Cinque Terre National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and comprises five colorful fishing villages along the rugged Italian Riviera coastline. Explore the park's stunning hiking trails, vineyards, beaches, and the Mediterranean vegetation that grows on steep cliffs. Swim or kayak to appreciate the crystal-clear waters of the Ligurian Sea.
Lake Como is the third-largest lake in Italy and offers breathtaking views of the mountains, hills, and luxurious villas. Take a boat tour to admire picturesque towns like Bellagio and Menaggio or hike up the trails for panoramic vistas. Try regional specialties like risotto with perch fillets, pizzoccheri, and Valtellina wines.
The Dolomites are a UNESCO World Heritage area and boast some of the most stunning alpine landscapes in Europe. Enjoy scenic drives or bike rides, spot unique fauna like chamois and ibexes, hike up to the Marmolada glacier or rock climb on the Via Ferrata. Relax in cozy mountain huts and indulge in the hearty cuisine with local ingredients like speck or Tyrolean dumplings.
Known as the "City of Canals", Venice is an extraordinary city that seems to float on water. Walk through the narrow alleys, cross the iconic Rialto Bridge, and visit the famous St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace. Take a gondola ride or a vaporetto to admire the palaces, bridges, and churches from a different perspective. Taste the local cicchetti and wines before leaving.
Tuscany is the quintessential Italian countryside region, renowned for its rolling hills, vineyards, and picturesque towns. Visit Florence, the cradle of Renaissance art, and marvel at its unique architecture, sculptures, and museums. Explore the idyllic landscapes of the Chianti, Val d'Orcia, or Maremma, and taste the classic wines and dishes like ribollita, bistecca alla fiorentina, and Pecorino cheese.
Umbria is the "Green Heart of Italy" and is home to rolling hills, medieval towns, and cultural treasures. Visit Perugia, a vibrant university city with great food, art, and music festivals, or Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis and the stunning Basilica dedicated to him. Hike up to the stunning waterfalls of Marmore, and taste the local delicacies like truffles, lentils, and Sagrantino wine.
Abruzzo is a wild and rugged region located between the Adriatic coast and the Apennine mountains. Explore its stunning natural reserves like Abruzzo, Gran Sasso, and Maiella, that are home to wolves, bears, and lynxes. Hike up to the Morrone or Rocca Calascio castles or wander the scenic villages like Santo Stefano di Sessanio. Try the local saffron, cheeses, or arrosticini skewers.
Vesuvius National Park is home to the famous volcano that erupted and destroyed Pompeii and Herculaneum in AD 79. Hike up to the top of the volcano and peer into its crater, or explore the ancient Roman ruins of Pompeii or Oplontis. Admire the views over the Bay of Naples and taste the local wines like Lacryma Christi and eat the pizza or pasta from the Neapolitan tradition.
Alberobello is a unique town that is famous for its trulli, a traditional dry-stone hut with a conical roof. Take a walk through the fascinating Old Town that is a UNESCO World Heritage site, or visit the Basilica of St. Cosmas and Damian, the only church in Italy with trulli roofs. Taste the local wines like Primitivo and Negroamaro or the seafood and pasta dishes of the Mediterranean cuisine.
Matera is a fascinating city that is famous for its Sassi, ancient cave dwellings carved in the calcareous rock. Wander around the picturesque streets - Matera's Sassi is a UNESCO World Heritage site - and admire the unique architecture, palaces, and churches. Visit the museums or take a guided tour to learn more about the history and the culture of this incredible place. Try the local bread, the cheese, and the wines.
The Amalfi Coast is a stunning stretch of coastline located between the Gulf of Naples and the Gulf of Salerno. Drive or take a boat tour to experience the breathtaking vistas, the colorful houses, and the rugged cliffs. Visit the charming towns like Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi, and explore the beaches, the gardens, and the museums. Try the local lemons, the pizzas, or the pastries.
Pollino National Park is the largest park in Italy and hosts a wide range of landscapes, biodiversity, and cultural heritage. Hike up to the highest peak in the Southern Apennines, Mount Pollino, or the beautiful Karst Plateau of Timpa del Demanio. Birdwatch, raft, or rock climb, and taste the regional specialties like spicy sausages, cheeses or mushrooms.
Calabria is a rugged region located at the "toe" of the Italian boot and offers incredible natural and cultural attractions. Visit the Tyrrhenian or Ionian coasts, the stunning coastal town of Tropea, and the charming village of Gerace. Explore the Archaeological Area of Scolacium, the Norman Castle of Cosenza, or the Certosa di San Bruno. Try the local cuisine, like the spicy 'nduja, the swordfish, and the Cassata.
The Aeolian Islands are a paradise-like archipelago located in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea. Take a ferry from Milazzo to visit the seven islands and enjoy the crystal-clear waters, the thermal springs, and the active volcanoes of Stromboli and Vulcano. Hike up to the craters, snorkel or dive, and taste the fresh seafood, capers, and Malvasia wines.
Rome is the capital city of Italy and is renowned for its history, art, and architecture. Visit the iconic Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon. Explore the beautiful squares like Piazza Navona, Piazza della Repubblica, and Piazza di Spagna. Admire the art collections of the Vatican Museums and the Galleria Borghese, and taste the local dishes like supplì, carbonara, and tiramisù.
For this itinerary, we recommend renting a car to have maximum flexibility and the possibility of exploring the countryside and the mountains. However, for cities like Venice and Rome, we suggest using public transport or walking, as traffic and parking can be challenging. Some ferry connections are available to access the islands. Estimated travel time and distances are provided in each list item. The estimated cost for car rentals and gasoline is between €500-1000 depending on the type of car and the season of the year.
If you have more than 15 days to explore Italia, you could consider adding other nature destinations like Cinque Terre, the Gran Paradiso National Park, or the Gargano Peninsula. If you have less time or prefer to focus on specific regions, you could pick and choose from the itinerary and adapt it to your interests. We recommend checking the opening and closing times of attractions before you plan your visit and booking in advance, especially for popular spots like the Vatican Museums or the Colosseum.
The two international airports to access Italia are Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP). However, there are other regional airports that connect to the main European cities and towns, such as Pisa International Airport (PSA), Naples International Airport (NAP), and Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport (BRI). The distance from each airport to the city center is variable, but most of them offer bus, train, or taxi connections.