Italy

Italy Highlights

Italy, brimming with ancient history, artistic heritage, and culinary excellence, offers a fascinating travel experience. Wander through Rome`s ancient ruins, including the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, or marvel at the artistic splendor of Vatican City. In Venice, glide through canals past palaces and piazzas, and in Florence, immerse yourself in the Renaissance art housed at the Uffizi and Palazzo Pitti. Travel to the past in the ruins of Pompeii, or soak up the sun on the glamorous Amalfi Coast. Relish the culinary delights, from the truffle-infused dishes of Piedmont to the traditional Neapolitan pizza. Visit Tuscany`s vineyards and medieval towns, or discover Sicily`s ancient Greek temples and vibrant markets. From its passionate regional festivals to its renowned fashion and design, Italy continues to captivate the hearts of travelers worldwide.

Top 10 Attractions

Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is renowned for its rugged coastline adorned with small beaches and pastel-colored fishing villages. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers extraordinary views with its craggy cliffs, sparkling bays, lush terraces, and ritzy villas... more

The Amalfi Coast is renowned for its rugged coastline adorned with small beaches and pastel-colored fishing villages. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers extraordinary views with its craggy cliffs, sparkling bays, lush terraces, and ritzy villas and resorts. The coastal road between the port city of Salerno and clifftop Sorrento winds past grand villas, terraced vineyards, and cliffside lemon groves. Its main towns include Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello, each offering its unique charm and breathtaking landscapes.

Capitoline Museums

Located on the top of the Capitoline Hill in Rome, the Capitoline Museums are a group of art and archaeological museums. They house a collection of artworks and artifacts representing the Roman civilization. The museums were created by Pope Sixtus IV... more

Located on the top of the Capitoline Hill in Rome, the Capitoline Museums are a group of art and archaeological museums. They house a collection of artworks and artifacts representing the Roman civilization. The museums were created by Pope Sixtus IV in the 15th century who donated a collection of important ancient bronzes to the people of Rome and placed them on Capitoline Hill. Notable works include the statue of Capitoline Wolf, Dying Gaul, and the bust of Commodus.

Castel del Monte

Castel del Monte is a 13th-century castle situated on a hill in Andria in the Apulia region. It was built by Emperor Frederick II and has been described as the "most fascinating castle built by Frederick II". The castle is a unique piece of medieval... more

Castel del Monte is a 13th-century castle situated on a hill in Andria in the Apulia region. It was built by Emperor Frederick II and has been described as the "most fascinating castle built by Frederick II". The castle is a unique piece of medieval military architecture, a successful blend of elements from classical antiquity, the Islamic Orient, and north European Cistercian Gothic. It`s an octagonal prism with an octagonal tower at each corner.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre, which means Five Lands, comprises the five small coastal villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso located in the Italian region of Liguria. They are famous for their colorful houses and vineyards cling to s... more

Cinque Terre, which means Five Lands, comprises the five small coastal villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso located in the Italian region of Liguria. They are famous for their colorful houses and vineyards cling to steep terraces, harbors filled with fishing boats, and delicious seafood. The centuries-old footpaths and mule tracks winding through olive groves and vineyards offer one of the best ways to explore the five villages.

Galleria Borghese

The Borghese Gallery is an art gallery in Rome, housed in the former Villa Borghese Pinciana. It is a magnificent collection of sculptures, bas-reliefs, ancient mosaics, and paintings at the Villa Borghese in Rome. It includes major works by Bernini,... more

The Borghese Gallery is an art gallery in Rome, housed in the former Villa Borghese Pinciana. It is a magnificent collection of sculptures, bas-reliefs, ancient mosaics, and paintings at the Villa Borghese in Rome. It includes major works by Bernini, Titian, Caravaggio, and Raphael. Surrounded by a large park, this museum offers an impressive combination of art and nature.

Lake Como

Lake Como, located in Northern Italy`s Lombardy region, is an upscale resort area known for its dramatic scenery, set against the foothills of the Alps. The lake is shaped like an upside-down Y, with three slender branches that meet at the resort tow... more

Lake Como, located in Northern Italy`s Lombardy region, is an upscale resort area known for its dramatic scenery, set against the foothills of the Alps. The lake is shaped like an upside-down Y, with three slender branches that meet at the resort town of Bellagio. From Bellagio, visitors can view the grand villas and hotels along the shores, enjoy the serene blue waters, and explore the charming towns around the lake.

Milan Cathedral

Milan Cathedral, known as Duomo di Milano, is the largest church in Italy and the third largest in the world. It`s famous for its complexity, with decorations in even the most hidden spots. The cathedral`s roof is open to tourists and it`s one of the... more

Milan Cathedral, known as Duomo di Milano, is the largest church in Italy and the third largest in the world. It`s famous for its complexity, with decorations in even the most hidden spots. The cathedral`s roof is open to tourists and it`s one of the route`s highlights, offering a closer look at the spires and sculptures that adorn the building and a panoramic view of the city.

Mount Etna

Mount Etna is Europe`s highest and most active volcano, a UNESCO World Heritage site located on the east coast of Sicily. It`s renowned for its frequent eruptions, creating landscapes of otherworldly beauty. Adventurous visitors can hike the diverse... more

Mount Etna is Europe`s highest and most active volcano, a UNESCO World Heritage site located on the east coast of Sicily. It`s renowned for its frequent eruptions, creating landscapes of otherworldly beauty. Adventurous visitors can hike the diverse trails or take a cable car to reach the summit areas. The volcanic soil makes the surrounding land extraordinarily fertile, making the local cuisine and wines a delight to savor.

Pompeii

The archaeological site of Pompeii offers a unique snapshot of Roman life, frozen at the moment it was buried in 79 AD by a volcanic eruption from Mount Vesuvius. The town was lost for about 1,500 years until its initial rediscovery and the objects b... more

The archaeological site of Pompeii offers a unique snapshot of Roman life, frozen at the moment it was buried in 79 AD by a volcanic eruption from Mount Vesuvius. The town was lost for about 1,500 years until its initial rediscovery and the objects beneath the city have been well-preserved for centuries. As you walk along the ancient streets, you can see the remains of villas, shops, and baths that provide insight into the daily life of the ancient world.

Roman Forum

The Roman Forum, or Forum Romanum, was the heart of Roman public life and the most celebrated meeting place in the world. Today, it`s a sprawling ruin of fragments and archaeological excavations attracting millions of tourists yearly. Highlights incl... more

The Roman Forum, or Forum Romanum, was the heart of Roman public life and the most celebrated meeting place in the world. Today, it`s a sprawling ruin of fragments and archaeological excavations attracting millions of tourists yearly. Highlights include the Arco di Settimio Severo, the Curia, Temple of Saturn, and the Arch of Titus. The forum was the site of triumphal processions and elections; the venue for public speeches and gladiatorial matches, and the nucleus of commercial affairs.

St. Peter`s Basilica

St. Peter`s Basilica, located in Vatican City within Rome, is one of the world`s largest and most important Christian sites. It`s traditionally the burial site of its namesake Saint Peter, who was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. Its dome, design... more

St. Peter`s Basilica, located in Vatican City within Rome, is one of the world`s largest and most important Christian sites. It`s traditionally the burial site of its namesake Saint Peter, who was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. Its dome, designed by Michelangelo, dominates the skyline of Rome. The interior is filled with many masterpieces, from Bernini`s Baldachin to Michelangelo`s Pieta. Visitors can also climb to the top of the dome for a stunning view of Rome.

The Colosseum

Rome`s Colosseum, originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is one of the most iconic remnants of the Roman Empire. Built in 70-80 AD, it is the largest amphitheater ever built and is considered an architectural and engineering marvel. The Coloss... more

Rome`s Colosseum, originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is one of the most iconic remnants of the Roman Empire. Built in 70-80 AD, it is the largest amphitheater ever built and is considered an architectural and engineering marvel. The Colosseum was used for gladiatorial contests, public spectacles, and dramas based on classical mythology. Visitors today can tour the building, walk on the ancient floor, and imagine the events that once took place there.

The Grand Canal

The Grand Canal is the main water thoroughfare in the enchanting city of Venice. Lined with splendid palaces and bustling with gondolas and vaporettos (water buses), it`s a magical place that seems to have been lifted straight from a painting. Visito... more

The Grand Canal is the main water thoroughfare in the enchanting city of Venice. Lined with splendid palaces and bustling with gondolas and vaporettos (water buses), it`s a magical place that seems to have been lifted straight from a painting. Visitors can take a gondola ride for a unique perspective of the historic buildings and everyday life in this remarkable city, or walk along the canal and cross the iconic Rialto Bridge.

The Last Supper

Leonardo da Vinci`s `The Last Supper`, located in the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, is one of the most famous paintings in the world. This monumental work covers one wall of the dining hall and depicts the dramatic sc... more

Leonardo da Vinci`s `The Last Supper`, located in the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, is one of the most famous paintings in the world. This monumental work covers one wall of the dining hall and depicts the dramatic scene described in several closely connected moments in the Gospels, including the moment Christ predicts that one of the Apostles will betray him. Seeing this masterpiece in person is an experience not to be missed.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

The Leaning Tower of Pisa, known worldwide for its nearly four-degree lean, is a freestanding bell tower of the cathedral in the Italian city of Pisa. It began to lean during construction in the 12th century due to soft ground on one side, which was... more

The Leaning Tower of Pisa, known worldwide for its nearly four-degree lean, is a freestanding bell tower of the cathedral in the Italian city of Pisa. It began to lean during construction in the 12th century due to soft ground on one side, which was unable to properly support the structure`s weight. Climbing the tower`s 294 steps offers a unique perspective on the city and its surroundings.

The Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps, located in Rome, are a monumental stairway of 135 steps, one of the most famous tourist attractions in the city. They climb a steep slope between the Piazza di Spagna at the base and Piazza Trinità dei Monti, dominated by the Trini... more

The Spanish Steps, located in Rome, are a monumental stairway of 135 steps, one of the most famous tourist attractions in the city. They climb a steep slope between the Piazza di Spagna at the base and Piazza Trinità dei Monti, dominated by the Trinità dei Monti church at the top. In springtime, the steps are adorned with beautiful pink azaleas. The Spanish Steps have been featured in many films and are a great place to people watch.

The Uffizi Gallery

Located in Florence, the Uffizi Gallery is one of the world`s most famous art museums. It houses an exceptional collection of Italian Renaissance artwork, with masterpieces from artists such as Michelangelo, Da Vinci, and Botticelli. One of its most... more

Located in Florence, the Uffizi Gallery is one of the world`s most famous art museums. It houses an exceptional collection of Italian Renaissance artwork, with masterpieces from artists such as Michelangelo, Da Vinci, and Botticelli. One of its most notable pieces is Botticelli`s "Birth of Venus". The Uffizi Gallery is not only famous for its artworks but also for its stunning architecture and the breathtaking views of Florence from the gallery windows.

The Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums are a vast network of museums and galleries within Vatican City. They display works from the immense collection amassed by the Roman Catholic Church over the centuries. Included in its collection are classical sculptures, Etruscan... more

The Vatican Museums are a vast network of museums and galleries within Vatican City. They display works from the immense collection amassed by the Roman Catholic Church over the centuries. Included in its collection are classical sculptures, Etruscan artifacts, and most importantly, the Renaissance art treasures. The most famous areas within the museum are the Sistine Chapel with its ceiling decorated by Michelangelo and the Stanze della Segnatura decorated by Raphael.

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