If you have decided your next vacation will be spent in Italy, prepare to be wowed by the wonderful sights, foods, and must-see hotspots this beautiful country has to offer. This ultimate guide to Italy provides the best places to go and sites to see allowing you to tailor your itinerary to suit your vacation. If you are undecided about which Italian region you should visit, let this guide help you make up your mind. Whether it’s the perfect pasta place or awe-inspiring historical location, discover the best parts of Italy right here.
Florence
Home to the Uffizi Gallery, Florence is a stunning region teeming with Renaissance art, tempting restaurants, and beautiful vistas. The streets and squares offer replicas of famous works of art, and the museums and galleries boast both modern and classical pieces to delight visitors from across the world. Experience the romance of Italy in this exciting city and spend your vacation basking in the sunshine as you sip coffee at one of the pavement cafés before attending an opera at St. Mark’s Church. Be sure to visit the Uffizi and marvel at the sculptures and paintings from the greats such as Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo Da Vinci.
Rome
A bustling city that blends the historical with the contemporary, Rome has so much to offer. Visit the Vatican Gardens, savor the Sistine Chapel and view the world’s very first post office during your stay in this epic city. With so much to do, it would be wise to take advantage of a planned tour, so you don’t miss any of the highlights. The Roman Guy provides a fantastic day tour that takes in sites such as Barberini Gardens, the Vatican Gardens as well as taking you on a train ride through the stunning landscapes of the Castelli Romani Hills.
Milan
The must-see location for all fashionistas, Milan is a hub of on-trend European fashions and up to the minute collections that revered throughout the world. If your perfect holiday must involve shopping, this is certainly the place to go. This is where the elegant gather and the fashionable hang out, be it in a cute café, or at one of the many excellent restaurants in the city. Visit the Mandarin Oriental to experience the ultimate in Italian dining or have a lazy day at the spa with a treatment or two thrown in for good measure.
Tuscany
This is the place for nature lovers wanting to relax, unwind and enjoy being immersed in the beauty of the Italian countryside. Visit the historic towns and tuck into hearty traditional meals as you savor the verdant landscapes and sip local wines. Take in the sights of San Gimignano and visit the ancient 15 towers that pierce the spectacular vistas of sprawling fields and red-bricked houses. Head to Montepulciano, famed for its full-bodied red wines, and stroll through the shop-lined streets towards the Piazza, or arrange a visit to the vineyards for a wine-tasting session in the sun.
Sicily
Unspoilt coastlines and ancient churches make Sicily a popular destination. With a pleasing climate all year round, tourists can wander through the beautiful landscapes, or check out local cuisine while stopping to feast on creamy gelato, mouth-watering pizza, and herb-laden pasta dishes as they go. The island boasts an eclectic mix of Norman churches, Greek temples and Baroque palazzos owing to its prominent Mediterranean location.
Puglia
For seclusion, nothing compares to the beautiful region of Puglia. Hilltop towns overlook vast fields of olive trees and terracotta hues. If you enjoy the heat and hidden landscapes, Puglia is the perfect destination. You won’t find the art of Florence or the sophistication of Milan in this unassuming town, but its traditional charms and simple scenery offer their own delights. Stay at the 18th-century farmhouse of Masseria Cimino close to the coast and experience rural life with a few modern comforts.
For seclusion, nothing compares to the beautiful region of Puglia. Hilltop towns overlook vast fields of olive trees and terracotta hues. If you enjoy the heat and hidden landscapes, Puglia is the perfect destination. You won’t find the art of Florence or the sophistication of Milan in this unassuming town, but its traditional charms and simple scenery offer their own delights. Stay at the 18th-century farmhouse of Masseria Cimino close to the coast and experience rural life with a few modern comforts.
Sardinia
Settle down on one of Sardinia’s stunning beaches knowing you are only moments away from the finest restaurants and bars the region has to offer. Peppered with Carthaginian and Roman ruins, history lovers will be delighted with the sites left to discover in this picturesque location. Sardinia has a plethora of stunning hotels, including the Villa Las Tronas Hotel and Spa, and L’Agnata di De André.
The Amalfi Coast
Situated along the southern edge of Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula, the Amalfi coast spirals upwards in a pretty helix of cliff-hugging villas overlooking the pretty beaches and fishing villages below. Stay among lemon groves, and terraced vineyards, in this UNESCO recognized Mediterranean idyll. Hire a boat at the Amalfi marine, for around 200 Euro if you are feeling confident enough to head out unaccompanied or pay approximately 600 Euro for an experienced skipper to guide your way through the tranquil waters.
Modena
When food is such an important part of your getaway, you will want to ensure you sample the finest food Italy has to offer. Modena is hailed as a globally respected home of gastronomy and foodies simply must book a table at the world-renowned 3-Michelin Star restaurant, Osteria Francescana. With only 11 tables in the entire restaurant, you need to book months in advance to be in with a chance of experiencing the culinary creations of this award-winning restaurant. Dishes are works of art to be savored with the eyes and the palette. The ten-course tasting menu will set you back 250 Euros, and for your dishes to be paired with wine, you will need to pay a further 140 Euros. This is certainly a once in a lifetime experience for many people, but if food is a priority during your trip, you will certainly want to consider visiting this restaurant.
Italy welcomes visitors to enjoy its art, culture, history and of course its food. With so many different locations to enjoy, you may find yourself staying longer than expected, just so you don’t miss out on any of the experiences available. Wherever you decide to visit, your vacation in Italy will be one you will remember forever.
