18 Best Things to Do in Italy 

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Looking for a list of the can’t-miss activities in all of Italy? You’ve come to the right place!

Italy is one of those bucket list destinations that can appeal to any sort of traveler. It has a little bit of everything, so if you’re overwhelmed when trying to fit an entire country into a short, but epic, trip, you’re not alone! 

After traveling all over the country numerous times, we’ve picked out the absolute best things to do in Italy. Whether you want top historic sights, stunning coastline, cooking classes, and exciting Vespa rides, this list includes it all – and then some!

Things to do in Italy

1. Learn how to cook Italian food

One of my personal favorite aspects of traveling is always the food. We are major foodies and think it’s a fantastic way to understand a culture. And in a place like Italy, which is home to arguably some of the best food in the world, we couldn’t get enough! 

What is unique about Italy is just how diverse the dishes are across regions. Thanks to long-standing traditions and always using the freshest, local ingredients, every place you visit will have a cuisine that is its claim to fame. We couldn’t think of a better way to dive into this culinary cornucopia than taking cooking classes as often as possible, and our three favorites were in Naples, Florence, and Rome!

Naples

As the birthplace of pizza, a pizza-making class in Naples just makes sense. We loved learning the exact science of pizza making with Chef Amos in this authentic Naples cooking class. I still use these skills today!

We started with an intro to ingredients to learn what we’re working with. Then, Chef Amos taught us techniques to make the perfect pizza dough ball (a method called “mopping”) and the traditional way to divide dough balls. After we topped our pizza, we used a shovel to put it in the oven, just like a real chef! Then, we sat down together and enjoyed the fruits of our labors, with some well-earned beer and wine. 

This was the best thing that we did in Naples! It was so much fun, we learned a lot, and we got to eat delicious snacks and pizza. We aren’t alone either, check out the THOUSANDS of positive reviews from other travelers who took this class!

Create the perfect pizza by booking your class here, and you’ll get FREE cancellation!

Florence

Florence is located in Tuscany, which means you can expect farm-fresh ingredients and, honestly, the best wine I’ve ever tasted (no hangovers because it’s so pure!). This cooking class in a Tuscan farmhouse was truly one-of-a-kind, and we loved every moment. But really, it’s no surprise that we had such a great time, given that the tour has thousands of 5-star reviews (which you can read here!).

After arriving at the charming farm nestled in the hills above Florence, we were greeted by our local hosts and handed a glass of wine. You can choose to make pizza or pasta (we chose pizza), and also get to make fresh focaccia for a starter and gelato for dessert. 

We had so much fun kneading the dough, choosing our toppings, and baking our masterpieces in a wood-fired oven. Then our guides also showed us how to mix gelato perfectly, and finally, we enjoyed all of our creations as part of a huge homemade feast. The beer and wine were flowing, which made it even better!

Book this top-rated cooking class here, before it sells out!

Rome

Okay, enough pizza, it’s time for Italy’s famous pasta! Pasta differs all over the country, but we loved how easy it was to try various types in Rome. As the largest city, Rome attracts people and cuisines from across Italy. So this is the perfect location to try your hand at pasta making. 

We loved this cooking class because we learned how to make two types of pasta, tiramisu, and tasted limoncello and wine. It was the taste of Italy I was looking for, and I’m not the only one – see the thousands of 5-star reviews!

Chef Maria guided us in making the most delicious fettuccine and ravioli from scratch, complete with butter and sage. We really needed her instruction to make tiramisu, as it’s pretty tricky to make perfectly! Luckily, it tasted better than it looked, and that’s all that matters. 

At the end of the class, our small group sat together to enjoy the fruits of our labor. This was accompanied by a healthy glass of wine and a shot of limoncello, which made the meal even better!

Check availability and book our favorite Rome cooking class here!

2. Tour the Roman Colosseum

It’s no surprise that touring the Colosseum is high on our list. It’s easily the most impressive sight in Italy, if not the entire world! 

Rome’s Colosseum was a symbol of the empire’s power and strength and was used for performances, animal hunts, and the ever-famous gladiator battles. My jaw dropped to the floor the first time I stood outside the Colosseum, and I was eager to get inside and explore these hallowed halls. 

To make the most of our time, we booked this tour with special access to the Colosseum. Not only did we get to enter through the Gladiators’ Gate, but we also stood right on the arena floor and gazed up, just as the fighters once did. This isn’t something many tours include, as this isn’t an area open to the public, so this one is easily our favorite of the tours we’ve done.

After that epic entrance, we continued to explore both the first and second levels of the Colosseum with our guide, Nic. He told us all about the amazing history of this place, along with some funny stories too!

It was nice that we had a guide along since there are multiple security checkpoints to navigate. We felt like we were in good hands, and since it was a small group tour (only 8 of us), it still felt like a really personal experience.

To finish off our experience, we toured around both Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum. Palatine Hill is the birthplace of Rome, and some of the stories of the Roman Empire we heard from Nic while walking here made this place come to life.

This tour regularly sells out, so make sure to book your VIP access tour here!

Related Read: To see all of the best things to do in Rome, have a look at our 10 favorite activities here!

3. See the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel

The Vatican is one of the holiest places in the world and is teeming with historic sights. I couldn’t resist seeing the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo’s various paintings with my own eyes, and wandering through the streets that date back well over one thousand years. Visiting Rome and skipping the Vatican is like skipping the Eiffel Tower in Paris – it’s a non-negotiable! 

Although we were so excited to see the Vatican, we didn’t fancy queuing for hours, so we booked this tour with skip-the-line access to all of the top sights inside, like the Sistine Chapel. This tour even let us bypass the “fast-track” lines, which was amazing and saved us SO much time.

We were also glad that our knowledgeable guide, Cosimo, took us around the Vatican Museums and explained the history to us. We had headsets so we could always hear what Cosimo was saying, and we learned a lot. We especially loved the guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica, and of course, seeing the world-famous frescoes in the Sistine Chapel was just incredible. 

The Vatican is a once-in-a-lifetime destination, so we say do it right! This tour has 26,000+ 5-star reviews that you can read here, which is pretty staggering and tells you we aren’t the only ones who loved it. 

Book this 5-star tour of the Vatican here to skip the lines!

4. Explore Tuscany on a wine tour & visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Tuscany is a region in Central Italy, famed for wine, olive oil, art, history, and incredible scenery. While many travelers make it to the capital city of the region, Florence, actually exploring the rolling hills of wine country takes a little more effort! Since we didn’t have a car, we knew taking an organized tour was our best bet. That way we could enjoy as much wine as we wanted to (and trust me – you’ll want to indulge)!

Besides amazing wines, Tuscany is home to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. While this is certainly a bucket-list sight, we didn’t have a full day to devote to this small town. But, we were happy to learn that the same wine tours we were thinking about also stopped at the tower, making for one epic day of exploring Tuscany. 

We took the tour from Florence, but you can also visit from Rome, or enjoy a day of wine tasting in Siena!

From Florence

We decided to take a day out of our Florence itinerary to explore Tuscany, and let me tell you, this full-day tour is one of the best we’ve ever been on! If you like art, history, food, and wine, then take a look at the 16,000+ 5-star reviews and get ready for an amazing day. 

It takes you to all of Tuscany’s top highlights, including the medieval city of Siena, the Chianti wine region, San Gimignano, and the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. I loved exploring the smaller towns within the Tuscan Region to really get a taste of authentic Italian culture.

The first stop was Siena, where we had so much fun wandering the cobblestone streets and learning all about the history of this medieval town. A highlight was going into the Siena Cathedral to admire the stunning artwork.

Next up was my favorite part, lunch on an organic farm and winery! We sampled some amazing wine from the family-run estate and had a delicious lunch prepared fresh from food right on the farm. Lunch is an optional add-on for this tour, but I highly recommend it – the food is to die for!

Afterwards, we wandered around the UNESCO site, San Gimignano. This small walled town looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale and will leave you in complete awe. The day ends with a visit to Pisa, where you can take the legendary Leaning Tower of Pisa photos!

Secure your spot on this popular Tuscany day trip here before it sells out!

Related Read: If you’re interested in this tour, check out our in-depth review of it here!

From Rome

You can easily visit Tuscany from Rome on this all-inclusive tour! If you have limited time in Italy and are eager to see Tuscany, this is a great option. The tour makes it a breeze to visit this amazing place without having to plan ahead, rent a car, or miss out on any of the wine!

We kicked off our day with a visit to the stunning hilltop town of Montepulciano, known for its medieval and Renaissance architecture – oh, and its incredible red wine! 

After soaking up Tuscan history and culture, we had lunch and a wine tasting in the sunshine at a beautiful, sprawling wine estate just outside of town. It was absolutely dreamy, and we got to try the full-bodied red wine that Montepulciano is famous for! 

Then, we traveled to Pienza, a tiny, quintessentially Tuscan village. We had some free time to explore and shop, and found some fantastic local cheese and wine to take back to Rome with us! 

Tuscany is world-famous for its beauty and charm, so you can’t miss the chance to visit this gorgeous region while you’re in Rome. 

Book a day trip to Tuscany here and you’ll be able to reserve now and pay later!

From Siena

If you do have some time to venture into the hills of Tuscany’s wine region, you’ll love this wine-tasting tour from Siena. From strolling through vineyards to lunch at a winery, every stop felt like a dream.

At the first winery, we walked through the vines before heading inside to sip Rosso and Brunello di Montalcino. Learning about the strict aging process and certification rules gave us a new respect for these wines—and an excuse to bring home a bottle (or two)!

After some free time in Montalcino, we made our way to a family-run winery for a classic Tuscan lunch. First came bruschetta with fresh tomatoes and local olive oil, followed by steaming bowls of homemade pasta that tasted like a recipe perfected over generations. Each dish was paired with a new wine, and with every sip, we could taste the passion behind it!

The ancient stone walls and rolling hills surrounding the Abbey of Sant’Antimo gave us a peaceful break before our final tasting. If you’re lucky, you might even hear monks chanting inside. 

This tour was not only a great way to taste wine, but to really understand the region and culture! Between the tastings, breathtaking countryside, and expert guidance, this tour was an absolute highlight of our trip.

Secure your spot on this unforgettable wine-tasting tour here!

5. Spend a day in Cinque Terre

Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre (aka Cinque Terre National Park) is a protected area in Northern Italy and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s made up of 5 colorful seaside villages built on the hillside, and I think it’s a must-see when visiting Italy! You’ll probably recognize it from photos, it’s definitely one of those world-famous travel destinations. 

If we had unlimited time, I would have slow-traveled through Italy and spent a full month in Cinque Terre. Luckily, Cinque Terre is located only 2 hours from Florence, and this full-day tour will take you there on an easy day trip. You can choose the transport-only option, but I highly recommend doing the full guided tour.

There are two options for the guided tour: you can either hike between the villages or you can take the train. When I went, we did the hike and I had a blast! It was a 3.4-mile (5.5 km) route that was moderately challenging with some steps, uphill sections, and uneven terrain. But it was worth it for the incredible views along the way!

If the hike sounds a bit too challenging, book the option to take the train between villages. It’s also lovely, and you’ll get free time to enjoy all of the shops that the different villages have.

No matter what option you select, the day ends with a boat ride through the Italian Riviera to the village of Riomaggiore, which is known for its brightly colored houses. The boat ride is weather-dependent, though, so if this option isn’t available on the day of your tour, you will take the train instead.

We thought the guided tour was well worth it (so do the thousands of others who left it a 5-star review!). It made it so easy to visit during our busy Italy trip! Make sure you book in advance because this tour is likely to sell out!

Book this incredible Cinque Terre day trip here to secure your spot!

Related Read: If you have some more time to spare, we recommend spending the night in Cinque Terre and following our expert 2-day itinerary to make the most of your time!

6. Visit Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius

We’ve all heard tales of Pompeii – the ancient city, preserved in time after the Mount Vesuvius eruption in 79 AD. It’s one thing to hear the stories, but see it first-hand? Now, that’s a memorable travel experience. Like so many parts of Italy, we were amazed by just how old this archaeological site is and eager to learn all about it. 

Pompeii is located just outside of Naples, so that’s obviously the best place to visit from! We chose to take a guided tour so we could learn as much as possible, and I’d highly recommend this option. It also gives you a chance to visit Mount Vesuvius itself, making the experience feel complete. If you aren’t visiting Naples, you can catch a tour from Rome, or you can make your way to Pompeii and meet your tour guide there. 

From Naples

This full-day tour to Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius truly blew us away. It was incredible from start to finish, and we think it’s a total must-do while you’re in Naples.

This tour gave us the unique opportunity to travel back in time nearly 1,000 years, thanks to its preserved ruins from the volcanic eruption. And as for hiking to the crater of Mount Vesuvius, well, how many people can say that they’ve done that? These are popular destinations, so having skip-the-line tickets with our tour was a huge advantage!

We absolutely loved our guided walking tour of Pompeii. Seeing the ancient streets, thermal baths, and market square was fascinating. Our guide, Diane, was awesome, and she knew a ton about life in Pompeii, so it was really interesting listening to her commentary. 

After lunch, we had the option of hiking to the crater of Mount Vesuvius. It isn’t as difficult as it sounds, as it’s rather short and has just one section of steep incline. But honestly, it was worth the effort – this is one of the most historic mountains in the world after all!

We loved this tour, and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys history and adventure. It was well-organized and fun, and made it so easy to visit two of Italy’s iconic destinations in one day. 

Read recent reviews and book your spot on this epic tour here!

From Rome

If you’re staying in Rome but eager to visit Pompeii, this full-day trip makes it possible. Pompeii Archeological Site is about a 3-hour drive from Rome, so taking a tour lets you sit back and relax on the drive and learn a ton while you’re out exploring! 

After meeting our guide in central Rome, we hopped aboard our comfortable bus and headed to Pompeii. Our day of adventure started with a 2-hour guided tour of the ruins, which was a breeze thanks to our skip-the-line tickets. 

I was amazed at how much knowledge our guide had – he wove tales of the ancient streets, and I could nearly imagine the lively city in front of us. This was the perfect amount of time to soak in the history of it all, without getting too overwhelmed by the sheer size of the ruins!

We took a break with a classic Napoleon lunch overlooking the bay, which was the perfect way to unwind and refuel. Afterward, we had the choice to hike up Mt. Vesuvius to see the crater and gaze over the Amalfi Coast. If this sounds too strenuous for you, you can take a lovely nature walk through Vesuvius National Park, which is full of stunning sights and history.

Before we knew it, we were back on the bus heading to Rome (I definitely took a nap on the way back!). This was such a fulfilling day, made easy by our guides and a bucket-list travel experience. 

Check out the 4,600+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!

From Pompeii

For those who are more independent travelers, you can pre-book your guided tour of Pompeii with these skip-the-line tickets. The archeology site can get busy, so being able to breeze by the queue and already having a guide and small group waiting for you makes this experience seamless. 

On this two-hour guided tour, you’ll explore the top sights and learn all about the ancient city. There is truly so much to see, and honestly, without the guide, I wouldn’t have known the significance of the structures. We explored the Basilica and Foro de Pompeya, which was the main city square, but the coolest part was the Forum.

In the Forum, we could see life in Pompeii, perfectly preserved as it was when the volcano erupted. You could see a dog and a tree, which was a little eerie but also fascinating! Our guide took us by the baths and brothel lane, and finished at Teatro Grande – Pompeii’s famous theater. 

If you want a hassle-free, small group experience, this is the tour to book! We had headsets so we could hear our guide, and since it was just a two-hour tour, we had the rest of the day to use as we please. 

Don’t miss out – book this top-rated Pompeii tour here!

7.  See The Last Supper in Milan

Milan is famously the home of Da Vinci’s The Last Supper painting, and you just CANNOT visit the city without seeing it! Like any world-famous sight, getting tickets can be difficult, and it is usually quite busy. We love Italy, but we can’t deny how overcrowded it can feel at times! 

To streamline our visit, we booked this guided tour because it included skip-the-line access to see The Last Supper and Milan Cathedral, and it was also a fantastic introduction to the city.

We met our guide near the Duomo and began the day by exploring this stunning Milan Cathedral. It took over 600 years to complete, but now that we’ve seen it for ourselves, we can safely say that all that hard work was worth it!

It was so intricate, and our guide, Marika, taught us a lot about its rich history, including the stunning statue of Saint Bartholomew, one of Jesus’ Twelve Apostles. 

We followed Marika through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a gorgeous 19th-century shopping arcade that’s truly a work of art in itself. Then, we got to see La Scala, which is a world-famous opera house, and went on to explore the Brera District. It’s a super picturesque area where the city’s artsy, Bohemian crowd hangs out, and after walking through it, we can totally see why they’d want to live there! 

The highlight of the day was, of course, seeing Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. I can’t lie, we both felt a little smug as we breezed past the long queues and went straight inside! Finally seeing this painting in person was quite surreal, and the perfect way to wrap up the tour. 

We highly recommend booking this tour for your first day in Milan, as we found that it was the perfect introduction to the city!

Check out the 1,800+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!

8. Taste the best Italian food on a food tour

As mentioned, Italy’s food scene is one of the biggest draws for travelers. We love food tours and try to take one in every city we travel to. It’s such a good way to learn about the unique aspects of the place, find hidden gems, and eat some seriously good food. It’s fun to pair food tours with cooking classes so you can learn both ends of the culinary spectrum. 

But, if you’re more of a connoisseur than a cook, you can simply eat your way around Italy! You can find food tours all around, but our personal favorites were in Florence, Rome, and Venice. In my opinion, these cities have the best food scene!

Florence

When I was in Florence, I was overwhelmed by the number of options when we were trying to figure out where to eat. I wanted to make sure we were having the best of the best and trying all of the authentic Tuscan dishes, so we decided to go on this epic food and wine tour!

You will taste your way through some of Florence’s trendiest neighborhoods as you sample over 14 different dishes from Parmigiano to Tuscan soup. Everything was delicious and I really enjoyed learning about “cucina povera”, a Tuscan practice of cooking food with zero waste.

The best part of this tour is that you get to wash down your food with some delicious wine! Along the way, we stopped at many of Florence’s iconic “wine windows” to sample some of the region’s best wines, such as Chianti Classico and Super Tuscan. Ringing the bell and being served through the tiny holes in the walls was such a fun and unique experience.

Fun fact, the wine windows originated back in the 16th century when Florence wine producers were allowed to sell their wine directly to customers tax-free. And then they later came in handy during the plague of the 1600s and again during COVID!

This tour runs every evening, which is perfect because you can use it as your dinner!

Read the 3,500+ 5-star reviews and secure your spot on this wine and food tour here!

Rome

When in Rome, do as the Romans do… and naturally, that means eating amazing Italian food! We couldn’t pass up the chance to book this popular skip-the-line food tour to discover a few hidden gems and get special access to eat at some of Rome’s exclusive restaurants.

Our guide, Flavia, led us on a fun adventure through the ultra-charming Trastevere neighborhood, which is renowned for its beautiful buildings and winding streets. She took us to some beloved local restaurants, including the legendary Da Enzo, the city’s oldest wine cellar, to try Julius Caesar’s favorite dish and an amazing gelato parlor!

We tried so much delicious food, and the portions were very generous. Better yet, the wine and prosecco flowed all evening! As we savored every bite, Flavia taught us how to discern real Italian food from the pale imitation that is often served to tourists and gave us tips on where else to eat during our visit.

All in all, this was a truly magical evening and one of the best food tours we’ve taken! 

Reserve this popular food tour now and pay later when you book in advance here!

Venice

Venice was its own republic for a thousand years, so its food scene differs a lot from the rest of northern Italy. We were keen to discover what Venetian cuisine is all about, so we booked this food tour and had an absolute blast! 

Our guide, Sara, was awesome and gave us insight into the local side of Venice. She took us to small restaurants tucked away in Venice’s labyrinthine backstreets that we wouldn’t have found on our own. I must say, Venice is full of touristy restaurants, so if you’re someone who likes to discover local hotspots, then this tour is a must. 

As for what we got to eat, it was a true smorgasbord! As we explored, we tried so many different foods that are unique to Venice, including seafood dishes, tramezzini sandwiches, local cured meats, Venetian cookies, and, of course, some regional wines. We even finished with some homemade gelato, which was the perfect way to round off the tour. 

I love that this tour has a “guaranteed full” motto. Even if you’re not full by the end of the tour, the guide will bring you more food until you are! That’s some true Venetian hospitality, and we were definitely stuffed by the end. 

Book this tour with over 2,000 5-star reviews here!

9. Relax on the Amalfi Coast

When I imagine Italy, I picture those stunning cliffside towns, dotted with colorful buildings that overlook the stunning blue water. If you do too, add the Amalfi Coast to your Italy itinerary. It is truly as dreamy as it sounds, and there’s no better place to unwind and relax on your vacation. 

The Amalfi Coast is made up of a handful of quaint towns, such as Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, and Sorrento, and is highly popular in the summer. Besides gazing over the jagged coastline, exploring these charming, historic towns is a must, as well as indulging in the amazing culinary scene. 

If you don’t have the time to spend a few days on the coast, you can always visit from Naples (I’ll tell you how below!). However, we think taking a few days to visit is totally worth it, and the one true must-do activity is taking a boat trip so you can gaze at the coastline from the water!

Boat tour of the Amalfi Coast

If you’re staying in Amalfi, Positano, or Praiano, you can’t miss this luxury private boat tour. We booked this tour the last time we were in Amalfi, and it was hands-down one of the best things we did!

Depending on the size of your group, you can choose from a variety of boat options, including a sleek speedboat or a luxurious 50-foot yacht. No matter which you choose, each one is perfect for relaxing and soaking in the stunning coastline. Our skipper took us past hidden caves, dramatic cliffs, and postcard-worthy villages, stopping whenever we wanted to swim in the turquoise water.

One of the highlights was stopping in Minori, a charming seaside village home to ancient Roman ruins. We also visited Grotta Pandora in Maiori, a breathtaking sea cave you can swim into and explore – it felt like discovering a hidden world!

Onboard, we were treated to ice-cold beer and prosecco, making lounging on deck even better. Between the stunning views, refreshing swim stops, and the total freedom to explore, this boat tour was pure Amalfi Coast perfection.

If you’re looking for a private, luxurious, and stress-free way to experience the coast, this is the way to do it! But don’t just take my word for it – check out the hundreds of 5-star reviews here!

Reserve this tour now and pay later when you book in advance here!

Visit from Naples

This top-rated day trip is ideal for anyone who wants to explore the Amalfi Coast but is short on time! It’s also a budget-friendly way to see this famous part of Italy because it’s a lot cheaper to stay in Naples and take a tour than to stay overnight in the Amalfi region. 

The Amalfi Coast is absolutely beautiful, and we loved the views along the winding roads. We were really happy to leave the driving to our driver, Salvatore, as these roads are tricky!

The first stop of the day was in Sorrento, where we had free time to explore. We loved strolling along Corsa Italia, which is the town’s main shopping street, and took a little detour to explore the cathedral, as our guide recommended. 

Then we headed to Positano. One thing that stood out to us about this particular tour was that it included free time in Positano’s downtown, whereas most Amalfi Coast tours from Naples don’t. We had time to explore the picturesque “vertical city” and walk on its stunning black sand beach. I don’t think life gets better than that! 

Last but not least, we traveled along the beautiful coastline until we reached the town of Amalfi itself, where we wrapped up the day with more free time to amble around and take in the glorious views.

This tour is an ideal way to experience the glamor and magic of the Amalfi Coast in just one day. We aren’t the only ones who loved it either – check out the 6,500+ glowing reviews here!

Book this stunning day trip here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!

Related Read: To see all of our favorite activities in Amalfi, check out the 5 best things to do here!

10. Ride a gondola in Venice

Can you imagine anything more romantic than taking a gondola ride through Venice’s canals? We couldn’t either – so obviously we had to make this happen. In its heyday, about 10,000 gondolas were in use. Today, there are about 400, so while it’s not impossible to secure a gondola ride, they aren’t exactly like hailing a cab!

As lovers of history and charming architecture, we wanted to dive into Venice. This top-rated tour made exploring Venice in just one day easy! It was the perfect introduction to the city, as we got to see the most famous attractions and do the most iconic thing of all: take a gondola ride through the canals. 

We met our guide, Giuliano, and immediately ticked off a major Venice attraction with a walk across the Rialto Bridge. We also got to visit the famous Rialto Fish Market, and Guiliano taught us a lot about Venice’s history as we explored. 

Naturally, we were super excited to hop on a gondola and cruise along Venice’s famous canals. This really is the best way to explore the city, and we loved soaking in all of the views from the water. It just has to be done while you’re here! 

Then, in the afternoon, we got to visit St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace, both of which are truly incredible works of architecture. Having skip-the-line entry into both attractions saved us a ton of time! Giuliano’s commentary definitely enriched the experience because we were able to understand the context behind these architectural masterpieces. 

This tour is like a one-stop shop for Venice! It was so well-organized, and we got to enjoy the city’s highlights without worrying about anything. If you want to feel like you’ve done Venice properly and ensure your gondola ride, then I highly recommend booking this tour.

Check out the thousands of 5-star reviews and book this tour here!

11. Explore Murano & Burano Islands

Venice isn’t the only impressive island worth exploring. Just across the Venetian Lagoon are the Murano and Burano Islands.  Both islands are incredibly scenic, with pretty canals and colorful buildings, and they’re renowned for glassblowing and lacemaking, respectively. So, of course, we just had to go and check them out for ourselves!

We wanted to learn all about the islands and what sets them apart, so we hopped on this organized tour, which also made transportation easy.

We met our guide in central Venice and then hopped on a boat that was just for us and our little tour group! It was way nicer than having to take one of the crowded waterbuses. We sat back and enjoyed the views as we cruised over to Murano, where we visited a local glassblower’s workshop. I really enjoyed watching him shape the molten glass into different shapes, and it was interesting to learn how Murano became such a hub for glassblowing.

We had some free time to explore Murano after that, which I always appreciate on day tours! As you would expect, there are tons of glass souvenirs on offer here, and we liked having a chance to amble through the brightly painted streets by ourselves.

Next up, we got back on the boat and headed over to neighboring Burano, where we learned about the art of lacemaking and watched local craftswomen working. We learned how Burano lace was once a favorite among European royals, and how the tradition of lacemaking continues today. 

This tour was the perfect day trip from Venice. It was well-organized, and we loved having a guide with us to teach us more about the distinct character and craft of each island. And honestly, going on a private tour boat made all the difference, too! 

Check availability and book this tour here to secure your spot.

12. Tour the Uffizi and Accademia Museums in Florence

Florence is known worldwide for its magnificent art and Renaissance history. Some of the most famous and significant pieces from the era are housed in Florence’s Uffizi and Accademia museums. To get straight to the point, this is where you can see Michelangelo’s famous David sculpture!

To make the most of your time at these amazing museums, you must go with a professional guide. On this half-day small group tour, you will get just that, plus skip-the-line entrance to both the Accademia and Uffizi Galleries. The lines to these places get crazy, so this is a HUGE advantage!

Even if you’re not a huge fan of museums or art, this tour is worthwhile. We learned so much from our guide that it felt much more meaningful than walking around and wondering what the significance of a centuries-old painting is. 

I was left in awe at the masterpieces within these museums and the history behind them. Seeing Michelangelo’s iconic David sculpture was a highlight, and I also really enjoyed the city tour through Duomo Square and Piazza della Signoria.

I learned so much about things I normally would have walked right past if I didn’t have our expert guide!

Read the hundreds of reviews and book your spot on this tour here!

13. Cruise around on a Vespa

Looking for a unique Italian experience? Imagine cruising around the winding streets of Rome or Florence, with the wind in your hair, and the scenery blurring past you. This could be you on a Vespa! 

Vespa is Italy’s premier scooter, and let me tell you, they are zippy! We’ve ridden scooters all around the world, but there was something so quintessential about riding a Vespa in Italy. Not only is riding the scooter fun in itself, but it also makes for a very convenient way to see some of the top sights.

While you can rent a scooter on your own, the traffic is a bit nerve-wracking, so we opted to book an organized tour and go with a local. That way, we could follow their lead and not worry about getting lost! There are Vespa tours all over, but our favorites are in Rome and Florence. 

Rome

There are dozens of sightseeing tours in Rome, but we loved this Vespa tour by night, as it gave us a totally unique perspective of the city! Best of all, our local guide drove us, and we just sat in the back, looking at the city sights instead of the traffic patterns. 

If you’re after a once-in-a-lifetime experience, you can sit in the sidecar! I felt like I was in a movie as we buzzed past the Colosseum, Piazza Venezia, and Trastevere and watched the city light up as night fell. 

We didn’t spend all three hours on the Vespa – our guide would pull over to point out sights and give us time to walk around. However, my favorite stops were for gelato and espresso – they certainly know the way to my heart!

I was grinning from ear to ear the entire ride, and it was definitely one of the highlights of our time in Rome. For an unforgettable and iconic Italian experience, book this tour!

Check out the 1,500+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!

Florence

Escape the city and take to the hill country of Tuscany on this full-day Vespa tour. This is the perfect balance of independence and guided experience, as you drive your own scooter but follow a local guide. 

We loved this experience because we didn’t have to worry about getting lost, and our guide took us to places we wouldn’t have found without them. They took care of all our itinerary planning, so we could simply follow along. I really appreciated the freedom of driving our own Vespas, because that’s the most fun part of the tour!

Don’t worry if you’re new to scooter driving, they are very easy to use. These scooters are automatic, so no clutch or gear shifting, and you have a radio to talk to your guide whenever you need! Plus, we quickly escaped the city and were in the countryside, which is much less stressful to drive through.

We stopped at historic churches and incredible viewpoints overlooking Tuscany. After a few hours of driving and sightseeing, we stopped for a fresh meal of bruschetta, pasta, cheese, salami, and wine – what a way to refuel! If you’re looking for a fun, lighthearted way to explore Tuscany, don’t hesitate to join this Vespa experience.

Check availability and book this tour here!

Related Read: There is so much to do in Florence, we definitely recommend you stay a few nights. This 3-day itinerary will help you plan the perfect trip!

14. Visit the famous Blue Grotto

Every time I travel around Italy, I am amazed by how many naturally beautiful areas there are. Whether it’s impressive mountains, stunning lakes, rolling hills of the wine region, or the jagged coastline, I’m swooning. One of the most unique natural sights I’ve seen is the Blue Grotto off Capri. 

This sea cave has an illuminating blue light that fills the dome – it’s unlike anything I’ve seen! This occurs because of the sunlight that comes through the small cave opening and reflects off the seafloor.

Unless you packed your own boat, the best way to visit the Blue Grotto is on this full-day tour, which includes a visit to Capri! It takes off from the Sorrento port and makes our day seamless. 

The journey started with a jetfoil ride across the sea, with incredible views of the Sorrentine coastline and our amazing guide, Tiizianna. Our first stop was the famous Blue Grotto, where we had a full hour to take in the electric blue glow. High waves can sometimes prevent entry, but we lucked out and got to see it. It looked like someone had dropped a neon light into the sea!

From there, we explored Capri, stopping at Villa San Michele, a home-turned-museum known for its elegant architectural details and lush gardens. Then we stopped in Anacapri for our favorite part—a chairlift ride up Monte Solaro! The chairlift isn’t included in the tour price, but trust us, the views are absolutely worth it!

We finished the day in Capri’s main square, grabbing a quick espresso before heading back to Sorrento. The lively piazza was the perfect place to soak in the island’s energy, with stylish cafés, boutiques, and people-watching that could easily keep you entertained for hours.

We loved how easy it was to see the natural phenomenon of the Blue Grotto and visit the lively streets of Capri. It’s a must-see while in Italy!

Reserve your spot on this unforgettable island adventure here and pay later!

15. Visit Lake Como

It’s hard to put a place like Lake Como into words. Surrounded by the Alps and charming historic villages, the entire region is stunning. 

We’ve spent time exploring this picturesque Italian lake, uncovering the best experiences—from food tours in Lake Como’s historic center to sailing on a private boat. Whether you want to indulge in local cuisine, wander through charming towns, or take in the views from the water, there’s something for everyone here.

If you have time to escape the cities and relax in one of Como’s lakeside villages, we highly recommend doing so. You can follow our ideal three-day Lake Como itinerary here for our top recommendations! I’m talking about cruising on the lake in a traditional wooden boat, visiting centuries-old lakeside villas, and taking quiet strolls through cobblestone streets – it’s worth a visit. 

There are a ton of places to stay as well, whether you’re based out of Como, Bellagio, Varenna, or beyond. We personally preferred to stay in Como Town and had a fantastic few days at Hotel Borgo Antico. If it still has availability, I’d highly recommend staying here. But if you need more options, you can see all the hotels around Lake Como here. 

Or, if you’re short on time, you can always visit Lake Como on a day trip from Milan. 

Lake Como from Milan

In just one day, you can visit Lake Como and Switzerland from Milan! I can confidently say that this full-day tour was one of the highlights of our trip! It’s actually only a 40-minute train ride, and going with a local guide helped the day flow with ease. 

Once we arrived in Como, the wow factor really kicked in as we took a boat cruise around the lake. Picturesque would really be an understatement here – Lake Como has the kind of natural beauty that you just have to see for yourself!

After the cruise, we took a peaceful stroll through the lakefront village of Torno. We instantly fell in love with its cobblestone streets and serene atmosphere, and every corner was postcard-perfect. Then we were off to Switzerland to explore the gorgeous city of Lugano.

The best part, though, was that we got to do a Swiss chocolate tasting, which was a real treat for a sweet tooth like me! Then, we finished the day on a high note with a refreshing dip in Lake Lugano, which was pretty incredible. 

This tour enabled us to enjoy some of Italy and Switzerland’s most beautiful scenery, so we would truly recommend it to anyone. If you haven’t got time to do an overnight stay in Lake Como, then book this tour so that you don’t miss out on seeing it! 

Check out the 600+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!

16. See the Dolomites

We’re long-time mountain lovers and have explored many world-class ranges throughout our travels, from the Patagonias in South America to the Canadian Rockies, and even Mt. Everest! Northern Italy’s Dolomite Alps mountain range is just as iconic, and while we didn’t have time to add in a multi-day trek, just catching a glimpse was satisfying. 

We chose to visit the Dolomites on this day trip from Venice, which is the closest major city to visit from. I loved how leisurely this tour was, so we could enjoy mountain views and charming alpine towns. 

This day trip is ideal for anyone who likes the freedom to explore independently while traveling. We had plenty of free time and our fantastic driver, Enrico, was always on hand for advice and recommendations, but he let us explore at our leisure. This meant we got to do our own thing, without the hassle of hiring a car for just one day, which probably would have cost us more than the tour. 

Our first stop of the day was Cortina d’Ampezzo, which is a beautiful ski resort town full of cute boutiques and cafes, with the Dolomites towering overhead. We also got to visit Lake Misurina, also known as the Pearl of the Dolomites. This is a super clear, calm lake, and so it often reflects the mountains in the background, which is just beautiful to see. In fact, it’s one of those places that’s so perfect it almost looks like it should be a stock photo! 

Enrico also drove us to several viewpoints where we could enjoy fantastic views of Tre Cime di Lavaredo, a famous trio of jagged mountain peaks. Until the end of the First World War, these peaks were part of the border between Italy and the Austro-Hungarian Empire! 

The Dolomites are incredibly beautiful, and it would be a real shame to miss them. If you don’t have time to do an overnight stay in the area, this day trip from Venice is a fantastic way to enjoy them in just one day, with no stress or planning involved. 

Check availability and reserve this popular tour here!

17. Hike Europe’s tallest active volcano – Mount Etna

At the complete opposite end of the country, we have Mount Etna in Sicily! Mount Etna is the tallest active volcano in Europe, and it’s possible to hike to the top. I know what you’re thinking, but it’s perfectly safe, especially if you go with someone who knows what they’re doing!

We’ve hiked in many places, but nowhere else has made us feel like we were walking on the moon, except Mount Etna. This full-day volcano tour from Catania was easily one of the best ways to experience this active volcano, taking us across hardened lava fields, up to craters, and even inside a lava cave.

Our day started early with a hotel pickup in Catania, and before we knew it, we were winding up the slopes of Etna. Our guide, Leonardo, was a legend! He was super knowledgeable and always happy to answer questions. 

Along the way, we stopped to check out lava flows from past eruptions and were amazed to learn how life slowly returns to volcanic rock over time.

Then came the real challenge—hiking up to the inner craters at 2,000 meters (6,500 feet)! The black, rocky terrain stretched for miles, and with the crisp mountain air and panoramic views over eastern Sicily, it was worth every step. 

Just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, we strapped on helmets and headlamps to explore a lava cave. Stepping into a tunnel shaped by molten lava was nothing like we expected. It was cool, dark, and eerily silent. Crawling through narrow passages and seeing firsthand how lava had carved its way through the earth was unlike anything we’d experienced before.

Without a doubt, this was one of the most incredible adventures we’ve had. You don’t want to miss this unforgettable Mount Etna experience!

This tour is likely to sell out—book it here to access FREE cancellation!

18. Taste the freshest ingredients at a traditional Italian farm

We’ve always loved Italian food, but tasting it fresh from the source took things to a whole new level! This farm-to-table tour brought us to a fourth-generation family farm outside Sorrento, where we saw how olive oil, wine, and honey are made and then got to taste everything!

Pickup near our hotel in Sorrento made getting started effortless. After a scenic countryside drive, we arrived at the farm, where the owners greeted us with warm smiles and handshakes. We immediately felt like old friends instead of tourists!

We could smell the citrus as we wandered through the olive and lemon groves and learned about the process of turning fresh olives into the rich, golden oil Italians swear by. Since this is a hop-on, hop-off tour, we didn’t have to walk the entire farm, making it easy to explore without getting worn out. 

Our guide took his time explaining every step, making sure we didn’t just taste the food but understood the effort and tradition behind it. We even sipped their house-made wine and limoncello!

Afterward, we gathered around the table for a meal made from the farm’s organic ingredients. It didn’t feel like a tour but more like sitting down with family, sharing food, laughter, and good conversation.

This Italian farm tour is an unforgettable way to experience Sorrento’s food culture. Don’t just take our word for it—read hundreds of glowing 5-star reviews here!

Check availability and book this top-rated Italian farm tour today!

Related Read: For help planning the perfect Italy trip that hits all of the must-see spots and hidden gems, check out our detailed 10-day itinerary!

Where to Stay in Italy

As you plan your travels through Italy, it’s important to find the right place to stay. Whether you’re looking for a luxury getaway or are traveling on a shoestring budget, each city has different areas and offerings for travelers. To make your travel planning easier, we have created city guides for the best neighborhoods and our favorite hotels in all of Italy’s major cities.

• Where to Stay in Rome Guide – Check out the Hotel Albergo Santa Chiara in the Historic Center
• Where to Stay in Florence Guide – We loved Boutique Hotel La Casa di Morfeo in San Croce
• Where to Stay in Venice Guide – Book the Hotel Montecarlo in San Marco (you’ll love it!)
• Where to Stay in Naples Guide – Our top choice is Palazzo Residenza Madre in the Historic Center
• Where to Stay in Milan Guide – Don’t miss the Palazzo Segreti in Milan’s Historic Center

Renting a Car in Italy

Renting a car in Italy is one of the best ways to explore the country beyond the cities—think charming Tuscan villages, dramatic Amalfi Coast drives, and hidden gems in the countryside. While Italy’s roads can be a little chaotic (especially in cities), with the right preparation, renting a car here can be an unforgettable and rewarding experience!

We always use Discover Cars when booking our rentals, and highly recommend them. They compare dozens of providers to find you the best rates, include important filters like “automatic transmission,” and offer affordable full insurance coverage. For more info, you can read our in-depth Discover Cars review here.

Tips for Renting a Car in Italy

• Drive on the right: Italians drive on the right-hand side of the road and overtake on the left. Right turns on red are illegal, and you must often yield to vehicles coming from the right at intersections.
• Stay alert and confident: Italian driving can feel aggressive in cities—expect assertive drivers, scooters weaving through traffic, and liberal horn use (often just a form of communication). Stay calm and practice defensive driving.
• Insurance is a must: We highly recommend adding full coverage insurance when booking. Minor damage like scratches and dents is common, especially in cities, and Discover Cars’ full protection gives you peace of mind at a low cost!
• Mind the ZTL zones: Many city centers have restricted traffic zones called ZTLs. Entering without a permit can result in a fine. Check with your hotel and use GPS with ZTL alerts.
• Choose the right vehicle: Roads in Italy can be narrow and parking tight, so a compact car is usually best. Most rentals are manual, but if you need an automatic, you can easily filter for one when booking with Discover Cars. 

What You Need to Rent a Car in Italy

• A valid driver’s license from your home country.
• If you’re from outside the EU, you’ll likely need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
• A credit card in the driver’s name is typically required for the security deposit.
• You must be at least 18 years old, but renters under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.

Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring Italy on your own terms!

Thanks for reading!

Italy is one of those places that we come back to time and time again. I mean, there is so much to do, and each region is entirely different. Whether this is your first or twentieth visit to Italy, I’m sure you’ll find something new, exciting, and unique on this list – they truly are the best things to do!

Need help planning the rest of your trip? Check out the rest of our Italy blogs here! We have even more guides on specific places, our favorite activities, recommended places to stay, and more. Here are a few popular blogs to get you started:

How To Spend The Best TEN DAYS In Italy: 10-Day Itinerary

How to Spend FIVE days on the Amalfi Coast, Italy: 5-Day Itinerary

How to Spend THREE DAYS in Venice: 3-Day Itinerary