Holidays to Italy

Main Cities and Resorts in Italy

Italy holidays are sure to deliver a magical experience to any traveller.

Rome, Florence, Naples, Genoa, Turin, Milan, Venice and the spellbinding Isle of Capri, are just some of the enthralling places to visit in Italy, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. This country will take your breath away with its charm and magnificence.

Who could fail to be wowed by Italy's ancient cities and mystical walled villages which are home to stunning Roman architectural landmarks and cultural wonders? Then there's the country's amazing designer shops and boutiques, its incredible gastronomic delights and its unbelievably hospitable people.

With almost 8,000 kilometres of gorgeous coastline waiting to be discovered, this exhilarating land is blessed with an abundance of amazing beachside getaways for families, couples and groups of friends seeking a feast of fun, relaxation and entertainment.

Take, for example, the Italian Riviera with its spectacular scenery, quaint seaside villages, golden sandy expanses, idyllic and coves and crystal-clear Mediterranean waters.

Italy has a myriad of incredible cities and resorts which are all capable of delivering an unforgettable experience - so let's take a look at a few of the most popular cities and resorts to get a flavour of what this diverse and awe-inspiring escape in the sun has to offer even the most discerning traveller.

Rome: It's hard to know where to start describing the many wonders of Italy's historic capital. The city is home to some of the most phenomenal architecture, works of art and landmarks in existence. Among the sights to gaze in awe at are the Coliseum, St. Peter’s Basilica, The Pantheon, the Roman Forum, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel, plus the works by Caravaggio, Michelangelo and many other legendary names. Modern Rome also has so much to delight any visitor, from glamorous designer boutiques and fine dining restaurants to grandiose theatres and vibrant nightclubs.

Genoa: This beautiful resort on the coast of Liguria is the Italian Riviera is Italy's main port. Genoa is a fascinating place full of wonderful architecture, marvellous sights and delightful cuisine. Lose yourself in the charm of Genoa with its maze-like narrow streets and alleyways. A major attraction here is the Acquario di Genova, a giant aquarium which is home to one of the largest collections of Marine life in Europe. Other impressive places worth visiting are the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, Doge's Palace and the medieval Church of San Donato.

Florence: Considered by many to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Florence is revered for its art, culture and architecture. There are many elegant parks, gardens, piazzas and galleries to visit. This is an amazing city where you can feast your eyes on the works of many of the greats such as Dante, Donatello, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Galileo. A memorable culinary experience also awaits here with an impressive range of pizzerias, trattorias, osterias and pasticcerias. High end shoppers will love Florence and you'll find the big designer names here including Gucci and Prada.

Venice: This is a jaw-dropping city where the 'streets' are filled with water and the gondolas provide a truly romantic way to travel. Stunning architecture is everywhere you look along the waterways and enchanting palaces dating back many centuries are an incredible sight. Among the plethora of attractions in Venice are the Rialto Bridge, St Marco's Square, The Palazzo Ducale, Saint Mark's Basilica and the famous Bridge of Sighs. It’s also worth taking a ferry to the nearby islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello. There are several fabulous art museums in Venice and the city is renowned for its amazing cuisine.

Milan: A haven for the world's fashion conscious and home to artistic treasures and amazing historical buildings and landmarks, Milan is a must-see city in the Northern Italian region of Lombard. It's here you'll discover the church of Santa Maria della Grazie with Leonardo da Vinci's awe-inspiring work of art 'The Last Supper'. Fabulous museums, churches, cathedrals and the city's prestigious opera house are just a few of the other major attractions in this breath-taking city. Magical views of Milan can be enjoyed from the top of the 97 metres high steel tower in Parco Sempione.

Naples: This is a lively, colourful and historic city in Italy’s southern province Campania. It's the place where pizza was invented and home to amazing catacombs, chapels, and castles, plus the impressive Museo Archeologico Nazionale where you'll find many sensational artifacts including priceless mosaics discovered among the sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Other major sights include the cathedral of San Gennaro, churches of Gesù Nuovo and San Lorenzo. The Bay of Naples is truly beautiful and Neapolitan cuisine is a gastronomic joy. No visit to the Naples area would be complete with a trip to see Mount Vesuvius, the only active volcano in mainland Europe.

Turin: This is the capital of Italy’s Piedmont region, located within Italy’s northwest, which is famous for many things, including Fiat cars, chocolate and the legendary mysterious Shroud. With its close proximity to the Alps, Turin is a superb destination for exciting day trips and skiing holidays. This lively city is also home to world class museums featuring works by the Renaissance’s best-known artists. Major attractions include the Mole Antonelliana, a spire topped building housing a cinematic museum, Palazzo Reale, Palazzo Madama and some amazing castles which surround the city. Turin also has plenty of nightclubs, bars, shops and great restaurants.

Vatican City: This city state is a small country within Rome and home to the Pope. Apart from its obvious importance as the centre of the Roman Catholic Church, the Vatican City is also home to many attractions including 11 museums, St Peter's Basilica and Michelangelo’s stunning Pietà. During a visit it is also highly recommended to take a walk through its lush Gardens of Vatican City.

The Amalfi Coast: This blissful area beside the sea is south of Naples in the province of Campania. It's a magnet for holidaymakers offering a myriad of attractions in nearby resort towns of Sorrento, Positano and Ravello. It is steeped in history and culture with many historical sites, mesmerising architecture, brightly-coloured cliffside homes and scenic coast roads. There are wonderful hotels with luxurious accommodation all along the Amalfi coast, plus top-quality restaurants, classy boutiques and shops, and an abundance of nightlife and entertainment.

Isle of Capri: This exclusive haven for the rich and famous is a magical island in the Bay of Naples. It is a place of outstanding natural beauty with its limestone cliffs inhabited by goats, quaint pastel and white hillside villas and canopies of verdant scrub and pine trees. This is a popular hideaway for honeymooners and romantic couples, and home to many high-end designer fashion boutiques.

Ancona: This resort city in the Marche region on the Adriatic coast is renowned for its beautiful beaches - including Passetto Beach - and the hilltop Cathedral of San Ciriaco. You can enjoy a huge range of water sports here and the area has stunning mountains, deep gorges, narrow valleys and flowing rivers. Ancona city is home to many excellent attractions, including the Trajan Arch which dates back to Roman times, plus several delightful museums and cathedrals.

Rimini: This is the biggest and most famous holiday resort on the Adriatic Sea with an impressive 9 miles of beach. There are several wondrous sights in the old town including Tiberius Bridge which dates back to the early first century and the Arch of Augustus from 27 BC. This has been a popular escape for foreign tourists and Italian families for many years, and its appeal never seems to wane. Rimini has plenty of excellent shops, superb restaurants and bars, plus vibrant nightlife.

Sanremo: This pretty and much-loved resort on the Italian Riviera is home to a famous casino, a lovely domed Russian Orthodox Church and San Siro Cathedral which has 12 bells in its tower. Sanremo has a lovely old harbour, Porto Vecchi, and a few small beaches. More impressive beaches can be found nearby at Bordighera, Taggia and Bussana. You'll also find many excellent shops, bars and restaurants in Sanremo's charming town centre.

Pesaro: This is a very pleasant Adriatic coastal resort with wonderful sandy beaches, flamboyant buildings and an historical centre with its grand Ducal Palace. Pesaro is the birthplace of the lauded 19th century opera composer Gioachino Rossini. With rolling hills and highlands, stunning natural beauty and crystal-clear waters, it's no wonder this thriving fishing port is a magnet for holidaymakers seeking a relaxing time in the sun.

These are just some of the amazing places to stay or visit during an escape to Italy, an incredible land where you can enjoy the holiday of a lifetime with your family, friends or partner.

Beach Holidays in Italy

Other incredible Italian beaches with particular appeal to families include the sandy expanses at Cervia on the Riviera Romagnola, Forte dei Marmi Beach in Versilia and the beaches near Castiglione della Pescaia.

Italy also has many vibrant resorts, such as Rimini and Gallipoli, which are ideal for parties of friends who want a combination of fun and relaxation on the beach during the day, followed by energetic partying from dusk till dawn.

All-Inclusive Holidays in Italy

Choosing an all-inclusive holiday to Italy is a great idea if you want to get on with having a fun and relaxing time the moment you arrive at your destination, rather than having to keep a constant eye on what you are spending.

All-inclusive package holidays are an excellent stress-free option where your accommodation, food, drink - and often much more - is already paid for before you’ve even jetted off to this amazing country.

You won’t need to get your wallet, purse or credit card out during your stay or waste time trying to find somewhere economical to eat or drink outside your hotel.

It really is a lot off your mind knowing how much your holiday is costing you in advance - unlike a traditional pay-as-you-go holiday - so when you arrive at your destination it’s simply a case of having a bundle of fun in the sun!

Many all-inclusive/flight inclusive holidays also include a range of other welcome extras such as complimentary use of hotel facilities and amenities - spas and fitness centres, for example - or leisure amenities on the beach and water sports in the sea. Hotels love to treat children like VIPs on an all-inclusive holiday with free ice creams, sweets and admission to kids’ clubs and other fun-filled attractions.

We have a fantastic range of all-inclusive 3-star, 4-star and 5-star resorts to make it easy for you to find your perfect escape in sun-kissed Italy.

Family Holidays in Italy

Italy is a great choice of families craving a fun-packed time in a lively coastal resort.

Thrilling days on the beach and entertaining nights on the promenade await at an abundance of amazing resorts, including those in the popular Venetian Riviera and Neapolitan Riviera.

You’ll encounter a myriad of attractions for families at fabulous resorts all over Italy including water parks, nature reserves, wildlife parks, boat trips, island excursions and every water sport you could dream of.

Italy is blessed with plenty of nightlife and entertainment to enjoy, either in your hotel or nearby resort centre, plus a huge choice of restaurants and cafes where you can feast on Italian gastronomic delights. There’s also no shortage of shops including high-end boutiques and gift outlets for all your holiday souvenirs.

Last but certainly not least is the rich heritage and culture side of Italy with its Roman architectural delights and incredible ancient cities.