Best Things To Do In Italy This Year

Italy offers a mesmerizing blend of history, art, and breathtaking landscapes, making it a dream destination for travelers. From the ancient ruins of Rome to the serene canals of Venice, every corner tells a story of centuries past. Culinary delights await in every region, whether it’s authentic Neapolitan pizza or freshly made pasta in Tuscany. The Amalfi Coast offers postcard-perfect views, while Florence immerses visitors in Renaissance masterpieces. Whether seeking cultural treasures, scenic escapes, or world-class cuisine, there’s something for everyone. With so many options, knowing where to begin is key—this guide highlights the best things to do in Italy this year.

Explore Hidden Wine Villages in Piemonte

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Winding roads through rolling hills reveal Piemonte’s lesser-known wine villages, where centuries-old traditions thrive. Barolo may be famous, but beyond it lies a network of charming hamlets producing world-class Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, and Barbera wines. In towns like La Morra and Neive, family-run wineries offer intimate tastings, often paired with local cheeses and truffle-infused delicacies. The UNESCO-listed Langhe region is home to cobbled streets, rustic enotecas, and vineyard views that seem untouched by time. Tucked between medieval towers and Romanesque churches, these villages hold stories of winemakers perfecting their craft for generations. Autumn harvests bring lively festivals, but any season offers an authentic experience away from tourist-heavy spots. Sampling limited-production vintages straight from the barrel, guided by passionate vintners, turns a simple tasting into a cultural immersion. Piemonte’s hidden wine villages offer an invitation to savor Italy’s finest reds in serene, storybook settings.

Truffle Hunting in Tuscany’s Forests

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Damp earth, ancient oak trees, and the sharp scent of truffles create the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable Tuscan adventure. Accompanied by expert hunters and their trained Lagotto Romagnolo dogs, visitors can step into dense forests near San Miniato or the Crete Senesi hills in search of these prized fungi. White truffle season peaks in autumn, drawing food enthusiasts eager to witness the thrill of a successful find. The experience goes beyond the hunt—hunters share insights into the delicate ecosystem that nurtures these underground treasures. Following the excursion, rustic farmhouses and family-run trattorias prepare dishes showcasing fresh truffles shaved over handmade pasta, risotto, or even eggs. Tasting them at their freshest transforms any meal into an unforgettable culinary experience. Unlike store-bought truffles, these are intensely aromatic, creating a sensory experience that defines Tuscan gastronomy. Truffle hunting blends adventure, tradition, and indulgence in a way few experiences can.

Midnight Stroll at Rome’s Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci)

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Quiet cobblestone paths, moonlit cypress trees, and panoramic city views make Rome’s Orange Garden a hidden nighttime retreat. Perched atop the Aventine Hill, this intimate park offers a rare moment of tranquility away from the city’s bustling piazzas. The scent of bitter orange blossoms lingers in the air, mingling with the distant echoes of Roman fountains. A walk here after dark unveils a breathtaking view of St. Peter’s Basilica glowing in the distance, framed by perfectly aligned keyhole-shaped hedges at the nearby Knights of Malta gate. Couples, photographers, and night wanderers find solace under the soft glow of lanterns scattered along the pathways. Unlike the more crowded viewpoints in the city, this secluded garden remains a peaceful escape where Rome’s timeless beauty feels personal. Experiencing the Eternal City from this quiet perch at midnight reveals a different side of its magic—serene, intimate, and unforgettable.

Stay in a Cave Hotel in Matera

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Ancient stone-carved dwellings transformed into boutique cave hotels offer one of Italy’s most unique overnight experiences. Matera, a UNESCO-listed city in Basilicata, is famous for its Sassi, a labyrinth of prehistoric cave homes repurposed into luxury accommodations. These hotels blend modern comfort with raw, atmospheric beauty—arched ceilings, candlelit interiors, and handcrafted furnishings create a setting that feels timeless. Some caves date back over 9,000 years, making a stay here a direct link to history. Waking up to soft golden light filtering through stone archways, guests can enjoy traditional Italian breakfasts featuring fresh focaccia and local ricotta. By evening, rooftop terraces provide stunning sunset views over the rugged canyon landscape. Unlike standard hotels, every room holds a sense of mystery and connection to the past. Staying in Matera’s cave hotels is more than just accommodation—it’s an immersive journey into one of Italy’s oldest continuously inhabited places.

Take a Gondola Ride in Venice’s Back Canals

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Beyond the crowded Grand Canal, Venice hides a maze of quiet waterways where gondolas glide beneath ivy-covered bridges. These lesser-known canals, particularly in neighborhoods like Cannaregio and Dorsoduro, offer a far more intimate experience of the city. Here, the only sounds are the gentle splash of oars and distant echoes of Venetian songs from passing gondoliers. Unlike the well-trodden tourist routes, back canal rides reveal hidden courtyards, secret gardens, and historic palazzos untouched by modernity. Some gondoliers share stories of Venice’s maritime past, adding layers of history to the ride. Sunset or twilight journeys create an especially enchanting atmosphere, as lantern-lit reflections dance on the water’s surface. While iconic locations like the Rialto Bridge attract crowds, drifting through these secluded waterways allows visitors to witness Venice as it once was—quiet, romantic, and steeped in timeless elegance. A gondola ride here feels like a step into another era.

Visit an Abandoned Ghost Town in Craco

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Once a thriving medieval village, Craco now stands eerily silent, its crumbling stone structures frozen in time. Landslides and mass evacuations in the 20th century forced residents to abandon their homes, leaving behind a ghost town shrouded in mystery. Perched dramatically on a rugged hilltop in Basilicata, its empty streets and hollowed-out buildings offer an unsettling yet mesmerizing glimpse into the past. Walking through its ruins feels cinematic, which is why filmmakers have chosen it as a backdrop for movies like The Passion of the Christ. Guided tours take visitors through remnants of ancient churches, abandoned homes, and the eerie skeleton of a once-grand castle. The desolation is contrasted by sweeping views of the surrounding valley, making it an unforgettable experience. With an atmosphere steeped in history and a haunting beauty that lingers, Craco remains one of Italy’s most intriguing and otherworldly destinations.

Experience a Sicilian Opera at Palermo’s Teatro Massimo

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Grand chandeliers, ornate balconies, and impeccable acoustics set the stage for an unforgettable evening at Palermo’s Teatro Massimo. As the largest opera house in Italy, this architectural masterpiece exudes Old World grandeur, drawing visitors into a realm of dramatic storytelling and soaring melodies. The curtain rises, revealing performances that range from Verdi’s intense tragedies to Puccini’s emotionally charged compositions. Every seat in the house offers a flawless auditory experience, thanks to the theater’s renowned acoustics. Beyond its artistic prestige, the venue itself tells a story—decades of restoration have preserved its intricate frescoes and neoclassical elegance. Attending an opera here isn’t just about the performance; it’s an immersion into Sicilian culture, where passion and artistry converge. Even for those unfamiliar with opera, the sheer spectacle of the production, combined with the theater’s breathtaking ambiance, guarantees a night of awe and admiration in the heart of Palermo.

Dine Inside a Natural Sea Cave at Grotta Palazzese

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Waves crash against limestone cliffs as candlelit tables overlook the Adriatic’s endless expanse at Grotta Palazzese. Carved into a sea cave in Polignano a Mare, this one-of-a-kind restaurant blends nature’s raw beauty with fine dining. The experience begins with a descent into a cavernous space where centuries-old rock formations frame panoramic ocean views. As the salty breeze fills the air, guests indulge in dishes featuring freshly caught seafood, handmade pasta, and delicate regional wines. Every course feels heightened by the setting—soft lighting reflecting off stone walls, the rhythmic lull of waves below, and an atmosphere that feels suspended between land and sea. While the cuisine leans towards contemporary Italian flavors, the ambiance steals the show, making every meal a sensory journey. Dining here isn’t just about gastronomy; it’s about savoring a rare moment where nature and luxury seamlessly intertwine along Italy’s coastline.

Discover the Colorful Fishermen’s Island of Burano

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Brightly painted houses line the canals of Burano, creating a striking contrast against the Venetian Lagoon. Each façade, from lemon yellow to deep turquoise, reflects a centuries-old tradition where fishermen once used vibrant colors to locate their homes through the fog. This small island, just a short boat ride from Venice, is also famed for its intricate lace-making, a craft passed down through generations. Walking its quiet streets leads to hidden workshops where artisans delicately weave handmade lace, preserving techniques dating back to the Renaissance. Beyond its artistic heritage, Burano offers some of the freshest seafood in the region, best enjoyed at local trattorias overlooking the water. Unlike its more famous neighbor, this island maintains a laid-back charm, making it perfect for slow exploration. Whether admiring its picture-perfect canals or learning about its deep-rooted traditions, Burano feels like a living postcard of Venetian culture.

Watch the Sunset from the Janiculum Terrace in Rome

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Golden hues wash over Rome’s rooftops as the sun sets from the Janiculum Terrace, offering one of the city’s most breathtaking panoramas. This elevated vantage point, just beyond the historic center, provides sweeping views that stretch from St. Peter’s Basilica to the Colosseum’s distant silhouette. As dusk approaches, the city’s domes and bell towers glow in soft amber light, while the faint sounds of evening life begin to stir below. Unlike crowded landmarks, this terrace remains a peaceful retreat, often accompanied by the melody of street musicians. A short walk from Trastevere, it’s a favorite among locals seeking a quiet escape. Arriving just before sunset allows visitors to experience Rome’s timeless beauty unfolding in real-time. Few spots capture the essence of the Eternal City quite like this one, where history, romance, and natural splendor blend effortlessly into a scene worth lingering over.

Explore a Secret Underground City in Naples (Napoli Sotterranea)

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Beneath Naples’ lively streets lies a vast underground labyrinth that reveals layers of history dating back 2,400 years. Originally dug by the Greeks for building materials, these tunnels evolved into Roman aqueducts, World War II bomb shelters, and hidden escape routes. Guided tours navigate dimly lit corridors, leading visitors past ancient cisterns, forgotten catacombs, and remnants of an underground theater. Some sections require squeezing through narrow passageways, adding an element of adventure. One of the most striking features is the underground gardens, where plants thrive in total darkness, nourished by humidity alone. Unlike typical archaeological sites, Napoli Sotterranea offers a rare glimpse into the city’s hidden infrastructure, where history feels tangible beneath layers of stone. Each chamber tells a different story, from wartime survival to ancient engineering feats. Stepping into these subterranean depths is like peeling back the centuries, revealing Naples’ secrets hidden just beneath its surface.

Take a Private Pasta-Making Class in Bologna

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Few cities in Italy take pasta as seriously as Bologna, home to some of the country’s most cherished culinary traditions. A private cooking class here goes beyond simple recipes, offering hands-on guidance from local chefs who have perfected their craft over generations. Rolling out silky sheets of egg pasta, shaping delicate tortellini, and mastering the folds of tagliatelle reveal the precision and passion behind each dish. Many classes take place in historic kitchens or family-run trattorias, where the experience feels both intimate and authentic. As fresh dough transforms into intricate shapes, instructors share the rich history of Emilia-Romagna’s cuisine, emphasizing why ingredients like Parmigiano Reggiano and aged balsamic vinegar define the region’s flavors. After hours of careful preparation, the final step is the most rewarding—savoring handmade pasta paired with traditional ragù, best enjoyed with a glass of local Sangiovese. Bologna’s culinary heritage comes alive one bite at a time.

Climb the Active Stromboli Volcano at Night

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Lava eruptions light up the night sky as Stromboli’s rugged trails lead adventurers toward its fiery summit. One of the few continuously active volcanoes in the world, this Aeolian island offers a rare opportunity to witness nature’s raw power up close. Guided hikes begin at dusk, ensuring climbers reach the top just as the crater’s explosions contrast against the darkened sky. Each step along the steep, ashy terrain builds anticipation, while the distant sound of rumbling magma hints at the spectacle ahead. At the summit, bursts of molten rock illuminate the crater, creating an unforgettable natural display. The descent follows a path of volcanic sand, where footsteps sink softly into warm, powdery ash. Experiencing Stromboli at night isn’t just about adventure—it’s about witnessing an elemental force that has shaped Italy’s landscape for millennia. Few places on Earth offer such an awe-inspiring and humbling encounter with nature’s intensity.

Ride the Bernina Express into the Swiss Alps from Tirano

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Snow-capped peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, and centuries-old viaducts make the Bernina Express one of Europe’s most scenic train journeys. Departing from the Italian town of Tirano, this historic railway ascends through the Swiss Alps, passing through dramatic landscapes that shift with the seasons. Panoramic windows frame views of deep valleys and winding mountain trails, while the train navigates spiraling bridges and tunnels carved into sheer rock faces. Reaching the highest point at Ospizio Bernina, passengers witness the shimmering beauty of Lago Bianco before descending towards St. Moritz. Unlike high-speed trains, this route encourages slow travel, allowing time to take in the pristine alpine scenery. Every turn offers postcard-worthy views, from waterfalls tumbling down cliffsides to traditional Swiss villages nestled in green pastures. Whether blanketed in winter snow or glowing under summer sunshine, the Bernina Express captures the breathtaking essence of the Alps in a single ride.

Attend the Infiorata Flower Festival in Spello

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Cobblestone streets in Spello transform into vibrant floral tapestries each June during the Infiorata, an artistic celebration unlike any other in Italy. Using millions of flower petals, local artists meticulously craft breathtaking carpets depicting religious themes, intricate patterns, and Renaissance-inspired designs. The process begins days in advance as volunteers gather petals, sort colors, and sketch elaborate outlines. By sunrise on Sunday, the streets become a living canvas of fragrant blooms, stretching through the historic center in a mesmerizing display of devotion and artistry. Unlike typical festivals, Infiorata isn’t just a spectacle—it’s a fleeting masterpiece, vanishing within hours as processions walk across the floral carpets. Beyond the visual wonder, Spello itself is a charming Umbrian hill town with medieval walls, olive groves, and stunning countryside views. Experiencing the Infiorata firsthand means witnessing a centuries-old tradition where faith, nature, and artistic expression converge in an unforgettable way.