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15 of the Absolute Best Things to Do in Italy

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Visiting Italy can be a once in a lifetime experience. If you want to make your trip worthwhile, you should check out these best things to do in Italy.

 

Home of spaghetti, Vesuvius, and Gucci, Italy is one of the world’s most sought after destinations. With snow-covered mountains in the north and fantastic beaches in the south, this boot-shaped nation is a place of wondrous landscapes. 

But it’s the culture that truly makes Italy such a draw for visitors. The best things to do in Italy all revolve around the country’s unique and exquisite soul. From Roman temples to pizza, it’s impossible to visit and not want to return.

You’re about to take a whirlwind tour of the 15 most incredible things to do in Italy, so dust off your passport and keep reading.  

1. Wine Tasting in Tuscany

We know, we had you at wine tasting. But bear with us because wine tasting in Italy isn’t just about the blissful flavors, it’s about the whole atmosphere. 

The Chianti region in Tuscany has rolling hills and vineyards laid out before your eyes. Stretching from Florence to Siena, this majestic place is the ultimate destination for those who want to sample the country’s finest wines. 

2. Visit the Colosseum

Almost 2000 years old, the Colosseum in Rome once held 50,000 people. An extraordinary sight within this hectic and beautiful city, it’s something that must be seen in real life. 

You can also book in to visit the upper tiers for incredible views and descend into the depths of the underground passages. 

3. Wander Venice During Carnival

Venice is a unique city that’s built entirely over water with no cars and a labyrinth of streets. At any time of year it’s a magical place to visit with its 400+ bridges and grand San Marco square but there’s one annual event that trumps it all. Carnival. 

In February each year, the Venice Carnival has to be experienced to be believed. With grand performances, tens of thousands of people in masks, and a costume parade, the carnival is the liveliest event in Venice. 

4. Walk the Cinque Terre

Five tiny villages of brightly colored houses built into the rugged coastline of the Italian Riviera make up the Cinque Terre. Nestled close together and linked by an easy coastal footpath, walking between them is one of the best things to do in Italy. 

Tiny fishing harbors show how life has traditionally thrived in the Cinque Terre villages. The whole trail is only 7 miles but you’ll want to dawdle in each town. 

5. Eat Pizza in Naples

Pizza is such a serious business is this coastal city that the classic Neapolitan pizza has a regulated recipe. It must be made with tomatoes from the San Marzano variety or with Pomodorino del Piennolo del Vesuvio – that is, grown in the soil around Vesuvius. 

It must also have buffalo mozzarella specifically from Campania or Lazio regions and cow milk mozzarella that can only come from Agerola. In short, the Neapolitans don’t mess around. 

6. Do a Vesuvius and Pompeii Day Trip

Still in the Naples area, Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii are must-see Italy classics. Vesuvius’ eruption in 79AD destroyed the huge city of Pompeii which sits at the bottom of the volcano. 

Climbing Vesuvius is easy with a bus service that goes close to the summit and offers 360-degree views. Once you’ve experienced Vesuvius, head down to Pompeii where you can spend hours walking around the remains of this once-thriving Roman city.

7. Discover Sicily’s Valley of Temples

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Valley of the Temples is the biggest archaeological site in the world. If you want to see some of the most impressive ruins from the Roman empire, this is the place to visit. 

8. Take a Boat Ride on Lake Como

Up in the northern mountains, Lake Como is one of Italy’s most iconic lakes. Dotted with picturesque villages and huge villas, the shoreline is dramatic and beautiful. Taking a boat ride is the best way to embrace Lake Como and you’ll see the stunning buildings against a backdrop of the Alps. 

9. Go to the Uffizi Gallery in Florence

If it’s art that draws you to Italy, there is no better place to experience it than in the Uffizi Gallery in the heart of Florence. Home to some of the most incredible Renaissance artworks in the world and in a beautiful building in its own right, you’ll be mesmerized from the moment you enter. 

10. Take Italian Classes in Milan

A smart and elegant city, Milan is a great place to take a week of Italian classes. With lots of schools to choose from, you can learn to pronounce ‘hello’ (buongiorno) and ‘how are you?’ (come stai?) on your first day. By the end of the week, you’ll be chatting with the locals like an old friend. 

11. Catch the Ferry from Amalfi to Positano

Traditionally a destination for the elite, Amalfi is a wonderful village on the coast with rugged hills behind. Because Amalfi and Positano are nestled into cliffs, the best view is from the sea. 

Take a private boat tour or hop on the ferry that travels between them. 

12. Take a Grand Tour

There is no better way to experience Italy than by taking a luxury tour of some of the nation’s most extraordinary places. Italy has so much to offer and a tour is the perfect way to see different cities, attractions, and relax the whole time. 

Custom tours in Italy give you control over your itinerary so you can see the places you’ve always dreamed about. 

13. Take a Pasta Class

When you taste the pasta dishes in Italy you’ll be blown away. There’s just something about fresh Italian pasta that rarely exists outside the country. The best way to find out their secrets is by taking a pasta class in Rome. 

Don’t forget your notebook, you’ll want to recreate it at home!

14. Visit the Opera in Milan

You don’t have to be an opera fan to be enthralled with live Italian opera. No matter your music tastes, seeing the opera in the famous La Scala opera house in Milan will transform your understanding of this type of music. 

15. Go Market Shopping in Siena

From 8:30 to 1:30pm every Wednesday you’ll be able to scour the famous La Lizza market in Siena. Here you’ll get a taste for the true Italian way of life. Shop for food, clothes, and gifts for your family back home. 

The Best Things to Do in Italy Are Waiting for You

Each region of this Mediterranean country has its own unique culture and landscape. From food and drink to entertainment and outdoor activities, the best things to do in Italy always give a great insight into the nation’s heart. 

Follow us for more travel inspiration and you’ll soon be jet setting to the world’s most incredible places. 

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