From the chicness of Milan, the romance of Verona and the famous canals and islands of Venice, to the Renaissance treasures of Florence and the iconic leaning tower of Pisa and the magnificence of Rome, Italy has more than its fair share of cities to explore. But it also has its beautiful lakes and Alps, quaint fishing villages, and hectares of vineyards and olive groves – and, of course, let’s not forget it’s a foodie heaven! Its mountains are great for hiking and (in winter) skiing, or for spotting wolves in the Matese mountains. Italy’s unique Marsican brown bears, chamois and eagles can be found in the National Park of Abruzzo, and Sardinia is the ideal place for bird-watchers to spot Eleonora’s falcons during the autumn migration. Sardinia’s turquoise coastlines make for spectacular sailing, and its rich coral reefs are fabulous for diving.
Cinque Terre
With the quaint, pastel-coloured fishing villages jutting out on the craggy cliffs overlooking the seas, pine-covered mountains, vineyards and olive groves, it is easy to see how Italy's Cinque Terre so inspired poets such as WB Yeats, Ezra Pound, Byron and Shelley, and still charms travellers today
Tuscany
A rich artistic and historic heritage can be found in Tuscany, widely regarded as the cradle of the Renaissance due to renowned cities such as Florence, Pisa, Lucca, and Siena. Its olive groves and vineyards, and its cuisine are famous for their quality; wine-tasting in Tuscany is a must.
Venice
With its canals, bridges, marble palaces, and iconic St Mark's Basilica, Venice is an artistic masterpiece itself, and an unforgettable destination. Whether tucking into cicchetti, the Venetian answer to tapas, admiring the ornate Venetian glass, joining in the revelry behind the traditional distinctive masks at the annual Carnival, or enjoying a gondola ride and soaking in the beautiful scenery, Venice has something very different and very special to offer
Sicily
More than just a ball being kicked by Italy's boot, Sicily is an absorbing destination: from the tragic, yet brilliantly preserved, remains of Pompeii, and Europe's highest active volcano, Mount Etna, which offers skiing in winter and hiking in summer to savouring sublime seafood, and discovering a rich and mixed heritage from classical ruins to Byzantine mosaics and Baroque stuccowork - all surrounded by dazzling blue seas
Our Top Holidays in Italy
Switzerland's Spectacular Rail Journeys
8 Days
A Taste of Medieval Italy
8 Days
Related Blog Posts
Why you should consider an Urban Adventure
Are you perhaps looking for a tour or excursion with a difference? Do you prefer to explore in smaller, more intimate groups, go off the usual tourist track, and get insight from a local? That's what Select Travel Holidays' Amy was looking for on her own recent holiday with a friend, and so she booked a couple tours with Urban Adventures (part of Intrepid Travel) - and here's what she thought...
Indulging in Italy's Scenic Back Roads
Amy has recently experienced many of Italy's highlights and lesser-known treasures on a small group tour with Back-Roads Touring - here's what she thought of her experience...
Scenic Eclipse: The World's first Discovery Yacht
Launching in 2018, Scenic Eclipse promises a bold move into luxury yachting, using pioneering technology, and featuring two onboard helicopters, a seven-seat submarine, and onboard Discovery Team to enable guests to discover the world from new perspectives, whilst enjoying the utmost in 6* all-inclusive luxury