Picture a trip to Northern Italy and its coastal towns in December, where even the summeriest destinations prove to be year-round gems! Rolling hills draped in mist, sunlit coastlines and the enticing aroma of fresh pasta, revealing this country’s everlasting allure… This is what we at Tourtailors experienced on our 9-day journey to Italy!
From Emilia-Romagna’s gastronomic treasures to the awe-inspiring vistas of the Cinque Terre and Perugia’s timeless elegance, we uncovered Italy’s true essence that transcends seasons. From insightful walking tours to delectable local dishes, we have cherished each moment to deepen our knowledge and love for this extraordinary country, and provide you with the most refined and unforgettable experiences.
Wondering why to visit Italy in 2025? Let this recount of a magical itinerary through some of Italy’s must-see destinations be your inspiration!
A scenic day trip to Lago di Garda and Italy’s Culinary Paradise
Our Italy fam trip began with a day trip from Milan airport to Bologna, with a magical detour to Sirmione. This lakeside gem perched on the shores of Lago di Garda struck us right away with its transporting ambience and scenic vistas. Standing before such idyllic scenery, we had to venture on one of the top activities in luxury tours in Italy – a scenic boat ride! As the harmonious sounds of Italian music filled the air, every gentle wave promised to unveil another layer of Sirmione’s beauty adored, over time, by famed personalities, such as Maria Callas, who had her villa burrowed in this hidden gem.
Before bidding farewell to Sirmione and Lago di Garda, we still had time to enjoy a leisurely sunset stroll along the town centre’s cobbled streets of pastel-coloured buildings and the imposing Scaligero Castle. As we traversed the castello’s bridge, we encountered a final opportunity to soak in this destination’s picturesque charm!
When in Bologna, dine like a local! – or so they say. This town known as a culinary paradise greeted us with a first delicious meal starred by the world-famous Tagliatelle al Ragù. Each bite of this dish carefully confectioned with the care of tradition shared a glimpse of the must-see destinations in Italy to come.
Uncovering the flavours of Emilia-Romagna
The second day of our best Italy travel itinerary awaited us with due indulgence as we dived into the country’s gastronomic heritage through a parmesan, ham and balsamic vinegar tour. Our first stop was a traditional Parmigiano Factory in Modena, where we marvelled at the art of cheese-making. From milk to cheesy goodness, we witnessed a time-honoured process unfold before our eyes, that culminated in a flavourful tasting session. Every bite of nutty goodness proved to us why this cheese is the pride of Modena.
Next, we visited a Modena Ham family-run business, where the aroma of carefully selected curating meats guided us through centuries-old traditions of flavour and craftsmanship. After indulging in thin slices of this locally produced meaty delight, we went to a nonna’s house, where the magic of DOP balsamic vinegar came to life through wooden barrels brimming with tradition and boundless love.
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the flavours of the Emilia-Romagna, then Modena should be part of your journey discovering the highlights of Italy, its culture and cuisine!
Architecture and wine in Piedmont
Nestled between the white-hued alps and expansive greenery, Turin welcomed us with its regal elegance and rich cultural heritage. In a guided walking tour with a local expert, we took the opportunity to wander through this city’s charming piazzas while uncovering some of the most iconic landmarks in Italy. The city’s architecture was a feast for the eyes – ornate Baroque façades, arcaded streets and the stately Palazzo Reale even more dazzling under the glimmer of Christmas lights. The majestic Piazza Castello surely left an impression on us with its grandeur and timeless beauty!
With Turin’s wonders uncovered, Piedmont’s vineyard-covered hills called us to explore Italy’s top attractions in the wine world. Barolo was our stop for a visit to a storied winery immersed in tales of tradition and flavour. Over a gourmet lunch with panoramic vineyard views, we had the opportunity to indulge in a mouthwatering meal paired with a guided tasting that introduced us to Barolo’s world-class reds.
Magic in the Italian Riviera
As we bid goodbye to Piedmont, it was time to head towards the coast and continue to discover the highlights of Italy. The Italian Riviera welcomed us with Genoa’s timeless charm. Strolling through its labyrinthine lanes, we were struck by the grandeur of Genoa Cathedral, an 11th-century religious site of Gothic elegance and Baroque splendour starred by a spellbinding marble façade. As the sun started to dip in the horizon, we found ourselves in the lively Piazza de Ferrari, where a central fountain of cascading water brings the city’s energy to life!
Then, the day came to explore the awaited Cinque Terre from La Spezia, a seaside town with easy access to these coastal jewels. With the insightful knowledge of a local guide, we hopped on a train to reach these must-see destinations. In Vernazza, the scent of the sea shifted our gaze from the pastel-hued buildings clung to the cliffs to the lapping Ligurian waters stretching before us – a sight that will stay in our hearts forever! Our journey ended in the stunning Polignano a Mare, where the sunset sky cast a romantic glow over the rugged coastline.
Uncovering Tuscany’s historic gems
Days 6 and 7 of our Italy fam trip experiences brought us to the historic lands of Tuscany! Leaving La Spezia, we stopped in Pisa, where some of us couldn’t resist capturing the city’s timeless architecture in a classic photo with the Leaning Tower in the background. Then, off to Lucca, a hidden gem wrapped in Renaissance walls and Roman Heritage. As we trod its lanes in a guided tour, we got to see Piazza dell’Anfiteatro’s unique oval shape and admire the towering Guinigi Tower in the distance!
Our Tuscan odyssey continued the following day in Perugia, where we embarked on one of Italy’s most captivating cultural tours and historical adventures. Descending into the Rocca Paolina, we found ourselves in a well-preserved maze of medieval streets that, to this day, share a glimpse into the town’s fascinating past. Finally, Assisi presented itself as a worthy religious detour. With the grand Basilica of St. Francis sitting quietly in all its majesty, the weight of spirituality stood before us as an integral part of Italy’s culture and history.
From medieval towns to sacred landmarks, these day trips showcased that the best Italy travel itinerary must include these destinations!
Bidding Farewell from Rome
Our final destination was the Eternal City! Rome, in all its pomp and glory, greeted us with the most irresistible flavours in delights like the local supplí (crispy balls of rice and melty mozzarella cheese) and the authentic pizza garnished with rich tomato sauce and stringy cheese - surely, the perfect farewell feast!
With two days to soak in the city’s magic, we made sure to admire some of the most iconic landmarks in Italy. From the Colosseum’s imponent silhouette that reminisces the grandeur of the Roman Empire and the gory gladiator battles to the Pantheon’s majestic dome, each step on this city’s streets left us in awe! No visit would be complete without a stop at Vatican City. Inside Saint Peter’s Basilica, we encountered the mesmerizing beauty of Michelangelo’s Pietà, which offered a spellbinding conclusion to our trip.
A Trip Etched in Time!
With our journey coming to a close, we found ourselves carrying lifetime memories to cherish. From the taste of Bologna’s Tagliatelle al Ragù to the breathtaking sunset over the Cinque Terre and the historic wonders of Tuscany, we have reaffirmed why Italy is one of the world’s most captivating destinations in the world. Its cultural richness, historical grandeur and architectural splendour reveal the promise of a trip to remember. Still wondering why to visit Italy in 2025? Let our dreamy escape be your inspiration to contact us and let us help you craft the perfect itinerary.
