Italian Bucket List Trip

Travel Guide

Oct 3

visited: oct 2022, may 2015 - present

If you’re planning your dream trip to Italy, narrowing down where to visit can be difficult. Italy offers such a range of beautiful sceneries — from mountains to ocean, and art to history — and trying to curate the perfect trip can be daunting. I would suggest spending at least 3 days in any given location for enough time to explore without feeling stretched too thin, and pick the number of destinations accordingly.

Below are my favourite regions and cities in Italy after a 2.5-week trip in 2022 and living here for the better part of a year.

  Disclaimer: This post is based on my personal experience. Always double-check local conditions and do your own research before travelling. Any locations or activities marked with an asterisk (*) are ones I haven’t personally visited yet, but they’re on my list for next time based on recommendations I trust.

Vernazza sits below, a colourful town straddling land and sea. the brilliant blue water stands against the bright greens of the land in sharp contrast. — *Vernazza from the Cinque Terre trail above*

Cinque Terre

This stretch of coastal towns were the inspiration for the village depicted in the Disney movie Luca. While the beauty of the Amalfi Coast is in the simple, monochromatic white palette of the buildings, Cinque Terre’s beauty comes through in its rich, bright hues. Each town has its own claim to fame, and no matter which order you visit them in you’ll be convinced they’re getting more beautiful as you go. Cooking classes, hiking paths, fresh seafood and beaches, there is so much to do.

Venice

Impressive, famous, and magical, Venice is one of those places that is incredibly unique. Don’t get me wrong, it is extremely touristy, there are almost no locals, and it is literally sinking. All of that said, the UNESCO site is worth visiting once for the experience. Filled with beautiful neighbourhoods, lively piazzas, and of course, the over 150 canals that the city is known for.

Pompeii

… and the Herculaneum* and Mount Vesuvius*. If ancient history fascinates you, skipping this simply isn’t possible. I’ve visited Pompeii twice, and I felt just as amazed the second time around. The “Lost City” has so much to explore that you could easily spend the better half of a day wandering the streets, and roaming the countless villas, baths, brothels and amphitheatres which have been recovered. The scene of such a tragic event transports you entirely and leaves you filled with a soft, reflective sadness.

Amalfi Coast

A medley of cute, coastal towns lining white-washed cliffs along the Tyrrhenian Sea, the iconic coastline is something straight off a postcard. Whether you want to visit the more iconic Amalfi or Positano*, or hoping to explore the quaint locally favoured fishing towns, you won’t be disappointed. Be sure to sit at one of the many spots with a view and indulge in a limoncello spritz while you’re there.

Tuscany

Think cypress trees, vineyards, olive groves and magical towns. Sure, Florence is impressive, Pisa* is famous, but the small towns nestled in the hills are where the real beauty of Tuscany lies. Whether you’re visiting medieval Arezzo, walled Lucca, or hilltop Orvieto*, you will be happy you did.

Tree visible in top left, orange terracotta roofs, towers scattered throughout the town. the hilly landscape visible in the distance — *View from the Guinigi Tower in Lucca*

Rome

Looking to explore the eternal city? It's the perfect stop for anyone interested in walking in the shoes of Ancient Romans, visiting religious spaces, or hoping to find the best carbonara there is. Be prepared for long days in full sun and high step counts, so pack your best walking shoes and start living your Lizzie McGuire dreams!

Let me know if there’s anywhere you would add to this list!

Cities & Urban GuidesNature & Scenic SpotsMountains & Hikes

Megan Petrie