# Italy: Italy Top 14 > Our favorite places and experiences from three trips to Italy, from Rome and the Dolomites to Capri and Puglia. - **Source:** https://trainsandfrogs.com/italy/top-14 - **Destination:** Italy - **Article type:** Highlights - **Author:** Riddhi - **Published:** 2026-10-26 - **Topics:** kids, Europe, Italy ## About these trips This guide draws on all 1 of our trips to Italy. ### Italy in winter - **Region:** Europe - **Trip:** Italy in winter - **Trip length:** 12 days - **Season:** Winter - **Travelling party:** 2 adults, Child ![Italy](https://trainsandfrogs.com/content/italy/portofino-harbour.jpg) 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. ![Woman and boy in a Rome square beneath a tall stone column](https://trainsandfrogs.com/content/italy/rome-square-column.jpg) _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. ![Boy looking along the Arno toward the Ponte Vecchio](https://trainsandfrogs.com/content/italy/arno-river-view.jpg) _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. ![Tuscan fields and a hilltop farmhouse under a cloudy sky](https://trainsandfrogs.com/content/italy/tuscan-countryside-bus.jpg) _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. ![Portofino's colorful harbor and boats seen from the hillside](https://trainsandfrogs.com/content/italy/portofino-harbour.jpg) _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. ![Small boats in the harbor at Vernazza below green cliffs](https://trainsandfrogs.com/content/italy/vernazza-harbour.jpg) _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. ![A lakeside village beneath steep green mountains on Lake Como](https://trainsandfrogs.com/content/italy/lake-como-view.jpg) _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. ![Small boats in front of pastel buildings at Desenzano del Garda's harbor](https://trainsandfrogs.com/content/italy/desenzano-harbour-colours.jpg) _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. ![Two trays of fresh handmade pasta and ravioli](https://trainsandfrogs.com/content/italy/handmade-pasta-trays.jpg) _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. ![An ornate painted ceiling with portraits and gilded frames in the Uffizi](https://trainsandfrogs.com/content/italy/uffizi-painted-ceiling.jpg) _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. ![A narrow Venetian canal between old brick buildings, with a small boat](https://trainsandfrogs.com/content/italy/venice-canal.jpg) _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. ![Capri's coastline and the Faraglioni rocks rising from the sea](https://trainsandfrogs.com/content/italy/capri-faraglioni.jpg) _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. ![Woman and boy on a path looking at the jagged Odle peaks above snowy meadows](https://trainsandfrogs.com/content/italy/dolomites-santa-maddalena.jpg) _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. ![Man and boy smiling on a street of white trulli with conical stone roofs](https://trainsandfrogs.com/content/italy/alberobello-trulli-family.jpg) _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. ![Bruschetta topped with fresh tomatoes and basil on a painted plate](https://trainsandfrogs.com/content/italy/bruschetta-tomatoes.jpg) _Fresh tomatoes on bruschetta._ ![A bowl of pasta in bright green pesto](https://trainsandfrogs.com/content/italy/pesto-pasta.jpg) _Pasta with pesto._