Italy Travel Guide
Whether you want to explore Italy’s historical sites, take in its stunning views, indulge in its delicious cuisine, or soak up its culture and atmosphere, a trip to Italy should be on your bucket list.
As culinary travel experts who’ve lived in Italy and worked as travel planners there for more than ten years, we have deep knowledge about the Bel Paese. We curated this guide to help you experience the best of its food, wine, and culture.
You’ll quickly understand why it is one of the main places we provide our Italy travel planning services.
Italy Region-By-Region
Northern Italy
Northern Italy, extending from the Alps to the Ligurian coast, is known for its rich culinary heritage, elegant cities, and breathtaking landscapes. This region includes Val d’Aosta, Piedmont, Lombardy, Liguria, Trentino-Alto Adige, Veneto, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Visitors flock here to experience Lake Como, the canals of Venice, and the dynamic city of Milan.
Northern Italy is a hub for food and wine, with some of the best cheese, truffles, and sparkling wine in the country. Whether you’re skiing in the Alps, exploring Cinque Terre’s coastal villages, or visiting a local vineyard, there’s no shortage of things to do in Italy’s northern regions.
Central Italy
Central Italy is home to some of the country’s most famous destinations, including Florence, Bologna, and Rome. The region spans Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, Le Marche, Umbria, Abruzzo, Lazio, and the island of Sardinia.
From handmade pasta in Bologna to wine tasting in Chianti, Central Italy is a paradise for food lovers. While Florence and Rome are must-visit cities, travelers should also explore the Tuscan countryside, discover the medieval towns of Umbria, and relax along the Tuscan coast.
Southern Italy
Southern Italy offers a mix of ancient history, stunning coastlines, and bold flavors. This region includes Campania, Molise, Calabria, Apulia, Basilicata, and Sicily. While Naples is known for being the birthplace of pizza, the entire region is filled with culinary treasures.
Visitors can explore Rome’s history, wander through the vibrant streets of Naples, or take in the breathtaking views along the Amalfi Coast. Sicily, with its Greek ruins, volcanic landscapes, and incredible seafood, is a must-visit for any Italy itinerary.
Planning Your Italy Trip
First things first, successful Italy trip planning starts with choosing destinations that match your style. Whether you’re eager to explore bustling Italian cities, quaint small towns, or stunning natural landscapes, understanding the regions of Italy will help shape your experience. Additionally, navigating Italy’s train stations and public transportation system is essential for a smooth journey.
Classic Italy Itineraries
First things first, you’ll want to make your Italy trip right. Choose a destination that matches your style, learn about local culture, and heed local tips so you know what not to do!
A few classic 10 to 20-day itineraries that our food-first travel lovers adore are those that provide a cross-section of the country. We encourage them to include a mix of farm visits, wine tasting, Italian cities, small towns, and outdoor adventures in:
- Northern Italy: Piedmont wine country, Milan, & the Lakes
- The Veneto: Venice, Verona, & The Dolomites
- Central Italy: Bologna, Florence, & Val D’Orcia
- Southern Italy: Rome, Naples, & The Amalfi Coast
- Sicily: Palermo, Taormina, Catania, and Val di Noto
Italian Food & Wine Travel
As one of the world’s largest and most prestigious producers of wine, we highly encourage you to sip some vino during your Italy travels. Get to know the famed region of Chianti, the beloved region of Sicily, and loads about the under-appreciated Italian sparkling wine culture:
Italy Travel Planning Resources
Starting to plan Italy travel? Check out these helpful links:
- Apartments: Use code SaltandWindTravel/AM when booking apartment stays with Plum Guide
- Hotels: Book High-Quality Hotels at Booking.com
- Italy Trip Calculator: Get our new budget calculator to estimate your Italy trip cost accurately.
- Italy Trip Planner: Planning a trip to Italy yourself? You’ll want our Italy itinerary planner so you can access our expert travel insights from more than ten years of travel planning in Italy!
- Tours: Book in-depth tours with Context Travel
- Shop: See our favorite travel essentials in our Amazon store