The ideal length depends on your interests, but most travellers benefit from at least 7–10 days to experience two or three regions comfortably. For a more immersive itinerary, 10–14 days allows time to combine cities, countryside, and coastal destinations.

For first-time travellers, Rome, Florence, and Venice offer an excellent introduction to Italy’s history, art, and culture. Many visitors also combine Tuscany or the Amalfi Coast for a more relaxed experience.

Authentic experiences often include staying in family-run hotels, visiting local markets, enjoying regional cuisine, and exploring lesser-known towns and villages with the guidance of a specialist.

High-speed trains are ideal for major cities, while hiring a car is often the best option for rural areas such as Tuscany, Puglia, Sicily, and Umbria.

Tuscany, Piedmont, Emilia-Romagna, and Sicily are among the top regions for culinary travel, each offering distinctive wines, regional dishes, and memorable gastronomic experiences.

For peak travel periods and highly sought-after accommodations, booking 6–12 months in advance is recommended, particularly for tailor-made and luxury itineraries.

Puglia, Le Marche, Basilicata, Friuli Venezia Giulia, and the Aeolian Islands offer authentic experiences with fewer crowds and exceptional local character.

Yes. Italy offers a wide range of family-friendly villas, agriturismos, beach resorts, and cultural experiences suitable for travellers of all ages.

Italy is one of the world’s most romantic destinations, with options ranging from the Amalfi Coast and Venice to Tuscany and Lake Como, each offering unique experiences for couples.

An Italy specialist can save time, provide insider recommendations, secure exclusive experiences, and design an itinerary tailored to your interests and travel style.

ABTOI (the Association of British Travel Organisers to Italy) is the UK’s leading travel association dedicated exclusively to promoting travel to Italy. Our members are specialist tour operators and travel companies with extensive expertise in Italian destinations, culture, and experiences.

ABTOI members are trusted Italy travel specialists who offer expert knowledge and carefully curated itineraries. Booking with a member provides reassurance, quality, and access to insider expertise.

Italy specialists offer in-depth destination knowledge, personalised recommendations, and access to unique experiences such as private tours, food and wine journeys, and tailor-made itineraries.

A tailor-made holiday allows you to create a personalised itinerary based on your interests, whether that includes culture, gastronomy, wellness, family travel, or luxury experiences.

Popular destinations include Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, Sicily, Venice, Rome, Lake Como, Puglia, Sardinia, and the Italian Lakes, each offering distinct experiences and styles of travel. However, some of Italy’s most rewarding experiences can be found in lesser-known destinations that offer authentic local culture, outstanding food and wine, and a slower pace of life — often without the crowds.

These hidden gems include Le Marche, with its rolling hills, medieval hill towns and Adriatic coastline; Umbria, known as Italy’s “green heart”, rich in art, spirituality and countryside charm; Basilicata, home to the remarkable cave city of Matera and dramatic landscapes; Friuli Venezia Giulia, where Italian, Austrian and Slovenian influences create a fascinating cultural blend; Molise, one of Italy’s least-visited regions, offering untouched villages and traditional cuisine; and Calabria, with its rugged coastline, mountain scenery and deeply rooted local traditions.

The Aeolian Islands, Pantelleria, and the Maremma coast of southern Tuscany also provide a more tranquil and authentic alternative to Italy’s better-known hotspots, combining natural beauty with a strong sense of place.

Italy can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and autumn are ideal for sightseeing, summer is perfect for coastal destinations, and winter is excellent for skiing, festive city breaks, and cultural travel.

You can search the ABTOI member directory to connect with experienced UK-based travel companies specialising in tailor-made holidays, escorted tours, and niche experiences throughout Italy.

Rome, Florence, Venice, Ravenna, Turin and Matera are rich in history, architecture and artistic treasures.

Sardinia, Sicily, Elba, Ischia, Capri and the Aeolian Islands each offer distinct landscapes, beaches and cultural experiences.

The Dolomites, Courmayeur, Cervinia and the Aosta Valley offer excellent skiing, scenery and alpine hospitality.

Sicily, Puglia, Tuscany, Umbria and Piedmont are particularly well suited to escorted and specialist group travel.