These are our favorite places and experiences from our three trips to Italy. They are spread across the country’s regions, and some are a whole area rather than a single town.
1. Rome
The entire city of Rome is like an open-air museum. Just strolling through this ancient city, sampling its cuisine, admiring its architecture and people-watching is an excellent way to spend your time. There is no shortage of museums and monuments around every corner of this amazing city.
Around every corner, a monument.
2. Florence
Another of Italy’s marvelous ancient cities, offering a glimpse into Renaissance art and architecture. The friendly people and amazing cuisine make Florence a must-visit.
The Arno in Florence.
3. Tuscany
The rolling hills, cypress trees on distant hilltops, olive groves and farmhouses make you feel like you are inside a painting. Any one of Tuscany’s many medieval villages is worth visiting to take a step back in time.
The view from our bus driving through the Tuscan countryside.
4. Portofino
We visited Portofino by taking a train from Milan to Santa Margherita Ligure (near Genoa), then a bus along the winding cliffside road to this small fishing village. The colorful harbor and the villas perched on the cliff edges are gorgeous.
The view of Portofino harbor.
5. Cinque Terre
These iconic villages on the edge of the sea along the Ligurian coast are famous for a reason. Walking the hiking path or taking the train are both amazing ways to experience the beauty, cuisine and local flair of the region.
The view of the harbor from Vernazza.
6. Lake Como
Lake Como is easy as a day trip from Milan, or it can be a destination on its own. A boat tour around the lake, visiting the villas on its shores, strolling along the water and enjoying the views from a quiet lakeside cafe are all must-dos.
The view of Lake Como.
7. Lake Garda
Like Lake Como, Lake Garda has several splendid towns along its gorgeous shore. The mountain views, quaint towns and castles, and the laid-back atmosphere all add to its charm.
Desenzano del Garda harbor.
8. Take a cooking class
Cooking classes are offered all over Italy, teaching the cuisine of each region. Pizza, pasta and gelato are all options when choosing a class. Cooking in Italy is one of the best ways to experience the local culture.
Handmade pasta from our class.
9. Uffizi Gallery
Some of the masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance are in the Uffizi Gallery. The gallery itself is a work of art, built to house the Medici family’s most valuable art collection. We recommend booking tickets ahead; an early morning slot is great for fewer crowds. We were in awe of the spectacular works in this museum.
A ceiling in the Uffizi.
10. Venice
We visited Venice as a day trip from Milan by train. From the station we took a water taxi to St. Mark’s Square. Just standing in the square by St. Mark’s Basilica, looking out over the canal with gondolas floating by, is a gorgeous sight. There are several museums to visit besides the basilica, and the local markets gave us a glimpse into the lives of Venetians.
The narrow Venetian canals.
11. Capri
The island of Capri has enough beauty, culture and delicious food to deserve a trip of its own. The food, especially the lemons and tomatoes, tasted out of this world. We enjoyed strolling the streets, taking a boat to the Blue Grotto, eating amazing pasta, shopping for local goods and taking in the views.
The Faraglioni off Capri.
12. The Dolomites
The pale, sharp, jagged peaks of the Dolomites are unique. Towns like Cortina d’Ampezzo and Ortisei offer amazing mountain views along with interesting shops and restaurants. Incredible hiking, snow sports and scenery are just the beginning of an unforgettable trip to the Dolomites.
The view of the Dolomites from Santa Maddalena.
13. Alberobello
This trulli village is a magical place where tourists and locals mingle. Walking around on a beautiful Puglian winter day, we got to enjoy local food (like olives), friendly people and views of the conical trulli roofs.
The amazing streets lined with trulli in Alberobello.
14. Try the local specialties
Pesto in Genoa, tomatoes in Capri, focaccia in Puglia, and gelato, coffee and pizza everywhere.
Fresh tomatoes on bruschetta.
Pasta with pesto.