Italy – Personal Travel Studio

Italy is one of those countries where one holiday is never going to be enough.

There are the great cities, Rome, Venice and Florence, filled with history, art and architecture. There are the lakes, the Tuscan countryside, glamorous coastal resorts, Naples and Sorrento, and then the islands of Sicily and Sardinia.

And, of course, there’s the food.

We’ve travelled around Italy in many different ways, from city breaks and cruises to trains, road trips and multi-centre journeys, and we think that’s when Italy really comes into its own.

Rather than always flying somewhere and staying in one place, Italy encourages you to explore.

Fly into Pisa, see the Leaning Tower, continue to Florence and then head to the coast at Forte dei Marmi. Travel between cities by train. Drive through the countryside. Combine Naples with Sorrento. Or simply disappear to one of the lakes for a few days.

Italy is wonderfully good at journeys.

Our travels in Italy

We’ve returned to Italy many times and experienced very different parts of the country.

We love Rome and Venice for city breaks and have also used both as part of wider cruise holidays.

We’ve travelled through Tuscany, visiting Pisa and Florence before heading towards the coast at Forte dei Marmi, and explored the Italian lakes, including beautiful Lake Como and Lake Garda.

Further south, Naples and Sorrento provide yet another side of Italy, while Sicily and Sardinia can almost feel like destinations in their own right.

One of the things we particularly like is that Italy is relatively easy to explore independently.

You can use the trains, hire a car or combine the two. You don’t necessarily need a guide beside you every day or a complicated touring itinerary.

Sometimes the best Italian holidays are simply about giving yourself enough time to explore.

Those experiences help us think about the journey as well as the destinations. A few nights in a city can be followed by somewhere quieter, with the travelling arranged to make the change of pace enjoyable.

We would use that approach when discussing your plans, asking what you want to see and how often you like to move. There is no need for every Italian holiday to cover several regions, but the right combination can add a great deal without making the arrangements feel complicated.

Why we love Italy

One trip can be about Rome and ancient history. Another can be a train journey through Florence and Tuscany. The next might involve Lake Como, a road trip around Sicily or doing very little beside the sea in Sardinia.

Italy can be elegant or rustic, polished or wonderfully chaotic.

And somewhere along the way there will almost certainly be a fantastic plate of food, a glass of wine and a very good reason to come back.

We also enjoy how much can happen between the headline sights. A walk to dinner, a view from a train or a village stop can become part of what you remember, especially when the programme leaves room for them.

That is why the pace matters to us. There should be time to enjoy the hotel, explore the neighbourhood and return to somewhere you have liked. A few carefully chosen bases usually offer more pleasure than a long sequence of overnight stops.

Italy gives us the variety to build very different holidays, while keeping those everyday pleasures at the centre of the experience.

Our Italy picks

These six choices bring together the places and ways of travelling described in our own journeys. We would select the combination that suits your interests, leaving enough time to enjoy each stop before moving on.

Rome and Venice

For a European city break, it’s difficult to beat Rome.

There’s history everywhere.

The Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon and Vatican may be the headline sights, but Rome is also about wandering through streets and piazzas, finding somewhere for lunch and discovering something extraordinary when you weren’t particularly looking for it.

It’s a city where we’d always allow time to get a little lost.

Venice is completely different.

Arriving and realising that the roads have simply disappeared and boats have taken their place is still one of Europe’s great travel experiences.

St Mark’s Square and the Grand Canal are the obvious places to see, but Venice becomes even more enjoyable when you step away from the busiest routes and wander through its smaller streets, canals and squares.

Both cities also work well around a wider journey or cruise, and we’d always encourage spending some proper time there rather than treating them simply as arrival or departure points.

We would balance any planned visits with time to explore independently. A well located hotel and a manageable programme make it easier to appreciate the city beyond its famous attractions, without feeling that every hour has been allocated.

Rome and Venice

For a European city break, it’s difficult to beat Rome.

There’s history everywhere.

It’s a city where we’d always allow time to get a little lost.

Venice is completely different.

Arriving and realising that the roads have simply disappeared and boats have taken their place is still one of Europe’s great travel experiences.

Both cities also work well around a wider journey or cruise, and we’d always encourage spending some proper time there rather than treating them simply as arrival or departure points.

Pisa, Florence and the Tuscan coast

One Italian combination we particularly like begins by flying into Pisa.

See the famous Leaning Tower, because you really can’t come this far and not see it — and then continue to Florence.

Florence is one of those cities where art, architecture, history and food seem to compete for your attention.

You can spend hours in galleries and churches, walk beside the Arno, explore the streets and then settle down somewhere for an excellent meal.

But you don’t have to finish there.

Continue towards the Tuscan coast and Forte dei Marmi gives you another change of pace entirely.

After the sightseeing and culture of Pisa and Florence, finishing beside the sea makes for a wonderfully balanced trip.

That’s Italy at its best for us: not simply seeing more places but choosing places that give you different experiences.

We would allow Florence enough time in its own right, then choose the coastal stay around how you want to relax afterwards. Consider the transfer day as part of the journey, with a comfortable gap between the last city outing and arrival at your next hotel. That keeps the contrast enjoyable rather than hurried.

Pisa, Florence and the Tuscan coast

One Italian combination we particularly like begins by flying into Pisa.

See the famous Leaning Tower, because you really can’t come this far and not see it — and then continue to Florence.

Florence is one of those cities where art, architecture, history and food seem to compete for your attention.

You can spend hours in galleries and churches, walk beside the Arno, explore the streets and then settle down somewhere for an excellent meal.

But you don’t have to finish there.

Continue towards the Tuscan coast and Forte dei Marmi gives you another change of pace entirely.

After the sightseeing and culture of Pisa and Florence, finishing beside the sea makes for a wonderfully balanced trip.

That’s Italy at its best for us: not simply seeing more places but choosing places that give you different experiences.

Lake Como and Lake Garda

Then there are the Italian lakes.

Lake Como has a glamour all of its own, with mountains rising around the water, beautiful towns and some exceptional hotels.

A real standout is Grand Hotel Tremezzo, one of those hotels where the property and its setting become an important part of the holiday.

This is somewhere to slow everything down.

Take a boat across the lake, visit the different towns, stop for a long lunch and simply enjoy the scenery.

Lake Garda provides another wonderful lake experience and is particularly good if you enjoy exploring. Different towns around the lake have their own personalities, and you can combine time beside the water with day trips and a wider northern Italy journey.

The lakes can work as holidays in their own right or as part of a longer rail or self-drive adventure.

We would choose your base according to how you want to explore. Access to the water, places to eat nearby and the journey between towns can matter as much as the hotel itself. A longer stay gives you freedom to revisit a favourite spot or simply enjoy an afternoon with no particular plans.

Lake Como and Lake Garda

Then there are the Italian lakes.

Lake Como has a glamour all of its own, with mountains rising around the water, beautiful towns and some exceptional hotels.

A real standout is Grand Hotel Tremezzo, one of those hotels where the property and its setting become an important part of the holiday.

This is somewhere to slow everything down.

Take a boat across the lake, visit the different towns, stop for a long lunch and simply enjoy the scenery.

The lakes can work as holidays in their own right or as part of a longer rail or self-drive adventure.

Naples, Sorrento and the coast

Naples is another city with a personality all of its own.

It’s energetic, historic, sometimes chaotic and absolutely fascinating.

For many of our clients, it also provides the gateway to one of Italy’s most rewarding regions.

There’s the extraordinary history of Pompeii and Herculaneum, the volcanic landscape around Mount Vesuvius, and then the opportunity to continue along the coast towards Sorrento and beyond.

Sorrento gives you a gentler base after the energy of Naples, with beautiful coastal scenery and easy opportunities to explore the surrounding area.

It’s a fantastic example of a trip where we wouldn’t necessarily choose just one destination.

Naples → history and volcanoes → Sorrento and the coast creates a much richer holiday.

We would give the historical visits proper time and avoid trying to see everything in a single outing. A guide can provide context if that interests you, while quieter days in Sorrento help balance the sightseeing.

The practical arrangements deserve thought too. Consider the journey between your bases and how you want to explore from each one. A comfortable hotel and a sensible pace can turn a varied route into a relaxing holiday, with space to appreciate the changes along the way.

Naples, Sorrento and the coast

Naples is another city with a personality all of its own.

It’s energetic, historic, sometimes chaotic and absolutely fascinating.

For many of our clients, it also provides the gateway to one of Italy’s most rewarding regions.

There’s the extraordinary history of Pompeii and Herculaneum, the volcanic landscape around Mount Vesuvius, and then the opportunity to continue along the coast towards Sorrento and beyond.

Sorrento gives you a gentler base after the energy of Naples, with beautiful coastal scenery and easy opportunities to explore the surrounding area.

It’s a fantastic example of a trip where we wouldn’t necessarily choose just one destination.

Naples → history and volcanoes → Sorrento and the coast creates a much richer holiday.

Sicily and Sardinia

Italy’s islands deserve attention too.

Sicily is particularly good for a multi-centre journey.

Fly into Palermo and you can create a route with two or three different stops depending on how long you have, combining historic cities, smaller towns, countryside and coast.

It has a wonderfully distinctive personality, with layers of history and cultural influences that can make it feel quite different from mainland Italy.

It’s also somewhere where we’d encourage a little exploration rather than simply staying in one resort.

Sardinia, meanwhile, is a fantastic option when beaches and beautiful hotels are higher up the wish list.

Its coastline and clear water can provide a very different Italian holiday, more about slowing down and enjoying the Mediterranean, but with unmistakably Italian food and character alongside it.

We would begin by asking how much exploring you want to do. Sicily may suit a route with several bases, while a beach stay in Sardinia might need little more than the right hotel and a few outings.

Neither island needs to be fitted into a wider mainland itinerary. Giving it a holiday of its own allows more time to appreciate its character and enjoy a comfortable pace.

Sicily and Sardinia

Italy’s islands deserve attention too.

Sicily is particularly good for a multi-centre journey.

Fly into Palermo and you can create a route with two or three different stops depending on how long you have, combining historic cities, smaller towns, countryside and coast.

It has a wonderfully distinctive personality, with layers of history and cultural influences that can make it feel quite different from mainland Italy.

It’s also somewhere where we’d encourage a little exploration rather than simply staying in one resort.

Sardinia, meanwhile, is a fantastic option when beaches and beautiful hotels are higher up the wish list.

Its coastline and clear water can provide a very different Italian holiday, more about slowing down and enjoying the Mediterranean, but with unmistakably Italian food and character alongside it.

We would begin by asking how much exploring you want to do. Sicily may suit a route with several bases, while a beach stay in Sardinia might need little more than the right hotel and a few outings.

Neither island needs to be fitted into a wider mainland itinerary. Giving it a holiday of its own allows more time to appreciate its character and enjoy a comfortable pace.

Italy by train, car or cruise

Italy is one of our favourite European countries for a multi-centre holiday.

The rail network makes combinations between major cities relatively straightforward, while hiring a car opens up smaller towns, countryside and coastal areas.

You can also mix the two.

Take the train between cities, then collect a car when you actually need one rather than trying to drive through the middle of Rome or Florence.

Cruising offers another way to experience Italy, and we’ve sailed from Italian ports ourselves. But if your cruise begins or finishes somewhere such as Rome or Venice, we’d always consider adding a few nights before or afterwards.

You’ve already travelled there.

You may as well enjoy it.

We would choose the transport around the places you actually want to visit, rather than assume one approach suits the whole holiday. Think about luggage, hotel locations and the transfers either side of a train journey, as well as the time spent travelling.

For a cruise combination, we would confirm the embarkation port and its connection to your chosen city stay. A little care with those details leaves more time for exploring and makes each change of base feel more comfortable.

Italy by train, car or cruise

Italy is one of our favourite European countries for a multi-centre holiday.

The rail network makes combinations between major cities relatively straightforward, while hiring a car opens up smaller towns, countryside and coastal areas.

You can also mix the two.

Take the train between cities, then collect a car when you actually need one rather than trying to drive through the middle of Rome or Florence.

You’ve already travelled there.

You may as well enjoy it.

Things to do in Italy

Explore ancient Rome at an unhurried pace

Rome rewards time spent looking closely, whether you are exploring a famous ancient site or walking through an ordinary square. Choose a few experiences that genuinely interest you and allow enough time to enjoy them.

We would balance planned visits with room to wander and stop for lunch. A knowledgeable guide can bring the history into focus, but there should also be freedom to discover the city at your own pace.

A few nights make that balance easier, particularly when you want to include different areas. Rather than fill each day from morning to evening, leave space for the streets, views and unexpected details that make Rome more than a collection of monuments.

Discover the quieter streets of Venice

Venice becomes especially enjoyable when you give yourself time beyond the busiest routes. See the places you have always wanted to visit, then leave room to explore its smaller streets and waterside corners.

We would plan a manageable day rather than try to reach every major sight. A relaxed stop for a drink or a meal can be part of the experience, with time to notice how the city changes as you move away from the crowds.

Choose your hotel with the arrival journey in mind as well as its setting. Staying for several nights gives you a better opportunity to appreciate Venice between the organised visits and enjoy a quieter start to the day.

Enjoy the art and atmosphere of Florence

Florence offers plenty for travellers who enjoy art and architecture, but the city also deserves time simply to be explored. Choose a gallery or historical visit that matters to you, then leave the rest of the day less structured.

A walk beside the Arno and a leisurely meal can balance a morning indoors. We would avoid treating the city as a brief stop between Pisa and the coast, particularly if its museums are an important reason for coming.

Give yourself enough nights to enjoy both the planned experiences and the everyday atmosphere. A comfortable base lets you return for a rest before heading out again, making a longer stay feel relaxed rather than demanding.

Spend a day discovering the lakeside towns

A boat journey offers a lovely change from exploring by road, with the lake scenery becoming part of the outing itself. Choose a few towns that appeal to you and give each enough time rather than trying to see the whole shoreline in a day.

We would check the available services for your dates and build in a comfortable return journey. That leaves room for a walk, an unhurried lunch and any view that persuades you to linger.

Some days can stay closer to your hotel, especially when its setting is part of the attraction. The pleasure of a lake holiday lies as much in those quiet hours as in the places you reach.

Bring the history of Pompeii into focus

Pompeii can add a powerful historical experience to a holiday around Naples and Sorrento. Give the visit enough time, choosing an approach that matches your interests rather than trying to rush through the entire site.

We would consider a guide if you enjoy hearing the stories behind what you see. The weather and the amount of walking should also help shape the day, with space for breaks and a manageable journey from your accommodation.

There is no need to combine every nearby attraction into the same outing. A well paced visit, followed by a quieter afternoon or evening, can be more rewarding than a programme that leaves little time to absorb the experience.

Make time for an Italian lunch

A long lunch can be one of the most enjoyable parts of an Italian holiday. It gives you a reason to pause, appreciate the setting and try something that interests you without immediately thinking about the next stop.

We would leave space for places you discover while exploring, whether you are in a city, a lakeside town or somewhere along the coast. Ask about the dishes, enjoy the surroundings and let the meal become part of the day.

That simple pleasure is another reason to keep the itinerary manageable. A journey with a little breathing room makes it easier to linger somewhere appealing and enjoy the small moments alongside the famous sights.

Italy FAQs

When is the best time to visit Italy?

Italy works almost year-round, although the best time depends on what you want to do.

For city breaks and exploring, spring and autumn can be wonderful, with more comfortable temperatures for walking.

Summer naturally works well for the lakes, islands and coastal destinations, although the most famous cities and resorts can become extremely busy.

For us, May, June, September and early October can offer a particularly attractive balance for journeys combining sightseeing with time outside.

How long do I need for Italy?

For a multi-centre trip, we’d suggest 10–14 days. A city break can obviously be much shorter, while two or three weeks gives you the freedom to explore a region properly.

Is Italy easy to travel around by train?

Yes. Rail works particularly well between the major cities and means you can avoid collecting a hire car until you actually need one.

Should I visit Rome or Venice?

Ideally both at some point! Rome is extraordinary for its ancient history and sheer scale, while Venice offers an experience unlike anywhere else in Europe.

Is Florence worth including with Pisa?

Definitely. Pisa works well as a gateway, but Florence deserves several days for its art, architecture, food and atmosphere. From there you can continue through Tuscany or towards the coast.

Which Italian lake should I choose?

Lake Como is hard to beat for dramatic scenery, glamour and beautiful hotels, while Lake Garda gives you plenty of variety and opportunities to explore different towns and surrounding areas.

Is Naples worth visiting or should I go straight to Sorrento?

We think Naples is worth experiencing. It’s busy and full of character, but its history, food and proximity to Pompeii, Herculaneum and Vesuvius make it fascinating. Then head towards Sorrento for a complete change of pace.

Is Sicily good for a touring holiday?

Very much so. We particularly like the idea of flying into Palermo and creating a two or three-centre journey. Sicily has enough history, food, towns, countryside and coastline to easily fill a longer holiday.

Should I combine Sicily and Sardinia in one holiday?

We would usually consider what each island adds before combining them. Sicily can fill a touring holiday of its own, while Sardinia suits a stay focused on the coast and accommodation. Choosing one may leave more time to enjoy it and reduce the number of travel days.

Can I add a city stay to an Italian cruise?

Yes. We would look at the actual embarkation or disembarkation port and plan the transfers around it. A few additional nights can give you proper time to explore a nearby city, with enough space between the cruise arrangements and your onward journey.