chateaux, etc.) and it’s cheaper than much of the rest of Europe. Did I mention the food?

I first went to the Dolomites to go hiking, and was so wowed I thought, “I have to come back and ski here.” I came back the next winter and skied, and the following year I got a group of friends together and went back. I have skied all over the U.S., and all over the world and never had the same compulsion to return to the same place immediately. That’s how good skiing in Italy is ( read much more in my Italy skiing piece here at Forbes ).

I’ve only used one company for ski travel in Italy and see no reason to switch gears, especially since the local logistics (a great guide/instructor, transfers, the best on-mountain meals and staying a couple of nights in the region’s unique on-mountain rifugios) is very hard to organize on your own. The company is Dolomite Mountains , a specialist in both resort ski vacations and backcountry touring trips (using skins and alpine touring or AT gear). They too are a U.S. facing company with mainly American clientele.

Like many active travel companies, they offer both group trip scheduled departure options and private custom trips to fit whatever you want. The group option is called the Dolomites Ski Safari and is a 7-day trip mixing stays in amazing rifugios with in-town hotels (4 and 5-stars on the Italian system) and includes all breakfasts and dinners, a full-time guide, ski pass, luggage transfers and more. Custom options include the same kind of trip for your own group, or anything you want, and while its name suggests local expertise—quite true—Dolomite Mountains also handles ski trips in the rest of Italy, like Courmayeur, and connected border regions of France, Switzerland and Austria, as many lift systems here know no national boundaries (ski with your passport!). They are also a Virtuoso member.

Calabria & Southern Italy

Many Italian Americans trace their ancestry to Southern Italy's Calabria, and if you want to visit, ... [+] make sure you do it right.

My Bella Vita travel focuses on this area, including both small group trips and custom privates. Their specialties include “Heritage Tours” for those interested in their ancestry, and a food focus for the rest of us. For instance, Taste of the South is a 12-day gastronomic journey through Calabria, Basilicata and Naples—the birthplace of pizza! Food & Wine of Calabria is an 11-daty trip and just what it sounds like.

These are some of the scheduled small group tours offered, but the rest of their business is private trip planning and custom options.

“Italy is deceivingly large, and travelers think two weeks is enough time to see everything. It isn’t,” insists Moore. “You can’t even experience all of Calabria in two weeks. Our team collectively spends about six months a year scouting new hotels, restaurants, and experiences in Calabria and we are constantly re-evaluating and tweaking our recommendations.”

There are some other Italy specialists I have not personally experienced, but that come highly recommended by some of my other experts:

My Bella Vita’s Cherrye Moore says, “ In Sicily, I recommend Lucia Davies of Sicily Tour , one of a trio of British expats who have lived in Siracusa, Sicily for decades.” A family-owned tour-guiding company based in Siracusa, they have nearly 40 years of experience on the island and create trips fostering cultural exchange between Italy and English-speaking visitors, specializing in small group and custom tours.

Food & Wine

Life is too short to go to Italy and not eat well.

Beppe and Heather Dowd of Tourissimo recommend Lazy Italian Culinary Adventures , a company that has also earned kudos from other travel industry folks I know. Owner Francesca Montillo grew up in Southern Italy where her father was greengrocer. An Italian-American cookbook author, she launched the company a decade ago, and she personally leads the tours. She does numerous scheduled tours to different regions each year, and also offers custom private itineraries.

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Wander With Alex

Northern Italy: 12 Amazing Places to Vacation in the Region

Posted: July 16, 2023 | Last updated: October 1, 2023

Cinque Terre, Liguria

Recommended by Pafoua of Her Wanderful World

Cinque Terre, meaning “Five Lands,” is a charming, must-see UNESCO destination located in Liguria’s capital city, La Spezia, off the Mediterranean coast in Northern Italy. Listed north to south, these beautiful coastal towns are Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.

Each town has its own unique beauty to explore, but all of them offer scenic views of colorful houses that line the hills. The ambiance, culture, and people in the Cinque Terre make a stop here unforgettable even though there aren’t traditional tourist sites such as churches or museums to visit.

• Private Cinque Terre Trekking Tours
• Cinque Terre Sunset Boat Tour Experience

Monterosso is the largest of the five and is known for its long stretch of sandy beach. Vernazza is the most beautiful of all the towns, with a smaller beach to swim in and a piazza to view the harbor below.

Sitting as the highest of all five villages, visitors will need to climb over 300 steps to reach the town center of Corniglia. Visit Gelateria Corniglia to find the best gelato. A popular activity in Manarola is sunbathing on the rocks or swimming in the sea since it doesn’t have a beach.

Riomaggiore is known for being the first town introduced to tourism, and nightlife is more lively. There is also delicious fried seafood found here.

A well-maintained train system connects the towns so visitors can easily travel between towns by hopping on and off. To take the scenic route, you can hike the trails and receive even more picturesque views, although keep in mind that some of the trails may be challenging.

Vehicles are discouraged in the Cinque Terre, so the easiest way to arrive is by train. Visitors can also arrive by boat, but schedules can change depending on the weather. The busiest times in the Cinque Terre are June and July, which also offer the sunniest, longest days.

To miss the crowds, visit during September or October to get cooler weather and still enjoy this beautiful area. Whenever you decide to visit the Cinque Terre and Northern Italy, you will not be disappointed!

Genoa, Liguria

Recommended by Sarah of A Social Nomad

Genoa, located in Northern Italy, is really easy to travel to – some buses and trains make it easy to reach this city on the Mediterranean, which is also a major cruise port, which means that a lot of visitors spend one day in Genoa . Genoa has one of the largest harbors in the Mediterranean, which means it sees a lot of yachting traffic too.

Genoa's most famous son is Christopher Columbus – who spent a lot of his childhood here, and it is still possible to visit his home in the city. The maze of tiny, narrow streets makes the historic center of Genoa a delight to wander around in, safe from traffic, and the series of UNESCO World Heritage-listed palaces will delight all who visit.

Foodies, too, will love Genoa. The region is the birthplace of pesto and focaccia bread, and it's also a city where street food is awesome – a paper cone of freshly fried seafood is absolutely not to be missed. To learn more, consider a Genoa food tour .

There are walking tours and open-topped Hop on Hop off bus tours to explore, but this is also a city where it’s easy to wander and discover hidden areas. There are endless pavement cafes, bars, and restaurants to suit all budgets and rest from the heat of the day. Genoa also caters well with accommodation options from five-star hotels to hostels and apartment rentals – all types and budgets of travelers are catered for.

Portofino, Liguria

Recommended by Alex and Leah on Tour

Portofino is an absolutely beautiful village on the Italian Riviera coastline in northern Italy. It's extremely popular with celebrities from all over the world, and once you visit, you'll know why!

The best way to get to Portofino is by taking the train from Genoa to Saint Magherita before hopping on a direct bus to the village. The bus trip is an experience; snaking along the cliffside, you'll see magnificent views across the Tyrrhenian Sea. 

Despite being a small fishing village, there is a lot more to do than meets the eye. Firstly, if you have the budget or just fancy a nose, you definitely need to pop into all the designer shops that line the cobbled street.

We'd then recommend going for a wander around the harbor before settling down for an alcoholic beverage, coffee, or even some food. Whilst (obviously) expensive, the food is amazing, and you MUST have an Aperol Spritz!

If you're more of an adventurer, you definitely need to hike up to Castelletto or Faro di Portofino as the views are unbelievable.

Don't worry if that doesn't appeal to you; you can always sit on the edge of the Marina di Portofino pier and look back at the beautiful, multi-colored buildings of Portofino and watch the world go by.

• Portofino Boat and Walking Tour with Pesto Cooking & Lunch

Cortina d'Ampezzo, Veneto

Recommended by Morgan of Crave the Planet

You don't have to be a mountaineer and eat dried food to experience out-of-this-world hiking with breathtaking views– even with your kids or mobility-impaired friends and family. Everyone should travel to Italy to experience the magnificent cities, but it's a hustle and touristic bustle that can leave you or your family well-fed but drained. Cortina d'Ampezzo, nestled high in the Dolomites in northern Italy, is a must-see for people who love nature with a dose of good food and wine.

Fortunately, it's only a 2-hour drive or bus ride from the international airport in Venice to the stunning mountain village of Cortina d'Ampezzo, filled with history, great food, and luxury spas. The incredible thing about Cortina d'Ampezzo and the Italian Dolomites is the chance to walk easily at high elevations with minimal effort and no special training.

Gondolas and chair lifts run in summer for those not inclined to hike to the top so that everyone can experience some of the most spectacular views in the world, like the Cinque Torri Rock formation.

Directly on these trails sit mountain huts called "rifugios" like Rifugio Lagazuoi, which serve delicious cuisine with great local wines with views that make you think you're on top of the world.

Best things to do: Rent bikes, people watch in the village center, do an exciting Via Ferrata, do a day hike around Lago di Braies, or do a hut-to-hut hike and feel like a mountaineer without having to rough it by staying in gorgeous huts each night.

Cortina merges Italian and outdoor culture like no other place. It's a great winter and summer destination for skiing, hiking, or doing a spa on the top of a mountain. Stay at the luxury spa Cristallo, overlooking Cortina d'Ampezzo, which has no detail left out. It's pure luxury.

Venice, Veneto

Recommended by Angela of Where Angie Wanders

Venice is a must-visit destination in northern Italy; once you have experienced its history and beauty, you will want to return time and time again. Italy's floating city is the only place in the world that is fully pedestrianized, and the only traffic jams you will find here are caused by boats.

Getting around Venice by water can seem complicated on a first visit; however, with waterbuses, water taxis, and gondolas, you can be sure to get around the city easily and quickly. Arriving in the city center from the airport by water taxi is a fantastic experience reminiscent of a James Bond movie! Looking for somewhere to stay? Click here for places to stay while in Venice .

St. Mark's Square is the main tourist area in Venice, and visitors arrive to admire the centuries-old Venetian/Roman architecture of St. Mark's Basilica. It is in the square you will also find the Bell Tower and Doges Palace. This area is always busy but walks away from it, and within 10 minutes, you will find yourself in quiet backstreets where you can wander freely without the crowds.

Finding good Italian cuisine should definitely be on your Venice itinerary . Don't buy food and drink in St. Mark's Square – the prices are extortionate – instead, find one of the numerous cafes that sell cicchetti. This is the traditional food of Venice – similar to tapas – and can be accompanied by local wine. It is a cheap and tasty way of eating in Venice, with dishes usually costing no more than €2 each. Here’s a

If you have time, make a day trip from Venice to Burano, the Italian island famous for its incredible rainbow-colored houses, freshly caught fish, and lace-making.

Alba, Piedmont

Recommended by Denise of Chef Denise

Alba in the Piemonte region should be on your must-visit list when traveling to northern Italy. Just an hour and a half south of Turin, you will find some of the best wines of Italy and, of course, their world-famous white truffles. This picturesque village is easily walkable in an hour or two. With quaint squares, a pink church, and lots of restaurants-this is definitely a foodie town.

The traditional dishes in Alba are not usually marinara sauce based. Think mushrooms, truffles, olive oil, and cream. Unless you are allergic, you should not leave Alba without ordering a mouthwatering truffle dish.

And if truffles make you swoon, visiting during the International White Truffle Fair from mid-October to mid-November is like a trip to heaven. Special dinners and tastings of these culinary diamonds abound.

But even if you cannot make the festival, truffles will be on offer any time of year. Make sure to purchase some truffle oil and truffle paste to take home. They make great souvenirs and gifts, and they will last longer than any that you buy at home.

Also, make sure you try one of the most famous dishes of Alba, and the Piemonte region, Brasato al Barolo-tender beef marinated in Barolo wine with vegetables and herbs. If you're thinking the wine can't be good if they're cooking with it, think again!

Alba is a great hub to visit local wineries and enotecas (wine bars or wine shops). Barolo is not just a wine varietal; it's a village and a short drive from Alba. You can easily visit Barolo and Barbaresco, where they grow Nebbiolo grapes in one day. Enjoy a beautiful ride through rolling hills and vineyards. Enjoy sipping the local wine, then stroll through the charming villages.

Val di Susa, Piedmont

Recommended by Linda of Insieme-Piemonte.com

Being the symbol of the Piedmont region, you will have to visit the impressive Sacra di San Michele when traveling in northern Italy. It is also known as Saint Michael’s Abbey. Sound familiar? That is because author Umberto Eco was inspired by the powerful abbey for his bestselling book "The Name of the Rose.” 

Located only 40km away from Piedmont’s capital Turin, the massive Sacra di San Michele is sitting high above Susa Valley. At 962 meters above sea level, it is not only rich in history but offers fantastic views of the Italian, Swiss, and French Alps– and even Turin. 

Built between 983 and 987, the ancient abbey had its best years in the 13 th century. During that time, there were about 1000 monks living in it permanently, plus pilgrims from the north traveling to Rome. 

Via the QR code on the self-guided tour, you will get all the important and interesting information on the abbey’s history directly to your cell phone. This will allow you to discover the gigantic building at your own pace. 

You will pass the "stairways of the dead" to reach the main church from the 12 th century. Several members of the Savoy, one of the oldest royal families in the world, are buried in it.  

The area around the Sacra di San Michele offers some fantastic hiking trails and a via ferrata for climbers. You will have outstanding views of the abbey, the valley, and the Alps.  

Turin, Piedmont

Recommended by Teresa of T as Travel

The first capital of the Kingdom of Italy from 1861 to 1865, Present day Turin is an amazing city. Turin, located in Northern Italy, is a combination of various European styles and modernity that must be added to your bucket list. In the past, Turin was famous as the house of the Italian monarchy; meanwhile, today, it is famous for industries such as FIAT and many others.

The Chapel of the Holy Shroud is a really important cathedral, famous for being the house of the Holy Shroud. It is the Pope that decides when to expose the Holy Shroud, and usually, the expositions last for 45 days.

The most important and principal square of Turin is San Carlo Square. The square is very nice and elegant with at the end two twin churches, in the middle the Equestrian monument wanted by the leader of the Savoy dynasty, and all-around beautiful arcades with historical and chic cafes.

If you are looking for a breathtaking view and a splendid church, you need to go and visit the Basilica of Superga.

The Egyptian Museum is the house of the biggest collections of Egyptian antiquities. The museum was founded in 1894 by King Carlo Felice di Savoia and grew more during the years.

The symbol of Turin is absolutely the Mole Antoneliana. From the top of it, you can have a 360 view while inside there is a stunning and interesting museum of the cinema.

UNESCO World Heritage, the Reggia di Venaria, is a beautiful day trip not too far away from Turin. You can spend a full day wandering inside rooms and the beautiful gardens of the palace. Like all of Italy, Turin is known for its delicious food. Find a traditional restaurant and try the Agnolotti or the Vitello Tonnato, all accompanied by wine.

Val Chisone, Piedmont

Recommended by Linda of HikingTheAlps.com

When traveling in northern Italy, you will see several interesting medieval forts and castles, but none is as impressive as the Forte di Fenestrelle. 

Located in the middle of beautiful Val Chisone, 85km west of Piedmont's capital Turin, you can admire the powerful fort from afar. It is the largest Alpine fortress in Europe! 

The fortified complex, covering an area of about 1.3 million square meters, is actually made up of 3 different forts. They are joined by a tunnel inside the massive fortress wall, which runs the longest covered staircase in Europe. You will have to do 4000 steps, 3km from Fort San Carlo in the valley to Fort delle Valli at 1800 meters above sea level and overcome 635 meters of height difference. 

It took 122 years, starting in 1728, to build the powerful fortification. Its purpose was to defend against foreign invasions, but it was mostly used as a garrison and as a prison. 

Abandoned after the 2 nd World War, you can visit that outstanding construction today. There are full-day guided tours (only in the Italian language) or a short self-guided option. To experience and appreciate the dimension of that stunning building, you should do an inside tour combined with a fantastic hike to Usseaux , one of the most beautiful villages in Piedmont. 

Lake Como, Lombardy

Recommended by Krisztina of SheWandersAbroad.com

If you’re looking for the best places to visit in Northern Italy, don’t miss out on Lake Como! This beautiful destination is perfect for a romantic getaway or a family vacation. With its stunning scenery and lovely towns, Lake Como is sure to please everyone.

It’s one of the biggest lakes in Italy, and since it’s located only a one-hour train ride away from Milan, it’s a great day trip opportunity. However, if you want to explore the area properly, it’s worth spending at least 2-3 days at Lake Como.

Bellagio is one of the most popular towns on Lake Como, and it’s easy to see why. With its beautiful buildings and stunning views, Bellagio is a must-see when you’re in the area, and it’s also one of the best places to stay in Lake Como for first-timers. Be sure to walk around the town center to admire the architecture, and don’t forget to take a boat ride on the lake for some truly breathtaking views.

If you’re looking for a more low-key town, Tremezzo might be the place for you. This town is known for its pretty gardens, and it’s a great place to relax and take in the scenery. There are also some great restaurants here if you’re looking to try some of the local cuisines.

Milan, Lombardy

Recommended by Greta of Greta’s Travels

If you're looking for the best places to visit in Northern Italy, add Milano. Milano is known as the City of Fashion; it's the economic capital of Italy and the capital of the Lombardy region of Italy.

It's an iconic destination, both for its historical and cultural aspects, as well as the modern pull of fashion and innovation. In Milan, you can go from the new trendy skyscrapers of Piazza Gae Aulenti to the cobbled streets of Brera. It's a city that has loads to offer to every type of traveler.

You could live in Milan and still not see it all. However, one day in Milan is considered a good amount for most travelers. In one day, you'll be able to see all the highlights of the city, starting from Piazza del Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, going on to Brera neighborhood, Castello Sforzesco, Arco della Pace, and then ending your day with a Milanese aperitivo at Navigli.

The best time to visit Milan is in late spring or early summer when the weather is good, the days are long, and you can easily get around the city on foot. You can still visit at other times of the year, but in summer it gets very hot whilst the weather in winter won't make for a fun experience.

One thing you can't miss is visiting the rooftop of the Duomo Cathedral . From here, you will get stunning views over the Piazza del Duomo and the rooftops of Milan. Head there at sunset for the most gorgeous golden light!

Bologna, Emilia-Romagna

Recommended by Lori of Italy Foodies

Bologna, in northern Italy, is known for many things — its well-preserved medieval buildings and the magnificent UNESCO porticoes that stretch across the city. But for all that, Bologna is also known as the "culinary capital of Italy" for producing some of the country's most unique foods, including prosciutto, parmigiano reggiano cheese, and balsamic vinegar, all found locally on every menu.

The city is not as flashy as its neighbors, Florence and Venice, and therefore is undoubtedly one of Italy's most under-visited cities. But there’s plenty to keep you occupied for a week or more.

A favorite thing to do is stroll the Piazza Maggiore in the heart of Bologna. Centuries-old medieval buildings, including the main cathedral, Basilica di San Petronio, surround the huge piazza. Here you'll find coffee shops and outdoor cafes serving pastries, sandwiches, and of course, excellent regional wines.

If you're a foodie, next door to the Piazza Maggiore is the oldest market in Bologna, the Quadrilatero, where you can walk the narrow cobblestone streets and shop for local Italian bread , meats, and cheeses or dine at some of the city's best eateries.

At one time, Bologna boasted 125 medieval towers, but only about 25 remained. One of the tallest is the Asinelli Tower, the only one you can climb. And you should! The panoramic views over Bologna are worth the climb.

Bologna is also home to fast-performance cars, and a day trip to the "Motor Valley" should be on your list. The world headquarters of Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Maserati are fascinating places to visit for car buffs or anyone looking for a true Bolognese experience.

Visiting Northern Italy

When planning a trip to northern Italy, there are many different cities and attractions that you must not miss. Milan, of course, is at the top of the list, with its beautiful architecture and buzzing cultural scene. There are also many lovely small towns in this region to explore.

And just outside of Milan is Lake Como, one of the most breathtaking destinations in the region. With its deep blue waters and snow-capped mountains in the distance, it is truly a sight to behold. Whether looking for great food and wine or incredible natural beauty, northern Italy is truly amazing!

This article Northern Italy: 12 Amazing Places to Vacation in the Region originally appeared on Wander With Alex .

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AMAZING ITALY TOURS (Bologna) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go