Few places in the world capture the imagination like Italy—a land where history and art intertwine beneath sun-warmed cobblestones. The Colosseum, the canals of Venice, the ruins of Pompeii, and the rolling hills of Tuscany all tell stories that shaped Western civilization. Italy’s layers of history unfold in its architecture, cuisine, and culture—from Roman engineering marvels to Renaissance masterpieces and Baroque grandeur. Here, you don’t just see history—you taste it in every bite of pasta, hear it in every church bell, and feel it in every piazza.
Things to Do in Italy
Whether you dream of standing in Michelangelo’s shadow in Florence, taking a gondola through centuries of Venetian glory, or exploring the ruins of ancient Rome, Italy has something for everyone. But to get the most out of Italian trip, I recommend planning ahead and reserving your tickets, tours, places to stay, and transportation long before you land in the bel paese.
My favorite Italian tour companies (below) offer a wide range of amazing tours and experiences. By using Roaming Historian’s affiliate links, you can explore iconic Italian landmarks, browse museums, enjoy walking tours, savor local cuisine with food tours or cooking classes, visit picturesque vineyards, or find your adventurous side through biking, boating, and hiking. Tours and experiences can vary widely, so look for: skip-the-line access, small group sizes, local guides, unique itineraries, hidden gems, interactive experiences, and great ratings.
Favorite Tour Companies in Italy
Italy offers countless ways to step into the past while enjoying the comforts of the present and our affiliate partners will ensure you make the most of your trip.
LivTours offers semi-private (6 people or fewer) and private tours in many places in Europe. They are based in Italy though and exclusively hire local guides. LivTours offers Roaming Historian readers 10% off two or more tours! Save on your next favorite European memory by using our coupon code “AMYRH10”
Book with LivTours here: https://livtours.com?af_code=E1DDN61
The Tour Guy has been offering amazing small group tours in Italy and the rest of Europe for quite some time. They find the best local experiences and offer them in private or small groups (about 15 people or fewer).
Book with The Tour Guy here: https://tidd.ly/3J78sNi
Viator has a vast array of experiences, tickets, and tours around the globe. You can find something for every price range.
Book with Viator here: https://www.viator.com/?pid=P00161535&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector
Shore Excursions Group is great for many Italian ports if you’re visiting Italy by cruise ship. They have back to ship guarantees and are competitive in pricing.
Book with Shore Excursions Group here: https://www.shoreexcursionsgroup.com/?id=1634209&data=roaminghistorian@gmail.com
Get Your Guide offers lots of different experiences in Italy and around the globe. Book with Get Your Guide here: https://www.getyourguide.com/?partner_id=CMSFGKK&utm_medium=online_publisher
Things to Do in Rome and Vatican
(Many awesome tours of spaces like the Colosseum and Vatican, golf cart tours, yoga lessons, food tours, neighborhood excursions, day trips from Rome and so much more!) There are some great options by Viator below, but also check out LivTours (try code AMYRH10 for 10% off), The Tour Guy, and Get Your Guide for more options.
I highly recommend the Rome golf cart tour by LivTours. It’s likely to sell out, so book now: https://livtours.com/tours/golf-cart-tour-of-rome-semi-private-experience?af_code=E1DDN61 (try AMYRH10 to save 10% on some tours)

Viator offers a huge array of tours. Click below to explore.
Things to Do in Florence
(Duomo, Uffizi, David, Ponte Vecchio, walking/food tours, cooking classes, & more. But make sure you book ahead–the Duomo, Uffizi, and Accademia (where David is) sell out all the time. Book at least 3 months in advance to ensure that you can see what you want.) There are some great options by Viator below, but also check out LivTours (try code AMYRH10 for 10% off), The Tour Guy, and Get Your Guide for more options.
LivTours has amazing Florence experiences. I love their Secret Terraces Duomo tour (and also their gelato making class). Book here: https://livtours.com/destinations/florence-tours?af_code=E1DDN61 (try AMYRH10 to save 10% on some tours)

One of my favorite things for visitors short on time is the Firenze card. You get access to all the major museums (and minor ones) and can visit each once for one price. You have three days to explore. It is a fabulous deal and ensures that you have tickets to Uffizi and Accademia. Book on Get Your Guide here: https://www.getyourguide.com/florence-l32/florence-firenze-card-official-museum-city-pass-t446866/?partner_id=CMSFGKK&utm_medium=online_publisher
Viator has a host of experiences in Florence from wine tours to day trips. Explore below and book now to ensure a great trip.
Things to Do in Venice
(Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica, Food Tours, Murano/Burano and the Islands, Gondola rides & more.) There are some great options by Viator below, but also check out LivTours (try code AMYRH10 for 10% off), The Tour Guy, and Get Your Guide for more options.
Things to Do in Milan
(the Milan Duomo, Da Vinci’s Last Supper, walking tours, & more) There are some great options by Viator below, but also check out LivTours (try code AMYRH10 for 10% off), The Tour Guy, and Get Your Guide for more options.
Things to Do Amalfi Coast and Naples
(From lemons and boat life on the Amalfi Coast, to archaeological ruins at Pompeii and Herculaneun, to pizza and tons of history in Naples, the Campania region has it all.) There are some great options by Viator below, but also check out LivTours (try code AMYRH10 for 10% off), The Tour Guy, and Get Your Guide for more options.
- Pompeii, Sorrento, and Capri through LivTours
Things to Do in Emilia Romagna
(Known for balsamic vinegar from Modena, parmigiano Reggiano, mortadella, and much more, this area is a major food destination. Bologna is a historic city to explore, But if fast cars are more your speed, check out Ferrari and Lamborghini.) There are some great options by Viator below, but also check out LivTours (try code AMYRH10 for 10% off), The Tour Guy, and Get Your Guide for more options.
- Ferrari
- Verona, Bologna, and Modena tours through LivTours
Things to Do in Tuscany
(Rolling hills, picturesque vineyards, Chianti region, medieval hillside tons, and much more are waiting for you to explore) There are some great options by Viator below, but also check out LivTours (try code AMYRH10 for 10% off), The Tour Guy, and Get Your Guide for more options.
Things to Do in Cinque Terre
(Pastel-colored villages on rugged cliffs, beckon those willing to navigate stairs and enjoy the five areas of Cinque Terre) There are some great options by Viator below, but also check out LivTours (try code AMYRH10 for 10% off), The Tour Guy, and Get Your Guide for more options.
- Cinque Terre tours through LivTours
Things to Do in Sicily
(Sicily draws visitors with its mix of sun‑soaked coastlines, ancient ruins, and a food culture so rich it feels like a journey all on its own) There are some great options by Viator below, but also check out LivTours (try code AMYRH10 for 10% off), The Tour Guy, and Get Your Guide for more options.
- Sicily tours through LivTours
Protect your vacation with Travel Insurance dot com. This awesome travel site provides quotes from numerous travel insurance agencies and allows you to purchase them with no added increase to you: https://www.travelinsurance.com/?utm_source=pap&a_aid=65590b3a60c44
Tour Reviews:
Rome
Awesome Golf Cart Tour Rome with LivTours
St. Peter’s Dome Climb with Vatican Tickets
Remarkable Rome Attractions: The Roman Guy’s Catacombs Tour
Tour Guy Vatican and Colosseum/Roman Forum Tour
Vatican Museums in the Evening: Best Tours and Insights
Best Rome Tours, Vatican Tours, and Day Trips from Rome
Great Tours in Rome, Vatican Tours, & Day Trips from Rome
Florence
Unforgettable Florence Food Tours: History on the Menu
Delicious Florence Food Tour with the Tour Guy
Top Attractions in Florence: a 3-day Itinerary
Vasari Corridor Tickets: What You Need to Know Before You Book
Venice
The Roman Guy’s Venice Boat and Walking Tour
Italy Blogs
- Essential Italy Travel Tips
- What Not to Do in Italy
- Food Shopping in Italy
- How to Get to Rome from FCO Airport
- Eating Your Way Through a Four-Course Meal in Italy
- Eat Italy: a Guide to Dining in Italy
- Italy by Train—Do’s and Don’ts
- Italy for Less—Money-Saving Tips for Cheap Travel
- 10 Treasures of Taormina, Sicily
- Best Books About Italy
- Time Travel with Italian History Books
- My Three Favorite Renaissance Paintings of the Annunciation
- Souvenirs to Buy in Italy
- What to Try in Italy
- An Affordable Roman Holiday: Free Things to Do in Rome
- Rome Public Transport: Tips for Riding the Bus
- Getting Around Rome, Italy
- Packing List for Italy: What to Just Buy There
Amalfi Coast
- Amalfi Coast: Things to Do in Amalfi
- Amalfi Coast Transportation: to Amalfi & Beyond
- Things to Do in Ravello
Florence
- Top Attractions in Florence: a 3-day Itinerary
- Top Attractions to Explore in Florence
- Florence Sightseeing: Best Florence Tours, Duomo, David, and Uffizi Tours and Day Trips from Florence with the Tour Guy/Roman Guy
- Great Florence Tours with LivTours/LivItaly
- Skip the Line Tours for Uffizi, Accademia (David), Duomo, and More
- Best Bike Tour in Florence
- Firenze Card: Your Guide to this Florence Museum Pass
Florence Churches
- Climbing the Duomo Florence
- How to Buy Duomo Florence Tickets: Climb the Florence Cathedral
- Best Churches in Florence
- Ghirlandaio’s Last Supper at Ognissanti Church
- Top Cenacoli in Florence: Discover the Last Supper Art
Florence Landmarks & Palaces
- Ponte Vecchio
- Porcellino–The Boar Statue of Florence
- Medici Riccardi Palace
- Palazzo Davanzati
- Vasari Corridor Tickets: What You Need to Know Before You Book
Florence Museums
- The Uffizi Gallery: Tickets & More
- Michelangelo’s David Statue: How to Visit the Accademia Gallery
- Uffizi Gallery video featuring Works by Sandro Botticelli
- Galileo Museum
- Museo San Marco
- Museo Horne
- Laurentian Library
- Museo degli Innocenti
Florence Culture, Outdoors, Shopping
- Florence Street Art
- Places to See in Florence (Firenze): Birthplace of the Italian Renaissance
- Outdoor Fun in Florence—Golfing and the Bardini & Boboli Gardens
- Shopping : Things to Do in Florence
- Shopping in Florence: My Top Places
- Leather School in Florence–Shopping
- Italian Beauty in Florence: Santa Maria Novella & AquaFlor
- House of Gucci
- Hidden Florence Walk: Things to Do in Florence
- Dan Brown’s Inferno—Guide to Florence Attractions
- Favorite Renaissance Paintings of the Annunciation
- A Renaissance Christmas Story–Fra Angelico’s Annunciation
Florence Food
- Unforgettable Florence Food Tours: History on the Menu
- Delicious Florence Food Tour with the Tour Guy
- Historic Food Markets in Florence: Mercato Centrale & Sant’Ambrogio Market
- Best Gelato in Florence
- Best Restaurants in Florence for Authentic Italian Food—Updated for 2025/2026
- Gelato-Making Class in Florence
Milan
Tuscany—other than Florence
- Intoxicating Chianti Wine Tour at the Montefioralle Winery
- A Perfect Tuscan Village: Siena
- Leaning Tower of Pisa—Tourist Trap or Tuscan Treasure?
Rome
- Best Rome Tours: a Cultural Journey Though the Eternal City
- Best Rome Tours
- Rome Sightseeing: Best Rome Tours, Vatican Tours, and Day Trips from Rome with The Tour Guy/Roman Guy
- Great Tours in Rome, Vatican Tours, and Day Trips from Rome with LivTours (LivItaly)
- Golf Cart Tour Rome with LivTour
- St. Peter’s Dome Climb with Vatican Tickets–Skip the Line
- Colosseum Underground Tour with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
- Roaming with the Roman Guy (now Tour Guy): Colosseum and Vatican Tours
- The Roman Guy’s Catacombs Tour (now the Tour Guy)
- Prepare for the 2025 Jubilee in Rome
Rome Landmarks/Museums/Outdoors
- The Pantheon: Rome Attractions
- Pantheon Travel Vlog
- Nero’s Golden Palace: Rome Attractions
- The Roman Forum: Rome Attractions
- The Trevi Fountain: Rome Attractions
- The Appian Way: Rome Attractions
- Campo de Fiori: Rome Attractions
- Palatine Hill: Rome Attractions
- The Capitoline Museum
- Largo Argentina: Rome Attractions
- Exploring the Culture, Cuisine, and History of the Jewish Ghetto Rome
- Jewish Ghetto Video
- How to See the ‘Forum of Caesar’ Light Show
- Best Piazzas in Rome
- A Colossal Piece of History—the Colosseum
- How to Get Colosseum Tickets
Rome Churches/Vatican
- Santa Maria sopra Minerva Church: Rome Attractions
- Basilica di San Clemente: Rome Attractions
- Basilica Santa Maria in Cosmedin: the Valentine’s Day Story
- Vatican Museums: Things to Do in Rome
- See Vatican Museums with Skip the Line Access
- Visiting St. Peter’s Basilica and Vatican City
- Vatican Museums in the Evening: Best Tours and Insights
Rome Things to Do
- The SUPER Pass—Things to Do in Rome
- An Affordable Roman Holiday—Free Things to do in Rome
- Rome, Off the Beaten Path–Lesser-Known Places in Rome
- The Historic Center—Things to Do in Rome
- Colosseum Area—Things to Do in Rome
- Art Treasures of Rome—Michelangelo, Bernini, and Raphael…oh my!
- The Roaming Historian in Rome
Rome Food/Other
- Rome’s Best Restaurants: a Food Lover’s Guide for 2025/2026
- How to Get to Rome from FCO Airport
- Roman Holiday: Our Photo Shoot with Daniele de Gregorio
- Rome Public Transport: Tips for Riding the Bus
- Getting Around Rome
Venice
- Venice Sightseeing: Best Venice Tours and Day Trips from Venice
- Best Things to Do in Venice
- How to See St. Mark’s Basilica
- Gondola Rides in Venice…Worth Every Euro
- Murano—the Glass Island of Italy
- The Roman Guy’s “Venice Walking and Boat Tour” (now the Tour Guy)
Italy Tips
Learn local customs, etiquette, and tips to show respect while enjoying authentic experiences in historic destinations.
- Top Tourist Scams in Italy and How to Avoid Them
- Essential Italy Travel Tips
- What Not to Do in Italy
- What to Try in Italy
- How to Get to Rome from FCO Airport
- Italy by Train: Do’s and Don’ts
- Italy for Less—Money Saving Tips
- An Affordable Roman Holiday: Free Things to Do in Rome
- Rome Public Transport: Tips for Riding the Bus
- Getting Around Rome, Italy
- Travel with the Tour Guy in Italy
- Packing List for Italy: What to Just Buy There
- Eating Your Way Through a Four-Course Meal in Italy
- Eat Italy: a Guide to Dining in Italy
- Travel Tips: Food Shopping in Italy
- Souvenirs to Buy in Italy…and Elsewhere
- How to Get Colosseum Tickets
- Vasari Corridor Tickets: What You Need to Know Before You Book
For more Travel Tips, see my Travel Tips page.
More Recommendations
For blogs on many of these places, go to my “Read About Can’t Miss Places” page.
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- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roaminghistorian
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/roaming-historian/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/roaminghistorian
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roaminghistorian
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/roaminghistoria/
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Amy French, Ph.D., is the voice behind Roaming Historian. A professional historian and seasoned traveler, she shares stories that blend history and travel to give readers a deeper understanding of the places they explore.
Disclosure: Roaming Historian may derive revenue from affiliate links and other sources, which helps offset the costs of bringing you the information we do. The blogs and reviews posted on this website are of our own opinion though.
Hi
First time in Rome. What you recommend as best full day tour two adults June 22 to cover all major tourist attractions in small group. ? Please quote price too
Hi Hassia,
I would recommend the “Rome in a Day Tour” including Colosseum and Vatican Museums. Here is the link: https://theromanguy.com/tours/Rome/rome-in-a-day-tour The Roman Guy site shows prices for that tour at 129.95 euro currently. You should be able to save a little money with my code ROAMING though. Have a great trip! I adore Rome and hope that you do, too. Happy travels!Q