How Much Time Do You Need in Pompeii? I feel this article is very informative and helpful. And yeah!! Most people have just a week or two to explore this amazing country. From the stunning cites like Rome, coastal regions like Cinque Terre and the incredible villages in southern regions, Italy is one of the most diverse European countries to visit. The hike at the Lagazuoi Tunnels is mostly downhill, since a cable car whisks you up to the highest point, so this is also great for kids over the age of five (and the views are incredible!). The busiest spot is Juliette’s house, but expect big crowds here. Getting Around: If you are traveling to multiple cities in Italy, the best way to see the country (by far!) By the founder of YourguidetoItaly.com, who has been promoting a slow and deeper way of traveling in Italy since 2005. That being said, it can get pretty bamboozling to plan a trip to see as much as possible. It’s a fun way to spend a morning or afternoon and it’s the perfect sightseeing break for kids. See also: Top Tourist Attractions in Milan. Just seeing the picture of it makes me want to really go there. Technically, Siena is a hill town in Tuscany. Top Experiences: Stroll along the Corso Italia, explore the lagoon at Bagni della Regina Giovanna, taste Limoncello, and see Marina Grande. But what if I told you that the Dolomites are unbelievably gorgeous and you could have this view without hiking? How Much Time Do You Need in Verona? A visit to Capri can easily be done as a day trip from Sorrento. From Milan, you can easily day trip to Lake Como (see below). Sicily’s most popular tourist attractions, 17 Best Things to do in Santa Fe, New Mexico. I only have two days. Go stand up paddle boarding, rock climbing, hike to Gorropu Canyon, one of the deepest gorges in Europe, and Sardinia is a great place to go kite surfing and windsurfing. Answer 1 of 3: I will be in Paris in mid June and would like to make a quick trip to Italy before I return to the States. At the heart of Milan is the gorgeous Duomo, which is simply spectacular. How Much Time Should You Spend in Tuscany? Ideas for Traveling with Kids: Take kids to the coastal resort towns of Cervia, Rimini, and Cesenatico. There are lots of options for adventurous and older kids. Sometimes overshadowed by the popularity of other Italian cities like Rome and Venice, Genoa nevertheless is one of Italy’s true hidden gems. I am following your content from last month. With two to three busy days you can visit the highlights, what we list above under top experiences. 4. Top Experiences: Wander the cobblestoned streets, overlook Siena from Torre del Mangia, visit the Siena Cathedral, and spend time in Il Campo. With even more time, you can explore Rome’s nooks and crannies, take a food tour, and venture off-the-beaten-path. Very high quality content and useful information. The food, the wine, the history, the art and architecture, the quaint, hillside towns in Tuscany, and the underrated Dolomites…there is something here for everyone. With one day, you can visit the town of Alberobello. For the first-time visitor, Rome belongs at or near the top of your list. Wow!!! How Long Should You Spend in the Cinque Terre? Milan makes a nice day trip if you are traveling between cities such as Florence, Venice, Lake Como, and the Cinque Terre. With one day you can day trip into Tuscany from Florence, visiting a few of the smaller towns. Kids will also like the riding Funicolare Como-Brunate for amazing views over Lake Como. You can visit Capri as a day trip or linger several days (or longer if your heart desires). It is also home to ancient Greek and Roman ruins, gorgeous beaches, picturesque towns, and hundreds of castles. Read More:  8 Amazing Things to do in Bellagio and How to Plan the Perfect Day Trip to Lake Como. How Much Time Do You Need in Lake Como? Verona is the famed city where Romeo and Juliette took place. How Much Time Should You Spend in Sardinia? Originally posted on jbhoover.org. If you are a foodie, Bologna is one of the best places to visit in Italy. If so, be prepared to fall in love with an extraordinary country. If you’ll go to Italy’s northwestern coastal region of Liguria, then make sure to include Cinque Terre on your list of places to visit in Italy. This is where Bolognese sauce originated. You can visit Pisa in two hours if you are traveling between cities such as Florence and the Cinque Terre. Venice is romantic, historic, and gorgeous. Take two hours to pose for photos (along with tons of other travelers) and maybe even climb the tower. How Long Should You Spend in the Dolomites? Planning a trip to Italy? The way you explain it the way you use this word is mind-blowing. Your email address will not be published. We spent four days in the Dolomites and cannot wait to go back. Top Experiences: See the trulli houses in Alberobello, go swimming or take a boat tour of the coastal cliffs at Torre Sant’Andrea, visit Polignano a Mare, and visit Gargano National Park. Some of the important sights in Rome are Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo’s Pieta. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. San Marino: Europe’s Most Underrated Destination? Visit the small towns, relax on the beach, or take a boat trip to see the rocky coastal cliffs and sea caves. This city is a wonderful blend of historical sites, charming piazzas and neighborhoods, world-class museums, and iconic sites. Ideas for Traveling with Kids: Tyler and Kara loved the gondola ride. Italy has always been one of my favorites. The more you hike the more gelato you get to eat. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. However, more time is better. I saw the post, it is amazing. As the capital city of the Liguria region on the northwest coast of Italy, Genoa is most associated as the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. Etna, visit the Aeolian Islands, see Temple of Concordia at Valley of the Temples, visit Palermo, the capital of Sicily, and relax on the beaches. How Much Time Do You Need in Sorrento? So long, in fact, that it would take months to see all of them. Ideas for Traveling with Kids: Climb to the top of Torre dei Lamberti for one of the best views of the city. How Much Time Do You Need in San Marino? Top hill towns include San Gimignano, Pienza, Montalcino, Montepulciano, and Volterra. Stay overnight or longer to really get to know the island. You will need three days, or longer, to visit the highlights along the coast and Gargano National Park. But it is such a great place to visit that it deserves its own mention. Rome: One of the most beautiful cities… in the world Rome is the largest city in Italy and with its 2,500 years of history and innumerable archaeological sites, art museums, churches, and ruins, it might just be the most fascinating! Read more: Is the Blue Grotto Really Worth It? The history here spans 28 centuries, making Rome one of the oldest inhabited cites in Europe (and one of the best places to visit in Italy). Happy traveling. 5 Herculaneum in Campania The atmosphere is vibrant, the people friendly, and you also get to experience the nightlife in one of the many night venues. High art and monuments are to be found everywhere around the country. Top Experiences: See Michelangelo’s David, climb the Duomo, tour the Uffizi Gallery, stroll across Ponte Vecchio, eat lots of gelato, and watch the sunset over Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo. It’s funny, the covered walkways are what I love about Bern Glad we agree on Grand Place! READ NEXT. By: Sarah and Justin of Travel Breathe Repeat Not only is Trieste one of the many must see places in Italy, but it’s also one of the country’s best-hidden gems. We absolutely love every region of Italy, but there is something so unique and different about these cities and towns in South Italy. What brings most visitors to this part of Italy is the town of Alberobello and its white-washed conical huts. We’ve been to Croatia, but didn’t get to Dubrovnik, I can see it being beautiful as the smaller cities we visited there were lovely. It received 52.4 million tourists in 2016. Note: This post contains affiliate links. The Eternal City is the greatest on earth and there is something for every kind of traveler. It has a spectacular location, nestled in the mountains near the Adriatic Sea. It is home to Mt. Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. Of the canals, the Grand Canal is most famous and divides the city into two sections. The Dolomites gets our vote as one of the best places to visit in Italy, not only because it is a hiking paradise, but also because the scenery is stunning. Why? How Long Do You Need in Pisa? Know Before You Go | Italy. Being the most sophisticated resort on the central Amalfi Coast, it is also the most expensive. This is your chance to walk through a preserved, ancient city and get one of Italy’s best history lessons. But if you are a hiker, the Dolomites are world-class. If you are looking for a destination that combines beautiful beaches, historical sites, and outdoor adventures, Sardinia is one of the best places in Italy to put on your bucket list. Rome. How Much Time Do You Need in Emilia Romagna? The proximity of these hill towns to the cities of Florence, Siena, Pisa, and Luca fills Tuscany with a concentration of many of the best places to visit in Italy. You need a bare minimum of three days. All rights reserved © Earth Trekkers. You could easily spend one week in Tuscany, settling down in a Tuscan villa, with day trips out to the surrounding towns. In between museum visits, climb the towers and treat them to gelato. Our top pick is Monterosso al Mare. You can race through the best of Florence in one day, however, two to three days allows you to slow down and visit some worthwhile off-the-beaten-path spots. We’ve picked them as the best places to visit in Southern Italy. To get here, hire a boat in Sorrento. Top Experiences: Costa Smeralda (the Emerald Coast); Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia; visit Su Nuraghe of Barumini, an archaeological site that dates back to 1900 to 730 BCE; relax on the beaches; cruise around the island. Read more: Hiking the Puez-Odle Altopiano or Hiking the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop. If you have more time, spend at least one night here to really experience  Siena. But there are enough towers to climb, gelato to eat, and shops to visit that you don’t have to feel like you are on museum overload on a visit to Florence. In 2018, Lonely Planet listed Emilia Romagna as the best place to visit in Europe. Any suggestions on which cities would be most valuable to see as well as hotel's? Ideas for Traveling with Kids: Depending on the age of your kids, take your pick from short to long hikes. It really depends on your interests. is by train.This is mainly because the train system is just so efficient and affordable. But you can also find colorful coastal towns, national parks, and stunning coastal cliffs. Without a doubt, Florence (Firenze) is one of the best places to visit in Italy. Thanks for the beautiful post! Also, as I mentioned above, the Italian countryside is beautiful and you can easily observe it while on the train. The Torture Museum, Museum of Curiosity, and the World of Leonardo might interest older kids. But since this makes such a great home base, we recommend at least three days here. They also enjoyed the Galileo Museum. With more time, relax on one of the beaches or day trip to Portofino. These are must-see cities, but there is so much more to see and experience in Italy. Pretty pictures. Ideas for Traveling with Kids: Hiking from town to town can be fun for older kids. Positano’s enviable location allows visitors to travel by boat to nearby Capri, Ischia and the Grotta dello Smeraldo. Read more:  Positano, Our Favorite Town on the Amalfi Coast. Plan on spending at least one busy day to see the highlights of Venice. Italy has some of the most spectacular old cities in the world. Yes, it’s another pretty spot in Italy, but beware, if you are here in summer, these roads get clogged with drivers and tourists. Top Experiences: Take a boat ride around the circumference of the entire island, visit the Blue Grotto, or take the chairlift up to Mount Solaro for views like this photo. Emilia Romagna is one of the 20 administrative regions of Italy. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. Older kids might enjoy the hike up Mt. It is located in northeast Italy and it is one of the wealthiest regions in Europe. This small city is gorgeous, similar to Venice but without the canals, the decay, and the huge numbers of tourists. Milan is home to the Duomo, world-class museums, trendy shopping areas, and Leonardo da Vinci’s “Last Supper.” This city is undergoing an architectural Renaissance and it is worth even a few hours on the fastest of itineraries. Venice is one of our favorite spots in Italy. Top Experiences: Walk across Ponte Scaligero, visit Piazza delle Erbe, visit the Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore, overlook Verona from Piazzale Castel San Pietro, and stroll through the town in the evening (the passieggiata). This chaotic, beautiful metropolis will capture your heart. Top hill towns include San Gimignano, Pienza, Montalcino, Montepulciano, and Volterra. How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. Tyler and Kara loved seeing Michelangelo’s David, climbing the Duomo, and walking through Boboli Gardens. So many travelers go to Italy and only visit Rome and Florence, and sometimes Venice. It’s possible to rent bikes and take a cycling tour of the wineries. Cities to See in Italy. For the ultimate experience, consider adding on the hike up to the summit of Mt. Alberobello:  thegrimfandango/shutterstock.com. Not only are they stunning, but cities are also incredibly fascinating, full of art, history, ancient ruins, and more. Come for the beaches, the culture, the ancient historical sites, the cuisine, and the beautiful cities and towns. Visit the popular coastal resorts that line the Adriatic Sea, explore the eleven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, visit the former Roman Empire capital city of Ravenna, and visit the University of Bologna, the oldest university in the world. What a blog. Lake Como is a very easy day trip from Milan. Required fields are marked *. Although Wild Harbor isn't undiscovered by Italy at large, it still seems set apart from the rest of Puglia in its culture and overall feel. Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. Best Cities to Visit in Italy: Sardinia © Courtesy of SeanPavonePhoto - Fotolia.com About halfway between Italian mainland and Africa, Sardinia is a large island that is as much Italian as it is its own, ancient, rugged, magnificent place best described as “different.” San Marino is a country that exceeded our expectations. Visit to explore ancient olive groves, gnarled orchards, and a slice of Italy that even Italians don't often see. Etna. Sorrento is a great home base for exploring the island of Capri, the Amalfi Coast, and the historic ruins of Pompeii. Florence is one of the most major cities in Italy and very popular with tourists, but still definitely worth visiting in your lifetime. In December and early January, exploring the city is a wonderful experience as you will find countless nativity scenes and Christmas markets – all of which add to Palermo’s charm. With one day you can visit Bologna and take a food tour. Any suggestions on which cities would be most valuable to see as well as hotel's? Visitors can see the civil residence of the feudal lords of the period, the Orsini and Borgia, both papal families and also a museum. Planning a trip to Italy? San Marino is a tiny, independent nation completely surrounded by Italy. Italy is divided up into 20 regions which are diverse in scenery. We actually liked Siena more than Florence. It’s easy to visit Siena as a day trip from Florence or Tuscany. I only have two days. How Long Do You Need in Milan? Etna, the second most active volcano in the world, along with several smaller active volcanoes. Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Its long coastline sits on the Adriatic Sea. You do not need to be a hiker to appreciate the Dolomites. It is small and compact, perfect to be explored with just a few days time. 2 Days in Rome: The Perfect Itinerary for Your First Visit, 10 Things to do on Your First Visit to Florence, How to Plan the Perfect Day Trip to Lake Como, How to Visit Pompeii when Traveling between Rome and Sorrento, Positano, Our Favorite Town on the Amalfi Coast. How Much Time Do You Need in Florence? Let us know in the comment section below. I love traveling and I love to explore the world as a solo traveler. After reading your blog you made me like, as soon as possible I should explore all the places in Italy. Nestled at the foot of the Alps, Lake Como is one of Italy’s most romantic spots. Best Places to see: Como city and its pedestrian center; Tremezzo and Villa Carlotta with its sumptuous botanical garden; Bellagio and villa Melzi, a source of inspiration for Stendhal himself; Varenne and the villa Monastero with its promenade at the edge of the water; Castello Di Vezio and its panoramic view of the lake below Top Experiences: You can explore Pompeii on your own. I have a hunch that if you include Verona in your travel plans, you will be thrilled you did so. Top Experiences: Tour the hill towns of Tuscany. You can visit Pompeii on a day trip from Rome, from Naples, or from Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast. Top Experiences: Visit the towns on the Amalfi Coast such as Positano, Amalfi, and Salerno. I am keeping my fingers crossed that we will be able to travel to Europe later this year. However, we do not accept guest posts on our website at this point in time, but that is very kind of you. End in Monterosso and cool off with a quick swim in the Mediterranean. 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