Italy is a beautiful gradient of architecture, art, and culinary delights. And each region celebrates in its own unique way. Rome, with its historical monuments, artistic Florence, or even the peaceful countryside of Puglia, each region has their own story to tell.
So, how do you decide where to spend your time in Italy if there is so much rich culture and so many wonderful cities? Consider this brief overview as a quick introduction to the more notable places and their popular features for first-time visitors.
Rome
This capital of Italy is one of the oldest cities in the world and a favorite among Italy lovers. It is known as the “City of Seven Hills” because of its geography as well as the “Eternal City” with its connection to the Catholic Church. In addition to standing in the Roman Colosseum, be sure to include a visit to Vatican City, where you can see St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. Take a stroll through the different piazzas (town squares) and see its famous statues and fountains. Trevi Fountain is a must-see as it is one of the most famous fountains in the world and one of the largest Baroque fountains in Rome.
Must-do tour: Private Vatican Museums Tour. Skip the lines and spend quality time admiring a plethora of masterpieces and artifacts collected throughout the centuries with a knowledgeable guide.
Venice
Most people think of Venice when they think about the romance of Italy. This city is built around a series of canals that connects 118 islands and more than 400 bridges. The Grand Canal is the most famous with its S-shape that splits the city into two parts. Take a gondola ride through the canal and under the famous Ponte di Rialto bridge. Enjoy the ringing of the St. Mark’s Campanile from St. Mark’s Basilica and visit the beautifully ornate Doges Palace.
Florence
This capital city of the Tuscany region is often considered the birthplace of the Renaissance. The skyline’s most notable features of this city are the Duomo, the domed cathedral of Santa Maria del Flore, and the Palazzo Vecchio, the town hall. The town hall overlooks Piazza Della Signoria which houses a replica of Michelangelo’s David statue. The original David statue can be viewed in the Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze. Art lovers should be sure to also visit the Uffizi Gallery.
Must-do tour: Private Morning Market Tour and Cooking Class at Da Pinocchio. Stroll through Florence's lively marcato Central market, select fresh ingredients with the guidance of a professional Italian chef, prepare and enjoy a classic Italian feast.
Milan
This city is known mainly for its influence on the world’s art and fashion and hosts the famed Milan Fashion Week yearly. While in town for fashion, be sure to see some of Leonardo da Vinci’s best works like The Last Supper and take in an opera at La Scala Opera House.
Must-do tour: Private Journey through Opera & Fashion. Explore Milan's best past and present trends with this in-depth journey through the city's upscale fashion district. Start at the La Scala Museum and feast your eyes on a plethora of instruments and artworks related to music and theater. End with an up-close look at how elite fashion is crafted and brought to life at a haute couture atelier clothing studio.
Tuscany
Don’t limit your experience in the Tuscany region to only Florence. First-time visitors will want to see the Tower of Pisa in this region and enjoy all the countryside has to offer. This region is also known for its classic Italian wine, Chianti, its medieval architecture of San Gimignano, the oldest bank in the world in Siena, and the great Spa Towns of Europe.
Must-do tour: Private Chianti Tour with Truffle Hunting and Lunch at Ristoro L`Antica Scuderia. A pleasant drive among gently rolling hills and beautiful vineyards leads you to Passignano, where, after a stroll through the estate of the imposing abbey built in the early Middle-Age, you will reach the Ristoro L'Antica Scuderia.
Naples
This city’s historic center is the largest of its kind in Europe. It has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has much to offer, from natural beauty to unbelievable ruins. Enjoy the city full of historic castles like Castel dell’Ovo, the Egg Castle, and Castle Nuovo. Be sure to also visit the Royal Palace of Caserta during the spring to see its gardens and parks in full bloom. This area is also known for its ancient cities of Pompei and Herculaneum. These ruins were preserved in volcanic ash from the Mount Vesuvius eruptions of 79AD until excavation.
Must-do tour: Private Morning Naples Food Tasting Tour by Vintage Vespa. Discover Naples in a fun and exciting way on this private Vespa tour discovering the local cuisine of Naples! Taste a selection of traditional Neapolitan food during a tasteful, cultural, and historical itinerary led by a professional guide. The tour will take you on a ride through the city on an authentic vintage Vespa.
Amalfi Coast
This luxurious area is made up of 13 coastal towns that are picturesque and much of what people imagine when thinking of the Italian Coast. This coastal area is known most for the towns of Positano and Amalfi. Positano is a town made up of pastel buildings, resorts, and restaurants built into the cliffside. Amalfi is a historic maritime republic. Enjoy a hike along the Path of the Gods and treat yourself to limoncello, which is produced in this region.
Must-do tour: Private Sunset by Boat from Amalfi. While gently cruising, your skipper will be delighted to offer you a bottle of Italian Prosecco and some delicious local delicacies. You will have one of the most visually beautiful evenings of your life as you watch the sun slowly dip into the sea.
Capri
In the Bay of Naples, the Isle of Capri is one of the more famous Italian islands known for its laid-back but luxurious charm that draws royalty and celebrities alike. You can stay on the island for a holiday or take a ferry for a day trip. A visit to the Blue Grotto natural sea cave is a must as it is the most notable site on the island. In the cities of Capri or Anacapri, enjoy shopping and dining.
Sicily
This triangle-shaped island is Italy’s largest island and one of its 20 Italian regions. A visit to Sicily gives you a tropical island with mixed with sandy beaches, green hills, and ancient ruins all in one, topped off by some of the best seafood and pastries in the world.
Puglia
Though it has long been a favorite spot to vacation for locals, the lesser-known region of Puglia is beginning to grow in popularity for tourists, and some are even calling it “Little Florence.” This area, located in the heel of the boot, is a more slow-paced and quiet retreat. Many of the small towns that are peppered with boutique hotels allow visitors to wander the streets easily and engage with locals alike. There are some great architectural things to see, like the Trulli houses that have cone roofs in Itria and the white city of Ostuni. And Lecce is where you can see the Basilica di Santa Croce and the Sant’Oronzo column.
Each place mentioned is somewhere that can fill your vacation, short or long. As a first-time visitor, you may want to focus only on one or two popular places like Rome or Venice. There are also some great guided tours that are the “best of” in each major area, so you get a nice taste to learn what you like best for your next visit. No matter where you choose as your first stop in Italy, you won’t be disappointed in the sights, the culture, the food, or the memories.
To begin planning your next trip to Italy, schedule a consultation. We'll talk about your interests and dreams for your trip. Then I'll go to work creating a custom itinerary for you. After you sign off, I'll manage the details for a smooth and memorable trip.
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