Italy is one of the most culturally rich countries on earth. As the cradle if not of civilisation, then at least of organisation under the Romans (though you would not know that, travelling there now!), its rich history continued under the reign of the Popes, and in the spectacular flowering of the Renaissance and Baroque periods. It is also a country of superb food and wine, great music, and wonderful landscape. Benvenuto bello!

“Perhaps the most impressive city in the world - at least for those with any sense of history. A magical place of multiple civilisations that repays visiting many times over.”
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Sistine Chapel | St Peters Basilica |
The Pantheon | Basilica of St. John Lateran |

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Pompeii | Vesuvius |
Amalfi Coast | Danaë (Titian) |

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Etna | |

“Florence was the start of the Italian Renaissance and buildings remaining from the Medici Dynasty are waiting to be appreciated for their architectural integrity while the food of Florence is waiting to be devoured in local cafes late into the...”
| See all »42 experiences, including: | |
Uffizi Gallery | The Adoration of the Magi (Da Vinci) |
The Birth of Venus (Botticelli) | Primavera (Botticelli) |

“Just over the back of Zermatt, you can have the views of the Matterhorn and Zermatt and eat and live at half the cost of Zermatt.”
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Matterhorn | Cervinia |
Matterhorn Glacier Palace | |
Rome is a beautiful city, in fact I was pleasantly surprised by it. It is a big city experience with many tourists etc. I personally feel to get a real feel for Italy I would recommend a few days in Florence and then head out into the Tuscan / Umbrian countryside. I am in my forties and am no longer enthralled with big cities and night life etc. I was blown away by the Italians in the smaller hill towns and countryside. You could really immerse yourself in authentic Italy to a degree there. The food is simple but fabulous, opportunities for authentic wine tastings with the actual vintners is memorable. The pace is slower, you can hear the sheep bells jingle and the church bells tolling the half hours. And the beauty - well you have to go see for yourself, you will be forever changed.
Alice
I would suggest Florence for a few days of culture and shopping and then see and relax in some beautiful hilltowns like Montepulciano (great wine) and Pienza.
Ciao,
Alice
I'd like to plan a trip to Italy next July for one week. How many cities is it feasible to see in that amount of time? Should I stick to Northern or Southern Italy? My husband & i would like to go for sightseeing, food, wine and maybe even (a little) relaxing if time permits. Would love any advice, as I don't even know where to start!!
Timeless treasures of a legendary land await you on Tauck's Italy travel packages. Travel from Tuscany to the stunning Amalfi Coast.
7 day tour exploring the highlights of both Rome and Florence including walking tours, day trip to Chianti region, and plenty of leisure time!
Fancy a spot of culture or maybe just some retail therapy? From November 5th - December 15th, Casa Howard Florence is offeri…
Specialist guided battlefield tours charting the history of the Italian campaign in world war two. Coach pick ups from various UK locations.
Easy paced 10 day holiday from Austria through the South Tyrol along the Via Claudia ending up at Lake Garda. From £1275 land only.