How to Travel Around Italy for the Best Italian Adventure
There are so many great reasons to travel around Italy.
Firstly, the food is fresh and fabulous. The charming cities are steeped in history. The natural scenery is magical, and you can enjoy all this and more under the warming glow of the Mediterranean sunshine.
With so many things to do in Italy, we can’t think of any reasons why you wouldn’t want to experience this adventure. Our multi-centre holidays to Italy open up a host of experiences that will stay with you forever.
Why visit just one city when you can explore two, three or even four on the same trip? Not only will you get great value for money, but you’ll be able to eat a wider range of delicious dishes, see a greater selection of sights and browse a bigger selection of shops.
So whether you’re looking for a romantic short break with your partner, a fun family holiday with fantastic weather, or maybe a solo sightseeing trip to recharge your batteries, this blog will explain how to travel around Italy for the best Italian adventure with Viva Holidays.
How to make every moment count
One of the best ways to travel around Italy is to go by train. You can avoid waiting around in airports and trying to find your own way in a rental car. Gliding through the picturesque Italian countryside gives you the chance to relax, enjoy the views and, of course, plan what you’re going to do on the next leg of your Italian holiday.
Travelling between destinations is part of your holiday, too. That’s why it pays to do it in the most relaxing and enjoyable way possible. Getting around Italy by rail is a wonderful way to see more of the country and appreciate its natural beauty away from the big cities. Simply sit back, take it easy and look out the window as the colourful world outside slides by.
Italian city breaks to fire your imagination
Picture yourself strolling hand-in-hand through the romantic Italian streets with the one you love - clear blue skies above and almost endless possibilities in front of you.
Family breaks in Italy are ideal for all ages, with history, sport, food, shopping and adventure never too far away, wherever you are.
We’ve got dozens of Italian holiday deals to choose from, so the only difficult part of your mini tour will be deciding which of our great value packages to book. We’ve picked out some of our favourite highlights across several Italian cities below to help you make up your mind.
Fabulous Florence
As the capital of Tuscany, Florence attracts millions of visitors each year from all over the world. Its historical buildings, culture, cuisine and excellent wines are just some of the many reasons why people visit this inspiring Italian city.
Here’s a selection of fantastic attractions in Florence that you won’t want to miss.
Uffizi Gallery
This gallery is housed in a 16th-century building and has a spectacular collection of art from different periods throughout history. There are masterpieces from Botticelli, Caravaggio, Leonardo, Michelangelo and Raffaello, among others, to marvel at. Even if classic paintings and sculptures aren’t usually your thing, the Uffizi Gallery is still worth a visit because of the undeniable beauty of what’s on display.
Pitti Palace
If you’re keen to savour more culture after visiting the Uffizi Gallery, you can stroll along the Vasari Corridor, which connects it to the Pitti Palace. It’s a short walk at around 1 km, so before you know it, you’ll be ready to discover a whole new world of galleries and museums, including the Palatine Gallery, Modern Art Gallery and Silver Museum.
The Ponte Vecchio
This unmistakable arch bridge opened in 1345. Spanning the Arno River, it’s not only its fascinating history that makes it unique. The bridge is also home to shops, stalls and boutiques, so you can enjoy a good browse as you make your way across and admire the reflections of the nearby colourful buildings in the water below.
Florence Cathedral
The construction of Florence Cathedral, also commonly referred to as the Duomo, started in 1296. The building wasn’t finished until 1436 but still stands tall today as the city’s most iconic structure.
At 376 feet, the Duomo can be seen from miles around and is worth visiting, whether you’re able to climb the 436 stairs to the top or not. As you can imagine, the views over the city are unrivalled and will lift your spirits before you have to descend.
Boboli Gardens
Behind the Pitti Palace, you’ll find Boboli Gardens. Opened to the public in 1766, the gardens are a beautiful place to relax in the sunshine. There are fountains, statues and caves to explore as you make your way around one of Florence’s most popular places to visit.
Chianti Wine Region
Tuscany is world-famous for its wine. Taking a day trip from Florence to one of the local vineyards makes for a delightful day out where you can learn more about how Chianti is made and, of course, sample some of the produce for yourself.
One fabulous way of getting around Florence is via the Cinque Terre Experience Tour with our Florence holiday package. Here, you can experience five stunning villages free from traffic and full of sand, sea and wine.
We’ve barely scratched the surface of things to see and do. The best way to learn more about the city is to book one of our multi-centre holidays to Florence and experience it first-hand.
Live the high life in Lake Garda
A holiday in Lake Garda combined with other Italian cities such as Milan, Venice and Rome is the perfect pick-me-up. If you’ve not been on holiday for some time or need to switch off completely and recharge after a hectic time at work, for example, there’s nowhere quite like Lake Garda.
Picturesque places to visit
There are many pretty towns overlooking the lake for you to discover. You can get around on land by hiring a car or setting sail and going by boat. Sirmione, Peschiera del Garda and Lazise are just three of the many picturesque places we’d recommend you visit. There are wonderful sights galore when you’re getting around Lake Garda as well as plenty of places to take the weight off your feet and enjoy some time overlooking the water without a care in the world.
There are also many striking lakeside castles to explore during your Lake Garda holiday. These include Scaligero Castle, Arco Castle and Castle of Malcesine. The views and photographs you’ll get of these three castles and others in the region will be something you’ll treasure for a long time. The scenery is absolutely stunning wherever you look. Of course, these historical castles also have a unique past and story to tell, so they have style and substance in abundance.
Make a splash or laze by the lakeside
If you’d rather be in the water than admiring it from afar, you’re in luck. There are lots of places where you can try your hand at watersports, such as sailing and windsurfing. Falling into the lake isn’t so bad on a warm and sunny Italian afternoon.
When you’re looking to take things easy, Lake Garda has many incredible beaches, such as Sabbioni, Bracco Baldo and Jamaica. Don’t expect pristine white sands as the beaches are generally stony, but the levels of relaxation and the views are more than a match for anywhere else in the world.
Food and drink packed with flavour
The Lake Garda area also boasts some of Italy’s finest wines. We’d highly recommend trying Bardolino wine - a light red with a fruit flavour, perfect for accompanying local fish, pasta and meat dishes such as risotto with tench.
A short break to Lake Garda is guaranteed to leave you feeling rejuvenated.
Make magical memories in Milan
A must see on your travels around Italy is Milan. Located in the north of the country, Milan is Italy’s second biggest city by population. It’s the stylish capital of the Lombardy region and is renowned as the place to go for fashion, culture, food, wine, football, and so much more.
Whether you’re craving a long weekend close to home or a week in the glorious Mediterranean sunshine, our multi-centre holidays to Milan are great value for money. Milan is also the gateway to cities in Switzerland and other parts of Italy, so you’ll be spoilt for choice when choosing your break.
Iconic attractions
Not many cities can boast an imposing Gothic-style cathedral like Milan’s Duomo. It took almost 600 years to complete and is home to around 2,300 fascinating sculptures. If you’re feeling energetic, you can climb the 250 steps to the roof (there’s also an elevator) for views that will truly take your breath away.
Another of Milan’s unique attractions is ‘The Last Supper’ by Leonardo da Vinci. If you want to see it, you’ll need to book a time to visit it at the Santa Maria delle Grazie church.
For an evening of unbeatable culture, going for a wonderful meal before a performance at La Scala Opera House will stay with you forever. This famous venue dates back to 1778 and is packed full of history and charm.
World-class shopping
There are far too many shopping experiences in Milan to list here, so we’ve chosen one of our favourites. In stark contrast to many modern shopping malls, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a stunning 19th-century arcade in the heart of the city. It’s easy to spend an entire day here browsing the beautiful boutiques, people-watching and indulging in some mouthwatering Italian cuisine.
One of the most amazing ways of getting around Milan is to embark on a journey from the city aboard the Bernina Express. The scenery as you travel through Switzerland is some of the most spectacular anywhere on the planet.
There's no place quite like Naples
The mere mention of Naples puts our taste buds into overdrive. The city that invented pizza is packed full of culinary delights, from street food to fine dining. Making your way around the city on foot is not only good for burning off the calories but also ensures you don’t miss out on the sights and sounds that make Naples so memorable. Here are a few highlights to whet your appetite.
Unforgettable food tours
There’s so much more to the local cuisine than pizza, although it would be rude not to sample some while you’re in Naples. There are many fantastic food tours that will give you a taste of the freshest flavours around when it comes to pasta, seafood, desserts and more. The markets in Naples are an absolute treat and will inspire you to try some authentic Italian cooking yourself when you return home.
Take a day trip to Pompeii
While this UNESCO World Heritage Site isn’t in Naples itself, we’d highly recommend taking the short trip to visit these ancient ruins. Stepping back in time thousands of years is an incredible experience, and the well-preserved buildings serve as a reminder of the lives lost because of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D.
See Naples in a new light
There are many historic attractions in Naples, including the Royal Palace of Caserta, a stroll down Spaccanapoli in the Old Town and Europe’s oldest opera house, Teatro di San Carlo. However, if you’d like to see how the locals live and have a great time doing it, you can hop aboard a Vespa and get a guided tour on two wheels.
When you’re looking for a romantic Italian holiday, our Naples and Sorrento packages will be right up your street.
Bask in Sorrento’s serenity
Sorrento is certainly a sight for sore eyes. Everywhere you look there are spectacular views - across the Bay of Naples and up to nearby Mount Vesuvius. There’s a wonderfully relaxed vibe to the town, making it a perfect place to spend time on your honeymoon or if you’re planning to propose.
Your camera will get a great workout in Sorrento, as there’s something incredible to capture at almost every turn. Piazza Tasso is the place to be for al fresco dining with a sea view. There are plenty of great shops in this area too, so you can have a browse to work up an appetite before lunch or dinner.
No trip to Sorrento would be complete without strolling through its Old Town area and sampling a slice of Italian life you’ll fall head over heels in love with. Sorrento is also a great base for the drive of a lifetime along the Amalfi Coast. It can be challenging in places, so booking a tour with a driver is a good bet. This also allows you to sit back and savour the unparalleled panoramic views.
Why Pisa is so appealing
It’s impossible to talk about Pisa without mentioning the world’s most famous freestanding bell tower. The Leaning Tower of Pisa has a four-degree tilt that seems to defy logic and gravity. The Torre Pendente di Pisa, as it’s known in Italian, is an iconic structure that attracts around five million visitors every year from all over the world. It took over two centuries to build, and it’s the place to go in Pisa for a unique photo opportunity pretending to hold the tower up with your hands.
Elsewhere in Pisa, you’ll find incredible cathedrals, museums, piazzas and local wine-tasting tours. There are also many bookshops to browse, great cafes and restaurants and places to sit with a coffee and watch the world go by. This Tuscan city is a real treat for the senses, whether you stick to the tourist hotspots or wander off the beaten track.
Our multi-centre Italian holidays to Pisa also include time in Rome, Florence and Venice, so you can choose a trip to suit your tastes and look forward to fun, fantastic food, splendid sunshine and serene train rides between cities.
Are you ready to embrace remarkable Rome?
We’ve got more than a dozen delightful holidays in Rome for you to choose from. The Eternal City serves up so many sightseeing opportunities it’s best to make a ‘must-see’ list before you go.
A trip back in time
You’ve got unique historical attractions, including the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and St. Peter’s Basilica, for starters. You can also visit the Sistine Chapel and marvel at Michelangelo’s paintings on the ceiling. This is an ever-popular attraction, so either be prepared to wait or pay for tickets that allow you to skip the queue.
Passion on the pitch
For a completely different kind of spectacle, you might want to plan your trip to take in a football match at the impressive Stadio Olimpico - home to fierce rivals AS Roma and Lazio as they battle it out for supremacy in Italy’s Serie A.
Piazzas galore
Whether you’ve been to Rome and seen all the sights before or just want to savour the lively atmosphere of this remarkable Italian city, visiting one or more of its piazzas won’t disappoint.
The most famous of these is Campo de' Fiori, which is a marketplace in the morning and a bustling place to have a beer or glass of wine in the evening. The Piazza di Spagna is home to Rome’s famous Spanish Steps - the busiest meeting point in the city. And the fountains at Piazza Navona provide a wonderful backdrop whether you’re just passing through or taking the weight off your feet.
Speaking of which, as you’d expect from the country’s capital, Rome has a great transport system which includes bus tours and a metro - making it a seamless experience to navigate your way around the city.
No Italian adventure is complete without spending time in Rome. Browse our breaks now and look forward to all of the above and more with a Viva Holidays multi-centre experience.
Venice - a dazzling destination you’ll never forget
What can you say about Venice that hasn’t been said already? It’s a romantic destination that will give you that spark of inspiration whether it’s your first visit or you’ve been many times before.
We’re sure you know all about the gondola rides on the Grand Canal, so let’s take a look at some other things to do in this special part of the world.
Piazza San Marco is home to Caffé Florian - where else can you eat or drink at an establishment that’s been going since the early 1700s?
Lido di Venezia, or Lido Island, is a 12km long strip of land known for its natural beauty. Murazzi is a free beach where you can chill out and leave the thriving centre of Venice behind. Lido Island is also home to hundreds of migratory birds and has a strong environmental ethos. The quiet and charming village of Malamocco is a real highlight if you’re looking for an idyllic slice of Italian life at your own pace.
The Rialto Food & Wine Tour is another activity you might want to consider. The array of food and drink available in the local markets has to be seen to be believed. The finest Italian cheeses, meats, seafood and desserts await you and are sure to be a highlight of your stay.
Whatever you do in Venice, you’ll have an unforgettable holiday in this part of Italy and further afield when you book one of our Italian escapes.
Fall head over heels in love with Verona
Last, and by certainly no means least, we have Verona - sometimes known as ‘Little Rome’.
In the country’s Veneto region, one of Verona’s many claims to fame is that it’s where Shakespeare’s “Romeo & Juliet” was set. The Verona Arena is a mind-blowing place to visit, especially if there’s a concert on. Verona Cathedral is awe-inspiring and worth making time for during your stay.
Away from the beautiful historical buildings (of which there are many), you can get a different perspective of the city by going on a cycling tour. A short distance from the city, you’ll find Parco Natura Viva - which is a must-visit for families and animal lovers alike. It’s home to over 1,500 species, including red pandas, lions, bears, owls, snakes, crocodiles and chimpanzees.
Museo Nicolis is the place to be if you’re crazy about cars. Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Ferrari, DeLorean and many more are represented here. The museum also has a stunning collection of motorbikes, bicycles and typewriters, so it’s an engrossing place to spend your time and do something different.
Where will your Italian adventure take you? Travelling around Italy will light up your soul, and when you book with Viva Holidays, you won’t need to break the bank.
Now you’ve discovered how to travel around Italy, why not browse our Italian holidays now and imagine the possibilities or contact us to find out more about this beautiful country.
