A magnificent tourist village on a hill with colorful Mediterranean buildings. Great trip and… [+] Photo location at sunset, Vernazza, Cinque Terre National Park, Liguria, Italy, Europe
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La Dolce Vita awaits in Italy, one of the most visited countries in the world. But travelers should know that the best places to visit in Italy are about more than just the typical popular tourist spots like Rome, Venice and the Amalfi Coast. If you look beyond the traditional cities, you can find plenty of exciting places to visit in Italy in 2024. Here are some of the top spots for the best places to visit in Italy. Add it to your travel bucket list.
Cernobbio, Italy
Villa d’Este in Cernobbio in the evening
Villa d’Este
This town on the shores of Lake Como is one of the many towns that line this famous lake. A summer paradise (when prices soar), the shoulder seasons of late spring and early fall are ideal times to visit the serene scenery and zigzag ferry routes to other famous towns such as Bellagio and Como. Perfect for shopping and charming cafes.
Lake Como has several well-known hotels, some of which allow you to earn and redeem hotel loyalty points, but nothing beats the traditional Villa d’Este Resort. With recently renovated accommodation, charming gardens, floating pool and doting services, this is a real palace worth visiting for a taste of luxury.
Book one of the motor boats that line the lake and explore its many famous palaces and villas. Best of all, this hotel is part of The Leading Hotels of the World, and members of its free loyalty program are eligible for complimentary breakfast, the possibility of room upgrades, and consideration for early check-in or late check-out. there is.
Cinque Terre (Italy)
Cinque Terre, Italy – beautiful view of the marina in the colorful fishing village of Vernazza, Liguria
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This region of the Ligurian coast is made up of five small towns (Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore), so crowds tend to be spread out between them. However, these towns are small and packed together during the summer months. Instead, choose late spring or early fall when the weather isn’t as hot and you’ll get more deals.
Explore between towns by hiking, riding a panoramic train, driving along winding roads, or riding along the coast. If you want to visit other famous towns in the area, this is a good base. Portofino is a short drive away and is home to the famous Hotel Splendido and A Belmond Hotel. Please note that this hotel does not open until early June. It’s part of the American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts program, where you can enjoy complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, welcome gifts, and late checkout when you book through American Express with an eligible card.
Other day trips include visits to Pisa, home to the famous Leaning Tower, and other Italian cities worth exploring on foot.
florence, italy
View of Florence roofs and Santa Maria del Fiore or Duomo, Tuscany region of Italy
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This isn’t a surprising addition, but try a hotel in the suburbs instead of a traditional city hotel. A free shuttle runs from Villa La Massa, a luxury resort nestled in the hills surrounding Florence. After exploring the city’s famous Uffizi Gallery and Accademia Gallery, both feature famous sculptures (like Michelangelo’s David) and works of art. Please be sure to reserve your tickets online in advance.
The best times to visit are spring and autumn, when the weather is not as hot as in summer, when tourists flock to the city. In addition to great dining in the city, try a boat ride along the Arno River. It may not be as dramatic as a gondola ride in Venice, but it offers a unique perspective of the city from the water. Returning to Villa La Massa, our new swimming pool, cooking classes and impressive spa offer plenty of relaxation after a day of exploring.
Valignana (Italy)
Resort pool at Palazzo di Valignana
Palazzo di Valignana
Located on the outskirts of Bologna, just a stone’s throw from the gourmet city centre, Valignana is a world of its own. After dropping off your bags at one of Italy’s famous tourist destinations, why not spend a spa holiday here? Known for its lush vineyards and olive groves, it’s a haven from the hustle and bustle of the city. Visit Palazzo di Valignana, a luxurious wellness resort. Guests can stroll through the labyrinth of gardens, dine in Michelin-quality restaurants (in historic palazzos and vintage vehicles), pick grapes and olives in the vineyards, and relax. The largest spa in the region (using fresh ingredients from the vineyard).
Locals flock here thanks to the teachings of the resort’s wellness expert and author Dr. Annamaria Acquaviva. She has developed her own scientific methods to help guests live longer based on how they live and eat. You can watch the staff press the olive oil, attend a wedding ceremony in the chapel, or take a swim in one of the many pools.
The best times to visit are spring and autumn, when the weather is warm and you can enjoy a walk through the gardens and get some exercise.
rome, italy
The pool at Rome Cavalieri, a Waldorf Astoria hotel, offers views of Rome.
rome cavalieri
Summer is the only time many families can travel with their children, but Rome can be hellish in terms of temperature and crowds in the summer. If this is your only vacation, there’s no need to secretly visit the famous Colosseum, Vatican City, and other famous landmarks. After spending some time exploring the city, escape the crowds with a complimentary shuttle to the hillside Roma Cavalieri, a Waldorf Astoria hotel.
Surrounded by gardens filled with towering trees, this historic luxury hotel offers stunning views of the city from its resort-style pool and spa facilities. Its art collection is as impressive as anything you can see at the city’s Borghese Gallery. This is an excellent option both for those who do not visit Rome, but also for those who use it as an arrival or departure airport in connection with visits to other Italian cities. You can also earn and redeem Hilton Honors Points during your stay.
taormina, italy
Taormina Theater, Amphitheatre, Arena is a town on the Italian island of Sicily. Aerial view from… [+] above the sunset in the evening
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It would be difficult to include Sicily on any list of must-see places in Italy. Record numbers are expected to continue on the island, following the flood of tourists who arrived after watching Season 2 of HBO’s “White Lotus.” Last year, United Airlines launched a new flight from New York to Palermo, which is just a short drive from Taormina.
An absolute highlight for star-struck travelers is the stunning San Domenico Palace – A Four Seasons Hotel in Taormina, but it books up quickly. From this home base, travelers can explore the island’s charming towns, vineyards famous for wine tasting, historic amphitheatres dating back centuries, and even climb part of Mount Etna. Just like the hit series, many travelers come to Sicily to trace their family roots, and the hotel can help arrange all of these experiences.
dolomites
Lake Carezza in the Dolomites
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If you’re looking to explore the Italian Alps, the beauty of this outdoor destination will amaze you all year round. Skiing is a popular activity during the winter months, and hiking, biking, and camping are popular pastimes during the warmer months.
COMO Alpina Dolomites is the newest luxury resort in these famous mountains, opening in December 2023. This year-round ski-in, ski-out resort is located in South Tyrol and is part of UNESCO’s largest World Heritage Site. Dolomites mountains.
Aren’t you an athlete? Another good option is to take a scenic drive through small villages and sample the region’s famous wines and cuisine. If you’ve ever visited the Swiss Alps, it’s worth exploring the Italian version in 2024.