Italy
Italy is a destination of timeless beauty, where ancient cities, sunlit coastlines, romantic lakes, rolling vineyards and unforgettable food create one of Europe’s most rewarding holidays.
Excellent
4.7
Italy
Italy is the kind of country that never feels like just one holiday. It can be a city break filled with art, history and long lunches in Rome, Florence or Venice; a romantic escape along the Amalfi Coast; a family holiday beside Lake Garda; a beach break in Sicily or Sardinia; or a slow journey through Tuscany, where hilltop towns, vineyards and golden evening light make every drive feel cinematic. What makes Italy so special is the way it mixes world-famous landmarks with everyday pleasures. Yes, there are the great sights: the Colosseum, the canals of Venice, the ruins of Pompeii, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the museums of Florence. But the moments that stay with travellers are often smaller: a morning espresso at a busy counter, the sound of church bells in a quiet square, a plate of pasta by the sea, a ferry crossing on Lake Como, or a sunset over terracotta rooftops. Italy is elegant, emotional and endlessly varied. It suits couples looking for romance, families wanting culture and coast, food lovers, history enthusiasts, honeymooners, city breakers and travellers who simply want a holiday that feels rich from beginning to end.
Italy’s Most Popular Holiday Resorts and Regions
Italy offers a wonderful mix of classic resorts, coastal escapes, lake towns and countryside bases. The best choice depends on the style of holiday you want, whether that is beach time, sightseeing, food, romance, family fun or a combination of several regions in one trip.
Sorrento is one of southern Italy’s most popular holiday bases, loved for its clifftop setting, views across the Bay of Naples, lively old town and easy access to Capri, Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast. It is ideal for couples, families and first-time visitors who want scenery, restaurants, day trips and a polished Italian holiday atmosphere.
The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s most iconic coastal regions, known for dramatic cliffs, colourful villages, sea views and glamorous towns such as Positano, Amalfi and Ravello. It is best suited to travellers looking for romance, scenery, boutique hotels and memorable days spent between boat trips, terrace lunches and winding coastal roads.
Lake Garda is a superb choice for families, couples and active travellers, offering lakeside towns, mountain views, ferry trips, beaches, cycling routes and easy access to theme parks and historic cities. Resorts such as Sirmione, Riva del Garda, Malcesine and Garda each bring their own character, making the lake a strong alternative to a standard beach holiday.
Tuscany is perfect for travellers who want countryside charm, food, wine, culture and beautiful landscapes. With Florence, Siena, Pisa, Lucca and countless hilltop villages within reach, it is a wonderful choice for couples, small groups and returning visitors who enjoy slower travel, scenic drives and long meals in atmospheric settings.
Sicily is Italy with extra intensity, combining beaches, ancient ruins, volcanic scenery, street food, historic towns and a distinctive island identity. It is ideal for travellers who want culture and coast together, with places such as Taormina, Cefalù, Palermo, Syracuse and Mount Etna offering real variety.
Sardinia is one of Italy’s most beautiful beach destinations, famous for clear turquoise water, soft sand, rugged coastline and stylish resort areas. It is a strong choice for couples, families and luxury travellers who want a more beach-focused Italian holiday, especially around the Costa Smeralda, Alghero, Villasimius and Chia.
Latest Offers
Discover the latest Italy holiday offers with Dawson Travel, from romantic city breaks and family lake holidays to Amalfi Coast escapes, Sicily beach stays, Sardinia getaways and tailor-made Italian adventures.
Our Top Destinations in Italy
Italy is full of unforgettable places, but a few destinations stand out for the way they combine beauty, culture, atmosphere and holiday appeal. These are excellent choices for first-time visitors, returning travellers and anyone planning a classic Italian escape.
Rome
Rome
Rome is one of the world’s great city destinations, where ancient ruins, Renaissance churches, lively piazzas, fountains, cafés and neighbourhood trattorias sit side by side. Visitors can explore the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican City, Trevi Fountain and Pantheon, then slow down with pasta, gelato and evening walks through streets that feel alive at every hour.
Venice
Venice
Venice is unlike anywhere else in Italy, a city of canals, bridges, palaces and quiet corners that rewards travellers who wander beyond the busiest routes. St Mark’s Square and the Grand Canal are essential, but the real magic often comes from early mornings, hidden lanes, cicchetti bars, island visits and the soft light that turns the city golden at dusk.
Florence and Tuscany
Florence and Tuscany
Florence is the cultural heart of Tuscany, filled with art, architecture, churches, museums and views over terracotta rooftops. Beyond the city, Tuscany opens into vineyards, olive groves, medieval towns and countryside roads leading to Siena, San Gimignano, Lucca, Pisa and Chianti, making it one of Italy’s best regions for a slower, more atmospheric holiday.
Amalfi Coast and Sorrento
Amalfi Coast and Sorrento
The Amalfi Coast and Sorrento offer some of Italy’s most memorable coastal scenery, with clifftop views, colourful villages, boat trips, lemon groves and elegant seaside dining. This area is ideal for couples, honeymooners and travellers who want a holiday that combines romance, sightseeing and dramatic Mediterranean beauty.
Transport Options in Italy
Flights
Italy is well served by international airports across the country, with key gateways including Rome Fiumicino, Milan Malpensa, Venice Marco Polo, Naples, Pisa, Florence, Bologna, Catania, Palermo, Bari, Olbia and Cagliari. The best airport depends on the holiday region, with Naples useful for Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast, Venice for the Veneto, Pisa and Florence for Tuscany, and Catania or Palermo for Sicily.
Airport Transfers
Airport transfers are one of the easiest ways to start an Italy holiday smoothly, especially when travelling to coastal resorts, lake towns or accommodation outside the main city centres. Pre-booked transfers are particularly useful for Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast, Lake Garda, Tuscany countryside stays and island resorts where public transport can involve several changes.
Private Transfers
Private transfers are ideal for travellers who want a direct, comfortable journey from airport to hotel, especially after a long flight or when travelling with children, luggage or a group. They are especially worthwhile for the Amalfi Coast, rural Tuscany, Lake Como, Sicily, Sardinia and any itinerary where arriving smoothly matters more than saving a little time or money.
Car Hire
Car hire can be excellent in Italy when used in the right places, particularly in Tuscany, Umbria, Sicily, Sardinia, Puglia, the Dolomites and countryside regions where the freedom to explore makes a big difference. It is less useful in city centres such as Rome, Florence, Milan, Naples and Venice, where traffic, restricted zones, parking and local rules can make driving stressful rather than helpful.
Travel Tips for Visiting Italy
Major attractions such as the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Uffizi Gallery, Doge’s Palace and popular coastal boat trips should be booked ahead, especially in peak season, as queues can take up valuable holiday time.
Penken is lively and varied, while Ahorn is calmer and more beginner-friendly, so choosing the right mountain for your ability level can make the ski day far more enjoyable.
Driving in Italian city centres can be stressful and restricted zones can lead to fines, so use trains, taxis, walking routes and transfers in cities, saving car hire for countryside and coastal touring.
The local ski buses and valley transport can be very useful, especially if you are staying outside the village centre or want to explore nearby areas without relying on taxis.
Italian dining has its own rhythm, with lunch and dinner often later than at home, so plan meals around local timings and avoid expecting every traditional restaurant to serve food all day.
Italy’s most beautiful places are often best explored on foot, from cobbled old towns and hilltop villages to museum districts and coastal steps, so comfortable shoes will make every day easier.
Things To Do in Majorca
Majorca is much more than a beach destination. From scenic coastal drives and pretty mountain villages to historic landmarks, local markets, boat trips and family attractions, the island offers plenty to enjoy between relaxing days in the sun.
Things to Do
Cultural Highlights
Things to Do in Italy
Italy is filled with experiences that go far beyond sightseeing, from ancient ruins and Renaissance art to boat trips, food markets, lake ferries and coastal drives. The best holidays here usually blend famous landmarks with slower local moments that give each region its own flavour.
Visit the Colosseum in Rome
The Colosseum is one of Italy’s most famous landmarks and a powerful reminder of ancient Rome’s scale and ambition. Visiting it with the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill gives travellers a deeper sense of the city’s history, and it is best experienced with pre-booked entry or a guided tour to make the most of the site.
Ride a Gondola or Vaporetto in Venice
Venice is best understood from the water, whether that means a traditional gondola ride through quieter canals or a vaporetto journey along the Grand Canal. Seeing the palaces, bridges and reflections from the lagoon gives the city its full sense of theatre and romance.
Explore the Ruins of Pompeii
Pompeii is one of Italy’s most extraordinary archaeological sites, preserving the streets, houses and public spaces of a Roman city destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. It is a must-do from Naples, Sorrento or the Amalfi Coast, particularly for travellers who enjoy history brought vividly to life.
Cruise Lake Como
Lake Como is one of northern Italy’s most elegant landscapes, with mountain-backed water, villas, gardens and towns such as Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio. A ferry or boat trip is the best way to enjoy the lake properly, giving visitors time to admire the scenery without rushing.
Discover the Amalfi Coast by Boat
The Amalfi Coast is beautiful by road, but even more impressive from the sea, where the cliffs, pastel villages and hidden coves can be seen in full. A boat trip from Sorrento, Positano or Amalfi is one of the most memorable ways to experience this famous stretch of coastline.
Cultural Highlights in Italy
Italy’s cultural depth is extraordinary, shaped by ancient Rome, Renaissance art, Catholic heritage, regional traditions, opera, fashion, food and centuries of craftsmanship. Exploring its cultural highlights is not just about ticking off sights, but about understanding why Italy has influenced so much of the world’s art, architecture and way of life.
Vatican City and St Peter’s Basilica
Vatican City is one of the most important cultural and religious sites in the world, home to St Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. It is essential for visitors to Rome, offering art, architecture, faith and history on a remarkable scale.
Uffizi Gallery in Florence
The Uffizi Gallery is one of Italy’s greatest art museums, with masterpieces that help tell the story of Florence and the Renaissance. It is a must for art lovers, but even casual visitors will find it rewarding when paired with time in the surrounding historic centre.
St Mark’s Basilica in Venice
St Mark’s Basilica is one of Venice’s defining landmarks, known for its mosaics, domes and rich blend of Byzantine and Italian influence. It sits at the heart of St Mark’s Square and gives visitors a clear sense of Venice’s historic power, wealth and connection to the wider Mediterranean.
Duomo di Milano
Milan’s Duomo is one of Italy’s most striking cathedrals, famous for its Gothic detail, rooftop terraces and central position in the city. It is a cultural highlight not only for its architecture, but also for the way it anchors Milan’s mix of history, fashion, design and modern energy.
Valley of the Temples in Sicily
The Valley of the Temples near Agrigento is one of Sicily’s most important archaeological sites, with impressive ancient Greek temples set against open landscape and sea views in the distance. It is a powerful reminder that Italy’s history is not only Roman, but also Greek, Arab, Norman and deeply Mediterranean.
What are the best things to do in Majorca?
Popular things to do include visiting Palma’s old town, exploring the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, taking a boat trip along the coast, visiting traditional villages and spending time at the island’s beaches and coves.
Is Majorca good for families?
Yes, Majorca is a great family destination, with sandy beaches, shallow waters, family-friendly resorts, waterparks, boat trips and plenty of relaxed places to eat.
Can you explore Majorca without hiring a car?
Yes, many resorts have good local facilities, and buses, taxis and organised excursions make it possible to explore without driving. A car can be useful for visiting quieter beaches, villages and mountain viewpoints.
What is Majorca best known for?
Majorca is best known for its beaches, sunshine, scenic coastline, relaxed resorts, historic Palma, pretty villages and the dramatic Serra de Tramuntana mountain range.
Is Majorca only for beach holidays?
No, Majorca is also great for sightseeing, cycling, walking, food, shopping, culture, romantic escapes and luxury hotel stays.
Irish citizens travelling from the Republic of Ireland do not need a visa to visit Italy, as Italy is a member of the European Union. Travellers should have a valid Irish passport for the duration of their stay, and it is always sensible to check expiry dates before booking, especially for children’s passports. Entry requirements can change, so Irish travellers should check the latest Department of Foreign Affairs advice before departure and make sure they have suitable travel insurance in place.
Italy’s climate varies by region, with warmer Mediterranean weather in the south and islands, hot summers in the cities, mild coastal conditions in spring and autumn, and cooler Alpine weather in the north. April, May, June, September and October are often the most rewarding months for sightseeing, touring and multi-centre holidays, as the weather is usually pleasant without the strongest summer heat. July and August are best for beach holidays, lake stays and full summer atmosphere, although major cities can feel very hot and busy. Spring is beautiful for gardens, walking, food and cultural trips, while autumn is excellent for wine regions, city breaks, harvest season and softer light across the countryside. Winter suits Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan for quieter cultural breaks, while northern Italy and the Dolomites become a strong choice for ski holidays.
Why Italy Is a Must-Visit Destination
Timeless cities, beautiful coastlines and unforgettable Italian moments
Italy is a must-visit because it offers more variety, beauty and atmosphere than most destinations can fit into a lifetime of holidays. It has ancient cities, romantic canals, dramatic coasts, peaceful lakes, vineyard landscapes, island beaches, mountain villages and some of the best food in Europe. A holiday here can be relaxed, cultural, romantic, luxurious, family-friendly or adventurous, depending on where you go and how you choose to travel.
For couples, Italy brings romance in Venice, the Amalfi Coast, Tuscany, Lake Como and Rome. For families, it offers Lake Garda, beach resorts, city sightseeing, gelato stops and easy regional combinations. For culture lovers, it is almost unbeatable, with museums, churches, ruins, galleries and historic towns at every turn. For food and wine lovers, every region has its own flavours, from Tuscan reds and Roman pasta to Sicilian street food and coastal seafood. Italy is popular because the big sights are extraordinary, but it is loved because the small moments are just as memorable.
We got it.
Thank you for contacting us.
We’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Tell Us About Your Italy Plans
Ready to plan your Italy escape? Send us your travel details and the Dawson Travel team will help you find the right holiday options, from family-friendly stays to luxury hotels, transfers and car hire that can be added to your package.
