8 Top Places to Visit in Italy
Explore 8 of the top places to visit in Italy. From timeless cities to coastal gems, explore expert-curated destinations and insider tips.
October 10, 2025
6 minute read
Italy is a country where every region reveals something unforgettable. From ancient Roman ruins and Renaissance art to cliffside villages and sun-drenched vineyards, it offers up an extraordinary mix of history, scenery, and flavor. You might wander cobblestoned streets in Florence, cruise along the Amalfi Coast, or hike among the Dolomites — all in one journey.
With so many treasures to discover, it can be hard to know where to begin — so here’s a small slice of Italy’s many highlights to get you started.
From famous cities to lesser-known gems, let’s see which destination calls to you.
Quick Answer: What Are the Top Places to Visit in Italy?
The top places to visit in Italy include Rome, Florence, Venice, the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, Tuscany, Puglia, Sicily, and the Dolomites. These are just a handful of Italy’s stand-out destinations, each one offering its own blend of scenery, culture, and unforgettable experiences.
Top Destinations in Italy
Rome
Rome is often called the Eternal City, and for good reason — it layers thousands of years of history into one vibrant, grand capital. Ancient Roman ruins stand beside Renaissance palaces, while lively piazzas buzz with cafés, fountains, and street performers late into the evening.
What to Do in Rome:
Stroll Piazza Navona and the Spanish Steps.
Explore the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica.
Taste traditional Roman cuisine in the Trastevere neighborhood.
Recommended Collette Tour: Reflections of Italy – Combines Rome with Florence and Venice for the ultimate first-timer’s journey through Italy’s “Big Three.”
Florence
Welcome to the “Cradle of the Renaissance”: a treasure trove of dazzling, world-famous masterpieces. Here you’ll find the works of Michelangelo, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and countless other visionaries. Beyond the architectural and artistic wonders, narrow streets lead to artisan workshops and riverside cafes invite you to linger over some Chianti.
What to Do in Florence:
Marvel at the Duomo’s red-tiled dome.
Browse the Uffizi Gallery’s world-class art.
Wander the Ponte Vecchio’s goldsmith shops.
Insider Tip: Climb Giotto’s Bell Tower near closing time for a quieter panoramic view.
Venice
Built on 117 islands linked by canals and bridges, Venice is like a floating daydream. From the grandeur of sites like St. Mark’s Square to the quiet back canals where laundry flutters between centuries-old houses, the city rewards slow exploration. The city remains a hub for traditional crafts like mask-making, glassblowing, and gondola building.
What to Do in Venice:
Glide through the city on a gondola.
Watch a glass-blowing demo on Murano Island.
Admire the mosaics and soaring domes of St. Mark’s Basilica.
Recommended Collette Tour: Best of Italy – Features a live Vivaldi concert in the city and a glimpse into gondola craftsmanship at an oar-making workshop.
Amalfi Coast
Along this dramatic stretch of southern coastline, pastel villages climb up dramatic cliffs set above the sea. Lemon groves perfume the air, seaside promenades invite long, slow walks, and it’s easy to come across a jaw-dropping vista. This region includes iconic towns like Amalfi, Ravello, and Positano, each with its own distinct character.
What to Do in the Amalfi Coast:
Sail to Positano for boutique shopping and beach lounging.
Sip the region’s famous limoncello.
Explore the haunting ruins of Pompeii en route.
Recommended Collette Tour: Rome & the Amalfi Coast – Includes a farm-to-table cheese tasting, homemade limoncello, and a leisurely day in Sorrento.
Tuscany & Chianti
Rolling hills, vineyards, and medieval hill towns define the central region of Tuscany and Chianti. It makes for a countryside escape — a place to slow down, savor the delicious local flavors, and soak in timeless landscapes.
What to Do in Tuscany and Chianti:
Sample Brunello in Montalcino or Chianti Classico in Greve.
Stroll medieval Siena and San Gimignano’s tower-lined streets.
Take a pasta-making class in a countryside villa.
Recommended Collette Tour: Tuscan & Umbrian Countryside – Includes truffle hunting and pecorino cheese tastings.
Cinque Terre (Italian Riviera)
Along Liguria’s rugged coastline, five small fishing villages cling to steep cliffs above the Mediterranean. Brightly painted houses, terraced vineyards, and dramatic sea views create one of Italy’s most memorable landscapes with a more laid-back kind of charm than the Amalfi Coast.
What to Do in Cinque Terre:
Hike between Vernazza and Monterosso for sweeping sea views.
Sip crisp white wine from terraced vineyards.
Photograph the pastel harbor of Manarola at dusk.
Insider Tip: If you’re hiking, start early to enjoy the trails before crowds and midday heat.
Sicily
Sicily stands apart from mainland Italy with a culture shaped by Greek, Arab, Norman, and other influences. Here — on the largest island in the Mediterranean — ancient Greek and Roman ruins share the landscape with lively markets, seaside towns, and sun-drenched beaches.
What to Do in Sicily:
Wander Palermo’s street-food markets and Monreale’s incredible Byzantine mosaics.
Walk among the ancient Valley of the Temples in Agrigento.
Head to nearby Salina Island to sample capers and Malvasia wine.
Recommended Collette Tour: Sicily and Its Isles – Combines historic cities, ancient sites, and the peaceful Aeolian Islands for a balanced Sicilian escape.
Northern Italy & the Dolomites
Elegant cities meet Alpine landscapes in Italy’s north. Romantic Verona and the dramatic Dolomites offer up a contrast to the country’s southern regions — ideal for travelers who enjoy both outdoor adventure and relaxed European charm.
What to Do in Northern Italy and the Dolomites:
Sip Prosecco at a family vineyard near Treviso.
Explore Juliet’s balcony and Roman amphitheater in Verona.
Take a cable-car ride in the Dolomites for sweeping mountain vistas.
Recommended Collette Tour: Spotlight on Northern Italy – Features tiramisu making in Treviso and a Dolomites day trip.
Bonus Picks: Hidden Gems & Emerging Favorites
Turin: Italy’s first capital charms with grand boulevards, alpine views, and decadent chocolate drinks.
Orvieto: A hilltop Umbrian town famed for Gothic architecture and crisp white wines.
San Marino: A tiny independent microstate with sweeping Adriatic views and medieval towers.
When to Visit Italy
The best time to visit Italy depends on your goals. Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) bring mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer offers lively festivals and long daylight hours, while winter means quieter cities and festive holiday markets.
Learn more about the best times to visit Italy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Italy
What is the most visited city in Italy?
Rome consistently tops the list thanks to icons like the Colosseum, Vatican City, and Trevi Fountain, making it a must for first-time travelers.
How can I get an authentic experience in Italy?
Don’t be afraid to go off the beaten path. Seek out local food markets, family-run wineries, and hands-on experiences. Slowing your pace — whether during a long lunch or a countryside walk — reveals more of Italy’s true character.
Are guided tours in Italy good for solo travelers?
Yes. Guided travel offers built-in community, expert guidance, and support, which is ideal for solo adventurers or first-time visitors.
Final Thoughts: Planning Your Trip to Italy
Italy rewards every kind of traveler, from those chasing world-famous art to those seeking quiet villages and dramatic landscapes.
And whether you’re dreaming of a grand tour of Rome, Florence, and Venice or an in-depth exploration of Sicily or northern Italy, Collette’s expertly guided tours make it easy to travel deeper, savor longer, and return home with stories you’ll share for a lifetime. Ready to start planning?
Explore Collette’s Italy tours.
