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ITALY

BEL PAESE

Photo: Unsplash*

Overview

 THE DESTINATION

OVERVIEW

Italy is one of my favorite and most visited destinations. Each city overflows with culture and history - and cuisine to match! This can be a hard country to plan a trip for because there truly are so many great options. Whether it's your first time to Europe or you've been a dozen times, Italy should always be on your list!

PS: My parents have also been to Italy many more times than I have, so their wisdom is included in these pages​

VISITS: 2019, 2016, 2013, 2007, 2004 & more

COMING SOON | Read About Our Personal Experience

THE BOTTOM LINE

So what's the big deal? Here's why Italy is worthy of a stop on your itinerary: 
IF YOU CRAVE THE DOLCE VITA

It's hard to describe until you experience it, but something about the Italian way of life truly feels different. Even as a little kid, I could sense that the people here slowed down & enjoyed, and so did we when we visited. This ethereal quality makes for a perfect place to escape, especially with someone you love.

IF YOU LIKE REALLY AWESOME FOOD & WINE

Authentic Italian food is worth a trip across the Atlantic - I promise. As you explore, you'll discover there's not just one "Italian" cuisine; each region has its own unique flavor and dishes. Combine the outstanding food with some of the most prolific wine-producing regions in the world, and you get pure magic.

IF YOU ARE A HISTORY BUFF

Throughout history, Italy has maintained a starring role. From Ancient Rome to medieval times, the Renaissance to World War II, Italy has been shaped by the most prominent events of the time. Few other places in the world can immerse a visitor in the past like Italy can.

IF YOU LIKE TO MARVEL AT ARTISTIC MASTERPIECES

No matter your favorite artist, you'll be able to find their work in Italy, often in situ. There's so much to see, it can almost be overwhelming. You could spend a lifetime admiring the many famous monuments and museums, but even random street corners can be home to masterpieces.

IF YOU ARE CATHOLIC

The center of the Catholic world is here in Vatican City, and the rest of Italy has the Church woven into its fabric. There's a rich history told through art and architecture, important relics, and ongoing traditions that make many destinations in Italy a must-do pilgrimage for the Faithful.

TRAVEL TOOLKIT:

Destination Portfolio

DESTINATION PORTFOLIO

TOP PLACES TO GO

Rome: PTO Travel Pro* | Amalfi Coast: Unsplash* | Florence: PTO Travel Pro* | The Lakes: Unsplash* | Pisa: Unsplash* | Pompeii: Unsplash* | The Riviera: Unsplash* | Siena: PTO Travel Pro* | Tivoli: PTO Travel Pro* | Tuscany: PTO Travel Pro* | Venice: Unsplash*

Lay of the Land

LAY OF THE LAND

REGION BY REGION

(c) Mapbox, (c) OpenStreetMap, Improve this map

Annotations by PTO Travel Pro

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ALPS & DOLOMITES

Glitzy ski resorts and dramatically rugged mountain scenery

KEY DESTINATIONS:

Bolzano, Cortina, Cervinia, Courmayeur

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THE RIVIERA

An ultra-chic coastline with colorful seaside villages and mega yachts

KEY DESTINATIONS:

Portofino, Santa Margherita, Cinque Terre

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THE SOUTH

The foot of the boot is home to some of the best beach towns, pizza, and Pompei

KEY DESTINATIONS:

Amalfi Coast, Pompei, Naples, Puglia

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THE LAKES

Mountain lakes adorned with scenic towns and James Bond style villas

KEY DESTINATIONS:

Lake Como, Lake Lugano, Lake Garda, Lake Maggiore

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EMILIA-ROMAGNA

Italy's "Food Valley" where fabulous cheeses, meats, and sports cars are produced

KEY DESTINATIONS:

Bologna, Modena, Parma, Ferrara

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SICILY

Southern sunshine, regional cuisine, Greek ruins, Mt. Etna, & the Mafia all make this island an Italian icon

KEY DESTINATIONS:

Taormina, Palermo, Noto

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UPPER PO VALLEY

Business and fashion buzzes in Milan while Barolo is produced in the vineyards

KEY DESTINATIONS:

Milan, Torino, Piedmont Wine Region

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TUSCANY

An iconic wine region where medieval villages and cyprus trees dot the rolling hills

KEY DESTINATIONS:

Florence, Siena, Pisa, Montalcino, Val d'Orica

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SARDINIA

The lesser-known of Italy's two main islands, famous for its varied coast, crystal clear waters, & Nuraghi ruins

KEY DESTINATIONS:

Porto Cervo, Cagliari

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VENETO

Romantic bridges & Juliet's balcony. Gondoliers & glass factories. Canals, Carnevale, and an ancient amphitheater.

KEY DESTINATIONS:

Venice, Verona, Padua

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CENTRAL ITALY

The treasure-filled heart of Ancient Rome and the Catholic Church

KEY DESTINATIONS:

Rome, Tivoli, Orvieto, Nettuno, Anzio

Full Guide on the Go

FULL GUIDE ON THE GO

Coming Soon | PDF guide to Italy

ITINERARY

9-DAY ITALIAN HIGHLIGHTS

01

ROME  |  Walk back in time to tour the Ancient Roman Forum and the Colosseum

04

TUSCANY  |  Enjoy Italy where it really shines, on the table ... Mangia!

07

FLORENCE  |  Explore the art and history of the Medicis at the Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi

02

ROME  |  Step into the epicenter of the Catholic Church, admiring the art of the Vatican

05

TUSCANY  |  Tour a winery to discover how the historic beverage is made

08

FLORENCE  |  Admire the Duomo of Florence and the Medici Chapels

03

ROME >> TUSCANY  |  Venture into wine country with a stop in the Umbrian town of Orvieto

06

SIENA >> FLORENCE  |  Work your way to the crown jewel of Tuscany with a stop in Siena

09

FLORENCE >> ROME  |  Head back to the Eternal City with a stop at Tivoli

Photo: Unsplash*

SEE THE DETAILS OF AN EXTENDED 14-DAY ITINERARY HERE:

Itinerary

OTHER ITINERARIES

Image by Dame Traveler

THE FRENCH & ITALIAN RIVIERA

Photo: Unsplash*

2 WEEKS

Snake along the glitzy coastline from Cinque Terre & Portofino to Monaco & the Cote d'Azur.

COMING SOON

Image by Jonathan Bean

THE ITALIAN GRAND TOUR

Photo: Unsplash*

3 WEEKS

Want to see it all? Got plenty of time on your hands? Here's how to string it all together.

COMING SOON

Image by Daniel Seßler

VENICE TO MUNICH

Photo: Unsplash*

2 WEEKS

Start in Venice then travel into the mountains to Bolzano, Innsbruck, the Romantic Road, & Munich.

COMING SOON

JOURNEY BUILDER

ITINERARY ADD-ONS

If you're looking for an epic, multi-country trip, extend your itinerary and hop to another destination. To see how a multi-stop itinerary might come together check out the OTHER ITINERARIES section above.

Eiffel Tower
Next Stop

Photo: PTO Travel Pro*

FRANCE

Combining a trip to Italy with time in France, combines two of the most romantic countries in the world, as well as two of the tastiest. There are plenty of bucket list items here, but it's especially fitting to continue up the coast from the Italian Riviera to the glittering cities and beaches of Monaco and the French Riviera.

Image by Valdemaras D.
Next Stop

Photo: Unsplash*

GREECE

If you're hoping to double down on your dose of ancient history, Greece is a perfect pick. Rome and Athens are filled with ruins from two of the most influential civilizations in world history. Alternatively, the Greek Islands are a fantastic place to park yourself in the sun if you need a break after too much tourist-ing.

Image by Chris Holgersson
Next Stop

Photo: Unsplash*

THE ALPS

If you are exploring Northern Italy or simply want to get a dose of mountain scenery and fresh air, cross the border to one of Italy's northern neighbors, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, or Slovenia, to ski at a glitzy resort, wander medieval towns, or go for an adrenaline-pumping adventure in the Alps.

Image by Rachel Davis
Next Stop

Photo: Unsplash*

GERMANY

Travel through Bavaria on Germany's Romantic Road. The scenic drive winds from the fairy tale castles of Fussen, including the famous Neuschwanstein castle, to the wine region surrounding Wurzburg with plenty of quaint medieval villages like Rothenburg ob der Tauber to tour along the way.

Image by Spencer Davis
Next Stop

Photo: Unsplash*

CROATIA

Made especially famous for the stone buildings, narrow alleyways, & sea-side city walls of the medieval towns featured in Game of Thrones, Croatia is a great add-on to an Italian vacation. Just across the Adriatic, you'll find historic sites, vineyards, lush landscapes, & the turquoise waters of the Dalmatian Coast.

Big Ben
Next Stop

Photo: PTO Travel Pro*

LONDON

Trying to tackle Italy & London would be a big commitment, but if you're looking for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, the luxury Orient Express train is a dream journey. Europe first-timers will also find London and Italy are great places to ease yourself in. Just remember to take it easy with so much to see.

Journey Builder

DATE SELECTOR

WHEN TO GO

WHEN SHOULD YOU PLAN TO EXPLORE AND FOR HOW LONG?

SPRING

MAR. TO MAY

  • Spring is considered shoulder season. The weather will be somewhat unpredictable but is often pleasant. Combine this with lower crowds, and spring can be a great time to visit. You might still find snow at the ski resorts, but cooler water temperatures and annual closures keep the beach off your itinerary.

  • Easter is a big deal in Italy and special masses and ceremonies take place across the country. In Rome, the Pope celebrates Holy Week with a mass at St. John Lateran on Holy Thursday, Via Crucis (or the Stations of the Cross) at the Colosseum on Good Friday, and Easter Sunday mass at St. Peter's. In Florence, Italians celebrate Scoppio del Carro where oxen pull a decorated wagon through the city until it reaches the Duomo where it erupts into a fireworks display.

  • To represent the descent of the Holy Spirit, thousands of red rose petals are dropped from the oculus of the Pantheon in Rome during Pentecost.

  • In late spring, various cities across Italy host Infiorata, or flower festivals, where large, elaborate carpets of flower mosaics decorate outdoor spaces. A particularly notable Infiorata takes place in Noto, Sicily each year.

SUMMER

JUN. TO AUG.

  • Summer is far and away the busiest season across Italy. Tourists flock to take advantage of warm weather and school holidays. In August, the locals are all on holiday, and some businesses may close.

  • It is toasty in the summer, particularly in the cities where the stone buildings hold in the heat. Plan accordingly.

  • In June, Florence puts on the Calcio Storico tournament, where teams play a 16th-century version of relatively lawless football in honor of San Giovanni, the city's patron saint.

  • In Siena, the whole city participates in the tradition of the Palio, an intense, bareback horse race and accompanying traditions that date back to the Middle Ages. The city's neighborhoods, or contrata, fiercely back their representative horse and rider during both instances of the race, one in July and one in August.

  • The summer is packed with performing arts festivals including the Verona Opera Festival, which hosts events in the Ancient Roman amphitheater, and the world-renowned Umbria Jazz Festival.

AUTUMN

SEP. TO NOV.

  • Autumn is considered shoulder season. The weather is still usually rather pleasant, but the end of the summer holidays means there are far fewer tourists clogging up the popular sites.

  • The Venice International Film Festival, the oldest of its kind in the world, takes place from late August to early September and brings celebrities from around the world to the canal-lined city.

  • The fall edition of Fashion Week takes place in Milan in September, where top designers showcase their latest collections on the runway.

  • Fall is all about the food. It's a particularly important time for the wineries when grapes have reached ripeness. The harvest of wine and other foods triggers many festivals across the country, including the White Truffle Festival in Alba and other festivals celebrating olive oil, mushrooms, chocolate, and more.

WINTER

DEC. TO FEB.

  • Most of the country never gets all that cold, but in the winter, a blanket of snow will fall in the Alps, setting the scene for epic skiing.

  • The Christmas season is magical in Italy. Cities host festive Christmas markets; the town piazzas are decorated with presepi (Nativity scenes); carolers sing in the streets during the Novena (the eight days before Christmas); and Christmas Eve is celebrated with the feast of the Seven Fishes.

  • Venice celebrates the Feast of the Epiphany with the Regatta delle Befane, where rowers dressed up as old witches race to the Rialto Bridge. This is in honor of the Befana the Magi asked for directions on their way to Bethlehem. Legend has it she arrived bearing gifts after the Magi, which is why children in Italy still receive small treats on the Epiphany.

  • The spring edition of Fashion Week takes place in Milan in February, where top designers showcase their latest collections on the runway.

  • In the lead-up to Ash Wednesday, the city of Venice celebrates Carnevale, the Italian equivalent of Mardi Gras, where revelers don extravagant masked costumes to attend celebratory balls.

Date Selector

TRAVEL TIP:


BE REALISTIC ABOUT HOW MUCH TIME YOU HAVE.
There is so much to do in Italy, and it's really tempting to try and cram it all into one trip. Don't overbook yourself and make yourself miserable. You'll enjoy the trip more if you actually get to see the sights (and take a breath). If you can't add more time, prioritize your must-sees!

My general rule of thumb is to pick one major morning and afternoon activity each day. (Note: there are exceptions, like linking a couple of VERY quick, nearby things).  Don't book a late night and early morning back-to-back. Build in "slow" days (at the spa, pool, or shopping) to balance out the busy ones. Try to spend at least 2 full days at each stop so you don't spend your entire trip in transit. Think about geography
- check out a quick fly-by if it's nearby - don't try to criss-cross the city or the country.

 

LANDING GEAR

WHAT TO KNOW

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HIT THE GROUND RUNNING & AVOID AN UNNECESSARY HICCUP?

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LOCAL CURRENCY
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EURO

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SAFETY
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LOW RISK

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PHONE
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Country code (39)

Ambulance (118)

Police (112, 113)

Fire (115)

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NEED FOR LOCAL CASH
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MINIMAL

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LOCAL CUSTOMS
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FEW CONSIDERATIONS

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TIME ZONE
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UTC +2

6h ahead of ET (NYC)

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OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
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ITALIAN

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VISAS & MORE
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NOT REQUIRED

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PLUG TYPE
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TYPES F & L

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ENGLISH PREVALANCE
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COMMONLY SPOKEN

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MEDICAL PREP
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NONE
See below for COVID

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ELECTRICITY
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230V / 50 Hz

US uses 110V / 60 Hz

SPENDING

CASH NEEDS

Credit card use is pretty widespread, but cash is always good to have (ATMs are abundant). Carry some small denominations for the occasional restroom that charges or to light up art in some churches.

TIPPING

Service charges are usually included so there isn't a huge tipping culture. Round up for cabs or bars and add ~10% in restaurants. Tip a few Euros for other services like maids or porters. 

SPEAKING

You'll likely find English speakers, especially in the major tourist cities, but it's always good to prep some Italian and try to use it! At the very least, familiarize yourself with the names of common dishes. Generally, an all-Italian menu is a good sign, so come prepared to read it!

SAFETY

Italy feels pretty safe in most places you go. In the cities especially be careful of pick-pockets or scams like you'll find in any tourist city. Always check official travel advisories on the U.S. State Dept.'s page for Italy International Travel Information (or your country's equivalent.)

LOCAL CUSTOMS

Italy is a very Catholic country. Be aware of holidays & masses, dress appropriately, and be respectful when entering a church.

VISAS & MORE

No visa is required (unless your passport is from certain countries). For U.S. citizens, A valid passport is required and must be valid for at least three months after your planned departure from Italy / the Schengen Area.

 

Sherpa has a handy Travel requirements map that details key requirements for travel no matter your country. Always be sure to double-check the latest requirements with IATA, the U.S. State Department (Italy International Travel Information), the Italian Embassy, or an equivalent before heading out on your trip.

MEDICAL PREP

Generally, no medical prep is required to visit Italy. Always check official Italian entry requirements as well as the U.S. State Dept.'s page for Italy International Travel Information (or your country's equivalent.)

At the time of writing, no proof of COVID vaccination nor a negative test was required to enter Italy. The situation is always changing, so make sure to check a site like Sherpa, which has a handy Travel requirements map along with the Embassy (COVID-19 Information) to stay up to date with the latest requirements. 

ELECTRICITY

Types F & L (230V / 50Hz)

US uses 110V / 60Hz

If your device is not dual-voltage (usually phones & laptops are - but hair tools are problematic), make sure to use a converter / transformer, NOT just an adapter. AND make sure your converter has a high enough power rating for your device. An adapter just makes the plug fit in the wall, but doesn't change the voltage.

Landing Gear
Translator

TRANSLATOR

WHAT TO SAY

WHAT BASIC ITALIAN PHRASES CAN YOU TRY WITH LOCALS?

Hello

Ciao

Chow

Goodnight

Buona notte

Bwoh-nah noh-tay

Yes // No

Si // No

See // Noh

Thank you (very much)

Grazie (mille)

Grah-tsee-eh (mee-lay)

Excuse me (attention)

Scusi

Skooh-zee

Sorry

Mi dispiace

Mee dees-pyah-cheh

Let's eat!

Buon appetito 

Bwohn ap-peh-tee-toh!

Do you speak English?

Parla Inglese?

Parh-la Een-glay-zeh?

Where is ... ?

Dov'è … ?

Doh-veh …?

Can I ... ?

Posso ... ?

Pohs-soh …?

I'd like (to buy) ...

Vorrei (comprare) ...

Vor-ray (kohm-pra-reh)

Can you bring the bill?

Chi porta il conto?

Chee por-ta eel kon-toh?

Good morning

Buongiorno 

Bwohn-johr-noh

Goodbye

Ciao or Arrivederci

Ahr-ree-veh-dehr-chee

Please

Per favore

Pehr fah-voh-ray

You're welcome

Prego

Preh-goh

Excuse me (passing)

Permesso

Pehr-mehs-soh

Cheers!

Salute!

Sah-loo-tay!

Help!

Aiuto!

Ay-oo-toh!

I don't understand

Non capisco

Non kah-pee-skoh

Could you (show me)?

Può (mostrarmi)?

Poo-oh (mohs-trar-mee)?

Do you have ... ?

Ha ... ?

Ah … ?

How much is this?

Quanto costa questo?

Kwan-to kos-ta kwes-to?

When is ... ?

A che ora è … ?

Ah kay ohr-ra ay …?

SUITCASE PACKER

WHAT TO BRING

TOP TIPS
  • Dress up a little more than you would in the States | It's not to say you can't balance style with comfort, but I opt for a smart casual look and leave the athleisure behind. This also includes graphic tees, baseball hats, short shorts, and most (non-dressy) tennis shoes - these will make you look like a tourist!

  • It gets very hot in the summer | Dress in lightweight, breathable clothes and bring an extra layer for when you need to cover up. Don't forget sunglasses and sunscreen. Rome has water fountains around the city (just check it's potable), so consider a packable bottle!

DON'T FORGET
  • Good walking shoes | You'll spend a lot of time on your feet walking on cobble stone streets. Don't let bad shoes to get in the way!

  • Modest clothes for the Vatican and other churches | The Vatican requires shoulders & knees to be covered for women & men. Other churches are less strict, but it's still good to respect the sacred space.

  • Wide angle lens | You'll want a wide angle to capture the interior grandeur of churches or the scale of the Colosseum. I use Nikon's 10-20mm lens extensively across Italy. A GoPro is another great option that's wonderfully compact.

LEAVE BEHIND
  • Bulky or flashy day bags | If your bag is small you won't have to worry about museums not letting you in with it. I also opt for a bag that doesn't scream "Camera bag!," so I'm less worried about standing out as a tourist carrying around a bag full of valuables.

  • Blowdryer (and maybe other hair tools) | It's easy to accidentally destroy these when abroad. Most hotels will have a blow dryer for you to use. If you have to bring your curling iron or straightener try to find one that is dual-voltage. Make sure you are using a converter not just an adapter!

WHAT'S IN MY BAG

All photos in "What's in my Bag" Gallery: PTO Travel Pro*

Suitcase Packer

REQUIRED READING

REFERENCES & RECOMMENDATIONS

IN PRINT
FACT​
  • SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome by Mary Beard (2015)

  • The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon (1776)

  • Brunelleschi’s Dome: How a Renaissance Genius Reinvented Architecture by Ross King (2000)

  • The House of Medici: Its Rise and Fall by Christopher Hibbert (1975)

  • The Lives of the Artists by Giorgio Vasari (1550)

  • The Gallery Companion: Understanding Western Art by Marcus Lodwick (2002)

FICTION
  • Angels & Demons by Dan Brown (2000)

  • Inferno by Dan Brown (2013)

  • Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes (1996)

  • Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert (2006)

ON SCREEN
FACT​
  • Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy (2021-22 CNN series)

  • Lost Treasures of Rome (2022 NatGeo series)

  • Inside the Vatican's Vault (2015 Discovery film)

  • Caesar's Doomsday War (2021 Sci film)

  • Last Days of Pompeii (2020 Sci film)

  • Pompeii: Secrets of the Dead (2019 NatGeo series)

  • Unearthed (2016-present Sci series)

FICTION
  • Roman Holiday (1953 film)

  • Gladiator (2000 film)

  • The Godfather (1972 film)

  • The Lizzie McGuire Movie (2003 film)

  • The Borgias (2011-13 Showtime series)

  • Medici (2016-19 Netflix series)

  • Angels & Demons (2009 film)

  • Inferno (2016 film)

  • Under the Tuscan Sun (2003 film)

  • Eat, Pray, Love (2010 film)

Required Reading

MORE TO SEE

Rome Destination Guide: PTO Travel Pro* | Atlas of Italian Food & Wine: Unsplash* | Florence Destination Guide: PTO Travel Pro* | The Perfect Honeymoon for Every Couple: PTO Travel Pro* | Italian Artists & Where to Find Them: PTO Travel Pro*

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