Venice mesmerizes visitors immediately upon arrival with its narrow streets and distinctive Venetian buildings, graceful gondola rides through canals, and St Mark’s Square and Basilica as focal points, yet there’s much more to experience and discover here. Find the best places to propose in Italy.
The Amalfi Coast’s dramatic cliffs and breathtaking vistas have long enthralled Roman emperors and Hollywood stars alike. It is also home to luxurious boutiques, citrus orchards, and coastal villages draped with wisteria vines.
1. Milan
Milan, the largest city in Italy’s Lombardy region, is an international gastronomy and fashion capital. Home to one of Italy’s finest opera houses, 20 Michelin-starred restaurants, and numerous eye-catching landmarks—from skyscrapers to charming canals—Milan is a truly remarkable city that deserves to be explored thoroughly.
The magnificent Duomo Cathedral stands as the heart of Milan. Visitors can explore its incredible roof for incredible views or enter its basilica to marvel at its ornate interior.
UniCredit Tower stands over 750 feet and shines silver with pride in Milan’s Porta Nuova district. For an immersive outdoor experience, check out the BAM Tree Library Gardens nearby or explore Corso Como shops and cafes for further discovery.
Milan should be explored through its historic center, where you will discover not only baroque churches and art-rich museums but also its bohemian Brera district, which boasts galleries and cozy cafes.
Fashion enthusiasts should visit the Quadrilatero della Moda (Fashion Square), an extensive network of high-end shopping streets such as Via Montenapoleone, Via Sant’Andrea, Via Senato, and Via Manzoni. These streets feature designer brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Armani, as well as luxurious boutiques.
Brera district boasts some of the city’s premier museums, such as Pinacoteca di Brera and Braidense National Library. Art lovers will particularly enjoy visiting Braidense for its extensive collection of Renaissance masterpieces, including Madonna of Cherubims and Lamentation of Christ by Andrea Mantegna, Marriage of Virgin by Raphael, Pieta by Giovanni Bellini, and Holy Conversion by Piero della Francesca, among many others.
Visitors who prefer walking will find that the city is highly pedestrian-friendly; many sights can be reached within walking distance. Buses and trams are also easy to navigate, with tickets readily available at kiosks, newsstands, or on board each vehicle.
2. Umbria
Umbria boasts a distinct identity rooted in medieval traditions, captivating visitors with picturesque hill towns and stunning landscapes. Etruscans, Romans, and medieval feuding families left their mark on its cities; history seems to unfold at every turn here. Additionally, visitors flock to stunning religious sites, and illustrious artists such as Mantegna, Pinturicchio, and Beato Angelico created masterpieces in Umbria, which attract pilgrims as well as art lovers looking for masterpieces by these artists.
Assisi is known as the birthplace of Saint Francis and a popular pilgrimage destination on our jubilee tours. Renowned for its unique religious buildings – like St. Francis’ tomb in Basilica di San Francesco – Assisi offers handicraft workshops and food markets as well as family-owned restaurants offering delicious local fare such as Orvieto Classico white wine – perfect for celebrating our Golden Jubilee tours!
Narni, which served as the setting for The Chronicles of Narnia film series, offers visitors an incredible journey along a 5km river path alongside lush green meadows and magical woodland; views that have inspired many impressionist paintings; as well as incredible sunset views – making Narni one of Italy’s most romantic locations to visit.
Umbria provides foodies with many delicious culinary delights, from truffles and sausages to handmade pasta, extra virgin olive oil, and cheeses. Furthermore, its historic restaurants and trattorias serve up tasty yet budget-friendly fare.
Umbria is less popular among tourists than Tuscany, making it more authentic and peaceful to explore. It offers breathtaking mountain peaks, wildflower-covered meadows, and ancient forests – the perfect environment for hiking, mountain biking, and free climbing activities.
3. Sicily
Sicily is a treasure chest of art and architecture treasures, from ancient Greek temples to Roman villas and aqueducts, Moorish fortresses, and Baroque town centers – each culture left its unique mark, giving Sicily its unique culture and personality.
Sicilian history is celebrated throughout its many UNESCO World Heritage sites. Don’t miss Agrigento’s Valley of Temples; also, explore a Greek amphitheater in Siracusa or Ragusa’s spectacular Norman cathedral!
Experience its history through its cuisine and traditions: try its famous arancini, caponata, and parmigiana di melanzane (parmigiano-stuffed eggplant). Plus, sample some of its finest wines, such as Nero d’Avola and Inzolia!
Plan your visit around one of Sicily’s signature food festivals, known as Sagre, which celebrates seasonal ingredients and dishes. Many cities and towns across the island host festivals dedicated to specific recipes, wines, or foods—Palermo celebrates oranges, Cerda honors artichokes, and Mazara del Vallo celebrates seafood dishes.
Sicily is famed for its delicious cuisine, breathtaking beaches, and spectacular natural scenery – offering ample opportunity for relaxation. Take a dip in the crystal-clear Mediterranean waters or head off-grid to one of many peaceful coves for some peaceful timeout.
This island’s shoreline boasts some of the most dramatic cliffs and gorges in Italy. If you visit Mount Etna, climb its active volcano for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes from its summit. Catania, in particular, hosts some outstanding vineyards for visitors to tour and sample local wines made with Nerello Mascalese or Carricante grapes.
Sicily is famously rich with a vibrant culture that transcends its buildings and ruins; its vibrant spirit can also be felt deep within its people. Be sure to plan your trip around some of its annual cultural events or festivals, such as WOMAD in Taormina or Palermo’s Festival for its Patron Saint example.
4. Italian Alps
The Italian Alps form a mountain-dotted arc spanning Italy’s northern side and are both an idyllic ski destination and a summer hiking hotspot. Boasting spectacular peaks, picturesque rock formations, and lush pastures – making the region truly spectacular for outdoor enthusiasts and nature enthusiasts.
The Alps once marked a frontier between nations—Hannibal marched his elephants across them in 218 BC—and today are used for many activities. Skiing is popular during the winter months, while hiking is increasingly popular throughout the summer; locals come out in droves to tackle long-distance trails while staying at cozy rifugios.
Hiking allows you to experience the spectacular rocky peaks of Gran Paradiso National Park, stroll beneath towering snowy cliffs of the Dolomites, or find rare flowers blooming along peaceful valley paths – and finish it all off by rewarding yourself with a beer from one of many well-placed rifugios!
Get active this holiday and experience the Dolomite’s alpine lakes up close, taking in their gorgeous green hue and the dramatic mountain landscapes – particularly Lago di Braies, with its dramatic rock face rising out of its water surface! For something different try Trento for wine tasting of superior quality or Lago di Braies to witness spectacular alpine lakes with calm, emerald waters.
Take some time to explore this area’s villages and get acquainted with its vibrant culture by consulting a local expert. The expert can recommend places worth seeing and shed light on the area’s distinctive traditions.
The Alps are an incredible mountainous region renowned for its scenery and for providing a glimpse into Italy’s culture and history. From exploring ancient ruins to sampling fine wines produced there, Mac Adventure’s spectacular mountainous region has something for everyone. Our team of specialists will ensure all details of your itinerary run smoothly!
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