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Your Rome Vacation

Reserve a Rome vacation package that has everything you need and nothing you don't. Good for shopping, bars and pubs and history, think about basing yourself in the neighborhood of Rome Historic Centre. Fill your itinerary with visits to St. Peters Basilica , Roman Forum and Pantheon , some of the things you should see during your trip to Rome. Expedia can help you escape the everyday. Tailor your vacation to Rome to suit your style of travel, whatever that may be!

The Latest Rome Vacation Packages

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Where to stay in Rome

Rome City Centre

Follow in the footsteps of ancient Romans when you tour the Eternal City's most well-known historical sites and see where it started almost 3,000 years ago.

Rome Historic Centre

Enclosed by Aurelian Walls, this UNESCO-listed historic district boasts numerous museums, including the Capitoline Museums and Scuderie del Quirinale. Well-connected by public transport including the Roma Termini and Roma Ostiense stations which are nearby.

Municipio I

If you're spending time in Municipio I, check out sights like Trevi Fountain or Spanish Steps and hop on the metro to see more the city at Spagna Station or Barberini Station.

Narrow cobbled streets lined by ancient houses give this area a charming character. Enjoy lively pubs and restaurants at night, while being close to international academic institutions and the River Tiber.

Discover magnificent squares, art-filled churches, museums that celebrate Roman history and charming al fresco cafes and restaurants in this part of Rome’s Historic Centre.

Rome Essential Information

Rome hotel deals.

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Where to go when

Frequently asked questions, discover the most popular places to visit in rome.

A true architectural heavyweight, the 2,000-year-old Colosseum is often considered one of the seven “modern” wonders of the world.

Trevi Fountain

Rome is a city abundant in world-class water features, but none more stunning, or more famous, than the Trevi Fountain.

Spanish Steps

A monumental stairway with a monumental past, the Spanish Steps are literally and figuratively at the heart of Rome.

What to do in Rome

Skip-the-line group tour of the vatican, sistine chapel & st. peter's basilica, skip the line premium colosseum tour with roman forum & palatine hill, other vacations you might like.

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19 best rome tours of 2024: food, the vatican & more.

These top-rated Rome tours are led by experts who bring the city's history to life.

The Best Rome Tours

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Considered one of the world's best places to visit , Rome offers countless things to do and an endless selection of delicious cuisine. But given the overwhelming crowds and restricted access to ancient sites, it can be difficult to fully enjoy all that Italy's capital has to offer on your own. That's where a guided tour can help.

Based on recent traveler reviews and expert opinion, we've selected the best tours in Rome. Whether you're gliding past the Colosseum on a Segway or savoring Italian wine in the countryside, you'll benefit from fun and informative guides leading the way.

Fat Tire Tours Rome – Rome Day Segway Tour

Price: From 73 euros (around $79) Duration: 3 hours

Hop on a Segway to see the Eternal City's many sights. After receiving your helmet and tuning in to a quick training session, you'll receive a headset to follow the lively commentary from the experienced Fat Tire Tours guide. Along the three-hour ride, you'll glide past sights like Trajan's Forum, Capitoline Hill and more. Plus, you'll don a virtual reality headset during your stop outside the Colosseum that reconstructs the famous arena's past grandeur. Travelers appreciate that Segways make getting around and seeing Rome's sights easier and more fun, especially for families with older teens. Reviewers also appreciate the engaging local guides.

Tours run daily at 9:30 a.m. Participants must be at least 16 years old and weigh between 100 and 260 pounds. Pregnant women are not permitted on this tour. The company also leads a night tour, which visits the city's illuminated monuments after sundown, among other outings.

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

Price: Adults from 159 euros (around $173); kids from 144 euros (around $156) Duration: 3 hours

Enjoy swift entry to the Colosseum underground and see the arena floor, Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum on this small-group tour. LivItaly leads up to six travelers to the restricted lower level of the Colosseum, where dungeons once confined gladiators and their opponents. In three hours, learn about ancient Rome's social order on Palatine Hill and everyday life at the forum. Travelers, especially those with children, agree that having a passionate guide with a deep knowledge of Roman history enriched the experience. Reviewers also appreciate the small size of the tour group.

Tours depart daily at multiple times beginning at 12:15 p.m. Book the company's 90-minute Express Colosseum Underground & Arena Tour if you're short on time.

The Best Rome Colosseum Tours

Laura Itzkowitz Dec. 19, 2023

TopBike Rental and Tours – Ancient Appian Way, Catacombs and Aqueducts Park

Price: From 65 euros (about $71) to 89 euros (about $97) Duration: 4 or 6 hours

Travelers have been using the Ancient Appian Way for 2,300 years and you'll traverse it with a friendly, knowledgeable local on this electric bike excursion. Along the ride, you'll pass archeological sites, Christian catacombs and picturesque Roman aqueducts framing the unspoiled countryside. The tour covers roughly 17 miles, 60% of which requires off-road cycling, so TopBike recommends this tour for intermediate riders. Some tourgoers say you might not even break a sweat though, thanks to the ease of the electric bikes.

Tourgoers can opt for the Short Tour (four hours) or the Plus Tour (six hours), the latter of which follows the same path as the shorter excursion and also includes a guided tour of the Catacombs of St. Callixtus (or Saint Sebastian) and a stop at the Baths of Caracalla. Exact tour departure times vary by season, but you can expect to start around 9 a.m. TopBike also leads cycling tours within the city center.

Gourmetaly – Campo de' Fiori, Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere Rome Food Tour

Price: Adults from 93 euros (around $101); kids from 65 euros (around $71) Duration: 3.5 hours

Tantalize your taste buds on this Rome food tour, which covers three distinct neighborhoods known for their cuisine. As your local guide leads you through the Jewish ghetto, Campo de' Fiori and Trastevere, you'll stop by top-rated food markets, grocery stores, coffee shops, gelaterias and restaurants. Among the food samples included in the tour are fried artichokes, pizza, mozzarella, fresh pasta and gelato. Tours are capped at 12 participants. Reviewers call this a delightful experience thanks to the informative guides who offer an interesting lesson on Roman history, food and culture. They also recommend taking this tour on your first day in Rome to make the most of the guides' recommendations.

Tours are offered several times each day in the morning and afternoon. Note that the afternoon tour does not visit the Campo de' Fiori market (a highlight for many recent tourgoers). In addition to food tours, Gourmetaly also hosts cooking classes.

Eyes of Rome – Colosseum and Roman Forum Tour

Price: Adults from 453 euros (around $491); kids from 35 euros (around $38) Duration: 3 hours

With your private guide leading the way, you'll visit the Colosseum, explore the ancient city along paths that served the Roman Senate and learn the legends of the House of the Vestal Virgins. Tourgoers value the attentive guides who share history and lore in an entertaining way. They also say the tour is well-paced.

Tickets cover pick up at centrally located hotels and skip-the-line admission. Note that prices can vary significantly depending on the number of people in your party. A couple can expect to pay roughly $500 for tickets. Eyes of Rome also conducts private walking tours of the Vatican.

Private Tours of Rome – Vatican & Sistine Chapel Private Tour

Price: From $364 Duration: 3 hours

One of the best tours of the Vatican , this intimate excursion includes skip-the-line access to the complex and a guide who shares the Vatican Museums' top attractions in just three hours. See the artistic highlights in the   Gallery of Ancient Roman Sculptures, the Gallery of Tapestries and famous Raphael paintings. You'll then experience Michelangelo's masterpieces in the Sistine Chapel. Your guide will ensure you see the Pietà   in St. Peter's Basilica, the Apostolic Palace and the famous balcony where the pope delivers his blessings. Travelers praise the excellent guides who tailor the tour to groups' interests and keep children engaged.

Tours operate Monday through Saturday in the morning and afternoon. Ticket prices vary depending on your itinerary and group size. The company suggests you book at least one month in advance to ensure a specialist authorized by the Vatican is available. Private Tours of Rome also offers tours of the Colosseum and the Borghese Gallery, among others.

Courtesy of Roman Food Tours

The Roman Food Tour – Prati By Sunset

Price: Adults from 99 euro (about $107); kids from 90 euros (about $98) Duration: 4 hours

Devoted foodies skip lunch for the more than 20 food and wine pairings on this four-hour evening tour of some of Rome's top eateries. Throughout the tour, you'll feast on gourmet delights, such as homemade pasta, pizza, fresh cheeses and gelato. More importantly, you'll learn tips to enhance your knowledge and pleasure in Italian cuisine. Travelers praise the expertise of the fun guides who explain each dish's origin and quality with gusto.

Tours, which are offered daily multiple times starting at 3:30 p.m. The Roman Food Tour also offers day tours and cooking classes.

Rex-Tours – Rome City Segway Tour

Price: From 79 euros (about $86) Duration: 3 hours

Roll in comfort past many of ancient Rome's major sights on this three-hour Segway tour. Rex-Tours' expert guides lead up to eight travelers for an effortless overview of must-see landmarks, such as Capitoline Hill and the Colosseum. Reviewers applaud the knowledgeable guides who offer a wealth of information without overwhelming travelers. What's more, guides provide restaurant recommendations and tips for making the most of your visit to Rome, according to tourgoers.

The Rome City Segway Tour departs twice daily at 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Travelers also recommend enjoying the company's evening Segway tour if you're visiting during the summer and need a break from the peak daytime heat.

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Eating Europe – Twilight Trastevere Rome Food Tour

Price: Adults from 114 euros (about $123); kids from 81 euros (about $88) Duration: 4 hours

Travelers suggest you skip lunch before this evening walking tour of Trastevere, so that you can savor the street food and sweet treats served at each stop. As you meander through the neighborhood (often compared to New York City's Greenwich Village), you'll enjoy mouthwatering bites of everything from classic supplì , or fried risotto balls stuffed with mozzarella, to porchetta, homemade pasta and gelato. Foodie guides share each chef's story and culinary traditions, along with tips on how to find and make the best Roman cuisine on your own. Reviewers praise the guides for their insider knowledge and gush about the quality of the food and wine featured on the tour.

Tours run daily at multiple times and there is a maximum of 12 people per tour. Eating Europe also operates a tour that explores Testaccio, considered Rome's "original foodie neighborhood."

Rolling Rome – Rome Squares & Fountains Golf Cart Tour

Price: From 100 euros (about $108) Duration: 3 hours

Avoid Rome's congested traffic and keep the family entertained on this three-hour, private golf cart tour of the city. Whizz past major sights in the historical center and piazzas Venezia, Navona and del Popolo, plus the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and more. Since the tour is customizable, you can also ask the guide to take you to lesser-known spots in the city – a highlight for reviewers. Along with the knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides, reviewers appreciate the golf cart's ability to avoid traffic using Rome's narrow back lanes.

Tours, which can accommodate up to seven participants, depart daily at 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. One week's advance reservation is recommended. Rolling Rome also offers daylong golf cart tours, as well as a variety of Segway and electric bike tours.

Food Tours of Rome – Jewish Ghetto and Campo de' Fiori by Night Food Tour

Price: Adults from 89 euros (about $96); kids from 75 euros (about $81) Duration: 4 hours

Combine sightseeing with snacking and drinking on this evening tour of the Jewish ghetto and the Campo Marzio area. Fun, knowledgeable guides make seven stops for food and wine between explaining major historic attractions like Piazza Navona and Campo de' Fiori. Stop in delis, family-run shops and restaurants to sample gourmet cheeses and hams, pasta, espresso, and gelato. First-time visitors especially appreciate this informative introduction to the city and the family-run vendors featured on the tour.

Tours depart nightly at 6 p.m. Food Tours of Rome can accommodate some special diets with advance notice. The company also offers a dessert and sightseeing tour of Rome, among various other options.

What A Life Tours – Skip-the-line Vatican Small Group Tour

Price: Adults from $87; kids from $82 Duration: 3 hours

Travelers say this tour is worthwhile thanks to the personable guides, who bring the history of the Vatican Museums to life. Reviewers also appreciate that groups are capped at 12 participants, which they say creates an intimate experience that fosters engagement between guides and tourgoers. You'll start the three-hour tour with skip-the-line access to the Vatican Museums to admire highlights like the Gallery of Maps and the Pinecone Courtyard. Then, you'll head to the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica to marvel at Michelangelo’s Pietà. Along the way, your guide will share commentary that you'll be able to hear via an audio headset.

Tours generally operate Monday through Saturday at 10 a.m.; tours depart at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday. In addition to its variety of Vatican tours, the company also offers tours of the Colosseum and daylong tours of Rome.

Rome's Ultimate Free Walking Tour

Price: Free Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours

According to reviewers, this free walking tour is a great way to start your visit in Rome. During the nearly three-hour stroll, you'll visit several photo-worthy piazzas, the Pantheon, Ponte Sant'Angelo and Castel Sant'Angelo, among other sights. Guides, who have backgrounds in subjects like history and architecture, earn praise from reviewers for their entertaining storytelling and thoughtful restaurant and activity recommendations.

Tours, which are limited to 15 participants, operate twice daily at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. In total, you'll walk less than 2 miles. According to the company, the tour is suitable for travel strollers and wheelchairs. Though the tour is free, it's recommended that you reserve your spot in advance via the company's website (guides do not wait at the departure point unless reservations are booked). At the end of the tour, you can tip your guide based on your experience.

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Courtesy of Secret Food Tours Rome

Secret Food Tours – Rome Food Tour

Price: Adults from 79 euros (about $86); kids from 69 euros (about $75) Duration: 3 to 3.5 hours

Dine your way through the historical center of Rome, visiting cafes, markets and shops for a total of up to seven stops. During the tour, you'll walk through neighborhoods like the Campo de' Fiori and the Jewish quarter with an enthusiastic guide who ties together history and insights about traditional dishes. The focus is on Italian-style dining: savoring the perfect cappuccino, sampling fresh pizzas and homemade pastas, pairing wines with a variety of cheeses, gelato and more. Travelers praise the guides' knowledge of Roman cuisine and the amount and quality of the food.

Tours depart daily at 11 and 11:30 a.m. An additional 5 p.m. tour may be available depending on the day. Private tours are also an option.

The Roman Guy – Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel

Price: Adults from $119; kids from $56 Duration: 3 hours

Hoping to see the Vatican sans enormous crowds? This three-hour tour from The Roman Guy convenes at 7:45 a.m., allowing you to enter the Vatican Museums an hour before they open to the general public. First, relish the tranquil Sistine Chapel, which welcomes upward of 25,000 visitors daily during the summer. Afterward, follow your guide to museum highlights, including Raphael's paintings, the Borgia Apartments and the Gallery of the Maps. Travelers rave about the knowledgeable guides and say the opportunity to see the Sistine Chapel without the crowds is worth the tour price (though reviewers warn that you will still encounter quite a few other tour groups enjoying early access to the site).

Tours are available Monday through Saturday. Groups are capped at 14 people. If you're short on time, consider The Roman Guy's abridged Vatican Highlights tour, which last 2.5 hours.

City Wonders – Tuscan Countryside Day Trip from Rome with 3-Course Lunch & Wine Tasting

Price: Adults from $112; kids from $102 Duration: 12 hours

If you want to visit Tuscany while in Rome, but don't want to drive the approximately 175-mile journey yourself, consider this 12-hour excursion from City Wonders. You'll depart from Rome at 7:30 a.m. via an air-conditioned coach bus to see famous hilltop towns, such as Montepulciano and Pienza. You'll also visit the Renaissance church of St. Biagio before enjoying a three-course lunch and wine pairing in the famed Montalcino. Travelers say guides are informative and thoughtful, giving tourists ample time to explore the towns and take pictures. All agree that leaving the driving to a professional made the trip worthwhile.

Tours are offered daily. City Wonders also offers a variety of tours in Rome, including tours of the Colosseum, the Vatican and the Borghese Gallery.

Through Eternity Tours – Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum & Sistine Chapel: Essential Experience

Price: From 1,345 euros (about $1,458) Duration: 6 hours

Conquer Rome in six hours with Through Eternity Tours. With your skip-the-line tickets , you'll visit the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica. Professional, engaging guides – all fluent English speakers – allow you to set the pace, absorbing as much history and archeology as you want at each stop. Travelers say you'll see much more on this half-day tour than you would if you were to visit each site on your own, as guides point out unexpected gems along the way.

Rates can vary considerably depending on the number in your party, and the company offers discounts for students and children. Bring stamina, a water bottle and wear comfortable walking shoes . When you're ready for more, try one of Through Eternity's other tours, such as its evening tour of Rome's piazzas and fountains.

Walks of Italy – Gladiator's Gate: Special Access Colosseum Tour with Arena Floor

Price: Adults from $105; kids from $99 Duration: 3 hours

On this three-hour tour, you'll enter the Colosseum through the "Gladiator's Gate" – the entrance that was once used exclusively for gladiators 2,000 years ago. Once inside, you'll enjoy 360-degree views of the Colosseum on the reconstructed arena floor as your guide shares the gory history of this famous landmark . Then, you'll bypass the lines to tour the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Highlights include the cremation point of Julius Caesar, senate buildings and the Temple of the Vestal Virgins. Guides win kudos from travelers for their ability to discuss dense history topics in an engaging manner. Reviewers say the tour flies by thanks to the guides' entertaining storytelling. They also appreciate the skip-the-line access to these must-see sights.

Tours, which are capped at 25 participants, are offered three times daily at 9:15 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Rates may vary based on the time of year, and they include all entrance tickets and the use of audio headsets during the tour. Walks of Italy also hosts cooking classes in Rome and organizes day trips to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast.

Maya Tours – Skip-the-Line Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Group Tour

Price: Adults from 45 euros (about $49); kids from 35 euros (about $38) Duration: 2 hours

If you're interested in visiting the Vatican Museums, but don't want to devote more than a couple hours of your Rome vacation to the experience, consider this kid-friendly tour. In addition to skip-the-line access, your guide will show you the must-see artworks, several courtyards and galleries, and the Sistine Chapel. Reviewers praise guides for their interesting and informed commentary (which tourgoers can hear via audio headsets). Parents are particularly impressed with guides' ability to engage children.

Tours are offered Monday through Saturday multiple times in the morning and afternoon. Maya Tours also operates longer, semiprivate tours of the Vatican.

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Rome Tours & Trips

Find the right tour for you through Rome. We've got 1380 adventures going to Rome, starting from just one day in length, and the longest tour is 61 days. The most popular month to go is June, which has the largest number of tour departures.

250+ Rome tour packages with 22,857 reviews

• Christmas & New Year

The Italian Dream

Very well done. Covered highlights of 8 cities in 7 days. Everything was on time and well organized. Meals were okay. The tours were excellent.

Classical Italy

Amazing tour well organised, our guide Patricia was Spanish energetic lady, very helpful and professional,

• Train & Rail
• Sightseeing

Highlights of 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

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus

The Best of Rome

i had fun. enjoyed meeting everyone!

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Discover Italy end Milan

Really picked a great time to see , temperature was perfect

Italy City Break - 5 Days

Good overall. Pretty exhausting - sooo many cities - but very well organized and excellent tour leader. On time, she disciplined us all the way. We achieved all the objectives. I am happy overall and I will book again with them.

• Hiking & Trekking

Cultural, Culinary & Walking Experience in Abruzzo

Fabrizio is passionate about Italia e Abruzzo and is a great host and guide. We enjoyed every day and every activity. Too bad Covid got in the way the year after. I am hoping to be back in Italia l'anno prossimo.

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.

The Tuscan Dream

Italian Holiday (7 Days)

Great tour. Lots to see but they had lots of breaks too. Tour guide Clarisse was great so friendly and helpful. Would def do again.

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

Was a great tour of so many cities. Would have liked a more detail itinerary at the beginning of the tour.

• Walking Adventure

Rome, Assisi & Magical Umbria - Premium Adventure

This is a new itinerary and was a fabulous experience. A great way to get to the smaller hill towns in Umbria as well as the well known sites. Food and accommodation were fantastic.

Rome City Break - 3 Days/2 Nights

((REVIEW IS FOR VENICE CITY BREAK, WHICH WAS NOT LISTED AS AN OPTION)) I (32 year old solo male traveler from NJ, USA, attorney by trade) had the distinct pleasure of dealing with Veronica from Italy on a Budget when I travelled to Italy this past July/August 2021. She was personable, knowledgeable, above-and-beyond helpful, responsive, and was absolutely instrumental in making my Italian vacation as great as it was. Before my trip, she helped as I had to reshuffle my plans due to my changing personal calendar as well as the effect of Covid on travel, and she patiently answered all of my questions over the phone and via chat in a straightforward manner. I also had various specific requests of how I wanted my trip to be personalized (adding certain activities to the itinerary, adding a day, upgrading my hostel stay), and she was able to complete every one. While in Italy, she kept in contact with me to ensure that I was happy with the trip, and she even provided helpful tips when I independently travelled to other parts of Italy outside of my Italy on a Budget itinerary. She deserves a 12/10. I cannot recommend her highly enough.

Italian Discovery

This was one of the best trip I ever had! Beautiful scenery, great food, but most importantly friendly people. Mario, our guide for the ten days, made the holiday extra special as she was a superb leader who always was kind to everyone. Breakfasts were good. The red wine was much appreciated.Well, I highly recommend.

Sorrento, Pompei, Amalfi and Positano: 4 days escape from Rome

Very good trip. Pick ups all on time. Hotel exceptional

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

What people love about Rome Tours

Tour really amizing, the driver and tour guid, food and location was very good, but a first day and last day hotel accomodation is not good very small shower, the bed is like rocking, the last tour scheduled from vasilica to collesium there no travelling car and is not good for us to take a taxi by our own and some a taxi driver is not honest.

Did the Classic Italy tour with my 90 year old mum. Eva our tour guide is very helpful and funny.I think Rome needs to be 2 days. Roman Forum and Batican and walking tour in a day is just too much.

Tours starting from Rome

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Rome Tours & Vacations

The Eternal City, a place that can never be visited too many times. History, style, culture, food – the Italian capital is overflowing with it all. Take a tour to Rome and finish an  Italy  adventure through the likes of Venice, the Cinque Terra and Florence in the home of the Vatican, the Colosseum, and cacio e pepe. Rome is also the perfect place to wrap up a European exploration – zigzag your way through Germany and Central Europe, or kick off in Spain and circle back down to Italy’s heart.

Tours to Rome

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Tours from Rome

Head north to Venice and the Italian Lakes, or dip down to the heel and toe of  Italy’s  boot with our tours from Rome. Explore the city that is home to the Pope, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, endless boutiques and more delicious food than you can shake a fork at. Take the train up to the beautiful Renaissance city of Florence and onto the watery wonderland of Venice, or head the other direction to the glamour of the Amalfi Coast, the beautiful simplicity of Puglia, and the unique history of the volcanic island of Sicily.

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Table of Contents

• Best of Italy
• Italian Elegance
• Southern Italy & Sicily
• Italy: Amalfi Coast to Puglia
• Tuscany and the Italian Riviera
• Reflections of Italy
• Spotlight on Tuscany
• Tuscan & Umbrian Countryside
• Italy’s Treasures
• Easy Pace Italy
• Country Roads of Northern Italy
• Country Roads of Southern Italy & Sicily
• Book Your Italian Vacation With AAA

Italy is a beautiful country rich in art, history and delicious cuisines. Booking a curated vacation package eliminates the hassle of planning every step of your trip, so you can spend more time savoring the charm of Italy.

Immerse yourself in the Italian culture and create unforgettable memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime. Explore the best Italy vacation packages , whether it’s exploring the entire country or enjoying the unique charm of Italian regions. 

1. Best of Italy

Package overview:

• Days: 13  Meals: 19  Features:  12 nights accommodation
• Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
• Tour director services
• Airport transfers (restrictions apply) 

Explore the very best Italy has to offer with the Best of Italy vacation package. You’ll start your tour in the Eternal City of Rome, where you’ll embark on a sightseeing tour of the city and the Vatican. You’ll then journey south and stop by the ruins of Pompei before arriving at Sorrento for a couple-night stay. There, you’ll take a ferry to the Isle of Capri to visit some of its landmark sights. 

You’ll then pack up and head out to Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, to join a local specialist. They’ll lead you through the historic hilltop town and end your night at Trafalgar's Stays With Stories — a fully renovated old Franciscan monastery. You’ll then journey to the floating city of Venice for a couple of days of exploration before making your way to the Scenic Italian Lakes. 

You’ll enjoy some leisure time at Lake Como before driving to Pisa to view the Leaning Tower. You’ll end your night in Florence, where you’ll spend several days learning about the rich history and art of the city. To wrap up the trip, you’ll drive to San Gimignano to visit the Piazza del Duomo before heading back to Rome for your final night. 

2. Italian Elegance

• Days: 12 Meals: 18 Features:  11 nights accommodation
• Travel director services

See the beauty and landscapes of Italy on the Italian Elegance tour. You’ll first start your trip in Rome and the Vatican City before heading to Florence. There, you’ll spend some time in the Tuscan region, including a stop at San Gimignano. You’ll then drive through the Chianti Hills to see Pisa, Lucca, Portofino And Santa Margherita. 

You’ll continue to travel north to the port of La Spezia to visit the Cinque Terre. Following, you’ll head to the Italian Lake District to see Lake Maggiore. You’ll continue your journey through the Dolomites Mountains to stay in Cortina D'Ampezzo. You’ll end your trip with a few days in Venice, where you’ll sightsee in St Mark's Square, cruise the Venetian lagoon and stroll through the open-air markets near the Rialto Bridge. 

3. Southern Italy & Sicily

• Days: 13 Meals: 20  Features:  11 nights accommodation
• Tour manager services
• On some dates, additional accommodations may be used

Explore the southern tip of Italy and Sicily on the Southern Italy and Sicily tour. You’ll start your journey in Palermo, the capital of Sicily, with a welcome dinner featuring authentic Sicilian cuisine. During your first full day, you’ll explore the seaside town of Cefalù for some sightseeing with a local guide. While in Palermo, you’ll also visit a family-owned farmhouse for a farm-to-table dinner, join a walking tour of old town Palermo and visit hilltop Monreale.

You’ll make your way to Agrigento to visit the Valley of the Temples, one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. While in Agrigento, you’ll also visit Piazza Armerina, the Ionian Coast and then land in Giardini Naxos. While you’re there, you’ll explore Taormina to see the Corvaja Palace and its well-preserved Greek theater. 

You’ll continue down the Amalfi coast to Matera, Sorrento and Positano, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Before you head to Rome, you’ll stop in Pompeii to see the historic excavated ruins. You’ll then enjoy a final night in Rome with a farewell dinner and a final cup of gelato. 

4. Italy: Amalfi Coast to Puglia

• Days: 14 Meals: 19 Features:  12 nights accommodation

The Amalfi Coast to Puglia tour begins in Naples, where you’ll spend two days exploring the historic city center and ancient ruins of Pompeii. You’ll then travel down the Amalfi Coast to neighboring towns Minori and Maiori. You’ll enjoy learning about and sampling limoncello before hiking along the coastline. You’ll then stop in Ravello, where you can visit the gardens of Villa Rufolo or hike a half-mile trail down to the remote gardens of Villa Cimbrone. 

After spending time in Ravello, you’ll travel to Matera, where you’ll experience the town's unique cave dwellings. You’ll then travel to the region of Puglia to learn about how olive oil is made at an olive grove before making your way to Lecce. You’ll spend the last part of the tour visiting Ostuni and Alberobello, two beautiful cities known for their architecture and local culture. 

5. Tuscany and the Italian Riviera

• Days: 9 Meals: 12 Features:  7 nights accommodation

Explore some of the best regions of Italy with the Tuscany and The Italian Riviera package. You’ll start your trip in Turin, the first capital of Italy, in the 1800s. You’ll explore Turin alongside an expert guide to learn more about its Italian and French roots. You’ll then head to the Italian Riviera to stay in La Spezia. During your stay in La Spezia, you’ll visit the villages of La Morra and Cinque Terre. 

You’ll then travel to the city of Lucca for a walking tour with a local guide. After a day of learning about the city’s Roman heritage and independent exploration, you’ll continue to Figline, where you’ll stay for the next three nights. During your stay, you’ll travel to Florence to see some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Ponte Vecchio and the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. You’ll then spend the rest of your trip exploring the Chianti countryside, during which you’ll visit an award-winning frantoio. 

6. Reflections of Italy

• Days: 10 Meals: 12 Features:  8 nights accommodation

After you complete your trip with Reflections of Italy , you’ll be spending plenty of time reflecting on the amazing memories you created. You’ll start your trip in Rome with a welcome dinner featuring regional specialties. You’ll spend some time exploring Roman museums, including the Vatican museums. From Rome, you’ll travel to Assisi to embark on a guided walking tour of the Basilica of St. Francis. 

You’ll travel through the Tuscan countryside to the Etruscan city of Cortona to see its medieval architecture and views of Lake Trasimeno. You’ll then spend some time in Florence with a walking tour of the city’s landmarks. While you’re there, you’ll visit a historic winery in the Chianti region for a fun chef-led cooking class before heading through the Apennine Mountains toward the Po River Valley. 

You’ll travel to Venice and take a boat to Murano Island for a glass-blowing demonstration and a tour of the floating city. To finish off the tour, you’ll travel to the beautiful Lake Como in northern Italy. There, you’ll take a ferry ride to Bellagio to spend the day admiring the gorgeous lake and historic villas. You’ll end the day back in Como for a farewell dinner with your travel companions. 

7. Spotlight on Tuscany

• Days: 9 Meals: 11 Features:  7 nights accommodation

Discover all that the Tuscan countryside offers in the Spotlight on Tuscany package. You’ll start your tour in the spa resort town of Montecatini Terme, where you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner getting to know your travel companions. You’ll then take a guided tour of the city of Lucca and visit the town of Borgo a Mozzano. You’ll then travel to Florence, where you’ll spend the day on an extensive walking tour of the city, stopping at Piazza del Duomo, the Academy Gallery and Piazza della Signoria. 

The next day, you’ll either take a guided walking tour of the Tettuccio Spa or embark on a full-day excursion to Siena. Following, you’ll stop in Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa and then have a day to leisurely explore the area of Montecatini Terme. You’ll also have the unique opportunity to visit a cheese farm to learn how pecorino cheese is made and enjoy a Tuscan feast to celebrate the end of an incredible adventure. 

8. Tuscan & Umbrian Countryside

• Days: 11 Meals: 15 Features:  9 nights accommodation
• On some dates, additional accommodations may be used 

Looking to explore the Tuscan and Umbrian regions? Then this Italian vacation package is perfect for you. You’ll start your trip with an overnight flight to Rome and are welcomed with a group dinner. You’ll then travel to the Etruscan hill town of Spoleto, where you’ll learn about the Ponte delle Torri aqueduct and Duomo of Santa Maria Assunta. 

You’ll then travel to Assisi, where you’ll visit the famous Basilica of St. Francis during a walking tour with a city guide. You’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy lunch with a local family and learn more about the Umbrian culture. During your time in Umbria, you’ll also visit a frantoio (olive presser) and an artisanal pasta factory. 

You’ll leave the Umbrian countryside and make your way to the villages of Tuscany and stay in Pienza. There, you’ll explore the countryside, tour a winery estate and take a trip to nearby Siena. The last several days of your trip will be spent exploring Florence and meeting a local truffle hunter to make a home-cooked lunch. You’ll end your trip in the Chianti region, staying in a restored Tuscan villa. 

9. Italy’s Treasures

• Days: 12 Meals: 18 Features:  10 nights accommodation

The Italy’s Treasures package is ideal for those interested in a more unique way to experience Italy. You’ll start your journey in Stresa, on the shores of Lake Maggiore. You’ll have the opportunity to cruise to Isola dei Pescatori, where you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner and get to know your travel group. During the next several days, you’ll explore more of Stresa, travel to the glacial Lake Orta and make your way to the Italian Riviera.

The next day, you’ll travel by train to the colorful Cinque Terre. You’ll have the unique opportunity to visit the Carrara marble quarries, home of the marble used by famous Italian artist Michelangelo to carve the Statue of David and his Pietà in Rome's St. Peter's Basilica. You’ll then journey into the Chianti countryside and visit the city of Siena while staying in a Tuscan villa retreat. You’ll then have several days to visit Florence and Bologna, then finally end your trip exploring the floating city of Venice. 

10. Easy Pace Italy

• Days: 10 Meals: 14 Features:  9 nights accommodation

The Easy Pace Italy package explores three of Italy’s most popular destinations—Rome, Florence and Venice. You’ll first start your trip in the Eternal City of Rome, spending time getting to know your travel group and exploring the Vatican City. After several days in Rome , you’ll drive to the Chianti Hills and the city of Florence.

You’ll spend several days in the Tuscan region, including driving to the nearby town of Pisa and visiting a nearby farm to learn about local wine and olive oil production. You’ll then drive north to Venice. There, you’ll explore the city on a private launch, cruise to other islands and soak up the final days of your trip. On the last day, you’ll depart from the Venice Marco Polo Airport back home or to your next destination. 

11. Country Roads of Northern Italy

• Days: 10 Meals: 13 Features:  9 nights accommodation
• Airport transfers (conditions apply) 

The Country Roads of Northern Italy package explores the northern region of Italy. You’ll fly into Milan and travel to the region of Lombardy to Verona and Trento. You’ll then venture through the Dolomites and climb up to an inclusive ski resort, Cortina D'Ampezzo. After traveling through the mountains, you’ll journey through the Prosecco countryside and stop by Conegliano before landing in Venice. 

To round out the trip, you’ll head to the Italian Lakes—Lake Como and Lake Maggiore—for some sightseeing and relaxation. You’ll then unwind at the Hotel Simplon on Lake Maggiore for your last day and depart home from Milan airport. 

12. Country Roads of Southern Italy & Sicily

• Days: 14 Meals: 21 Features:  13 nights accommodation

The Country Roads of Southern Italy and Sicily package tours through the southern tip of Italy and the region of Sicily. You’ll start your journey in Rome and travel south to explore sunny Sorrento, the beautiful Isle of Capri and the ruins of Pompeii. You’ll spend time in Alberobello to see the Trulli Of Alberobello and then journey down to Matera and the Taormina Riviera. You’ll then explore the Sicilian region and visit Agrigento, the Valley of the Temples and finish your trip in Palermo. 

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Ready to embark on an Italian adventure? Dream of strolling the streets of Rome, eating gelato on the Ponte Vecchio in Florence or basking in the sun in Sorrento. Discover your Italy vacation package with AAA—your magical vacation awaits.

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Only in Rome can you sip cappuccino at a café in front of the Pantheon, buy grapes at a centuries-old market and have an audience with the pope — all in one morning. For a mix of spectacular art, grand history and exuberant street life, no other city comes close. It's no surprise that the food is rich and satisfying. Roman cooking is simple, rustic cuisine, perfected over centuries. Dishes rarely have more than a few ingredients, and meat and fish are most often roasted, baked, or grilled. And did we mention the nightlife? There's a bar for every taste in Rome, from wine bars catering to an eclectic crowd faithfully observing the Roman ritual of the evening aperitif to trendy dance clubs that don't get started until well after midnight.

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The main tourist season in Rome starts shortly before Easter (when the greatest number of visitors flock to the city) and runs through October. It's neither too hot nor too cold, there's usually plenty of sun, and the famous Roman sunsets are at their best. In July and August, come if you like, but learn to do as the Romans do — get up and out early, seek shady refuge from early-afternoon heat, take a nap if you can, resume activities in the late afternoon, and stay up late to enjoy the nighttime breeze. During August many shops and restaurants close, and on the August 15 holiday Rome is a ghost town. During the winter months, especially January through March, you have a better chance of getting into the major tourist attractions without having to wait in line.

Top Experiences

Colosseum : This ancient stadium is an iconic landmark of Imperial Rome in the middle of the city. The largest amphitheater ever constructed and still standing today. It was used for public spectacles but fell out of use in Medieval times and has since been partially restored.

Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel : An immense collection of artworks that eventually lead into the Sistine Chapel. The chapel itself is not overly large and is famous for its ceiling painted by Michelangelo. Don’t forget to take a look into St. Peter’s Basilica which is right next door.

Crypts and Roman Catacombs : These are underground burial chambers of the first Christians created 2,000 years ago, surrounding the city. The tunnels are so extensive that a tour is recommended so you do not become lost.

Food : Cooking classes abound in this city, for you to try your favorite Italian foods such as pasta making, pizza and gelato. However, eating in the sidewalk cafes is just as pleasing if you prefer to leave the cooking to the professionals.

Villa Borghese Gallery and Gardens : This museum started life as a country villa house. The many sculptures by Bernini are a highlight. The gardens surrounding the building create the third largest public park in Rome.

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• There are loads of types of vacations in Rome and the cost will depend on what type of trip you’re taking and for how long you’d like to stay. Here are the latest prices for a 3 night trip for 2 travelers: Top vacation $451; Family vacation $401; Romantic vacation $507; Luxury vacation $492; Budget vacation $342.

Why should you book a vacation package to Rome?

Rome vacation packages make planning and booking much easier. Not only will you save with access to the most attractive rates, you'll be able to effortlessly match flight times to available hotels. Instead of spending time booking Rome flight and hotels separately, you can complete the process in one step.

When should you book a vacation package to Rome?

July and August are the most popular months and tend to be a little more expensive. However, you can always find competitively priced Rome travel deals. Some of the best Rome vacation packages are available in spring or fall. The city is less busy and queues for famous attractions like the Sistine Chapel are shorter.

Where should you stay in Rome during your vacation?

For any vacation type in rome:.

The Marcella Royal Hotel is perfect for singles, couples, or families. This Neo-Renaissance building is eight minutes from the metro and 15 minutes from the Via Vittorio Veneto. There is a shuttle service to and from Rome Fiumicino International Airport.

The Palazzo Martini is ideally located just one minute from the famous Baths of Diocletian. It's perfect for those who want upscale Rome vacation deals and easy access to the city's top attractions. Take a taxi or board the airport shuttle.

For family vacations in Rome:

You might consider the Hotel Mondial if you're browsing inexpensive Rome travel deals for your family vacation. Hop on the shuttle bus or take a train from the airport; the hotel is just a six-minute walk from Termini station.

Try the Hotel Ripa Roma, a chic design hotel on a bustling street 1.9 miles from the Colosseum and 2.4 miles from St. Peter's Basilica. Take the Leonardo Express to nearby Termini Station. The train departs from Rome Fiumicino at 30-minute intervals.

For romantic vacations in Rome:

Couples will adore the Palazzo Manfredi. A Relais & Chateaux hotel, it combines the opulence of a 17th century Italian Villa with chic, modern rooms and outstanding service. Take the complimentary shuttle from Rome International Airport.

Villa Clementina is perfect for couples who want Rome vacation packages that really meet their needs. Facilities at this sleek villa include a mineral water pool, a tennis court, a spa, a bar, and a 2-hectare garden. It's also easy to reach by taxi from the airport.

For luxury vacations in Rome:

Set in a grand 1930s Neo-Renaissance building on trendy Via Veneto Vittoria, the Ambasciatori Palace Hotel is an inspired choice for luxurious Rome getaways. It's 1.8 miles from the Colosseum and a short walk from the Trevi Fountain. Take a taxi or hire a limo from the airport.

Choose the prestigious Hotel Lunetta in the historic Parisi district for special Rome trips. You'll enjoy a range of amenities that includes a chic luxury spa, a rooftop bar, an indoor pool, and an airport shuttle service.

For budget vacations in Rome:

Suite Valadier enjoys an exceptional location between Piazza del Popolo and Piazza di Spagna and it's a great solution if you're searching for cheap Rome vacation packages. Take a taxi or rent a car at the airport to drive to the hotel via the A91.

Located in the EUR business and financial district, Warmhotel Rome is the ideal base from which to discover the city on a budget. There's an American-style bar and a restaurant, and you can book shuttle bus transfers to and from the airport for a small fee.

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10 Day Italy Tour of Rome, Venice, Florence, Isle of Capri and Pompeii

10 days, 2 countries and 6 cities

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9 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners

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From the canals of Venice to ancient Rome and a scenic cruise to the Isle of Capri, this is real Italy at its finest. Visit the Vatican with fast track access, discover the city of Pompeii and take in Renaissance Florence. Embrace the full Italian experience, rich with coastal views and Tuscan food and wine.

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Sightseeing highlights.

Explore Rome, Venice, Bologna, Florence, Capri and Pompeii with a Local Specialist 

Discover Venice, Sorrento and the Isle of Capri on a one-day excursion, admiring the views over the Bays of Naples and Mount Vesuvius

Visit the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums and a Venetian glassblowing workshop

View the kissing towers of Bologna, the Duomo in Florence and Monte Cassino

Scenic Cruise to the Isle of Capri

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The Ultimate Travel Guide to Rome – Best Things To Do, See & Enjoy!

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A Brief History of Rome

Fact file    , getting around rome, san giovanni, centro storico, san lorenzo.

• Roman Forum

St. Peter’ s Square and Basilica

The pantheon, the spanish steps.

• Trevi Fountain

The Vatican and Sistine Chapel

Piazza navona, galleria borghese, castel sant’ angelo, pyramid of cestius, street art in ostiense, house of owls, largo di torre argentina, teatro marcello, capuchin crypt, the appian way, circo maximus, vintage fiat 500 tour, villa borghese, villa doria pamphili, botanical garden, vatican garden, orange trees garden, villa torlonia, parco degli acquedotti, palazzo venezia, villa celimontana, rose garden, basilica of santa maria del popolo, santa maria in trastevere, basilica of santa maria maggiore, santa maria in aracoeli, san giovanni in laterano, santa maria sopra minerva, basilica di san pietro in vincoli, santa maria in cosmedin, san clemente, saint paolo fuori le mura basilica, via condotti, via del corso, via cola di rienzo, porta portese, via del babuino, v ia del governo vecchio, flaminio market, fontanella borghese market, 15 rome travel tips & hacks, romulus and remus, the trevi fountain, you can drink the water, there are lots and lots of fountains, no cappuccino after 11:00 a.m., the aventine keyhole, secret passageway to the vatican, there are a lot of cats that live here, shop ‘til you drop, the pasta museum.

• Ostia Antica

Hadrian’s Villa in Tivoli

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The capital city of Italy is one of the most romantic and historic places in the world. Rome has a lot for you to explore and discover with its plethora of cobbled streets, beautiful architecture, Ancient ruins, and relics dating back over 2000 years.

Rome is packed with cultural experiences around every corner and is the home to some of the most awe-inspiring historical artwork in the world, including Michelangelo’s masterpieces in the Sistine Chapel. Affectionately known as the Eternal City, Rome is situated within the 7 hills on the banks of the Tiber River.

Many visitors return to Rome time and time again as there is more to do than you could fit in 1 trip. When it comes to downtime, you’ll be spoiled for choice with quaint restaurants and cafes serving delicious traditional Italian food and high-quality wines. If you want to dance the night away, Rome has a truly Mediterranean party scene that will suit all tastes.

Legend has it that the city was founded by twin brothers Romulus and Remus in 753 B.C. Raised by a she-wolf, the brothers fought over who should be ruler, and Romulus eventually killed Remus and named the city after himself. In the centuries that followed, Roman civilization shifted from a monarchy to a republic and then an empire.

The very first headquarters of the Roman Empire was based in the city of Rome itself, and the Roman Catholic Church was also founded here. Julius Caesar, the famous dictator of the Roman Empire, became Rome’s first emperor (in everything but name) and one of the city’s most historically important residents.

It is not just Italy that has felt the powerful force of Rome either, as the city has at times ruled over other countries such as Greece, and during the reign of Napoleon, it was officially part of France. Rome became the capital of the newly reclaimed Italian Republic in 1870 and is today considered to have been one of the most influential cities in history.

Rome has been the capital city of Italy since 1870 and is located within the center of the Italian Peninsula. Rome is around 15 miles inland from the Tyrrhenian Sea and sits along the Tiber River.

Population : 2.7 million

Population Density : 2.1 per km²

Area : 1285 km²

Official language : Italian

Rome has residents originating from many other countries, so a diverse range of other languages can be heard in the city including French, Greek, German, Sardinian, Albanian, Croatian, and Slovene.

Religion : The main religions in Rome are Roman Catholic and Christianity.

Current President : Sergio Mattarella

Patron Saints : Saint Peter and Saint Paul

Weather : Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers (peak temperatures in August are around 82°F/27°C) and cold, humid winters (average of 37°F/3°C in January).

Time Zone : CEST + 2hrs UTC (Central European Summer Time)

Currency : Euro

Country Dialing Prefix Code : +39

Emergency Numbers : 113 for Police, 115 for Fire Department, 118 for Medical Emergencies

Green Spaces : Parks and gardens make up 3% of Rome

Churches : There are over 900 churches in Rome!

Getting There and Getting Around

Rome has 2 airports, Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO) and Ciampino Airport (CIA).

Leonardo da Vinci Airport, also known as Fiumicino Airport , handles mostly scheduled flights and is connected to the city via a direct train service, The Leonardo Express train. This train is a non-stop service which takes approximately 30 minutes from Fiumicino Airport into the central station in the city, Rome Termini, and costs around $16 (€14).

Alternatively, you can get a shuttle bus service from Fiumicino Airport into Rome’s city center. These buses take on average 1 hour and tickets are available from $8 (€7). If you prefer to travel by private taxi, they are available outside Fiumicino Airport and charge approximately $49 (€44) to take you the half-hour journey into the center of Rome.

Hot Tip: See our in-depth guide on the best ways to fly to Italy, using points and miles.

Ciampino Airport mainly receives chartered flights and those from the budget European airlines. To get from Ciampino airport to Rome’s city center, you can get a bus into Ciampino town center and then a regional train to Rome. In total this would only cost you around $3 (€2.50).

Alternatively, you can get the SITBus Shuttle service, which is a direct route from $6 (€5). Ciampino Airport is only 9 miles from Rome city center, and taxis are waiting outside the airport to take you privately for around $28 (€25).

Once you are in Rome itself, your best travel options are to walk, use the ATAC buses, or the Metro.

Many visitors choose to travel around the city on foot so that they can appreciate everything on offer. Many of the winding streets are cobbled, though, so be sure to pack proper shoes if you are planning to head from 1 attraction to another.

The bus service in the city is very reliable and offers excellent value for money with stops at almost all the major points of interest. There are also night bus services which will run to 5 a.m. The average single bus journey costs around $2 (€1.50) and bus tickets can easily be purchased from any Metro station, newsstand, and many convenience stores.

If you are planning to take several bus journeys during your stay, then you may wish to purchase a travel card which will save you money. There are also 3-day, weekly, or monthly tourist cards on sale for this bus network.

The metro is a useful way for tourists to travel around the city as it is predominately set up for commuters to travel in and out of the city. The metro system crosses the city in a big ‘X’ and has stops near most of the main attractions. From Termini, you can travel to some of the main attractions with train stations, such as the Colosseum, Piazza Barberini, and the Spanish Steps.

The metro runs from 5:30 a.m. to 11.30 p.m. and tickets can be purchased from metro stations, newsstands, or convenience stores. You will be able to save money by purchasing a travel card if you are planning to travel by train for more than a couple of journeys.

Although private taxis are available to take you around the city center, these are not very popular with tourists as they are notorious for over-charging. If you plan to take a taxi, then it is advisable to discuss the cost of the fare with the driver before getting into the cab.

Top 10 Neighborhoods to Visit in Rome

Rome is a city that is spread across 22 different districts (known as “rioni”) and made up of 35 urban quarters (known as “quartieri urbani”), each with a diverse community atmosphere.

Some are set just within the walls of the city and some just outside. The following is an outline of these 10 areas — some are well known on the traditional tourist routes, and others are more up and coming.

Sitting just across from the Tiber River is the area known as Trastevere (which means “across the Tevere”). This area has a trendy, student vibe with an array of restaurants, trendy shops, and lively bars. From Trastevere, you can access river walkways to the historic center that meet and cross at Ponte Sisto and Ponte Garibaldi.

The historic center has a main square which is home to Piazza di Santa, one of the oldest churches in Rome. Trastevere as an area is situated at the bottom of Gianicolo Hill (also known as Janiculum Hill), and from here you can take spectacular walks and hikes until you eventually reach Rome’s largest park, Villa Pamphili.

Hot Tip: Along the way, you can see the 17 th -century marble fountain Fontana dell’Acqua Paola, as well as breath-taking views of the Capitoline and Palatine hills, the imposing Vittorio Emmanuele II monument, and Pantheon’s dome.

San Giovanni is overflowing with beautiful Renaissance buildings and elaborately decorated cathedrals. Unlike other areas of Rome which have the cobbled streets and narrow winding pathways, San Giovanni is made up of modern avenues and is home to many of Rome’s residents.

Although there are local restaurants, the majority of food is sold via community markets, and people sit in the parks for entertainment rather than bars. San Giovanni has brilliant public transport links and is also within walking distance of the Colosseum.

In this quiet, residential area of Rome stands the city’s oldest major Christian basilica, intertwined with modern high street shops and department stores, as well as the popular bimonthly second-hand market.

Despite having a modern vibe, San Giovanni is still a great choice for visitors interested in ancient ruins, cultural city walks, and historic fountains.

Monti gives you a taste of an authentic classic Roman neighborhood. Nestled between the Roman Forum and Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, it has a relaxed, lived-in vibe where you can meet the locals and admire the stunning scenery. The beautiful hillside landscape is scattered with pretty historic buildings set in cobblestoned paths and streets.

There is a wide variety of hip restaurants and trendy cafes, and from the southwest side of the neighborhood, you can see across to the Colosseum. Many tourists love visiting Monti where they can sit back and enjoy chilling out around the fountain in the main square known as Piazza della Madonna dei Monti.

Monti was historically an impoverished slum that has evolved to become a picturesque area bursting at the seams with character, attracting young bohemian-type residents and travelers.

Aventino is located on one of Rome’s 7 ancient hills and is a beautiful, green area within the city. Wealthy Roman families own imposing villas in this area, and a wander along the prestigious tree-lined avenues is an experience in itself.

While you are in Aventino, be sure to visit the Bocca della Verita, the chariot track at Circus Maximus, and the historic ruins at the Baths of Caracalla. There are fantastic views of the Tiber River to be had from the hillside of Aventino, and many tourists choose to sit in the orange garden to soak up the stunning vista.

Hot Tip: If you get the chance to visit the Magistral Villa of the Knights of Malta, you will get the opportunity to view St. Peter’s dome from a totally different perspective through the keyhole on the gate.

The streets that make up Centro Storico are some of the most historic parts of Rome where tourists flock to see the Campo de’ Fiori, the Piazza Navona, and the Pantheon. These areas are brimming with the charming narrow streets and ancient architecture that Rome is so famous for. In Centro Storico you will see some spectacular examples of classical Roman- and Baroque-style buildings.

The main square is busy every night and has a plethora of lively restaurants and bars, all of which serve up good quality Italian dishes and fine wines. The famous food and flower market at Campo de’ Fiori is not to be missed and should be on every tourist’s experience list.

Bottom Line: Centro Storico’s location makes this a popular neighborhood, so be prepared for the crowds.

San Lorenzo is situated outside of the city walls and sits between Termini and Tiburtina stations. This area was traditionally a working-class industrial center whose roots remain today with plenty of warehouse buildings and factory-style architecture on every corner.

San Lorenzo has a young, hipster, and student vibe and is close to Sapienza University. As you wander around San Lorenzo you will be able to admire the creative and artistic murals dotted on the side of buildings.

The progressive alternative music scene attracts free-spirited hipsters to the many live music events which take place in the vibrant bars. There are also plenty of opportunities in San Lorenzo to purchase some of the best street food in the city.

Testaccio was historically a slaughterhouse and butchers’ district up until the 1970s. These traditions are still active today, and many tourists enjoy a visit to the Testaccio Market to purchase gourmet street food and fresh meats.

Testaccio is an area is situated along the Tiber River, just south of Aventine Hill. The main attraction in Testaccio is the Pyramide of Cestia, which is the Protestant Cemetery where non-Catholics were buried.

Even though Testaccio is a trip away from Rome’s center, many visitors report that it is well worth the journey. It is considered to be one of the prettiest areas in the city and is within walking distance of the Pirimide metro station and the Colosseum.

Bottom Line: Testaccio is a quaint and quiet area as it is off the tourist path, but has great restaurants and cafes for a relaxing day away from the main drag.

Tridente is in the northern part of central Rome and gets its name from the fact it is made up of 3 main streets. These 3 streets (Via di Ripetta, Via del Corso, and Via del Babuino) all filter off from the Piazza del Popolo. This area is one of the most sophisticated parts of Rome and is home to designer boutiques, fine dining restaurants, and magnificent 5-star hotels.

In Tridente you can visit wonderful attractions such as the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, and the flagship Fendi store. This area is an iconic and popular destination for tourists and is usually on people’s must-see tick list.

Tridente is a bustling area and one where you can experience the posh, high-end Italian lifestyle during your visit to Rome.

Pigneto is a diverse and artistic area of Rome where many locals live. The former working-class neighborhood on the outskirts of the city is now considered to be a trendy, up and coming area that attracts creative and free-thinking residents and visitors.

There’s a plethora of trendy cafes, ethnically diverse shops, and vibrant bars, as well as an abundance of street art for you to admire as you wander around this unique neighborhood.

Pigneto has a market each morning in Via del Pigneto which is a pedestrian-only street with its own metro station. In this shopping part of Pigneto you have the chance to buy original artwork, street food, and cruelty-free, vegan-friendly clothing.

Bottom Line: Hipsters congregate in this area to enjoy the live music and art scenes which the colorful Pigneto has to offer.

Prati is the Italian word for “meadows” and is a charming, historic area of Rome on the west side of Tiber River. Here you can wander alongside elegant buildings in a quieter and calmer part of Rome. It is here in Prati that you can visit the elaborate Palace of Justice which has an expansive bronze sculpture on the rooftop of a chariot being drawn by 4 beautiful horses.

Other must-see things in Prati are the charming Piazza Cavour and Via Cola di Rienzo, which is one of Rome’s most famous streets for high-end, designer shopping. Prati borders the north of the Vatican State, providing easy access to the Vatican Museum, St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City itself, and Castel Sant’Angelo.

Top 10 Rome Attractions

Here are 10 of the best attractions to visit in Rome.

The Colosseum is usually the top of all tourists’ must-see tick list. It is the largest amphitheater ever built and is situated in the center of Rome. This oval amphitheater is an imposing 157 feet (48 meters) high and is open from 8:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. every day. For a standard admission ticket costing $13 (€12), you can walk freely between the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.

The nearest metro station is Colosseo on Line B.

The Roman Forum is the central rectangular space surrounded by the ancient ruins of Rome’s government buildings. This popular tourist attraction is open from 8:30 a.m. – 7:15 p.m. daily, and the admission cost is $13 (€12). However, this is the same ticket as the Colosseum, so if used on the same day, you can access both attractions for 1 ticket price. This is easily achievable as the entrance gate is very close to the Colosseum.

St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the most iconic landmarks in all of Rome. The Italian Renaissance church is situated in an expansive square in Vatican City that dates back to 1506. Tourists can visit St. Peter’s Square and Basilica from 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. every day except Wednesday. Entrance is free, but if you wish to go to the dome at the top, it’s $11 (€10) by elevator or $9 (€8) on foot.

Take Line A on the metro and San Giovanni station is only a 5-minute walk from St. Peter’s Square.

The Pantheon is now a church but was historically a Roman temple dedicated to all the ancient gods of pagan Rome. Admission to the Pantheon is daily from 8:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m., except Sundays when the opening times are 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

This is a public site that is free to visit and within walking distance of Barberini on Line A of the metro.

The Spanish Steps were initially built to link the Trinità dei Monti church with the Spanish Square beneath in Piazza di Spagna. It is free to visit the Spanish Steps, and it is well worth the climb to view the spectacular church at the top.

You can use Line A of the metro and get off at Spagna station close to Trinità dei Monti church. From there you can take the steps down to the Spanish Square.

The Trevi Fountain is possibly one of the most famous fountains in the world. It is Rome’s largest Baroque fountain, and legend has it that you throw 1 coin into the fountain to ensure another trip to Rome, 2 coins for love, and 3 coins for wedding bells. It is free to visit Trevi Fountain, and it only a 10-minute walk to the Spanish Steps if you are looking to combine sightseeing experiences.

Alternatively, the nearest metro station is Barberini.

The Sistine Chapel in Vatican City is the official residence of the Pope and is a must-see for all tourists when they are in Rome. The chapel dates back to 1473 and hosts the amazing artwork of Michelangelo on the ceiling. The opening hours are 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. every day except Sundays when the chapel is closed and is only around 5 minutes’ walk from Spagna metro station.

It costs $16 (€14) to enter and visitors should allow 3-4 hours to wander around the rooms.

Piazza Navona is a square that was first built in the 1 st century A.D. and is considered to be one of the largest and most beautiful piazzas in Rome. This is a very popular free tourist attraction with 3 stunning fountains, including la Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi and its imposing central obelisk.

The nearest metro station is Spagna which is just a 5-minute walk away from Piazza Navona.

Galleria Borghese is a famous art gallery which is open between 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. every day except Mondays and costs $14 (€13) for a ticket. During your visit to Galleria Borghese, you will be able to see beautifully preserved sculptures, ancient mosaics, and paintings that date back to the 15 th -18 th centuries. The museum is set within the Villa Galleria gardens which are free to enter.

The easiest way to travel to Galleria Borghese is by bus which stops within walking distance.

Castel Sant’Angelo was originally built as a mausoleum for the Roman Emperor Hadrian and his family in 135 A.D. It has since been used as a fortress and castle by different popes over the years, but nowadays it is open as a museum. You can visit this amazing example of Ancient Roman architecture every day between 9:00 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., and admission costs $16 (€14).

The easiest public transport for this attraction is a bus from the main center of Rome or metro Line A to Lepanto.

Hot Tip: Looking for more tour and tour information? Explore our guide to the best tours in Rome . 

10 Unique and Quirky Things to Do in Rome

Outside of the usual tourist attractions, there are some unique things to see and do. Here are 10 to add to your list.

The Pyramid of Cestius was built in 12 B.C. as a tomb for Gaius Cestius. This pyramid was sealed when built but has since had one of the entrances plundered. The Pyramid of Cestius is open to the public on Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. and only costs $6 (€5.50) to go inside.

The nearest station is Piramide, which is only a 2 minutes stroll from the pyramid — the only attraction of its kind in Rome.

The Ostiense district of Rome is located just to the south of the city center. Here you can view some impressively creative street art across a plethora of urban contemporary artwork and spectacular murals. There are lots to see so allow plenty of time when visiting Ostiense if you want to stroll and appreciate the street art in this area.

The easiest way to travel to Ostiense is by metro and walk from Piramide station.

The Little House of Owls is a quirky museum that some visitors describe as the hidden gem of Rome. Nestled within the ground of Villa Torlonia is this little fairy-tale looking house dedicated to owls. The house is away from the usual touristy sightseeing lists but is well worth the entrance fee of $13 (€12).

The Little House of Owls, also known as Casina delle Civette, is open between 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. every day except Mondays, and can easily be reached by bus from the city center.

Largo di Torre Argentina is a square which includes 4 Roman Republican temples as well as the famous ruins of Pompey’s Theatre. The excavation work is ongoing and is an inspiring discovery since the 20 th century. It is within Pompey’s Theatre in this square where Julius Caesar was thought to have been assassinated.

This is a public site that is free to visit. Although you can’t directly access the ruins, you can closely view them from the street. There is no metro station nearby, but this attraction is within walking distance of bus stops which run from all main areas.

These ancient underground burial places , or catacombs, can be viewed for only $9 (€8) and there are around 40 catacombs to experience. Some of them were only discovered a few decades ago. Ancient Roman law stated that the dead must be buried outside the walls of the city and these catacombs were built so that Christians could be buried as Christian symbols could be used underground.

The nearest station to the Catacombs is Appia Pignatelli.

Teatro Marcello is a stunning open-air theater which was built in 13 B.C. for Julius Caesar and Marcus Marcellus. In the summer, concerts are held within the ancient theater, and it is a truly magnificent setting which many visitors report to find as breathtaking as the Colosseum.

Ticket prices vary depending on the concerts being held. It is free to walk the perimeter of Teatro Marcello to experience the historic Roman site, which is 85 years older than the Colosseum.

This theater is only a 1-minute walk from Teatro station.

The Capuchin Crypt is a collection of tiny chapels that sit beneath the Santa Maria della Concesione dei Cappuccini church. Here is where the bodies of Capuchin monks were buried, and their skeletal remains are still held. The Capuchin Crypt is open every day between 9:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. and the admission fee is about $9 (€8.50).

The nearest station for visiting this attraction is Barberini.

The Appian Way is a historic Roman road built in 312 B.C. Today this is one of the most famous ancient Roman roads where you can walk or cycle (bike hire is available at the site). On average, tourists spend around 6 hours traveling the length of the Appian Way and generally find it to be a peaceful experience just outside the city walls.

It is easy to travel to the Appian Way by bus from Piramide station.

Circo Maximus is an ancient chariot-racing stadium which would have been a major entertainment venue in its day. Situated between Aventine and Palatine Hills, this attraction is becoming ever more popular with tourists visiting Rome.

The remains of this inspiring Ancient Roman architecture form the archaeological site which stands today after fire and flood damage. Circo Maximus is open every day except Mondays and pre-booking is essential as it is for organized tour groups only.

Use Line B of the metro and get off at Piramide station for this attraction.

This is a fantastic way to tour around the historic sites of Rome! These vintage Fiat 500 cars set off in convoy, and you will spend 3 hours driving around Rome. You’ll travel where some larger tour buses cannot access and cruise along the Tiber River. For just $142 (€128) you can be seated inside one of these iconic open-top vintage cars. Tours start from just outside the Colosseum.

Hot Tip: Need a great place to stay? Check out these 15 great hotels in Rome.

10 Green Spaces and Gardens in Rome

It’s not just about the architecture in Rome. The city is also home to some beautiful green spaces and gardens. Here are 10 of the best.

Villa Borghese is the third largest park area in Rome. It is a landscaped area with English-style manicured gardens. Villa Borghese is open 24 hours a day and is free to explore. This park is situated on Pincian Hill, close to the Spanish Steps, and is known by locals as the “green lung” of Rome. It can be accessed from Spagna or Flaminio stations.

Villa Doria Pamphili is Rome’s largest and most impressive park which was built around a 17 th -century villa, now the sole location for the Italian government. This stunning landscaped park is free to visit and nearby to Termini station. Villa Doria Pamphili is thought to be one of the best places for walking in Rome.

The Botanical Garden, Orto Botanico, is situated in the Trastevere neighborhood. Visitors to these gardens can see over 3,500 species of plants. There is also a rock garden, bamboo grove, “Scent & Touch” visually impaired sensory garden, greenhouses, and the Japanese gardens.

A day spent strolling around Orto Botanico is definitely time well spent. This attraction is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., the admission fee is only $9 (€8), and the nearest metro station is Piramide.

The Gardens of Vatican City are owned by the Pope, and there is public access from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. every day except Wednesdays and Sundays. These beautifully manicured gardens can be toured by bus for $36 (€32). This may sound expensive until you realize that the admission ticket also allows you access to the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel.

You can take the train to Ottaviano-S. Pietro to access the gardens.

Savello Park, also known as the Orange Trees Garden, is on Aventine Hill, and from this garden, you have the most wonderful views of the city. You can wait in line to peek through the keyhole on the gate of Magistral Villa of the Knights of Malta and view St. Peter’s dome from above. These gated gardens are free to visit and are open from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in winter and 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. in summer.

Piramide metro station is the closest to the garden gates.

Villa Torlonia and its surrounding grounds are a hidden gem in Rome. You can see magnificent neoclassical architecture set within English-style manicured gardens. Villa Torlonia is open daily from 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. and admission tickets cost $11 (€10).

Guidubaldo Del Monte is the nearest station to the park.

Parco degli Acquedotti is a beautiful, expansive park within the Appian Way area on the outskirts of Rome. In this park, you can see the ancient ruins of 2 massive Roman aqueducts. This public park is open 24 hours a day, and entrance is free.

Capannelle is the nearest station.

Formerly the Palace of St. Mark, Palazzo Venezia is a spectacular example of Renaissance architecture. The gardens are pretty and open from 8:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. every day except Mondays. Admission is $9 (€8.50) and it’s only a 10-minute walk from Termini station.

The grounds of Villa Celimontana are considered by some visitors to be the prettiest hidden gardens of the city. Stroll through these immaculate gardens, which were once a vineyard, and discover the obelisk dating back to the mid-16 th century. This free public park is located just above the Colosseum and is open from 7:00 a.m. until sunset.

Rome’s Rose Garden was formerly a Jewish cemetery that has been constructed in the shape of a menorah. This public park on Aventine Hill is open to the public from April to June, and there’s no admission fee. Allow plenty of time when visiting these gardens as there’s a huge area to cover.

The gardens are just a short walk from Termini station.

10 Churches You Should Visit in Rome

Rome is home to over 900 churches, so it is a challenge to choose a top 10. Nevertheless, we gave it a go and here are our top picks.

Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo is a 15 th -century church which sits within Rome’s famous square Piazza del Popolo. Visitors report that this tiny temple is unlike any other church in Rome, with its delightful Renaissance decoration inside. Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo is open every morning from 7:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., then every afternoon from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

The nearest station to the Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo is Civitavecchia.

Santa Maria in Trastevere (Our Lady of Trastevere) is one of the oldest churches in Rome. There are beautiful mosaics on the exterior, and it is a dazzling sight to behold at night when the tower is illuminated. The church is open to the public from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily and admission is free.

Santa Maria in Trastevere is only a few minutes’ walk from Mameli station.

Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is the largest Catholic Marian church in Rome dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is breathtaking with a 15 th -century wooden ceiling, a hidden spiral staircase, gorgeous mosaics, and a display of part of Jesus’ crib brought from Bethlehem. It’s open from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. daily except Sundays and bank holidays when it is closed in the afternoon.

Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is only a short walk from Termini station and admission is free.

Santa Maria in Aracoeli was built in the 6 th century and is still today the designated church of Rome’s city council. It’s a popular church, particularly at Christmas, as inside there is a wooden baby Jesus which is thought to have healing powers. The entrance is free, and the church is open from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. daily.

Ara Coeli station is less than 3 minutes’ walk away.

San Giovanni in Laterano is open to the public from 7:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. daily. This impressive monumental church was the most influential building within the Christian faith for over a thousand years. Visitors always report that they are amazed by the rich history, art, and architecture of this church.

Use Lines A and C of Rome’s metro for the nearest station, San Giovanni.

Santa Maria Sopra Minerva is a popular church for tourists to visit to take in the heady blend of Gothic and Medieval architecture. It is still one of the major churches in Rome’s Catholic Order of Preachers and this 13 th -century attraction is open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily with free admission.

Santa Maria Sopra Minerva is a 20-minute walk from Termini and around the corner from the Pantheon.

Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli is a Renaissance-style church and basilica that is famous for being home to Michelangelo’s statue of Moses. This Roman Catholic church is open in the mornings from 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., and then in the afternoons from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Entrance is free, and this is only a short walk from the Colosseum for tourists wishing to combine experiences.

Santa Maria in Cosmedin is a minor basilica built in the Middle Ages which attracts visitors wanting to see the “mouth of truth” inside the porch. There is also plenty of medieval art to admire throughout the church. The church is open from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily.

Bocca Della Verita’ station is only 1 minute away and admission is free.

San Clemente is a minor basilica dedicated to Pope Clemente I. This church is considered significant among religious scholars as it outlines the history of Christianity right from the beginning of the faith through to the Middle Ages. This temple is decorated internally with old mosaics and is open to the public from 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and then 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 pm.

The church is a short walk from either Colosseo or Manzoni stations.

Saint Paolo Fuori le Mura Basilica is one of Rome’s 4 major basilicas and is located outside the city walls. This 9 th -century church with Neoclassical architecture is a popular year-round tourist attraction. Saint Paolo Fuori le Mura Basilica is open daily from 7:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Saint Paolo Fuori le Mura Basilica is easily reached via the bus network service.

10 Shopping Areas & Markets in Rome

Rome is a fashionista’s dream, but it’s not all high-end fashion. The city is home to some great markets, too. Here are 10 of the best places to shop.

Packed full of beautiful designer big name brands including Gucci, Dior, and Dolce & Gabbana, Via Condotti is the place to be for the largest selection of designer outlet shopping in all of Rome. It is an absolute must for lovers of designer Italian leather handbags and upscale fashion and accessories. The pedestrian walkway is also dotted with cafes and restaurants for regular shopping breaks.

This retail heaven can be found close to the Spagna metro station.

As one of the most popular shopping spots in the city of Rome, the Via del Corso is home to designer dresses and big brand fashion. Offering affordable fashion at its finest, you will find some of the most highly regarded names in Europe here including H&M, Zara, and Sephora.

You can easily walk to Via del Corso from the Spagna Metro station, or bus lines 170 and 175 both stop close by.

The Via Cola di Rienzo is the main thoroughfare that cuts through Rome’s Prati neighborhood. It is also one of the very best destinations in the city for laid-back, leisurely shopping with fewer crowds than some of the more upmarket areas. The Via Cola di Rienzo offers an impressive blend of international brands like Coin, Tiffany’s, Kiko, and Diesel, as well as a wide variety of bars, cafes, and restaurants.

Close to the Cola Di Rienzo/Terenzio subway stations, the Via Cola di Rienzo is a great place to explore after visiting the Vatican.

Porta Portese is the biggest flea market in Rome and is the perfect place to enjoy a lazy Roman Sunday strolling through the ancient streets of the Trastevere district. Cheerful vendors offer a wide selection of secondhand clothing, antiques, brand name knockoffs, bric-a-brac, household products, vinyl records, and much more. The market is just as popular with the locals giving it a truly continental feel.

The nearest station is Porta Portese.

Tucked away behind the city gates close to the cathedral of San Giovanni in Laterano lies this enchanting outdoor market that is perfect for those who are happy to rummage for bargains. Vendors show their wares on old tables and tatty looking stalls, but for those who have the patience to sift through the piles of stock, the rewards can be incredible. Secondhand and vintage designer gear by the bucketload is here — you just need to find it first.

Surrounded by super cool cafes and record shops, the nearest subway is San Giovanni.

Via del Babuino is a historic cobbled street that connects Piazza di Spagna and Piazza del Popolo. Chock full of beautiful old buildings, it is also one of the city’s premier upmarket shopping districts. This elegant pedestrianized thoroughfare is dotted with luxury brands including the likes of Armani Jeans, Tiffany, Tory Burch, Gente, Maison Margiela, and Valentino.

This is a great place to have a latte while enjoying a spot of people-watching; the nearest station is Spagna.

Via Giulia has some of the city’s finest examples of authentic Roman architecture and is an utterly enchanting place to spend the day. Via Giulia is also a residential area for rich Romans, meaning that there are plenty of fantastic independent shops that line the cobbled street. These include art galleries, antique shops, and quirky homeware stores, as well as fashion boutiques, bars, and cafes.

You can reach this part of town using the Circo Massimo station.

Just off the Piazza Navona, the Via del Governo Vecchio offers something for everyone. From the super cute secondhand book stores and biggest vintage clothes shops in the city to the modern-day fashion boutiques and grocery stores, this a popular part of town with a great atmosphere. Take a stroll along the cobbled street until something takes your fancy, then sit back and relax in one of the many coffee shops and bars.

The nearest subway station is Chiesa Nuova.

Set at the heart of the Piazza del Popolo, Flaminio Market is packed full of cool market traders selling pre-owned and vintage clothing, accessories, and jewelry. This is one of those flea markets similar to those you find in many European cities, but this being Rome, you are likely to come away with a pair of pre-loved Gucci sunglasses or a Fendi bag.

Set in a bus station, there is an entrance fee of $2 (€1.60), and you can get there using the 88, 204, or 231 buses or trams 2 and 19.

Nestled between the Tiber and the Via del Corso, the Fontanella Borghese Market is a gorgeous piazza market that offers a selection of bijou box shops. These sell a variety of small antiques including antique maps, etchings, posters, books, photographs, and even cameras. The area is always popular with tourists, as the wares on sale are usually just the right size to bring home.

The nearest station to the market is Spagna.

House Wine is the Best Wine

When in Rome, drink like the Romans. In a city that appreciates fine wine, the house bottle or “vino della casa” is often as good as, if not better, than more expensive brands. Buy it by the glass or share a carafe or 2 with friends old and new.

Experience the Culture for Free

On the first Sunday of each month, some of the best museums and archaeological sites can be enjoyed for free. If you are on a tight budget, plan your dates accordingly, and visit world-famous sites like the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Galleria Borghese for free. Read our comprehensive guide to discover some of the best museums in Rome .

Be Travel Savvy With Taxi Drivers

The city of Rome operates and enforces set fees for most taxi journeys to, from, and within the city walls. Taxis registered outside of the city are not bound by the same rules but can travel the same routes. This makes it easy for unsuspected tourists to be stung with huge fares. Always check your taxi fares before you begin your journey.

Imparare a Parlare Italiano (Learn to Speak Italian)

Learning a few key phrases and common words will not only help you in everyday situations, but it will also help to ingratiate you with the locals. Learn a little before you leave, and take a phrasebook with you.

Go C ontinental

Much like the French, the Italians are famous for their love of late-night meal times. 8:00 p.m. is a good starting point for eating your evening meal, but be prepared to enjoy long, laid-back affairs that last well into the small hours.

Travel Light

When wandering around the city, leave your super-size backpack back at the hotel. European cities tend to get very crowded, and most tourist attractions will ask you to check bulky bags in the cloakroom. Keep your money, phone, camera, and other essentials close at hand with a fanny pack , sling backpack , or mini backpack instead.

To Tip or Not to Tip?

Most restaurants in Italy will automatically apply a “service charge” to your bill. If you are in a smaller cafe or independent restaurant, you may like to leave a few euros for your waiter as you leave. The same rules apply to taxi drivers and bartenders, too. Tipping is not necessary, but of course, no one will complain if you do.

Cash is King

Rome is a city with plenty of ancients wonders to see, and in some places, this even extends to your payment options. To avoid being caught out, be sure to carry enough cash on you to pay for your entry tickets to attractions, as well as food, drinks, and any travel while you are away from your hotel.

Look Out for Fake Gelato

Even here in Italy, not all gelato is created equal. Being one of the most refreshing and delicious national dishes you will ever taste, it is important that you find an authentic scoop or 2. The brightly colored, fluffy looking ice cream served across town is often packed with artificial colors and sweeteners.

Real gelato, however, takes its color and flavor from the ingredients within it. As a rule of thumb, compare your frozen treat with how it would appear if the ingredients were blended.

Enjoy a Drink at the Bar

Italians have a unique way of enjoying their coffee, and they see it simply as fuel to keep them going. If you would prefer to sit down and relax with a hot coffee and a good book, you are welcome to by all means, but be prepared to pay extra for the privilege.

Take the Day Off

Monday is considered a day of rest in Rome, and many of the city’s main attractions and restaurants will be closed to the public. When planning your next trip, be sure to make the most of the weekend, and save Monday for shopping or visiting local parks and open spaces.

Drink from the Water Fountains

Usually, when you go overseas, you are advised not to drink the water, but here in Rome, the “nasoni” fountains provide thirsty travelers with fresh drinking water that flows from the aqueducts. Stay hydrated for free by topping up your water bottle as you go.

Avoid the Busiest Times

The Vatican Museums are the most popular in all of Italy, and they get very busy from the moment they open. Ignore the advice of those who tell you to get there early, and instead, wait for the rush to die down before visiting. On a Friday the museums are open late, so why not enjoy a late afternoon or evening tour instead?

Keep Covered Up

In most of the ancient churches and buildings in the city, including St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel, you will need to be covered up to be allowed entry. Although it can get super hot outside, carry a shawl or scarf with you to cover your knees and shoulders when you need to.

Finally, Bring Your Own Toilet Paper

Roman toilets aren’t great. Often they will be without toilet seats, and toilet paper will be in short supply. Sometimes you will even have to pay for the privilege of using these less than perfect facilities. Keep a stash of toilet paper or wipes in your bag at all times — just in case.

10 Fun Facts About Rome

The Eternal City receives millions of tourists every year, many of whom come to see some of the most iconic and religiously important landmarks in the world. But aside from the stunning architecture, the fantastic food, and amazing Italian weather, there are lots of interesting facts about Rome that you may not know about:

Legend has it that the ancient city of Rome was founded by 2 twin brothers, who fought over who should be the rightful ruler. Believed to be the sons of a mortal priestess, Rhea Silvia, and the Roman god of war, Mars, they were always destined for battle. In a moment of fury, Romulus killed his brother and gave the name Rome to his beloved city.

Millions of visitors come and throw their coins into the Trevi Fountain every day. It is believed that if you throw your coin over your left shoulder using your right hand, you will return to Rome in the future. Other legends also claim that you should throw 3 coins into the fountain. Over the course of a day, around 3,000 euros are thrown in.

Thanks to the aqueducts beneath the city, Rome is full of fountains that offer potable water. Called “nasone” fountains, there are between 2,500-2,800 nasoni in Rome, and they supply citizens and tourists alike with free drinking water throughout the city.

If you love fountains, you certainly won’t be disappointed in Rome. There are 50 named monumental fountains and hundreds of smaller fountains dotted across the city. There are believed to be over 2,000 fountains, which is way more than any other city in the world.

Italy is home to some of the most delicious coffee in the world. But did you know that in the city of Rome, local tradition dictates that you should never drink cappuccino either after 11:00 a.m. or after a meal? This is because the Romans believed that milk impairs the digestion and therefore should only be used sparingly.

Tucked away at the Knight of the Malta gate on Aventine Hill, there is a tiny door that you wouldn’t even notice unless you were looking for it. Rumor has it that if you peek through the keyhole, you will see the Vatican perfectly in line with the garden beyond. From this also unassuming viewpoint, you can gaze across 3 entirely different countries all at once — Malta, Italy, and the Vatican City.

Just outside the Vatican lies the Castel Sant’Angelo. This pretty looking castle is chock full of beautiful rooms and elegant frescoes, but buried deep in the castle walls is a secret passageway that runs all the way into the Vatican. Popes used the secret tunnel when they felt they were in danger.

Rome is home to hundreds of wild cats that sit on the walls of the Colosseum and sleep among the ancient ruins of the Forum. There is also a dedicated cat sanctuary housed among the ruins of 4 Republican temples at Largo de Torre de Argentina. The feline population is so dense because there is a law in the city that allows cats to live without disruption in the place where they were born.

Rome is home to one of the earliest shopping malls in the world. Between 107 and 110 A.D., Emperor Trajan built the Mercati di Traiano (Trajan’s Market), where a wide range of grocery items was sold across different levels. Modern-day Rome is still home to some of the very best shopping districts and flea markets in the world.

Rome is home to a dedicated pasta museum that is devoted to the history, production, and nutritional values of Italy’s favorite foodstuff. Visitors can learn everything from optimum cooking times and recipe advice through to pasta-related artwork and exhibits on pasta-making techniques throughout the ages.

Top 5 Day Trips From Rome

What was once the most important harbor city in Ancient Rome is now an important archeological site and popular tourist destination. Located just 19 miles west of Rome, Ostia’s main arterial street is home to a street show of houses, shops, baths, and taverns. The city is also home to a Jewish synagogue, a Christian Basilica, and a wealth of Persian temples.

You can get to the ancient harbor city by taking the 20-minute journey from the metro Line B station of Piramide to Ostia Antica using the Roma Lido commuter train. The Roma Lido line runs from around 5:30 a.m. until 11:30 p.m., and you can reach Ostia using a travel card costing from as little as $2 (€1.50), depending on the time and duration of your visit.

The ancient city of Pompeii was famously buried by the 79 A.D. eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Visitors come from all over the world to see the perfect example of ancient Roman communities anywhere in Italy . Ruins include the Antiquarium, the Forum, the Terme Stabiane, the House of Menander, the Amphitheater, and the Nuovi Scavi (New Excavations), among others.

Pompeii is 133 miles from Rome, and the train journey from the city takes around 1 hour and 50 minutes. You can reach Pompeii Scavi-Villa dei Misteri station using the Circumvesuviana line that departs from the main Roma Termini station. Ticket prices start from as little as $19 (€17) depending on the time of travel.

Hadrian’s Villa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an impressive archaeological complex located in Tivoli, 18 miles east of Rome. Considered to be the most remarkable and extravagant example of an ancient Roman Villa , it was built for Emperor Hadrian when he decided that he no longer wanted to reside in the city of Rome itself.

The giant structure contains a variety of interesting structures including the Nymph Stadium, the Poecile, the Camopus, the Philosophers’ Room, Piazza d’oro, the Grandi Terme, and the Piccole Terme.

You can reach the Villa by taking the Trenitalia line from Tiburtina Station (also on the metro B line) and enjoy a 40-minute ride on the Avezzano bound line. Get off at Tivoli Station to visit the Villa and surrounding attractions. Tickets cost from around $6 (€5).

The pretty, hilltop town of Orvieto is one of the most ancient cities in Italy, and home to some of the most important vineyards in the country . Visitors make the journey from Rome out into the Umbrian countryside to admire the impressive Piazze del Duomo, explore the grottos and rock formation of underground Orvieto, peek into the well at Pozzo di San Patrizio, relax by the fountains at Fortezza dell’Albornoz, and sample the fantastic wines at Decugnano dei Barbi.

The train journey from the city of Rome to Orvieto takes around 1 hour 30 minutes, and you can pick up the Trentitalia Line from Roma Termini. Tickets start from around $8 (€7) for a single journey.

Naples is a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back as far as 470 B.C. It is also home to 3 amazing castles:  Ovo Castle with its imposing fortress, Castel Nuovo with its Medieval towers and Renaissance arch, and the Castel Sant’Elmo with its former prison. Visitors also come to see the Royal Palace of Naples, the Palazzo Reale, and a wealth of historic churches and cathedrals.

Naples is around 140 miles from Rome, so expect a 2-3 hour train journey to reach the city from Rome. The Frecciarossa Express runs from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale every 20 minutes at peak times, and ticket prices start from $26 (€23), one-way.

How to Stay Safe in Rome

Rome is an enchanting city that can reel you in from the moment you take your first steps out on to the cobbled streets. Whether you are enjoying a drink in one of the many piazzas, taking in the incredible architecture, or simply enjoying some retail therapy, it can be easy to get carried away here.

While Rome is not necessarily any more or less dangerous for tourists than any other European city, it can be easy to become distracted. Follow our advice on how to stay safe in The Eternal City, and breathe it all in without worrying about your belongings.

Rome does have a high number of pickpockets operating in the main tourist areas during the high season. Roman pickpockets are very skilled and have numerous tricks to help relieve you of your belongings. Be aware of distraction techniques such as flower sellers, gangs of children, and even ladies in distress, and be sure to keep your bag in front of you at all times.

This is common sense for any large town or city, and it is just as important here as it is anywhere else. Keep your wallet, phone, and cards locked safely away in your purse, fanny pack, or shoulder bag, and do not flaunt them when you need to use them. Better still, use a money belt or body pouch for days out in the city, to help you keep your belongings safely by your side at all times.

Urban spaces, riverbanks, and deserted piazzas may look romantic in the daylight, but they can become menacing and oppressive when the night falls. Some streets around Termini and Piazza Vittorio, in particular, are not safe for strolling tourists after dark. Likewise, some stretches of the river are not as safe at night as they would be during the day.

If your plane ticket, passport, personal ID, or other important document goes astray while you travel, it can make things extremely difficult for you. If you are able to make and store electronic copies of all of your important documents, either by email or your smartphone camera, you will always have a back up should you need them.

Should the worst happen, you will probably want to call the police. Make a note of the following telephone numbers and keep them safely with you while you travel:

• General Emergency: 113
• Police (Carabinieri): 112
• Fire (Vigili del fuoco): 115

We aren’t telling you how to dress with this one, simply suggesting that you keep your maps, travel cameras , and large amounts of cash out of sight while you are on the road. This will make you look more like a local and less like a tourist.

Most hotels will offer a safe facility in their guest rooms. These are important because it means your belongings are safe and sound and you don’t need to take all of your stuff with you.

Rome is perhaps one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world. With so much history right on your doorstep, it can be challenging to take it all in the first time you visit.

From the historic architecture and works of art to modern-day fine dining and upscale shopping, Rome really is a city that has it all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is rome safe.

Rome is as safe as any European city but you should be extra vigilant of pickpockets in tourist areas. Avoid carrying your valuables on your back, consider using a money belt, or better yet, only take the bare minimum out with you and leave the rest in your hotel safe.

Can you do Rome in 3 days?

There is a lot to see and do in Rome but you can certainly see the highlights over a weekend. Luckily most major sights and attractions are quite close together. While it comes down to personal preference the following are not to be missed:

• Spanish Steps
• St. Peter’s Basilica
• Vatican City

What are the best day trips from Rome?

There are quite a few places that are within easy reach of Rome and if you’re willing to travel an hour or 2 each way, these can be visited within a day.

• Hadrian’s Villa

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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sell 9 Day Rome & Amalfi Coast Experience 2024

9 Days / 7 Nights   Starting at $3295 PP (Land Rate)

Lemon trees and vineyards cascade down the terraced cliffs to the sea. Soft sea breezes mix with the scent of fresh basil, tomatoes and olive oil. Capri sparkles in the distance. Welcome to Amalfi! This is a no-holds-barred invitation to live life to the fullest.

Due to popular demand this tour is also now available with similar options on additional dates not show here:

• Mar 28 - Apr 4
• Apr 21 - Apr 29

SUNDAY : Boarding your overnight flight, you’re off on your Italy adventure. Buon viaggio !

MONDAY : Benvenuti a Roma ! We are pleased to offer complimentary transfers from the Rome airport to your hotel at scheduled times. Your Perillo representative will be at the airport to greet you.

Enjoy some free time this afternoon—take a walk on Via Veneto, have a gelato or maybe do some shopping. Tonight, we’ll meet our tour leader for a brief orientation and welcome drink, followed by dinner in our hotel.

TUESDAY : This morning, it’s a five-minute drive to another country – Vatican City! With our expert local guide we’ll tour the Vatican Museums, a massive collection of ancient Greek sculptures, medieval tapestries and Renaissance paintings. Our visit culminates in the Sistine Chapel, the room where the Pope is elected.

Next, we visit St. Peter’s Basilica, the most renowned work of Renaissance architecture and the largest church in the world. We’ll see Michelangelo’s Pietà, sculpted when he was just 24 years old, as well as Bernini’s seven-story bronze canopy located above the main altar.

Tonight, you’ll be our guest at a fine Roman restaurant with flowing wines and great friends!

( Please note that the visit of St. Peter’s Basilica is subject to availability based on the events planned by the Pope. )

WEDNESDAY : This morning, after breakfast,we will board our chariot for a relaxing, panoramic driving tour of Imperial Rome including the Roman Forum, Circus Maximus, an arena for horse races during the Roman Empire, and the Synagogue.

Then we will enter the Colosseum, reliving the brutal entertainment of the gladiators and the lions, refereed by the Emperor himself.

Tonight, you have the chance to explore the wonderful restaurants in Rome on your own. Be sure to try some “Fiori di Zucca,” a specialty in Rome: Zucchini flowers, deep fried and filled with mozzarella and sometimes, anchovies.

*Colosseum entrance subject to ticket availability*

THURSDAY : This morning we drive to Amalfi, one of the most famous coastlines on earth.

Along the way, we’ll stop in Pompeii! Imagine, a city perfectly preserved as it was on that fateful day 2,000-years-ago, when ash and lava literally stopped it in its tracks. You’ll see the tragic fossils of people attempting to escape along with children and dogs.

Next, we’ll settle into our home in Amalfi at the historic Hotel Luna Convento, a twelfth-century convent converted into a charming first-class hotel overlooking the sea. Tonight, dinner at our hotel with great local wines.

FRIDAY : After a relaxing morning, we’ll take a short ride up the mountain to charming Ravello. The town’s beauty is so inspiring that for centuries it has attracted world famous composers, writers and artists. We’ll visit the stunning Villa Rufolo; built by a very wealthy merchant family in the 13th century, it was one of the largest and most expensive villas on the Amalfi Coast. When the famous German composer, Richard Wagner, visited the villa, he was so inspired that he stayed there long enough to write the second act of “Parsifal”, an opera that he had been working on for over twenty years.

Next, we’ll return to Amalfi for a wine tasting with the best Amalfi Coast wines and the world famous Limoncello liqueur. It goes down easily… but it’s quite strong! Salute! This evening is yours to enjoy as you please!

SATURDAY : What better way to visit the splendid towns of the Amalfi coast than by sea!

Today, we’ll sail from Amalfi to Positano (in case of bad weather, we’ll travel by bus). There will be time to explore this picture-postcard village set on a cliff dropping into the blue Mediterranean Sea.

Then we will take a quick drive to Sorrento to enjoy a lunch featuring the fresh specialties of the Campania region.

This evening is yours to enjoy as you please!

SUNDAY : Amalfi at our stern, Capri at our bow, this morning we sail to one of your world’s most enchanting islands. Weather permitting, we’ll visit the Blue Grotto, famed for its translucent aqua blue water. We’ll also tour the island followed by a well-deserved lunch with wine.

Later this afternoon, we’ll sail back to Amalfi. Tonight, we’ll enjoy our final night at a relaxing dinner in the hotel. Don’t forget to exchange contact information so you can plan another trip together in the future!

MONDAY : This morning your trip home starts at the Naples Airport. Unless, of course, you have chosen to extend your stay and let this unforgettable journey continue a little longer! We hope you enjoyed Rome, Amalfi, your guide, your driver and your traveling companions. Buon viaggio and please join us again in the near future for another Perillo Tour!

• Centrally Located 4 & 5 star Hotels
• Smaller Tour Groups
• More Motorcoach Legroom
• Airport Transfers at Scheduled Times
• Full Breakfast Daily
• 2 Lunches & 4 Dinners
• Wine and Limoncello Tasting
• Wireless Headsets To Hear Your Tour Guide Clearly
• Travel Wallet , Baggage Tags and Travel Documents Included
• Baggage Handling Throughout (Except at Airports)
• Hotel Taxes, City Taxes , Hotel Service Charges and all Tips For Hotel and Restaurant Personnel
• Professional Tour Directors and Licensed Local Guides
• Complimentary Wi-Fi On Our Buses

Dates & Rates

Triple room deduct $300 per person from the Double rate. Kids under 12 sharing with 2 adults deduct $500 from the Double Rate.

*Mar 5 is a Tuesday Departure.

Starhotels Michelangelo

Only a short walk from the Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica, the Starhotels Michelangelo embodies all the qualities that make Rome unique: cosmopolitan style, classical grandeur and timeless appeal. Located in the heart of Rome's Baroque splendor, it's hard to imagine a more central location.

Hotel Luna Convento ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

The Hotel Luna Convento Amalfi is an outstanding, top-quality 4 star hotel that provides its guests with a service that can only be described as impeccable. A magnificent location hanging right over the sea, luxurious rooms, delectable cuisine in stylish restaurants, an inviting swimming pool, an atmospheric and historic building and a group of highly trained and professional staff all combine to make the Hotel Luna Convento Amalfi a lavish 4 star experience.

Airfares are unpredictable and impossible to estimate at time of brochure printing. Your airfare can range anywhere from approximately $1,000 to $1,900 depending on your departure city. Additionally, current departure tax and fuel surcharges are approximately $650 per person and are subject to change.

Your exact airfare will be advised within 3 business days of booking your tour. You are under no obligation to accept Perillo's air schedule and quote. However, payment for tickets issued by Perillo Tours is due with "final payment."

Airfares DO include your roundtrip airport transfer in Italy at scheduled times, provided you arrive and depart on scheduled tour dates. If you wish to arrive earlier or extend your stay, airport transfers are not included.

We strongly recommend you BOOK EARLY as lowest airfares are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Plus, more availability on the most convenient flights and best seats.

Affordable Upgrades

When you purchase your Coach ticket through Perillo Tours, you can upgrade to "Premium Economy" on select flights starting at $550 each way. For ultimate comfort enjoy Business Class/First Class for a surcharge of as little as $4,000 per person.

Security Measures

The Transportation Security Administration requires all passengers to provide the exact name as it appears on the government-issued passport, passport number, expiration date, date of birth and gender when making airline reservations. This information will be requested at time of booking for all flight arrangements made through Perillo Tours.

CRITICALLY IMPORTANT: Name corrections are subject to change fees, so please have your passport in-hand when calling us for flight reservations.

Arranging your own air?

Roundtrip airport transfers are provided at scheduled times if you arrive and depart the same day as the tour begins and ends. Click here for the schedule.

Find Your Airport

Or call and let us help you., optional tour add-ons.

Duration: 1.5 hrs City: Rome

Indulge in the ultimate panoramic experience of Rome from the open upper deck of a double-decker bus. Revel in unparalleled views of the city's iconic landmarks and majestic architecture as you soak in the beauty of Rome from a unique vantage point.

Step into the captivating world of Renaissance Rome on our immersive walking tour, where we'll discover iconic landmarks like Bernini's Fountains, the majestic Spanish Steps, and the legendary Trevi Fountain—be sure to toss a coin and make a wish! (Note: On Monday mornings, the Trevi Fountain may be without water, as maintenance personnel collect coins.) Marvel at the grandeur of the Piazza of the Pantheon and immerse yourself in the lively ambiance of the renowned Piazza Navona. Join us as we embark on this fascinating journey through history and art, uncovering the splendors of Rome's Renaissance treasures.

Duration: 4 hrs City: Rome

Immerse yourself in history as you explore the charming town and behold the magnificent Villa d'Este, a masterpiece of the Italian Garden and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Marvel at its breathtaking array of fountains, grottoes, and captivating water displays accompanied by music. After this enchanting experience, return to Rome, enriched by the beauty and splendor of Italy's cultural heritage.

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I have to thank Perillo Tours for an absolutely terrific vacation!  The accommodations were wonderful; the side trips were both enjoyable as well as informative but most importantly, Our tour guide, Cousin Burt, was great! 

Our trip to Italy (Versuvius Tour) was an outstanding experience thanks to Daniela Senise and the Perillo Team. Daniela was an awesome tour director managing our itinerary while keeping an eye on all the details to ensure we had a great experience. I know there are others behind the scenes working on the details too and want to express my appreciation for them as well.

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New Hotels, Restaurants, and Experiences: Why Now Is the Time to Book a Trip to Rome

Sophisticated new accommodations and increased access to archaeological sites offer fresh reasons to visit the eternal city..

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Old sites, such as the Largo di Torre Argentina, juxtapose with modern life in Rome

Courtesy of Sovrintendenza Capitolina ai Beni Culturali

The meal started with octopus carpaccio, wagyu beef gyoza, and yellowtail sushi. After my husband and I polished that off, the waiter set down Ibérico pork marinated in soy and truffle. Seated on a snaking banquette at Seen by Olivier , the rooftop restaurant at the new Anantara Palazzo Naiadi hotel , we enjoyed dish after dish. When I first lived in Rome back in 2009, I was hard-pressed to find such globally inspired fare; though it is a major European capital, it had tended to the traditional. But the Eternal City is changing.

The restaurant Anima at the Rome Edition hotel serves regional fare.

Photo by Nikolas Koenig

Anantara is one of several hotel brands imbuing the city with a more international flair. Just in 2023, InterContinental , Bulgari , Edition , and Six Senses each debuted new properties in Rome. In the pipeline: hotels by Four Seasons , Rosewood , Nobu , and more. “Rome is coming out of a crazy year full of visitors and openings,” says Elisa Valeria Bove, CEO of the private tour company Roma Experience . “Before, people stayed in Rome for two or three days. Now people stay five, six days, or even a week.”

Bove and others in the city’s tourism industry hope that the influx of top-tier hotels, with all of their amenities and culinary options, will attract more affluent travelers who spend more time and money, boosting the economy and encouraging visitors to go beyond the most famous (and crowded) attractions.

“Rome has always been a hit-and-run tourism destination for people to check off the Vatican and Colosseum,” Bove says. “But now people are more open to seeing other thing—and Rome offers so much. You would need a lifetime to explore it all.”

I have lived here permanently since 2019 and can attest to how many secrets the city holds—if visitors take the time to look. Travelers can picnic in the shadow of ancient aqueducts at the Parco degli Acquedotti ; admire Renaissance-era frescoes by Raphael in the Church of Santa Maria della Pace ; see how one of the city’s modern aristocratic families lives at Palazzo Colonna , part of which is open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays; or visit contemporary art galleries in San Lorenzo, a neighborhood that’s become one of Rome’s artsiest enclaves.

It’s not surprising that Rome continues to change and adapt; after all, it has incorporated foreign ideas and ways of life since the days of the Roman Empire. Today there’s evidence everywhere of how the city continues to dig up its past and rebuild its present. I thought about that during a recent visit to Largo di Torre Argentina —the archaeological site where Julius Caesar was assassinated. Medieval buildings had obscured the ruins until Benito Mussolini razed the pre-Renaissance structures in the 1920s, in the name of progress. Since then, the area had languished until funding from luxury brand Bulgari helped it open to the public in June 2023. Though I had walked past these ruins countless times, seeing archival photos of the excavations in the new exhibition space was a poignant reminder that progress ebbs and flows.

The Anantara Palazzo Naiadi hotel combines traditional Italian architecture with elevated cuisine.

Courtesy of Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome

About a mile north, there’s a massive, ongoing renovation at Piazza Augusto Imperatore , where Mussolini tore down more of the city in the 1930s to create a plaza paying homage to the eponymous Roman emperor (and establish himself as his successor). Since June 2023, the square has been home to the 114-room Bulgari Hotel Roma , which has two restaurants by chef Niko Romito (co-owner of the three Michelin-starred Reale in Abruzzo, a region east of Rome). The next phase of the project will see the square surrounding the Mausoleum of Augustus redesigned with paved walkways and gardens.

The way Romans think about wellness is changing, too. Before this year, I never would have imagined that I would do a sound healing meditation, but that’s just what happened when I checked into the Six Senses Rome . In the past, spa offerings have tended to focus more on beauty than on a holistic vision of health, but global brands such as Six Senses and Anantara are expanding the range of treatments available, while honoring the city’s history with the addition of Roman bath circuits.

Artisan is one of many bars in the San Lorenzo neighborhood.

Photo by Michelle Heimerman

Efforts are also being made to improve public transportation both inside and outside of Rome: As of July 2023, a new high-speed train service on Sundays links Rome to Pompeii in less than two hours. Previously, the trip required multiple trains and took nearly three hours; now, travelers can use Rome as a base to see the ruins. In the city, an expansion of metro line C is underway. The opening of a stop near the Roman Forum is projected for 2025, in time for the Jubilee year, a Catholic celebration of faith and forgiveness.

“There’s a bit more buzz, more motivation to tidy things up,” says Francesca Tozzi, the general manager of the Six Senses Rome. “Rome shouldn’t be seen as a hub to get from Fiumicino [airport] to Tuscany or the Amalfi Coast. People should experience the city for all that it offers.”

Tips for planning your trip

• Where to stay: Six Senses Rome opened in March 2023 with a sleek yet earthy design, some of the city’s best spa and wellness offerings, and a 100 percent green power supply.
• Worth a detour: Visit the nearby Tuscia region for its palaces, including the pentagonal Palazzo Farnese in the town of Caprarola. Twenty miles north is Sacro Bosco di Bomarzo , a Renaissance-era garden filled with mythical creatures carved into rock.
• Required eating: The quartet of Roman pastas— carbonara , amatriciana , gricia , and cacio e pepe —are each made with a few simple ingredients and served across the city.

For the full list of our favorite destinations this year, read Where to Go in 2024 .

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Incredible Italy: Rome, Florence, Pompeii, and Amalfi Coast (2024)

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Depart the United States on overnight flight to Rome.

Arrive in Rome Check into hotel Today we will visit the Colosseum , Roman Forum , and Palatine Hill . We will then enjoy a Welcome Dinner.

We will start the day with a visit to Vatican City , including St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums .

This afternoon, we will visit the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain .

Overnight in Rome

This morning we will travel to the beautiful city of Florence where we will spend the rest of the day visiting the Uffizi Gallery and admiring the art and architecture of the city.

Overnight in Florence

This morning, we will visit the Duomo and climb to the top for stunning views of the city. We will spend the afternoon wandering through the Boboli Gardens and Pitti Palace .

Today, we travel to Pompeii to explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii, which were destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Later this afternoon we will travel to Sorrento where we will check into our hotel and enjoy a lovely dinner.

Overnight in Sorrento

This morning we take a scenic boat ride along the Amalfi Coast, stopping in picturesque towns like Positano and Amalfi to explore and shop.

Today we visit the stunning island of Capri, taking a boat tour around the island and exploring the picturesque town of Anacapri.

Early today, we will return to Rome and spend the rest of the day exploring the historic neighborhoods of Trastevere and Testaccio . We will also visit the Catacombs of San Callisto . Tonight, we will enjoy a Farwell Dinner at a traditional Italian restaurant.

Depart on return flight to the United States.

Includes/Excludes

Price includes.

• All Inclusive
• Rountrip Airfare From any major U.S Airport
• Airport Fees/Taxes/Transfers
• Museum/Historical Site Admission Fees
• Transportation
• Tour Guide(s)

Price Excludes

• Private Expenses Snacks, gifts, shopping, etc.
• Alcohol not included

Payment can be made in full or following the payment schedule below.

Total Price

Due:  February 1, 2024

Final Payment

Due:  April 1, 2024

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Enjoy la bella vita in Italy

Beauty is everywhere in Italy—its spectacular scenery, rich history, lavish artistic masterpieces, and its beloved cuisine. Discover the romance of Italy when you fall in love with this legendary country.

Venice's Grand Canal is lined with grand, ornately adorned buildings dating back to the 13th to 18th centuries.

Roman Colosseum

Rome's architectural marvel allowed 50,000 spectators to view gladiatorial contests, wild animal hunts—including bears, elephants, and giraffes—and even "sea battles" on water channeled in via aqueducts.

• Sistine Chapel

A restoration of Michelangelo's richly painted ceiling frescoes in the late 20th century not only removed layers of dirt and grime—it also erased the fig leaves and loincloths that Pope Pius IV had added to the nude figures in the 1500s.

Perched on a cliff of volcanic rock, overlooking the verdant valleys of Umbria, Orvieto is full of rich history, from its gorgeous stone buildings to the elaborate system of tunnels and wells built beneath the city by the ancient Etruscans.

The volcanic ash that blanketed Pompeii when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD preserved its contents so well that archaeologists found loaves of bread, walnuts, figs, and eggs among the ruins.

The charming coastal city of Sorrento is built into the cliffs above its world-class beaches and crystalline seas.

Duomo in Florence

It took two centuries to create the cathedral in Florence, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture and artistry. Step inside for a few minutes to enjoy the gorgeous frescoes inside the dome.

Historic Bologna has become legendary for its cuisine, including the Bolognese sauce that bears its name.

• Trevi Fountain

It's tradition to throw coins over your left shoulder, using your right hand, when you visit the grand Trevi Fountain in Rome. Throwing just one ensures that you'll return to Rome someday, while tossing two more coins into the fountain means your wishes for love and marriage will come true.

Italian Cuisine

Italy lays claim to one of the world's truly great national cuisines. Treat yourself!

Amalfi Coast

Campania's seductive Mediterranean landscape overflows with delights for all the senses, from intoxicating blossoms to brilliant views and marvelous cuisine.

• Isle of Capri

Candy-colored boats and buildings line Marina Grande, beside the aquamarine sea on the Isle of Capri.

MIchaelangelo

From his David to the Sistine Chapel, viewing the great artist's works are an unforgettable art lover's dream.

Try the world's most famous pie in the country that invented it, and the mozzarella that is its signature topping.

Ponte Vecchio, Florence

You can shop for souvenirs right along this medieval span, where jewelers and art dealers keep shop right over the Arno River.

• Roman Forum

Walk in the footsteps of Julius Caesar in these remarkably well-preserved ancient ruins, once the very heart of Rome.

One of the world's truly unique and unforgettable cities, Venice offers its romantic canals, gorgeous churches, and delicious food.

The heart of the Roman Catholic Church is the home St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the residence of the pope.

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Taste of Italy

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Get your first taste of the delights of Venice, Florence, Rome, and more on this enchanting Italian tour. You'll  get to enjoy the ancient ruins, architectural and artistic masterpieces, and…

​Guided Tours, Guided Small Groups

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Taste of Italy with Sorrento

Starting from $3,745

Enjoy a little more time—and a lot more beauty—on this extended tour of Italy. Visit the most spectacular sights of Venice, Rome, and Florence with our Taste of Italy tour, then move on to the…

Tuscan Treasures with Cinque Terre

Starting from $2,095

Stay in a luxurious spa town to explore Tuscany’s medieval gems, enjoy gourmet food and wine, and discover the captivating villages of Cinque Terre.

Italy at a glance

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Murano glass

truffle pasta

I thoroughly enjoyed this trip and our tour director was wonderful! He really made this trip one to remember for a long time!

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• Planning a Trip to Italy 2024: 7 Tips to Enhance Your Travel

This article aims to help you plan your Italy trip in seven easy steps. It covers itineraries, costings, choosing the right time to go, and more.

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1. choose where to go, 2. decide how long to stay, 3. choose when to go, 4. consider the budget, 5. accommodation tips, 6. how to get around italy, 7. check out the visa requirements.

In this section, you could get some ideas to help you choose the cities you want to go to based on the different features of each city, which we have listed below.

1) Rome — a Must for First-Timers

Rome is a must for a trip to Italy especially for first-timers and history and architecture lovers. A trip to Rome usually takes 2 or 3 days.

We recommend dedicating one day to exploring Old Rome, including the Colosseum and Rome Forum. Spend one day to explore the Vatican, a country within a country.

If traveling with kids, you could consider taking an Italian Pasta and pizza cooking class or embarking on a food tour, strolling through its characteristic streets and savoring authentic Roman delicacies.

If you are active and have a keen interest in Roman history, you could go on a bike tour to explore the oldest road in Rome (the first Roman Avenue) — Appia Antica.

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

2) Florence — Best for Culture Lovers

If you are interested in Renaissance culture, Florence is a must. A trip to Florence usually takes 2 or 3 days. 

Embark on a one-day walking tour to delve into Florence's heritage, art, and food, including the David statue, Dante's House, Palazzo Vecchio, and the renowned San Lorenzo food market.

Allocate one or two days to explore the region of Tuscany, where Florence is located. It is famous for its wine and pastoral scenery. You could explore some of the charming towns in the area. Revel in the postcard-perfect vistas of the Chianti region through a hot air balloon ride, savor a private dinner paired with wine tasting at Chianti's vineyards, and soak in the breathtaking sunset over San Gimignano...

3) Venice — Best for Families

Venice is like a Disneyland. It offers many interesting water-themed activities, such as sitting on a gondola (a pointed boat with Venetian characteristics) as you cruise on the Grand Canal, listening to the boatman singing Italian folk songs, and enjoying the view of the city as you see the old buildings on both sides of the canal and observe the daily lives of the pedestrians.

A trip to Venice usually takes 1 or 2 days. Spend one day on a city tour including a boat ride. For families with kids, some hands-on experience would be a good arrangement, such as learning glass-making with a craftsman or making Venetian masks, which are indispensable props for the Venetian Carnival.

You could also spend one day exploring some interesting lagoon islands, such as Murano where you could witness the process of glassblowing, and Burano which is famous for its colorful houses, making it an ideal spot for capturing Instagram-worthy photos. If your child enjoys posting on Instagram, she/he might find this place appealing.

4) Amalfi Coast — Best for Relaxing Coastal Views

If you want to feel Italy's coastal views with a relaxing vibe, we recommend a trip to the Amalfi Coast. You may need 3 or 4 days to explore the Amalfi Coast.

Your private guide will drive you along the stunning Amalfi Coast. There, you could explore some of the laid-back seaside towns such as the Positano. Relax in a cafe, stroll the streets to find some hidden art galleries and boutiques, and visit some historical architecture. 

You could also take a day trip to the nearby island of Capri. There, you could take a boat trip to see the iconic Faraglioni Rocks, three towering sea stacks that are a symbol of Capri, stroll through the charming streets of Capri Town, and enjoy a tasty seafood lunch.

See our  7-Day Rome and Amalfi Coast Tour

5) Naples — Best for History Lovers

Naples is recommended for people who are interested in exploring historical ruins. A trip to Naples takes about 1 or 2 full days.

Naples is the birthplace of pizza. No trip to Naples is complete without enjoying the authentic Italian pizza. We could arrange a walking food tour for you to explore local and traditional street food and also visit the city's iconic landmarks. If you are very interested in Italian pizza, we could arrange a pizza cooking class for you.

If you want to create a memorable experience for special celebrations like a birthday or wedding anniversary, we can arrange an elegant dinner for you with delicious dishes and stunning panoramic views of the Gulf of Naples.

The ruins of Pompeii and the Vesuvius Volcano are close to Naples. You could also allocate one day to exploring them. Through the excavated sites of buildings and animal and human remains in Pompeii, you could learn about how the once bustling city was buried by a volcanic eruption. 

Climb one of the only two active volcanoes in continental Europe with our guide's accompany. It could be an unforgettable experience on your Italy trip.

6) Sicily — Best for Beach Lovers

If you are looking for a lively beach holiday in Italy, you could consider its largest island, Sicily. Usually, spending 5 to 7 days in Sicily is recommended. If you want a more immersive experience at a leisurely pace, you could take more days.

Palermo and Taormina are two main towns to explore. In Palermo, you could take a bike tour to discover its streets and heritage, go to the nearby hilltop town — Monreale to see the largest Norman building in Sicily, the majestic Duomo, or take a CuiserCar to explore the whole town's landmarks, food, and scenery.

In Taormina, you could explore the village in the movie Godfather , learn about the history of the real Sicilian Mafia, and taste the food that appears in the movie. If you love the outdoors, take a trip to the Etna Volcano, climbing up to a dead crater 2,000 meters above sea level and exploring lava caves.

7) Milan — Best for Fashion Lovers

If you are interested in fashion and art, or like shopping, Milan is for you.

You could see the largest Gothic church in the world, Milan Cathedral, witness the authentic work of Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper, and get lost in various shopping malls and streets.

A trip to Milan could take about 1 to 2 days.

Generally, a classic Italy itinerary takes about 1 week, covering the top 2 or 3 cities, such as Rome & Florence, Rome & Venice, or Rome, Florence, and Venice, which mainly focuses on central and northern Italy. You could get more ideas on our  Plan Your 7-Day Trip to Italy (5 Top Itineraries)

If you want to cover southern Italy, such as Naples, or spend time exploring the countryside or coastal towns, you may need about 2 weeks.

If you have 3 weeks or more, you could explore Italy from north to south with one or two island trips. You could also consider connecting Italy with nearby countries such as Greece. See How to Plan a Trip to Italy and Greece

Feel free to contact us  if you want help with planning your Italy trip. We would create your itinerary based on the length of your trip, group size, interests, and other requirements. An efficient and professional reply within 24 hours is our basic promise.

Find more ideas in our  How Many Days Are Needed for a Trip to Italy?

If you have flexibility in choosing the timing of your travel, we recommend opting for spring (April to May) or autumn (September to October). These months offer comfortable temperatures and relatively fewer tourists, enhancing the overall travel experience.

June is also a good time. The temperature at this time is not as hot as in July and August, and there are relatively fewer tourists.

Other times are still suitable for exploring Italy but additional considerations may be necessary in the planning process. July and August are the peak months in Italy so if you plan to travel during these months, it is advisable to anticipate crowds and make advance reservations for popular attractions. Booking online in advance could help you to minimize the time spent in long lines in the hot sun waiting to buy tickets. On our tour, we will prepare skip-line tickets for you in advance.

For those planning to travel during winter including the Christmas season, taking an umbrella is advisable to handle the rainfall, but the quiet streets and reduced wait times are the rewards.

To find more information on how to choose the best time for your visit to Italy, see our article Best Times to Visit Italy .

Travel expenses in Europe tend to be relatively high, but Italy is one of the countries where costs are more affordable.

One major expenditure is paying for international flights. During the off-peak season, direct flights from the United States to Italy are approximately $700–800, while in the peak season (June to August), prices could double.

The differences in hotel accommodation costs between the off-peak and peak seasons are also noticeable. Generally, a 4-star hotel in the off-peak season is about $200 but during the peak season, prices may double.

The cost of our private tour in Italy is about $400–500 per person per day. It would include flights/train journeys within Italy, 4-star hotels, attractions, guides, and private transfers. See more on How Much Does a Trip to Italy Cost?

You can get a price reference on our 7-Day Rome and Florence Tour . Our private tours provide you with many options for balancing price and quality perfectly. You could obtain relatively high-quality services, experiences, and privacy within the most reasonable price range. Feel free to contact us  if you need help planning a trip to Italy.

It is not a big problem to find a hotel in Italy. Italy offers a diverse selection of hotels for you to choose from. However, if you're looking for a hotel that meets your preferences, such as good value for money or family-friendly rooms, it might take some effort. See How to Plan a Family Trip to Italy

In terms of area selection, we recommend avoiding staying near the train stations as much as possible because the environment would be more chaotic.

Some recommended areas include the city center of Rome near the Spanish Steps or the Colosseum, and near Florence Cathedral in Florence.

You could tell us about your hotel requirements, such as a preference for a quiet area or the need for family rooms. Our advisors would find the right hotels for you.

Italy also offers some unique accommodation experiences, such as castle hotels in Tuscany. These hotels are typically located in small towns or estates that are further away from the city center, offering a serene yet luxurious environment.

Italy offers a developed transportation network. High-speed rail connects the major cities. It takes 1½ hours to travel from Rome to Florence and about 2 hours to get from Florence to Venice. If you want a more comfortable ride, especially if you are traveling with children, Prima (first class) seats are recommended.

City sightseeing primarily involves walking. Most of the city attractions are within walking distance. Therefore, wearing comfortable shoes is necessary.

If you want to explore the countryside and towns, you would need a car service. We would manage all of your transportation within Italy, including booking and scheduling your tickets and transfers.

If you have an American, UK, Canadian, Australian, etc. passport, you could travel to Italy without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes.

Make Your Italy Trip a Customized One

All of our tours can be customized based on your interests and requirements. Feel free to contact us .

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Italy travel requirements 2024: What travelers need to know

We aim to keep this post updated about Italy travel in 2024 with official Italy travel restrictions, requirements, and health and safety guidance. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions so you can travel confidently, safely, and responsibly in this new post-pandemic world of ours.

Italy has a special place in our hearts, and we finally returned in Fall 2022.

As restrictions vary based on the traveler’s citizenship, we will focus primarily on rules affecting U.S. citizens.

Last update: January 28, 2024. Originally published: July 2020.

* Get our free Post-Pandemic Travel Checklist *  

Photo credit: Annalisa, Rome January 2024: “Tourism in Italy right now is flourishing, and although it is low season, there is a considerable amount of travelers both in art cities such as Rome, Florence, and Venice, and in small villages. In tourist spots such as museums and archaeological areas there are no restrictions of any kind, except in cases of overbooking such as for the Colosseum in Rome, so I recommend booking tickets at least two months in advance. The business of restaurants, hotels, and vacation homes is normal and busy. Access to health care takes place as usual, with regular and free access to checkups and treatment through hospital emergency rooms for Italian residents and nonresidents. As for Covid tests, although they are not required by any tourist facility, they can be done in all Italian pharmacies for a cost of €10-15.” -Annalisa of Rome Travelogues , Resident of Italy

At the end of the post, we share on-the-ground perspectives from local residents and travelers to Italy so you’ll get a true sense of what to expect.

Table of Contents

Can US citizens travel to Italy? Can I travel to Italy right now?

Italy is open to all travelers, including US citizens who are traveling for tourism.

As of June 2022 , all travelers, including US citizens are no longer required to show a vaccination, recovery, or test certificate upon arrival to Italy. All travelers can enter Italy without quarantine.

Most Italy travel restrictions have been lifted as of May 1 for activities inside the country. See regional restrictions here and regional zone classifications  here .

Visitors from over 60  visa-exempt countries , including the U.S., will soon be required to have a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) travel authorization to enter Italy and other European countries . The start date has been delayed from 2024 to 2025. 

See details about ETIAS here

Quarantine rules in Italy: What happens if I get Covid?

Travelers are not required to quarantine upon arrival in Italy.

For those who test positive for Covid while in Italy, self-isolation for five days or until testing negative, followed by masking up to 10 days, was the latest requirement. More recently, locals report that quarantine is no longer being enforced.

Italy Green Pass Requirements to Enter Restaurants, Attractions and Large Events 

You might be wondering: Do I need a vaccine certificate or Covid test to enter restaurants and attractions in Italy?

Italy’s green pass (basic or super green pass) is no longer required to access restaurants, businesses, public transport, or participate in certain activities.

However, the Super Green Pass is still temporarily required for anyone age 12 and older to access hospitals or care homes.

Can Americans travel to Italy in April 2024? Can US citizens travel to Italy this Spring?

Travel to Italy in April is open . Read on for details and check back for updates.

What is it like to fly to Italy FCO or CIA Rome International Airport right now? In Rome, body temperature checks through thermo scanners may be taken at the entrance of the airports. The airports sanitize their spaces daily. 

For travelers entering Italy from other countries, check with your airline about current mask requirements on board.

Do Americans have to quarantine when traveling to Italy?  Quarantine is not required upon arrival.

See details above.

Does Italy check COVID-19 symptoms of incoming travelers? Body temperature may be scanned in the airports for inbound and outbound travelers. 

Does Italy require a negative Covid 19 test for American travelers? A negative Covid test is no longer required to enter Italy.

Does Italy require a proof of Coronavirus vaccine for American travelers? Proof of Coronavirus vaccine is no longer required to enter Italy.

Do I still need to provide a negative Covid test or quarantine if I have been vaccinated? Neither proof of vaccination, negative test, nor quarantine are required to travel to Italy. 

Is a booster shot required for travel to Italy? A booster shot is no longer required to enter Italy.

However, a booster shot is needed for the US vaccination card to be considered a valid Green Pass to enter healthcare settings while in Italy. See Green Pass Requirements above.

What Covid testing options are available for travelers in Italy? PCR and antigen tests are available for U.S. citizens and visitors in Italy. Antigen tests cost approximately 20-30 euros while PCR tests can cost around 70.

Individuals in Italy can get a Covid test from the following:

• Government-approved testing labs
• Testing facilities with English-speaking doctors in Italy
• On-site testing facilities at international airports in Italy, such as Milan, Rome Fiumicino, Cagliari, Florence, Malpensa, Bari, Venice,  Pisa, and others.
• Private testing labs and pharmacies in Italy

What healthcare options are available to travelers in Italy who get the virus? Tourists and visitors may access Italian health care and emergency services by paying out of pocket or with privately purchased travelers’ insurance. Tourists can also contact the Italian Covid hotline at 1500 (free toll number).

For travel insurance that covers Covid, check out Nomad Insurance by Safety Wing >

What service businesses and restaurants are open in Italy? Bars, restaurants and all other establishments are open. Both indoor and outdoor dining are allowed.

Are face masks required in Italy? As of October 2022, wearing of masks in Italy is no longer mandatory except in healthcare settings. 

Are buses and trains running in Italy? Public transportation is available throughout Italy at normal capacity. Masks are no longer required on buses, trains, etc.

Will Italy impose new Covid restrictions? What’s next is difficult to predict. Historically, most countries impose COVID-19 restrictions when strains on the health care system might become unsustainable.

How has the Coronavirus impacted Italy?

Italy was the first country in Europe affected by COVID-19 and was hit hard by the outbreak, requiring strict lock downs. Another large spike in cases occurred at the end of October 2020. A nationwide state of emergency continued through 2022. 

Italy’s economy, which includes a large tourism sector, has faced its deepest recession in history. More than 200,000 tourism-related jobs were discontinued in Italy by the end of 2021– accounting for a massive shortage of workers in the country. 

In May 2021, Italy formally opened its borders to international travelers from select countries to revive tourism. In June, Italy eased its restrictions for international travelers, then tightened somewhat due to the Delta variant and Omicron variant.

Italy’s state of emergency ended on March 31, 2022. 

Italy obtains its vaccines via an EU procurement program. On December 27, 2020, Italy vaccinated the first residents against COVID-19. Currently, three quarters of Italians are fully vaccinated.

For the current situation in Italy – including how bad is covid in Italy today, total COVID-19 positive cases; daily number of cases in Italy; and COVID-19 recovery rates in Italy, please see the statistics here .

What should you pack for safely traveling in Italy?

😷 Face Masks – Face coverings are recommended in public spaces and required in healthcare settings. Find N95 masks at Bona Fide > or designer options at Vida >

💊 Medicine – Bring enough prescription and over-the-counter medication for your entire trip to avoid trips to the clinic.

💳 Vaccine Card Holder – Protect that paper CDC card when traveling abroad (if your country doesn’t offer a digital version). Get a simple plastic protector > or Vegan leather clippable > or Leather passport + card combo holder >

👃 Covid self-test – The most studied rapid antigen self-test with FDA emergency authorization.  NOT valid to enter countries. Use for your own peace of mind. Order from CVS > or Walmart >

💧 Sealed water bottle – Make sure your reusable water bottle has a lid that’s not exposed to the air. We use one of each of the following: Shop insulated water bottles with protective lid > Shop water bottles with purification filter and protective lid >

✈️ Travel insurance that covers Covid – We’ve started using Nomad Insurance by Safety Wing for affordable evacuation, international medical, and trip coverage.

What do Italian locals and recent travelers say about visiting Italy now?

What is it like to visit Italy right now? It’s our goal to provide regular updates here from real people on the ground, to help potential visitors know what to expect.

The following are subjective opinions only. Official travel guidance can be found above.

October 2023 – Louisa Loring of EatingAroundItaly , resident of Italy:  “Expect to come to Italy and travel as freely as before the COVID pandemic. Currently, there are no laws or recommendations for masking, social distancing or public gatherings. Today, all historic monuments are open as usual without restrictions.

There is no requirement for those who show symptoms. The Italian public healthcare system has removed its state of emergency and it’s easy to access the emergency room.. Private healthcare facilities are free to test patients if they choose too.

Since COVID, there has been an enormous increase in pre-bookings for museums in Italy. Although not all museums require that you pre-book, most people do and it can save you a lot of time waiting in line. Most museums have an easy and hassle free online booking system with paperless tickets.”

September 2023 – Linda of insieme-piemonte.com , resident of Italy:  “Italy has, especially in summer, many crowded places. However, beautiful Piedmont, in the northwest of the country, remains a hidden gem: cheap, hospitable and visited by Italians at most in high season.

At the moment, Covid is no longer an issue. There are no restrictions or protective measures. During the pandemic, however, very strict rules prevailed throughout the country, including house arrest for several weeks.”

June 2023 – Natalie Deduck of Best of Turin , visitor: “My husband and I come to Turin to stay a month and later travel to other destinations in Italy.  

The main tourist destinations such as Rome, Amalfi Coast, Florence, and Milan are receiving a tremendous influx of tourists this Spring and Summer. We are glad that we choose Turin for our longer stay. It is an incredible destination but not as famous as the other places, so here we can enjoy all the best of Italy without hassling with crowds.

Since I landed in Italy, I didn’t see any advice or signals about Covid measures or how to behave in public spaces. No one wears masks, and businesses are open as usual, including bars, restaurants, clubs, museums, and open-air markets.

Everything is pretty much back to normal. My husband and I lived in Turin in 2019 and 2020 during the pandemic. We experienced Italy in its worst moment, and it’s so good and heartwarming to see life back to what it was before the pandemic.”

January 2023 – Zoe of Together In Switzerland, EU visitor: “For our visit to Como, Italy for 2023, the location was pretty busy and lively. All shops and restaurants are open and seemed like a good mix of locals and tourists.

It’s not mandatory, but many do choose to wear a mask such as on the local bus or when in the main shopping area. There were absolutely no checks during our whole visit in Como, however you do see that local stores do still have a those plastic protection areas at the cashier tills and hand sanitizers is available at entrances. We personally didn’t see many people using these and no minimum space was needed. The only crowded area we encountered was for a busy local restaurant that everyone wanted to eat at.”

October 18 2022 -Michelle, Intentional Travelers: “Italy’s tourism feels back in full force and daily life has resumed as normal. Some people wear masks in grocery stores, trains, or other public areas but not many. On the train back to Rome airport, we saw staff sanitizing handrails in all the train cars. Lines at FCO airport seemed typical, and we passed through check-in, security and customs relatively quickly (25 minutes) on a weekday morning. We didn’t have to show any Covid documents, only passports.”

September 2022 – Michelle, Intentional Travelers:  “We flew into Florence, Italy and took trains through Tuscany in September. To enter Italy, we only needed our passports. Air Dolomiti airlines required masks on the flight.

The Florence airport tram into town had signs that masks were required but maybe 50% of people were masked. Around Florence, it is as busy as ever and highly recommended to make reservations for big attractions in advance. Masks were still required on the regional trains in Italy, enforced by staff and audio announcements. Otherwise, tourism does seem back to normal.”

June 3, 2022 – S.M, American digital nomad – “I flew today to Rome from Croatia. They didn’t ask for anything covid related. No test or vax cards. But we had to wear N95 mask on the plane, that’s it.”

May 2022 – Lyndsay at thepurposelylost.com : “I’ve been living in Italy and exploring the country for six months now, and the past few days were the busiest I’ve seen the cities! As the weather gets warmer, we’re expecting an uptick in tourism, which is definitely what I’ve encountered so far. Tourists are eager to experience la dolce vita again!

Although you don’t need to wear a mask walking around outside, masks are still required on public transportation like busses, metros, and trains, and highly encouraged for all inside spaces like restaurants and shops. You’ll even find a mix of people wearing masks at public outdoor events.”

March 24, 2022 – Heather American/Italian dual citizen:  “I flew into Rome and then proceeded to take several trains and a bus to get to a tiny village in Abruzzo where I will be living for the next five months. Masks are required inside all buildings, and most buildings have signs indicating you need to show a Super Green Pass for entrance. Trains and buses did check for my Super Green Pass and my CDC card showing my booster was accepted readily.

Italians are still taking things pretty serious, regarding masks, etc.”

March 2, 2022 – Sarah Wilson of Life Part 2 and Beyond , British visitor:  “I’m in Florence for 10 days learning Italian. I was surprised how many tourists were here over the weekend. Queues were long to many of the major sites. They do check your Green Pass every time you enter a tourist attraction, and restaurant. Some shops also insist on seeing your Green Pass but not all. Masks are being worn inside but not needed outdoors. 

There are plenty of pharmacies, many offer COVID testing or the rapid antigen tests. All the pharmacists in a city like Florence speak great English. To reduce waiting in line, I recommend booking attraction tickets online in advance.”

Candice of Mom in Italy , Permanent Resident: “It’s a nice time to visit because you can visit places like the center of Florence and its museums without any crowds.

We’ve also been visiting smaller villages like Pienza, Montepulciano, and San Gimignano, but they’re a little too empty. Almost all shops and restaurants are closed, due to the lack of local visitors. For anyone thinking of coming to Italy right now, I’d stick to the bigger cities, where you’re guaranteed to find things open and still full of Italian ‘vita.’

Throughout the entire pandemic, I’ve been impressed by the cooperation of Italians. People here wear masks when/where required and for the most part, respect the rules. Visitors need to follow the rules too – for example, if you don’t have the Green Pass here, you can’t sit down in an indoor restaurant. Owners don’t distinguish between locals and tourists – everyone has to have their Green Pass scanned or checked.

It’s easy to get tested in Italy – there are private clinics and you can also get tested in pharmacies. You can also get English translations easily. It’s not a great time to come to Italy if you aren’t vaccinated (or have proof of recovery from COVID within the last 6 months). Pretty much anything you’d want to do as a tourist right now requires the Green Pass.

We haven’t found any long lines or crowds, although I expect there will be an influx of visitors in the spring because Italy’s precautions help make it a less risky destination and people are ready to come back to Italia!”

January 2022 – Claudia of Strictly Rome , Italian resident:  “All attractions and places of interest for tourists are currently open in Italy. Visits to restaurants typically start with the staff coming to the table to check your “green pass” (the Italian vaccination card). Much like locals, tourists are required to show proof of vaccination or of having recovered from Covid to access attractions, restaurants, hotels and transport – including trains and local / city buses. Everyone in Italy follows the rules, wearing masks wherever required and showing their vaccination card to access public places, restaurants, attractions, transportation and the like. Antigen tests are available at any pharmacy, best if upon booking and depending on the city and region in Italy there may be a line to get tested. Access to health care remains free for everyone on Italian territory, including visitors. You will be significantly better off making restaurant reservations as with Covid restrictions and social distancing availability for tables in popular tourist destinations may be limited.”

December 2021 – Or of My Path in the World , Israeli traveler:   “I flew to Turin for a one week leisure trip in December 2021. I felt very safe in Turin as everything was well organized and it seemed like the locals were determined to live “normally” again. Everyone follows the current restrictions, and some people even wear masks outdoors though it’s not mandatory. You can’t enter a museum or a restaurant without your Green Pass being scanned (unless you’re sitting outside), and some attractions require a reservation in advance because you need to pick a specific timeslot for your visit. There are quite a few places for covid tests, and a PCR test for your flight back home will cost you about 70 Euros.”

November 30, 2021 – Morgan Fielder, Crave the Planet , E.U. expat: “It’s so great and easy to get reservations at awesome restaurants with fewer tourists. The airports in Italy have gotten more efficient and travel has been extremely easy since August if you are vaccinated and keeping your mask on appropriately. Yes, people follow the rules. Access is good to hospitals and if there’s any hint of problems, then businesses and events have gone to only letting in vaccinated or recovered people. Contract tracing is done via app when you go inside a venue or restaurant.”

September 20, 2021 – Sarah Wilson , British expat in Malta:  “I was in northern Italy at the beginning of September for two weeks and now I’m in Sicily until the end of the month. The locals are very welcoming. It’s been a tough time for many businesses in Italy, so they are very happy to receive tourists. I literally had Rome to myself, so if you enjoy travelling without the crowds, now is the time to visit. To enter any restaurant, museum or tourist site, you do have to show your vaccine certificate. Some places like the restaurants in Lake Como also asked for your name and phone number. Masks are worn on all public transport and indoors and majority comply. Sicily has recently turned yellow which means masks are supposed to be worn indoors and outdoors – very few wear them outdoors – it’s too hot.”

August 2021 – Abigail, American traveler : “I went to Italy for a weekend. I felt safe and all of the stores were open. There was a green pass that people used to dine indoors, however since I’m a US Citizen I did not have one. Instead I showed my vaccination card, and it was asked for at every establishment. They did not ask for the Covid pass for public transport for Venice or Milan during my stay. For sit down restaurants, they wouldn’t let you in the door if you could not show vaccination. I did see a lot of seats for outdoor dining everywhere I went though.”

August 2021 – Caroline A., South African/Italian visitor: “My husband, 7 year old son, 4 year old daughter and I are in Rome for three months for an adventure as we have dual citizenship. Tourists are very much welcome in Rome at the moment although museums are requiring the green pass to enter. Since we are not vaccinated, we have been getting tested for entering museums, which lasts 48 hours. Testing is widely accessible. Most attractions are open for visits with covid protocols in place. There is a festive mood in the air as many people take their vacation over this time. It is wonderful not to have to wear a mask outside.”

July 2021 – Kathryn, American Traveler: “I flew from Spain to Naples, Italy and stayed 2 days in Positano, 2 days in Sorrento, and 4 days in Rome. The locals were happy to have patrons in their cafes and restaurants. We had several people tell us how happy they are to see return of tourism. All public transportation was running as it would pre-pandemic (masks always required). We took planes, trains, taxis, boats and buses with no restrictions. Some restaurants required you to write down name, phone number, country of origin for contact tracing. Otherwise, no restrictions for outdoor dining and tables were quite close to each other as you would typically experience in Europe. Indoor dining often had more space between tables to allow for social distancing. In Rome, there were quite a few walk-up COVID testing tents throughout the city to use if needed. Rome sights were much less crowded than what I’ve experienced past summers. All major tourist sites were open. They offered both advance tickets and walk-up (usually wouldn’t be possible due to large numbers of tourists in the summer, but with less tourists this year it was possible to purchase day-of tickets). They had temperature checks at most major sites and required masks if indoors.”

June 2021 – Alexander and Cynthia, Travel your Memories , Dutch visitors: “We flew to Rome and visited for 4 days. After Rome we travelled to Florence for 2 days. Because you can do many activities outside, Italy is prefect to travel to at the moment. The population pays very close attention to the guidelines of COVID. All sights have been adjusted accordingly. Only a maximum number of people are allowed in the shops (depending on the size). If you get cold symptoms, you can go to a test street. For major sights it is important to book your ticket in advance because you have to fix a time slot.”

May 2021 – Sarah, Benvenuti Arts, American: “I have a visa as I’m here to teach at a University, and traveling into Italy felt joyful! The crew on the flight were so happy to see us all, and there were only about 30 passengers on the plane. The customs officials were very nice and the people doing COVID-testing in the airport were very friendly.  While the rules, as read, seemed more strict than the US, I’m noticing people’s interpretation of those rules is just as scattered as in my country. I happened to arrive right when they reopened after the Easter lockdown, and people seem to be thrilled to be outside. We wear masks in all public areas, and there is no indoor dining, so in general it feels safe. But I am finding myself a bit overwhelmed by crowded areas, like places where students hang out. That’ll take some time to get used to again! I would say, if someone is traveling soon, be respectful and be overprepared. Rules were changing weekly in the lead up to my visit, so I have so much documentation printed that I haven’t needed. Everything takes a bit more preparation than you might be used to in Italy, too. Some restaurants require reservations. Museums are open, but with timed, pre-reserved tickets. There is no indoor dining. There’s a curfew. I am usually loose with my planning when I travel, but am doing more of it just because it’s required. But the food is amazing, the people are lovely, and the city is beautiful, so even with some adaptations, it’s amazing to be here!”

April 2021 – Chicca, Cooking in Tuscany , Italian resident: “We have been living a lockdown life since October – I have to say we’ve got so use to it. But just these days our prime minister has announced to relax some of the strict coronavirus measures starting April 26. The vaccination plans are rolling out quite consistently to have the majority of the population vaccinated by this summer. I read here and there that maybe borders will be opening first to Europeans and then to Americans. We don’t know when but, yes, I start dreaming of having visitors again.”

January 2021 – Clotilde, A Princess Travelling with Twins , Italian living abroad:  “I flew to Rome, with my husband and our twins over the Christmas period for 10 days to visit family.  People working in the tourist sector are really welcoming and try their best to respect, and make customer respect, the rules and regulations. They have been suffering a lot from the lack of tourists and all the imposed restrictions, so they are happy to see tourists coming back but other people are more cautious. News of the new variants of the virus have particularly made people more alert. The biggest issue when travelling to Italy right now is the rules change really quickly, the country can ban specific countries without warning as happened over Christmas with people coming from the UK. On top of that, each Italian region is defined by a colour depending on the level of the infection rate. This reflects also in services opening times that change unexpectedly and often forget to update their websites or search engines. For example you could be stranded at the airport wondering what to do as the rental car office where you booked your vehicle has closed and the curfew time is approaching, as happened to us! “

September 2020. Rebecca Ann Hughes, journalist – permanent resident of Venice:  “Tourist numbers in Italy have been low all summer. For those who come to visit, they are seeing popular tourist destinations as never before, but many businesses are struggling. Locals whose work is fed by tourism are eager to welcome back visitors but many of them, along with those who do not work in the tourism sector, are pushing for a change in tourism. Particularly in Venice, they want visitors who travel “slow”, who are respectful, and who interact with the community. This includes following COVID regulations imposed by local councils and the government. Recently, a tourist on a vaporetto (waterbus) in Venice refused to wear a mask, angering locals and causing a fight to break out. Visitors should be well prepared to follow the regulations in Italy, even if they differ from their home country.

Most tourist attractions, public transport, restaurants, bars and other amenities are open and functioning as normal, albeit with social distancing rules and the obligation to wear a mask. It is possible that some tourist attractions will require advanced booking and may have longer queues if the venue is taking temperatures upon entry. Visitors may often have their temperature taken when entering a restaurant. When entering a building or getting on public transport, use hand sanitiser if it is provided. Testing booths have been set up in many airports and visitors can download a contact tracing app for Italy.”

Planning a trip to Italy?

Check out our other Italy travel resources: – Self Guided Walking Tour of Florence – Lucca Day Trip Guide & Walking Tour – A Guide to Tuscany’s Etruscan Coast – Cooking in Tuscany Classes – Hiking Cinque Terre Itinerary – Packing List for Europe in Fall/Winter – 7 Hidden Gem Towns on Tuscany’s Coast – Best Beaches in Tuscany Italy – Tuscany Castles to Rent or Visit – Why Visit Italy in September

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32 Comments

Very useful information, thank you, I will be staying in Sicily for 10 days this July!

Hi! Great info! Is it safe traveling to Italy now from the US because of Ukrania- Russia conflict? Thanks!

Thanks, Wilda. We have a good friend in Tuscany who tells us there is no concern about safety in Italy currently, however, prices and availability of some products/delivery is being significantly affected. We recently sent out a Europe update to newsletter subscribers with the following: “If you have plans to travel to Europe, you may be wondering if it’s still safe. Right now airspace over Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Moldova are on the EASA risk list [CNN]. But most of Western Europe is hundreds of miles from the conflict, and experts are saying there’s no need to cancel trips [AFAR].” We are planning to travel to Italy ourselves in September-October. Of course, as with Covid, each of us have to make our own assessment based on the level of risk we’re willing to accept when we travel.

Is there a current ban on US citizens (vaccinated or not) traveling to Italy?

Why are US citizens not allowed to travel to Italy at this time as you stated below. I copied and pasted from your article…. Can Americans travel to Italy in January 2022? Can US citizens travel to Italy this Winter? Travel to Italy in January is now allowed for US citizens visiting for any reason, including tourism. Read on for details and check back for updates.

Hi Jamie. I think perhaps you have misread “is NOW” as “is not”? I’ll reword it to prevent future confusion. As you’ll find throughout the rest of our post, Italy IS open to Americans under certain protocols. Thanks for visiting.

Hi Michelle, thank you for making this information easy to digest. I’m unclear on the “green pass” and “super green pass”.

– Green pass: proof of vaccination – so our white vaccination cards work – correct? And no proof of booster is required?

– Super Green Pass: unclear here.

Also, is the “health declaration form” and the “dPLF” form the same? If not, are both needed?

I plan to visit Italy starting late Feb – Mar ‘22 and am now wondering if I should push this to June. With it all changing so fast, maybe I’m being overly-cautious?

Kate, I’m glad you’ve found our post helpful. Whether pushing the trip back to June will make much difference is hard to say. I’ve shared a bit about my philosophy on canceling/rescheduling trips here .

Some of the green pass rules are quite new and it is admittedly confusing. Also it may change again by March! Firstly, yes, your white CDC vaccination card will work as your pass, as long as the latest vaccination date qualifies.

There is now a time limit on vaccination for the Green Passes (though not for entry into the country). At the moment, this means that if your last Covid shot was more than 9 months ago, you would need a Covid test within 48 hours before checking into accommodations or taking public transit. Starting February 1st, a booster shot will be needed for persons who have been fully vaccinated for more than 6 months. As I read it, if your last Covid shot is more than 9 months old, then you would not be allowed to do the activities under the Super Green Pass like indoor dining, museums, or spas without a booster. Again, there is not a lot of detail available about how this works practically yet.

Sorry for the confusion about the forms – the self-certification health form I think might be an old term so I’ll update that in our post. The dPLF digital Passenger Locator Form is what is now required before travel.

Hi there and thank you for your lovely blog. I am traveling to Italy in February, and my second vaccine dose would be older than 6 months, and not able to get a third dose before arrival. Does than mean that I won’t have a green pass and need to undergo a pcr to enter some places?

Auba, thank you for your question. We were surprised by this restriction. It’s all quite new so how this works out practically may change, but I read it as you do. To confirm, I also found this: “All arrivals to Italy with vaccinations considered as expired by Italian standards (see line above) are required to do Rapid COVID-19 tests (available in local pharmacies and test centres) to obtain a Green Pass, which will be valid for 48 hours. The test provider will print your test results and will email you a unique code. You will then need to access the Government website (in Italian) and enter your details. Select the option ‘Utente senza tessera sanitaria’ (‘User without a health card’). You will be prompted to enter the type and number of the ID you showed when you got your test, as well as the code on your test certificate. Click ‘Ricupera certificazione’ (‘Get certificate’) to download your digital test result. You will need to continue with this process for the duration of your stay to enable travel within Italy and to access hospitality and leisure venues including bars, restaurants, museums, exhibitions, sporting events, fairs, civil or religious ceremonies and large events.”

Nice post! I recently applied for an Italy Visa but was sceptical about the travel restrictions imposed by Italian authorities. So, I started searching for some answers and that is how I came across your informative article. It talks about all the important details that a first-time Italian traveller like me should know. Do share such informative blogs about other countries and any possible restrictions that they are imposing. It might come in handy for a lot of tourists who want to get out of their homes after a long season of the pandemic.

Thanks for a great info. Did they ask the covid pass in the public transport? I read that in intercity trains require at least but would like to know the reality. And if Unvaccinated customers can enter an establishment to buy food, but they are not allowed to eat indoors, are there many restaurants with outdoor areas that can be used without the passport? Thanks a lot

Thanks for your questions. The green pass is required in Italy for domestic planes, ferries, inter-regional trains and long-distance buses. For public transit within a city like buses and metros, there are capacity controls and masks required but not the green pass. Taxi drivers do not check for the green pass. Yes, many restaurants in Italy have outdoor seating. We’ll do our best to gather more testimonials about what this looks like on the ground to update our post in the future.

Trying very hard to find out exactly what happens and what options are available to you should you happen to test COVID positive before your flight back to USA. Especially now that fully vaccinated folks are testing positive. Please advise as soon as possible. Thank you!!

Hi and thanks for visiting our blog. According to the CDC website , “People should self-isolate and delay their travel if symptoms develop or a pre-departure test result is positive until they have recovered from COVID-19. Airlines must refuse to board anyone who does not present a negative test result for COVID-19 or documentation of recovery.” So options are pretty limited at the moment if you test positive before returning to the U.S., and I haven’t heard whether that will be reevaluated any time soon.

Hi Michelle! I am a US citizen and I planned for an Italian trip Sept 3-15. Today is the first day i see about the quarantine requirement lift being ended on August 30. Does this mean August 30 they may decide to implement the quarantine period again? Do you think I will be able to do my trip or will it depend on how the Italian government reacts to this upcoming month? Thank you!

Kim, thanks for visiting our blog. The requirements may not necessarily be lifted but rather *reevaluated* at the end of August. It’s not possible to predict what the decision will be at this time. I’m sure Italy wants to keep tourism open and has new protocols like the Green Pass in place to do so more safely, but each country has to weigh that against health and hospitalization risks. For vaccinated travelers, being able to travel is more likely this Fall but nothing’s guaranteed as things continue to change quickly with this delta variant. I know the uncertainty is difficult, which I wrote about in our recent post here: https://intentionaltravelers.com/should-i-reschedule-my-trip/

Hi Michelle! Thank you so much for the reply, we knew there would be a risk to canceling the trip and we are very understanding and flexible. I just hope that we know in advance enough to not give our hopes up. We are vaccinated so hopefully if they restrict anything it’s unvaccinated folks. I’ll keep an eye out for updates!

We are having a lay over at Heathrow Airport. My interpretation of the Covid rules say we will have to quarantine in Venice for 5 days. Is there a “safe zone” in Heathrow that will allow us to enter Venice when we arrive. We are both vaccinated and have digital copies of our CDC vaccine card.

Thanks for visiting our blog, David. It is my understanding that a layover in the UK would mean you’d need to quarantine for five days in Italy, even if you’re only transiting through the airport unfortunately. I have seen reports of recent travelers rerouting flights to avoid the UK for this reason. It appears the requirement is to be in place through August 30, so if you travel after that, it’s possible the rule could change but there are no guarantees.

Hi. I am traveling to Italy in 3 weeks. Where can i get a negative covid test for my re entry to the US. Pharmacy?? Thanks.

Ciao Gianna. Please see the section in our post labeled “What Covid testing options are available for travelers returning to the U.S.?” for these details.

Great blog We’re travelling to Northern Italy in September and supposed to go to a outdoor concert in Marostica. Do you know if there is any plans to cancel outdoor gatherings? Thanks

Hello and thanks for visiting our blog. It’s still too early to know what restrictions might be in place in which regions come September, but we will be sure to update this post as the situation changes. If the concert takes place as scheduled, you’ll likely need a “green certificate” to attend.

How as an American travelers do I obtain a Green Pass?

Thanks for your question. We were actually just in process of updating this post with new information! More details may be forthcoming but it appears that Americans will be able to show a hard copy of their vaccination card, official proof of recovery, or a negative test result taken within 48 hours in place of the digital pass. We’ll be sure to update our information here as more details become available.

Is colosseum ticket free on the first Sunday of every month after pandemic?

That is a good question. We have covered the free first Sunday opportunity previously on our blog, however, the colosseum now follows a different schedule. Entrance is free on select dates throughout the year, however, I have not been able to find a list of those dates for 2021. I would expect that might be published in a bit further in the future.

News all say US travelers can present CDC vaccination card to skip testing. Not true? June 30 2021

Hi Jiang. Thank you for visiting our blog. That information is correct. A CDC vaccination card can be used by US travelers to obtain a “Green Pass”. US travelers with a “Green Pass” are no longer required to undergo testing or quarantine in Italy.

Excellent info!

Thank you for visiting the blog. Safe travels.

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Trip in May, 2024 to Cinque Terre/Rapallo - Italy Forum

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Then train to Rapallo for 3 days with possible visits to Portofino /Camogli and any interesting places in the area.

Then back to Rome and two days in the Trastevere area (one of my favorite areas) before returning to the US.

I may extend for another 2/3 days depending on suggestions.

My questions,

(1)should I take the boat trip from La Spezia or Rapallo to view the villages of Cinque Terre from the water

(2) which villages should I spend more time in

(3) I am a fairly fit 83 YO are there recommendations to go to more than one village at a time by walking between them or return by train each time to La Spezia.

Any further thoughts on places to see in or near the areas I am staying will be appreciated.

Also, if I am missing out some sights by not being in these areas long enough or the need to go to another area (not too much further away) please let me know.

I always get the greatest support from these forums, many thanks

3 replies to this topic

I would stay in one of the Cinqye Terre villa ges vs La Spezia . If you extend your trip, add a couple of nights in Florence ; train from FCO direct at 13:53, otherwise you change downtown. Train time to the CT is 3 hours or less. Omitting Florence you have to stay in Rome twice. That would really be expedient if you had an AM departure fight; overnight in Fiumicino, Rome first.

Once you are there, any additional nights would be a bonus.

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On Location: Shot All Over Italy, Netflix's 'Ripley' Takes Us to Capri, Atrani, and More

By Emily Zemler

Ripley , Steve Zaillian’s eight-episode adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s 1955 novel The Talented Mr. Ripley , takes its protagonist on a jet-setting tour of Italy . After the titular con man (Andrew Scott) is hired by a wealthy New York socialite to bring his son Dickie Greenleaf (Johnny Flynn) back from Europe, Tom finds himself immersed in a precarious game of cat and mouse with the Italian police when he takes on Dickie’s identity to access his money. The story takes Tom from Manhattan to Italy, where he spends time in Atrani , Rome , Naples , San Remo, Palermo, and Venice . The series shot in many of the real places, including the real seaside town that takes over for the novel’s fictional setting of Mongibello.

Ripley follows the titular Tom (Andrew Scott) as he assumed the identity of a wealthy friend.

No real train stations were used in the making of the series, with production designer David Gropman building a composite in a hall at the Esposizione Universale Roma.

“The model for the book is Positano,” Ripley production designer David Gropman explains of the popular coastal resort town, which is known for its steep, winding streets and vibrantly colored houses. “Patricia Highsmith used a different name for it, but it’s definitely Positano. The Hotel Miramare is a real hotel in Positano, but we shot it all in Atrani because Steve fell in love with Atrani.”

Due to pandemic delays, Gropman spent nearly two years in Italy between scouting and filming. Ripley was shot largely on location, with some sets built on soundstages. The episodes were filmed entirely in black and white as a reference to the cinema of the time period, and there was an emphasis on showcasing Italy’s impressive architecture. “It’s just all around you,” Gropman notes. “To be able to shoot in these wonderful buildings was an amazing experience.”

In total, Gropman estimates that Ripley was filmed in more than 200 locations in Italy and New York. Here he explains some of the key sets.

Where the beloved 1999 movie adaptation was filmed largely in Ischia, the series built its fictional Mongibello (a stand-in for Positano) out of Atrani, San Remo, and more.

Where did you film in New York City?

It gets harder and harder to do a period piece in New York City, so we scouted everywhere from Harlem to the Lower East Side . We ended up in Chinatown on Madison Street, which is just below the Manhattan Bridge, for Tom’s apartment. We used Mechanics Alley, which Tom walks through after he gets off the subway and feels he’s being followed. The antique store was in the West Village. It’s an empty space. The shipyard [where Dickie’s father works] was at the [Brooklyn] Navy Yard in an old warehouse space.

What locations did you use in Atrani?

The piazza [Piazzetta Umberto]. The exterior of Marge’s house. The beautiful beach. One of my favorite locations is the little post office, which was really a garage with strange proportions that just felt so right to me. I love the fact that it’s sitting in a little tunnel that runs through the town square. We also didn’t think we were going to put the bus stop [where Tom gets off] in Atrani. If you know the Amalfi coast at all, there's one two-lane road that runs through all of it, so being able to control traffic for the few scenes we had was not easy. But you get this fantastic view when Tom’s on the road looking back down into the square.

Positano's Hotel Miramare was used as a model for Ripley's hotel in Mongibello, the interior of which was actually a private home. The exterior was an entrance to a convent.

Where was your version of the real-life Hotel Miramare?

The exterior was an entrance to a convent in Atrani and the interior was a private home we stripped out and made into the hotel. It had that beautiful room on the corner, where Tom stays, and it looks out to the sea and to Dickie’s house.

Was Dickie’s house an actual villa?

It was actually a villa in Capri , Villa Torricella. We looked at a lot of possible villas and palazzi. We had seen something in Ischia, where [ The Talented Mr. Ripley ] film was shot. But Steve had been in Capri for the film festival a number of times and noticed this villa and was so taken with it. There are three different factions of a family that live in the house, so the parts of the villa were broken up. We had to negotiate with all the different families to get permission to use the different parts of the house to put together Dickie’s house.

Lauren Dana Ellman

Arati Menon

Where did you shoot the pivotal scene between Tom and Dickie that takes place in San Remo?

We shot the water scenes and the beach of San Remo in Anzio, although most of the boat sequence was shot in a swimming pool that was on the property of our special effects coordinator.

Water scenes and the beach of San Remo were filmed in Anzio, a fishing port.

When he gets to Rome, Tom checks into the Hotel Excelsior. Did you shoot in the real hotel?

We shot the Hotel Excelsior in three different places and none of them was the Hotel Excelsior . We shot the exterior at the Hassler Roma . We shot the interior at the The Plaza [in New York City.] The scenes with the front desk were in the ballroom where we built the [check-in] counter. And we shot Tom and [Dickie’s rich school friend who becomes Tom’s rival] Freddie’s suites at Palazzo Ruspoli in Rome, which is from the 16th century. There are quite a few hotels on Tom’s journey and none of them was one simple location. His hotel room in Palermo was in Rome, with the exterior in Palermo. In the script the Hotel Bolivar had a different name, but we found a hotel with an amazing flight of stairs up to it with a sign at the top that said Hotel Bolivar, so we used it, although those rooms were shot at a house in Rome.

Caravaggio’s paintings appear throughout the series. Were any of them real?

When Tom is in Palermo he goes to a little chapel, the Oratory of Saint Lawrence and it had a painting by Caravaggio [ Nativity with Saints Lawrence and Francis of Assisi ], which was stolen. It was replaced with a replica, so that’s what you see in the series. The only real Caravaggio we filmed was in Naples.

At the end of the series, Tom goes to live in Venice. How did you find the right palazzo for his house?

A number of years ago, I did a film called Casanova with Heath Ledger and became pretty familiar with all of the palazzi in Venice. I had that particular one, Palazzo Contarini Polignac , earmarked when I read this script, although we looked at a lot.

Many amazing flights of stairs are featured in the series.

Ripley was not originally going to stay at a Hotel Bolivar in the script, which was changed once this sign atop a flight of stairs was found.

Were there any challenging locations to find?

We couldn’t shoot in any actual train stations or on any actual train platforms. We never entertained pursuing Rome Termini [in Rome] because logistically it would have been practically impossible. And although the spectacular architecture is intact, everything from modern customs booths and turnstiles to advertising kiosks would have been a big obstacle. We could use the EUR, the Esposizione Universale Roma, which is this kind of city created by the government in hopes of hosting the 1942 World Fair. We turned their big meeting hall into the station. We used another of their buildings as the bank in Rome where Tom goes. The Naples train station didn’t actually open until 1960, so we had to cheat that in an empty, grand hospital from the late ’30s.

Did you spend time anywhere while in Italy that you would recommend?

Hotel Locarno is my favorite hotel in Rome. We moved into an apartment, but we started out and ended up there. To eat: Restaurant L’Arcangelo , Carter Oblio , Marzapane , and Nevi di Latte Gelateria . To see: Museo Nazionale Romano , Musei Capitolini , and Papal Basilica Saint Mary Major .

Ripley is now streaming on Netflix.

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Rome’s Future Is a Walk Through Its Past

City officials kicked off a new project to create a monumental, pedestrian-friendly, archaeological area downtown, but some critics worry the plans puts tourists before residents.

By Elisabetta Povoledo

Conscious of the weight of its illustrious history, Rome has managed to preserve an impressive number of archaeological monuments in its city center. The Colosseum, the Circus Maximus and the Roman Forum and Imperial Fora are just a few of the sites clustered in the city’s heart.

As Rome, which will celebrate its 2,777th birthday on April 21, moves toward its fourth millennium, city leaders are promoting a new vision of this area as a giant, pedestrian-friendly public space that supporters say will promote Rome’s ancient past.

“Italy is working to make the most of what is arguably the most important concentration of history, archaeology, art and nature in the world,” Rome’s mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, said on Tuesday at a news conference announcing that Labics, a Rome-based architectural and urban planning practice, had won a competition to revamp the area.

Normally, the area is also crawling with tourists and those who cater to them, including tour guides, street vendors and street artists. Some streets in the area are already closed to traffic besides buses and cabs, but others are busy thoroughfares that link various neighborhoods with the downtown or with the road that winds alongside the Tiber River.

Some critics say the plan could turn the center of Rome into an open-air Disneyland.

When the project was first announced last year, Mario Ajello, a journalist, wrote in Il Messaggero , a daily newspaper in Rome, that it was tailored to those who visited Rome for a few hours or days, not those who lived and worked there, and that it would transform the downtown into “an amusement park for tourists.” City hall had not sufficiently considered that removing traffic from that area of the city center would only shift congestion to adjacent neighborhoods, he added.

Another critic of the project, the Italian historian Giordano Bruno Guerri, told the newspaper that city hall leaders should instead tackle some of the problems plaguing tourist sites, like illegal tour guides, street vendors hawking overpriced water bottles or ersatz gladiators demanding money for selfies.

The project will link Rome’s Imperial Fora to other archaeological sites by what city officials have described as an extensive “archaeological walk.” The area will branch out from the Colosseum to include the Palatine Hill, the Circus Maximus and the Capitoline Hill, with roads in between. (A later phase will expand the area to the Baths of Caracalla and the beginning of the Appian Way.)

When finished, it will be the largest urban archaeological area in the world, officials say. Nearly 19 million euros, or $20.5 million, have been earmarked for this first phase of the project.

People visiting the area will see more pedestrian areas, new public spaces and walking paths. Bike paths will be installed and trees and gardens will be planted. Public transportation will be rearranged. Terraces will be built so that some parts of the archaeological areas can be seen from above, giving a “better sense of the stratification of Rome,” Mr. Gualtieri said.

The idea of creating a monumental archaeological area downtown dates back to the end of the 19th century, soon after Rome became capital of Italy, but it never materialized. And many Romans were up in arms a decade ago when Ignazio Marino, then the mayor, decided to limit traffic on the Via dei Fori Imperiali, the broad avenue that joins the Colosseum to the central Piazza Venezia, to public transportation. However, the chaos that many feared would result never really occurred.

Under the current plant, the Via dei Fori Imperiali will permanently close to traffic in about a decade, keeping pace with the construction of a new subway line that crosses downtown Rome and the opening of a station in Piazza Venezia expected in 2033.

Gennaro Sangiuliano, Italy’s culture minister, said Tuesday that the Via dei Fori Imperiali, which was built a century ago, during Mussolini’s time, would be preserved as a monumental thoroughfare.

City officials said Tuesday that once the project goes through the necessary administrative hoops, work on the archaeological walk could begin by September.

“We can’t wait to start the next phase,” the mayor said.

Francesco Isidori, one of the principals of Labics , the architectural and urban planning firm that won the contest to lead the project, said the plan is to make the archaeological area more understandable to people the world over. And the hope is that it will draw suburban Romans downtown to better appreciate what attracts millions of tourists to the Eternal City each year.

“We have tried to create a welcoming place where Romans can stroll, sit and linger in the shade, and meet with others,” Mr. Isidori said of the plans. “We wanted to give the heart of Rome back to Roman citizens and to the broader community.”

An earlier version of this article referred incorrectly to Rome’s age. It is approaching its fourth millennium, not its third.

How we handle corrections

Elisabetta Povoledo is a reporter based in Rome, covering Italy, the Vatican and the culture of the region. She has been a journalist for 35 years. More about Elisabetta Povoledo

When in Rome: 15 things you must do in the capital of Italy

Posted: January 2, 2024 | Last updated: January 2, 2024

At this point, is there anything we can say about Rome that hasn't already been said? The famous city has been drawing in tourists, romantics, and artists for centuries, and has been the star of more movies than Marcello Mastroianni himself. It's a film come to life, an endless stream of ancient ruins, piazzas, and restaurants that never seems to lose its charm. Looking for a list of the best things to do here? Look no further. 

You likely already know, have seen, or heard about the Colosseum. It is the largest amphitheater ever built, and, if you have the chance to explore inside, one of the most impressive things you can see in Rome. The arena that once housed gladiator battles and executions is now a maze of tunnels, columns, and dust. The best views can be found on the 5th level, which offers panoramic views of the theater. 

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Let's be clear: Rome's Pantheon is not just another temple. It is the city's most important landmark, built in 125 AD and boasting some of the most epic pillars on earth. These things make the White House look small, and no trip is complete without a picture of its facade. 

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The Spanish Steps

Walking is the perfect way to burn off pasta, so the Spanish Steps make for a perfect afternoon activity. The staircase connecting Piazza di Spagna to the Spanish Embassy is filled with magical sights, from kids splashing in the fountain to emeralds glowing in the embassy. 

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The Vatican

The Vatican is home to one of the largest and most important art collections in the world and is set across 54 galleries, courtyards, and hallways. You'll find countless works of art by artists like Raphael and Michelangelo, whose Sistine Chapel remains the GOAT of frescos. You get goosebumps just looking at Jesus reach out to Adam--the entire history of man at their fingertips. 

Felice a Testaccio

Did we mention Rome might have invented cacio e pepe? Whether the stories are true or not, the city's restaurants all serve their own version of this signature dish. The best place to order one of these plates is at Felice a Testaccio, which prepares the pasta in front of you and has graciously located itself outside of town. You're going to need a long walk after this one. 

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Rome is full of quaint neighborhoods but, with all the sightseers, not many will offer you a proper taste of bohemian life. For that, cross the river to Trastevere: home to street markets, local bars, restaurants, and apartments, and more alleys than all the canals in Venice. Get lost in the maze of streets that make up this section of town--then, after you spend a couple of hours walking, stop in for drinks at one of the many outdoor bars. 

Rome Opera House

Since its founding by Domenico Costanzi in the late 19th century, the Rome Opera House has remained one of the finest opera houses in Europe. We recommend you stop by for an opera or if you find that too snooty, check out one of the many fashion shows put on by brands like Dior. Is that too snooty for you? Take a tour instead, which will give you access to the neo-classical design. 

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Piazza Novana

You can't visit Rome and not spend at least a couple of hours in a piazza. The best place to do so is Piazza Navona, an area surrounded by restaurants, fountains, and ancient statues. Here, you can grab a bite or an Aperol spritz, and take a second to relax while the rest of the world goes by. 

Forum Hotel Bar

Grab a drink at the same place actors like Julia Roberts and Richard Gere frequent, on the rooftop of one of Rome's most prestigious hotels. Located just above the Roman Forum--the ruins next to the Colosseum--this spot is perfect for those looking to take a second to unwind. Many only come here for an Instagram photo, but the best thing you can do here is to spend a couple of hours in the company of silence. 

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Baths of Caracalla

This oasis was once a public bathing complex in the third century. Now, it's open year-round for visitors to wander its many ruins, fields, and arches. Each summer, the Roman opera performs at the baths to sold-out crowds. Those lucky enough to get tickets are treated to a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

Tiber River

Does anyone here like sunsets? Thought so. If you're in Italy, you'll probably want to see a sunset at some point, which means you should probably head down to the Tiber river at golden hour. There's a great view from the river itself, though we recommend you stand on the bridge to watch the eternal city swirl into an eternal haze. 

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Dormus Aurea

Emperor Nero's pad was once considered the Playboy Mansion of Rome. Built between 64-68 AD, the underground mansion was home to some of the wildest parties in town before it was abandoned completely. The site is under restoration, but visitors can join guided tours on Saturdays and Sundays to see what made this place so unique. 

Trevi Fountain

Often referred to as "The Three Street Fountain," the Trevi Fountain is an excellent example of the city's regional art. Located at the intersection of three streets, this fountain draws in visitors from all sides of Rome. Its statues are a lineup of masterpieces from Nicola Salvi, but the real reason everyone is here is because of Federico Fellini, who shot the famous scene of Marcello Mastroianni and Anita Ekberg lapping in the pool at midnight. 

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Stadio Olimpico

Move over, American football. The crowds of 70,000 that cram into Stadio Olimpico make the Superbowl sound like a high school game. Even people who find soccer boring can't help but be blown away by the noise. 

St. Peter's Basilica

St Peter's Basilica is a church built by some of Rome's greatest architects. It is the most renowned piece of Renaissance construction, with contributions from Michelangelo, Maderno, and Bramante, and houses one of Rome's most dramatic squares. On the way to the top, you'll get a birds-eye view of both the square and the Vatican chapels. 

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• Where to Go in 2024 Overview: Where to Go in 2024

The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2024

• An Insider's Guide to Paris — Luxury Hotels, Vintage Shops, and the City's Best Restaurants Included
• This Southern U.S. City Was Named One of the Best Places to Travel in 2024
• 5 Coastal Towns in Alaska That Are Adorable in Any Weather
• T+L's Review of Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Grandeur
• This Exclusive Helicopter Dining Experience Is the Best Way to See the 'Grand Canyon of Mallorca’
• Where to Go in 2024 The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2024 An Insider's Guide to Paris — Luxury Hotels, Vintage Shops, and the City's Best Restaurants Included This Southern U.S. City Was Named One of the Best Places to Travel in 2024 5 Coastal Towns in Alaska That Are Adorable in Any Weather T+L's Review of Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Grandeur This Exclusive Helicopter Dining Experience Is the Best Way to See the 'Grand Canyon of Mallorca’ CLOSE Part of Where to Go in 2024

Where to go in 2024, according to Travel + Leisure editors — for cultural immersion and major travel bragging rights.

Since 1971, Travel + Leisure editors have followed one mission: to inform, inspire, and guide travelers to have deeper, more meaningful experiences. T+L's editors have traveled to countries all over the world, having flown, sailed, road tripped, and taken the train countless miles. They've visited small towns and big cities, hidden gems and popular destinations, beaches and mountains, and everything in between. With a breadth of knowledge about destinations around the globe, air travel, cruises, hotels, food and drinks, outdoor adventure, and more, they are able to take their real-world experience and provide readers with tried-and-tested trip ideas, in-depth intel, and inspiration at every point of a journey.

Well, you knew it was coming. This year, more than 20 Travel + Leisure staffers weighed in to create this hand-picked list of the places that thoughtful, curious travelers should consider in 2024.

These are the destinations that have captured our imaginations, the spots where T+L editors want to spend their own time in the year ahead. Among the picks are Canada's Métis Crossing, which headlined our October 2023 issue ; Istanbul, for which our editor in chief makes a compelling case ; and Paris, because there's a little thing called Les Jeux Olympiques coming up.

Other, lesser-known places are on the rise. Consider the small towns of Sonoma County, where new businesses are doing big things ; a remote corner of Australia, where expedition ships are the way in; a Himalayan hideaway where visitors are left breathless and not just because of the altitude.

We hope this list inspires you to see the world in a new way in the coming year. We'll see you out there.

— Edited by Paul Brady and Maya Kachroo-Levine  

Travel + Leisure

Destination by Category

For cultural immersion, ålborg, denmark.

Alexander Farnsworth/Getty Images

It rates as Denmark’s fourth-largest city, with around 120,000 residents, but out-of-the-way Ålborg might seem an unlikely international-travel hub. That's not stopping Scandinavian Airlines, which is betting on the compact, alluring city with newly launched flights from Newark Liberty International, which will run three times a week from April through October. The cobbled streets of Ålborg’s old town are lined with half-timbered houses and pastel exteriors; the attractively refurbished waterfront — where you’ll find the newly renovated Pier 5 Hotel — is another walkable district. The city’s rich cultural scene includes a modern art museum , an architecture center, and, a short drive away, Regan Vest , a Cold War museum that opened in a former bunker in February 2023. Indeed, Ålborg is a gateway to the wider region of North Jutland, with its dramatic coastline around the town of Skagen, long a draw to Danish artists; windswept dunes of Thy National Park ; and 2,000-year-old Viking ring fortresses which have, at long last, been collectively designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site . — Peter Terzian

Cartagena, Colombia

Sofia Jaramillo

A perennially hot destination, Colombia is coming into its own as a luxury escape these days, thanks to a ton of excitement in and around Cartagena, on the country’s Caribbean coast. In 2023, the city welcomed Casa Pestagua , a 16-room boutique hotel within a restored 17th-century building, in the historic center. Now, the same owners are working to open bungalows on Isla Barú, a popular day-trip spot, before the end of 2023. Sustainability minded travelers can find their fit at Blue Apple Beach , an eco-hotel on Tierra Bomba Island, just off the coast, that’s B Corp certified and generates half its power from solar, as T+L recently reported . In 2024, Disney's “Encanto”-themed tour of Colombia will debut, shining more light on Cartagena, one of the many stops on the itinerary. And there’s even more growth in the pipeline: Delta Air Lines is adding new nonstop flights to Cartagena from Atlanta in December 2023, a Four Seasons hotel is on the horizon, and the nation is investing in an airport expansion that will serve an ever-increasing number of visitors. — Susmita Baral

Eastern & Oriental Express, a Belmond Train

Courtesy of Belmond

After a four-year pause, this luxury train that crisscrosses Southeast Asia will ride again in February. Several new itineraries will be available on the revamped Express, which has 15 cherry wood–clad cabins and vibrant Malay-inspired decor. The Essence of Malaysia journey, for example, takes travelers from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, with side trips to Langkawi, for snorkeling in Pulau Payar Marine Park, and Penang, among the greatest food cities on the planet. Alternatively, a Wild Malaysia option includes a stop at Taman Negara National Park, where visitors might spot a Sumatran rhino or tiger. “These ‘slow travel’ journeys give our guests the opportunity to rest their mind, rekindle, and reconnect,” said Dan Ruff, the CEO of Belmond. Much like a storied ocean liner, the majestic Eastern & Oriental Express is a destination unto itself, with a sultry piano bar car; an open-air lounge with wicker furniture where passengers can watch the Malaysian jungle rush by; and two restaurant carriages serving Peranakan food. You may not have had "eating laksa on a luxury train" on your 2024 bingo card, but you really should. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

Christian Kain

For one month between June and July, soccer — or should we say fußball — will take over Germany, as the nation hosts the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship. Held every four years, the tournament for men’s national teams will take place in 10 cities across Germany, including Berlin, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Munich. “This will be an incredible, not-to-be-missed moment,” said Sofia Markovich , a travel advisor on T+L's A-List who specializes in Austria and Germany. “I expect interest to go through the roof as this is a major sports event — second only to the World Cup.” Even casual fans should find the atmosphere thrilling, Markovich said, particularly those who happen to pass through game-day destinations while cruising the country’s rivers . One host city deserves a particular spotlight thanks to the new Rosewood Munich , which opened in October. Set across two buildings (one, formerly the headquarters of the State Bank of Bavaria, the other, a Baroque residence), the 132-key property is steps from the charms of Old Town, including the leafy Maximiliansplatz, and walkable to one of Europe’s most surprising surf spots: the rapids of the Isar River . — Liz Cantrell

Métis Crossing, Alberta

Amber Bracken

“This is not a place where you look at old things behind glass,” said Juanita Marois, the CEO of Métis Crossing, one of Canada’s most compelling Indigenous tourism projects. “This is an immersive destination where you experience the culture and the warmth of the Métis people through our land, water, skies, buildings, food, and programs.” The 688-acre retreat, which writer Carleigh Baker detailed in T+L’s October 2023 issue , is today home to a 40-room lodge, a cultural center, and campgrounds. Depending on the season, visitors can learn about traditional crafts, enjoy festivals held on-site, or head out for bird-watching, canoeing, or snowshoeing. A new addition to Métis Crossing is a collection of eight Sky Watching Domes , luxe stand-alone suites with panoramic skylight windows. From the Domes, Marois explained, “guests can listen to Indigenous stories of the night skies, see the stars, and view the aurora borealis." — Jalyn Robinson

Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, Georgia

Getty Images

It’s not every day the U.S. gets a new national park, but 2024 could see this central Georgia destination enter the fold. Presently managed as a national historical park, Ocmulgee is home to large earthen mounds, including temple complexes, created by numerous Native American peoples over thousands of years. Should Congress approve the new designation in 2024, Ocmulgee will become the first national park in the state and the first in the U.S. to be co-managed by a nation whose ancestors were removed from the area: the Muscogee (Creek) were forcibly relocated from central Georgia as a result of the Indian Removal Act of 1830. “We now have an opportunity to come back and not feel like we are visiting, but to feel like we are coming home,” said Tracie Revis, a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and the director of advocacy for the Ocmulgee National Park & Preserve Initiative, a community group. The gateway to the park is the city of Macon, where the Muscogee (Creek) Nation flag flies alongside the Stars and Stripes, and the street signs are being replaced with ones written in both Muscogee and English. A particularly opportune time to visit will be in September, for the town’s annual Indigenous film festival . — Liz Cantrell  

Rajasthan, India

Aparna Jayakumar

India’s northwestern state of Rajasthan, with its wealth of iconic hotels and cultural attractions, is one of the best-known among U.S. travelers. It also promises new delights in the coming year, with several new addresses in Jaipur worth planning a trip around. There's Villa Palladio , a delightful nine-room hotel on the outskirts of town created by the Swiss-Dutch team behind Bar Palladio , an Instagram favorite in the city center. The Johri is a beautifully designed five-room property with a chic cocktail bar and organic vegetarian restaurant on the ground level, tucked away in a heritage townhouse in Jaipur's Old Town. Meanwhile, the Anantara hospitality group is set to launch its first-ever property in India next year. The 150-room, new-build Anantara Jaipur Hotel is designed with India's ballooning market for destination weddings in mind: it will have event facilities that can accommodate as many as 2,500 guests. In the meantime, the city and wider region are becoming more accessible than ever, thanks to a new six-lane expressway that connects Jaipur to New Delhi, a major hub for international flights. — Flora Stubbs

Shinta Mani Mustang, Nepal

Courtesy of Shinta Mani Mustang

A once-forbidden kingdom is now home to some truly palatial digs. Nepal’s Mustang district, which opened to outsiders in 1992 , is a place to watch in 2024 thanks to this stunning, 29-suite hotel, which welcomed its first guests in August. Shinta Mani Mustang, the latest property from the Bensley Collection, delivers the luxurious wellness experiences and thoughtful design that devotees of the brand have come to expect. Guests can spend their days trekking the surrounding Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, searching for rare wildlife like the Pallas’s cat and Tibetan wolf, horseback riding, and visiting local villages. “What caught my attention was that the outstanding aesthetics and architecture are in sync with sustainable and responsible tourism,” said Carole Cambata, an advisor on T+L's A-List and expert in Himalayan travel. “They sourced local building materials and used Indigenous construction methods.” The noteworthy opening comes at a time of positive change: in April, the Nepal Mountaineering Academy and the Nepal Tourism Board partnered on a program to educate the country’s first-ever class of LGBTQ+ trekking guides, CNN reported , in an effort to make Nepal’s hiking and climbing industries more inclusive. “Nepal is one of Asia’s most progressive countries for LGBTQ+ people due to laws that forbid gender identity discrimination,” said John Clifford , another A-List advisor. “Visitors to the country can even select ‘other’ as an option for gender identification on their visas.” — Samantha Falewée

Tallinn, Estonia

Nina Ruggiero/Travel + Leisure

This country’s literacy and secondary education rates consistently rank near the top in Europe, especially among women, so it should come as no surprise that Tartu, the university city to the southeast of Tallinn, has been designated Europe’s Capital of Culture for 2024 . Still, for first-timers to the Baltics, there’s no better place to get schooled than the country’s capital city, Tallinn: its walled Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved examples of Medieval architecture in the world. PoCo Art Museum , which opened in May with pop art by Andy Warhol, Banksy, David Hockney, and Jeff Koons, is now one of nearly 50 art institutions in the city, joining Fotografiska (world-renowned photography), Kumu Art Museum (contemporary Estonian art), and Kadriorg Art Museum (early European and Russian art). After soaking in the culture, head for the Noblessner district , an industrial shipyard area turned seafront hot spot that’s now bursting with stylish cafes, shops, and Estonia’s first restaurant with two Michelin stars, 180° by Matthias Diethe . (You might also try a “ smoke sauna ” at Scandi-chic Iglupark .) As for where to stay, the new Nunne Boutique Hotel has views over Old Town’s Towers Square . —  Nina Ruggiero

Warsaw, Poland

Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure

The thriving contemporary art scene in Warsaw, which is home to art-circuit stalwarts like the Foksal Gallery Foundation and Raster Gallery , will get a big boost in 2024, when the Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw finally moves into its own headquarters. Founded in 2005, the museum has burnished the city’s art reputation for two decades, with its holdings of both foreign and Polish work, despite operating out of temporary spaces. The new HQ will be part of a 22-acre arts district centered on the existing Palace of Culture and Science, a Stalinist skyscraper that towers over the city. The museum, along with a new 800-seat TR Warszaw Theater nearby, was designed by Thomas Phifer and Partners , the architecture firm behind other notable institutions, including the Glenstone Museum in Maryland and portions of New York’s Corning Museum of Glass . — Denny Lee

For the Food and Drinks

The austrian countryside.

Journey south of Vienna and you’ll find two of the regions that give the countryside of Austria its fairy-tale quality. Styria has rolling hills and hiking trails, with the medieval city of Graz at its heart. Mellow, rural Burgenland is home to Lake Neusiedl, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Both regions have a long, rich history of winemaking, and in recent years, have become the site of a burgeoning natural wine scene. Cult producers such as Winery Maria and Sepp Muster and Alice & Roland Tauss should be at the top of any visitor’s list, as should Burgenland’s beloved vintners Gut Oggau and Meinklang . Then, round out a visit to the country with a stay at Rosewood Schloss Fuschl , a meticulously restored 15th-century castle opening on the shores of a small lake near Salzburg in spring 2024. — Peter Terzian

Mérida, Mexico

Itzel Garrido/Travel + Leisure

The capital of Yucatán, this city has long been popular with Mexican travelers drawn to its Maya ruins, cerulean-blue cenotes, restored haciendas, and incredible food . But it has a growing acclaim among international visitors — especially LGBTQ+ travelers, who often describe Yucatán as very gay friendly . Mérida’s historic beauty and laid-back cantina culture might explain why LGBTQ+ retirees have embraced the city in recent years, buying homes and bringing their friends along. Those not ready to make a full-on move will find lots of designer hotels carved out of stately mansions, not to mention wonderful shopping and plenty of food tours, both in the city and in the surrounding countryside, which is punctuated by haciendas, many of which host pop-up events or even overnight guests. Plans for a sprawling new “ Yucatán Central Park ,” with a food market and amphitheater, remain hazy, as does an exact timeline for the arrival of the ballyhooed Maya Train , which is nearing completion and should make it easier to hop between Mérida and popular seaside spots such as Cancún and Tulum. — Denny Lee

Sonoma County, California

Gentl & Hyers

More than double the size of Napa, Sonoma might offer twice as much to do. It’s not just about the wine — though with the addition of a new American Viticultural Area (AVA) called West Sonoma Coast last year, Sonoma County now has 19 AVAs slinging chardonnay, pinot noir, and zinfandel at established wineries, such as Flowers and Scribe , and new ones, including Vérité Wines . There’s also a long coastline to explore, from Bodega Bay up to Sea Ranch, where the dreamy, cliff-top Sea Ranch Lodge is newly renovated . Inland, the opening of Dawn Ranch shines a spotlight on Guerneville , a crunchy town along the Russian River known for its LGBTQ+ scene and proximity to the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. Tear yourself from the 22-acre haven, with tree house–like cabins, creekside glamping tents, and alfresco redwood tubs at the idyllic spa, to bike into town where the reimagined Piknik Market serves one of Oprah’s favorite biscuits . The changes coming to Sonoma County in 2024 are largely shaped by the area’s most famous chefs: in Healdsburg, California, Noma alum Stu Stalker debuted the plant-based restaurant Second Story, above Little Saint and down the street from Michelin three-starred SingleThread and chef Dustin Valette’s The Matheson . Restaurant powerhouse Charlie Palmer plans to launch his hotel brand, Appellation , in Healdsburg by the end of next year. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

For Big-city Thrills

Tessa Desjardins/Travel + Leisure

“It’s a classic Asian megacity: frenetic, neon-lit, and overwhelming to the senses,” said Jack Tydeman , a Southeast Asia specialist at Audley Travel and member of T+L's A-List. But change is coming to Bangkok, in the form of many megaprojects, including Dusit Central Park, which is slated to open in 2024, with the 259-room Dusit Thani Bangkok Hotel and a multi-terraced roof park. Also coming soon will be King Rama IX Memorial Park, a park that honors the sustainability initiatives of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Meanwhile, Lumpini Park , Bangkok’s original public green space, is getting a massive refresh next year that will add a new food hall, a vegetable farm, and a sports club ahead of its centennial. Even while sprinting to finish these new developments, Bangkok is finding time to slow down and prioritize wellness. Luxury travel network Virtuoso recently named Thailand as just one of five “emerging self-care destinations” worldwide, noting that “travelers are seeking a more spiritual journey, turning to Thailand for more than the traditional Thai massage.” The forthcoming Aman Nai Lert Bangkok , slated for 2024, is sure to deliver, with 52 spacious suites overlooking Nai Lert Park and a multifloor wellness sanctuary. — Susmita Baral

Courtesy of Cleveland Museum of Natural History

The year ahead has the Land set to shine, thanks to national and international events, world-class cultural expansions, and the rebirth of historic hotels. It all starts in April, when the NCAA Women’s Final Four comes to the state-of-the-art Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse and a total solar eclipse sweeps over the city on April 8, 2024. Cleveland will see even more action when the Pan-American Masters Games crisscross the city July 12-21. And in November, The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, which was held in Brooklyn in 2023, will return home. Meanwhile, many institutions are in the midst of revitalization. The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is nearing completion of its multiyear $150-million expansion, with updated exhibits and new public spaces in University Circle. Karamu House , the nation’s oldest Black producing theater, will debut a new restaurant, outdoor stage, and an additional venue in the Fairfax neighborhood. The city’s oldest hotel will reopen in 2024 after extensive renovations as a Marriott Autograph Collection called Hotel Cleveland. Also coming is the Fidelity Hotel, a new boutique property with a speakeasy that's slated to launch in a landmark building downtown. There’s development along the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie, too, where paved hiking and biking trails are livening up a waterfront that has, for many decades, been underutilized. — Jennifer Salerno Yong

Fort Worth, Texas

Mariah Tyler

Offering classic Western experiences like bull riding, cattle drives, and stock shows, Fort Worth, Texas, is booming, bringing in $3 billion in tourism revenue last year alone. With all of the renewed interest in the city, luxury hotels are flocking to Cowtown’s Cultural District. The Crescent Hotel, Fort Worth opened in November, home to the first-ever wellness club by Canyon Ranch and a Mediterranean restaurant by Food Network chef Preston Paine. Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection , is slated to open its doors December 2023, with a tree-lined pool terrace, chic spa, and upscale chophouse called Bricks and Horses. Walking distance from both hotels is The National Cowgirl Museum , which will run a 2024 exhibit honoring the Mexican female horseback riding tradition of escaramuza charra . Looking ahead, the National Juneteenth Museum is scheduled to open in the city’s Historic Southside neighborhood in 2025. — Mariah Tyler

Turkey’s style capital is seeing a resurgence of life along the Bosphorus, thanks in part to the Galataport, the world’s first underground cruise ship terminal with a pedestrian promenade and the Renzo Piano–designed Istanbul Museum of Modern Art just above. Another neighborhood anchor is the 177-room Peninsula Hotel , spread out over four buildings, three of which date to the early 1900s. Highlights include a glittering pool facing the Hagia Sophia; a sprawling, subterranean spa; and Gallada, a rooftop restaurant from whiz kid chef Fatih Tutak, whose eponymous restaurant is Turkey’s first to earn two Michelin stars. The hotel staff wears posh uniforms courtesy of Arzu Kaprol, a designer who has a boutique in the nearby Paket Postanesi, a historic post office turned chic shopping mall. Also on the waterfront, in Beşiktaş, the lavish Çırağan Palace Kempinski has been reimagined by local interior designer Serdar Gülgün, with rooms that lean into Ottoman-era grandeur (think tulip-pattern motifs and mother-of-pearl furniture). Finally, don’t miss The Basilica Cistern, open again after a five-year closure, and now hosting contemporary art exhibits amid the ancient columns. — Jacqui Gifford

Kansas City, Missouri

Jonathan Tasler/Courtesy of Visit KC

World famous for barbecue and jazz, KC is now staking a claim as a global leader in sports and entertainment — and not just because of Taylor and Travis . In March, the Kansas City Current, of the National Women's Soccer League, will open the first-ever purpose-built stadium for women’s pro sports. “It will be a destination for sports lovers and will inspire generations of girls to follow their dreams,” said Katie Mabry van Dieren, CEO and curator of The Strawberry Swing , a brand that organizes events and pop-ups in the city, as well as Shop Local KC , a string of boutiques. The stadium’s construction has spurred other developments around the city, including the forthcoming Origen Hotel KC , a 118-room boutique property; the massive Berkley Beer Garden; and an extension of the free KC Streetcar that will serve the Berkley Riverfront area. Also coming soon is the country’s first entertainment district of its kind, the Rock Island Bridge , a reclaimed rail crossing over the Kansas River. “Visitors will be able to enjoy two levels of entertainment with food from two restaurants and three bars, plus a covered event space with a dance floor and open veranda seating overlooking the river and city,” a source told T+L of the High Line–inspired project that will connect Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas City, Kansas. — Jalyn Robinson

Raf Willems/Getty Images

Just when you think Sin City can’t get any bigger, louder, or glitzier, Las Vegas turns it up another notch. On the heels of blockbuster residencies from Adele , Katy Perry, and Lady Gaga, U2 kicked off their inaugural stint at the long-anticipated Sphere this fall. Filmmaker Darren Aronofsky’s immersive sci-fi production “Postcard from Earth” will also show off the new arena’s 16K LED display, beginning this fall and continuing through 2024. Formula 1 and Netflix’s Formula 1: Drive to Survive captured a growing American audience for the international racing circuit, and the Las Vegas Grand Prix will hit The Strip Nov. 16-18, 2023, and again Nov. 21-23, 2024. It won’t be the only megaevent on the sports calendar: Las Vegas will host Super Bowl LVIII on Feb. 11, 2024, at Allegiant Stadium, marking the first time the game will take place in Nevada. Still not enough? The 67-story Fontainebleau Las Vegas will open in December with 3,700 rooms and a ton of buzzy restaurants, including a Casa Dragones Tasting Room and a Chinese noodle den from the restaurateur behind Wagamama and Hakkasan. — Elizabeth Rhodes

Louisville, Kentucky

Nick Simonite/Courtesy of Hotel Genevieve

The Kentucky Derby will celebrate its 150th anniversary on May 4, 2024, as well as the debut of the redesigned Churchill Downs Paddock, which is coming off a multiyear, $200-million renovation. Those that can’t make race day can brush up on the event’s history and culture year-round at the Kentucky Derby Museum , which has interactive exhibits on subjects like Black horsemen’s contributions to racing . Continue on theme at Derby City Hotel, a Canopy by Hilton property, which will open in downtown Louisville this summer with 168 rooms plus a rooftop pool and bar, or opt for another new property, such as The Myriad Hotel, Common Bond Hotel Collection , or the trendy Hotel Genevieve by Bunkhouse Group. Also coming in 2024 is “Ali,” a musical about the Louisville icon, which opens at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts in the fall. There’s news on the spirits scene, too, including the launch of Bourbon and Belonging – Kentucky’s Queer Bourbon Week, a statewide celebration running Oct. 3-6, 2024, that will have events in Louisville and beyond. — Elizabeth Rhodes

Alessandra Amodio/Travel + Leisure

As close as you can get to Europe without the transatlantic flight, this island city of nearly 2 million is newly relevant in the year ahead, thanks to forward-thinking infrastructure that’s made it one of the greenest and most visitor-friendly spots in North America. The Réseau Express Métropolitain, or REM, is a new automated light rail system that Canada’s Globe and Mail calls “ Montreal’s biggest public transit project in more than half a century ,” with a growing number of stations coming online in the years ahead. (All of them are or will be “ universally accessible .”) The Grand Quay, the city-center pier that many cruise ships use, has a new attraction in the form of the Port of Montreal Tower , a blocky observation spire that echoes the look of the famed Habitat 67 nearby. Meanwhile, the city’s bike-sharing program, Bixi, which launched back in 2009, is still going strong and now offers an all-you-can-bike monthly pass for just $14 that makes using the system a no brainer; the city’s 560 miles of bike lanes help, too. The recently renovated Vogue Hotel Montreal Downtown, Curio Collection by Hilton , and the new-in-2023 Honeyrose Hotel, Montreal, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel , join the four-year-old Four Seasons in adding a touch of luxury that had, perhaps, been missing in the heart of the city. That said, Montreal has more than 24,000 hotel rooms — and plenty of Airbnbs — across the metro area, which will make it an ideal last-minute destination for eclipse watchers who want to be in the path of totality on April 8. — Paul Brady

When Paris hosts 329 distinct sporting events next summer, the whole city will be on display: the first-ever Olympic Games breakdancing competition will be at Place de la Concorde; beach volleyball courts will skirt the Eiffel Tower; and the opening ceremony’s Parade of Nations will sail down the Seine River. The host city of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games (July 26-August 11) and Paralympic Games (August 28-September 8) will welcome visitors with a flurry of new hotels and restaurants. Chateau des Fleurs is an extravagant new stay in the eighth arrondissement with 19th-century style and an haute Korean restaurant. Celebrated hotel designer Martin Brudnizki just unveiled two projects : the 50-room Grand Mazarin , in the Marais, and La Fantaisie in the ninth. And the hoteliers behind the Hôtel Dame Des Arts , which appeared on T+L’s 2023 It List , unveiled their train-themed Hôtel des Grand Voyageurs in Saint-Germain-des-Prés in October. The legacy establishments have new life, too: Hotel Plaza Athénée , named the best hotel in Paris by T+L readers, has a French restaurant, Jean Imbert au Plaza Athénée, which recently scored two Michelin stars, to say nothing of the property’s brand-new Dior Spa. And the sumptuous La Tour d’Argent restaurant just got a sensational facelift. Meanwhile, “numerous museums and institutions will host sports-related exhibitions, films, performances, workshops, and kids’ programming throughout the summer,” writer Lindsey Tramuta reported in T+L’s November 2023 issue. For those in need of a sports break, La Galerie Dior and Fragonard Musée du Parfum are two new additions to the scene worth checking out. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

For Moments on the Water

Coastal alaska.

Cruising is back in a big way, and Alaska's Inside Passage is leading the charge. In 2023, the state saw ships including Regent’s Seven Seas Explorer and Carnival’s Luminosa for the first time, while Royal Caribbean recently sent Brilliance of the Seas north for the first time in years. The new Klawock port, on Prince of Wales Island, is poised to welcome large ships in the 2024 season with food and retail outposts, exhibits detailing Indigenous culture and history, and nature trails. Skagway, a well-known port that’s home to Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park and the scenic White Pass and Yukon Route Railway, is getting a 550-foot floating pier, which will allow the port to host two megaships simultaneously beginning in the 2024 season. Lately, that season has been getting longer: most companies run trips May to September, but Norwegian Cruise Line had October sailings in 2023, which gave passengers a look at Alaskan life during a quieter season. Considering Alaska is projected to notch 1.65 million cruise travelers on around 700 voyages this year, opting for a shoulder season trip in 2024 might not be a bad idea. —  Nina Ruggiero

Coastal Norway

Sebastian Lamberg Torjusen/Courtesy of Salmon Eye

Long known for its cutting-edge design and architectural marvels like the Oslo Opera House, Norway has lately doubled down on building big. “Over the last few years, we’ve seen a surge in new attractions,” confirmed Katrine Mosfjeld, the chief marketing officer for Visit Norway. In seaside Oslo, the new luxury hotel Sommero is a study in adaptive reuse, inside a landmark building from 1930 originally designed by famed Norwegian architects Andreas Bjercke and Georg Eliassen. Four hours southwest, in Kristiansand, the Kunstsilo , or Art Silo, is another repurposed wonder: the one-time industrial complex will reemerge in 2024 as a museum devoted to Nordic modernist art. Up the coast, in Bergen, Iris Expedition Dining is a new tasting-menu destination located in Hardangerfjord, inside a floating sculpture known as the Salmon Eye. North of the Arctic Circle, the long-awaited Six Senses Svart promises to be one of the hottest openings anywhere when it finally debuts. The ring-shaped resort, at the base of the Svartisen glacier, aims to be off-grid, carbon-neutral, and emissions-free, with a zero-waste dining program and a “design lab,” as the hotel calls it, meant to foster further innovation. — Taylor McIntyre

Douro River, Portugal

Courtesy of Tauck

As recently as a decade ago, almost nobody was talking about wine tourism in Portugal. These days, “you have to see the Douro River,” said Sheree M. Mitchell , a T+L A-List advisor based in the country and the president of Immersa Global. “It’s non-negotiable.” Mitchell’s preferred way to do it is on a yacht charter, which gives guests the chance to spend a few hours or days hitting quintas , or wine estates, and dining at Michelin Guide–approved restaurants like Castas e Pratos . Cruises are a more affordable option, and lines are expanding their presence on the river, which cuts across Spain and Northern Portugal before reaching the Atlantic in the city of Porto. Tauck , a favorite among T+L readers, unveiled the Andorinha in 2021, which will sail 33 wine-country itineraries in 2024. Another T+L reader favorite, Viking, will have four ships on the Douro in the year ahead, visiting towns such as Peso da Régua and Pinhão, in the heart of port country. And AmaWaterways recently announced a special November 2024 departure that will “explore the history of the Black and African diaspora in Lisbon and along Portugal's stunning Douro River,” according to the brand. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

Faroe Islands

This remote, starkly beautiful archipelago in the North Atlantic just got way more accessible. Summer 2023 saw Atlantic Airways launch nonstop flights from New York Stewart International, 70 miles north of New York City, to Vágar Airport, in the islands. “This direct flight is not only about easier transport to our great ocean nation, but a means of creating a bridge between two worlds,” Jóhanna á Bergi, CEO of Atlantic Airways, told T+L. The news seems to have been warmly received by U.S. travelers. Melissa Lee , a Northern Europe specialist on T+L’s A-List said she has seen an uptick in interest in the Faroes. "Previously, you could only get there from Copenhagen, or Reykjavik, Iceland.” Once there, a world of adventure awaits, with activities including cold-water surfing , traditional knitting , and hiking to places such as Sørvágsvatn, the so-called lake above the ocean . Then there’s the top-flight dining: the restaurant Roks in Tórshavn, the Faroe Islands’ capital, is an offshoot of Koks, the Michelin two-starred restaurant in Greenland which is presently on hiatus. — Liz Cantrell

Kimberley, Australia

Bruno Cazarini/Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

This destination in northwest Australia, also called The Kimberleys, is home to ancient wonders: dinosaur tracks; striated geological formations, some 350 million years old, known as Bungle Bungles; waterfalls and reefs that seem unmoored from time; and Aboriginal history from what some call the world’s oldest continuous culture . Lately, though, some of the world’s top cruise lines have caught on to all the upside and are racing to offer thrilling expedition-style itineraries that combine all this history with modern-day adventures, such as sightseeing flights by helicopter, paddling, Zodiac tours, scuba diving, and cultural excursions. Silversea will have its Silver Cloud in the region from May through September, doing 10- to 17-day trips, with a maximum of 200 passengers. Seabourn is also bullish on the destination, and its newest expedition ship, the 132-suite Seabourn Pursuit , will spend June, July, and August cruising the region. (Both lines are perennial favorites among T+L readers .) Also operating on this remarkable stretch of coast are several Australian companies , including Coral Expeditions and True North Adventure Cruises , as well as private yacht charters like those organized by Yotspace . — Paul Brady

The Mississippi River

Courtesy of Viking

New ships are bringing fresh interest to one of America’s most storied waterways, meaning now’s the time to consider river cruising closer to home. “The Mississippi River is such an important part of American history,” said Adam Peakes, president of Hornblower Group, the parent company of American Queen Voyages. The line will have two ships on the Mississippi in 2024, both of which are already booking up for summer. “Many of our cabin categories are nearly at capacity almost a year in advance,” Peakes added. Other brands are also betting on the river: the Viking Mississippi launched in 2022, with 193 Scandi-chic suites, all with private verandas; American Cruise Lines has launched three new ships on the Mississippi in the past three years. There are new draws on land, too. In Memphis, the newly completed riverfront Tom Lee Park has an installation by artist Theaster Gates and a pavilion named for Tyre Nichols; the expansive riverfront attraction — a collaborative effort from Studio Gang, Scape Studio, and numerous other architectural and design firms — sits just south of Beale Street and is connected to the city via the River Line, a walking and cycling path. Meanwhile Natchez, Mississippi, is these days “filled with surprises, thanks in large part to a cohort of young natives who wandered away and then returned home with new ideas,” according to Southern Living ; come December, the town hosts holiday markets akin to those in Central Europe, as T+L recently reported . In St. Louis, the newest 21c Museum Hotel recently opened in a renovated, century-old YMCA building, with numerous permanent art installations as well as rotating shows and a beautiful, all-day cafe. And, of course, there’s always New Orleans . — Paul Brady

Courtesy of Cunard

Few voyages are as iconic as a transatlantic crossing aboard a Cunard ocean liner. So when the new Queen Anne departs Southampton, England, in May 2024, expectations will be sky-high for the first new Cunard ship to launch since the Queen Elizabeth in 2010. The 1,498-cabin vessel is slated to sail to Lisbon and will then spend its first summer in the Mediterranean. It will also represent an evolution for the 183-year-old brand: Queen Anne will have four new restaurants, including an omakase venue and an Indian dining room, alongside more familiar options such as the Princess Grill and Queens Grill, all overseen in partnership with U.K. chef Michel Roux, Jr. A top-deck wellness studio, with yoga and other fitness classes, will be another noteworthy addition to the ship. A third distinction: Queen Anne will be captained by Inger Klein Thorhauge, the first woman to hold that rank for Cunard. For all the new, some familiar traditions will remain, including proper high tea service and, naturally, an outpost of the Golden Lion pub pouring Cunard’s own microbrews. — Paul Brady

Seven Seas Grandeur

Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Slated to launch in November 2023, Seven Seas Grandeur will be the sixth ship from Regent Seven Seas Cruises, a luxury line that T+L readers consistently say is one of their absolute favorites thanks to no-nonsense, all-inclusive pricing and fabulous suites. The newcomer will feature fresh takes on the elevated dining, shore excursions, and entertainment already found on ships such as Seven Seas Splendor and Seven Seas Explorer , said Andrea DeMarco, the brand’s president. “ Grandeur is inspired by our rich heritage, but we’re reimagining signature restaurants and offering 15 exceptional suite categories to only 746 guests,” she explained. Among the no-expense-spared features of the new ship will be a multimillion-dollar, 1,600-piece art collection that counts among its trophies a handful of Picassos and a custom Fabergé Egg. (Fittingly, the ship’s godmother is Sarah Fabergé, the director of special projects for the jewelry house.) Grandeur ’s inaugural season will be in the Caribbean, but it will head for the Mediterranean in April before returning to the U.S. in August. — Elizabeth Rhodes

For Nature Lovers

Amboseli national park, kenya.

Courtesy of Angama

This 151-square-mile expanse, close to the border with Tanzania, is famed among safari insiders for its big-time wildlife: Amboseli has a well-earned reputation for elephant spotting, with massive herds roaming the dusty plains, along with all sorts of other charismatic creatures including cheetah, giraffe, and zebra. Camps and lodges surrounding the park tend to be basic, which is one reason the fall 2023 opening of the richly appointed Angama Amboseli is so exciting. The second? The 10-suite lodge is the first spinoff of the Angama Mara , a destination hotel that's among the best safari lodges in the world, according to T+L readers . The new property, located about 45 minutes driving from Amboseli National Park, on a private wildlife conservancy, will offer game drives as well as cultural experiences organized in partnership with local communities. Another draw: Angama Amboseli will have unparalleled views of the peak of nearby Mount Kilimanjaro, including from private patios attached to every suite. — Paul Brady

Aspen Mountain, Colorado

Jesse Hoffman/Courtesy of Aspen Snowmass

The legendary ski destination is getting its biggest makeover in four decades this season, with the opening of a new lift, a high-speed quad known as Hero’s that will make accessible a fresh 153 acres of fluffy powder. The project will increase the mountain’s skiable terrain by some 20 percent, adding more than a dozen new chutes, glades, and trails for intermediate and expert skiers. “The quad is a game-changer for Aspen,” said Maureen Poschman, a spokesperson for the Aspen Chamber Resort Association. “The new terrain is a big area, it’s high-altitude skiing, and it’s a bit of a hedge against climate change,” she noted. Not that you have to be a pro skier to find something to love in ever-evolving Aspen, which experienced an influx of residents the past few years . The cultural calendar is as packed as ever; Balenciaga and Hermès now have shops in the heart of town; and scene-y restaurants, including a Sant Ambroeus coffee bar, keep popping up. Where to stay? Mollie Aspen is the newest luxury hotel in town, slated to open in December with 68 rooms designed by Post Company, plus a rooftop plunge pool and terrace, right in the middle of it all. — Denny Lee

Big Sky, Montana

Mark Hartman

Just an hour from Yellowstone National Park, this wild, wide-open area offers heart-pumping activities such as fly fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and skiing at every turn. So, thankfully, a new retreat from hospitality brand One&Only is slated to bring some rest and relaxation to Big Sky in 2024. Situated between Lone Mountain and the Spanish Peaks, the 73-room Moonlight Basin will provide convenient access to 5,850 skiable acres, with a dedicated gondola connecting guests to Big Sky’s terrain, plus a private ski lodge and a Chenot spa. (The resort will also have 19 villas and 62 private residences.) The first U.S. outpost of One&Only, Moonlight Basin arrives a few years after another five-star resort, Montage Big Sky , which opened in 2021, with 139 rooms, six dining venues, a bowling alley, a huge spa, and, naturally, ski-in, ski-out access. — Alisha Prakash

Hokkaido, Japan

Courtesy of Club Med

Travelers are flocking back to Japan , but in the year ahead, they should look beyond Tokyo and Kyoto. Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan’s main islands, has a sterling reputation for food — its biggest city, Sapporo, is famous for miso ramen — and its Shiretoko National Park is a natural wonder with excellent hiking and photogenic waterfalls. Hokkaido is also, insiders know, one of the world’s premier ski destinations thanks to simply phenomenal snow . The center of the action is the village of Niseko, which has plenty of hotels, homestays, and resorts — but has gotten a touch easier to visit thanks to the 2022 opening of Club Med Kiroro. The something-for-everyone property has two distinctive concepts, Club Med Kiroro Peak , for guests age 12 and older, and the new-in-2023 Club Med Kiroro Grand , a family-friendly alternative. These all-inclusives are helping to eliminate the intimidation factor when booking a Japanese ski week, by rolling up everything from accommodations and equipment rentals to off-the-mountain entertainment and kids' clubs. Another perk? Club Med Kiroro Grand will also have the brand’s first-ever Japanese onsen alongside other wellness facilities including soaking tubs and saunas. — Danielle Pointdujour

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Sven Musica/Courtesy of Madwaleni River Lodge - Babanango Game Reserve

This out-of-the-way South African province, sometimes shortened to KZN and located on the country’s eastern coast, is moving into the spotlight. “KwaZulu-Natal has two World Heritage Sites — the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and the majestic uKhahlamba Drakensberg National Park — and is popular for its beaches, safari parks, green hills, and temperate weather,” said Julian Harrison , a safari expert and longtime member of T+L’s A-List. It’s also home to an ambitious rewilding project backed by the Emcakwini Community Trust , which began reintroducing once-endemic species including black rhino, cheetah, elephant, giraffe, and lion in 2018; today, it’s known as Babanango Game Reserve . Harrison also points to other conservation efforts, such as those underway at andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve , which is monitoring critically endangered Temminck’s ground pangolins. The newly opened Madwaleni River Lodge is the place to stay, said Raza Visram , another A-List expert. “The intimate lodge has 12 beautifully designed tents that overlook the White Umfolozi River,” he explained. There’s also Sala Beach House , an oceanfront escape on Thompson’s Bay that writer Heather Richardson detailed in T+L’s September 2023 issue . Coming soon in KZN will be The Homestead , a 12-suite eco-lodge in the province’s western Nambiti Game Reserve. — Samantha Falewée

Mababe, Botswana

Dana Allen/Courtesy of Wilderness

Long considered one of Africa’s most exclusive safari destinations, Botswana has a huge array of five-star lodges, operated by the likes of African Bush Camps, andBeyond, and Great Plains Conservation. But the most compelling new place to stay isn’t one with high thread count sheets or over-the-top amenities: Mokete, a new safari lodge from Wilderness , is worth the trip because it will only exist until 2026, when the operator pulls down the tents and carries away any sign the nine-suite escape was ever there. The temporary enclave will be situated east of the famed Okavango Delta, in the heart of a 124,000-acre tract known as the Mababe Concession, which has considerable populations of lion, elephant, and buffalo, plus a huge variety of birds. Wildlife watching is the thing here, with all-day game drives and guided nature walks. Mokete is all about an elemental connection with the outdoors, down to the design of the guest quarters: each tent will have a retractable roof so guests can stargaze from bed — and hear the calls of hyenas from the surrounding bush. — Paul Brady

New Zealand

It’s time to take it off your once-in-a-lifetime list and just go : earlier this year, Delta launched service from Los Angeles to Auckland, and United Airlines plans to start a San Francisco to Christchurch route in December. That’s on top of an existing Air New Zealand nonstop between Auckland and New York City that launched in 2022 . “Any time of year is a great time to visit,” said Sarah Farag , a member of T+L’s A-List and the Auckland-based owner and director of Southern Crossings , a luxury travel firm. “Our summer months are always popular,” Farag said of the December to March period, “but those who come at other times are well-rewarded with captivating colors during autumn harvest season, snow-capped adventures and spectacular stargazing in the winter, and fabulous fishing and hiking in spring.” There’s a growing number of enticing stays, including the new exclusive-use villas at Flockhill Lodge , set on a working sheep station, and the Clifftops at Anderson Cove , a tented camp above the Northland coast. Christchurch has recently seen the opening of two new boutique properties, the sleek, modern Mayfair and the artsy Observatory Hotel ; meanwhile the beloved Huka Lodge in Taupo is getting a makeover. If the outdoors are a priority, turn an eye to the North Island’s Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve , the country’s second, which was certified earlier this year, or the new Tom Doak–designed golf course which just opened at Te Arai Links . — Peter Terzian

For Beach Vibes

Anna maria island, florida.

Flavio Vallenari/Getty Images

Compared to some brand-name Florida destinations, this island south of Tampa Bay is way under the radar. But it's cultivated a loyal following, thanks to its no-high-rises shoreline, incredible sunsets, and small-town feel. Case in point: Anna Maria Island is a place where most people tool around by golf cart or beach cruiser, and almost all the sherbet-hued clapboard homes are vacation rentals. In an effort to keep things copacetic, the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, which works on the island, inked a partnership with Leave No Trace this summer, making Anna Maria the first destination in Florida to work with the nonprofit. Meanwhile, new developments fit right in with the vibe: Mello on the Beach , a hotel that opened in July, offers vibrant retro-style apartments on the Gulf of Mexico, while the villas of Joie Inn , which opened in 2021, still feel super-fresh. On the dining scene, the cocktail bar Doctor’s Office recently added a “dining room” to its string-lit outdoor garden, and coming soon to the island is Bohemian, a restaurant from repeat James Beard semifinalist Jeannie Pierola. Getting there has gotten easier thanks to growth at Sarasota-Bradenton International, which added nonstops to four new domestic destinations in 2023. A planned terminal expansion looks to be right-sized, too: the airport aims to add five gates next year. — Jennifer Salerno Yong

Coastal Campania, Italy

Courtesy of Hotel La Palma

It’s no wonder Campania — the southern Italian region that’s home to Amalfi, Capri, Positano, and Sorrento — is having a bit of a hotel boom: visitors have been flocking to this splashy coastal destination over the past few years. The renaissance kicked off with Il Capri Hotel , which opened on the island last spring, offering travelers a boutique option inside a neo-Gothic villa reminiscent of a Venetian palazzo. Next, Oetker Collection, the luxury hotel brand behind the celeb-loved Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes, France, debuted its first Italian hotel in June: the glamorous, 50-room Hotel La Palma is a fresh take on a property that originally opened in 1822. Then there’s the new Convento di Amalfi , a 52-room Anantara with a cliffside pool, set in a 13th-century Capuchin convent. Airlines have also taken note of the increased demand: American Airlines and Delta are both launching new routes to Naples next year, the former from Philadelphia, the latter from New York City. Lindblad Expeditions, meanwhile, will have its new Sea Cloud II in southern Italy this coming May, for an 11-day itinerary that will take guests to the ancient ruins of Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast’s most beautiful seaside villages, with a focus on Italian food and wine. —  Nina Ruggiero

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

The land of pura vida just keeps getting better, which is why Costa Rica was just named T+L’s 2024 Destination of the Year . Surfers can find their bliss at the new, boho-chic Sendero hotel, which opened in February in oceanside Nosara, on the Nicoya Peninsula. A few hours north, the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo has added the new Virador Beach Club, updated its golf course (while cutting water usage), and opened Wellness Shala, a spa that offers healing treatments with local ingredients like cacao, coconut, and volcanic mud. Nearby, the community of Las Catalinas has announced a new mixed-use space, La Rambla, which will promote spending time outside and car-free living. Forward-thinking tour operator Intrepid Travel has launched new trips that shine a light on the Terraba community, one of Costa Rica’s eight Indigenous groups. Meanwhile local outfitters such as UrriTrek are now offering guided hiking trips on the 174-mile Camino de Costa Rica , a trail connecting the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. — Samantha Falewée

The self-declared Nature Island, Dominica has been voted the best island in the Caribbean for the past two years in T+L’s World’s Best Awards , thanks in part to its serene tropical rain forests, enticing hot springs, and gushing waterfalls. There’s also an ever-growing number of resorts and hotels, such as the InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa , which opened this year, and the forthcoming Anichi Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection , and Tranquility Beach Resort — Curio — a Collection by Hilton . Also of note is the new 32-nautical-mile Waitukubuli Sea Trail, which takes sea-kayakers along the island's western coast from Scott’s Head to Capuchin; Soufrière Outdoor Centre can supply equipment, an itinerary, and a guide. And there’s another element to Dominica’s story that’s capturing the attention of travelers who care about sustainability. The volcanically active country plans to commission its first geothermal power plant in 2024, and in the meantime gets about a quarter of its overall power from hydroelectric sources. It’s also home to what T+L has called one of the world’s most eco-friendly resorts, Coulibri Ridge . — Annie Archer

Hawai’i Island

Courtesy of Rosewood Resorts

“We welcome mindful visitors to Hawai‘i Island,” said Ilihia Gionson, the public affairs officer of the Hawai'i Tourism Authority, in an interview with T+L. Commonly known as the Big Island, the destination is planning for a meaningful 2024, with the help of returning visitors. “Travelers have the opportunity to help mālama , or care for, our natural resources and support our community to ensure a regenerative model of tourism that is sustained for generations,” Gionson said. The theme of mālama is more significant than ever this year following the devastating fires that impacted both Hawai’i Island and Maui in 2023. Those looking to support relief efforts have many choices, including the Hawaii Red Cross, the Lāhainā Restoration Foundation, and more . Travelers ready to return might consider Kona Village, an iconic hotel that reopened in 2023 as a Rosewood Resort following its closure in 2011. “Each villa feels like your own little beach house,” Nicole Hollis, the interior designer of Kona Village, told T+L . Various events are on the island’s cultural calendar in the year ahead, including the Kona Brewers Festival in March and the Big Island Chocolate Festival in April. — Christine Burroni

Los Cabos, Mexico

Mariah Tyler/Travel + Leisure

With its rugged desert-meets-ocean landscape, 350 days a year of sun, and stunning five-star resorts, Los Cabos isn’t exactly an unexpected choice for a dreamy vacation. But 2024 promises to be a big year for the Baja California destination, thanks to all the new resorts coming to Cabo del Sol, the 1,800-acre community just east of Cabo San Lucas with two miles of beach and two 18-hole golf courses. Four Seasons Resort Cabo San Lucas at Cabo Del Sol and Soho House Beach Club are expected to open in the first part of 2024; Park Hyatt Los Cabos at Cabo Del Sol will join them by the end of the year. On the southern shore of the peninsula — and not far from the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal , a T+L reader fave — there’s even more happening: the resort community of Quivira Los Cabos will welcome the 120-room St. Regis Los Cabos at Quivira by late 2024, with access to 2.5 miles of beach and its own Jack Nicklaus golf course. — Danielle Pointdujour

Mallorca, Spain

Lara D'Agostino/Travel + Leisure

The sparkling waters, delicious food, and laid-back atmosphere are all still here — and Americans are loving United’s summertime nonstop service from Newark Liberty International. In the year ahead, though, they’ll be visiting for the booming luxury hotel scene, which is poised to help this island steal the spotlight from its western neighbor, Ibiza. One must-see is Son Bunyola , a Virgin Limited Edition retreat on Mallorca’s northwest coast, with three miles of beautiful coastline backed by olive groves. Sir Richard Branson first purchased the property in 1994, as T+L recently reported , but it only opened to guests this summer, with 26 rooms and suites, plus three villas. Nearby is The Lodge Mallorca , a Small Luxury Hotels of the World retreat that opened in May, which has wood-fired dining and extensive wellness programming. Then there’s the first hotel from 22-time Grand Slam champion and Majorcan Rafael Nadal, whose new Zel lifestyle brand has opened — what else? — Zel Mallorca , an approachable, beachy hotel in partnership with Meliá, the Spanish operator. Coming soon, said Clare Watkins, an expert in the Balearic Islands at Red Savannah , are more exciting properties: Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor will be a top-to-bottom refresh of a century-old hotel, while Mandarin Oriental Punta Negra, Mallorca, will have 131 rooms, plus 44 suites and nine bungalows, overlooking the sea just outside Palma. — Danielle Pointdujour

For Adventurous Travelers 

Alula, saudi arabia.

Didier Marti/Getty Images

Of all the ambitious tourism developments in Saudi Arabia, AlUla may be the most enchanting, which may explain why Qatar Airways recently launched new flights to the destination from its Doha hub. This huge sweep of red rocks and desert in the country’s northwest is home to Hegra, a 2,000-year-old archeological site filled with soaring tombs carved by the Nabataean civilization, the same one that built Petra, in modern-day Jordan. After touring ancient history, visitors can retreat to decadent contemporary hotels, including a forthcoming 36-room luxury resort at Hegra that will sensitively incorporate parts of an old railway station and fort. A short drive away, in AlUla’s Old Town, the contrast of old and new continues; the new 30-room eco-hotel Dar Tantora , for example, eschews electricity in favor of candlelight. In the year ahead, more fresh thinking will touch down in AlUla, courtesy of Wadi AlFann, or Valley of the Arts, a permanent showcase of works from big-name international artists. The best way to see it might be from on high, duringca April’s “AlUla Skies” festival, when helicopters and hot air balloons will soar above Instagram-worthy monuments. —  Jacqui Gifford

Bahia, Brazil

Marta Tucci

This coastal state, situated between the Amazon and Rio de Janeiro, is the sort of place most Americans never quite get to — and that’s a shame. Its coastline offers some of the most mythical surf-and-sand spots in the world, including Itacaré, which is home to the community-minded Barracuda Hotel & Villas , and the boho-chic enclave of Trancoso, a place that “first captured the imagination of the international creative set back in the 1980s,” as T+L reported in the September 2023 issue . “The beaches are some of the most picturesque in Brazil,” said Paul Irvine , an expert in the country and member of T+L’s A-List. But, he added, there’s more to Bahia than the coast. “We’ve started sending our more adventurous clients to the Chapada Diamantina National Park ,” he said, “which has its own vibrant, off-grid hippy culture.” While high-end hotels in the area are in short supply, more villa accommodations are popping up all the time. One thing to keep in mind for 2024: Brazil stopped requiring a visa for U.S. citizens back in 2019, but the country’s tourism officials have said that the mandate will return on Jan. 10, though further details on how to apply and any fees have yet to be announced. — Paul Brady

Northern Pakistan

Courtesy of Intrepid Travel

The northern reaches of this South Asian nation have a growing profile in the adventure-travel world, thanks to striking topography, high-elevation lakes, and precipitous peaks. Consider that, in 2023, Intrepid Travel launched a 12-day women-only expedition to the region, a first for the tour operator, which has similar trips in places such as Jordan, India, and Morocco. Intrepid will return in 2024 — with departures in May, September, and October — taking women to ancient villages, alpine lakes, and historic forts; travelers will have ample opportunity to meet with locals in areas that would be off-limits if men were part of the group, according to Intrepid. Other outfitters are heading to Northern Pakistan as well. Wild Frontiers will debut a brand-new, 14-day walking adventure that will no doubt challenge the bodies and minds of those who are up for it, with several full-day hikes, some above 4,000 meters (13,123 feet). The payoff comes in the form of staggeringly beautiful landscapes — not to mention the chance to make connections with people you meet along the way and see historic gems in Islamabad, the trip’s jumping off point. — Alisha Prakash

Peru's Trekking Routes

In a country where all roads seemingly lead to spectacular scenery and historic finds, there’s much more to explore beyond majestic Machu Picchu. These days, travelers have more options for getting off familiar routes thanks to the efforts of companies such as Alpaca Expeditions , an Indigenous-owned outfitter that will lead its first-ever, all-women hiking trip on the Salkantay Trail in 2024. Operated by women — including guides, porters, drivers, chefs, and other staff — for women, the seven-day adventure will include stays high in the Andes and cultural experiences such as cooking classes and farm visits that aren’t typical on more popular Inca Trail trips. Meanwhile the tour operator Intrepid Travel debuted in 2023 a 12-day expedition on the Great Inca Road in northern Peru. Starting in Huaraz and culminating at the Inca site of Huanuco Pampa, the trek will immerse hikers in this less-visited region’s nature and culture, including plentiful archeological sites. — Alisha Prakash

South Australia

ROBERT LANG/Courtesy of South Australia Tourism Commission

Visitors to this low-key state may feel like they’re in on a big-time secret with all that’s happening lately. The biggest news may be Australia’s new national park, Nilpe­na Ediacara , which opened in April and gives travelers a look at the oldest known fossils on the planet. “They’re about 550 million years old,” Mary L. Droser, an American paleontologist, explained in a recent interview with T+L . Across South Australia’s wine country, meanwhile, hotels such as Le Mas Barossa , Sequoia Lodge , and The Vineyard McLaren Vale are gateways to the hundreds of vineyards and cellar doors just outside of Adelaide, the state capital. “South Australia is known as the wine state for a reason,” said Tim Duval, the winemaker at John Duval Wines . Travelers can learn about small-batch wineries (including Duval’s) at Artisans of Barossa ; sample eco-conscious shiraz at Bird in Hand ; and enjoy a tasting in The Cube, a five-story structure fashioned after an unfinished Rubik’s Cube, at d’Arenberg . Another notable stay can be found on Kangaroo Island, where the famed Southern Ocean Lodge is slated to reopen in December after the disastrous bushfires of 2020. — Samantha Lauriello

Tatiana Kashko/Getty Images

This small South Asian island nation has big things on offer. “You can cover a lot of ground in two weeks, with loads of variety in the landscapes, from gorgeous beaches to lush jungles to high mountains to historic cities,” said Catherine Heald, co-founder and CEO of Remote Lands, a luxury travel firm. This year, the tea company Dilmah opened two boutique stays under its Reverie brand, Kayaam House and Ahu Bay ; Sri Lankan–owned hotel group Uga is debuting Uga Riva in Negombo this November; and for foodies, Red Savannah recently rolled out a culinary tour of Sri Lanka. Political unrest in 2022 took the destination off the table for many travelers, acknowledged Rachel Cooper , a South Asia travel expert at Red Savannah. But, she added, "the new government has introduced measures to protect and encourage a positive traveler experience throughout the country.” — Susmita Baral

Where to Go in 2024

Been There, Dean That: Ciao Bella in Italy SUCKERS with Caelynn Bell, Dean Bell, and Jared Haibon

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Dean is back with a spicy meat-a-ball! He’s taking us through his trips to Italy and revealing the best, the worst and everything in between!  Hear all the highlights from his recent visit to Rome with Caelynn and discover the crucial tips for the best Italy vacation of your life!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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