Italy is on most people’s Bucket List for good reason.
Well, many good reasons.

The food. The history. The amazing museums and archaeological sites. La dolce vita.

Whatever lures you to Italy in the first place, chances are you’ll discover more than you expect from this culture-rich nation. Most first-timers to the country hit up the trifecta of Rome, Florence and Venice, each one unique in its own way and well worth seeing. After all, who doesn’t want to see the Colosseum, Michelangelo’s David, or the romantic canals of La Serenissima?

But with so MANY visitors to Italy and these 3 cities in particular, you may have an even better experience if you venture a little farther afield as well. There are other destinations small and large throughout the country that offer their own delights and surprises. Like tasting melt-in-your-mouth prosciutto in the town of San Daniele where this unique product is made, or enjoying a modern operatic performance in a smaller but no less impressive colosseum in Verona.

Regardless, whether you brave the crowds at the Vatican, attempt to drive the anxiety-inducing roads on the Amalfi coast, or rent an apartment to live like a local in a small town in northern Italy, just like the country’s infinite variety of pasta dishes, you’ll never get enough Italy in just one visit to satisfy your fix.

At least that’s been my experience.

READ MORE ON WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN ITALY BELOW.

For articles specifically about ROME, click here. VENICE, click here.