6 Italy Travel Ideas You Should Steal

Are you looking for some Italy travel ideas but not sure where to start? No need to worry cause I got you covered! These days it can be hard to figure out where to go on holiday and what’s the safe and responsible thing to do.

When it comes to traveling around Italy I consider myself a little expert cause it’s been my go to travel destination ever since I was a kid.

And honestly, what’s not to love? In the North you have the insanely beautiful area of the Dolomites, followed by the allure of Tuscany and lake Como. The cities in Italy not only exude history but are also home to some of the best fashion designers in the world. And once you discover the coastline you’ll be completely sold on Italy.

In this article I’ll tell you about my personal experiences when traveling Italy and give you 6 fantastic travel ideas for your next holiday to Italy.

---

6 Italy Travel Ideas You Should Steal

Spend a Week Hiking in the Dolomites

It’s no secret that I am an avid fan of the Dolomites. In the past year I have visited this area already 4 times and honestly, I still haven’t had enough. I love being surrounded by nature and there is no place like the Dolomites!

And don’t let these rigid mountains scare you, the Dolomites have something for everyone! Even if you’re hiking for the very first time you’ll be able to enjoy your holiday here and if you’re an avid hiker I can assure you you’ll have the time of your life!

Best time to go

Hiking season usually starts in May and ends at the end of October! The only thing you need to be aware of is that most cable cars and mountain huts close at the start of October!

I went once in July, August and now in October and I have to say that Autumn in the Dolomites was my absolute favourite! During the Summer months it can be pretty crowded on some hiking trails but of course you’ll have more accommodation and restaurant options.

My favourite things to do in the Dolomites

• Hike the Tre Cime loop circuit and to the Cadini di Missurina viewpoint.
• Stroll around Val di Funes and Seiser Alm.
• Hike to lago di Federa and drive along the Passo Giao

Articles you might like

• 5 Day Itinerary for the Dolomites
• The Best Restaurants in South Tyrol
• 8 Best and Easy Day Hikes in the Dolomites
• Beautiful Places in the Dolomites

---

Spend a Weekend in Venice

I think I have been to Venice more times than I can count now and the first time I was only 13 years old. Rest assured, I won’t share any photos from that time (I was sporting some very bad and interesting fashion choices…). I think the ideal time to spend in Venice is 3 nights, this way you’ll have plenty of time to stroll around the many alleys and to explore the nearby islands of Murano and Burano!

Best time to go

I would say April to June and September! try to avoid the Summer months cause the city tends to get over crowded cause tons of cruise ships dock here and brings lots of day tourists with them. October should be avoided as well cause during this month you have the Aqua Alta, also known as high tide and the streets in Venice can be blank!

My favourite things to do in Venice

• Act like a tourist and go on a gondola ride
• Explore the quiet area’s of Cannaregio
• Enjoy an Aperol Spritz and a slice of pizza

Articles you might like

• Hidden Gems and Beautiful Places in Venice
• A Day Trip to Burano

---

Go On a Road Trip through Tuscany

One of the best travel ideas for Italy is to go on a road trip! It will give you tons and tons of freedom and especially now it’s one of the safest ways to travel. You don’t need to plan too far ahead and you’re as flexible as you want!

For me the perfect area to go on your first road trip in Italy is the beautiful area of Tuscany. You can have Florence as a home base and go on little day trips from there or stay somewhere on the countryside.

Best time to go

The best time would be from mid Spring until the end of Summer. Do know that the Summer months in Italy can be sizzling hot and if you want to see poppies and sunflowers you’ll need to plan your visit around May-July!

My favourite things to do in Tuscany

• Go for a drive through the rolling hills of Tuscany
• Explore the beautiful city of Florence. Make sure to have lunch or dinner at Obikà!
• Indulge in the best ice cream ever at Dondoli in San Gimignano.
• Visit the beautiful town of Arezzo where they filmed La vita è bella.

---

Go on a Girls Trip to Cinque Terre

Okay I hear you… Cinque Terre is a pretty romantic place in Italy BUT it’s actually also a pretty cool place to go on a girls trip! During the day you can go for a swim or hike to one of the villages and in the evening you can have some wine and share a pizza!

The 5 villages of Cinque Terre are best reached by train and are perched on top of the cliffs by the sea. If you get the chance make sure to go for a boat ride cause they are at its most beautiful from the sea.

Best time to go

For the best experience I suggest the months May, June and September. This way you still get to enjoy the warm weather but you’ll avoid the big crowds!

My favourite things to do in Cinque Terre

• Eat a pizza in Riomaggiore while enjoying the sunset.
• Hike around the village of Vernazza.
• Enjoy a sunset dinner at Nessun Dorma in Manarola.
• Go for a boat ride from Riomaggiore to Manarola.

Articles you might like

• The Perfect Cinque Terre Itinerary

---

Go on a cruise around Italy

If you think going on a cruise is for old people or can only be done on one of those massive cruise ships, you couldn’t be more mistaken. Me and my parents have been going on cruises ever since I was 14 years old and we always go with the same company called “Star Clippers“. They have an impressive fleet of 3 tall ships (so yes, kinda like a really fancy pirate ship) and offer cruises all around the world. But the fondest memories are the ones I have from my trips around the coastline of Italy.

And the best thing about these ships is that they can go into small harbors where those big cruise ships can never come! From sailing alongside the Vesuvius to climbing on top of mount Etna, there are always a ton of activities to do!

Best time to go

Of course all cruises were cancelled this year due to Covid-19 but let’s keep our fingers crossed that 2021 will be different! Star Clippers tends to sail around Italy from May until the end of September!

My favourite things to do

• Hike on top of mount Etna, an active volcano.
• Explore the beautiful harbour of Portofino
• Go mast climbing on the ship.
• Sail into the harbour of Venice, past Saint Marks square.

---

Explore the ancient city of Rome

Rome is one of those cities that you have to visit at least once in your life! It’s the perfect place to go on a romantic holiday, a girls trip or even go on a family holiday with your parents like I did! We spent our days wandering through the city, visiting the main attractions such as the Colosseum, the Forum Romanum and the Vatican. But besides that Rome is just an amazing city to explore on foot.

Oh, and if you’re into fashion like me, your heart will be set a blaze. Here you’ll find items that you can’t find anywhere else in the world. Sit down for dinner at one of the many Osteria’s and indulge in all the delicious Italian food.

Best time to go

I always prefer visiting big cities such as Rome during off season, so either Spring or Fall would be good.

My favourite things to do

• Wander around the Forum Romanum.
• Sit down for lunch and people gaze, you’ll spot some of the most stylish Italians in Rome.
• Admire the art collection inside the Sistine Chapel.

---

I hope these Italy travel ideas will fuel your inspiration for your next holiday and will give you some hope that it is possible to travel responsibly in the future!

---

PIN IT FOR LATER