Visit Italy

Few places in the world capture the imagination like Italy—a land where history and art intertwine beneath sun-warmed stone. 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.

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 rewards travelers who love the past. Browse handpicked tours, museum passes, and unforgettable places to stay that make history come alive. From cooking classes inspired by centuries-old recipes to walking tours through ruins and palaces, Italy offers countless ways to step into the stories that shaped our world.

To make the most of your experience, it’s important to plan ahead and have restaurants, tours, places to stay, and transportation reserved ahead of time. Roaming Historian recommends—The Tour Guy (aka Roman Guy) and LivTours (aka LivItaly)—for amazing small-group tours throughout Italy. Also, Viator offers a wide range of tours and experiences. By using Roaming Historian’s affiliate links, you can explore the tour offerings and book directly.

Find the type of tour that suits you best!

Save money! 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 now at: https://livtours.com?af_code=E1DDN61

  • Iconic Italian Landmarks and Ruins
    Explore the Colosseum, Pompeii, and the Roman Forum, where ancient life still whispers through stone and marble. Guided tours help you unlock their rich history.
  • Renaissance Art and Architecture Tours
    Florence, Venice, and Rome are filled with Renaissance wonders. Join art-focused tours or museum passes that highlight Italy’s greatest masterpieces.
  • Historic Italian Cities You Must Visit
    Walk the cobblestone streets of Siena, Verona, and Naples to see history alive in architecture, piazzas, and local culture.
  • Authentic Culinary & Cultural Experiences
    History is on the menu in Italy. Participate in cooking classes inspired by centuries-old recipes or dine in historic trattorias for a taste of the past. Visit picturesque vineyards and wine estates, sampling a variety of regional wines, guided by wine experts who will share their knowledge of the local wine-making process. Learn to prepare classic regional dishes from skilled local chefs who will guide you through each step, allowing you to savor the flavors of the destination long after your trip.
  • Guided Walking Tours Through Ancient Streets
    From medieval neighborhoods to Roman ruins, local guides reveal the stories that bring Italy’s streets to life.
  • Italy’s Famous Museums and Heritage Sites
    Skip the lines and enjoy curated tours at the Vatican Museums, Uffizi Gallery, and more, discovering Italy’s treasures with expert insight.
  • Hiking, Biking, Boat, & Other Adventure Tours ritage Sites
    Lace up your boots and embark on adventurous hikes through stunning natural landscapes like the Cinque Terre, providing breathtaking views and outdoor thrills. Discover cities and scenic regions on two wheels, pedaling through historical streets, picturesque countryside, and along coastal paths, while experiencing the destination in an active and engaging way. Sail on a boat or cruise along rivers, canals, or coastlines, allowing you to appreciate the unique perspective of a city’s architecture and natural beauty, while enjoying the refreshing sea breeze.

Special Features to Look For:

  • Skip-the-Line Access: Enjoy priority entrance to popular attractions, saving valuable time and avoiding long waiting lines.
  • Small Group Sizes: Benefit from intimate group sizes, ensuring a more personalized experience and allowing for meaningful interactions with guides and fellow travelers.
  • Local Guides: Our knowledgeable local guides provide insider perspectives, historical context, and fascinating stories, bringing each destination to life.
  • Interactive Experiences: Engage in hands-on activities, such as cooking classes, art workshops, or interactive museum tours, for a more immersive and memorable experience.
  • Unique Itineraries and Hidden Gems: Discover off-the-beaten-path attractions, local spots, and hidden gems that may not be covered on typical tours, ensuring a unique and authentic experience.

Favorite Rome Tours:

(Many awesome tours of spaces like the Colosseum and Vatican, golf cart tours, yoga lessons, food tours, neighborhood excursions, day trip from Rome and so much more!)

Favorite Florence Tours

(Duomo, Uffizi, David, Ponte Vecchio, walking/food tours, cooking classes, & more)

Favorite Venice Tours

(Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica, Food Tours, Murano/Burano and the Islands, Gondola rides & more)

Favorite Milan Tours

(the Milan Duomo, Da Vinci’s Last Supper, walking tours, & more)

Other Italian Tours

More Recommendations

For blogs on many of these places, go to my “Read About Can’t Miss Places” page.

For travel tips in general, including how to pack for your fabulous trip, see Travel Tips page.

Follow me on my social media channels:

My recommendations for various countries and cities around the globe.

LivTours (semi-private/private tours): https://livtours.com?af_code=E1DDN61   

**You can save 10% on LivTours tours with the code AMYRH10 (good on two or more tours)

TourGuy (small group/private tours): https://tidd.ly/3J78sNi

Viator (small to medium size groups/private): https://www.viator.com/?pid=P00161535&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector

Roaming Historian Viator Shop:

Shore Excursions Group (great for many Italian ports): https://www.shoreexcursionsgroup.com/?id=1634209&data=roaminghistorian@gmail.com

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

Florence

Unforgettable Florence Food Tours: History on the Menu

Best Bike Tour in Florence

Delicious Florence Food Tour with the Tour Guy

Venice

The Roman Guy’s Venice Boat and Walking Tour

Italy Blogs

Italy Travel Tips & Culture

Amalfi Coast

Florence

Florence Churches

Florence Landmarks & Palaces

Florence Museums

Florence Culture, Outdoors, Shopping

Florence Food

Milan

Tuscany—other than Florence

Rome

Rome Landmarks/Museums/Outdoors

Rome Churches/Vatican

Rome Things to Do

Rome Food/Other

Venice

Our incredible partners, such as LivTours, TripAdvisor, VRBO, World Nomads insurance, and more, make exploring the globe an unforgettable experience. With industry leaders in tours, travel insurance, hotels, vacation rentals, flights, cruises, and trip planning, explore the world with our curated list of affiliate links on our Travel Planning page: https://roaminghistorian.com/travel-planning/

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.

2 thoughts on “Visit Italy”

  1. 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

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

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