Where to go in Italy?

[Saxza]

People who have explored Italy before what cities do you prefer? I can't decide between Rome and Milan. A few friends and colleagues have visited Bologna and Tuscany.

Florence is almost unbelievably stunning. I spent a month interrailing when I was nineteen, and Florence provided me with the biggest wow of my life when we walked into the Piazza del Duomo and saw the Duomo for the first time. Admittedly this was helped by the fact that it was the early nineties, so no internet, and I'd never seen a photo of it. And this was despite me being a particularly cynical and difficult to impress teenager.

Of course, the big downside to the beauty is that it will be very crowded. And ofc hot in August. Personally, I would go anyway but good to be prepared!

I visited Sicily and found it very plain. I loved Florence, Venice and Pisa. I even appreciated Milan. Perhaps it was the time of year we went in March but it was not as amazing as I had expected. I have an ex boyfriend whose dad is from Sicily and had heard all the amazing stories and yes the food is good but no more so than anywhere else in Italy, or the Mediterranean for that matter, we found it a disappointing and rather dull experience.

I'd like to visit again, what was it about Mt Etna Taormina, Catania you enjoyed?

I couldn't see any at the colloseum. Good shout though take a water bottle and fill it up.

There are lots of smaller cities in easy reach of Florence that are also worth visiting and will be much less crowded - I like Lucca and Siena particularly.

I visited Sicily and found it very plain…

Sicily…… very plain?!! It’s full of Baroque architecture and churches with astonishing altarpieces - including a fabulous Caravaggio! Not to mention stunning coastlines and great food. Definitely want to go again as we never got as far as Valley of the temples…

What time of year are you going? If high summer I’d do Milan. It doesn’t take too long to explore and you can get to the lakes and mountains easily. It can be combined with Verona and Venice easily too. If not I’d pick Rome anytime. My favourite city in the world (and inI was long haul cabin crew for 2 decades, so seen a few cities!). Florence is lovely in Spring, and you can get to Lucca, Siena, Pisa etc from there. If you want museums Florence and Rome are great. You just can’t go wrong in Italy wherever you go.

Family wise we can only go in August.

Same, I’ve been all over Europe but nothing has compared to the wow seeing that building in Florence it’s beautiful

My favourites for not being so hectic are Bologna and Siena. Bologna is well
placed as a base to visit lots of other cities and towns as it has great rail links. Food excellent in Bologna and incredible gelato too. Not lots to see and do there which is why it’s a good place to relax and soak up the atmosphere and eat delicious food.

I went to Florence 2 years ago, single female, and it was lovely. No issues, I felt safe all the time.

We plan Sorrento for October but it's more about the general area and Pompeji. We may do a day in Naples but haven't decided yet.

Lots of lovely places to visit in Italy depending on budget, how many days you have, time of year, what you are most interested in.

I loved Rome but many years ago but less keen in recent years. Maybe look at Lake Garda, Lake Como, Verona (for a very short break), Florence, Siena, Ischia or even Sicily if not June, July and August (as extremely hot).

We were in Rome last week. It was brilliant. We booked the Colosseum plus the Forum, the Vatican Museums and the Galleria Borghese in advance. Enjoyed everything. We found it very hot (temperatures went up to 36 degrees) but sometimes there was a breeze. Water from the fountains on the street, a hat, a fan, rest breaks saved the day. Some parts were crowded eg the approach to the Colosseum, but you aren't always in the busy parts. Avoid the guys trying to press roses into your hand ('it's a gift'...yeah right). We minded our belongings and felt safe on the metro and walking around. On a previous trip to Venice, my dh was pickpocketed, so we were on our guard. We had no hassle at all. I might go back some time! I definitely want to see more of Italy. I have visited Venice, Verona, Sirmione and Milan and many years ago during my student days I saw Florence and Bologna but only briefly and I would like to spend some proper time in Florence.

Rome is ridiculous. In a good way. There's a fountain on every corner.

I do concur with Florence. We hired bikes and cycled out into Tuscany. Cycling back and seeing Florence come into view- unforgettable.

Rome may be a little hectic in August. Lots of students go there for religious reasons.

Rome is probably my favourite city in the world, but August would be too much.

Did you cycle on cycle routes? Or normal roads?

Dolomites, Dolomites, Dolomites.

Did I mention the Dolomites.

Sorry...I didn't quite catch that...😜

Rome is amazing but we visited in October when it was quieter. It will be busy and very hot in August.
My favourite place in Italy is Sorrento. Amazing place, great restaurants, bars, shops and so many places to visit.

I found Milan dull but it’s only an hour on a train to Lake Como which has some gorgeous towns all connected by ferries. And the Dolomites are just stunning - but not a city which is what OP wants. Florence, Bologne and Venice are all more interesting imo (as is Rome).

I've been to Rome several times; Venice and the islands of Murano and Burano; Florence, Pisa and Pescara. My favourite place is Rome. Ironically, I'm not a city person but Rome is just magical, it has a fantastic atmosphere.

Fly in to Pisa and catch the train to Lucca. Stay there, ride around the wall and through the town - it’s stunning. Go up the tower with trees on top, visit the palace gardens, lunch in the middle ‘square’. You can then catch the train to have days out in Pisa, Florence, cinque terre etc. Not quite a city holiday but highly recommend!

Great ideas here!

Have you your heart set on Italy?

Because Eastern Europe is also very stunning and full of history and beauty , great food, wonderful pastries and great gelato

Perhaps slightly cooler for August - but maybe just as crowded

Prague ( very busy ) is stunning. Cheap and easy transport, can easily get around the country and on to Vienna etc