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The food… the history… the natural beauty… From city breaks and active trips to beachy ones, holidays to Italy meet the brief for every type of travel lover.
City breaks, lakes and mountains
Italy’s cities have a solid rep for being trend setters. Florence was the centre of the Renaissance movement, Venice invented the masquerade ball, Verona gave us Romeo and Juliet, Milan’s the fashion capital of the world, and Rome started the Roman Empire – shoutout to Julius Caesar for basically giving us Gladiator 2, IYKYK. So, city breaks here are all about sleep, sightsee, repeat, as well as inhaling the best pasta and pizza you’ve ever tasted, ofc. It’s giving la dolce vita.
It’s not all urban life in the north, though. This is dreamy lake country, too, and Lake Garda and Lake Como are the big names. Garda’s the largest and is all about pretty lakeside villages, medieval castles and fresh limoncello straight from Limone’s citrus groves. If boujie waterfront villas and celeb-spotting sound like a bit of you, Como is all yours – George Clooney is a big fan. Then there’s also Lake Maggiore and Lake Molveno, two smaller spots perfect for swerving the crowds. The mega mountain backdrop makes this part of Italy extra beaut, and you can easily daytrip into the Dolomites from here for alpine hikes or even some skiing if there’s snow.
Postcard coastlines
Campania’s the Italy you see in retro Audrey Hepburn films. We’re talking the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, the Neapolitan Riviera and super chic Capri. Expect Insta-ready cliffside villages, pastel buildings and sweet sandy bays lined with stripey parasols and fishing boats. Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius are right there for a bit of culture, and towns like Positano and Amalfi have been given UNESCO status. Further south, Calabria and Puglia move at a much slower pace. The lifestyle’s a lot more laidback down here – spend mornings visiting Baroque towns followed by a wholesome beachy afternoon and seafood as fresh as it gets for dinner.
Sardinia and Sicily
Look on a map and Sicily’s the island being kicked by the boot. It’s only a short ferry ride away from the mainland, but it’s got its own vibe. There’s a real combo of cultures – you’ve got Greek temples and Roman villas next to Norman cathedrals, and Palermo – the capital – has a mix of architecture from the Med and a North African aesthetic. The beaches are some of the best, too – Cefalu’s sandy stretch is a stunner and Pozzallo is home to half of the islands Blue Flag sweeps.
You’ll find Italy’s finest beaches further south on Sardinia, though. They’ve been compared to ones you’d expect to see in the Caribbean and the Pacific Islands – Costa Smeralda is even known as ‘little Tahiti’. The locals are super proud and it’s easy to see why they call themselves Sardinian rather than Italian – they’ve even got their own language, AKA Sardo. You’ll still hear Italian, but places like Alghero have a huge Catalan influence after being ruled by the Spanish for 400 years. It’s been given the nickname Barceloneta, so don’t be surprised if you see tapas and sangria sat alongside pizza and Aperol spritz on the menus.
Fancy seeing Italy by train?
We also offer flight-free trips to Italy, in partnership with Byway. Relax en route to Italy’s picturesque lakes, or stop on a city break to the fashion capital of the world, Milan. Browse flight-free trips to Italy >
Get a free first class rail upgrade on 2025 Byway trips departing after 1st April when you book on or before the 25th March 2025. T&Cs apply.
Best resorts in Italy
Italy’s capital needs no introduction. Its iconic Roman ruins and the Vatican have had some serious airtime in films and TV, and its classical art and gourmet food scenes are a big deal, too. You can’t really call yourself a history nerd, art lover or a foodie until you’ve been to Rome…
Film-star villas, pretty proms and beaut gardens – this romantic setting’s been a honeymoon hotspot for centuries. Boat-hop your way between Bellagio, Menaggio and Tremezzo, take it easy on a lakeside beach and eat fresh fish right on the waterfront. Bellissimo.
Soak up this island’s sweet combo of cultures in Alghero or stay in Olbia for easy access to Costa Smeralda’s top-tier beaches. Head to Cagliari – the capital – for a culture fix, hike up Punta La Marmora, the island’s highest peak, and see cool rock formations at Neptune’s Grotto.
This is the world’s fashion capital, so it’s only right that the city’s packed with grand architecture, immaculate parks and impressive squares. The Gothic cathedral turns heads in Piazza del Duomo, and you’ll deffo have a wandering eye when you’re window shopping down the stylish streets.
Summers in Sicily are for beach days, ancient sightseeing and wine tasting at Mount Etna’s vineyards. You can learn all about the island’s struggle with the Mafia in Palermo’s museums, sit in a Greek amphitheatre in Taormina and follow in the philosopher, Plato’s, footsteps in Siracusa.
This is probably what you imagine when you think ‘Italy’. Its colourful cliffside towns, winding coastal roads and cute harbours are named some of the prettiest in the world. Positano’s a fave for foodies, Amalfi’s famous for its historic charm and it’s hard to beat Scala’s hilltop views.
Built on the water back in the Roman era, this city’s been an engineering work of art ever since. Highlights include St Mark’s Basilica, the Grand Canal, La Fenice and Rialto Bridge – and a gondola ride’s the best way to see it all. Also, you have to try cicchetti – Venice’s take on tapas.
Italy’s largest lake’s is easily the most popular. It’s got a bit of everything – go for a dip at a lido, catch the ferry around the shore, cycle along waterfront proms or kayak to waterfalls. There’s loads of history here, too, from medieval castles to Roman baths.
Sorrento goes hard on the Italian charm. Piazza Tasso’s perfect for a cappuccino and people-watching, head up to a clifftop café to try the local limoncello and Marina Grande’s a dreamy dinner location – Sophia Loren loved it here. Plus, you can easily catch a boat over to Capri.
Stay here to see a less-touristy Italy. Expect easy-going coastal towns, laidback beaches and family-run trattorias – the orecchiette here is on another level. Baroque-style Lecce’s called the ‘Florence of the south’, and Ostuni looks more Greek than Italian, with its whitewashed buildings.
Top Italy holiday deals
BandB Hotel Milano Ornato
Manchester - 3 Nights - Room Only
Based on 2 Adults - 6 June 2025
DoubleTree by Hilton Brescia
Manchester - 3 Nights - Room Only
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Neo Hotel
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ibis Milano Fiera
Manchester - 3 Nights - Bed and Breakfast
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Regal Hotel and Apartments
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BandB Hotel Brescia
Manchester - 3 Nights - Room Only
Based on 2 Adults - 6 June 2025
Hotel Da Vinci Milano
London Gatwick - 3 Nights - Room Only
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Hotel Ristorante Alpino
Birmingham - 3 Nights - Bed and Breakfast
Based on 2 Adults - 18 June 2025
Hotel Marina
Birmingham - 3 Nights - Bed and Breakfast
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Hotel Arya
Birmingham - 3 Nights - Bed and Breakfast
Based on 2 Adults - 4 June 2025
Why pick Italy holidays
Iconic cuisine
Lakeside life
Big on throwbacks
Beachy glam
Your guide to Italy
The Roman Empire, the Vatican, the Renaissance movement… Italy is the G.O.A.T. for historic sites.
- Rome’s Roman ruins – Tick off all the ancient sites, like the Colosseum, AKA the largest amphitheatre ever built. Next up’s the Roman Forum, which was full of temples and markets back in the day, before heading up to Palatine Hill, the oldest part of the city where houses and palaces once stood.
- St Mark’s Basilica – Soak up the scenes over Piazza San Marco and Venice from the terrace, then step inside to see the stunning gold mosaics all over the walls and ceilings.
- Leaning Tower of Pisa – Climb the spiral staircase to the top for views of Pisa’s cathedral square – after you’ve taken the obligatory illusion pic of you pushing the tower, ofc.
- Duomo di Firenze – Florence’s cathedral has an iconic domed roof that’s hard to miss, and the inside’s covered in dreamy classical murals. The surrounding Piazza della Signoria is also full of Renaissance masterpieces, like the replica of Michelangelo’s David.
- Duomo di Milan – Another iconic cathedral, Milan’s version is all Gothic spires and arched windows. Head up to the rooftop for panoramic views of the skyline – on clear days you can even see the Alps.
From the Italian Alps and the lakes in the north to the south’s coastal paths, Italy is heaven for outdoorsy types.
- Cycle along the Amalfi Coast – Pedal along winding cliffside roads with the sea on one side and pastel villages on the other. Take a break in pretty spots like Positano and Ravello to refuel on fresh seafood and Aperol spritz.
- Hike Cinque Terre’s coastal trails – Trek through the Cinque Terre National Park and postcard-perfect fishing villages, including Riomaggiore and Vernazza – there are plenty of secluded bays along here that are ideal for a scenic swim stop.
- Sail on Lake Como – Jump on the ferry or take a private boat tour past flower-lined proms, manicured gardens and boujie palazzos like Villa Balbianello, which featured in James Bond and Star Wars.
- Climbing in the Dolomites – This UNESCO-protected mountain range in the Italian Alps is a fave for skiing in the winter, and in the summer it’s all about the via ferratas – AKA fixed climbing routes. If you don’t fancy hiking up, take the cable car and stroll through the lush alpine meadows instead.
Italy isn’t big on huge sandy sweeps, but there are some stunning stretches in Sardinia and Sicily. The mainland’s shores are all about sheltered bays and pebbly coves.
- Costa Smeralda, Sardinia – This stretch of coastline’s got some of the clearest waters in the Mediterranean. Cala Brandinchi is known as ‘little Tahiti’ for its gentle, clear waters and white sands. Spiaggia del Principe is another fave for its secluded location and natural looks.
- Marina Grande, Positano – With bobbing fishing boats and the cutest cliffside houses as a backdrop, this beach nails the retro glam aesthetic. The pebbly sweep is lined with comfy orange loungers, and there are loads of bars and cafés ready for your afternoon gelato fix.
- San Vito Lo Capo, Sicily – This laidback beach has golden sand and shallow waters, which makes it ideal for families with little ones. The scenery is something else, too – cool rock formations poke out the sea on one end and there’s a huge cliff – Monte Cofano – on the other.
- Ficogrande, Stromboli – This island just north of Sicily’s got some seriously cool black sand beaches, and Ficogrande is a go-to for its wholesome fishing-village aesthetic and volcanic views.
You already know Garda and Como, but you’ll also love Italy’s smaller lakes like Molveno and Maggiore…
- Lake Como – This VIP pick’s got a boujie vibe – think grand palazzos and well-groomed parks. Stay in Bellagio, AKA the ‘pearl of Como’, where the waterfront is lined with manicured proms and pastel-hued buildings.
- Lake Garda – Italy’s largest lake is lined with blush-coloured towns, cute fishing villages, and pretty beaches. Iconic Limone’s THE place to stay for its sweet-smelling citrus groves – don’t miss the limoncello tasting and the lemon museum.
- Lake Maggiore – Explore Roman ruins for a major throwback, then hop between Maggiore’s lovely little islands. All eyes are on Stresa and the Borromean Islands, with their botanical gardens and sprawling villas.
- Lake Molveno – Molveno rocks the au naturel look – its mountain backdrop and national-park scenery are pure Insta material. For lakefront walks, wildlife spotting and a big watersports scene, Molveno town’s the one.
Italy goes hard on traditions, so here’s where you can catch some of the best…
- Carnevale di Venezia, February – Venice Carnival is the OG masquerade ball, famous for its extra costumes and masks. It’s a lively atmosphere all round with parades and music taking over the canals and the piazzas.
- Festa di San Giovanni, June – Celebrated on 24th June, this festival’s dedicated to Florence’s patron saint with massive processions, fireworks and a traditional game of calcio storico – an ancient version of football.
- Holy Week and Easter – This is a huge celebration across Italy, and the bigger the city, the bigger the event. Expect an appearance from the pope in Rome and the Scoppio del Carro in Florence – a cart packed with fireworks.
- Christmas markets – Get in your festive feels at a market in Milan, Florence, Rome or Venice. Tick off some gift shopping at stalls selling handmade crafts and giant panettone – you’ll want to bring the biggest suitcase you’ve got…
Gucci. Prada. Versace. Italy loves a bit of luxury… Here’s where you can pick up some high-end purchases.
- Quadrilatero della Moda, Milan – Walk through this high-end fashion district filled with Italy’s boujiest brands, as well as other international labels like Chanel, Balenciaga and Tom Ford.
- Via Condotti, Rome – This premium address near the Spanish Steps is THE place to go shopping in Rome. The street is lined with only the spenniest shops, like Dior, Valentino, Hermès and Céline.
- Leather markets, Florence – Everyone knows Italian leather is the best in the world. If you want to take some home with you, visit the shops and stalls near Piazza Santa Croce for authentic, handcrafted bags, belts and jackets.
- Glass jewellery, Venice – Venice is famous for its handblown glass. For the best, head to the boutiques on the Rialto Bridge or on Murano Island where you can buy pieces from necklaces and bracelets to cufflinks.
It’s not all designer shops and spenny tags. Check out the local markets to buy beautiful handmade crafts for a bargain.
- Mercato Centrale, Florence – This buzzy market’s the perfect place to get your hands on gourmet treats, local produce and handmade kitchenware. It’s all held indoors too, so it’s a great rainy-day outing.
- Deruta, Umbria – Hunt through workshops where ceramics and hand-painted pottery are created using centuries-old techniques. You’ll find all sorts of ornate designs and styles, from dainty plates and geometric dishes to huge vases and jugs covered in lemons.
- Venetian masks, Venice – For centuries, these gorgeous, detailed masks have been handmade for Carnevale by skilled artisans. They range from small ones that only cover the eyes to full-on face masks with feathers and jewels.
- Handmade lace, Burano – As well as masks and glass, Venice is also known for its delicate, handmade lace. Burano Island is full of boutiques where you can buy some, and you can also see it being made using the traditional method.
Earn some serious points at your next dinner party when you whip out the Tuscan olive oil or Sicilian pasta bowls…
- Parmigiano Reggiano in Emilia-Romagna – Go straight to the source and buy the real thing at a local cheese shop. Looks like pasta’s going to be on the menu for the next few months…
- Tuscan olive oil and wine – RIP your bank account, because once you’ve had extra virgin olive oil from Italy, you can never go back. Pick up a bottle from Brunello di Montalcino in Tuscany, and you might as well get a bottle of Chianti while you’re there.
- Truffles in Alba, Piedmont – Desperate to recreate that insane truffle pasta you had? Buy some infused oil or paste in Alba and add to EVERYTHING.
- Sicilian ceramics – If you’re going to cook authentic Italian food, you’ve got to serve it on authentic Sicilian ceramics. Find your perfect plates, bowls and tiles in towns like Caltagirone.
Spoiler – that dried penne in your cupboard isn’t going to cut it any more after this trip…
- Margherita pizza in Naples – Naples is the birthplace of pizza, and you’ve never tasted one like it… Made with San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella and fresh basil, it’s oh so simple but oh so yum.
- Tagliatelle al ragu in Bologna – Italy sees your Wednesday night spag bol and raises you the real deal. Bologna’s known as Italy’s culinary capital, too, so you know it’s going to be out of this world. Watch the chefs hand roll the pasta right in front of you before it’s added to your dish. Buon appetito.
- Risotto alla Milanese in Milan – This simple meal’s made with rice, parmesan, butter and lots of saffron for a rich flavour and bright yellow colour. Dishes like this from Northern Italy are super hearty and warming.
- Spaghetti alle vongole in Positano – There’s nothing like eating seafood right next to the sea. This pasta dish is made with clams or grilled octopus, red chilli and lots of olive oil. It pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine, too…
- Arancini and cannoli in Sicily – Try these Sicilian treats at a street food market in Palermo. Start with arancini – a crispy, cheesy stuffed rice ball, then follow up with a cannoli, sweet ricotta-filled pastry, for dessert.
Delish food’s gotta be washed down with a delish drink… we don’t make the rules.
- Prosecco – France has champagne, Italy’s got prosecco. See where this sparkling wine’s made in Veneto and take a tour of Valdobbiadene’s estate, followed by a crisp glass of bubbly, ofc.
- Aperol spritz – Aperitivo hour’s about to be your new fave tradition… Head to a sunny piazza and join the locals for this refreshing cocktail in the afternoon, served with light snacks.
- Chianti – Visit a Tuscan vineyard to learn about the winemaking process and taste this bold, full-bodied red. Try it with a piece of Pecorino cheese for a real flavour of Tuscany.
- Limoncello – This sweet lemon liqueur is made with Amalfi lemons, and it tastes best after a long meal or at a cliffside café. To see how it’s made, head to a local distillery on the Amalfi Coast.
- Caffè – This one’s not alcoholic but it’s just as important… Stand at the counter of a Roman espresso bar and drink a quick shot of strong Italian coffee, like the locals do. It’s an essential ritual of daily Italian life.
Italy loves love. It’s one of the most romantic destinations in the world, and sparks will be flying left, right and centre with these picks… that’s amore.
- Gondola ride, Venice – Did you even go to Venice if you didn’t go on a gondola? The gondolier will guide you and your love down winding canals while you take in the grand sights of the city. They might even serenade you with some Italian songs if you’re lucky.
- Boboli Gardens, Florence – Stroll these Renaissance gardens filled with statues, fountains and hidden groves. It’s a peaceful spot away from the busy centre with unreal view of the city’s centuries-old skyline.
- Cliffside restaurants, the Amalfi Coast – Book a table at a restaurant for an evening meal overlooking the Med – the ones in Positano are famously beaut with their pretty terraces and candlelit tables. Eat fresh seafood, sip local wine – and if there was a question you want to ask, now’s a good time to pop it…
- Channel Romeo and Juliet in Verona – Walk through the cobbled streets to see Juliet’s House with its iconic balcony. Join the locals on their passeggiata – a leisurely evening stroll – along the Adige River, before ending the day in a less tragic way at a cute trattoria.
From Roman ruins and a real-life volcano to beach days and rollercoasters, a family holiday to Italy will blow your kids’ minds…
- Vaporetto rides, Venice – Forget the school bus, your kids will love taking these water buses down the canals and sightseeing between stops. Get off at Murano to watch glassblowing and cross the lagoon to see Burano’s colourful houses.
- Family-friendly Roman tours, Rome – Join an interactive tour where your kids will learn all about the Roman Empire, minus the gory stuff. You’ll visit the Pantheon, Roman Forum and the Colosseum where there are fun re-enactments and armour demonstrations. Their history school trip could never…
- Gardaland, Lake Garda – Made up of three different areas, this is Italy’s largest theme park. There’s Movieland’s Hollywood-themed rollercoasters, Caneva Aquapark which has waterslides and lazy rivers, plus Peppa Pig Land for the little ones.
- Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius – Wander the preserved streets of Pompeii and learn about the tragic story of the people that lived there. Then, climb up Mount Vesuvius for a closer look at the volcano and stunning views across the Bay of Naples.
- Beach time, Sardinia – This island’s got some of the most gorg beaches in the world, and Maria Pia in Alghero is one of the best. The sand is cliché white and the water is gentle and clear, so it’s ideal for families. Spend days building sandcastles, paddling in the shallows and snorkelling around the little islets.
What's on in Italy
Plan your stay around these festivals and events. Or, if you’re already booked, see what’s on while you’re out there. Powered by OccasionGenius
Why we love Italy
Popular holiday types
If the brief is sun, sea and sand, Sicily and Sardinia are where you want to go. You’ve got a mix of huge resorts right on the beach and smaller, boutique-style stays up in the hills – these ones have the best views. And you already know how good the All Inclusive food is going to be here…
If your kids are obsessed with Horrible Histories, it’s got to be a city break to Rome so they can learn all about the grisly gladiators. Staying at Gardaland is ideal if you’ve got little adrenaline junkies, otherwise Sardinia’s the one for its unreal family-friendly beaches.
You can be in Italy in under three hours, so it’s a great pick if you’re squeezing in a last-minute trip. Summers here are long and hot, and the cities are good to go all year round, which means there’s never a bad time to visit. Fancy getting away ASAP? Check out our availability from now.
From designer clothes to sports cars, Italy knows how to do luxury. Go for a glam city break to Milan, hire a private villa in Lake Como or stay in a boutique hotel on the Amalfi Coast. If it’s stunning sands you’re after, Olbia in Sardinia is a fave for the rich and famous.
Italy FAQs
If you’ve got a UK passport, you can stay up to 90 days without a visa.
This information is correct at the time of writing. Please make sure you check the FCDO website for the most up-to-date information.
It depends on your trip. If you’re on a city break, public buses and metro systems are one of the quickest and cheapest ways to get around. If you’re in Venice, you can catch vaporettos – water buses. High-speed trains connect the main cities as well as other regions, so they’re good shout if you’re planning on visiting more than one area. Otherwise, most towns have regular bus services, and ferries connect the mainland with islands like Capri, Sardinia and Sicily.
Travel in the shoulder seasons, like spring or autumn, to avoid the peak seasons and school holidays. The weather will be more comfortable then, too. If you’re visiting in summer, stay in less-touristy areas like Puglia and Lake Molveno.
You’re not expected to tip in Italy, but it is appreciated if you enjoyed your meal or had good service. Leaving 5-10% of the bill is a good guide for restaurants, and in cafes, bars and taxis, rounding up to the nearest euro is enough.
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Italy travel advice
Passports and Visas
British passport holders don’t need a visa to enter Italy but must have a valid passport. You can check your passport’s valid for Italy using our handy tool. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/entry-requirements.
Health and safety
You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover you while you’re away. If you’re travelling to the EU and you apply for a card now, you’ll get a new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) instead of an EHIC. This entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Italian nationals. It won’t, however, cover you for medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment or non-urgent treatment. Visit www.nhs.uk/ehic for full details on what it covers. You do not need to apply for a GHIC if you already have an EHIC. Your EHIC remains valid in the EU until it expires. An EHIC or GHIC is free of charge. For the latest health and safety information, visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy
Bergamo
Bologna
Brescia
Florence
Lake Garda
Milan
Perugia
Pisa
Puglia
Rimini
Rome
Sicily
Turin
Venice
Verona
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