Italy is calling your name. Maybe you’ve dreamed about tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain, or perhaps you’ve imagined yourself savoring authentic pasta in Rome. Whatever brings you here, Italy delivers unforgettable experiences at every turn. This guide highlights 15 things first-time visitors must do and see on their Italy tours.
The Colosseum: Step Into Ancient Rome
You can’t visit Italy without seeing the Colosseum. This massive amphitheater once hosted gladiator battles, wild animal fights, and dramatic public spectacles. Walking through its ancient arches transports you back nearly 2,000 years. The structure’s sheer size and remarkable preservation make it one of the most iconic landmarks on the planet.
The Vatican Museums: Art Overload in the Best Way
The Vatican Museums house some of the world’s greatest art collections. You’ll find works by Michelangelo, Raphael, Caravaggio, and Leonardo da Vinci within these walls. The Sistine Chapel alone justifies the visit—Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes leave visitors speechless.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa: Tilt and Click
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is wonderfully weird. This bell tower started tilting during construction in the 12th century due to soft ground. Engineers have worked for decades to stabilize it, yet it still leans at about four degrees. Climb the roughly 294 steps to the top for panoramic views of Pisa.
Moreover, the surrounding Piazza dei Miracoli features the stunning cathedral and baptistery, both worth exploring after you’ve snapped your obligatory “holding up the tower” photo.
Florence’s Duomo: A Renaissance Masterpiece
Florence’s Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, commonly called the Duomo, dominates the city’s skyline. Its terracotta-tiled dome, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, was an engineering marvel when completed in 1436. Climb the 463 steps to the dome’s top for breathtaking views over Florence’s red rooftops and the Tuscan hills beyond. The cathedral’s facade features intricate marble panels in pink, white, and green, creating a striking visual contrast against the blue Italian sky.
Venice’s Grand Canal: Glide Through History
Venice’s Grand Canal winds through the city like a liquid main street. Hop on a vaporetto (water bus) or splurge on a gondola ride to experience this waterway properly. You’ll pass under the iconic Rialto Bridge, admire ornate palazzos lining the banks, and watch gondoliers navigate the narrow side canals. Furthermore, the canal offers a unique perspective on Venetian architecture, showcasing Byzantine, Gothic, and Renaissance styles side by side.
Pompeii: Frozen in Time
Pompeii provides an eerie glimpse into Roman life. Mount Vesuvius buried this city under volcanic ash in 79 AD, preserving buildings, artifacts, and even human forms. Wander through ancient streets, peek into homes with intact frescoes, and visit the forum where citizens once gathered.
The Amalfi Coast: Coastal Beauty
The Amalfi Coast stretches along southern Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula. Colorful villages cling to steep cliffs above the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. Drive the winding coastal road, stopping in Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello to explore charming streets, sample limoncello, and relax on pebble beaches. The views here rival any postcard, and the fresh seafood tastes even better with your toes in the sand.
Cinque Terre: Five Villages, One Amazing Experience
Cinque Terre comprises five fishing villages—Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore—perched along the Italian Riviera. Colorful houses tumble down cliffs to meet the sea. Hike the scenic trails connecting the villages and cool off with a swim in the turquoise waters. These villages remain relatively car-free, preserving their authentic charm and slower pace of life.
Lake Como: Alpine Elegance
Lake Como sits in northern Italy’s Lombardy region, surrounded by dramatic mountains. The lake’s Y-shape creates numerous charming towns along its shores. Visit Bellagio, often called the “Pearl of Lake Como,” or explore Varenna’s cobblestone streets. Take a ferry between towns, tour historic villas with manicured gardens, and enjoy aperitivos with lake views. George Clooney famously owns a villa here, which tells you something about the area’s appeal.
The Uffizi Gallery: Renaissance Art Central
Florence’s Uffizi Gallery houses the world’s finest collection of Italian Renaissance art. You’ll encounter masterpieces by Botticelli (including “The Birth of Venus”), da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Titian. The gallery occupies a 16th-century palace designed by Giorgio Vasari.
Roman Forum: Where History Happened
The Roman Forum served as ancient Rome’s political, commercial, and social hub. Senators debated in the Curia, citizens shopped in the markets, and triumphant generals paraded down the Via Sacra. Wander among the columns, temples, and arches that remain standing. Combine your visit with the nearby Palatine Hill, where emperors built their palaces and legendary Romulus supposedly founded Rome in 753 BC.
St. Mark’s Basilica: Byzantine Splendor in Venice
St. Mark’s Basilica gleams with gold mosaics covering nearly every interior surface. This cathedral blends Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic architectural styles. The famous bronze horses on the facade are replicas—the originals sit inside the museum to protect them from pollution. And don’t miss climbing the campanile (bell tower) next door for stunning views across Venice’s lagoon.
Tuscany’s Wine Country: Sip and Savor
Tuscany produces some of Italy’s most celebrated wines, particularly Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Experience a wine tour through the rolling hills, stopping at family-run vineyards for tastings paired with local cheeses, olive oils, and cured meats. The scenery alone justifies the trip—cypress-lined roads, medieval hill towns, and endless vineyards create postcard-perfect views at every turn.
Milan’s Duomo: Gothic Grandeur
Milan’s cathedral took nearly six centuries to complete. This Gothic masterpiece features 135 spires, 3,400 statues, and intricate marble facades. Take the elevator or stairs to the rooftop terraces, where you can walk among the spires and examine the detailed stonework up close. On clear days, the Alps appear in the distance. The cathedral sits in Milan’s main square, surrounded by luxury shopping arcades and elegant cafes.
Capri: Island Paradise
The island of Capri floats in the Bay of Naples, accessible by ferry from Naples or Sorrento. Ride the funicular up to Capri town, explore the ruins of Roman Emperor Tiberius’s villa, and take a boat tour to the Blue Grotto, where sunlight creates an ethereal blue glow in the sea cave. The island attracts jet-setters and celebrities, giving it a glamorous vibe. Sample fresh seafood, browse boutique shops, and soak up the Mediterranean sunshine.
Your Italian Adventure Awaits
Italy rewards first-time visitors with experiences that linger long after you’ve returned home. These 15 things to do barely scratch the surface of what this country offers. If you want to make the most of your visit with zero planning stress, then partner with Italy Luxury Tours.
We are a tour company specializing in curated and custom experiences. You can choose from one of our many classic Italy tours or work with us to design an itinerary completely unique to your interests. We offer all-inclusive, immersive vacations that show you little-known aspects of the greatest hits and the grandeur of the hidden gems. Put your dream vacation in capable hands—inquire today.