Planning a trip to Italy and wondering which cities are worth your time the most? In this guide, you can learn about the VERY BEST, most beautiful cities in Italy – what makes them worthwhile, what not to miss, how much time you need, and how to plan your visit. Find out!
Italian cities are among the most beautiful and most visited in Europe. And rightly so! With a fascinating history, centuries-old architecture, a unique mix of old and new, and a lively, chaotic atmosphere, Italian towns and cities are just like nowhere else in the world!
But with so many beautiful cities, towns, and landmarks to choose from, it might be overwhelming to decide which Italian cities are worth visiting the most. Especially if this is your first trip and you want to make the best use of your time.
So to help you plan your trip, we selected only the most beautiful, the very best cities to visit in Italy.
My first intention was to make a list of just the top 10 cities in Italy. Because – in all honesty – you probably won’t have the time to properly see even ten of them in one trip… So I wanted to feature the very best ones only.
However, it was really hard to decide which cities to include and which ones to leave out. There are just so many beautiful places to see in Italy and the competition is fierce! In the end, some major cities in Italy like Turin or Genoa didn’t make this list. Still, we ended up with 11. I just couldn’t leave any of these out or make the list any shorter anymore because each of these cities is truly worth a visit!
To help you plan your trip and get a better idea of where all these places are located, we also created this map of the best cities to visit in Italy.
Further below, you can find our list of the Italian cities that we think are worth visiting the most. For each city, we included a short intro, the very best things to do, and some useful tips for your visit. Find out!
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: 2 Weeks in Italy – Ultimate Itinerary
How to use this map: Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.
These are the best cities to see in Italy:
1. Rome
Rome (Roma) is without a doubt the most beautiful city in Italy! The Eternal City is like one huge living museum where you’ll find ancient history and fascinating places behind every corner. It’s also a very lively city with lots of restaurants, cafés, and local markets that are heaving with activity.
If you visit just one city in Italy, make it Rome! Not because it’s the largest city with the biggest population or because it’s the capital city, but because of its history and architecture that has no equals in the entire world!
No matter which street or town square you turn into, which church or museum you visit, you’ll be fascinated by the incredibly rich history of Rome and awed by its impressive landmarks.
What to See & Do
Must-see: Colosseum, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Also the Vatican with St. Peter’s Basilica and Sistine Chapel, St. Angelo Bridge, and Castel Sant’Angelo.
Nice to see: Campo de’ Fiori market, Trastevere district, Circus Maximus, Piazza Venezia, view from Belvedere del Gianicolo, Piazza del Popolo, Borghese Gallery, and many more. Try to also see at least a few of the best viewpoints in Rome.
How much time do you need: While you can see the musts of Rome in a day, we recommend planning at least a few days in the city. If you want to see all the main landmarks without having to rush, you’ll need at least 2-3 days in Rome (see Rome 2-day itinerary). If you want to explore deeper and get off the beaten path in Rome, see some underground sites, and the best viewpoints, you can easily spend 5-7 days here.
Here you can find our suggestions on how to see all the top landmarks and lots of amazing hidden gems of Rome in 4 days, plus some additional suggestions for a longer trip. Be sure to also read our tips for visiting Rome.
Where to stay: Our personal favorite area to stay in Rome is around Piazza Navona and the Pantheon. Here you can find more information about this best area to stay in Rome. And here are some highly-rated hotels in this neighborhood:
- 5* The Pantheon Iconic Rome Hotel, Autograph Collection (amazing rooftop terrace).
- 4* 9Hotel Cesari (we recently stayed here – the location can’t be better and their rooftop terrace is amazing).
- 3* Albergo Abruzzi.
- 2* Boutique Hotel Atelier ‘800.
LEARN MORE What to See & Do in Rome (all the must-see sights & top attractions)
2. Florence
Surrounded by the hilly Tuscan countryside and set on the banks of the Arno River, Florence (Firenze) is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy! Known as the cradle of the Renaissance, Florence is world-famous for the masterpieces of Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.
Florence is the city of art where you’re surrounded by stunning Renaissance artworks, monuments, and the most impressive architecture.
It’s also a very lively city with music, dance, cinemas, and theaters. But Florence is also the city of food and wine, with various festivals taking place throughout the year.
What to See & Do
Must-see: Duomo (Florence Cathedral) and everything around it (book in advance if you want to do the dome climb!), Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria town square. Michelangelo’s statue ‘David’ at the Galleria dell’Accademia (book in advance!!!). Also, the view over the city from Piazzale Michelangelo is incredible, especially around sunset!
Nice to see: Basilica of Santa Croce, Palazzo Pitti, San Lorenzo Market, Piazza Santo Spirito, and the views from Florence rooftop bars.
How much time do you need: One day is enough to quickly see some of the main landmarks of Florence (see our guide on what to see in Florence in one day). Plan two days if you want to visit the main museums and explore the city at a more relaxed pace. With three days in the city, you could also take a tour of the Tuscan countryside and visit some of the best towns in Tuscany.
Where to stay: The Florence city center isn’t that big. As long as you stay in the center, it’s easy to explore everything on foot. Here are some of the most popular hotels:
- 4* Grand Hotel Cavour (rooftop terrace with the best views).
- 3* Hotel Machiavelli Palace (great value, nice views too).
- Plus Florence (a fantastic lower-budget option).
LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Florence
3. Venice
No trip to Italy would be complete without visiting Venice (Venezia).
This ‘floating’ town is not just the most unique among the Italian cities, but it’s also one of the most beautiful cities in the world!
The city of Venice and its lagoon consists of 118 islands. Most of these islands are tiny and are connected by small bridges – you can explore them on foot. While some others are a bit further away and require a boat to get to.
What to See & Do
Must-see and do: St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace (and its famous Bridge of Sighs), Rialto Bridge, and the waterfront promenade Riva degli Schiavoni. And, of course, Venice canals including the impressive Grand Canal. Don’t miss the bucket-list experience – a gondola ride in Venice!
Nice to see: Teatro La Fenice, Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, Libreria Acqua Alta, Jewish Ghetto, Campo San Polo, San Giorgio Maggiore Island, and many churches of Venice. Also an excursion to the nearby islands of Burano and Murano and the beaches of Lido di Venezia.
How much time do you need: One day is enough to quickly see the main landmarks, but it will be rushed (see here: one day in Venice – things to do & itinerary). I recommend staying at least one night so that you can also experience Venice in the evening when most day-trippers have left. Plan at least two days if you also want to visit the nearby islands, and at least three days if you want to see all the top sights and attractions in Venice. See here some suggestions for a 3-day Venice itinerary with local’s tips.
Where to stay: If you are visiting Venice by car or arriving by train, you may want to stay close to Piazzale Roma. Otherwise, stay in the area between St. Mark’s Square and Rialto Bridge. Here are some hotel suggestions for this area:
- 5* Hotel Danieli – one of the most iconic hotels in Venice.
- 4* Hotel Casanova.
- 3* Hotel Montecarlo.
- 2* Hotel Rio.
READ ALSO: What to See & Do in Venice (all the best sights & attractions)
4. Bologna
Bologna, nicknamed as ‘la dotta, la grassa, la rossa’ (the learned, the fat/rich, and the red) is a city that has it all! Bologna University is one of the oldest in Europe.
Bologna is also rich in agriculture and gastronomy and is often considered the culinary capital of Italy. And the red was originally referring to its architecture – the color of the buildings and the rooftops.
However, because it’s situated between such fine cities as Milan, Venice, and Florence, Bologna often gets overlooked by first-time visitors. Often, there’s simply not enough time to see it all… But if you do have a day to spare, definitely include Bologna in your itinerary!
What to See & Do
Must-see: Piazza Maggiore, the Fountain of Neptune, and the two leaning Towers of Bologna (climb the Asinelli Tower and see Garisenda (cannot be climbed)). Also Basilica di San Petronio as well as Seven Churches at the Santo Stefano Complex. Bologna University with Teatro Anatomico is a must too.
Nice to see: Clock Tower (Torre dell’Orologio) and the Municipal Art Collections, Quadrilatero Neighborhood, former Jewish ghetto, Finestrella, National Gallery, and Archaeological Museum. The Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca is also nice to see. It’s situated a bit outside the city and can be reached by tourist train.
How much time do you need: One full day is enough for the main landmarks (many people visit Bologna from Florence, often for just a day). But if you have more time, you can easily fill 2-3 days in this lively bustling student city.
Where to stay: Bologna city center isn’t that big, but it’s probably most convenient if you stay in the area between the railway station and the old town. Here are some popular options:
- 4* I Portici Hotel Bologna.
- 3* Hotel Cavour.
- 2* Hotel Centrale.
LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Bologna
5. Milan
Milan (Milano) is one of the biggest and richest cities in Italy! It’s also very different from any other town on this list. Its unique blend of old history and modern-day life makes Milan one of the most fascinating cities I have ever visited.
It took many trips to Italy before I finally went to Milan. Somehow I had the impression that it’s a grey industrial city with not much more to offer to tourists than its impressive Duomo Cathedral. But I was so wrong! Milan has so, so much more to offer to any type of traveler!
Whether you are looking for art and history, shopping and dining, world-class museums, or modern architecture, you’ll find it all here! It’s a city of many facets and you’ll discover something new every time. But even if you just come here for a day and only see the main tourist sights, it’s still worth a visit!
What to See & Do
Must-see: Duomo and Duomo Terraces, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and ‘The Last Supper’ painting by Leonardo da Vinci (book tickets months in advance or take a tour!).
Nice to see: La Scala, Milan canals, Sforzesco Castle, Brera district, Braidense National Library, the modern architecture of the Porta Nuova district.
How much time do you need: One day is enough for the main landmarks of Milan (check out this guide for more info on how to see the best of Milan in one day). If you have an extra day, we recommend a day tour to Lake Como. Be sure to visit Bellagio, Varenna, and a few other towns in Lake Como!
Where to stay: Milan is quite a big city, but if you stay not too dar from the Duomo, you can see most places on foot. For some other areas, use public transport, which is excellent and not too expensive. Here are some of the best centrally-located hotels in Milan:
- 5* NH Collection Milano President.
- 4+* Room Mate Giulia.
- 3* Hotel Milano Castello.
- 2* London Hotel.
LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Milan
6. Ravenna
Ravenna is one of the smaller cities in this selection, but nevertheless absolutely worth a visit! Ravenna was the capital city of the Western Roman Empire from 402 until the empire collapsed in 476. It remained a very influential city in the region for a long period after that.
The main reason to visit Ravenna is to see its world-famous mosaics, some dating to the 5th and the 6th centuries. They are worth a trip even if you are coming from the other side of the world!
But there is more to Ravenna than that! You’ll also find centuries-old architecture, impressive museums, and a very cozy historic town center with colorful buildings and lively streets, but also really nice beaches nearby. And while the main attractions can get busy, the moment you leave the main streets, you find a really cozy city with a great vibe.
What to See & Do
Must see: The famous Ravenna mosaics at Basilica di San Vitale, Mausoleo di Galla Placidia, and Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo. Also Piazza del Popolo and Ravenna old town.
Nice to see: Basilica di Sant’Apollinare in Classe, Battistero Neoniano, Battistero degli Ariani, Dante’s Tomb & Museum. The submerged crypt of Basilica San Francis. Also National Museum of Ravenna and Teodorico Mausoleum.
How much time do you need: Half a day is enough for just the main highlights of Ravenna, but staying a full day will make your visit more pleasant and more relaxing (if you can, plan at least one night in Ravenna). If you have some extra time in this area, we highly recommend visiting Rimini and San Marino as well!
Where to stay: Ravenna has many really nice boutique hotels and B&Bs, but also big hotels. The town center isn’t big and you can walk everywhere; still, it’s nice to stay in the heart of the city. Here are some nice hotels in Ravenna:
- Boutique hotel Palazzo Galletti Abbiosi.
- 4* Palazzo Bezzi Hotel.
- 3* Hotel Minerva.
LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Ravenna
7. Siena
Siena is another really nice art city in Tuscany. It’s not as big as nearby Florence, but extremely popular with locals and tourists alike! Situated on three hills and surrounded by the beautiful Tuscan countryside, Siena has a cozy feel of a smaller town.
The entire historic center is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site and it’s just a very nice, pleasant city to visit. Also because it’s quite compact you can make a nice relaxing day trip without having to rush from one thing to another like in the bigger cities.
What to See & Do
Must-see: Piazza del Campo and Palazzo Publico where you can also climb the tower for amazing views. Cathedral – Duomo di Siena with its Crypt, Baptistery, Piccolomini Library, and stunning views from the New Cathedral Façade. Also the Gate of Heaven (Cathedral tower and terraces).
Nice to see: Via di Citta, Via Banchi di Sopra, Piazza Salimbeni, Basilica di San Domenico, Pinacoteca Nazionale. Also, take a tour of the Tuscan countryside if you have an extra day!
How much time do you need: Plan at least one full day for Siena: half a day is enough for the main landmarks, plus you can also take a half-day tour to the nearby Chianti region or a dinner tour in the vineyards. If you can, spend two days here – one for a relaxing day exploring the city and one for the countryside and visit places like San Gimignano or Montepulciano. But you can easily spend at least a week in the region as well. See our Tuscany itinerary for some ideas.
Where to stay: If you can, stay in the historic city center in Siena! Here are some of the nicest hotels in the city center:
LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Siena
8. Naples
Naples (Napoli), located in the southern part of the country, is a very different city from the ones situated in northern Italy.
It’s a chaotic and busy town, but one that also has a rich history, arts, and culture. Dominated by the nearby Vesuvius volcano and surrounded by hills on one side and the sea on the other, Naples is also quite picturesque.
The historic town center is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site and there are so many landmarks in and near the city that you can easily spend 3 days in Naples alone.
Furthermore, just nearby, are the famous ancient Roman cities Pompeii and Herculaneum, as well as Mount Vesuvius volcano. The stunning coastline of the Amalfi Coast is worth a trip in itself, just as the islands of Capri and Ischia!
LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Naples
What to See & Do
Must-see: Spaccanapoli (the famous street that ‘splits’ historic Naples old town in two), Piazza del Plebiscito, National Archaeological Museum, views from Castel Sant’Elmo, Certosa di San Martino (former monastery, now a museum), Cappella Sansevero, and Naples Catacombs.
Nice to see: the Royal Palace of Naples, the Royal Palace of Caserta, Castel Nuovo, Castel Ovo, and the neighborhoods of Vomero, Mergellina, and Borgo Santa Lucia.
How much time do you need: You can see some of the musts in Naples in 1 day, but you can easily spend 2-3 days in the city. Add a day extra for the villages of the Amalfi Coast (day tours available), a day for Pompeii and Mt Vesuvius (tours available), and also for Capri Island (boat tours available). If you can, try to plan at least 4-5 days in this area!
READ ALSO: Best Day Trips from Naples & How to Get to Amalfi Coast from Naples
Where to stay: One of the most convenient locations to stay in Naples is the historic town center, west of Central Station and north of the Ferry Terminal. Here are some nicest hotels in that area:
If you want to stay close to the sea (but still very central), the waterfront in the Santa Lucia area has several really nice hotels, such as Eurostars Hotel Excelsior. For more details, please see our guide to the best neighborhoods to stay in Naples.
READ ALSO: Amalfi Coast Itinerary & Naples, Amalfi Coast, Capri Itinerary for 10 Days
9. Verona
World-famous as the setting of Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’, Verona is probably Italy’s most romantic city. Set on the Adige River, this medieval town in Northern Italy is a bit like a mini version of Rome.
Just like the Colosseum in Rome, the Roman amphitheater Arena di Verona was built in the 1st century. In a way, it’s even more impressive because it’s better preserved and it’s not as crowded as the Colosseum.
Furthermore, they organize incredible concerts here – don’t miss it if you get the chance (see the calendar of performances here)!
What to See & Do
Must-see: Verona Arena and Piazza delle Erbe. Also Juliet’s Statue and a 13th-century house with the famous Juliet’s Balcony that’s believed to have inspired Shakespeare. The views from Torre dei Lamberti.
Nice to see: Castelvecchio, Ponte Scaligero, Piazza delle Erbe, Arche Scaligere.
How much time do you need: Half a day to a day is enough for the main highlights of Verona, but to see all the top places, plan two days. We recommend staying at least one night and attending a concert at the Arena as well. Ideally, you combine a visit to Verona with that of Lake Garda, just nearby.
Where to stay: Verona isn’t big, but for the best experience, stay in the old town! Here are some of the nicest hotels in the historic center of Verona:
- 4* Hotel Accademia.
- 3* Hotel Milano & SPA***S.
- 2* Hotel Siena.
LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Verona
10. Lucca
Lucca is one of our own personal favorite towns in Italy. It’s hard to give one reason and say what makes it special. I guess it’s a unique mix of old and new and a really cozy atmosphere that we haven’t found anywhere else. The city feels very ‘local’, has a lot to offer, and it’s also beautifully located in northern Tuscany.
One of the smaller cities in this selection, Lucca’s old town is best explored on foot or by bike. The historic town is surrounded by impressive city walls, the origins of which date to 180 BC! The walls are easily accessible and you can walk or even bike on them.
Make sure to also climb at least one of the two towers in Lucca. The Guinigi Tower is famous for having trees on top, but it’s actually from Torre Delle Ore that you have a better view of the Torre Guinigi. If you can, do both – the views of the city and its surroundings are spectacular!
Things to Do & Tips
Must-see: Duomo, San Michele in Foro church, Torre Guinigi (the one with the trees) and Torre Delle Ore (the one with a clock), and the city walls. Also the medieval town square Piazza dell’Anfiteatro.
Nice to see: Walk around the city exploring its many streets and town squares and San Frediano church. Nearby, you can visit several impressive Villas and their gardens – Villa Torrigiani, Villa Reale di Marlia, Villa Grabau, and Villa Mansi.
How much time do you need: Half a day is enough for the main landmarks of the city of Lucca. If you have a car and extra time to spare, also visit (one or several of) the nearby villas.
Where to stay: If you are traveling without a car, stay in the historic city center, within the city walls. If you have a car, try Hotel San Marco or others nearby. Here are some of the best hotels in the old town:
11. Pisa
Pisa town is often overlooked by visitors – everyone flocks to the famous Pisa Tower, completely forgetting about the city itself. The old town isn’t overrun by tourists and has a nice local feel that many other popular cities in Italy often lack.
Of course, the main reason to come here is the famous leaning tower and the incredibly impressive Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) where it stands.
But if you have a few hours to spare, head to the town center as well! It’s just 15-20 minutes walk away but feels like an oasis in the desert after the hustle and the bustle of Miracles Square.
What to See & Tips
Must-see: Piazza dei Miracoli: Duomo, Baptistery the leaning tower of Pisa, and the graveyard.
Nice to see and do: Piazza dei Cavalieri with several impressive buildings including Palazzo della Carovana. Arno Promenade, Ponte di Mezzo, Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina, and a stroll around the city center.
How much time do you need: Half a day is enough for the main highlights of Pisa including a visit to the city center. You can easily combine Pisa with a visit to Lucca town or the nearby Cinque Terre for a day. Here you can find more practical information for visiting Cinque Terre.
Where to stay: Most tourists don’t stay in Pisa and travel either to Cinque Terre (see our guide on where to stay in Cinque Terre) or Lucca, or Florence. But Pisa also has some nice hotels (and more affordable) and it might be magical to stay here the night and see the Miracles Square in the late afternoon when most day tourists have left. Here are some of the best-rated hotels in Pisa:
So, this is our guide to the best, most beautiful cities in Italy. But there’s so much more to Italy than just its cities!
If you are looking for more ideas for where to go and what to see in Italy, make sure to take a look at our guide to the best places to visit in Italy. In addition to the most beautiful towns, this guide also features the best destinations of the Italian lakes, stunning coastal areas like Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast, and so much more!
Check it out!
FAQ
If you only have time to visit a few cities in Italy and have to pick the very best ones, don’t miss Rome, Venice, and Florence (in that order). These three cities are the most beautiful ones and worth the trip the most.
Without any doubt, Rome is the most beautiful city in Italy. It’s a real city-museum with stunning landmarks, centuries-old monuments, fascinating history, and countless hidden gems behind every corner. If you visit just one city in Italy, make it Rome.
The best months to visit Italian cities are from March to May and from mid-September to early November. That’s when the weather is pleasant for sightseeing but is not too hot. It’s also less busy than in the peak summer season. Italian cities are therefore great for a spring break in Europe! If you don’t mind somewhat more unpredictable weather, visit Italy in November. Also Rome is great in November – cooler weather and fewer crowds mean that you can see a lot more than in the warmer months.
Rome and Venice are very different cities, but both extremely beautiful, unique, and both worth visiting. If you only have the time for one of them and have at least 2-3 days, visit Rome. If you only have 1 day, visit Venice. But if you can, definitely try to visit both!
Both, Venice and Florence, are very beautiful cities with so many nice places to see and interesting things to do. However, if you only have a day and have to choose just one of the two, I’d go for Venice. With its canals, it’s one of the most unique cities in the world. But if you can make it happen, definitely visit both!
READ ALSO: Italy Itinerary – how to see the best cities and other amazing places in 2 weeks
For more practical information and tips for a big variety of Italian destinations, take a look at our Italy travel guide. It contains links to all our articles from all over Italy.
TIP: If you are in the planning stage of your trip, you may want to also check the first-timers’ guide to traveling to Europe. It’s a step-by-step guide with useful tips to help you plan an unforgettable vacation in Europe.
If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!
More travel inspiration for the nicest cities all over Europe:
If you are visiting other European cities and are looking for in-depth information for your trip, take a look at some of our city guides:
- Barcelona, Spain
- London, UK
- Paris, France
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Brussels, Belgium
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Salzburg, Austria
- Edinburgh, UK
- Madrid, Spain
- Reykjavik, Iceland
- Lucerne, Switzerland
- Bruges, Belgium
- Bern, Switzerland
- Krakow, Poland
- Bucharest, Romania
- Manchester, UK
- Geneva, Switzerland
- Antwerp, Belgium
- Colmar, France
- Liverpool, UK
- Geneva, Switzerland
- For more destinations, please see our destinations page.
Quin
Saturday 2nd of December 2023
HI, Can you recommend best Italian cities for handicapped (wheelchairs). Ones close to train stations and ones that offer bikes or electric scooters. Short walking tours under 1 hour would be best.
Thanks, Quin
Jurga
Monday 4th of December 2023
Hi Quin, it's really hard for me to recommend much - some places in every city can be doable in a wheelchair and others might be impossible. There are bike tours in most bigger cities, but don't underestimate biking in a busy unfamiliar city with cobbled stones and crazy traffic. It can be fun but is definitely not for everyone. That being said, in Florence you could probably do quite a lot within a short walking distance from the station. Rome - the historic center is rather flat too, but is a bit further from the station (but you can easily take a taxi). In any case, there are cobbled stones everywhere. In Venice, it's a bit more difficult because most of the bridges have stairs. But you could take a boat from the station to St Mark's Square and then explore that area without having to walk much or far, and a big part is rather flat that could be done in a wheelchair. Gondola tours can also be nice if you are able to get in and out of the gondola. If you rather not walk too much, there are some nice tours that you could consider: Rome golf cart tours. Florence golf car tours. Venice wheelchair-accessible tour. I'm sure there are many more options in other cities too, but these are the main ones. Hope this helps.
John Signorelli
Sunday 15th of October 2023
My wife and I recently completed a 22 day trip across Italy. We chose to not use the services of a travel agent nor any big tour groups; we'd been "working" on doing this trip for many years. In actuality, we only put it together in 2 months!
I wanted to share a heart-felt thank you for your work in your blog. The articles and advice Jurga provided in her articles were consistently spot on and extremely helpful! There are so many things we may have missed or time we may have wasted without her advice. The various articles you see referenced describing options in cities were the most helpful (Rome in 4 days, Best things to do in Bologna, for example). You provided enough detailed information where we could easily review an article and decide what things we wanted to go do and which we didn't, as well as good efficient flow paths to follow for an enjoyable day (without killing ourselves since we are 59-60).
We didn't go to a single restaurant recommended in an article that we didn't love. Every tour we booked with a link in an article (we used about 7-8) were great values with spot on descriptions.
I know that I won't plan a trip of any significance without starting with Full Suitcase.
Thanks!!!
Jurga
Monday 16th of October 2023
Thank you so much for your kind feedback, John. I really appreciate it! It's great to hear that you and your wife had such an enjoyable trip to Italy. Happy travels!
Michele
Wednesday 20th of September 2023
Hi Jurga, Thank you for all the amazing information! My husband and I are planning to visit Italy and were also thinking of spending time in Greece after Italy. Have you ever been to Greece? I didn't see any posts for Greece, but I LOVE your style of presenting information-- it's very helpful and effective. Would love your input if you've ever been.
Thanks! Michele
Jurga
Thursday 21st of September 2023
Hi Michele, thank you for your kind feedback. We have been to Greece, but a long time ago - before I had this blog. So we have no articles about it, unfortunately. Hope you find some other useful guides. Enjoy your trip!
Mattia Russo
Thursday 10th of August 2023
Napoli (Naples) is in top 3 in my opinion
Jurga
Friday 11th of August 2023
Napoli is a wonderful city for sure. So diverse; we love it too. It's practically impossible to rank Italian cities as they are all worth a visit :).
Bryan
Wednesday 26th of July 2023
Nice write-up.
I've lived in Italy for a few years. Now there's no wrong answer, everyone has a different opinion. I personally wouldn't say Rome is the most beautiful city. Without a doubt full of some of the best mix of historical sites and amazing churches. If the Vatican, At Peter's, trevi fountain, colosseum, etc are must do bucket lists, then I'd also say for sure hit up Rome with your time.
Personally, I find Venice and Florence to be much "prettier" cities themselves and my family and I go back to visit those places. I just didn't find the city itself to be as charming. Felt very busy and dirty. But I'm also not as big a fan of the archeological sites. My 2 cents.
Jurga
Friday 28th of July 2023
As you say, everyone has different opinion and it's also quite impossible to compare different places. Let's just say that Italian cities are among the most pleasant cities to visit in the world and you can't really go wrong with any of them ;). Happy travels!