Italy is the perfect destination for those who love rich history, delicious food, beautiful beaches, and even breathtaking mountains. A large country in Europe, this destination might seem a bit overwhelming for first time visitors, but once you’ve booked one of the many Italy vacation rentals you can begin to plan your adventure. 

Regions of Italy

Rome is divided into 20 regions, including Sicily, Umbria, Campania, and Calabria among others. Families looking for Italy vacation rentals might want to check out a few of the regions below, which are among the most popular places in the country for tourists:

• Lazio: This region is home to the country’s capital city of Rome, a must-see city unlike anything you’ve seen before. With more than 2,000 years of history packed into its walls, tourists could easily spend their entire trip wandering around this vibrant city.
• Tuscany: The area is known for its picturesque landscapes, long-held traditions, and tourist destinations like the historic city-center of Florence and the Medici Villas and Gardens scattered throughout the region.  
• Veneto: A hub for tourism in Italy, Veneto is most often noted for its capital city of Venice, which consists of more than 100 small islands and countless canals. 
• Piedmont & Valle d’Aosta: Located in the northwest of Italy and surrounded by the French and Swiss Alps, this gorgeous region is one of the wealthiest in the country. It is also known for its delicious food and wine. 

Climate

The climate of Italy is highly diverse as the country extends far into the Mediterranean Sea and has both coastal areas and mountainous landscapes inland. Regions along the coast and in the south of Italy typically experience warm, dry summers and mild winters. In the mountains and the interior’s valleys, winters can be very cold, wet, and snowy, while summers are generally pretty warm. Consider the region you’re visiting when packing your bags for Italy.

Things to do

You could spend months in Italy and barely scratch the surface of all that this country has to offer. From learning about ancient Rome to hiking in the Dolomites, a trip to Italy will definitely be a vacation to remember. Choose from countless Italy vacation rentals and spacious villas and then choose from a variety of things to do near your home base. Popular attractions include:

• The Colosseum: A 2,000-year-old structure left over from ancient Rome. Taking a tour and stepping back in time here is a must.
• The Vatican Museums: They contain the largest and most diverse collections of art in the world. 
• Pompeii and Herculaneum: Two of the best-preserved historic sites in the world.
• The Beaches of Sardinia: Often ranked as some of the best beaches in the world, the Sardinia beaches feature powdery sands and crystal-clear water.
• Hiking in the Dolomites: Active families will enjoy hiking the Dolomite mountains and taking in the beautiful Italian views. 
• Pisa Tower: World-famous, this tilting building is open to visitors that wish to climb its 296 steps.

Other popular places visitors will want to check out include the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and the Amalfi Coast. 

Food & Dining

Italy is well-known throughout the world for it mouthwatering food. Cheese, cold cuts, wine and espresso are commonly featured in Italian cuisine throughout the country. Fresh, homemade pasta and gelato are enjoyed all throughout Italy, but did you know that each region has its own specialties? The information below describes a few favorite dishes and the region from which they originate. 

• Pizza Napoletana: This traditional pizza is made with a thick crust and topped with mozzarella, tomato sauce, and toppings. It’s usually cooked in a domed, wood-burning oven.
• Capriolo alla Valdostana: A hearty stew made with venison, wine, grappa, and vegetables, this dish is native to the Valle d’Aosta region. 
• Minestrone alla Milanese: This is a soup made with bacon and vegetables that is popular in Lombardy. Also popular in this area is Risotto alla Milanese, a creamy rice dish made with cheese, meat stock, and saffron.
• Seafood plays a big part in coastal dishes, and sardines, sea bass, and tuna are frequently consumed in the Liguria region. This area is also known for its basil pesto sauce because it has some of the finest olive oil the world. 

Events

Plan around popular events and festivals when booking one of the many Italy vacation rentals so you’ll get a true taste of Italian culture. Carnevale is one of Italy’s largest festivals and is the Italian version of Mardi Gras. Many cities throughout the country take part each year, and it is always held in February or March. Taking place in Sardinia, L’Ardia di San Constantino is an annual horse race that commemorates Constantine’s 312 victory at the Mulvian Bridge each July. Throughout the summer, many outdoor music festivals are held as well, and a few favorites are the Puccini Festival in Tuscany, the Verona Opera, and the Stresa Festival on Lake Maggiore.

From filling your belly with tasty food and wine to walking it off in the ancient cities and rugged landscape, there’s something for everyone in Italy. Choose from a variety of Italy vacation rentals on the coast or inland and enjoy your trip of a lifetime here.