THE DESTINATION
OVERVIEW
Italy is one of my favorite and most visited destinations. Each city overflows with culture and history - and cuisine to match! This can be a hard country to plan a trip for because there truly are so many great options. Whether it's your first time to Europe or you've been a dozen times, Italy should always be on your list!
PS: My parents have also been to Italy many more times than I have, so their wisdom is included in these pages
VISITS: 2019, 2016, 2013, 2007, 2004 & more
THE BOTTOM LINE
So what's the big deal? Here's why Italy is worthy of a stop on your itinerary:
IF YOU CRAVE THE DOLCE VITA
It's hard to describe until you experience it, but something about the Italian way of life truly feels different. Even as a little kid, I could sense that the people here slowed down & enjoyed, and so did we when we visited. This ethereal quality makes for a perfect place to escape, especially with someone you love.
IF YOU LIKE REALLY AWESOME FOOD & WINE
Authentic Italian food is worth a trip across the Atlantic - I promise. As you explore, you'll discover there's not just one "Italian" cuisine; each region has its own unique flavor and dishes. Combine the outstanding food with some of the most prolific wine-producing regions in the world, and you get pure magic.
IF YOU ARE A HISTORY BUFF
Throughout history, Italy has maintained a starring role. From Ancient Rome to medieval times, the Renaissance to World War II, Italy has been shaped by the most prominent events of the time. Few other places in the world can immerse a visitor in the past like Italy can.
IF YOU LIKE TO MARVEL AT ARTISTIC MASTERPIECES
No matter your favorite artist, you'll be able to find their work in Italy, often in situ. There's so much to see, it can almost be overwhelming. You could spend a lifetime admiring the many famous monuments and museums, but even random street corners can be home to masterpieces.
IF YOU ARE CATHOLIC
The center of the Catholic world is here in Vatican City, and the rest of Italy has the Church woven into its fabric. There's a rich history told through art and architecture, important relics, and ongoing traditions that make many destinations in Italy a must-do pilgrimage for the Faithful.
TRAVEL TOOLKIT:
DESTINATION PORTFOLIO
TOP PLACES TO GO






















Rome: PTO Travel Pro* | Amalfi Coast: Unsplash* | Florence: PTO Travel Pro* | The Lakes: Unsplash* | Pisa: Unsplash* | Pompeii: Unsplash* | The Riviera: Unsplash* | Siena: PTO Travel Pro* | Tivoli: PTO Travel Pro* | Tuscany: PTO Travel Pro* | Venice: Unsplash*
LAY OF THE LAND
REGION BY REGION

Annotated with highlighted regions corresponding to details below

Annotated with highlighted regions corresponding to details below
(c) Mapbox, (c) OpenStreetMap, Improve this map
Annotations by PTO Travel Pro


ALPS & DOLOMITES
Glitzy ski resorts and dramatically rugged mountain scenery
KEY DESTINATIONS:
Bolzano, Cortina, Cervinia, Courmayeur


THE RIVIERA
An ultra-chic coastline with colorful seaside villages and mega yachts
KEY DESTINATIONS:
Portofino, Santa Margherita, Cinque Terre


THE SOUTH
The foot of the boot is home to some of the best beach towns, pizza, and Pompei
KEY DESTINATIONS:
Amalfi Coast, Pompei, Naples, Puglia


THE LAKES
Mountain lakes adorned with scenic towns and James Bond style villas
KEY DESTINATIONS:
Lake Como, Lake Lugano, Lake Garda, Lake Maggiore


EMILIA-ROMAGNA
Italy's "Food Valley" where fabulous cheeses, meats, and sports cars are produced
KEY DESTINATIONS:
Bologna, Modena, Parma, Ferrara


SICILY
Southern sunshine, regional cuisine, Greek ruins, Mt. Etna, & the Mafia all make this island an Italian icon
KEY DESTINATIONS:
Taormina, Palermo, Noto


UPPER PO VALLEY
Business and fashion buzzes in Milan while Barolo is produced in the vineyards
KEY DESTINATIONS:
Milan, Torino, Piedmont Wine Region


TUSCANY
An iconic wine region where medieval villages and cyprus trees dot the rolling hills
KEY DESTINATIONS:
Florence, Siena, Pisa, Montalcino, Val d'Orica


SARDINIA
The lesser-known of Italy's two main islands, famous for its varied coast, crystal clear waters, & Nuraghi ruins
KEY DESTINATIONS:
Porto Cervo, Cagliari


VENETO
Romantic bridges & Juliet's balcony. Gondoliers & glass factories. Canals, Carnevale, and an ancient amphitheater.
KEY DESTINATIONS:
Venice, Verona, Padua


CENTRAL ITALY
The treasure-filled heart of Ancient Rome and the Catholic Church
KEY DESTINATIONS:
Rome, Tivoli, Orvieto, Nettuno, Anzio
FULL GUIDE ON THE GO

ITINERARY
9-DAY ITALIAN HIGHLIGHTS
01
ROME | Walk back in time to tour the Ancient Roman Forum and the Colosseum



04
TUSCANY | Enjoy Italy where it really shines, on the table ... Mangia!



07
FLORENCE | Explore the art and history of the Medicis at the Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi



02
ROME | Step into the epicenter of the Catholic Church, admiring the art of the Vatican