Italy is a country that has earned its way to many travelers’ bucket lists. And for good reason! Italy is loaded with historical sights. In fact, there are 50 UNESCO world heritage sites intermingled with its charming towns and great cities. Furthermore, Italy’s lively and welcoming culture combined with its approachable cuisine makes it an easy country to visit. For these reasons, Italy tours are one of the most popular vacations.

Italy’s Great Cities

Rome, Florence, and Venice are known as Italy’s great cities because they are full of art and culture that many people think of when imagining Italy.

Many travelers want to include Turin, Milan, Bologna, and Naples for full exposure to Italy’s cities from north to south.

One can learn about the culture and history of the nation through the cultural artifacts found in these cities. But, to travel Italy is as much about experiencing its lifestyle and culture in the streets, cafes, and piazzas, as it is seeing the historical sights.

Beautiful Cinque Terre Italy

Enjoy Italy Slowly

There is so much to see and do in Italy that travelers must accept it cannot all be done in one trip.

Visiting Italy’s great cities means enjoying the morning espresso at a cafe among locals. It means strolling around the streets during the late afternoon, for what is a uniquely Italian custom with its own word passeggiata, to experience the late afternoon social life.

To tour Italy well is to slow down for a time to enjoy its ambiance. Italy’s regions from north to central to the south have nuanced pulses that run at their own rhythm. Each of Italy’s regions is unique. If one travels too quickly through Italy this integral feature of an Italy vacation will be missed.

Venice landmark, Burano island canal, colorful houses and boats, Italy
Venice landmark, Burano island canal, colorful houses and boats

Therefore, to plan the best Italy tour experience decide how many days will be your trip to Italy. Then plan an itinerary that comfortably matches the time available to tour Italy. This is the most important piece of advice when planning the best trip to Italy.

To experience life in Italy’s cities we suggest allowing for at least two nights in each destination. This will provide time to experience the cycle of an entire day. Then travelers will be able to experience the morning cafe, leisurely lunch, afternoon passeggiata, evening aperitif, followed by dinner. Without experiencing each the tourist to Italy misses what is Italian life.

Sforza Castle in Milan, Italy
Sforza Castle or Castello Sforzesco located in Milan city in northern Italy.

Excursions Between Italy’s Great Cities

Outside Italy’s great cities is a full roster of towns that many travelers want to visit. These include cultural attractions and places of natural beauty.

When planning an itinerary plan to use travel days between new destinations to plan excursions. For example, when traveling between Florence and northern Italy’s Lakes or Venice include Pisa to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa and Chianti taste the area’s wine. Other foodie destinations on this route include Parma and Bologna to soak up the region’s rich culture and indulge in its fine food.

Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy
Leaning Tower of Pisa

When traveling between Rome and Florence consider a visit to Tuscany and Umbria to enjoy the hill towns. Many Italian tours include Assisi to visit the Basilica of St Francis of Assisi. Another itinerary includes Orvieto for a visit to a classic hilltop town.

People at restaurant near canal in Venice
Venice, Italy

Guided Italy Vacations

For travelers who are not interested in the extensive planning required for a great trip to Italy, or do not have the time to plan a proper Italy vacation, then  ItalianTourism.us Italy tours offer all-inclusive Italy vacations. With these guided Italy vacations all the details are handled. Visit the beautiful Cinque Terre without trying to figure out how to navigate into these tiny towns. Ride down the Amalfi Coast while enjoying the views without worrying about what is around the next curve. Enter the Vatican Museum and Colosseum in Rome without waiting in lines.

People enjoying a toast in Tuscany, Italy

All-inclusive escorted Italy vacations ensure guests see popular attractions while discovering hidden gems only known to residents. Furthermore, there is ample time to experience Italian life as time is organized efficiently.

Book one of the best Italy tours today or customize your own vacation. Either option is ideal when visiting this beautiful country to learn more about its people, history, and culture.