Best of Italy

Where to Go on Your Italy Vacation

Italy has many beautiful and historic cities with good restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. Traveling by train is the best way to visit Italian cities as driving and parking are difficult. Each city has its own character and attractions so use this guide to find the top cities to visit on your travels to Italy.

Italy is a very romantic country filled with picturesque villages, countryside, lakes, and seaside getaways. Our selections range from the beautiful city of Venice on the water to a top seaside resort town on the island of Sicily. Take a look at the top romantic places in Italy.

Tuscany is a top region for Italian vacations. Tuscany has historic hill towns, wine regions, and beautiful countryside. Parts of Tuscany, such as Florence and Siena, can be explored by train while a car is best for visiting smaller towns and touring the countryside. This is a good region if you want to stay in an agriturismo, ranging from simple budget accommodations to luxurious suites and apartments.

Umbria, often called the Green Heart of Italy, has medieval hill towns, Etruscan sites, and nature parks. Umbria also has one of Italy's largest lakes, spectacular waterfalls, and an interesting mummy collection. A little less expensive than neighboring Tuscany, Umbria is becoming more popular as a tourist destination.

Southern Italy's Amalfi peninsula has some of Italy's most spectacular coastal scenery. In summer it's very crowded but its mild temperatures make it a year-round destination. Sorrento is easily reached by public transportation and makes a good base for those without a car. During high season, ferries are the easiest way to get around but buses run along the peninsula all year. There's good shopping here and nearby Bay of Naples attractions such as Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius can be visited, too. Take a look at the Amalfi Coast and Bay of Naples.

Italian Riviera villages like the Cinque Terre are popular coast destinations, especially in summer. With a relatively mild climate, most villages can be visited almost any time of year. Public transportation is good and most of the area can be visited using trains, buses, or ferries. You can use one town as a base and explore the rest of the coast on day trips. Besides beaches and spectacular scenery, there are castles and good seafood, too. Here are travel suggestions for seaside resort villages between Genoa and Tuscany.

Rome is one of Italy's top travel cities. Full of historic places and interesting things to see and do, the visitor to Rome should spend at least three days savoring the city. Our suggested itinerary takes in ancient Roman sites, lavish Renaissance fountains, a few of Rome's neighborhoods, and stops for gelato and dining. Here's how to get the most out of your Rome visit.

Florence is one of the most popular travel cities in Italy and one of Italy's most important Renaissance architectural and art centers. Florence, in the heart of Tuscany, has top museums, beautiful cathedrals and churches, lively squares, and elegant buildings and shops. Here are the top sights in Florence.

Here's a sampling of top festivals in Italy and a few of my favorites. Summer is a big time for festivals throughout Italy so keep an eye out for festival posters if you're traveling in Italy during summer. Enjoy a virtual look at Italian festivals with these festival descriptions and photos.