Unforgettable experiences to try in Italy

1. Discover Roman history

While there’s far more to Italy than Roman history, if you’re fascinated by the Roman Empire, there’s no place better to explore. Rome is the highlight, of course, with ancient Rome woven everywhere through the modern city; discover everything from the Circus Maximus and the Colosseum to the ancient Forum, Trajan’s column and a string of other fascinating sites.

But you’ll find plenty of other Roman remains beyond the capital. Head to Verona, where the 1st century amphitheatre hosts the annual Opera Festival in summer, or simply wander through and imagine yourself watching a gladiatorial combat. And in Pompeii, there’s a chance to see daily Roman life frozen in time at the city buried in the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

Borgheese Gallery

2. Marvel at world-class art

Is there any country as renowned for its art as Italy? From Michaelangelo’s David to Botticelli’s Venus and the ceiling of the Sistine chapel (to name just a few), you could lose yourself discovering some of the world’s best artists as you make your way across the country. The Uffizi Gallery in Florence is unmissable, as is the Accademia gallery, while a walk through Rome can feel as if you’re exploring an open-air art gallery. Save time to stop at the Museo e Galleria Borghese too, along with the astonishing collection in the Vatican Museums, finishing with the Sistine Chapel.

But you’ll also find more fabulous works in Venice, especially Canaletto at the Ca' Rezzonico Museum and pieces by Veronese and Tintoretto at the Doge’s Palace, as well as the medieval and Renaissance collections at the Galleria Nazionale in Perugia.

Venice

3. Visit the Floating City

There is nowhere quite like Venice. The Pearl of the Adriatic, La Serenissima, the Floating City – all the city’s nicknames hint at just how magical a visit is as you explore the canals and lagoon, discover Venice’s powerful past at the Doge’s Palace and marvel at the historic palazzos and medieval buildings. Whether you’re hoping to cruise along in a gondola, lose yourself in the winding alleys, sip a bellini with a view, or discover a handful of Venice’s wonderful art-packed churches, this is one experience that no traveller to Italy should miss.

Lake Garda

4. Explore Italy’s lakes

While Italy might be famous for its cities, it’s easy to forget the string of spectacular lakes dotted across the north of the country. But a visit to the Italian Lakes is another unmissable experience in Italy, a relaxed chance to head out onto the water, soak up the views and discover picturesque villages and historic castles along the way. There’s something to tempt at every lake, from celebrity favourite Lake Como to little Lake Orta, but if you have to choose one, make it Lake Garda, the perfect mix of sightseeing and la dolce vita atmosphere.

Amalfi Coast

5. Head to the coast

With around 4,700 miles of coastline, you’re spoiled for choice if you’re hoping to see the sea in Italy. From glorious beaches to picturesque seaside villages and world-famous stretches of coast, the only question is where to start first.

The Amalfi Coast is hard to beat; nicknamed the Divine Coast, you’ll find pastel-painted houses clinging to the cliffs, twisting roads leading past deep blue sea views, and more than a few chances to relax with a limoncello, made from the area’s huge Amalfi lemons.

The heel of Italy’s book, Puglia has coast on both sides with a string of coves lapped by turquoise sea. Or head further north to Cinque Terre, one of the most picturesque parts of all Italy, a string of centuries-old seaside villages on the rugged Italian Riviera. Or relax on one of Italy’s islands, particular Sardinia, where the colour of the water has led to one corner being named the Costa Smeralda, or Emerald Coast.

Tuscan countryside

6. Step back in time in Tuscany

Away from Tuscany’s cities, the countryside has a timeless feel with long rolling hills dotted with cypress trees, historic vineyards and attractive fortified hilltop towns. You could spend weeks hopping from one to another, with the tempting prospect of exploring towns such as San Gimignano, with its medieval towers, and Montepulciano, famous for its wine and Renaissance architecture. Or there’s Roman and Etruscan history to be found in Volterra, along with carvings made from local white marble, plus a string of other stops such as Montalcino and Pienza. Walking into the walls and along medieval streets truly feels like you’ve stepped back in time.

Alghero beach, Sardinia

7. Visit one of Italy's islands

There’s plenty to keep you exploring the Italian mainland but head to one of the country’s islands and you’ll discover a taste of Italy in miniature, as well as their own distinct personalities. As the biggest island in the Mediterranean, you could spend weeks in Sicily alone, wandering through pretty historic towns, discovering the Valley of the Temples, relaxing on the beaches and venturing up Mount Etna, looming above the island.

Neighbouring Sardinia has its own ancient ruins, including a port built by the Phoenicians, plus glamorous resorts like Porto Cervo on the Costa Smeralda, white sand beaches and picturesque villages. Or head to a smaller island like equally glamorous Capri, called the jewel of the Bay of Naples.

Trulli houses in Alberobello, Puglia

8. See a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Given Italy’s long history and wonderful architecture, it’s little surprise to discover it has the most UNESCO World Heritage sites of any country, with 61 listed. And there’s a wonderful variety to discover, from the historic centres of Rome, Florence and Siena to the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, home to The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci.

In Puglia, the traditional whitewashed trulli of Alberobello with their famous conical roofs are another highlight, along with the cave dwellings - or sassi - in Matera, in the toe of Italy’s boot. But wherever you visit in Italy, you won’t be far from one of these incomparable sites which have made the list.

Nduja

9. Indulge in Italian food

Italy’s cuisine is regularly voted the world’s most popular, and from favourites like pizza and pasta to regional specialities, even the simplest ingredients are transformed into something heavenly. The ‘Cucina povera’ grew up from necessity, stretching leftovers and whipping up delicious meals from almost nothing, with many traditional dishes now on restaurant menus.

Keep an eye out for local specialities using the freshest local produce, whether that’s seafood at the coast, squid ink risotto in Venice or heavier meat dishes in Emilia-Romagna, including tagliatelle al ragu in Bologna (never Bolognese). Even pasta has its own variations, with ear-shaped orecchiette in Puglia, gnocchi in Venice, and spaghetti or linguine in Campania, while Liguria is known for its pesto alla Genovese and Rome for its simple cacio e pepe mix of pecorino and black pepper.

Sicilian vineyard

10. Taste Italy’s wine

Salute! You’ll find grapes grown in almost every region of Italy, with Italian wine production accounting for almost 20% of the world’s total. You’ll also find some of the world’s oldest wine-producing regions here too, as well as unusual vintages such as wine made from grapes grown on the slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily. So don’t miss the opportunity to taste a glass (or two).

As with food, it pays to choose local vintages with particular grapes grown in each area, and less well-known wines alongside the big names like Chianti, Barolo and Amarone for red wines, Soave and Frascati for white, plus sparkling Prosecco.

Explore Italy on an escorted tour to for these unforgettable experiences and more