Italy is truly a country that has it all, and has all of it in abundance. Whether you’re after a beach holiday to soak up the sun, a mountainous hike through endlessly glorious landscapes, a history tour of the beating heart of European culture, or simply looking for your own slice of paradise, the answer is always Italy. Over the following pages, our travel experts share their advice and recommendations for a spectacular trip, from city breaks and island retreats, to must-see museums and inspiring national parks. We’ve also shared our favourite wines and regional specialities to try wherever you choose to visit, so prepare to wind down and truly embrace ‘la dolce vita.
WELCOME
EXPLORING ITALY • Here are the basics that you need to know when visiting Italy for the first time
A GUIDE TO THE BOOT • Here’s what makes each region a special destination in its own right
CITY BREAKS
TURIN • Uncover the cultural gems found in this intriguing city
MILAN • This north Italian city is peerless when it comes to art and design – it’s not bad for a spot of retail therapy either
CREMONA • The ideal city for violin and music lovers to relax
GENOA • Discover this vibrant and cultural maritime city
PARMA • Parma is small but mighty – especially when it comes to cured meat and crumbly cheese
VENICE • Navigate the unique waterways of Italy’s City of Bridges
THE RIALTO BRIDGE • Cross an iconic monument that connects Italy’s floating city
BOLOGNA • Food, glorious food! In a country that is famed for its gastronomy, Bologna is the cherry on the cake
PISA • This ancient city has a lot to offer for history and art lovers
THE LEANING TOWER • See the world from a different angle atop Italy’s famous tilting tower
FLORENCE • A shrine to the Renaissance era, this city is brimming with art and culture
SAN MARINO • This microstate in the heart of Italy has so much to offer
ROME • If you want both ancient and modern, the Eternal City is everything you need
ST PETER’S BASILICA • The Vatican’s St Peter’s Basilica is an enduring symbol of the Catholic Church
THE TREVI FOUNTAIN • See the grandiose waterworks that grace the heart of Italy
THE COLOSSEUM • An enduring symbol of Rome’s majesty, Italy’s Colosseum is one of the world’s great ancient relics
THE PANTHEON • Thousands of years old, the Pantheon is the only temple still in its original state
NAPLES • Naples is exciting, exotic and makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end
PALERMO • Sicily’s capital lies at the crossroads of the Mediterranean and benefits from a fascinating history, both ancient and modern
THE BEST OF THE REST • A selection of Italy’s most exciting and interesting city destinations
HISTORY & CULTURE
TIVOLI • This hillside town near Rome is where cardinals and emperors built their dreams
POMPEII • Step back in time in Italy to the height of the Roman Empire
THE ROYAL PALACE OF CASERTA • Explore the magnificent Baroque residence of the historic kings of Naples
ITALIAN CASTLES • Explore the best that Italy has to offer
A MODERN-DAY GRAND TOUR • From royal grandeur to contemporary art, our modern Grand Tour is a voyage of discovery through Italy’s rich history, vibrant culture, and culinary delights
UNMISSABLE FESTIVALS • From al fresco opera in Tuscany, to Viareggio’s uproarious Carnevale, Italy’s festivals are the spark to ignite the senses
MUST-SEE MUSEUMS • Explore the finest monuments to Italian culture, from film to Ferrari
NATURE & OUTDOORS
THE DOLOMITES • Come snow or sun, Italy’s Dolomites are a haven of fair...