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
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
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
REGION BY REGION
Annotated with highlighted regions corresponding to details below
Annotated with highlighted regions corresponding to details below
(c) Mapbox, (c) OpenStreetMap, Improve this map
Annotations by PTO Travel Pro
ALPS & DOLOMITES
Glitzy ski resorts and dramatically rugged mountain scenery
KEY DESTINATIONS:
Bolzano, Cortina, Cervinia, Courmayeur
THE RIVIERA
An ultra-chic coastline with colorful seaside villages and mega yachts
KEY DESTINATIONS:
Portofino, Santa Margherita, Cinque Terre
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
THE LAKES
Mountain lakes adorned with scenic towns and James Bond style villas
KEY DESTINATIONS:
Lake Como, Lake Lugano, Lake Garda, Lake Maggiore
EMILIA-ROMAGNA
Italy's "Food Valley" where fabulous cheeses, meats, and sports cars are produced
KEY DESTINATIONS:
Bologna, Modena, Parma, Ferrara
SICILY
Southern sunshine, regional cuisine, Greek ruins, Mt. Etna, & the Mafia all make this island an Italian icon
KEY DESTINATIONS:
Taormina, Palermo, Noto
UPPER PO VALLEY
Business and fashion buzzes in Milan while Barolo is produced in the vineyards
KEY DESTINATIONS:
Milan, Torino, Piedmont Wine Region
TUSCANY
An iconic wine region where medieval villages and cyprus trees dot the rolling hills
KEY DESTINATIONS:
Florence, Siena, Pisa, Montalcino, Val d'Orica
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
VENETO
Romantic bridges & Juliet's balcony. Gondoliers & glass factories. Canals, Carnevale, and an ancient amphitheater.
KEY DESTINATIONS:
Venice, Verona, Padua
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
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:
OTHER ITINERARIES
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
DATE SELECTOR
WHEN TO GO
WHEN SHOULD YOU PLAN TO EXPLORE AND FOR HOW LONG?
SPRING
MAR. TO MAY
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The fall edition of Fashion Week takes place in Milan in September, where top designers showcase their latest collections on the runway.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The spring edition of Fashion Week takes place in Milan in February, where top designers showcase their latest collections on the runway.
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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.
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?
LOCAL CURRENCY
EURO
SAFETY
LOW RISK
PHONE
Country code (39)
Ambulance (118)
Police (112, 113)
Fire (115)
NEED FOR LOCAL CASH
MINIMAL
LOCAL CUSTOMS
FEW CONSIDERATIONS
TIME ZONE
UTC +2
6h ahead of ET (NYC)
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
ITALIAN
VISAS & MORE
NOT REQUIRED
PLUG TYPE
TYPES F & L
ENGLISH PREVALANCE
COMMONLY SPOKEN
MEDICAL PREP
NONE
See below for COVID
ELECTRICITY
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.
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!
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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
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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!
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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.
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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
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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.
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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*
REQUIRED READING
REFERENCES & RECOMMENDATIONS
IN PRINT
FACT
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SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome by Mary Beard (2015)
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The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon (1776)
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Brunelleschi’s Dome: How a Renaissance Genius Reinvented Architecture by Ross King (2000)
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The House of Medici: Its Rise and Fall by Christopher Hibbert (1975)
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The Lives of the Artists by Giorgio Vasari (1550)
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The Gallery Companion: Understanding Western Art by Marcus Lodwick (2002)
FICTION
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Angels & Demons by Dan Brown (2000)
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Inferno by Dan Brown (2013)
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Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes (1996)
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Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert (2006)
ON SCREEN
FACT
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Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy (2021-22 CNN series)
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Lost Treasures of Rome (2022 NatGeo series)
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Inside the Vatican's Vault (2015 Discovery film)
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Caesar's Doomsday War (2021 Sci film)
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Last Days of Pompeii (2020 Sci film)
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Pompeii: Secrets of the Dead (2019 NatGeo series)
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Unearthed (2016-present Sci series)
FICTION
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Roman Holiday (1953 film)
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Gladiator (2000 film)
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The Godfather (1972 film)
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The Lizzie McGuire Movie (2003 film)
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The Borgias (2011-13 Showtime series)
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Medici (2016-19 Netflix series)
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Angels & Demons (2009 film)
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Inferno (2016 film)
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Under the Tuscan Sun (2003 film)
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Eat, Pray, Love (2010 film)
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*