Regional Highlights
Start here: five regions that show Italy’s variety and make planning straightforward. Plan around the olive groves and whitewashed towns of Puglia , the layered history and transport links centred on Rome , the turquoise coasts and hidden inland trails of Sardinia , the volcanic landscapes, markets and bold street-food scene of Sicily , and the vine-covered hills, Renaissance towns and world-class museums of Tuscany . Practical takeaways: use trains for city-to-city travel, hire a car for rural stretches and coastal drives, and book ferries or short flights for island crossings. Travel in spring or autumn to avoid crowds; spend mornings at markets, afternoons on walks, and evenings in small family-run restaurants for the truest local experience. Book accommodations early in high season, and prioritise local guides for deeper context.

Plan around the first Sunday: Italy’s state museums and archaeological parks offer free admission nationwide every first Sunday of the month; some sites require advance booking, so check listings before you go.