Must-Visit Attractions in Italy
Italy is the boot-shaped land of plenty. With some of the finest art and architecture in the world, well-preserved ruins of ancient civilisations, unspoiled natural landscapes and life-changing food culture, the bel paese has it all. Around 50m visitors a year make it the fifth-most visited country in the world – and here are its star attractions.
Keen to visit Italy but not sure where to go? Take your pick from Culture Trip’s specially curated 10-day Northern Italy trip or our action-packed 10-day Sicily adventure.
1. Colosseum
Archaeological site
Inaugurated by the emperor Titus in 80CE with a 100-day spectacle of gladiatorial combat, exotic animal hunting and public executions, the Colosseum is the iconic symbol of ancient Rome. This awe-inspiring monument is the largest amphitheatre ever built and attracts over six million visitors each year. You can visit as part of Culture Trip’s 10-day small-group Northern Italy tour, led by our local insider.
2. Leaning Tower of Pisa
Building, Church
4. Florence Cathedral
Cathedral, Church
5. Pantheon
Building, Church
6. Uffizi Gallery
Art Gallery
7. Roman Forum
Archaeological site, Ruins, Historical Landmark
Filled with temples, marketplaces and public buildings, the Forum was the epicentre of ancient Rome. From the meeting of the Senate to vendors hawking their wares at the market, all aspects of political, social and commercial life took place here. Today, the site stands in ruins but it hasn’t lost any of its ability to fill visitors with awe.
8. Pompeii Archaeological Park
Archaeological site, Ruins
In 79CE, Mount Vesuvius erupted and covered Pompeii in a thick layer of volcanic ash and rubble. The city and its inhabitants were rediscovered in the 16th century in a remarkable state of preservation, giving archaeologists and historians precious details about what life was like in ancient Roman society. Today, visitors to the site can explore the very same streets, houses and even a brothel this city’s ill-fated inhabitants frequented millennia ago.
9. The Sistine Chapel
Church
10. Piazza San Marco
Building
Known in English as St Mark’s Square, Piazza San Marco is Venice’s social, political and cultural hub. Aside for crowds of tourists, this gorgeous square also contains a number of the city’s top sights – the Basilica di San Marco and its instantly recognisable campanile, the Doge’s Palace, and the Museo Correr, which chronicles Venetian art, history and culture.
11. Lake Como
Natural Feature
Declared the most beautiful lake in the world by the Huffington Post, Lake Como combines over 100 miles (161 kilometres) of winding shoreline with a spectacular mountain backdrop. Aristocrats have been holidaying here since Roman times and today’s rich and famous, with their elegant waterfront villas, continue the trend. It’s also a popular destination for sailing, kayaking and other outdoor activities. Enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Como as part of Culture Trip’s specially curated 10-day Northern Italy adventure.
12. Valley of the Temples
Archaeological site
13. Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie
Church
14. Museo Archeologico Nazionale
Museum
15. Amalfi Coast
Natural Feature
The Amalfi Coast is, according to Unesco, an area of ‘great physical beauty and natural diversity’. This stunning stretch of coastline in the Gulf of Salerno, just south of Naples, features colourful towns nestled precariously into the mountainside, as well as terraced vineyards and citrus groves replete with outstanding local produce.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.