Check out any map of the world and Italy is sure to get your attention with its distinctive boot-shaped formation. Awash in romantic settings, fine historical treasures, breathtaking architecture, and mouthwatering, world-class cuisine–who wouldn’t fall hopelessly in love with this country that also boasts a lengthy and dramatic Mediterranean coastline? Italy has left an undeniable influence on Western culture so it’s understandable it is one of the most toured countries on the globe. If you can’t resist the urge to explore this European gem’s alluring sparkle then you have to scroll down to see this amazing list of things to do in Italy.
1. Visit the Sistine Chapel to see Michelangelo’s The Creation of Adam ceiling fresco (from USD 117.0)
The amazing Sistine Chapel holds a bounty of some of the world’s greatest treasures and one of them is Michelangelo’s The Creation of Adam ceiling fresco. This tour allows participants the chance of a lifetime to admire this masterpiece and explore many other incredible artworks and the history behind them. Provided with expert audio headsets, this guided tour also leads visitors through such inspiring places as the arresting St. Peter’s Basilica and the vibrant Vatican Museums that boasts a collection of art compiled by popes throughout the centuries.
Rome Small-Group Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica Tour
Duration: 3 hours
2. See Campo Santa Maria Formosa, home of Marco Polo and Rialto Bridge (from USD 131.0)
No holiday in Italy is complete without a stop in seductive Venice. A few must-see venues are the enchanting Rialto Bridge, the exquisite Gothic structures of Campo Santa Maria Formosa, and the dwelling of famed explorer Marco Polo. An ideal Venice adventure, this fabulous tour is a combination of walking and boat excursion. Along the way, you’ll not only experience Venice’s top tourist highlights but also uncover the charm of the city’s beguiling backstreets and bewitching canals.
Venice in 1 Day: St Mark's basilica, Walking & Boat tour
Duration: 3 hours
3. Be awed by the magnificent Colosseum (from USD 65.0)
One of Rome’s most captivating structures, every visitor to the Emerald City must see the Colosseum. A true ancient Roman jewel, the Colosseum is on grand display for participants of this tour. A cut above as far as exemplary excursions go, this tour offers a professional guide who tells fantastic tales of the structure’s history. Guests also learn about the brave gladiators and all-powerful emperors who decided whether the combatants lived or died. As a bonus, this tour also takes you through the ruins of the Roman Forum.
Ancient Rome and Colosseum Skip the Line Walking Tour
Duration: 3 hours
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4. Take a scenic coach tour to Tirano at the foothills of the Swiss Alps (from USD 158.0)
Climb aboard the landmark Bernina Express - Switzerland’s iconic red-hued mountain train - and relish a ride like no other through the most eye-popping railway routes on the globe. Your destination is the wonderful foothills of the marvelous Swiss Alps. This scenic coach tour from Milan to Tirano will take your breath away. It is sure to be a memorable adventure filled with dramatic views like gorgeous snow-capped mountains and shimmering glacial lakes that comprise the Bernina Pass. Passengers also visit the posh resort town of St Moritz and are allowed to disembark and explore this upscale vacation area.
Swiss Alps Bernina Red train and St.Moritz tour from Milan
Duration: 12 hours 30 minutes
5. Savor a hearty lunch with wine at an organic wine estate in Chianti (from USD 115.0)
A superb visit to Italy means sampling the world-class wines available. So instead of simply dining at a restaurant why not create an unforgettable event by taking a tour of the famous Tuscany region and relishing a tasty lunch paired with a choice of organic vino made from one of the region’s first-class vineyards. Departing from Florence, this day-long sightseeing tour includes exploration of Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa, and the Chianti Hills where guests can enjoy a scrumptious feast and divine wine tasting.
Florence Full-Day Tuscany Tour with Siena, Pisa, San Gimignano
Duration: 11 to 12 hours
6. Experience a gondola ride down the stupendous Grand Canal of Venice (from USD 55.0)
Get an intimate view of Venice by embarking on a walking tour throughout the city that also includes a gondola ride down the beautiful Grand Canal. While on this tour, participants will have the chance to view not only Venice’s established landmarks like the beautiful Teatro la Fenice opera house and Rialto Bridge but also discover places only locals know about that will add an extra layer of excitement to this dazzling floating city. Near the completion of the tour, slip into a classic gondola for a ride down the Grand Canal: an ideal end to a perfect tour.
Venice Grand Canal Gondola Ride and Guided Walking Tour
Duration: 129 to 147 minutes
7. Explore the illustrious Vatican City (from USD 159.0)
If you’ve always wanted to get the inside scoop on Vatican City and explore all the beauty it has to offer then this extraordinary tour is just the ticket. Showcasing the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, this Vatican City tour allows participants to skip long lines and hits all the tourist hot spots: the lovely Vatican Museums, the glorious Sistine Chapel, and the incomparable St. Peter’s Basilica. Also, this professional tour includes a trek to the wonderful Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum. Memories of this tour will forever be etched in your mind.
Rome Vatican Museums and Colosseum Skip-the-Lines Walking Tour
Duration: 8 hours 15 minutes
8. Browse for lace in Burano and admire the colorful painted houses (from USD 27.0)
Explore Italy’s finer things with this tour that allows guests to explore Torcello, Murano, and Burano: three delightful islands in the pretty Venetian Lagoon. Each place holds a unique character and participants get the opportunity to experience them all. Foremost is the Burano area where lace lovers can hunt for delicate handcrafted lace as well as drink in the vibrant beauty of the brightly painted fisherman houses in the area. Also sure to excite you is glass blowing in Murano and lavish churches and palaces of Torcello.
Murano, Burano and Torcello Half-Day Sightseeing Tour
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes
9. Drink in dramatic views over the Bay of Naples (from USD 131.0)
Boasting a 9-mile-wide (15 km) gulf situated along the brilliant south-western coast of Italy, the Bay of Naples is a lovely body of water worth a look. On this day-trip tour from Rome, participants can adore the beauty of the Bay of Naples and so much more. In the summertime, this tour offers a professionally led exploration of nearby Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii. In winter there’s the option to investigate the City of Naples and its fine architecture. No matter what time of year you go, you must do yourself a favor and sample the area’s delicious, world-classic Neapolitan pizza.
Rome to Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius with Admission Fees
Duration: 13 hours
10. Wander the quaint hilltop village of San Gimignano (from USD 71.0)
Perched atop a hill and encompassed by 13th-century walls, the UNESCO World Heritage Site San Gimignano is a genuine treasure on the Tuscan landscape. A town replete with medieval abodes and churches boasting fabulous frescoes, San Gimignano will certainly charm you. A wonderful day trip from Florence with an enviable three-course savory lunch and first-rate wine-sampling included, this tour is a real treat for those looking for a bit of a Tuscan experience. This guided tour also visits the nice cities of Pisa and Siena.
Florence to Siena, Pisa, San Gimignano with Lunch, Wine
Duration: 12 hours
11. Snap Instagram-worthy shots with the Leaning Tower of Pisa (from USD 84.58)
A must-see when in Italy is, of course, the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. If you take this day-long excursion you’re guaranteed snapshots you will want to proudly and eagerly post to your Instagram account. This elaborately constructed 14th-century tower - with its signature lean as a result of an unstable foundation - showcases this delightful tour but it’s not the only tourist site on the agenda. Participants also explore the nicely preserved medieval town of San Gimignano and the lovely town of Siena where the famous Palio di Siena horse race is run twice a year.
From Florence: Day Trip Pisa, Siena & San Gimignano w/Lunch
Duration: 12.0 to 12.5 hour
12. Be swept up by the grandeur of St. Peter's Basilica (from USD 86.0)
Your jaw will drop when you see the dazzling St. Peter’s Basilica. An exquisite Italian Renaissance church in the heart of Vatican City, this place of worship is nothing short of mesmerizing. Holding up to 60,000 churchgoers, St. Peter’s Basilica is, to say the least, huge and is recognized as one of the largest churches in the world. This tour gives you a personal glimpse at this late-Renaissance church that was designed by such luminaries as Michelangelo, Donato Bramante, and others.
Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, Skip-the-Line Tour
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
13. Check out Hall of the Great Council at Doge's Palace (from USD 115.0)
Get a close-up view of Venice’s lavish apartments and the Hall of the Great Council at Doge’s Palace when you partake in this professionally guided tour. Learn about Venice’s history when you explore Doge’s Palace: a Venetian Gothic-style structure that was the political heart of the country for hundreds of years. A highlight of this tour is access to the first floor of St. Mark’s Basilica terrace where participants can drink in panoramic views of Venice that will make you unexpectedly sigh with satisfaction.
St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace Tour in Venice
Duration: 3 hours
14. Step back in time on a guided tour of Pompeii (from USD 144.0)
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy is the compelling archaeological site of ancient Pompeii. It will make for an intriguing experience to investigate the city of Pompeii that was left in volcanic ash and pumice after the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD. Pompeii is an incredible open-air museum showcasing a city that existed over 2,000 years ago and was buried in ashes until 1748! Uncover the incredible history of this place of wonder and ruins on this fascinating full-day tour.
Sorrento, Amalfi Coast, Pompeii Tour with Naples Port Pickup
Duration: 8 to 9 hours
15. Explore the enchanting ruins of the Roman Forum (from USD 53.67)
Many interesting remnants of the Roman Empire can be found throughout the city of Rome and one of the most astounding is the Roman Forum. A series of historic government buildings at the center of Rome’s ancient Roman Republic, this amazing structure is on full display with this appealing two-and-a-half-hour tour. This open-air site was the locale of various important political, religious, and social activities of Rome’s past and this tour affords visitors a complete history of Rome’s bygone era that also includes stops at the Colosseum and Palatine Hill.
Rome: Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Group Tour
Duration: 2.5 hour
16. Spend some leisure time at Cortina d’Ampezzo ski resort (from USD 219.0)
If you want to escape the bustle of the city then enjoy a wonderful day-long excursion at a nifty ski resort offering breathtaking scenic views. This small-group tour from Venice features a trip to the majestic UNESCO-listed Dolomite Mountains. Participants can also marvel at the sights of one of two shimmering lakes depending on what time of season you go. Shopaholics will love the opportunity to browse or purchase merchandise at the stylish and trendy boutiques as well as grab a hot coffee and a sweet treat from a quaint bistro at Cortina d’Ampezzo resort.
1-Day Dolomite Mountains and Cortina Tour from Venice
Duration: 10 hours
17. Discover the UNESCO-listed Cinque Terre (from USD 65.0)
Enjoy the absolute tranquility of the Italian Riviera coastline when you embark on a day-long adventure to Cinque Terre. An outstanding collection of centuries-old seaside villages, Cinque Terre offers a classic Italian dreamlike setting. This tour is the perfect way to explore this UNESCO-listed attraction. This guided tour from Florence provides every form of travel to reach each destination: coach, train, and boat. Even on the agenda is a refreshing dip in the deep blue waters at one of the region’s finest beaches!
Cinque Terre Full-Day Tour with Lunch Option from Florence
Duration: 12 hours 30 minutes
18. Learn to make cheesy pizza and yummy gelato (from USD 198.0)
Learn to make classic Italian fare with this fun-filled escapade that teaches participants how to create the gooiest pizza and most tantalizing gelato. Expect to be whisked away to a beautiful Tuscan estate near Florence where an expert Italian chef offers a joyous first-hand cooking lesson of two of Italy’s mainstay foods. The results are a delicious three-course banquet comprised of appealing appetizers, scrumptious pizza, and cool gelato. Added to the meal is a choice of robust wine or frothy beer.
Tuscany Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class from Florence
Duration: 5 hours
19. Walk around lustrous Piazza Navona in Rome
Whether it’s rainy or sunny, strolling Piazza Navona in Rome is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. One of the biggest and most handsome piazza squares in this city, Piazza Navona displays three notable fountains including the prominent Fiumi Fountain which boasts a large obelisk at its center. This square is packed with charming outdoor cafes where you can sip a cappuccino and people-watch or admire the numerous street artists, painters, and musicians that add a nice energetic vibe to the area.
Piazza Navona
Address: Piazza Navona, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Website: Piazza Navona
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
20. Ride the fabulous funicular from La Piazzetta to Marina Grande (from USD 198.0)
If you want to enjoy a unique mode of transportation, take a pleasant ride aboard the funicular from La Piazzetta to Marina Grande on the island of Capri. Constructed in 1907, the funicular is an aerial tramway connecting the port of Marina Grande to the Piazzetta. The ride may last only a few moments but passengers are treated to heart-stopping views of gorgeous Capri. If you take this small-group tour you can also experience the striking Faraglioni rock formations, the adorable shops of Anacapri, the pleasant Augustus Gardens, and more.
Capri and Blue Grotto Day Tour from Naples or Sorrento
Duration: 9 hours
21. Be enthralled by the paintings at Uffizi Gallery (from USD 70.0)
For diehard art fans, a trip to Uffizi Gallery in Florence is a slice of nirvana. A monumental art museum on Florence’s cultural scene, every masterpiece of classic art imaginable is more than likely housed in this lovely 16th-century building: Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus, Caravaggio’s Medusa, and Titian’s Venus. The collection of Primitive and Renaissance paintings is expansive. Visitors can admire works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Botticelli, just to name a few. This informative tour is led by a knowledgeable guide and the group is kept to a maximum of 14 persons.
Uffizi Gallery Tour with Skip-the-Line Access
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
22. Visit Domitilla Catacombs underneath Appian Way (from USD 76.0)
Domitilla Catacombs is one of the most enthralling attractions in Rome. Situated below Appian Way, a significant roadway of the ancient Roman Republic, Domitilla Catacombs showcase the city’s fascinating ancient catacombs and solemn crypts. This tour is truly unique offering participants glimpses of age-old burial customs and covert Christian worship sites. A guide will tell you about Capuchin monks who used human bones to erect and adorn their crypt. There’s even a chapel made completely of human bones!
Roman Catacombs and Capuchin Crypt Skip-the-Line Guided Tour
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
23. Learn ace gladiator-fighting moves at Roman Gladiator School (from USD 98.0)
Experience the thrill of a lifetime by enrolling at Roman Gladiator School. A tour like no other, a participant receives a hands-on lesson in fierce Roman gladiator training from a top-notch member of the Historic Group of Rome who specializes in recreations of ancient Roman gladiator battles. Participants are equipped with genuine weapons of the era and are also given traditional gladiator gear: a tunic and belt to help you get into a full gladiator frame of mind. Members of this tour also have complimentary access to the very interesting Gladiator School of Rome Museum.
Rome Appian Way Roman Gladiator School and Museum Admission
Duration: 2 hours
24. Set out along hillside roads through Tuscany (from USD 98.0)
Enjoy a small-group tour that takes you through bountiful vineyards, picturesque olive groves, and towering cypress trees of the Tuscan countryside. On this snazzy tour of the Chianti region, you get the opportunity to delve into fun wine-tasting activities at two distinct Chianti wineries where delicious fine wine and even olive oil are available for sampling. A guide takes participants into dark cellars where you’ll learn the ins-and-outs of how wine is produced using time-worn Italian methods.
Florence to Tuscan Countryside Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour
Duration: 4 hours 45 minutes
25. Delight in the Italo-Byzantine architecture of Saint Mark's Basilica in Venice (from USD 115.0)
Dig into Venice’s amazing past in the best way by exploring the awesome beauty of the Italo-Byzantine architecture of Saint Mark’s Basilica. An archetypal structure on Venice’s landscape, Saint Mark’s Basilica is astonishing inside and outside. Once you’ve reveled in the greatness of the exterior, this tour takes you through the basilica’s cavernous and ornate interior replete with numerous colorful mosaics and many beautiful Byzantine prized possessions. There’s even an inviting on-site museum you can browse.
St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace Tour in Venice
Duration: 3 hours
26. Discover Florence in one day (from USD 131.0)
Any highlight of a holiday in Italy is seeing Michelangelo’s David and the pretty red dome of the Florence Cathedral. This tour features many tourist hot spots. Participants can stroll Florence’s bustling historic center, tour the Uffizi Gallery, relish sights of the Ponte Vecchio bridge, visit the L-shaped square of Piazza Signoria, and more. But the true standouts of this tour is the exploration of the Accademia Gallery where you can drink in views of the famous Michelangelo’s David and appreciate the Gothic-style beauty of the Florence Cathedral adorned with its distinctive red-tiled dome, pretty marble-hued facade, and the grand Giotto tower.
Accademia Gallery, Uffizi Gallery, Florence Duomo Walking Tour
Duration: 5 hours
27. Sample local produce at Campo de' Fiori’s market (from USD 109.0)
A famous open-air market in Rome, the lively Campo de’ Fiori’s market is a must-visit for any foodie. If you take this top-tier culinary walking tour you can taste a lot of Italy’s awesome flavors in one afternoon. Stroll with this small-group tour and you’ll sample everything from fresh local produce at Campo de’ Fiori’s market to lusciously flavorsome gelato in the dynamic Trastevere neighborhood. Your mouth will water just thinking about the array of tasty Italian delights that await you!
Rome Food Tour: Trastevere, Campo de' Fiori, and Jewish Ghetto
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
28. Marvel at the Pantheon, a former Roman Temple
The best-preserved ancient Roman building in Rome, the Pantheon is definitely a go-to tourist attraction. A domed structure with a large impressive rectangular facade comprised of 16 sturdy granite columns, this site is an architectural delight. The renowned Renaissance painter Raphael is buried inside as well as many Italian kings and there are numerous displays of beautiful artwork. For a nice surprise, see the Pantheon on a rainy day so you can watch raindrops fall from the oculus - which is the opening of the dome and the primary source of natural light for the structure.
Rome: Pantheon Fast-Track Ticket and Official Audio Guide
Duration: 50.0 to 1.0 minute
29. Travel to Capri by boat and then visit the splendid Blue Grotto
Take a thrilling excursion on board a boat bound for the beautiful island of Capri. Participants on this tour will visit Blue Grotto, an inspiring sea cave where sunlight passes through an underwater cavity and as a result creates a dreamlike blue reflection that brilliantly brightens the cavern. Then enjoy a delectable lunch at a charming trattoria located in Anacapri, a picturesque hilltop village where you can drink in amazing views. Guests of this tour are also welcome to walk Capri’s main town section and discover its enduring charm.
From Rome: Capri Guided Day Trip without lunch
Duration: 13 hours
30. Admire the renowned artwork at Borghese Gallery in Rome (from USD 43.0)
One of Rome’s most in-demand tourist attractions for art lovers is Borghese Gallery. Home to 15th- to 18th-century artworks, visitors admire stunning paintings by masters like Caravaggio and Raphael. Study the immense beauty of Bernini’s sculptures and so much more. Do yourself a favor and take the time during your visit to stroll the well-manicured and peaceful Villa Borghese gardens that also afford great views of Piazza del Popolo, an expansive urban square.
Skip the Line: Borghese Gallery Tickets
Duration: 2 to 3 hours
Italy's supreme attractions
Wander enticing cobblestone streets in Rome, explore beguiling canals in Venice, view jaw-dropping artwork in Florence, and sample full-bodied wines in the sweeping Tuscan countryside. Italy is a fun-filled playground of sensory pleasures that are difficult to resist–so don’t even try. Whether you pick a few or many items from this list you’re certain to experience an extraordinary adventure in a country that is magical and unforgettable.
Admire the beautiful Cascades de Lillaz
Contributed by Content Creator, Beatrice
Source: Beatrice
Cascades de Lillaz (Lillaz waterfalls), Aosta Valley travel tips:
From the center of Lillaz (near Cogne), starts a beautiful loop trail around these beautiful waterfalls. The trail is about 3 km (1.86 mi) long and is really easy.
You can park your car in the free parking lot in Lillaz. From the village, you can just follow the signs to the waterfalls (well marked). You start from the village center, but after a while, you will get to the actual trail with spectacular views and in the middle of nature!
The falls have three levels. The first one is encountered after about 15 minutes of walking. Up to here, the trail is very easy and almost level. The second level is after a steeper section, but there are also a few steps to facilitate the ascent. The third level, then the top of the waterfall can be seen from a bridge, but don’t stop here.
Arriving at the bridge you will find the sign for Biolet Waterfall, which is also my favorite. In fact, this waterfall is visible both from a vantage point and from below.
See the Sword in the Stone in the roofless abbey of San Galgano
Contributed by Content Creator, Francesca
The Sword in the Stone exists! It’s in Italy, in the roofless abbey of San Galgano.
This former Cistercian monastery is located in Tuscany, not far from Siena. The abbey was the first Gothic-style church in Tuscany and was built between 1224 and 1288 to honor San Galgano, who lived nearby as a hermit in the Eremo or Rotonda di Montesiepi. This is where you can see the sword in the stone that Galgano, a knight-turned-monk, planted. Nobody has been able to pull it out yet! He thrust his sword into a rock, promising to God that he would never again raise his weapon against anyone.
Here’s some useful info about the historical place:
Ticket price: 4 EUR (4.31 USD)
Openings: November - March from 9 am to 5:30 pm; April, May, and October from 9 am to 6 pm; June and September from 9 am to 7 pm; July and August from 9 am to 8 pm
This abbey is a popular location for weddings, so the opening hours can vary.
The only way to get here is by car, and a huge free parking space is available on site.
Shop for vibrant maiolica pottery and ceramics
Contributed by Content Creator, Aliyah
Italy has a long and rich history of handmade and hand-painted ceramics, known as maiolica, whose colors never fade. This type of pottery-making originated in Mesopotamia during the 9th century and was passed along the major trade routes. It was introduced to Italy during the 12th century via Spain (and you guessed it right, through Majorca). The Italian noble families were fascinated with maiolica and incorporated this art into their homes and everyday lives. They used Italian themes instead of the decorative patterns and colors taken from Islamic and Spanish pottery.
Fun fact: Before the introduction of maiolica, the idea of having separate plates for food was not common. But thanks to the abundance of plates, now food is served on different plates as opposed to one large family plate.
History
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