When considering where to go in Italy, a visit to the magnificent capital is a must!

Rome is a buzzing metropolis filled with ancient ruins, fascinating artistic treasures, and awe-inspiring architecture. Explore the imposing Colosseum, the striking Pantheon, and the once-bustling Roman Forum, or perhaps visit the palatial St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City. Remember to take some time to enjoy the dolce vita lifestyle as well, from enjoying a refreshing drink in one of the café-lined piazzas to gorging on delicious plates of classic Italian pasta or pizza.

The postcard-perfect landscapes of the Italian Lakes boast shimmering waters, forested peaks, and enchanting architecture. Spend your time relaxing beside these beautiful lakes, wandering the cobbled lanes of the lakefront towns or enjoying a range of outdoor pursuits, including hiking, cruises or watersports. The Italian Lakes are perhaps best combined with a visit to the vibrant, fashion capital of Milan or romantic Verona, home of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

The beating heart of Tuscany, Florence is known as the birthplace of the Renaissance. Visit its iconic Duomo and the world-famous Uffizi Gallery, housing masterpieces by the likes of Botticelli, da Vinci, and Michelangelo. Venture beyond Florence to discover the rolling hills and fields of Tuscany, which are home to charming, traditional hotels and some of the finest wineries in the world, including the famous Chianti region.

Widely considered one of the world’s most romantic cities, Venice features an enchanting, intricate maze of canals and hidden alleys, and is to many people the best place to visit in Italy.

Take a boat tour along the famous Grand Canal to admire the city’s Renaissance architecture, ornate bridges and striking Gothic Palaces. Explore the quiet back canals on a traditional gondola and visit the iconic St Mark’s Square, the bustling epicentre of the city.

Wondering where to go in Italy for beautiful coastlines? This mesmerising, UNESCO-listed coastline is replete with romantic hillside towns, dramatic cliffs, twisting roads and colourful lemon and olive groves. Visit the picture-perfect towns of Amalfi and Positano, where charming pastel-hued houses cling to the cliff face, and take a ferry to glamorous Capri or laidback Ischia. 

Perhaps combine your time on the Amalfi Coast with a stay in the beautiful resort town of Sorrento, a visit to the famous archaeological site of Pompeii and a trip to Naples, the birthplace of the Italian pizza.

Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore - these five historic, seaside villages are dotted along the rugged Italian Riviera coastline. They form a picturesque collection of multi-coloured houses perched precariously on the cliff edge with quaint cobbled streets and abundant vineyards, all connected via scenic walking trails. The most popular trails are between one and two miles, but, if you ever fancy a rest, the Cinque Terre train is a quick and convenient alternative for exploring the villages.

The enchanting region of Puglia is tucked away in southern Italy and is home to beautiful landscapes of golden beaches, towering forests, and endless olive groves. To experience some of Puglia’s best natural treasures, visit the Gargano Promontory or explore the rolling countryside around the charming, white washed town of Fasano. For a taste of Puglia’s eclectic history, visit the traditional trulli roundhouses at Alberobello or admire the ornate baroque architecture of Lecce.

Combine a trip to peaceful Puglia with the magical troglodyte city of Matera, just beyond the Puglian border in Basilicata. Thought to be amongst the oldest settlements in the world, Matera is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its Sassi districts feature over a thousand cave dwellings, intricately carved from the rock. Visitors can even stay at one of the hotels that now lie within these traditional rock homes.

Sitting at the crossroads of the Mediterranean, Sicily is an enchanting melting pot of landscapes, cultures and cuisine, and is where to go in Italy if you're looking for amazing beaches, cities and cuisine. 

Visit Palermo, the regional capital and home to striking, eclectic architecture, explore the historic town of Taormina, nestled in the foothills of the imposing Mount Etna, or discover the mysterious Aeolian Islands, a stunning volcanic archipelago just off Sicily’s northern coast.

Offering stunning white sand beaches, lush hinterland and captivating ancient ruins, the spectacular Mediterranean island of Sardinia offers a relaxing and varied holiday.

For stunning beaches twinned with luxurious hotels and fine dining, head for the idyllic shores of Costa Smeralda, or explore the charming cobbled streets of Alghero for a glimpse into the relaxed Sardinian way of life.

For more inspiration, take a look at our Italy Holidays pages.