15 Places to visit in Italy (my personal favorites)

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Puglia & Alberobello

(pronounced: POOL-ya / al-beh-ROH-beh-loh)

Puglia feels like a completely different side of Italy. Instead of the crowds you'll find in Rome or Florence, this region is all about quiet olive groves, whitewashed towns, dramatic coastlines, and some of the best food I've eaten anywhere in the country.

Alberobello is unlike anywhere else in Italy. Walking through its streets lined with hundreds of cone-roofed trulli houses genuinely feels like stepping into a fairy tale. 

I also loved exploring beautiful towns like Lecce, often called the "Florence of the South," and watching the sunset over Polignano a Mare's spectacular cliffs.

One of my favourite experiences was spending the night in a traditional trullo. 

It might sound a little touristy at first, but once you're inside the thick stone walls, it becomes one of those travel memories you'll still be talking about years later.

How Puglia & Alberobello fits into your Italy itinerary

Puglia is best suited to travellers with at least 10-14 days in Italy or anyone returning for a second visit. 

It pairs beautifully with Naples, the Amalfi Coast, or Matera, and offers a slower, more authentic contrast to Italy's famous northern cities.

Four or five days gives you enough time to explore Alberobello, Lecce, the coastline, and a few of the region's hidden gems without feeling rushed.

Orvieto

(pronounced: or-VYEH-toh)

Perched dramatically on top of a volcanic cliff, Orvieto feels like one of Italy's best-kept secrets. It's close enough to Rome for an easy visit, yet it offers a much quieter and more relaxed experience than many of the country's better-known destinations.

The first thing that caught my attention was the spectacular cathedral. 

Its colourful Gothic façade is one of the most impressive I've seen anywhere in Italy, and wandering through the peaceful piazza without the crowds made it even more memorable. 

I also loved exploring the underground tunnels carved beneath the city, where centuries of history hide beneath your feet.

By early evening, many of the day-trippers have disappeared, leaving the medieval streets wonderfully quiet. Sitting outside with a glass of local Orvieto Classico wine as the lights came on was one of my favourite moments here.

How Orvieto fits into your Italy itinerary

Orvieto makes an excellent overnight stop between Rome and Florence, or a rewarding addition to an Umbria or Tuscany itinerary.

Portofino & the Ligurian Riviera

(pronounced: por-toh-FEE-noh / lee-GOO-ree-an)

The Italian Riviera is often associated with luxury yachts and glamorous resorts, but I found the real magic lies just beyond the harbour. 

While Portofino is undeniably beautiful, it's the surrounding coastline that keeps drawing me back.

One of my favourite experiences was following the coastal trail towards Punta Chiappa, where the crowds quickly faded and the views became even more spectacular. 

I also loved exploring nearby Camogli, a charming fishing village that feels much more authentic, and visiting the hidden Abbey of San Fruttuoso, tucked away in a secluded cove that's only accessible on foot or by boat.

And then there's the food. This is the birthplace of pesto, and tasting it here made me realize I'd never truly experienced the real thing. Fresh basil, excellent olive oil, and handmade pasta somehow make even the simplest meal unforgettable.

How Portofino & the Ligurian Riviera fits into your Italy itinerary

This stretch of coastline fits perfectly between Milan and Tuscany or alongside a visit to Cinque Terre.

Two nights gives you enough time to enjoy Portofino, explore nearby villages like Camogli, and experience the Ligurian coast at a slower pace without feeling rushed.

Matera

(pronounced: mah-TEH-rah)

Matera is unlike anywhere else I've visited in Italy. Walking through the Sassi, where homes, churches, and restaurants have been carved directly into the limestone, genuinely feels like stepping back thousands of years.

One of the highlights of my visit was staying in a cave hotel. It was a little strange at first because our suite had all the modern comforts you'd expect from a boutique hotel, yet, built into the rock, it had no windows. 

Instead of feeling odd, it became part of the experience, and I found it surprisingly peaceful. Waking up inside a space that people have called home for centuries is something I'll never forget.

At night, Matera becomes even more magical. As the warm lights illuminate the stone city and the crowds disappear, it's easy to understand why filmmakers have chosen it to represent ancient Jerusalem. 

It's one of those places that stays with you long after you leave.

How Matera fits into your Italy itinerary

Matera pairs beautifully with Puglia, Bari, or the Amalfi Coast and is an excellent addition to a southern Italy road trip.

Lake Como

(pronounced: KOH-moh)

Lake Como has a timeless elegance that's difficult to describe until you're actually there.

Surrounded by mountains and dotted with beautiful lakeside villages, it's the kind of destination where slowing down feels completely natural.

While Bellagio is every bit as beautiful as the photos suggest, I actually found myself falling in love with quieter places like Varenna. Wandering its waterfront promenade, stopping for an espresso by the lake, and simply watching the ferries come and go became some of my favourite memories.

Speaking of ferries, I think they're one of the best ways to experience Lake Como. 

Instead of rushing from one attraction to the next, you can spend the day gliding across the water, hopping between villages whenever one catches your eye. 

Add in a visit to Villa del Balbianello, with its spectacular gardens and lake views, and it's easy to understand why this has been one of Italy's most glamorous destinations for centuries.

How Lake Como fits into your Italy itinerary

Lake Como is an easy addition to a northern Italy itinerary and pairs perfectly with Milan, the Dolomites, or even Switzerland.

Cinque Terre

(pronounced: CHEEN-kweh TEH-reh)

Cinque Terre is one of those places that somehow lives up to the hype. The five colourful villages perched along the cliffs are every bit as beautiful in person, and exploring them is one of my favourite experiences in Italy.

Rather than focusing on just one village, I loved hopping between them by train, ferry, and on foot. Each has its own personality. 

Vernazza is postcard-perfect, Manarola is breathtaking at sunset, and Corniglia feels like a peaceful escape from the crowds. One of the highlights for me was simply walking sections of the coastal trail, stopping to admire the sea views and terraced vineyards along the way.

I also discovered Sciacchetrà, a traditional dessert wine produced right here in Cinque Terre. Enjoying a small glass in a local village bar turned out to be one of those simple travel moments that proved surprisingly memorable.

How Cinque Terre fits into your Italy itinerary

Cinque Terre fits perfectly into a northern Italy itinerary alongside Florence, Pisa, Portofino, or Lake Como.

Spending two nights lets you explore all five villages without rushing and experience the peaceful evenings most day visitors miss.

Sicily

(pronounced: SIH-sih-lee)

Sicily feels completely different from the rest of Italy. From the ancient Greek temples and bustling markets to the dramatic coastline and incredible food, every part of the island has its own distinct personality.

One of my favourite places was Taormina, where you can look across to Mount Etna while wandering the beautiful streets filled with cafés and boutiques. 

I also loved exploring Palermo's lively markets and visiting the Valley of the Temples, which is home to some of the best-preserved ancient Greek ruins anywhere in the world.

But my favourite memory from Sicily wasn't on land at all. I joined a sunset boat cruise along the coast, and before long we were surrounded by dolphins swimming alongside the boat. 

Watching them leap through the water as the sun disappeared below the horizon was one of those travel moments I'll never forget.

How Sicily fits into your Italy itinerary

Sicily deserves to be more than a quick stop. I recommend allowing at least five days to experience its beaches, historic cities, archaeological sites, and incredible food.

It works best as the focus of a southern Italy itinerary or as an extension after visiting Naples and the Amalfi Coast.

Bologna

(pronounced: boh-LOH-nyah)

Bologna quickly became one of my favourite cities in Italy because it feels authentic. 

While many visitors head straight to Florence or Venice, Bologna offers beautiful medieval streets, fascinating history, and some of the best food you'll find anywhere in the country.

I loved wandering beneath the city's famous covered porticoes, exploring Piazza Maggiore, and watching everyday life unfold around the lively cafés and markets. It has a youthful energy thanks to the world's oldest university, yet it still feels wonderfully relaxed compared to some of Italy's more famous cities.

Of course, the food is a huge reason to visit. 

This is the birthplace of classics like tagliatelle al ragù and tortellini, and I don't think I've ever eaten a bad meal here. From fresh pasta and aged Parmesan to mortadella and incredible gelato, Bologna is a city where every meal becomes part of the experience.

How Bologna fits into your Italy itinerary

Bologna is an easy addition to almost any northern Italy itinerary thanks to its excellent high-speed rail connections.

It pairs perfectly with Florence, Venice, Milan, or Modena, and spending two nights here gives you time to experience the city's remarkable food scene while also taking in its history and architecture.

The Dolomites

(pronounced: DOH-loh-mights)

The Dolomites completely changed my expectations of Italy. Instead of rolling vineyards and historic cities, you'll find jagged limestone peaks, turquoise alpine lakes, and some of the most spectacular hiking anywhere in Europe.

One of my favourite experiences was hiking around Tre Cime di Lavaredo, where every turn seemed to reveal another incredible view. 

Lake Braies was just as beautiful as I'd imagined, especially early in the morning before the crowds arrived. 

I also loved stopping at mountain rifugi (translates to refuge) along the trails. Sitting on a terrace with a plate of fresh pasta while surrounded by towering peaks is one of those simple experiences that perfectly captures why I love traveling in Italy.

If you enjoy the outdoors, it's hard to imagine a destination that offers more unforgettable scenery packed into such a relatively small area.

How the Dolomites fit into your Italy itinerary

The Dolomites are a fantastic addition to a northern Italy itinerary and pair well with Venice, Verona, or Lake Como.

I recommend spending at least three nights here so you have enough time to enjoy several hikes, visit the alpine lakes, and experience the mountain scenery without feeling rushed.

Naples & Pompeii

(pronounced: NAH-po-lee / pom-PAY-ee)

Naples isn't a city that tries to impress you with perfection. It's loud, energetic, a little chaotic, and completely unforgettable. 

I loved that it felt like a real, lived-in city where incredible food, fascinating history, and everyday life all blend together.

Just outside Naples, Pompeii was one of the most remarkable archaeological sites I've ever visited. 

Walking along streets where chariot tracks are still visible and stepping inside homes, shops, and public buildings made ancient Roman life feel surprisingly real. The plaster casts of the victims are especially moving and give you a powerful reminder of the human tragedy that unfolded here nearly 2,000 years ago.

After a day exploring Pompeii, sitting down for an authentic Neapolitan pizza back in Naples felt like the perfect way to end the day. Few places in Italy combine world-class history and unforgettable food quite like this.

How Naples & Pompeii fit into your Italy itinerary

Naples makes an excellent base for exploring Pompeii, Herculaneum, and the Amalfi Coast.

I recommend spending at least three nights here so you have time to experience both the city's incredible food scene and the fascinating archaeological sites nearby without feeling rushed.

The Amalfi Coast

(pronounced: ah-MAL-fee)

The Amalfi Coast is one of those destinations that somehow exceeds the already impossibly high expectations. 

I'd seen countless photos before visiting, but nothing prepares you for the dramatic cliffs, colourful villages, and the feeling of driving or sailing beneath towns that seem to cling impossibly to the mountainside.

Positano is every bit as beautiful as you've imagined, with its pastel buildings tumbling toward the beach, but I also fell in love with quieter places like Ravello. 

Wandering through the gardens of Villa Cimbrone and standing on the famous Terrace of Infinity was one of those moments where you simply stop talking and take it all in. The views across the coastline are some of the most spectacular I've seen anywhere in Europe.

One of my absolute favourite experiences was spending the day on a small boat. Seeing the Amalfi Coast from the water gives you a completely different perspective, allowing you to appreciate just how dramatically these villages rise from the sea. 

Along the way we discovered hidden coves, swam in crystal-clear water, and admired the coastline from angles that most visitors never experience.

Of course, no visit would be complete without enjoying fresh seafood, homemade pasta, and limoncello made from the enormous lemons grown on the surrounding terraces. Every meal seemed to come with another unforgettable view.

How the Amalfi Coast fits into your Italy itinerary

The Amalfi Coast is one of the highlights of southern Italy and pairs perfectly with Naples, Pompeii, Capri, or Sicily.

I recommend spending at least three nights here so you have time to explore several villages, enjoy a day on the water, and experience the slower pace that makes this coastline so special.

Venice

(pronounced: VEH-neez)

There's simply nowhere else in the world like Venice. The moment you step off the train and realize there are no cars, only canals, boats, and winding alleyways, it feels as though you've entered another world.

Of course, the famous sights are spectacular. St. Mark's Basilica, the Grand Canal, and the Rialto Bridge are every bit as impressive as you've imagined. 

But what I enjoyed most wasn't ticking off landmarks. It was getting wonderfully lost. Some of my favourite moments came while wandering quiet backstreets, crossing tiny bridges, and stumbling across peaceful canals where there wasn't another person in sight.

One experience I highly recommend is taking the vaporetto to Murano and Burano. Watching master glassblowers at work in Murano was fascinating, while Burano's brightly coloured houses made it one of the most photogenic places I visited anywhere in Italy.

I also loved exploring the Rialto Market early in the morning before the crowds arrived. Seeing locals shop for fresh seafood and produce gave me a glimpse of everyday Venetian life that many visitors miss. 

Combined with peaceful early morning walks through the city before the day-trippers arrive, those quieter moments became some of my favourite memories of Venice.

How Venice fits into your Italy itinerary

Venice is one of Italy's iconic destinations and fits easily into almost any northern Italy itinerary.

It pairs perfectly with Florence, Bologna, Lake Como, or the Dolomites, and I recommend spending three nights here so you have time to experience both the famous landmarks and the quieter side of the city that many visitors never see.

Florence

(pronounced: FLOH-ren-tsah)

Florence is one of those cities that completely lives up to its reputation. If you have any interest in art, history, or architecture, it's hard to imagine a better place to visit. 

Around almost every corner, you'll find another world-famous landmark, beautiful piazza, or masterpiece that has shaped the course of history.

Seeing Michelangelo's David in person was one of the highlights of my trip. No photograph prepares you for its scale or the incredible detail carved into the marble. 

I also spent hours wandering through the Uffizi Gallery, where works by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and Caravaggio seem almost endless. Even if you don't consider yourself an art lover, it's difficult not to be impressed by just how much history is concentrated in one city.

Beyond the famous attractions, I loved exploring the quieter Oltrarno district. Watching leather artisans at work, enjoying long dinners in neighbourhood restaurants, and crossing the Ponte Vecchio at sunset gave me a different appreciation for Florence beyond its museums.

One of my favourite memories was simply climbing to Piazzale Michelangelo in the evening. Watching the sun set over Florence as the Duomo glowed in the fading light is one of those views that stays with you long after you've returned home.

How Florence fits into your Italy itinerary

Florence is an essential stop on almost every Italy itinerary and works perfectly alongside Rome, Venice, Bologna, or Tuscany.

I recommend spending at least four days here so you have enough time to experience the city's famous museums while also discovering the quieter neighbourhoods that make Florence such a rewarding place to explore.

Tuscany

(pronounced: TUS-kah-nee)

When people imagine Italy, there's a good chance they're imagining Tuscany. 

Rolling hills lined with cypress trees, medieval hill towns, vineyards stretching to the horizon, and quiet country roads have become iconic for a reason. But what surprised me most is that Tuscany feels even more beautiful in person than it does in photographs.

One of my favourite memories was staying at a traditional agriturismo (working farm that hosts guests), surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. Waking up to mist drifting across the valleys, enjoying breakfast with panoramic countryside views, and spending the day driving winding roads between places like Pienza, Montalcino, and San Gimignano felt like experiencing the Italy I'd always dreamed about.

Tuscany is also home to some incredible cities. Siena completely won me over with its magnificent Piazza del Campo and beautifully preserved medieval centre, while the vineyards around Montalcino introduced me to some of the best wine I've ever tasted. 

Every drive seemed to reveal another postcard-perfect view or another charming village worth exploring.

More than anywhere else in Italy, Tuscany encouraged me to slow down. 

Rather than rushing between attractions, I found the greatest joy came from lingering over long lunches, stopping whenever a beautiful viewpoint appeared, and simply enjoying the journey between destinations.

How Tuscany fits into your Italy itinerary

Tuscany deserves far more than a day trip from Florence. I recommend spending at least five days exploring the region by car, allowing time for Siena, the Val d'Orcia, San Gimignano, and several smaller villages along the way. 

It pairs perfectly with Florence, Rome, or Bologna and is often the highlight of an Italy itinerary for travellers who enjoy beautiful scenery, great food, and a slower pace of travel.

Rome

(pronounced: ROH-mah)

If I could only recommend one city to someone visiting Italy for the first time, it would be Rome. Nowhere else combines so much history, culture, incredible food, and world-famous landmarks into one unforgettable destination.

Standing inside the Colosseum, walking through the Roman Forum, and looking up into the Pantheon's remarkable dome are experiences that genuinely live up to the hype. 

The Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica are equally impressive, housing some of the greatest artistic treasures ever created. 

Yet what surprised me most about Rome wasn't the famous attractions. It was how alive the city feels.

Some of my favourite memories came from wandering through neighbourhoods like Trastevere after sunset, where lively piazzas filled with locals enjoying long dinners and glasses of wine. 

I'd spend hours getting wonderfully lost, discovering quiet churches, hidden fountains, and tiny family-run restaurants serving some of the best cacio e pepe and carbonara I've ever tasted. 

Rome has a way of rewarding curiosity. Every wrong turn seems to lead to another incredible square, another ancient ruin, or another unforgettable meal.

The more time I spent here, the more I realised Rome isn't a city you simply visit. It's a city you experience, and one that keeps calling you back.

How Rome fits into your Italy itinerary

Rome is the perfect starting or ending point for almost any Italy itinerary and deserves at least five days. It pairs naturally with Florence, Tuscany, Naples, or the Amalfi Coast.

Italy offers an enormous variety of cities, coastlines, mountains, islands, and countryside, so the best route depends on how much time you have and which regions interest you most.

Here are the itineraries I’d personally recommend for a first visit.

Italy Itinerary: 7 Days

Why this route? This seven-day Italy itinerary combines Rome’s ancient landmarks, Orvieto’s peaceful medieval atmosphere, and the Renaissance art and architecture of Florence without requiring long or complicated travel days.

*The entire route can be completed easily by train, so a rental car is unnecessary.

Italy Itinerary: 10 Days

Why this route? This ten-day itinerary connects five distinctive Italian destinations, combining ancient history, medieval streets, Renaissance masterpieces, unforgettable food, and Venice’s famous canals.

*Italy’s high-speed rail network makes this itinerary straightforward without a car.

Italy Itinerary: 14 Days

Why this route? If I had 14 days for a first visit to Italy, I would choose this itinerary for its balance of famous cities, medieval towns, Renaissance art, Tuscan countryside, exceptional food, and unforgettable architecture.

*Travel between the cities by train, then rent a car for the Tuscany portion so you can explore Siena, the Val d’Orcia, Montalcino, and smaller hill towns at your own pace.

Southern Italy Itinerary

Why I keep coming back to Italy

Every trip to Italy leaves me with a longer list of places I want to return to. It's one of those rare destinations where every region feels like a completely different country, each with its own landscapes, traditions, cuisine, and personality.

I can spend one trip exploring ancient Roman ruins, the next hiking through the Dolomites, and another relaxing on the Amalfi Coast or driving the quiet backroads of Tuscany. 

No matter how many times I visit, I always discover somewhere new that becomes an instant favourite.

If it's your first visit, don't feel like you need to see everything at once. Italy is a country that's best experienced slowly. Choose the destinations that match your interests, leave room for unexpected discoveries, and you'll have every reason to start planning your next trip before you've even left.

FAQs about traveling to Italy

Ready to explore Italy? Optimise Travel is here to help

Italy is one of Europe's most rewarding destinations, but planning the perfect itinerary can be surprisingly challenging.

From the ancient landmarks of Rome and the Renaissance treasures of Florence to the dramatic Dolomites, the Amalfi Coast, and the rolling hills of Tuscany, every region offers a completely different experience.

At Optimise Travel, we create personalized travel itineraries based on your interests, travel style, and budget. Whether you're dreaming of wandering historic cities, relaxing on beautiful coastlines, tasting your way through Italy's incredible food and wine regions, hiking spectacular mountain trails, or discovering charming villages beyond the usual tourist route, we'll help you build an itinerary that makes the most of your time.

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