Life rarely feels sweeter than when embracing ‘la dolce vita’ in Italy. Whether you’re a travelling gourmand or an art aficionado, Italy’s ancient cities and cobblestone piazzas reveal wonders that bewitch even the most seasoned travellers. From admiring frescoes painted by Florentine Renaissance masters, to tasting rich, velvety wine from historic vineyards, uncover the defining experiences of an extraordinary journey through Italy.    

See the Sistine Chapel  

 Upon entering the Sistine Chapel within Vatican City’s Apostolic Palace, it’s impossible to resist looking up. The barrel-vaulted ceiling is a masterpiece of Renaissance art, painted by Michelangelo under the commission of Pope Julius II in 1508. His vivid scenes from the Old Testament — including The Creation of Adam, depicting God giving life to the first man — remain among the most celebrated images in history. The chapel’s walls, adorned by other Renaissance masters such as Botticelli and Ghirlandaio, complete this awe-inspiring tableau. To truly appreciate its artistic and spiritual depth, join a guided tour that reveals the hidden stories behind this extraordinary landmark. 

Explore a City Frozen in Time 

While almost 2,000 years have passed since the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius, the lure to explore the ruins of the ancient city of Pompeii remains as strong as ever. At Pompeii Archaeological Park, a short 20-minute drive from modern-day Naples, spend time wandering the restored public baths, the well-preserved Villa dei Misteri, and the forum – the city’s political, spiritual and commercial hub. Following the chariot-carved pathways through the ruins, it’s easy to imagine life in Pompeii as it once was as a thriving Roman city, before becoming frozen in time under a layer of volcanic ash. 

Skirt along the Amalfi Coast 

Sparkling coastlines, fragrant lemon trees and rainbow-washed buildings clinging to the sides of dramatic sea cliffs – the Amalfi Coast boasts beauty beyond belief. Along this spectacular stretch, the village of Positano captivates with its cascade of terracotta and sherbet-hued houses, verdant mountains and pebbled beaches lapped by the Tyrrhenian Sea. Join a walking tour of the town and navigate narrow streets, peruse local boutiques, and pass stalls selling lemon granitas and hand-painted ceramics. Further along the coast lies the historic town of Amalfi, where highlights include the striking Amalfi Cathedral and the Grotta dello Smeraldo, home to an ethereal underwater nativity scene. 

Go in Search of Art in Assisi  

The Basilica di San Francesco is the jewel in the crown of Assisi’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre. In Umbria’s heart, Assisi remains a vital Christian pilgrimage destination, home to the Franciscan order’s spiritual roots. Visitors of all interests arrive to admire the basilica, perched above its countryside surroundings, and especially to witness the façade and terraces cast in the rosy glow of sunset. Inside, the basilica reveals further wonders: the walls and vaults are adorned with fresco cycles by Giotto, Pietro Lorenzetti and Simone Martini – masterworks of medieval painting. 

See Michelangelo’s Statue of David 

Widely known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is a beacon to art lovers, history connoisseurs and world-class architecture enthusiasts. If there is one sight to see during your time in Florence, it’s the 5.17-metre-tall Renaissance masterpiece, the Statue of David. Carved from a single block of Carrara marble by Michelangelo between 1501 and 1505, the sculpture was commissioned to symbolise the ideal of human perfection, as well as the independence of the city of Florence. See this immense sculpture in all its grandeur at the Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze. 

Discover Italy’s Answer to Tapas 

Cicchetti is to Venetians what tapas is to Spaniards. These small, savoury dishes are traditionally served in bacari (wine bars) throughout Venice, often accompanying a glass of wine. Popular small plates include crostini (open-face sandwiches), polpette (meatballs), plates of marinated olives, and creamy baccalà (cod). Order at the bar alongside a glass of house wine – if you’re unsure what to choose, ask the bar staff for a local recommendation. Then, savour your cicchetti and glass of wine while standing at the bar, or take it outside to enjoy with a side of people watching.  

Indulge in Wine tastings in Historic Vineyards 

Italy’s wine region of Valpolicella near Verona is renowned for its Amarone wine variety. This fine wine undergoes a unique production process known as appassimento (grape drying). The grapes are hand-picked and dried over three to four months, which concentrates the sugars and flavours as the liquid evaporates. Then, the dried grapes are fermented before the wine is aged in oak barrels for a minimum of two years. The result is a complex, full-bodied tipple featuring intense flavours of black cherry, dark chocolate and cinnamon. This rich pour pairs best with heavy meat dishes and hard, aged cheeses. 

Uncover Italy’s quintessential moments, from discovering ancient Roman treasures to wandering Sorrento’s stunning streets, on the 12-day Iconic Italy Land Tour.