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ITALY

BEL PAESE

Photo: Unsplash*

Overview

 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

COMING SOON | Read About Our Personal Experience

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

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

LAY OF THE LAND

REGION BY REGION

(c) Mapbox, (c) OpenStreetMap, Improve this map

Annotations by PTO Travel Pro

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ALPS & DOLOMITES

Glitzy ski resorts and dramatically rugged mountain scenery

KEY DESTINATIONS:

Bolzano, Cortina, Cervinia, Courmayeur

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THE RIVIERA

An ultra-chic coastline with colorful seaside villages and mega yachts

KEY DESTINATIONS:

Portofino, Santa Margherita, Cinque Terre

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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

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THE LAKES

Mountain lakes adorned with scenic towns and James Bond style villas

KEY DESTINATIONS:

Lake Como, Lake Lugano, Lake Garda, Lake Maggiore

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EMILIA-ROMAGNA

Italy's "Food Valley" where fabulous cheeses, meats, and sports cars are produced

KEY DESTINATIONS:

Bologna, Modena, Parma, Ferrara

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SICILY

Southern sunshine, regional cuisine, Greek ruins, Mt. Etna, & the Mafia all make this island an Italian icon

KEY DESTINATIONS:

Taormina, Palermo, Noto

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UPPER PO VALLEY

Business and fashion buzzes in Milan while Barolo is produced in the vineyards

KEY DESTINATIONS:

Milan, Torino, Piedmont Wine Region

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TUSCANY

An iconic wine region where medieval villages and cyprus trees dot the rolling hills

KEY DESTINATIONS:

Florence, Siena, Pisa, Montalcino, Val d'Orica

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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

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VENETO

Romantic bridges & Juliet's balcony. Gondoliers & glass factories. Canals, Carnevale, and an ancient amphitheater.

KEY DESTINATIONS:

Venice, Verona, Padua

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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

FULL GUIDE ON THE GO

Coming Soon | PDF guide to Italy

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