People from all over the world love to spend their holiday vacations in majestic Italy. This is because Italy is known for its rich culture, pleasant weather, and friendly people. Apart from the mentioned advantages, tourists also prefer Italy because of its numerous well-known attractions including Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Colosseum, Roman Forum, Leaning Tower of Pisa, and Uffizi Gallery. If it is your first time visiting Italy, it is understandable that you may run out of ideas on things to fill your itinerary during your summer. For that reason, check out this list of the best hings to do over the summer holidays in Italy.
1. Be awed by UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cinque Terre (from USD 124.7)
Cinque Terre, a collection of five villages, is among Italy’s most enchanting destinations. Each village at Cinque Terre will leave you breathless as they float on the azure waters. This tour begins at La Spezia. From there, visitors will board a train which will take them to Riomaggiore, a medieval town dating back to the 13th century. The next village to visit is Manarola where you will discover “Via dell'Amore” (Path of Love), one of the most beautiful routes in all of Italy. The next village is Monterosso, also considered as the “pearl of the Cinque Terre.” While you are here, you can relax on its sandy beaches or jump into the refreshing water.
From Florence: Seaside Beauty Day Trip to Cinque Terre
Duration: 12.0 hour
2. Explore the Valley of the Temples in Sicily (from USD 75.91)
If you are out of ideas on things to do during your summer vacation in Italy, you can always choose to explore the Valley of the Temples in Sicily. This 12-hour tour normally starts with a scenic 2-hour drive into the countryside to Agrigento. The drive includes a short stop for a coffee or snacks before reaching the Valley of the Temples. When reaching Agrigento, you will visit the Hera, Apollo, and Concordia temples and finally settle on the Hardcastle villa, where a guidebook will provide more information about the sites. Please note that snacks and refreshments are not included in the package.
Palermo: Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples Day Tour
Duration: 8.0 hour
3. Visit the marvellous Coliseum (from USD 74.82)
During this tour you will get to skip the long lines outside of some of Rome’s most popular ancient attractions including entry to the Palatine, Colosseum, and Roman Forum. You will also get the chance of exploring the tomb where emperor Julius Caesar was buried and the ruins of the Roman Forum, a center where all Roman government business was handled. The tour is supervised by professional guides who will explain the history of Rome and introduce you to the most notorious Roman emperors. The tour also includes headsets which will assist you in hearing your guide better.
Rome: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill Fast-Track Tour
Duration: 2.5 to 3.0 hour
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4. See the volcanic ruins of Pompeii (from USD 869.0)
This is a three-day tour whereby you will explore the southern Italian coast from Rome to Sorrento. You will get the chance to visit the historical city of Naples and discover the volcanic ruins of Pompeii. You will then take a scenic boat ride to Capri where you will visit Blue Grotto. Please note if the Blue Grotto is not accessible, you will be taken to the Faraglioni Rocks by plane or boat. Also note that the excursion to Capri does not take place during the winter
Discover Pompeii, Sorrento & Capri in a 3-Day Escape from Rome
Duration: 3 days
5. Go on a pilgirmage to the Vatican City (from USD 117.0)
During this three-hour tour, you will be able to discover most of the gems hidden in the Vatican including St. Peter’s Basilica, Sistine Chapel, and Vatican Museums. With the help of a guide, you will navigate the large complex of rooms, artwork, and learn more about the history of this city. To save time, you will be skipping all the long entrance lines as you explore halls including the Gallery of the Maps and Raphael’s Rooms, see ‘The Creation of Adam’ by Michelangelo’; and hear the lesser-known tales about sacred St Peter’s Basilica.
Rome Small-Group Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica Tour
Duration: 3 hours
6. Tick a ride at the Grand Canal off your bucket list (from USD 33.62)
This is a 30-minute tour where you will explore the city of Venice on board a gondola. With the help of your gondolier, you will sail through secluded waterways passing along parts of the Grand Canal. The tour will allow you to admire most exciting attractions such as Desdemona’s House, Mozart’s House, the magnificent La Fenice Theatre, and Rio (Canal). All visitors are normally required to download the gondola app which will provide audio commentary to explain all about the palaces and attractions around you.
Venice: Grand Canal by Gondola with Live Commentary
Duration: 40.0 to 3.0 minute
7. Climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa (from USD 100.85)
Most probably, you have seen it in pictures but now it is time to see it in person. Visit this incredible city and you will learn more about it other than the architectural blunder that made it famous! During this tour, you will walk along the Medieval walls where you will be treated to a breathtaking view of Piazza die Miracoli as your guide shares historical tales and then accompany you into the interior of the Cathedral which will inspire you. After the Cathedral visit, you will head to the leaning tower itself. Here you will take some photos as you play with its funny angle. The guide will also educate you on its secrets and history. Finally, you will skip the line and head up the 294 steps which lead to the inner side of the Leaning Tower and enjoy a unique perspective on the square below. This tour will take up to five hours.
From Florence: Pisa Day Tour with Leaning Tower of Pisa
Duration: 6.0 hour
8. Throw a coin at the Trevi Fountain in Rome (from USD 98.0)
During your exploration adventure in Italy, it is advised that you follow the traditions and grab your opportunity of throwing a coin at the signatory Trevi Fountain in Rome. You can do this by joining this four-hour tour which will also give you the opportunity of tasting some of the most famous Italian street foods. During the tour, you will stroll around the town discovering famous attractions such as 2nd-century Pantheon, Piazza Navona, the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain where you will throw your coin. You will also make several foods stops to sample specialities like wines, cheeses, pizza, prosciutto, ‘gelato’ (ice cream), and explore the famous Campo de’ Fiori’s farmers’ market. All the food and wine tastings, which amount to a large lunch, are included in the package.
Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Campo de' Fiori Food and Wine
Duration: 4 hours
9. Get a chance to stand in Juliet’s Balcony (from USD 166.0)
Did you love Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet? If you did, grab this opportunity to stand on the balcony Juliet stood on, according to legend, while Romeo was wooing her. If you book this activity, your day starts in Venice where you will be picked up by an air-conditioned minibus, straight to a photo stop at Colle di San Pietro. You will then walk to the city, where you will stop along the way for a skip-the-line visit to the ancient Roman amphitheatre, built in the 1st century. Here, you will see the Verona Duomo from the outside and enjoy a quick tour of Basilica of Saint Anastasia. Finally, you will head to the home of Shakespeare’s Juliet, the top attraction in Verona. During the tour, you will have so much to see. Make sure you bring a camera.
Romeo and Juliet’s Verona: Full-Day Trip from Venice
10. Tour the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (from USD 48.0)
Exploring the cupola of the Florence Duomo is a must-do for every tourist who visits Italy but with it comes long lines and big crowds. With the help of your guide, this tour will allow you to skip the line, climb to the top, and enjoy panoramic views of the city. It’s the perfect way to see Florence. While enjoying the views, your guide will narrate to you how the construction of the Duomo began in the 13th century and how long it took it to be completed. As you marvel at the marble floors don’t forget to look up–the frescoes above will amaze you as well.
Florence Dome Climb: Priority Entrance Tour
Duration: 1 hour
Explore Italy
It does not matter if you are here for fun or strictly business, in Italy you are guaranteed total enjoyment. In case you run out of ideas on things to do during your stay over the summer holiday, check the list above and let these tours decide.
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