Holidays to Italy

Q: Where are the best places to visit during Italy holidays?

Although you can easily embark on a Rome city break , the city is so full of historic attractions that you can enjoy longer Rome holidays, too. Milan holidays and Florence holidays are perfect for culture vultures, while Venice holidays tend to attract lovebirds. The rugged Amalfi coast and pristine beaches of Sardinia provide a nice natural respite from the hustle and bustle of Italy's busy cities.

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Holidays in Italy

Italy exhibits culture and history from top to toe – and she’s a rare natural beauty, too. The country’s empurpled Tuscan hills, fascinating ancient cities, glistening Italian lakes and spellbinding coastlines have enticed visitors for centuries, continuing to do so today.

Those seeking peace and relaxation should head to the verdant region of Umbria – a picture of rolling hillsides, vineyard estates and traditional Medieval towns. Otherwise, you can soak up the sun on a secluded beach in Sardinia, or discover the legendary allure of the Amalfi Coast, where the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea fringe vertical clifftop villages with fragrant lemon groves. Pristine beach coves meet whitewashed hill towns in southern Puglia, one of Italy’s most forgotten destinations, while the island of Sicily continues to seduce travellers with its dramatic landscapes and abundant cultural treasures. Simply book flights to Italy to discover it all.

Echoes from the past are everywhere in Italy. Don’t miss the Colosseum in Rome, the Renaissance masterpieces of Florence and Venice’s intricate network of romantic canals – or follow Leonardo da Vinci to Milan, Italy’s metropolitan hub of fashion and design. Italian cities can become flooded by descending tourists keen to see it all – but you can easily head out of the city to breathe in the fresh air around the Italian Lakes. And whilst everyone wants to photograph one very famous leaning tower, there are plenty of quieter hinterlands to explore, too, whether you aim to ski in the Alps or sip Chianti on a Tuscan terrace.

Four inspiring Italian road trips

From top to toe, take yourself on a grand tour of the marvels of Italy. Enjoy great shopping and the world-famous food all the way down. Book a car with British Airways, and get ready for your Italian adventure.

Eloise Barker for British Airways.

Eloise Barker

for British Airways

Tuscany holidays

Gorgeous hilltop towns, sweeping pastoral valleys and world-class art galleries are among Tuscany’s endless treasures. Travels to Tuscany usually begin in Florence, Italy’s cultural epicentre of Renaissance art, where you can marvel at Michelangelo’s ‘Statue of David’, view Botticelli’s works in the Uffizi Gallery and ascend Florence’s Duomo for unforgettable city views. Pisa’s famous leaning tower, Lucca’s well-preserved city walls, and Sienna’s Medieval centre sit around an hour outside of Florence, while the region’s diverse scenery covers the rugged Apennine Mountains, the verdant vineyards of Montalcino, Elba island’s beaches and a series of smaller villages that will capture your heart and imagination.

Puglia holidays

The Puglia region of south-eastern Italy appeals to those craving rustic charm on the coast. Peppered with white-sand beaches, walled clifftop towns and ancient olive groves, this destination remains surprisingly underrated. Book flights to Bari or flights to Brindisi, both of which act as gateways for exploring other Pugliese towns, beaches and the neighbouring Basilicata region. Roam the cobbled streets of Bari’s old town, unwind on the beaches of Torre dell’ Orso and take in the baroque splendour of Lecce, the ‘Florence of the South’. Don’t miss the quaint, UNESCO-protected town of Alberobello with its unique, conical-roofed trullo buildings.

Amalfi Coast

Italy’s southern Campania region promises spectacular coastal scenery and incredible ancient sites. Fly to Naples, the regional capital, which sits below looming Mount Vesuvius, alongside the sublime Gulf of Naples. Head southwards to ascend the rugged mountains towards Sorrento, passing lush vineyards and the world-famous archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Stop along the Amalfi Coast’s gorgeous string of pastel-hued towns − including Positano, Amalfi and Ravello −which are nestled in the clifftops, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Then take a boat to the exclusive island of Capri for a taste of the high life.

Sardinia

Rocky mountain peaks and vast pinewood forests overlook Sardinia’s picture-perfect peninsulas. You can start your Sardinian sojourn in the south, discovering the island’s authentic charm and captivating capital, Cagliari, while the north allures travellers with its untouched natural landscapes and glamourous Costa Smeralda strip. Lose yourself among some of Europe’s most breathtaking beaches, snorkel in the clearest Mediterranean waters, hike spectacular mountain ranges and venture further inland in search of ancient archaeological gems. Its cities and traditional towns are brimming with historic landmarks, sophisticated squares and palatial palazzos.

Sicily

The island of Sicily is as diverse as it is beautiful. Nature enthusiasts are charmed by its emerald-green hillsides which roll down onto secluded beach coves. While sightseers are drawn to numerous ancient sites, including the valley of Greek temples and the impressive Roman villa at Piazza Armerina. On your holidays to Sicily, spend time in bustling Palermo, dining at authentic trattorias, shopping at local markets and relaxing on sunny beaches. You can also feel the buzz of Catania, take in the timeless beauty of Siracusa and visit the delightful clifftop town of Taormina for unbeatable vistas of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna.

Alpine lakes and mountains holidays

When the snow goes, the Alps become a sublimely beautiful summer holiday destination. Scale the granite heights of the Dolomites in Italy, or stretch out along the gorgeous shores of grand Lake Garda. Plus, explore Switzerland, Austria and France with our guide to the best Alpine holidays.

Eloise Barker for British Airways

Eloise Barker

for British Airways

Cities to fall in love with

Ahh… Venice. Amanda Morison reassesses La Serenissima's romantic potential, plus four other swoon-worthy cities with her guide to the places you ought to fall in love with all over again. You'll never forget sunrise over St Mark's Square.

Amanda Morison for British Airways.

Amanda Morison

for British Airways

The Trevi Fountain in Rome is one of the oldest water sources in the world

Etan Smallman for British Airways

Join the A-list at Grand Hotel Tremezzo, right on the striking shores of Lake Como. Rotate between the flower and water-on-water pools, depending on whether it’s T pizza or T Champagne Bar you plan on being closer to. Visit ba.com/grandhoteltremezzo #lakecomo #grandhoteltremezzo #travel #italy_vacations #stayingatthegrand #tremezzo

A post shared by British Airways (@british_airways) on May 24, 2018 at 8:11am PDT

Europe's most romantic cities

Hidden corners and twinkling city lights. Balmy evenings and intimate tables for two. Discover Europe's most romantic getaways, whether you want romance on the waterways of Venice in Italy, or passion in Prague.

Christopher Beanland.

Christopher Beanland

The best hotels in Rome for every traveller

Whether you want to be within coin-tossing distance from the Trevi Fountain or find a great city hotel with a pool: with our selection of great hotels in Rome, you’ll want to stay forever in the Eternal City. Here are the best hotels in the city, whatever your travel plans.

Italy fly-drives

Hiring a car on holiday allows for the ultimate freedom to explore.

Italy holiday FAQs

Where are the best places to visit during Italy holidays?

Although you can easily embark on a Rome city break, the city is so full of historic attractions that you can enjoy longer Rome holidays, too. Milan holidays and Florence holidays are perfect for culture vultures, while Venice holidays tend to attract lovebirds. The rugged Amalfi coast and pristine beaches of Sardinia provide a nice natural respite from the hustle and bustle of Italy's busy cities.

Where are the best places to go in Italy?

Nature lovers can look forward to ski holidays in Italy and consuming gelato during lovely beach holidays on the Italian Riviera. (Don't worry, you can enjoy gelato during city breaks in Italy, too.) Top-notch Rome attractions include the Pantheon and Colosseum, but the many museums and art galleries are also worthwhile places to visit in Rome. Many keep fashionistas flock to Milan to shop, and the city's Teatro Alla Scala boasts world-renowned live entertainment. Meanwhile, fun things to do in Venice include riding a gondola and touring the small neighbouring islands of Murano and Burano.

Which type of Italy holiday will suit me?

There's no shortage of package holidays to Italy, but not every holiday type will suit you. You can often find cheap holidays to Italy by searching for short breaks to Rome and other cities. Another way to manage your beach trip budget is to book all-inclusive holidays in Italy, in destinations like Sardinia. Family Italy holidays are well spent in countryside villas in tranquil Tuscany or overlooking the sea in Sicily.

Italy’s beaches come in some fantastic settings, from the sun-ripened shores of Sicily to lovely Puglia, on Italy’s sandy heel. The beachside town of Viareggio in Tuscany has some lovely fish restaurants, Belle Epoque villas and luxury hotels.

Italy’s art is priceless, but holidays there don’t have to be. Pick one of our cheap holidays – and save money when you book a package holiday. Head to Rome, where the popular Dei Mellini offers well-priced rooms – plus a complimentary breakfast which will fill you up before a tour of the sights. The Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain and the park at Villa Borghese are all free to visit.

A Riva parked on the shore of Lake Como, seats for Verona’s opera season in hand, tickets to Milan’s fashion week: there are many ways to enjoy luxury holidays in Italy. Why not start in Venice? The canal city is filled to the gills with luxury waterside hotels. Stay at Belmond Hotel Cipriani on Giudecca island and enjoy its Olympic swimming pool, and the unique, romantic views over the lagoon.

Treat your bambinos to a warm welcome in Italy. They’ll love the food (pasta and pizza for days!) and the history (gladiators and battles!), plus there are plenty of family-friendly hotels. Older children better be on their best behaviour at the immaculate five-star Villa Cora in Florence, but there’s plenty of space in the rooms for family holidays, and staff make everyone feel welcome.

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