Italy's Top Destinations: Insider Recommendations from Travelzoo Experts
According to our recent travel trends survey, Italy tops the list of dream European destinations for Travelzoo members. Our deal experts share their favorite spots and experiences in this region-by-region guide to embracing la dolce vita.
Northeast: Venice & Verona
Best for: City breaks.
Best time to go: December through March, when crowds thin out and temperatures are milder.
See: Venice captivates visitors, but don't miss nearby Verona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It offers Roman ruins, scenic waterside paths, delectable Italian cuisine, and proximity to stunning Lake Garda.
Alternatively: Hit the slopes. Executive producer Tracey raved about the "breathtaking" snow-capped peaks of Cortina d'Ampezzo, the Queen of the Dolomites, during her February visit.
Drink: Travelzoo's HR advisor Christine suggests grappa at the historic Nardini Distillery on Bassano del Grappa's Ponte degli Alpini.
Mid-North: Tuscany & Emilia-Romagna
Best for: Foodie escapes.
Best time to go: Spring and early summer for asparagus, crab, and peaches; late autumn for olives and truffles.
See: Rent a car to uncover Tuscany's hidden culinary treasures, advises senior associate producer Victoria. Senior producer Amy praises Emilia-Romagna's gourmet tours: home to prosciutto, Parmesan, and exceptional balsamic vinegar.
Alternatively: Families love affordable Tuscan farmhouse villas with pools—ideal for relaxation, with Florence, Pisa, and Siena nearby for day trips.
Eat: Indulge at Dario Cecchini's restaurant in Chianti. For €50, enjoy a six-course feast featuring every cut of beef, seasonal veggies, beans, olive oil, bread, wine, coffee, cake, and liqueurs.
Mid-South: Lazio & Umbria
Best for: History-focused holidays.
Best time to go: Year-round.
See: Immerse in Rome's rich history at the Colosseum and ancient ruins, or wander to discover classical statues, Renaissance frescoes, and Baroque churches.
Alternatively: Explore Umbria's medieval hilltop towns like Todi and Corciano—the "Land of the Saints," recommends copy editor Ross—for ancient churches and historic walls.
Eat & Drink: Savor Lazio's white wines and Umbria's renowned Orvieto (white) and Torgiano (red) amid scenic vineyards.
South: Puglia, Campania & Calabria
Best for: Scenic beach getaways.
Best time to go: Shoulder seasons (April-June, September-October) to avoid peak crowds.
See: Revel in sandy beaches, limestone cliffs, and turquoise waters. Publisher Stuart recommends a romantic self-catered trullo stay.
Alternatively: Visit archaeological sites like Pompeii near Naples, Paestum's preserved Greek temples, and Lecce's Roman amphitheater.
Eat: Enjoy gelato, authentic Neapolitan pizza, or Puglia's cucina povera with artichokes, beans, and seafood.
Islands: Sicily & Sardinia
Best for: Rural relaxation.
Best time to go: September-December for quiet vibes with open restaurants and attractions.
See: Senior producer Amy urges a slower pace in Sicily's Cefalù (setting of Giuseppe Tornatore's Cinema Paradiso) or Sardinia's traditional Barbagia villages.
Alternatively: Adventure awaits: windsurfing, diving, Molentargius Saline Park's flamingos in Sardinia, or Sicily's Vulcano crater hike.
Eat: Try Sicily's iconic arancini—deep-fried risotto, cheese, and ragù balls.
Northwest: Piedmont
Best for: Alpine adventures.
Best time to go: Spring and autumn for warm, green, uncrowded escapes.
See: Senior photo editor Jeremy explored from a Cesana Torinese chalet with a 4x4, picnicking amid marmots in mountain valleys.
Alternatively: Base in Turin for colonnaded walks; associate producer Michelle loves the Pietro Micca Museum's 18th-century tunnels (€3 entry).
Drink: Turin's signature bicerin—a layered chocolate, coffee, and milk delight.
