Italy
Italy is a destination of timeless cities, sunlit coastlines, lakeside villages, rolling vineyards, ancient ruins and unforgettable food, offering one of Europe’s richest holiday experiences.
Excellent
4.6
Italy
Italy is the kind of country that never gives you just one reason to visit, because every region seems to offer a different version of the good life. In Rome, the past sits in plain sight, with ancient ruins, grand piazzas, fountains, churches and little side streets where a simple plate of pasta can feel like a memory you will carry for years. In Venice, the pace slows to the sound of water against stone, gondolas slipping through narrow canals and morning light catching the façades of palaces along the Grand Canal. Florence brings Renaissance beauty, artisan workshops, Tuscan wine bars and views from bridges that make the city feel almost painted into place, while the Amalfi Coast offers lemon groves, pastel villages, cliffside roads and sea views that are every bit as dramatic as people say.
Further south, Sicily has Greek temples, baroque towns, volcanic landscapes, beaches and bold food, while Sardinia feels wilder and more Caribbean in colour, with turquoise coves and glamorous coastal hideaways. Then there are the lakes, where places such as Lake Garda and Lake Como bring mountain views, waterfront promenades and a gentler kind of elegance. Italy is ideal for couples, families, honeymooners, city-break travellers, food lovers, culture seekers, beach holidaymakers and anyone who wants a trip with feeling. You can come for art, history, wine, scenery, shopping, beaches, opera, gelato, football, road trips or long lunches in the shade, and still leave feeling you have only scratched the surface. That is the real pull of Italy: it is beautiful, generous, layered and endlessly rewarding, with every journey offering another reason to return.
Italy’s Most Popular Resorts and Holiday Areas
Italy is less about one standard resort style and more about choosing the right region, coast or lakeside town for the holiday you want. Some areas are made for beach days and family stays, others for romance, culture, scenery, food or a slower, more elegant escape.
Sorrento is one of Italy’s best-loved holiday bases, sitting above the Bay of Naples with views towards Mount Vesuvius and easy access to Capri, Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast. It is best known for its lemon-scented streets, sea-view terraces, lively old town and brilliant position for combining relaxation with sightseeing.
Lake Garda is a superb choice for families, couples and active travellers, with lakeside resorts, mountain scenery, boat trips, cycling routes, theme parks and elegant waterfront towns. It is especially good for travellers who want Italian charm, outdoor activities and a gentler holiday pace away from the heat of the southern coast.
The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s most spectacular holiday areas, famous for cliffside villages, colourful houses, sea views, lemon groves and dramatic coastal roads. It suits couples, honeymooners and travellers who want scenery, romance and memorable day trips, although it is best enjoyed with time and patience rather than rushed.
Sicily offers a richer and more varied island holiday, with beaches, historic towns, Greek ruins, Mount Etna, lively markets and a food culture shaped by centuries of influence. It is ideal for travellers who want warmth, character and a sense of discovery alongside classic Mediterranean scenery.
Sardinia is known for some of Italy’s clearest water and most beautiful beaches, especially around the Costa Smeralda and the island’s quieter coves. It works well for beach lovers, couples and families who want a more natural island escape, with a mix of luxury resorts, rustic villages and superb coastal drives.
Rimini is one of Italy’s classic beach resorts, famous for its long sandy coastline, beach clubs, family facilities and lively summer atmosphere. It is a strong choice for travellers who want a traditional Italian seaside holiday with plenty of restaurants, nightlife and easy access to the wider Emilia-Romagna region.
Latest Offers
Explore our latest Italy holiday offers, from city breaks and romantic escapes to beach holidays, lake stays, escorted tours and flexible packages with flights, accommodation and transfers.
Our Top Destinations in Italy
Italy is packed with unforgettable places, but a few destinations capture the country’s range especially well. These are the places that show Italy at its most iconic, beautiful and rewarding, whether you are planning a first visit or returning for something new.
Rome
Rome
Rome is one of the world’s great city destinations, where ancient ruins, Renaissance churches, grand fountains and neighbourhood trattorias sit side by side. Visit the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona, then leave time for slow wandering, because Rome’s smaller corners are often just as memorable as its famous landmarks.
Venice
Venice
Venice is a city unlike anywhere else, built on water and best explored without rushing. St Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace, Rialto Bridge and the Grand Canal are essential, but the real pleasure comes from getting lost in quieter lanes, crossing small bridges and watching the city change with the light.
Florence and Tuscany
Florence and Tuscany
Florence is the heart of Renaissance Italy, filled with art, architecture, markets, churches and views across the Arno, while the Tuscan countryside beyond brings vineyards, hill towns and cypress-lined roads. Together, they make one of Italy’s most rewarding combinations for culture, food, wine and scenery.
Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast
Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast
Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast offer one of Italy’s most beautiful coastal experiences, with cliffside villages, lemon groves, sea views, boat trips and easy access to Capri and Pompeii. It is a top choice for couples, honeymooners and travellers who want romance, sightseeing and classic Italian holiday atmosphere in one trip.
Transport Options in Italy
Flights
Italy has excellent international air access, with major airports serving Rome, Milan, Venice, Naples, Pisa, Bologna, Catania, Palermo, Bari and other key holiday regions. The best airport depends on your itinerary, with Rome ideal for the capital and central Italy, Naples for Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast, Venice for the Veneto, Milan for the lakes and northern Italy, and Catania or Palermo for Sicily.
Airport Transfers
Airport transfers are a convenient choice if you want a simple journey from airport to hotel, especially in city-break destinations, coastal resorts and lake areas where the arrival route may involve trains, buses, boats or mountain roads. Shared transfers can be good value in popular holiday areas and can often be arranged as part of a Travel Cheaper package.
Private Transfers
Airport transfers are a convenient choice if you want a simple journey from airport to hotel, especially in city-break destinations, coastal resorts and lake areas where the arrival route may involve trains, buses, boats or mountain roads. Shared transfers can be good value in popular holiday areas and can often be arranged as part of a Travel Cheaper package.
Car Hire
Car hire can be excellent for Tuscany, Puglia, Sicily, Sardinia, the lakes and countryside routes, where having your own vehicle lets you explore villages, vineyards, beaches and viewpoints at your own pace. It is less useful in historic city centres such as Rome, Florence, Naples and Venice, where traffic restrictions, parking and narrow streets can make driving more stressful than rewarding.
Italy is part of the European Union and the Schengen Area, so Irish citizens travelling from the Republic of Ireland do not need a visa for a short holiday. Travellers should carry a valid Irish passport or Irish passport card when entering Italy, and every passenger, including children and infants, must have their own travel document. Non-Irish citizens living in Ireland may have different entry requirements and should check whether a Schengen visa is needed before booking. Entry rules can change, so it is always sensible to check official travel advice before departure.
Italy’s climate varies by region, which is part of what makes it such a flexible destination. Spring and autumn are often the best times for sightseeing, food-focused trips, walking, city breaks and touring, with comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds than peak summer. June to September is best for beach holidays, island stays and lake escapes, although July and August can be very hot and busy in popular cities and coastal resorts. Winter is excellent for quieter city breaks, Christmas markets, opera, museums and ski holidays in the Italian Alps and Dolomites, while southern regions such as Sicily and Puglia often feel milder than the north outside the main season.
6 Travel Tips for Visiting Italy
Italy’s most famous attractions can sell out or involve long queues, so book major sights such as the Colosseum, Uffizi Gallery, Vatican Museums and popular coastal boat trips in advance rather than wasting holiday time standing in line.
For city-to-city journeys, trains are often easier than driving, especially between Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, Naples and Bologna, where central stations make travel straightforward and avoid the stress of parking.
Italian food changes dramatically by region, so order locally rather than looking for the same dishes everywhere, choosing carbonara in Rome, pizza in Naples, seafood in Sicily, risotto in Milan and fresh pasta in Emilia-Romagna.
In July and August, sightseeing in cities can be very hot and crowded, so plan museums and walking tours for the morning, rest during the hottest hours and save piazzas, gelato stops and evening strolls for later.
Many historic centres have traffic limits, dress codes for churches, tourist taxes and local rules around luggage, tickets or public transport, so check the basics before arrival to avoid fines or awkward surprises.
Italy rewards unhurried travel, so resist cramming too many cities into one short trip and give yourself time for proper meals, local neighbourhoods, market mornings and the kind of small discoveries that make the country special.
Things To Do in Majorca
Majorca is much more than a beach destination. From scenic coastal drives and pretty mountain villages to historic landmarks, local markets, boat trips and family attractions, the island offers plenty to enjoy between relaxing days in the sun.
Things to Do
Cultural Highlights
5 Things to Do in Italy
Italy’s best experiences range from world-famous monuments to simple pleasures such as a lakeside lunch, a vineyard visit or a sunset walk through an old town. The key is to combine the big sights with moments that let you feel the rhythm of the place.
Visit the Colosseum and Roman Forum in Rome
The Colosseum and Roman Forum are essential for understanding ancient Rome, bringing the scale and drama of the Roman Empire into sharp focus. Walking through these ruins gives real context to the city and makes the surrounding streets feel even more extraordinary.
Cruise the Grand Canal in Venice
The Grand Canal is Venice’s main stage, lined with palaces, churches, bridges and historic façades reflected in the water. Whether you travel by vaporetto, private water taxi or gondola route nearby, seeing Venice from the water is one of Italy’s great travel moments.
See the Duomo and Uffizi Gallery in Florence
Florence is packed with artistic treasures, but the Duomo and Uffizi Gallery are two of its defining experiences. The cathedral gives you the city’s architectural drama, while the Uffizi brings you face to face with some of the greatest works of the Italian Renaissance.
Explore Pompeii Archaeological Park near Naples
Pompeii is one of Italy’s most powerful historic sites, offering an extraordinary look at daily life in an ancient Roman city preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. It is a must-do from Naples or Sorrento and works especially well with a guide who can bring the streets, homes and public spaces to life.
Take a Boat Trip along the Amalfi Coast
A boat trip along the Amalfi Coast gives you the best perspective on its cliffs, coves, villages and sea caves. From the water, places such as Positano, Amalfi and Capri feel even more dramatic, and it is one of the most memorable ways to experience southern Italy.
5 Cultural Highlights in Italy
Italy’s cultural depth is extraordinary, shaped by ancient civilisations, Renaissance art, Catholic tradition, opera, architecture, regional food and centuries of local craftsmanship. These highlights offer a strong starting point for travellers who want to experience the country beyond the postcard views.
The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel in Rome
The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are among the most important cultural experiences in Europe, with galleries, sculptures, frescoes and Michelangelo’s ceiling drawing visitors from around the world. Although Vatican City is a separate state, it is naturally combined with a stay in Rome and is one of the great highlights of any Italy holiday.
The Uffizi Gallery in Florence
The Uffizi Gallery is a landmark of Renaissance art and one of Florence’s greatest treasures. It is worth booking ahead and taking your time, because the collection gives a deeper understanding of the city’s role in shaping European art, beauty and culture.
Pompeii and Herculaneum in Campania
Pompeii and Herculaneum offer an unforgettable insight into ancient life near the Bay of Naples. Visiting both, if time allows, gives a richer picture of Roman streets, homes, baths, shops and everyday details preserved in a way few archaeological sites can match.
Siena’s Piazza del Campo
Piazza del Campo is one of Italy’s most beautiful medieval squares and the heart of Siena’s civic life. It is famous for its distinctive shell shape, historic buildings and the Palio horse race tradition, but even on an ordinary day it is a wonderful place to sit and absorb Tuscan atmosphere.
Ravenna’s Byzantine Mosaics
Ravenna is one of Italy’s great cultural surprises, known for dazzling Byzantine mosaics that glow with colour and detail. It is a superb choice for travellers who enjoy art and history but want somewhere quieter than Italy’s most crowded cities.
What are the best things to do in Majorca?
Popular things to do include visiting Palma’s old town, exploring the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, taking a boat trip along the coast, visiting traditional villages and spending time at the island’s beaches and coves.
Is Majorca good for families?
Yes, Majorca is a great family destination, with sandy beaches, shallow waters, family-friendly resorts, waterparks, boat trips and plenty of relaxed places to eat.
Can you explore Majorca without hiring a car?
Yes, many resorts have good local facilities, and buses, taxis and organised excursions make it possible to explore without driving. A car can be useful for visiting quieter beaches, villages and mountain viewpoints.
What is Majorca best known for?
Majorca is best known for its beaches, sunshine, scenic coastline, relaxed resorts, historic Palma, pretty villages and the dramatic Serra de Tramuntana mountain range.
Is Majorca only for beach holidays?
No, Majorca is also great for sightseeing, cycling, walking, food, shopping, culture, romantic escapes and luxury hotel stays.
Why Italy Is a Must Visit
Art, Food and Endless Variety
Italy is a must-visit destination because it offers more than a holiday; it offers a collection of experiences that feel personal, vivid and lasting. One trip can include ancient Rome, Renaissance Florence, romantic Venice, vineyard lunches, coastal villages, island beaches, lakeside views and food that changes beautifully from one region to the next.
For couples, Italy brings romance, boutique hotels, candlelit dinners, opera, wine country and some of Europe’s most beautiful cities. For families, it offers beaches, lakes, pizza, gelato, history and sightseeing that can be made exciting rather than formal. For groups, there are city breaks, food tours, coastal stays, shopping, nightlife and scenic road trips, while culture lovers could spend a lifetime moving between ruins, galleries, cathedrals, palaces and historic towns. Italy works because it is never flat or forgettable; it gives every traveller something to love, and usually far more than they expected.
Thank you for contacting us.
We’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
We got it.
Tell Us About Your Italy Plans
Ready to plan your Italy escape? Send us your travel details and the team will help you find the right holiday options, from beach resorts and family-friendly stays to luxury hotels, transfers and car hire that can be added to your package.
