Italy is a traveler's dream: historic cities, the world's best food, wine, and sunny beaches. Discover the gems of Southern Italy.
Italy is one of the world's most beloved travel destinations, and for good reason. The country offers an incredibly rich history, a world-famous cuisine, stunning landscapes, and a unique lifestyle. The Amalfi Coast and Tuscany are two of Italy's most beautiful regions.
The Amalfi Coast (Costiera Amalfitana) is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Italy's most iconic landscapes. Pastel-colored houses cling to steep cliffs, and the Tyrrhenian Sea glimmers below. The best way to experience the region is to rent a car or scooter and drive the winding coastal road.
Positano is the coast's most famous village and an Instagram favorite. Narrow alleys descend to the beach, and every turn reveals a photo opportunity. The price level is high, so day-trippers might want to bring their own snacks. It's better to stay in Amalfi or Ravello — you'll see the same beauty more affordably.
Ravello is a peaceful village perched on the hills, offering breathtaking views. The gardens of Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone are worth a visit. From Ravello, you can hike down to Amalfi along an ancient path lined with lemon trees.
Tuscany, on the other hand, is the heart of Italy: rolling vineyards, cypress-lined roads, medieval towns, and world-class food and wine. Florence is the region's capital and the cradle of the Renaissance — Michelangelo's David and Botticelli's Birth of Venus are must-sees.
San Gimignano, the 'Manhattan of the Middle Ages', is known for its towers. Siena, in turn, offers one of Italy's most beautiful central squares, Piazza del Campo. In these small towns, time seems to have stood still for centuries.
In Tuscany, food and wine are at the center of everything. Participate in a pasta-making class, taste local Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino in wineries, and enjoy slow dinners in agriturismos, or farm stays. Ribollita soup and bistecca alla fiorentina are regional specialties.
Venice is a unique city of floating buildings and canals. Gondola rides are touristy but unforgettable. A better experience: get lost in the side canals and find small bars to enjoy cicchetti tapas with a spritz.
Rome deserves its own trip, but even a day trip is enough to see the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Vatican, and the Trevi Fountain. Book Colosseum tickets in advance to avoid queues. In the evening, sit on the Spanish Steps and watch the city life.
Practical tips: In Italy, people eat late — lunch from 1-3 PM, dinner from 8-10 PM. Coffee is drunk standing at the bar (sitting costs more). Knowing a few Italian words is appreciated by the locals. The best time to travel is May-June or September-October. Calculate your Italy trip budget with our calculator, compare Italy to other European destinations with our comparison tool, and check the packing list before you go. Also, remember to get travel insurance!