Seven ways to experience Italy, from Alpine adventures to city breaks
Italy celebrates the spirit of curiosity, enlightenment, and exploration. In its territory, you can ski under some of Europe’s highest peaks, walk through streets shaped by the Roman History, see Renaissance masterpieces, admire mediaeval canals, and enjoy one of the country’s finest modern fashion capitals.
A first-timer could easily go to Rome or Venice, while another could go to the mountains, food culture, or modern cities. Some of the best ways to explore Italy are group ski holidays from the Alps to the ancient cities and modern urban centres. So, where to go?
1. Ski in the Alps in Courmayeur
If you’re an adventurer or a thrill seeker, then head up to Courmayeur in the Aosta Valley.
Located at the base of Mont Blanc, Courmayeur is a beautiful alpine setting and a charming Italian mountain village. It is especially good for ski and snowboard enthusiasts in the winter months, and the surrounding areas are ideal for walking and sightseeing during the off-season.
What to do:
- Ski or snowboard. Ride the slopes of the mountain area around Courmayeur.
- Take the Skyway Monte Bianco. Head towards Mont Blanc for fantastic mountain views.
- Visit the town centre. Walk around the old streets, shops, cafés and restaurants.
- Eat local food. Taste Aostan dishes inspired by Italian and Alpine influences.
For those who prefer to spend their holiday in the mountains, a skiing trip offers a unique way to experience Italy.
2. Visit the Dolomites in Cortina d’Ampezzo
Alternatively, you can also visit and ski the Dolomites in Cortina d’Ampezzo. The dramatic rock formations of the Dolomites are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are among Italy’s most recognisable mountain landscapes.
Beyond the ski season, Cortina is a place of summer outdoor adventure sports for thrill-seekers.
What to do:
- Ski in the winter. Visit one of the most popular Italian ski resorts.
- Hike in summer. Hike along mountain paths in the Dolomites.
- Use a cable car. Climb to high vantage points without climbing all the way to the top of the mountain.
- Explore the resort. Enjoy cafés, restaurants and traditional mountain architecture.
3. Walk through Ancient Rome
No other city is as close to the past as Rome. The Italian capital is filled with layers of history, from the ancient Roman buildings to the Renaissance churches and Baroque squares. It has a historic centre that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Where to go:
- Colosseum. Visit the giant amphitheatre and learn how Roman people entertained themselves.
- Roman Forum. Explore the political and religious center of ancient Rome.
- Pantheon. See one of the best-preserved ancient Roman monuments.
- Trevi Fountain. Visit one of the city’s most famous Baroque landmarks.
- Vatican City. Visit St Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel.
4. Experience Renaissance Florence
Whereas Rome is the city of ancient history, Florence is one of the best places to experience the Renaissance. The historic centre of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to palaces, churches, and world-class museums that offer exceptional educational value for school trips to Italy.
Where to go:
- Uffizi Gallery. View some of the most important works of Renaissance art.
- Duomo. Admire Florence’s famous cathedral and its enormous dome.
- Ponte Vecchio. Cross the ancient bridge over the River Arno.
- Palazzo Vecchio. Visit one of the most important historic buildings in the city.
- Piazzale Michelangelo. Stroll around and admire the views of Florence.
5. Discover Venice’s Living History
Venice offers something completely different from other cities. The city was constructed on a lagoon and linked by hundreds of bridges, and became a major maritime power. If you’re a romantic person, perhaps you can sigh by the Bridge of Sighs or whenever you take a gondola ride.
Where to go:
- St Mark’s Square. Visit St Mark’s Basilica, the Campanile and Doge’s Palace.
- Doge’s Palace. Discover the former centre of Venetian political power.
- Cross the Rialto Bridge. Cross one of the most famous bridges in Venice.
- Vaporetto, Grand Canal. Ride a vaporetto to see the city’s architecture from a different perspective.
- Murano. Explore the nearby island that is traditionally known as the island of Venetian glass.
6. Experience the Food Culture of Bologna
Bologna is a city with a rich history and a lively daily life. The capital of Emilia-Romagna has a long history and is particularly famous for its food culture. The historic centre is renowned for its arcades, mediaeval buildings and vibrancy.
What to do:
- Walk under the porticoes. Take a stroll through the city’s unique pedestrian walkways.
- Explore Piazza Maggiore. Walk around the centre of Bologna’s historic district.
- Visit San Luca. Climb up to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca through the long portico.
- Shop at the markets. Explore local produce and regional specialities.
- Eat traditional food. Taste the Emilia-Romagna fresh pasta.
7. Explore Modern Italy in Milan and Naples
Italy is a country with a rich history, but it also retains much of its modern identity. Milan is the fashion, design, business, and financial hub, yet maintains some of the country’s historic landmarks, including the Gothic Duomo, Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and the country’s historic fashion district. Visitors can also enjoy the latest in contemporary architecture in Porta Nuova.
Moving further south, Naples is livelier, with a rich history, lively streets and views of Vesuvius. Discover its ancient heart, visit the National Archaeological Museum, taste the typical Neapolitan pizza and stroll along the waterfront. A day excursion to the nearby Pompeii provides an important archaeological dimension.
Experience Italy Your Way
The best thing about Italy is its diversity. Every location has its own view, from the snow-capped Alps of Courmayeur and Cortina to the ancient streets of Rome, the Renaissance city of Florence, historic Venice and the lively modern cities of Milan and Naples. Italy offers many opportunities to create a memorable trip, whether you seek adventure, culture, education, or food, or simply want to explore a new place.