6 Things You Must Do in Italy This Summer

Wanting to explore the best things to do in Italy this summer? Let us step in to help. Italy’s charm is sure to captivate you the moment you step into its realm, but if you’re on limited time, where should you prioritise? From losing all sense of direction in the watery labyrinth of Venice, to pretending to be a sommelier in Tuscany’s countryside, each opportunity leaves you with a story to tell. Where will you book to see first from our list of the best things to do in Italy?

Table of Contents:

• Italy’s Top 6 Things to Do

  • Lost City of Pompeii

  • The Villages of Cinque Terre

  • Florence’s Duomo

  • Amalfi Coast

  • Gondolas in Venice

  • Wine Tasting in Tuscany

Italy’s Top 6 Things to Do

Breathtaking landscapes, moreish cuisines, and friendly locals who are happy to greet you over your morning coffee. Touring Italy satisfies the needs of all travellers visiting this part of Europe. So what do we think the top things to do in this region are? Having selected a range of activities we’ve personally enjoyed experiencing, we’re sure our recommendations will satisfy your Italian adventure, no matter the length of your stay.

Lost City of Pompeii

Location: Naples, Italy
Featured Rabbie’s Tour: Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast & Irresistible Italy - 6 Day Tour

Hidden for decades under a cloak of ash and debris left behind from the 79 BC Mount Vesuvius’ eruption, the lost city of Pompeii is a must for all visiting Italy. Not only is it a history lover's dream, but as excavations are still ongoing, you never know what else they will uncover next. It’s been rumoured that a third of the city is still buried, which goes to show how large a project this continues to be. Are you ready to explore the ruins? Make sure to grab a map! Perfect for solo travellers and groups alike, a day roaming the lost city of Pompeii sounds like one of the best things to do in Italy to us.

The Villages of Cinque Terre

Location: Italian Riviera, Northern Italy
Featured Rabbie’s Tour: Cinque Terre, Florence & the Flavours of Tuscany - 6 Day Tour

Imagine five pastel-hued villages perched on a rugged coast surrounded by terraced cliffs and clear deep blue water. This dream can become a reality, if you choose to add a visit to the villages of Cinque Terre. Having become a popular tourist destination, it’s the authenticity of each village which continues to make Cinque Terre one of the top places to visit in Italy. While cars have been banned within the villages for more than ten years, we do offer travellers the opportunity to visit while on our small-group tours. To gain a first hand experience of our 6-day Italian tour, read Amy’s (Rabbie’s employee) experience of Duomos, Wines and the Sunsets of Italy.

The Five Cinque Terre Villages

• Monterosso al Mare

• Vernazza

• Corniglia

• Manarola

• Riomaggiore

Each village within the Cinque Terre region (pronounced: chin-kwe ter-re) has something to offer its guests. Whether to admire the pastel coloured houses, or relax on their beach under an exotic printed umbrella, they’re all reasons for this location to become a top things to do in Italy.

Florence’s Duomo

Location: Florence, Italy
Featured Rabbie’s Tour: Tuscan Trails: Florence & Cinque Terre - 4 Day Tour *

Home to some of the world's greatest art masterpieces, a visit to Italy would not be complete without a stop at one of Florence’s iconic landmarks. Housing work created by Michelangelo, Donatello and Giotto, Florence’s Duomo (or Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore) is one of the best things to do in Italy. Spend hours exploring this historic attraction or alternatively find a 3 - 4 day tour of Italy which encapsulates time to see the beauty, while incorporating other Italian landmarks along the way.

*The tour listed doesn’t include an entry to Florence’s Duomo. However, in your free time around Florence, you can do this top Italian attraction.

Amalfi Coast

Location: Sorrentine Peninsula, Southern Italy
Featured Rabbie’s Tour: The Italian Affair - 13 Day Tour

What better way to enjoy Italy than by adding a trip to the Amalfi Coast to your must do list. Classed a UNESCO World Heritage site, this beloved Italian coastline is not to be missed by visitors. Sunshine over crystal blue waters and colourful houses that line the rocky cliff tops… this is what you can expect in this Italian destination. While peak summer sun is what we all want, this top place to see in Italy soon gets crowded. Why not try touring in spring when the season starts to open up? That way you can experience the beauty with less of the crowds. For more inspiration, take a look at our 13-day Italian tours which combine all the best things to do.

Gondolas in Venice

Location: Venice, Italy
Featured Rabbie’s Tour: Italian Dreams: Garda & Venice - 4 Day Tour*

A trip to Italy without riding a gondola in Venice is like visiting the seaside and not having fish and chips. It’s one of the best things in Italy to do. Floating around the ‘City of Water’ gives you a chance to breathe in the beauty this city has to offer its guests, while surrounding yourself in the historic buildings. Maybe you’ll get lucky and even get a singing gondolier, or one that will regale you with stories of this haunted city.

While many opt to pay for a professional to steer the boat, there is the possibility for you to take a lesson and pilot yourself. But what’s relaxing about that? Sit back and quench your thirst with a local tipple, while swanning the canals of Venice. It’s definitely worth a place on your Italian must-do list.

For more inspiration, our very own Bron has done Venice and gives us a run down on being Venetian for a day.

*The tour listed doesn’t specifically include a ride on a gondola. However, in your free time around Venice, you can experience this top Italian attraction. 

Wine Tasting in Tuscany

Location: Tuscany Italy
Featured Rabbie’s Tour: The Best of Northern Italy (Starts Rome) - 13-Day Tour

The rolling hills of Tuscany… need we say more as to why this is a must visit destination while in Italy? Home to one of the best wine regions, if you're going to sample any of the local grape varieties it has to be here. Whether you prefer red, white or dessert wines, this region is one of the best in Italy. On our 13-day Northern Italy tour, you visit Solaria Winery in Montalcino, which is home to Brunello red wine. What's so special about this wine? Brunello is famously crafted from a special grape variety with protected status. If this isn’t already on your Italian list of things to do, we advise you to add it now.

Experience La Dolce Vita in Italy

Sun-soaked and ready to welcome you with open arms, you now know the best things to do in Italy. With a wealth of insider knowledge, book an Italian tour with a guide who is more than happy to share the tales of this European destination. If you’ve not visited before, why not start with our guide to planning your European trip or researching the best European winter destinations? Each can help you find other must-see attractions while touring Italy and the surroundings. Sign up to our newsletter and never miss out on knowing our new destinations or tour dates.