Italy Travelers Recommend

While there’s no lack of things to do and see in Florence, the city is well situated to allow for further Tuscan exploration on day trips to picturesque hilltop towns, vineyards, and famous monuments. Choose from any of the popular options below.

Chianti — 31 miles (50 km) away

Tuscany’s Chianti region is known the world over for its namesake wine, and day tours from Florence often include a visit to a winery or two for tastings. The area’s hilltop towns offer particularly great views over the vineyard-covered hills and are sometimes difficult to reach without a car or guided transportation. Taking a wine tour in Chianti means you get to relax while a knowledgeable local does all the navigating through Tuscany’s winding back roads.

San Gimignano — 35 miles (56 km) away

San Gimignano’s many medieval towers stand out against the surrounding Tuscan hills and give the small walled town its nickname of “Tuscany’s Manhattan.” You can climb some of the towers in the city walls for great views, browse the charming shops, or stroll the pedestrian-friendly historic center. Full-day tours to San Gimignano from Florence often include a visit to Siena or wine tasting in Chianti as well.

Siena — 45 miles (71 km) away

Siena’s historic center is focused on its multicolored hilltop Duomo and Piazza del Campo, the main square that hosts the annual Palio horse race. Popular Siena is often included on full-day tours from Florence, along with San Gimignano or the nearby Chianti wine region. The city can just as easily be the sole destination on a half-day trip.

Lucca and Pisa — 48 miles (77 km) and 51 miles (82 km) away

Pisa’s claim to fame is its eponymous leaning tower, but don’t overlook the beautiful cathedral and enormous baptistery nearby. And if you make it to tiny Lucca, check out its famous intact city walls, which are so wide that the tops used to be a road. Today, it’s a walking path around the whole town. The two cities are in the same direction from Florence, so they are often paired on day tours from the regional capital.

Tuscany in One Day Tours

If you really want to see it all, opt for a full-day tour that covers multiple destinations in Tuscany. You’ll see more places, though you won’t have as much time in each one—Tuscany is the fifth-largest region in Italy. These trips tend to be long days, covering a lot of ground and routinely running for 11 to 12 hours, with some at 14 hours or more. Itineraries can vary, but tours tend to include stops in Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa, Lucca, and Monteriggioni, plus wine tasting in Chianti and lunch or dinner.

Imagine sipping limoncello while enjoying fresh fish that was plucked from the sea just hours before your meal. That’s just one of the memorable moments you’ll find on the Amalfi Coast—here are some of the best ways to visit from Rome.

Day Trips

Whether you book a private guided tour or are part of a small group, you’ll start your journey from Rome to southern Italy by road or high-speed train. Choose a tour that stops at Pompeii to explore the historic ruins, or upon reaching Amalfi, opt for a scenic cruise down the coast after sipping limoncello in the orchards. Wander the alleys of Positano and stroll its pebbly shores, and understand first-hand why celebrities are known to escape to this craggy Italian coast. Maybe you’ll spend time with a local cheese maker or enjoy a lunch of fresh seafood among the oceanfront architecture and coastal cliffs.

Multi-Day Trips

If you want to experience the Amalfi coastline in depth, consider a multi-day trip from Rome so you can tack on additional adventures like cruising to the island of Capri. Much like you would on a day tour from Rome, you can choose to explore the famous Pompeii ruins and poke around Positano, but you may also have time to stroll through Sorrento and see the best sights in Naples. 

Things to Know

• Most Amalfi Coast day trips from Rome begin between 6am and 7am, and return around 9pm.

• Amalfi is located about 175 miles (280 kilometers) southeast of Rome, a journey of about 3.5 hours by road.

• Tours typically include free time to explore and enjoy the coastline at your leisure.

• Many day trips include a stop at Pompeii.

• Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes.

• The winding road along the Amalfi Coast is arguably Italy’s most scenic drive.

• You can either travel entirely by road, or choose from tours that break up the journey between bus, minivan, and train.

Walk the ancient streets in Rome, but don’t miss a visit the excavated city of Pompeii for an even more vivid look at daily life in the ancient Roman Empire. Explore both the ruins and nearby Naples on a tour from Rome—here are your options.

Guided Day Trips

A day trip to Naples and Pompeii from Rome in the company of a knowledgeable guide is great for those short on time. You’ll see the highlights of the ruins as well as the UNESCO-listed historic center of Naples on a well-organized, stress-free excursion.

Private Day Trips

Upgrade to a private day trip to Naples and Pompeii from Rome to tailor your itinerary to better suit your interests. Some private tours include lunch or wine tasting, while having a private guide means you’ll have all the time in the world to ask questions along the way.

Multi-Day Tours

Spending more than one day around Naples and Pompeii gives you the ability to explore at a slower pace—you’ll see and do more, and still have time to relax. Add visits to more sights to your trip, such as the gorgeous towns of the Amalfi Coast, the excavated city of Herculaneum (not far from Pompeii), or the islands of Capri or Ischia.

Things to Know

• Naples is roughly 140 miles (224 km) from Rome, reachable in a little more than one hour by high-speed train.

• Full-day tours from Rome to Naples are typically 10 to 14 hours long, though express options running about 7 hours are available. Prepare for a long day.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes; the terrain at Pompeii is uneven in many places.

• Bring a water bottle and sun protection—much of Pompeii is exposed, offering little shade, and drinking fountains aren’t as readily available as they are in Rome.

Known for its artistic treasures, medieval and Renaissance architecture, and prime location in Italy’s Tuscany region, Florence is a favorite destination for international travelers. That popularity often means large crowds, but by planning ahead with skip-the-line tickets and advance tour bookings, you can avoid sold-out activities and long lines at sights such as the Florence Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Accademia Gallery.

For those with time to explore the region outside Florence, you won’t want to miss a wine-tasting tour to Chianti, a day trip to the coastal villages of the Cinque Terre, or a cooking class in a Tuscan farmhouse. See below for our top picks and experiences in the Tuscan capital.

Everyone knows that Rome wasn’t built in a day but with some forward planning, it is possible to take in the highlights in one. Maximize time with skip-the-line tickets for top attractions, travel between the sights on a hop-on hop-off bus tour, and choose tours that combine multiple sights. Here’s how to see Rome in one day.

Morning: Visit the Vatican

Kick off your sightseeing in Rome with an early-access tour of the Vatican Museums. Making an early start not only saves time but also means you’ll get to enjoy the UNESCO-listed treasures before the crowds arrive. First, marvel at masterpieces by artists like Raphael, da Vinci, and Botticelli in the enormous museums, then step inside Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. Finally, head into the grand St. Peter’s Basilica, where you can climb the dome for a stunning view of the city.

Afternoon: Journey to Ancient Rome

The Colosseum is on top of most must-see lists, so it’s best to prebook skip-the-line tickets to avoid wasting hours waiting outside. Follow in the footsteps of fearless gladiators and Roman emperors as you explore the mighty amphitheater, then continue to the nearby Roman Forum, home to some of the city’s most impressive ancient ruins. Make a pit stop for some Italian gelato as you stroll into downtown Rome, where you won’t want to miss a photo by the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps.

Night: Cruise Around Illuminated Rome

Rome’s scenic riverfront is most magical by night, and an evening cruise along the Tiber river affords stunning views. Opt for a dinner cruise and tuck into traditional Italian dishes such as lasagna or gnocchi as you sail past St. Angelo’s Castle and spot the distant spires of St. Peter’s Basilica. Or, continue sightseeing in the evening hours with a moonlit tour of the Colosseum or a night walking tour of Rome’s most atmospheric neighborhoods.

Given that the Colosseum is Rome’s most recognized monument and one of Italy’s most popular attractions, you certainly won’t be alone in visiting. But skipping the line means avoiding a long wait and gaining priority access. Here are your options.

Guided Skip-the-Line Tours

Visiting the Colosseum with a guide allows you to use the exclusive tour entrance where lines are always shorter. There is a variety of tours to choose from, including private and kid-friendly options.

Skip-the-Line Colosseum and Ancient Rome Tours

Many skip-the-line Colosseum tours also visit other nearby attractions. Most cover the Forum and Palatine Hill, as all three sights share an admission ticket. Some tours stop at less commonly visited points of interest, such as the Casa di Augusto and Casa di Livia.

Skip-the-Line Colosseum Tours with Meals

Add a savory element to your Colosseum tour with a food or wine experience. You can start your day with a buffet breakfast overlooking the Forum, followed by a skip-the-line tour, or choose a dinner experience with a view of the Colosseum, with an exclusive evening tour of the monument afterward. For a full-day of sightseeing, combine a skip-the-line tour of the Colosseum and ancient Rome with a wine-tasting visit in nearby Frascati.

Sightseeing Bus Tours with Skip-the-Line Access

Cover plenty of ground with a sightseeing bus tour of Rome that stops at all the main attractions in the city. Choose a bus tour option that comes with a Roma Pass, which entitles you to fast-track entry to the Colosseum and several other sights.

The Cinque Terre is incredibly popular among travelers to Italy, but staying overnight isn’t always an option. Luckily, you can explore and hike through the five colorful villages on a convenient day trip tour from Florence—here are your options.

Cinque Terre Day Trips

Day trips to the UNESCO–listed Cinque Terre are a great option for visitors to Florence who want to get out to the coast but don’t have the time to stay a few days. A group tour will allow you to see all the top spots and may include a guided hiking trip through the five villages, the chance to swim in the turquoise waters of the Ligurian Sea, free time to wander a seaside town or two, or perhaps even a boat ride so you can enjoy views of the Cinque Terre from the water.

Combo Tours to the Cinque Terre

To make the most of your time and cover more ground in one day, choose a tour from Florence that combines a visit to the Cinque Terre with another top destination in the area. After checking out the Cinque Terre with your tour guide, make a stop in Pisa to see the iconic Leaning Tower, or continue your exploration of the Ligurian Coast with a stop in Portovenere on what's known as the Italian Riviera.

Things to Know

• Day trips from Florence to the Cinque Terre are typically 12 to 13 hours, including transport time, whether they focus solely on the Cinque Terre or include a visit to another location.

• The Cinque Terre's five towns (Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Monterosso al Mare, and Riomaggiore) are all part of the Cinque Terre National Park (Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre) and connected via a famous trail open to hiking.

• A rocky coastal area, the Cinque Terre includes trails that are quite narrow and others that are at the edge of somewhat steep cliffs. Some spots lack handrails, so wear good walking shoes to keep your footing sure.

• Bring water and sunscreen for any Cinque Terre hikes, as there's little to no shade along parts of the trails.

With three days in Rome, there’s time to check off all the must-see sights and also explore a little farther afield. Look out for sightseeing passes and super saver deals offering discounts on combined tours, and then splash out on one or two unforgettable experiences. Here’s how to spend three days in Rome.

Day 1: Discover Historic Rome

To get the lay of the land, you may want to start things off with a comprehensive full-day Rome tour or opt for a special VIP experience at a top landmark, such as breakfast at the Vatican or a night tour of the Colosseum. For independent travelers, a hop-on hop-off bus tour is a great way to get around, offering the convenience of a tour while leaving you free to decide where to go and how long to stay at each stop. Spend the morning touring the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica, then continue to the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Be sure to book skip-the-line tickets, as wait times can be more than two hours at peak times. Finally, hop off at popular photo stops like the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain.

Day 2: Take a Day Trip

Many of Italy’s top attractions can be visited on a day trip from Rome, so you have options. To maximize your time, opt for a full-day tour that visits multiple destinations. Perhaps head south to discover the remarkably preserved ruins of ancient Pompeii and admire the views along the Amalfi Coast, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Or, head a little farther to Sorrento and catch a ferry out to Capri island. If you don’t mind a long day out, it’s also possible to take day tours to visit Venice, explore the Renaissance city of Florence, or discover the medieval towns and award-winning wineries of Tuscany. If you’re on a budget, look for a tour that includes extras like hotel pickup, entrance fees, and lunch.

Day 3: Eat Your Way Around Rome

Spend your final morning visiting any sights that you’ve missed—the Borghese Gallery is a must for art fans, while history enthusiasts might prefer to explore the Catacombs of Rome or the ruins of Palatine Hill. In the afternoon, set out to sample as much of Rome’s delicious cuisine as you can. A food-tasting tour is a brilliant way to taste pizzas, pasta dishes, and street food favorites like suppli (deep-fried rice and mozzarella balls), gelato, and sweet Maritozzi pastries. Alternatively, sign up for a pizza- or pasta-making class and learn the skills to recreate these classic Italian dishes back home. On your final evening, head to the lively Trastevere district to experience Rome’s nightlife and take a stroll along the illuminated riverfront.

Two of Tuscany’s most beloved day trip destinations—Siena and San Gimignano—are easy to visit in a tour from Florence. Both have medieval structures and gorgeous scenery, with wine tasting in Chianti as an option. Here’s what you need to know.

Group Tours

Booking a spot on a group tour to Siena and San Gimignano from Florence is the most budget-friendly way to see these two charming cities. Tours include transportation, leaving you free to relax and enjoy the scenery of Tuscany en route. Many of these day tours include other destinations, such as Greve in Chianti or Pisa, so you can see even more in a single day.

Private Tours

On a private tour you’ll be able to focus more on the places and sights that interest you most, with a personal tour guide to answer your questions. Some private tours can include cities in addition to Siena and San Gimignano, such as Pisa.

Things to Know

• Siena is about 47 miles (76 kilometers) from Florence.

• There is no train station in San Gimignano, which is about 33 miles (53 kilometers) from Florence, so a vehicle is the only transportation option.

• It’s roughly 30 miles (47 kilometers) between Siena and San Gimignano.

• Some tours include a meal, either lunch or dinner, and some include wine tasting in the Chianti region, but these are not standard. Read the descriptions carefully to know what’s included.

• Siena’s historic center has steep hills from one attraction to the next, so be prepared for brief climbs as you see the sights.

• Tours are typically six to eight hours, though some run between 12 and 14 hours.

There is something about sipping Chianti on a vine-covered hillside in Tuscany, and you can do just that on a wine tour from Florence. From learning what Chianti Classico means to seeing the winemaking process firsthand, here are your options.

Half-Day Tours

Usually stopping at two wineries, half-day Chianti wine tasting tours from Florence give travelers the chance to experience the Chianti region but be back in the city by dinner. Lunch, on the other hand, is often included in a rural Tuscan country farmhouse, where you’ll sip Sangiovese after touring the cellar and viewing what goes into winemaking.

Full-Day Tours

For an immersive Tuscan wine tasting experience, spend a full day exploring the wine region. Combine a visit to local vineyards with walking tours of nearby hill towns to stroll the cobbled streets and learn the history of the Tuscan countryside. Visit some of Tuscany's UNESCO World Heritage sites while also sampling olive oil, cheese, salami, and wine; stand in Siena's Piazza del Campo; check out San Gimignano, or visit the city of Pisa. All tours include meals of classic, flavorful Tuscan cuisine.

Things to Know

• Half-day tours usually last 5 to 6 hours, while full-day tours run between 10 and 12 hours.

• The Chianti area is set about 45 minutes away from Florence by road through the rolling hills.

• Some tours focus exclusively on Chianti wine tasting, while others are true sightseeing tours that also include some wine. Decide which tours work best with your level of interest in winemaking.

• Keep in mind that most tours involve a fair amount of walking through various towns.

• Your full-day Chianti wine tour will likely include free time, so bring along some extra cash for souvenir shopping.

• Choose a convenient guided tour with included roundtrip transport from central Florence so you don’t have to worry about driving after a day of wine tasting (drunk driving penalties in Italy are severe).

Florence boasts enough world-class museums and art-filled palazzos to fill a vacation, but if you want a change of pace, there are countless treasures to be found in the surrounding Tuscan countryside. From wine tasting and cooking classes in Chianti to a glimpse of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, here our top picks for day trips. 

Chianti Wine Country

For food and wine enthusiasts, a day in the world-renowned Chianti wine region is a must. Sip authentic Chianti Classico straight from the source, and learn how some of Italy's most popular wine is made on cellar tours. Gourmet experiences such as cooking classes held in villas and Tuscan farmhouses are another way to tempt your palate. 

San Gimignano

Hailed as one of the most picturesque and well-preserved Tuscan hill towns, this UNESCO World Heritage Site remains relatively unchanged since the 13th century. More than a dozen of its watch towers still stand proud on a hilltop overlooking a landscape of rolling hills. Many Tuscany day trips include a stop here to stroll around and imagine the medieval way of life.

Siena

Another of Tuscany’s UNESCO-listed towns, Siena shines when the annual Palio horse race is held in its Piazza del Campo—one of Europe’s most celebrated squares—on July 2 and Aug. 16. Many combo tours make a brief stop here, though you can easily spend a whole day exploring monuments including the city’s black-and-white striped Gothic cathedral and towering Torre del Mangia.

Pisa

Come for the iconic Leaning Tower and stay to explore dozens of other medieval monuments, churches, palaces, and bridges in this Tuscan gem of a city. Outside of the busy Piazza dei Miracoli in which the tower stands, Pisa offers a welcome break from the tourist throngs of Florence. 

Cinque Terre

Venture a bit further to the Ligurian coast and one of Italy’s most photogenic destinations—the five villages of Cinque Terre. Perched on the Italian Riviera, these small coastal towns spill down rocky cliffs and into the sea in a riot of color. Most tours from Florence include transportation to the coast and between villages by way of train and boat, so you can view the romantic landscape from the water.

The Amalfi Coast’s colorful seaside towns are an idyllic respite from busy Naples, and they’re close enough to make for an easy day trip. Here’s what you need to know about coastal tours, which handle all of the logistics so you can simply relax.

Group Tours

The Amalfi Coast is one of the most popular day trip destinations from Naples, so organized group tours of the area are plentiful. Some tours combine a visit to the excavated ancient Roman city of Pompeii or the charming nearby city of Sorrento with one or two Amalfi Coast towns, giving you a broader sense of the region. Group tours have the benefits of being budget-friendly, and they give you a chance to focus on sightseeing rather than navigating the notoriously difficult coastal road.

Private Tours

Choose a private tour of the Amalfi Coast for the kind of unique, intimate experience you can’t get with a group tour. Learn more about the history of Pompeii with a personal guide, or travel the coastal road in a vintage Fiat 500 or on the back of an iconic Italian scooter. Private tours are ideal for small groups traveling together and for those who want to custom-build their itinerary.

Things to Know

• Though not technically part of the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento is often included on Amalfi Coast tours.

• Naples to Sorrento is about 32 miles (51 kilometers) by road, or about half that distance by boat. Naples to Positano is about 39 miles (62 kilometers) by car.

• There is no train service along the Amalfi Coast. Trains go only as far as Sorrento on one end and Salerno on the other; on the coast itself, tour buses and public buses are the main transportation options.

• The winding coastal road can be a challenge for drivers who need to share the narrow turns with large buses and tiny scooters.

As the largest church in Christendom and home to many papal tombs, St. Peter's Basilica is the grand centerpiece of the Vatican. It’s free to enter, but you’re likely to find long lines to get inside. See below to learn how to bypass the queues.

Guided Skip-the-Line Tours

Booking a special skip-the-line tour of St. Peter's means you get to use a special entrance rather than simply waiting in the usual long line to enter. Choose between tours with a knowledgeable guide leading the way and independent options that include an audio guide.

Skip-the-Line Vatican Museum Tours

Access to St. Peter's Basilica isn't included in Vatican tickets, but most museum tours end in the Sistine Chapel, where you’ll find a side door with a direct path to St. Peter's Basilica. Book a skip-the-line Vatican Museums tour and use this door to skip the extra line for the church.

Combo Tours

Combine a skip-the-line basilica walking tour with a self-guided tour of the church's cupola — head up into the cupola with an audio guide, and be prepared to take in one of the best views in Rome. Alternatively, combine a skip-the-line tour of St. Peter's with an exclusive visit to the Vatican's Mosaic Studio, which dates back to the 16th century and is generally closed to the public. Meet the artists who repair and restore the intricate mosaic artwork inside the church.

Florence is fabulous any time of year, but summertime means balmy weather, Tuscan sunshine, and plenty of opportunities to eat, drink, and explore the Renaissance capital. Here are some of our favorite ways to experience Florence’s attractions and culture this summer.

• Use the heat as an excuse to eat as much gelato as you can stand, and even learn how to make your own at a cooking class.
• Enjoy cooler weather and admire illuminated landmarks on a nighttime walking tour or bike tour.
• Cruise through the hills outside the city on a Vespa adventure.
• Take a boat ride on the Arno River for another perspective on Florentine architecture.
• Enjoy refreshing cocktails and Italian snacks on an aperitivo tour.
• Rise above the picturesque countryside on a hot-air-balloon ride.
• Discover Chianti wine on a Tuscany wine tour.
• Breathe in the fresh air above the hot pavement on a tour of the Duomo’s exclusive skywalk terraces.
• Head to the coast on a Cinque Terre day trip to beat the heat and explore these exquisite Ligurian villages.

The excavated city of Pompeii offers visitors a genuine feel for ancient Roman life, as they can travel back in time to stroll the cobbled streets that were buried in volcanic ash nearly 2,000 years ago. Here’s how to best visit this UNESCO-listed site from Naples.

Half-Day Tours

The ruins of Pompeii are close enough to the center of Naples that it’s easy to visit the archaeological site with a half-day tour. Fit it into your trip to Naples with a morning or afternoon trip, but keep in mind that there’s not much shade so it’s best to bring sun protection in summer. You’ll be back in Naples in time for an evening out exploring the city.

Full-Day Tours

With a full-day tour, you can add other destinations and activities to a Pompeii tour, including a hike up to the crater of Mt. Vesuvius—the volcano that buried the city in the first place. Another option is to visit Pompeii and Herculaneum, a smaller yet better preserved ancient city also buried by Vesuvius. For a break from history, consider a tour that combined Pompeii with an exploration of Sorrento or the stunning Amalfi Coast.

Things to Know

• The excavated ancient city of Pompeii is set 16.6 miles (26.5 kilometers) from Naples.

• Pompeii tours involve quite a bit of walking over uneven surfaces, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. Bring water and sunscreen during warm weather, too.

• Half-day tours tend to be five hours or fewer, while some full-day tours can be about nine hours long.

Florence isn’t just the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance: this UNESCO-listed city is also the capital of Tuscany, surrounded by the region’s beautiful countryside. With three days to explore, here’s how to enjoy Florence’s artistic and architectural masterpieces and also take a day trip beyond the city limits to the Tuscan hills.

Day 1: Marvelous Marble

One of Florence’s most iconic works of art is Michelangelo’s David, an image that graces everything from T-shirts to calendars at souvenir shops throughout the city. Savor this soaring statue with an early access tour first thing in the morning, taking in the beauty of the work before the crowds arrive. Afterward, continue on to discover Florence’s other famous marble masterpiece: the Duomo. Opt for a tour with skip-the-line access to the complex, or you will spend precious hours waiting to enter the church, baptistery, bell tower, dome, and museum. Once you’ve explored two of the city’s most important cultural treasures, take the rest of the day to get to know its Renaissance center. Hop-on hop-off tours are a convenient way to get a feel for the city, or guided Florence walking, bike, or Vespa scooter tours generally include highlights like Ponte Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria.

Day 2: Culture and Cuisine

The Uffizi is one of the most popular museums in Italy and attracts millions of visitors each year. The best way to enjoy important works by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo—without being overwhelmed by the size of the collection and the crowds—is to opt for a guided tour that includes early entry before the galleries open to the general public. After you’ve had your fill of art, it’s time for gastronomic delights. Florence is known for its excellent cuisine, and you can sample some of its best food and wine on a gourmet tour of the city or by joining a cooking class. Food and wine tours often stop at the city’s outdoor markets, street food stands, restaurants, wine bars; during a cooking class, you can delve even deeper and discover the secret to preparing Florentine dishes before sitting down to enjoy them during an informal meal.

Day 3: Head for the Hills

For much of the year, Florence is packed with tourists drawn by the importance of its art and beauty of its center. For a respite from the crowds, take a day to explore the quiet countryside or smaller towns in the surrounding region of Tuscany. Popular Tuscan towns include elegant Pisa, medieval Siena, and charming San Gimignano; if you’d like to relax on the coast, opt for a day trip to the five fishing villages of the Cinque Terre in the neighboring region of Liguria. Another popular option is to explore the rolling hills of Chianti: Tuscan wine and food tours are perfect for foodies, or the more adventurous can choose to explore the countryside on a horseback ride, by vintage Fiat 500, or by joining a bike tour. For a truly unforgettable view of Tuscany, take a hot air balloon ride over its postcard-perfect landscape.

With its tranquil coves, charming villages, and spectacular views, Capri is one of the highlights of the gulf of Naples. Reachable only by boat, the island makes for an easy day tour from Naples. Here’s what you need to know for a memorable trip.

Group Tours

Group tours offer the best value and mean you can maximize your time and cram multiple sites into one day. In addition to checking off the island’s top attractions—including the Blue Grotto, the Faraglioni rock formations, the Roman ruins of Villa Jovis, and the towns of Capri and Anacapri—many tours combine an island visit with stops at Pompeii, Sorrento, or the Amalfi Coast.

Private Tours

Private tours offer a more personalized experience and a flexibility itinerary that can be tailored to your interests. Enjoy the undivided attention of your private guide as you visit sights such as the Villa San Michele, the Gardens of Augustus, and Marina Grande; take a scenic boat ride around the Blue Grotto, or drive along the famous Mamma Mia! road. Alternatively, save time with a private speedboat transfer and explore the island at your own pace.

Things to Know

• Capri island is located in the Bay of Naples and is reachable only by boat.

• High-speed ferries take about 45 minutes from Naples.

• Day tours from Naples typically last eight to 10 hours, and most tours include hotel pickup and round-trip transport by hydrofoil.

• Capri has a Mediterranean climate, so be sure to wear sunblock and drink plenty of water if you’re visiting during summer.

As Italy’s capital, Rome has a brisk urban pace that can be overwhelming. Luckily, the city is home to peaceful parks offering respite from the summer heat, quiet paths far from traffic, and some of the best views over the domes and rooftops of the historic center. Here are our top picks of the best parks and gardens in the Eternal City.

Villa Borghese

The center of the city and queen of Rome’s public parks is Villa Borghese, home to the spectacular Villa Borghese museum, with a collection including works by Bernini, Caravaggio, and others. This vast park, dotted with statues, fountains, lakes, and small museums, houses the city zoo and the Pincio terrace, where you can take in the sweeping view over Piazza del Popolo and the city center.

Villa Doria Pamphili

Once the private estate of the aristocratic Pamphili family and another of Rome’s top public parks, Villa Doria Pamphili is the largest landscaped garden in the city. The headliner here is the Casino del Bel Respiro, an elegant, 17th-century villa surrounded by exquisite parterre. Gardening enthusiasts will love the meticulous landscaping, but the winding paths, rich bird life, pretty pedestrian bridge, and towering shade trees make this garden a welcome oasis for everyone.

The Botanical Garden (Orto Botanico)

Tucked in the Trastevere neighborhood overlooking the sumptuous Palazzo Corsini, Rome’s excellent Botanical Garden is often overlooked, despite its lush grounds covering 30 acres (12 hectares) and planted with more than 3,000 species. Meander uphill through the bamboo forest, Japanese garden, rose garden, and greenhouses bursting with orchids, bonsai, cacti, and other flora to the scenic lookout at the top of Janiculum Hill, where you can pause to take in the view over the city.

Orange Garden (Giardini degli Aranci)

Across the Tiber River from the Botanical Garden, the pocket-size Orange Garden sits at the top of Aventine Hill, one of Rome’s seven historic hills and among the most scenic spots in the historic center. Thick with orange trees and umbrella pines, this gated garden near the Circus Maximus and Mouth of Truth (Bocca della Verità) is a popular stop for shutterbugs who want to capture the view of Michelangelo’s dome topping St. Peter’s Basilica.

The Vatican Gardens

After the throngs of visitors that crowd the other highlights in Vatican City, these gardens just steps from St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel are surprisingly quiet. Open in June, July, and August, these 13th-century gardens spread across a series of landscaped terraces dotted with flower beds and fountains are the perfect break after visiting the basilica and Vatican Museums. The footsore can even explore the gardens via an open-air bus.

Travel two hours from Rome and 2,000 years back in time to the ancient city of Pompeii, which was tragically buried in ash. Here are some ways to experience the famous UNESCO-listed ruins, either as a half-day or full-day tour from Italy’s capital. 

Half-Day Tours

If you want to see Pompeii and be back in Rome by dinner (and perhaps a wine tasting), half-day tours typically leave in the morning and return by early afternoon. Spend two hours at the excavated ruins and see for yourself why the entire area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A half-day tour still offers enough time to explore the area surrounding Pompeii on your own before returning to Rome for an evening out in the city.

Full-Day Tours

If you’d prefer to see more in the Pompeii region, make a full day of it by checking out the ruins and touring Sorrento to sip limoncello, or hike up the slopes of Mt. Vesuvius for unforgettable views (only accessible in summer). Visit the heart of downtown Naples and see popular sights like Castel dell’Ovo and Piazza del Plebiscito, or stroll the narrow, cobbled streets of Positano on the scenic Amalfi Coast.

Things to Know

• Pompeii is located 150 miles (242 kilometers) southeast of Rome, a 2.5-hour journey by road.

• Most tours travel from Rome to Naples by train, and then transfer to minivan or bus. A few tours drive directly from Rome, so be sure to check the itinerary.

• Virtually all tours include skip-the-line access to the ruins at Pompeii.

• Pack for warm weather—especially in summer—since southern Italy is often a few degrees warmer than central Rome. 

• Full-day Pompeii tours usually meet in Rome around 6am or 7am, and most last between 12 and 14 hours.

Of all the global cultural wonders that have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status, only one represents an entire country: Vatican City. The world’s smallest sovereign state is the spiritual home of the Catholic Church and an incomparable storehouse of artistic treasures. Here are our top picks.

Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums house the largest collection of art in the world, and with so much to see, a guided tour is the best way to ensure you check off all the highlights. Opt for a private tour, an early-access Vatican tour, or skip-the-line entrance to avoid the crowds and marvel at the Raphael Rooms, Gallery of the Maps, and the Gallery of Tapestries. Take a VIP tour to explore the Vatican’s Secret Rooms or Vatican Gardens.

Sistine Chapel

Often included in tours of the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel is one of Rome’s most visited sights, famous for its magnificent ceiling frescoes—Michelangelo’s The Last Judgment and The Creation of Adam. For a more personalized experience, take in the Renaissance masterpiece on a private or early-access Sistine Chapel tour.

St. Peter’s Basilica

One of the world’s most important catholic pilgrimage sites, St. Peter's Basilica is home to Renaissance gems like Michelangelo’s La Pieta sculpture and Bernini’s Baldacchino. Choose a tour with skip-the-line entrance, an audio guide or tour guide, or take in the views from the basilica’s cupola.

St. Peter’s Square

The grand centerpiece of Vatican City and the starting point of any walking tour, St. Peter’s Square offers a dramatic view of St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel. It’s also the site of the weekly address of the pope—pre-book to secure a papal audience ticket.

Florence is an ideal base for day trips into Tuscany, and the most popular destination by far is nearby Pisa, home of the iconic leaning tower and a number of lesser-known sights worth seeing. Here are your options for visiting Pisa from Florence.

Half-Day Tours

Since Pisa is so close to Florence, it’s easy to visit on a half-day tour—an especially appealing idea if you’ve got limited time in Florence and want to spend as much time as possible there. See Pisa’s highlights—the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the cathedral, and the baptistery included—in just a few hours. Upgrade to add a skip-the-line ticket to climb the iconic tower.

Combo Full-Day Tours

When transportation is organized for you and you’ve got a helpful tour guide on hand, it’s easy to combine a visit to Pisa with a stop in another destination on a full-day tour. Explore the heavy hitters of Tuscany with a day trip to Pisa, Siena, and San Gimignano; spend the day in the charming walled town of Lucca after a stop in Pisa; or visit Pisa and then head all the way to the Ligurian coast to see the Cinque Terre.

Things to Know

• Pisa is just under 52 miles (83 kilometers) from Florence; it takes about an hour to get there by road and slightly less time by train.

• Half-day tours typically last five to six hours, while full-day options are usually eight to nine hours long, with some of the more jam-packed trips coming in at 13 or 14 hours.

• Be prepared to walk quite a bit on your day trip. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle to stay hydrated when it’s hot out.

• If you’re afraid of heights or can get claustrophobic, climbing the leaning tower might not be the right option for you.

Containing some of the world's most famous art and the largest church in Christendom, the UNESCO-listed Vatican ranks among Rome's most popular sites and draws notoriously large crowds. See below to learn how to visit without waiting in any lines.

Guided Skip-the-Line Tours

One of the perks of guided Vatican tours is the ability to bypass the usual crowded entrances. Tour groups get to use separate exclusive areas of entry, where the lines are much shorter. This is particularly helpful at the Vatican Museums, where waiting in the regular line can last hours.

Skip-the-Line Tickets

Even without a guided tour, you can opt for skip-the-line tickets to expedite the entry process. You'll still go through the main entrances, but you'll bypass the long ticket lines and move to the area for those with reserved entry times.

Tours with Early Entry

Some guided tours feature early access to Vatican sights, getting you in before the doors open to the general public. You'll not only avoid the long lines but also miss the biggest crowds. Choose an early-access Vatican Museums tour that starts in the Sistine Chapel, or opt for one that includes breakfast at the Vatican before your tour.

Combo Skip-the-Line Tours

A day in Vatican City typically includes visits to St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums, plus the Sistine Chapel. But for those who want to go beyond the usual stops, book a skip-the-line tour that also includes visits to less-frequented Roman sites that can only be seen with a guide — think the Bramante Staircase, the Cabinet of Masks, or the Vatican's Mosaic Studio.

The Colosseum is Rome's best-known icon, so it's a good idea to plan ahead and avoid getting stuck in long entry lines. For the ultimate experience, choose a VIP tour that offers special access and exclusive activities. See below for your options.

Skip-the-Line Tours

The easiest way to make your Colosseum experience more pleasant is to avoid waiting in what can be extremely long lines at the monument's entrance. Some skip-the-line options still require a wait since so many people now book in advance, but group tours go through a different entrance. This means that booking a spot on a guided tour helps you bypass the longer queues and quickly get inside to start exploring.

Combination Tours

Most people who visit the Colosseum have other Roman attractions on their must-see list, and a number of tour options combine skip-the-line entry to the Colosseum with visits to other nearby sights at a discounted rate. Explore the Palatine Hill and the Forum, or opt to stop at less-visited ruins such as the Casa di Augusto and Casa di Livia.

Dinner and a Show

Make an evening of your Colosseum tour. Start with dinner at a rooftop restaurant that overlooks the amphitheater, followed by a nighttime tour of the Colosseum — including the exclusive underground level. If you're more of a morning person, replace dinner with a buffet breakfast overlooking the Forum and then get a tour of the Colosseum through the gladiator's entrance.

Rome’s narrow roads make driving and parking a challenge, so consider skipping a rental car in favor of alternative transportation options. Take advantage of the excellent public transit system, explore by foot or bike, hop on a tour bus, or travel by scooter as the Romans do. Here are your options. 

Public Transit

Though it can get crowded during rush hour, public transit in Rome is extensive and affordable, encompassing metro, bus, and tram lines. Tickets are typically good on all forms of public transit, with single-use passes as well as one-day and multi-day options available. 

Walking and Biking Tours

The historic heart of Rome is compact, with many popular attractions within walking distance of each other. Join a guided walking tour to visit ancient Roman sites such as the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, Campo de’ Fiori, and Piazza Navona. Book a food-themed tour to indulge in Rome’s many flavors, or a bike tour to cover more ground than you would on foot.

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours

Get your bearings in Rome with a ride on a double-decker bus. Sit on the open-top upper deck and spot famous landmarks including the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Vatican City. Stay onboard for an audio-guided tour, or hop on and off the bus route to discover the city at your own pace. 

Vespa Tours

Do as the Romans do, and explore the city from the back of a scooter. Rent your own, or choose a customized Vespa tour and let your guide do the driving. Zip through the streets quickly, and discover neighborhoods beyond the historic center. Bonus: Scooter parking is typically easy to find. Vespa tours can be customized according to your personal interests.