I hate when people ask me what they should see and where they should go if they only have 10 days in Italy. There is just so much to see and do in Italy, narrowing it down feels impossible! I have been going back and fourth for over a decade now and there are still so many places that I still want to see. So, I thought it would be fun to put together the ultimate Italy bucket list. The idea behind this list was to create a comprehensive list that highlights the best of Italy as well as covers Italy’s diverse regions and cultures. Here is what I came up with. The ones marked with an asterisk are the items still on my Italian to-do list.
- Climb the Cathedral in Milan
- Take Gondola Ride in Venice
- Explore the Colosseum and Roman Forum
- Take a Boat Ride Around the Island of Capri
- Sip a Cocktail Overlooking Positano
- Splash in Sardinia’s Pink Beach*
- Eat Seafood in Burano
- Gaze at Michelangelo’s David
- Explore a Lesser-Known Region like Umbria or Puglia
- Eat Pesto in Vernazza
- Hike the Cinque Terre
- See the Ruins of Pompeii
- Eat Pizza in Naples
- Visit the Anatomy Theatre in Bologna
- Marvel at Giotto in Assisi
- Take a Silly Photo at the Leaning Tower of Pisa
- Explore Etruscan Tombs in Orvieto
- Re-Live the Renaissance in the Uffizi
- Climb Mount Vesuvio
- Experience the Palio in Siena
- Stay at an Agriturismo
- Taste Cheese in Pienza
- Strain Your Neck in the Sistine Chapel
- Make a Wish at the Trevi Fountain
- Enjoy an Unspoiled Sea-Side Town Like Sperlonga
- Ride the Chair Lift to the Top of Capri
- Climb the Duomo in Florence
- Take a Boat Tour of Lake Como
- Drive a Vespa (or a Vintage Cinquecento)
- Sunbathe in Sicily*
- Stay on the Pristine Islands Ischia and Procida
- Savor Chocolate in Perugia*
- Watch an Opera in an Ancient Roman Theater in Verona
- Step Back in Time Inside the Pantheon
- Wander Through Trastevere
- Hike the Path of the Gods*
- Do a Wine Tasting in a Vineyard
How many have you done? What’s on your Italy bucket list?
We will be visiting Nice late October this year and we're thinking about driving from there to Lake Como for a couple days. Any specific recommendations for places to stay/things to do? We want to do a boat tour so if you have any recommendations on that, it would be fantastic! Lastly, any tips on taking a rental car across boarders? May even hop into Switzerland for a couple days before returning back to France. Our first time in Europe so all the tips help!
-Cara
PS Love your blog. Always giving me such wanderlust! <3
I think I've done 15 of these…enough to absolutely love Italy and plenty to still dream about! 🙂 I agree that Italy is a place best enjoyed over time. So many riches!
I will visit Rome and Puglia for the first time this year – I am already super excited 🙂
x Lilli
check out my fashionblog: http://www.LilliFerreira.com
Oh! I was in Italy for 28 days a few years back – saw Venice, Firenze, Rome, Pompei, Sorrento, Capri and Positano – would go back anytime – for at least 28 days again – I would love to visit Sardinia, Puglia and Sicily – Money tip: staying in B&B makes traveling a lot cheaper
I just love Italy especially Sorrento.
Great post! For more travel options in Italy and tips checkout my blog on Mediterranean Travel, Fashion and Experience: http://www.lemoni.it
Hi Cara, I think visiting Lake Como for a weekend from Nice is a great idea. My favorite little city on the lake is Bellagio, so don't miss that one. I can't recommend a specific boat tour company, but I am sure where ever you stay will be able to help you arrange that. Driving across borders is fine, just go with an international car rental company. Obviously, you will need your passport and driver's license (even though it is EU to EU, as an American you are required to always have your passport on you when you travel). Do prepare yourself for the toll roads. There are a ton and they are pricey! Hope this helps, and thanks so much for following along!
15 is impressive. Although I am sure I could do all of these and still come up with more!
Obviously, you will love Rome. But, I'd love to hear how you like Puglia. I have only been briefly to Aberobello and Oltranto. I would love to explore Puglia further! Buon viaggio!
Sorrento and Positano are both my favorites!
where DID YOU GET THE POM POM SANDALS — We go for our honeymoon August 25- Sept 9 — soo excited Follow you for all – Just ordered my Dolce Vita Hat from Hats by Olivia
I think the ones you are taking about are from Goodnight Macaron. Not sure if they still have them. Thanks for following along and have so much fun on your honeymoon!!!!
We went to Italy recently and it was amazing! The Colosseum and Forum are definitely great sights to see.
http://www.upyourvlog.com
Hello! Love your help/advice as we are visiting this June. I’m curious why certain numbers are starred*? I hope its not painfully obvious…