The Duomo of Florence is one of the great monuments of Europe, and there's much more to it than the mighty cathedral. This ultimate guide to il Duomo in Florence will help you get the most out of your visit to the Duomo complex.
You can explore far and wide in three weeks, returning home with memories of many of the top Italy destinations you visited. Maybe you want an experiential tour focused on one destination, such as Northern Italy. Or spend time soaking in the classics, such as Rome, Florence, Venice, and the Amalfi Coast. And if you love to drive, then combine an exploration of Sicily with the sister Italian isle of Sardinia.
From a Gondola ride through the Venetian canals to a skip-the-line admission to Leonardo da Vinci's "Last Supper" fresco, this 21-day itinerary takes in all the high points of northern Italy. In-between, you'll hike the alpine foothills around Merano, drive the thrilling Stelvio Pass, and spend nine days exploring Lakes Giardia, Como, Maggiore, and Orta. End with four days of coastal hiking plus culinary experiences in Cinque Terre before a final day taking in the best of Milan.
Explore southern Italy in style on this relaxing, 17-day odyssey through Sicily and the Amalfi Coast. Starting in Palermo, you'll visit ancient ruins in Agrigento, go wine tasting on Mount Etna, and discover the stylish resort town of Taormina. Back on the mainland, the sun-soaked Amalfi Coast beckons—with lots of free time to explore its clifftop villages and lemon groves before sailing to Capri. Cruise the island's enchanted coastline by private yacht, then hop over to neighboring Ischia and Procida for a memorable day trip.
The medieval hill towns of Tuscany and Umbria take center stage on this relaxed, 8-day road trip through the Italian countryside. Starting in the ancient city-state of Cortona, you'll set out on day trips to the stunning fortified towns of Montepulciano and Arezzo, discovering a treasure trove of Renaissance art and architecture. Hop over to quieter Umbria for spectacular scenery and more magical hilltop locales, visiting historic fortresses, cathedrals, and cities from your base in beautiful Assisi.
Get to the heart of Sicily on this 9-day road trip that explores cities, countryside, and coastlines. Venture into volcanic caves on Mount Etna, relax by the Ionian Sea in elegant Taormina, stroll the labyrinthine old town of Syracuse, and discover the Baroque highlights of the Val di Noto. After walking in the footsteps of the ancient Greeks in the Valley of Temples, your adventure draws to a close in the lively capital of Palermo.
From high in the Dolomites to the shores of Lake Como, romance is in the air on this unforgettable Italian honeymoon. In just 11 days you'll visit four of northern Italy's most spectacular locales, starting in the mountain resort of Cortina d'Ampezzo. With a private driver at your service, you can forget about the logistics and focus on making memories: touring the atmospheric canals of Venice, hiking between fishing villages in the Cinque Terre, and cruising past stately villas and stunning scenery on Lake Como.
While George Clooney's villa isn't open for guests, you can still live the luxe life on Lake Como at one of these hotels. Choose how close you want to be to town and settle in for a stay packed with sweeping views, savory cuisine, spa treatments, and more.
Nothing makes you feel like you're living la dolce vita quite like a sun-drenched hotel terrace. These hotels are distinguished by terraced restaurants and impressive ocean views that will allow you to take in the multicolored architecture of Amalfi and Positano on your own private balcony, glass of sparkling wine in hand.
Sorrento's best hotels are distinguished by their sea view and sleek settings. Take in the panorama of the Gulf of Naples with Mount Vesuvius and the Sorrentine coastline from a historic building, sprawling terrace, or cascading five-tier swimming pool at these spots.
Prepare for a full food and wine experience in 16 days on this trip to Veneto, Marche, and Umbria regions. Admire the art and architecture in Treviso as you sample an Italian prosecco. Continue to Verona for Valpolicella wine tasting, then make your way to Marche for the rolling hills and rustic hill towns of Tuscany. Cross the mountains into Umbria to end your trip in the regional capital of Perugia, where you’ll explore ancient ruins, browse Renaissance art, and spend your final day learning to cook the local cuisine.
Spend a relaxing 8-day road trip enjoying nature in Puglia and exploring wonderful must-see sites. Start your trip in Trani, a wonderful seaside city, almost a "stone's throw" from Bisceglie. This is also the perfect starting point to explore the surroundings, such as the marvelous Castel del Monte, archeological sites like Canne, or the ancient Dolmens and Menhir. Your stay in the Gargano promontory will make your trip, between wild lush forested areas and peaceful fine beaches.
Hop between four iconic Italian destinations on this 9-day whirlwind itinerary. Whisked between cities by comfortable high-speed trains, you can forget about the logistics and immerse yourself in the experience. Cruise the misty canals of Venice, marvel at Renaissance art in Florence, discover ancient history and modern culture in Rome, then change gears and end your grand tour soaking up the sun on the stylish Amalfi Coast. With two days in each location, you can get oriented with an immersive guided tour, then spend the following day exploring at your own pace.
Dive deep into the landscape, culture, and history of Sardinia on this 12-day itinerary. Starting in the northeastern coastal town of Santa Teresa Gallura, you'll travel across the island and make your way down the west coast to the bustling capital of Cagliari, taking in an ever-changing landscape of rugged hills, sea cliffs, vast sand dunes, and brilliant turquoise waters. Visit the sea caves of Neptune's Grotto, discover mysterious Neolithic ruins, sample Sardinia's distinct cuisine, and relax on some of Europe's best beaches.
Italy oozes romance like few other destinations can: after all, this is where the world's best-known love story, Romeo and Juliet, was set. From exploring the cultural vibrancy of Rome through sipping wine straight from the vineyards of rural Tuscany down to sun-bathing on the sultry coast of Sicily, these are the most passion-inducing places in Italy to celebrate your new marriage.
Discover two of Italy's most beautiful coastlines on this week-long seaside itinerary. The Sicilian city of Syracuse welcomes you first, as you stroll its UNESCO-listed old town, unwind on its pristine beaches, and marvel at the ancient ruins of its storied past. A quick flight north takes you to the glittering Amalfi Coast, where Sorrento serves as your base to explore colorful fishing villages, turquoise waters, and the magical island of Capri.
Sun-soaked Amalfi beaches and Rome's ancient splendor are the star attractions of this 8-day Italian itinerary. Start in Sorrento, your base, to explore the glamorous Amalfi Coast's lemon groves and fishing villages. After a magical day spent sailing around Capri, transfer to Rome for the remainder of your stay—leaving you with ample time to soak up the rich history and cosmopolitan energy of the Eternal City. With transport provided by private drivers and concierge train journeys, you'll have the luxury of forgetting about logistics and relaxing into an Italian dream vacation.
Explore multiple Italian cities, landscapes, and regions while never feeling rushed on this 18-day luxury itinerary. Whisked to each destination by a blend of private drivers and concierge train journeys, you can focus on immersing yourself in an Italian grand tour. Start in Naples to explore the clifftop villages of the Amalfi Coast, then head to Rome for ancient history and buzzing nightlife. Taste your way through Tuscany as you tour Chianti’s lush countryside and discover Florence’s Renaissance splendor, before ending your journey of a lifetime amongst the palaces and canals of Venice.
Experience Italy from north to south in all its glory with this diverse 10-day self-drive itinerary. Tour Milan's magnificent gothic Duomo, sample Piedmont cuisine in Turin, visit the wine country of the Langhe region, and soak up the Renaissance atmosphere of Florence. Your journey ends in vibrant Naples, where you'll step back in time with a tour of ancient Pompeii.
With thousands of years of cultural and culinary history, Italy offers plenty to take in. In 10 days, you can choose to go deep on a particular region or hop between the high points. If you prefer the latter, check out our spin through Venice, Florence, and Rome ideal for school-age children, or take babies and toddlers to Rome and Sorrento with the help of private tours. If you'd rather specialize, try a road trip through Tuscany and Lakes Como and Garda or an adventure trip that will see you sailing over Tuscany and Veneto via bike, hot air balloon, and more.
Wheel your way through northern Italy on this road trip with stops that school-aged children and parents can enjoy, with timing adjustable to your own preferences. You'll start amid the Renaissance influences of Florence, then set out into the Tuscan countryside and Chianti Valley on winding olive- and vineyard-lined roads. From there, head to the coast to wander the beaches of the Italian Riviera and then up to Lake Como to explore its luxurious shores. Wrap up your Italian sojourn on the playful shores of Lake Garda before you return to Florence.
Parents who want to travel with small children without disrupting their fellow explorers can turn to this 10-day itinerary. You'll explore Rome's archaeological and religious sites on private tours, with plenty of time to relax in the parks, then head to Sorrento for some time on the beach and boat cruises. Wrap up the trip in Naples with a pizza-making class and visit the islands of Ischia and Procida before you head home.
Whether you're hiding behind a Carnival mask, crafting your own gelato flavor, or cruising around Lake Como, Italy has a new experience for your family waiting around every corner. With two weeks to explore, you've got plenty of time to design your ideal itinerary. Hit all the highlights, take it easy on a road trip, go for a more active path down the coast, or slow down with a sling-bound baby with these options that will have you gesturing wildly with excitement in no time.
Families with teens who want to get out and explore (and find the perfect backdrop for their photos) should give this two-week itinerary through the Veneto and Tuscany a try. You'll start in Venice, where you can explore secret passages, craft your own masks, and paddle a gondola. Then head to Verona and Lake Garda, biking through both urban and natural attractions. Wrap up in the Tuscan cities of Siena and Florence with a hot air balloon ride, gelato-making, and more.
Take two weeks to explore Rome and some of Italy's most popular coastal cities with this itinerary designed to make traveling with babies and toddlers simple. Private tours to Roman highlights like the Vatican, Colosseum, and Palatine Hill will make sure you can move at your own pace before you head to the coast. In Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast, plentiful free time allows for maximum flexibility and time to lounge on the famous beaches. Finish your trip in Naples, where everyone can enjoy making pizza and exploring the ruins of Pompeii.
Spend two weeks exploring northern Italy at your own speed with this self-drive itinerary that allows you to choose the stops. You'll start off in the northern lakes, with Lake Como and Lake Garda offering boat tours past villas and amusement parks alike. Then make your way into Tuscany, where you'll ride a horse-drawn wagon through the countryside and explore the medieval walled city of Siena and famous art of Florence. Finish your trip in the Italian Riviera and colorful five villages of Cinque Terre.
From north to south to the islands, Italy has a prime coastline with some of the Mediterranean's most beautiful beaches. You can find stretches of pebbles and sand in lakes surrounded by mountain peaks, lagoons with wetlands and colorful villages, hidden bays enveloped by cliffs, and scenic gulfs and coves. Combine a little adventure with relaxing on the beach, or spend your entire day zipping around the seaside searching for the dolce vita.
Italy's culture is renowned across the globe, which is why it's the 5th most visited country in the world. Go beyond the typical tourist attractions and dive deeper into Italian culture. Visit bustling food markets, discover traditional music, join the locals for an afternoon Apertivo, and take an art class. Ditch the crowds of Venice and explore its islands, or take a break from shopping to learn the secrets behind Milan's fashionista reputation. Make the most of your trip by truly experiencing the authentic Italian culture!
Being active in Italy is easy, and it's a great way to dive a bit deeper into the cultural essence of the country. You can hike and explore lakes in the north, walk the cliffs of Cinque Terre, the Italian Riviera, and the Amalfi Coast, and take full advantage of the warm, crystalline waters with swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking excursions. With so much diversity, you can quickly build an adventurous dream trip for any interest or ability!
Bring your whole brood abroad to experience Italy's delicious food, ancient history, and glittering coastlines with these week-long itineraries. The country has something for everyone, even your smallest party members. With a week to explore, you can set forth on scavenger hunts through Rome and Venice, take a road trip through the lakes of Northern Italy, adventure along the Amalfi Coast, or stroll with a stroller through Sorrento with these seven-day itineraries.
This week-long trip will take you to some of Rome's most popular spots, then let you unwind on the beaches of Sorrento, while leaving plenty of wiggle room to accommodate the less-predictable petite family members. You'll start by cruising around Romes's highlights on a golf cart tour, then follow guided tours of the main sites that can be customized to your interests while being speedy enough to keep the smaller, fussier members of your party engaged.
Your whole family can fully engage with Italy on this adventurous itinerary, ideally suited for teens with energy to spare. You'll begin in Venice, where you'll craft Carnival masks and explore the secret passages of the city's famous landmarks. After a stop to wander the streets of Verona, you'll head to the park-lined shores of Lake Garda, filled with attractions for all ages. Finish the tour in the Tuscan city of Siena, your base for hot air balloon rides, hikes, and more.
Load the family into the car and hit the road for this trip through lovely Northern Italy, ideal for school-age children and families who want to manage their own budget and schedule. You'll start in fashionable Milan for a culture and history lesson before cruising around the glittering shores and garden villas of Lake Como. Then head to the park-filled shores of Lake Garda, Italy's most family-friendly lake, before heading back to Milan for your departure.
Italy is a food haven with some of the world's favorite dishes, like the signature Neapolitan pizza, fresh pesto pasta from the Italian Riviera, lemon-infused delicacies of Sorrento, and various seafood dishes in the south. And no trip to Italy is complete without tasting wine and gelato! Enjoy perusing through local markets, attending culinary workshops, partaking in traditions like evening Apertivos, and exploring the country's famous "Food Valley."
From Ancient Rome to the Middle Ages to the World Wars, Italy is steeped in fascinating history. Whether you're exploring historical Verona in the north, medieval Tuscany and the catacombs of Rome in central Italy, or the archeological ruins of Pompeii to the south, you can walk through the centuries. Discover the Colosseum and Roman Forum, stroll the cobbled streets of Siena, and discover the secrets of St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace in Venice.
Italy may be the most family-friendly destination, with so much diversity in history, environment, and activity. Plus, kids love Italian food like pizza, pasta, and gelato! From kid-friendly hikes and boat trips to interactive city tours with scavenger hunts to hands-on workshops, you can easily keep your little ones entertained and engaged. Follow the steps of Marco Polo, become archeologists in Pompeii, zip through Rome on a golf cart, and learn how to sculpt like Michaelangelo. The sky's the limit for kids in Italy!
If your family's been itching for a chance to tie on your hiking shoes, this seven-day itinerary is the choice for you, especially if you have teenagers who want to keep moving when they aren't posing in front of impressive photographic backdrops. You'll walk the cobblestones of bustling Naples and ancient Pompeii and hike the hills of Mount Vesuvius before you head to sunny Sorrento for sea kayaking along the cliffs and bays of a protected marine reserve. Finish off on the Amalfi Coast with a hike through a lush valley and winding route through town.
With two full weeks, your family can embrace what Italy has to offer on this tour, focused on kids aged 5-12. You'll craft Carnival masks and follow engaging clues through the canals of Venice, then experience the Renaissance arts of Florence. Tour ancient sites, extensive art collections, and fruit-filled markets in Rome before you end your trip in Naples, home of both ancient Pompeii and some of the best pizza you can find.
Cinque Terre needs little introduction with its world-famous colorful villages hanging onto dramatic cliffsides. Explore this popular region by land and sea, hiking along its scenic paths suspended above the waves and cruising or kayaking along its coastline. Visit picturesque harbors, wander charming streets, or dig deeper into the local culture by exploring vineyards, tasty gastronomy, and traditional crafts.
Italy has its fair share of beautiful lakes, but the most popular area to relax along freshwater is the Northern Lakes District. Here, you'll find the big three: Lake Como, Lake Garda, and Lake Maggiore (amongst others). Of all the scenic pools, Como and Garda steal the show with their dramatic mountainous surroundings, posh grand villas, and elaborate garden terraces. You can explore impressive waterfront castles, charming cobbled streets in historic villages, and even the famed Amarone wine region.
A trip to Tuscany is truly unforgettable, with its landscape of endless vineyards and hills dotted with medieval villages and castles. Explore the historical centers of Florence, Siena, and San Gimignano and taste the region's famed wine at picturesque vineyards, estates, and bars. Savor the views with unique experiences, like ballooning over Chianti or walking along an ancient pilgrim path. Enjoy sunset-filled dinners, delicious cuisines, and some of Italy's most important history, architecture, and art.
Sorrento sits ideally between Naples and the Amalfi Coast on a peninsula jutting out into the sea. It makes an excellent hub for exploring some of Italy's most beautiful scenery and historic ruins, like Pompeii. You can discover the region's traditional wooden art and lemon-infused culinary treats, and enjoy the surrounding nature along the coast, in protected parks, and within the Campanian Archipelago, a group of islands including posh Capri.
The Amalfi Coast is arguably Italy's most glamorous destination, lined with pastel villas, colorful port towns, hiking paths, rocky shores, and posh islands. Enjoy walking along some of the trails, including the popular Path of Gods, and exploring the beaches, islands, and coastline by boat. Go wine tasting or peruse the region's signature lemon groves and tasty products. And because the Amalfi Coast is so close to Naples, enjoy a day trip to the ruins of Pompeii near Mt. Vesuvius.
Naples is an eclectic mix of traditional Italian culture, authentic grit, and modern polish. It's loud, it's passionate, and it has a personality of its own. You'll arguably find Italy's best pizza here, the renowned Neapolitan variety that seems to melt in your mouth, and the city's musical heritage has influenced opera across the country and world. But it's Naples' location that makes it a hotspot, close to Mt. Vesuvius and the ruins of Pompeii, plus the scenic Amalfi Coast and islands of Capri, Ischia, and Procida.
Known as a global fashion capital, this historic city is much more than high-end shopping. Its reputation sprouts from a fashion heritage dating back generations. You'll find authentic shops honoring the exceptional "Made in Italy" label selling everything from handmade bags to shoes to watches, clothing, and more. But Milan also offers a fascinating history with incredible architecture and the third-largest church globally, the Duomo. Attend an opera, visit the nearby Lakes District, or join the locals by bar-hopping for an evening Apertivo.
Although Venice has a reputation for crowds, it's an Italian city not to be missed. With over 100 islands, you can enjoy the top sites and still find hidden corners and authentic cultural elements, like tasting Cicchetti and drinking an Apertivo. You can't miss Venice's primary landmarks, including the sprawling Piazza San Marco and its dominating church, San Marco Basilica, nor the Grand Canal and the ornate Doge's Palace. But Venice allows you to go further, exploring its island network and venturing into the nearby Prosecco Hills.
From strolling across the iconic Ponte Vecchio and admiring famous artworks in the Uffizi to learning how to make gelato and shopping lively markets. Then, there are the medieval hilltowns and Chianti wineries of Tuscany, explored by Vespa. To ensure you don't miss out on the main attractions and authentic local experiences, read on for the six best things to do in and around Florence.
Rome's nearly 3,000 years of history developed into a fascinating city filled with quintessential architecture, world-renowned gastronomy, and vibrant local culture. Besides the must-sees and top sites, you can dive deep into Italian traditions with a cooking class, an Apertivo in artsy Trastevere, and a trip to Rome's wine region. Get off the beaten path by exploring under the city and biking along ancient pathways.
Art and architecture dominate most visits to the historical city of Florence, but there is also plenty to keep little adventurers entertained. From a rewarding climb up Giotto's Bell Tower, to hanging out with local kids in cute parks, to a fun gelato-making class, here’s our guide to the best things to do in Florence with kids.
Take your young ones on the experience of a lifetime as you travel through Italy. You'll start in Venice, where you'll explore on a slew of scavenger hunts. Follow it with Florence, where you'll learn to craft your own gelato, before you make your way through the markets and museums of Rome while engaging in interactive activities. The activities throughout this trip are specially designed for families with kids aged 5-12, allowing you to experience many of Italy's highlights while keeping the little ones entertained.
