Italy

The Italian Lakes

• Bellagio: Gorgeously quaint, the town of Bellagio sits on a peninsula surrounded on three sides by the glimmering Lake Como. With beautiful buildings and gardens, delicious al fresco dining, and wonderful views of the Alps across the water, this destination is truly a dream come true.
• Lake Garda: It’s difficult to say which is more beautiful: Italy’s largest lake or its stunning surroundings. Old villages filled with charm sit side by side with modern towns, while striking mountains provide a dramatic background.
• Lake Como: This picturesque lake and area are immensely popular amongst people on holiday in Italy, and it’s not difficult to see why. Incomparable natural beauty contrasts brilliantly with the pretty villas that are icons of this region.
• Islands of Lake Maggiore: Explore an exquisite Borromeo villa and lose yourself amongst extravagant gardens on Isola Bella. Enjoy a leisurely lunch in one of the adorable restaurants or cafés on Isola dei Pescatori. Wherever you are on Lake Maggiore, glamorous natural beauty greets your eyes, whichever way you gaze.
• Macugnaga: Despite this cute village’s lofty altitude, the nearby snow-topped mountains climb higher still. Dufourspitze, the second highest mountain in Europe, is particularly intimidating for those who would climb it; though for an ordinary traveler, it is simply a wonder to behold.

Tuscany

• Montecatini Terme: This picturesque old town has been celebrated since the 18th century, when the first of the luxury thermal spas was built to capitalise on the mineral-water springs. In years gone by, the thermal spas were frequented by royalty and the rich, and many still provide relaxing, rejuvenating treatments for locals and guests to the area.
• Lucca: If you can’t take a turn without bumping into a church, palace, medieval-looking house, or city wall, it might be because you’re in Lucca. For the best views of this city frozen in time, head to the top of the city walls and take a leisurely stroll.
• Pisa: Prepare to see one of Italy’s most beloved and well-known attractions for yourself. After getting some snapshots with the photogenic Leaning Tower (don’t forget to pose!), take time to visit the enchanting local Cathedral and Baptistery.
• San Gimignano: The town’s oldest residents, the Tuscan towers still standing after 700 or so years, make a visit to San Gimignano worthwhile. The quaint town is also home to a multitude of pathways that are simply lovely to walk along.
• Siena: The trademark brick buildings of this town date back to medieval times and will have you feeling like you’ve taken a trip to the past. Piazza del Campo and the gothic-style town hall are particularly fascinating places to spend time.
• Florence: The capital of Tuscany and the cultural capital of the world, Florence is widely considered an essential stop on any Italy tour. A key highlight is meeting Michelangelo’s ‘David’, among other fabulous statues and artworks.

Italian Riviera

• Cinque Terre: Experience the calm Italy of old in Cinque Terre (or ‘Five Lands’). This collection of five small villages sits in northern Italy, on the coast of the glorious Mediterranean Sea. Brightly painted houses perch right over the ocean on rugged cliffs. The area outside of town is just as magnificent – the national park has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Portofino: Ideal for a quick stop, this old seaside village is tucked away in a quaint bay. Look up to discover a castle and church standing guard over the port.
• Genoa: Home to Europe’s biggest still-intact medieval city center, as well as plenty of pedestrian malls and delightful squares, Genoa is the perfect place for a guided walking tour in Italy.

Northern Italy

• Verona: Serenade your special someone from below or step onto Juliet’s balcony yourself in famous Verona. Don’t skip by the fascinating Arena either; it’s an ancient amphitheater that is still used today.
• Venice: Whether travelling by foot or boat, Venice is an absolute pleasure to explore. The iconic Grand Canal, gondolas, and thriving St. Mark’s Square are only the beginning. A guided walking tour of Venice is an especially unforgettable experience.

Southern Italy

• Alberobello: Prepare for somewhat odd accommodations when staying in Alberobello – your temporary home here will be one of the town’s many ‘trulli’ (cute whitewashed buildings with cone-shaped roofs).
• Ostuni: Admire Italy’s beautiful southern coastline from the hilltop city of Ostuni. In the town itself, prepare to be dazzled by the streets upon streets of striking whitewashed buildings.
• Polignano a Mare: You need only two reasons to stop in this town. It sits directly on cliffs that fall away into the Adriatic Sea, making for some breathtaking views, and it serves some of the country’s most delicious gelato. Ice cream and sightseeing: the perfect pair.
• Matera: Marvel at the area’s churches made from rock and explore the man-made caves carved into a gigantic rocky plateau. These stone houses (or ‘sassi’) are ancient; while some are in ruins, others have been fantastically restored – including the cave-hotels that will accommodate you during your time in Matera.

Umbria

• Assisi: The streets of this quiet town are peaceful and charming, but it is the Basilica of St. Francis and its glorious frescoes that take the cake in Assisi.
• Spoleto: Take a journey into centuries gone by when you visit the ancient city of Spoleto. Historic sites abound, including a 1st-century amphitheater.

Campania

• Naples: There are exquisite palaces, squares, and castles wherever you go in the sensational city of Naples. There are shopping and delicious dining opportunities aplenty as well.
• Pompeii: Venture through the spooky yet fascinating ruins of Pompeii, where the aftermath of an almighty volcanic eruption has preserved scenes and items for nearly 2,000 years.
• Island of Ischia: Discover the gorgeous Giardini la Mortella (an internationally acclaimed garden) before enjoying lunch in a charming fishing village. Visiting the picturesque Castello Aragonese in the afternoon is the perfect finale for a day on this captivating island.

Amalfi Coast

• Island of Capri: Luscious landscapes, boutique stores, and mesmerising views of natural beauty, it’s no surprise Capri becomes an instant highlight of Italy for so many people travelling in this diverse and beautiful country.
• Ravello: When visiting the mountainside town of Ravello, you may find yourself wondering, “Which is closer, the sea or the sky?” The panoramic views you will witness from this location are simply astonishing.
• Amalfi: The quaint city of Amalfi perfectly encompasses the charm and beauty that the coast of the same name is famous for. Soak up some sun on the modest beach or enjoy some local cuisine and drinks in one of the many pretty piazzas.

Sardinia

• Cagliari: Sardinia’s most southern city, and is a home to Vespas, tree-fringed boulevards, and busy cafes packed with locals enjoying paninis, gnocchi, and fresh seafood. Like many Italian cities, Cagliari wears its history on its sleeve and features everything from ancient ruins and museums loaded with prehistoric artefacts to centuries-old churches and stunning palazzi.
• Alghero: The medieval city of Alghero is one of Sardinia’s most beautiful. A labyrinth of narrow streets that connect piazzas bustling with life. Encircled by ancient walls, Alghero is known for its cobblestoned center and gothic buildings such as the Cattedrale di Santa Maria. It’s where red roofs touch the sky and families enjoy crystalline water and soft sand beaches.
• Su Gologone: Part of a unique historical archaeological landscape, Su Gologone is a natural masterpiece. The name itself evokes fresh water and lush greenery, and just 15km away, you will find Sardinia’s most important natural spring. The water here has carved out underground channels and a small lake that sits between the high walls of the region’s Dolomitic rock. From intense green and turquoise to a mesmerising blue, the water changes according to the reflection of the sun.
• La Maddalena: A sixty-island archipelago off the coast of Sardinia, La Maddalena is home to unspoilt beaches, blue seas, and memorable scenery. Granite outcrops enclose patches of turquoise sea. Weathered by wind and sea, these rocks form some spectacular shapes. Cruise through the islands, stopping and exploring along the way.

Orvieto

The town of Orvieto is truly a standout within the Umbria region. With a traditional medieval centre square, surrounded by cobblestone streets lined with boutiques and food sellers, you really could be forgiven for thinking that you’d stepped back in time. Located between Rome and Florence, it has a consistent liveliness from passing visitors, with people flocking to see the town’s amazing medieval cathedral. It’s considered to be one of Italy’s greatest Gothic churches, and its frescoes are even said to rival the work of Michaelangelo in the Sistine Chapel. Orvieto is also set above an impressive system of caves and catacombs, so be sure to make some time to check them out.

Things You Should Know About Italian Culture

Meals are a big deal in Italian culture, so put your phone away and really enjoy the cuisine of the country (and the company of your fellow travellers). Other customs you should be aware of when on an Italian tour include:

• Passion: A common trait amongst Italians is an infectious amount of enthusiasm – for football, food, topical issues, and just about every other aspect of life. If locals come across as blunt or rude, particularly when driving, don’t take it personally; that’s simply the way this energetic society works.
• Family: The family unit is of utmost importance to most Italians. Extended families living together in a single household are common, particularly in southern Italy. When socialising with locals, be careful not to act or speak in a way that would suggest disrespect towards family members – yours or anyone else’s.
• Looks: Appearances and first impressions are highly considered in Italian culture. To fit in, you may like to swap the traditional touristy wear for smart casual clothes that are still comfortable for walking. Never insult a local’s attractiveness either (though this is a good general rule to follow regardless of which country you are visiting!).