Italy Travel Guide

Places to visit in Italy

Italy’s diversity lies in its regions, each with a distinct character shaped by history, geography and culture. For a deeper look, explore our dedicated Places to Visit in Italy guide.

Top things to do in Italy

Italy’s most memorable experiences range from world-famous landmarks to quieter cultural moments that bring everyday Italian life into focus. Many of the activities below are included in Newmarket Holidays escorted tours, while others may be enjoyed during leisure time depending on your itinerary. Always check individual tour details for what’s included.

For more inspiration, see Things to do in Italy.

Top 10 Things to Do in Italy

1. Guided Walking Tour of Venice’s Canals & St Mark’s Square

Explore Venice’s historic heart on foot, taking in St Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace exterior, the Bridge of Sighs and the Rialto area. A guided walk brings the city’s maritime history and unique layout to life, revealing how Venice grew from lagoon settlements into a powerful republic.

Time needed: Approximately 2–3 hours.
Accessibility: Routes are largely level, particularly around St Mark’s Square. Some bridges have shallow steps, and walking surfaces can be uneven in places.

Included on: 

• Highlights of Italy – Venice to Rome
• Venice, Verona & the Wonders of Lake Garda

2. Visit the Colosseum & Roman Forum, Rome

Step inside the Colosseum, one of the world’s most recognisable ancient monuments, before exploring the Roman Forum where temples, basilicas and triumphal arches reveal daily life in ancient Rome. Guided visits help place these vast ruins into historical context.

Time needed: Around 2–3 hours.
Accessibility: Stone paving, steps and uneven ground are common. Limited step-free access is available in some areas.

Included on: 

• Highlights of Italy – Venice to Rome
• Tuscany, Rome and the Amalfi Coast

3. Wine Tasting & Village Stroll in Tuscany (Montepulciano or similar)

Experience Tuscany beyond Florence with a visit to a traditional vineyard or hill town such as Montepulciano or San Gimignano. Enjoy tastings of regional wines and olive oils, paired with time to wander medieval streets and admire countryside views.

Time needed: Half day.
Accessibility: Generally step-free at vineyards, though village streets may be cobbled or sloped.

Included on: 

• Portofino, Florence and Tuscany

4. Boat Trip and Stay at Lake Como

A boat journey on Lake Como reveals elegant villas, lakeside gardens and dramatic mountain backdrops. Stops in towns such as Bellagio or Varenna allow time for café visits, gentle walks and soaking up the relaxed pace of northern Italy.

Time needed: Half day.
Accessibility: Ferries are accessible, and lakefront promenades are mostly level. Some side streets are steep.

Included on: 

• Lake Como, St Moritz and the Bernina Express

5. Mountain Rail & Cable-Car Ride in the Dolomites

Travel through the Dolomites’ UNESCO-listed landscapes by mountain railway or cable car, offering panoramic views of limestone peaks, alpine meadows and high-altitude villages. These journeys provide access to spectacular scenery without strenuous walking.

Time needed: Half day.
Accessibility: Transport is generally accessible; paths at viewpoints may be uneven.

Included on: 

• The Italian Dolomites
• Venice, Verona & the Wonders of Lake Garda

6. Coastal Drive & Visit to Portofino on the Italian Riviera

Enjoy a scenic drive along the Ligurian coast, arriving at Portofino’s picturesque harbour framed by pastel buildings and yachts. Free time allows for waterfront cafés, photography and relaxed exploration.

Time needed: Half day.
Accessibility: Harbour areas are mostly level; surrounding streets can be hilly.

Included on: 

• Portofino, Florence and Tuscany

7. Explore Sicily’s Historic Towns & Volcanic Landscapes

Discover Sicily’s layered history through towns such as Taormina and Palermo, alongside views of Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano. Cultural visits are often paired with tastings of regional food and wine.

Time needed: Full day.
Accessibility: Mixed terrain, including cobblestones and volcanic paths; walking is required.

Included on: 

• Classic Sicily, Etna & Taormina
• Classic Sicily, Etna and Taormina with Three‑night Beach Extension

8. Visit Verona and its Roman Arena

Explore Verona’s beautifully preserved Roman Arena, still used for performances today, before strolling through medieval streets and lively piazzas associated with Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

Time needed: 2–3 hours.
Accessibility: Town centre is largely level, though cobbled streets are common.

Included on: 

• Venice, Verona and the Wonders of Lake Garda

9. Tour of Florence’s Cathedral, Uffizi & Historic Centre

Discover Florence’s Renaissance legacy, from the Duomo and Giotto’s Bell Tower to masterpieces by Michelangelo and Botticelli in the Uffizi Gallery. Guided walks connect major sights across the compact historic centre.

Time needed: Half day.
Accessibility: Main routes are accessible, though galleries may involve stairs.

Included on: 

• Portofino, Florence and Tuscany

10. Leisure Afternoon in a Historic Spa Town in Tuscany

A slower-paced afternoon in a historic spa town offers time to unwind between sightseeing days. Thermal waters, landscaped gardens and artisan shops provide a restorative contrast to busy city touring.

Time needed: Flexible; typically a few hours.
Accessibility: Hotel grounds and spa areas are usually step-free.

Included on: 

• Portofino, Florence and Tuscany

Getting around Italy

Italy is well connected, with most visitors arriving via Rome, Milan or Venice. High-speed trains link major cities quickly and comfortably, while regional trains and buses serve smaller towns. Taxis are widely available in cities.

Many main stations and airports offer step-free access and assistance, though historic centres often have cobbled streets and limited vehicle access.

Your Newmarket tour includes hassle-free transport and local guides so you don’t worry about logistics.

Accessibility & comfort in Italy

Accessibility varies across Italy. Major attractions and transport hubs are increasingly step-free, while older areas may involve uneven surfaces and stairs.

Travelling outside peak summer months and visiting sights earlier in the day helps avoid crowds. Newmarket Holidays itineraries are planned with comfortable pacing, rest stops and convenient hotel locations built in.