In this video, “10 Best Places to Visit in Italy – Travel Video,” we explore the breathtaking beauty and rich history of Italy’s top …
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10 Best Places to Visit in Italy – Travel Video

In this video, “10 Best Places to Visit in Italy – Travel Video,” we explore the breathtaking beauty and rich history of Italy’s top …
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A small island lying off the Amalfi Coast, Capri is known worldwide for its crystal-clear seas, luxury villas, and lush gardens.
Considering how many times it’s been featured on mainstream media, it’s no wonder it seems to be at the top of the bucket list for everyone visiting South Italy.
However, it’s far from being the be-all, end-all Italian vacation hotspot:
Yes, it’s stunning, and yes, it’s the quintessential Mediterranean escape, but it can be extremely expensive to visit, with the average 3-night stay setting you back by a whopping $801, not to mention the high levels of mass tourism.
But hey, not all hope is lost if you’re dreaming of a laid-back island adventure in Italy!
There are 5 other Capri-like islands that are way cheaper, and that by virtue of not being overtouristed, can feel much more authentic:
We’re starting with Procida, an even-smaller island in the Gulf of Naples, not far from Capri, famous for its picturesque harbor lined with colorful houses, and its relaxed atmosphere of a traditional fishing village that’s not crumbling under the weight of tourism.
Other than the postcard-ready main settlement, tourists are free to wander around the largely-walkable island on foot, and explore many more sights, from Palazzo D’Avalos, a castle-like, medieval prison perched atop a coastal cliff, to the secret coves of Chiaiolella.
If you’re wondering how much dining out in Procida will cost you, seafood linguini and local red wine is around $15, and as for staying overnight, there are affordable accommodation providers, such as Piccolo Tirreno Hotel, where entire studios are listed from only $51.
A much-overlooked island lying off the northeastern coast of Sicily, Lipari is characterized by its volcanic terrain, with rugged peaks traversing a compact landmass, and hugged by the turquoise-most seas you’ll ever see.
Between the myriad of volcanic beaches and fine-pebble strips, and the man-made wonders—think a monumental Lipari Castle, built onto a volcanic rock face, or the quaint harbor towns of Canneto or Marina Corta—this is a Mediterranean diamond-in-the-rough that’s hardly been spoiled.
While Sicily is probably one of Europe’s busiest summer destinations, Lipari continues to exist in its own microcosm of calm, hosting only tens of thousands of guests yearly (it’s no wonder room rates start at $47 on Booking.com, and food is so inexpensive).
A fairly sizable island part of the Tuscan archipelago, Elba is known historically for serving as Napoleon Bonaparte’s place of exile between 1814 and 1815, and let’s face it, there are worst open-air prisons to be in:
It has a rich history comprising periods of Etruscan and Roman rule, its lively port capital, Portoferraio, is still protected by medieval fortifications and dotted with beautifully-decorated Baroque churches, and surrounded by fine white-sand strips, like Spiaggia Bianca, that feel almost Caribbean-like.
The best part is, as idyllic as it may be, Elba is nowhere as popular for international tourism as Capri: think Margherita pizzas costing as little as $10, sparkling spritz for roughly $4, and studio-style accommodation arrangements for $43.
A remote territory in the middle of the Tyrrhenian, only accessible by boat from the Italian mainland, including from Naples, Ponza has captived many a curious visitor due to its natural beauty, with the dramatic coastline, blue grottoes, and unique geological formations.
Other than swimming off hidden coves, and floating in crystalline natural pools, Ponza revolves around its main port settlement, Ponza Town, peppered with your typical, pastel-hue buildings and family-owned trattorie.
A seafood platter in a local restaurant should set you back by between $18-21, and staying near the center of town, in a privately-managed guesthouse such as Maridea, only 600 meters from the harbor, you’ll be paying only $69-a-night.
Closer to Tunisia than it is, in fact, to Italy, Pantelleria is highly sought-after by Italians themselves for its remoteness, and distinctive nature: it’s filled with natural landmarks of volcanic origin, and some of its wineries date back centuries.
The main attractions in Pantelleria are Venus’ Mirror, a volcanic crater filled with naturally warm waters; its dammusi, stone dwellings topped with white domes that are a direct influence from North Africa, which is only a short boat ride away; and charming Pantelleria Town.
As far as pricing goes, a main dish and glass-of-wine order at a downtown restaurant averages $21-22 (make sure you try some of their Moscato, made from homegrown, sweet Zibibbo grape), and beachfront hotels can be as cheap as $56 to book in the off-season (see Hotel Bue Marino).
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Home to world-famous landmarks like the Colosseum, the floating city of Venice, and the leaning tower of Pisa, not to mention all the gorgeous alpine nature and scenic coastline, it’s no wonder Italy is the most visited country in the world at the minute.
Don’t trust us, trust the numbers.
Culturally-rich, and insanely-popular as it may be, Italy has failed to nab one prestigious award:
Recently, the EBD (or European Best Destinations) were revealed at a tourism fair in Berlin, and according to experts, Italy doesn’t come anywhere near the top spot.
This year, it’s out with la dolce vita, and in with Život je lijep: life is beautiful, and it sure feels magical when you’re lounging by a pebbly beach in Croatia.
The pearl of the Balkans, Croatia has brought home the title of Best European Country to Visit in 2025 at the ITB Berlin fair, charging ahead of long-time favorites like aforementioned Italy, Greece, France, and even Spain.
Millions of people flock to Italy every year for its picture-perfect towns and laid-back living, and if you haven’t traveled to Croatia yet, you should probably know that, in many ways, it resembles the brotherly country across the Adriatic.
Take the charming city of Pula, for instance:
A mini Rome by the sea, it is littered with ancient landmarks, from Roman temples to intact city gates, and it even preserves a large amphitheater that, unlike the Colosseum, has not had part of its elliptical exterior collapse.
Further down the coast in Rovinj, the pastel-hue facades and Romanesque bell towers seem like a direct continuation of Venice, minus the canals, and over in Split, you’ll find a fast-rising summer hub revolving around a Roman-era palace, now filled with merchant shops and cafe-bordered piazzas.
Of course, let’s not forget Dubrovnik, probably the number one destination in Croatia:
A fortified harbor town hugged by the teal-colored Adriatic, its cobble-paved alleys and imposing turrets dating back to the Middle Ages have featured on your favorite fantasy series of all time.
GoT fans, where you at?
Croatia’s boundless natural beauty is yet another huge draw for tourists landing here in 2025.
It lays claim to some of the most beautiful natural parks in Europe, including Plitviče, a chain of 16 terraced lakes backed by cascading waterfalls that empty into crystal-clear natural pools before flowing into a limestone canyon.
It’s quite an extensive park, comprising a 113-square-mile reserve, and there are several wooden walkways built over the pristine waters, as well as hiking trails looping around the lagoon.
If you’re visiting, make sure you check out the stunning Veliki Slap, a 78-meter waterfall.
Further inland, near the bustling Croatian capital of Zagreb, Medvednica mountain is traversed with tourist-friendly hiking paths, that lead to breathtaking lookouts, and over in a hill-dotted Istria, rolling vineyards and a hilltop Motovun, one of the oldest settlements in Europe, await discovery.
Croatia is also a world-class beach destination, with its many islands and over 1,104 miles of coastline:
If it’s a relaxing summer getaway you’ve got your heart set on, without packing too many activities into a single day, the blissful Brač is where you should be headed: it offers white-pebble beaches, lush nature, and deserted coves.
For the livelier atmosphere and busy nightlife, you can’t go wrong with a trendy Hvar, the next Ibiza on the making—the main settlement, Hvar Town is a postcard picture come to life, with its Spanish fortress and centuries-old dwellings built from stone.
On the mainland, a more offbeat Makarska boasts a palm tree-lined, seafront promenade, culminating in a paradisaical Ramova Beach, and if you’re heading to Dubrovnik, but you’re hoping to stay a little out of town to avoid the crowds, Cavtat is that sweet spot.
Settled back in Illyrian times, it is now a lively resort town famous for its quieter beaches and exclusive guesthouses, some of which can be surprisingly affordable:
A whole studio apartment with pool access will set you back by $72 (for 2 adults) this spring.
Speaking of prices, it’s been widely reported that Croatia is no longer as affordable as it might once have been.
That’s only natural: it’s coming off a long process of societal development that started in the early 90s, when it seceded from a then-communist Yugoslavia, and since joining the European Union in 2013, it’s set out on a path of full European integration.
In recent years, this has meant ditching its historical currency, the kuna, and adopting the euro, as well as joining the border-free Schengen Zone: what we’re trying to say is that consumer prices in Croatia currently reflect the arguably improved living standards of locals.
The poor man’s version of Italy, no more: tourists should plan on spending around $52 on food, and $106 on hotels on average per day vacationing in Croatia, as per Budget Your Trip estimates.
Pricier than it used to be in the years of Poles, Czechs, and lower-income German families driving down here as an alternative to a boujee Amalfi Coast, but still reasonably-priced by U.S. standards.
Oh, before we forget, this summer, Americans can fly nonstop to Dubrovnik from Newark, from $986 roundtrip.
Find the cheapest dates available, and book your tickets with United Airlines here.
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Following Paris to Brussels for $10, Brussels to Venice overnight, in time for this year’s Carnival celebrations, and Amsterdam to Berlin for less than the price of a pint of beer and a schnitzel, Europe’s Train Renaissance saga continues with one of the most exciting launches just yet:
In the future, travelers will be able to journey from Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland and a popular destination for Americans in particular, all the way south to two of Italy’s most beautiful and historic cities––and vice-versa.
As Swiss Info reveals, Swiss Federal Railways and Trenitalia, the two national railway companies for Switzerland and Italy, respectively, will team up to bridge the existing gap between the Alps and the sun-drenched Tuscany.
More specifically, you’ll be able to travel from Zurich to the cities of Florence and Livorno by avoiding the chaotic airports altogether––and reducing your carbon footprint if that’s something you’re passionate about.
As of right now, train options between the Swiss metropolis and central-western Italy are scarce.
Unless you’re flying from Zurich to Florence, which in that case could run you up $414 on a one-way ticket alone on Swiss, you’re looking at either long layovers in Rome to cut costs, with ITA Airways (starting from $87), or multiple changes traveling land-side.
The easiest way to go from Zurich to the heart of Tuscany involves at least 3 changes: Zurich to Bern, Bern to Brig, Brig to Milan, Milan to Florence, and if traveling onward to Livorno, Florence to Livorno.
That’s over 12 hours of travel with multiple transportation providers, and when combined, the overall price of tickets averages $120.
Swiss Federal Railways and Trenitalia have not yet decided on an official launch date for the much-anticipated Switzerland-Tuscany service, but we know the launch is already set to take place in 2026, so we’ll still need to wait a little longer until then.
Either way, that’s great news already for train enthusiasts, who are eager to swap the cumbersome baggage rules between different airlines and strict airport regulations for stress-free boarding, no extra charge for heavy luggage, and scenic views along the way.
If you’re flying from Zurich to Florence, the flight itself may take only over an hour from takeoff to landing, but let’s not forget to factor in the two hours required at the airport for check-in and finding your gate, and commuting from the airport to city center when arriving at your destination.
Realistically, you’re looking at a total of 5 to 6 hours of traveling and travel-related activities.
Meanwhile, the total uninterrupted driving distance between Zurich and Florence is 369 miles, translatable to around 6h30 on the road––considering a train can cover that distance at a higher speed, it’s not hard to see how going the railway way might be more appealing.
On top of the Zurich-Tuscany route, the Swiss Federal Railways have announced trains from the Swiss metropolis to Milan and Venice are also coming, and even a Rome route is on the cards.
More than a global hotspot for finance, Zurich is a cultural center backed by the majestic Swiss Alps, and lying at the north end of a turquoise Lake Zurich, a seriously underrated summer destination if crowding at the Mediterranean gets a bit much this year.
It is best known for its Altstadt (Old Town), where pedestrian-friendly lanes travel uphill, lined with storied edifices and raclette restaurants, as well as for its waterfront promenades, most notably the Limmatquai, following the course of a swan-navigated Limmat River.
If you’re looking for a unique way to explore Zurich while getting your daily exercise in, taking an e-bike tour along its picture-perfect alleys and squares bordered by laid-back cafes and Lake Zurich itself is a must, from only $21.58.
The Renaissance capital of Europe, Florence straddles a fast-flowing Arno River, with its striking-red Brunelleschi Dome, the pinnacle of the marble-clad cathedral, rising high above an ocher-colored maze of medieval alleys.
The cathedral itself, or Duomo, its adjacent Baptistery and the sole-standing belfry, are easily three of Florence’s best-known landmarks, though other gems like Ponte Vecchio, a stone bridge that’s retained its medieval shops, and the 13th century House of Dante drawing in millions of visitors.
If you love art, Florence is definitely the place to be: its Galleria dell’Accademia hosts Michelangelo’s masterpiece ‘David’, and if you have some spare time to pay the Uffizi Gallery a visit, you will bear witness to Botticelli’s ‘Birth of Venus’.
A little-known fact for most is that Tuscany is not an inland region of Italy: while its cypress-tree-strewn, winding roads and idyllic countryside are gorgeous, the Tuscan Coast may even rival Cinque Terre, Amalfi, and the like in beauty, and Livorno is living proof of it:
A stunning port city protected by harbor side forts and filled with stately piazze and Renaissance-era monuments; we’d argue this is one of Italy’s unsung cultural gems: and the best part? Very few foreign tourists around, unlike Florence!
Three of our must-sees include Venezia Nuovo, evocative of Venice with its pastel-colored houses and footbridge-spanned canals, the checkerboard-paved Terrazza Mascagni, a promenade offering views of the Mediterranean, and the imposing Fortezza Vechia, built in the 16th century.
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Italy will remove all COVID-19 entry requirements from June 1. Italy’s health ministry said the need to show a negative test result, proof of vaccination, or recent recovery from COVID-19, will not continue after May 31. Therefore, Italy is back to normality for travelers.
However, some internal COVID-19 restrictions still apply.
Italy has become one of the last European nations to lift all COVID-19 entry requirements. The nation removed the need for all passengers to complete an EU digital passenger locator form on May 1.
All tourists—including Americans—will no longer need to show:
This news is excellent for the millions of visitors considering visiting Italy in 2022.
Italy will join the following European nations in scrapping all COVID-19 entry requirements:
Internal COVID-19 restrictions may remain in some of these nations.
Italy still has mandatory masks on public transport nationwide. The health minister will decide whether to extend the mask mandate past June 15th. As of now, the mandate is due to expire on this date.
However, airports and airlines may require passengers to wear face masks when flying to and from Italy until this date. That’s despite the EU-wide removal of face coverings on flights in mid-May. Most importantly, Italy requires these face masks to be FFP2.
Currently, Italy requires face coverings in:
If travelers need to visit inpatients on a hospital ward, they’ll need:
However, Italy has scrapped the Green Pass and Super Green Pass, commonly known as vaccine passports in North America and the United Kingdom.
However, travelers will still need a Green Pass to enter Italy from another nation until June 1.
Travelers no longer need the Green Pass to enter local and national public transportation, bars and restaurants, shops, museums, theaters, cinemas, stadiums, gyms, and spas.
In some nations, such as the United Kingdom, travelers don’t legally need to self-isolate if they test positive for COVID-19. It’s just a recommendation.
Italy, however, has different rules.
If travelers test positive for COVID-19, they must immediately self-isolate and call the regional hotline. Travelers must remain in their present accommodation for self-isolation or transfer to a state or government hospital. In addition, travelers may need to fund the accommodation.
If travelers have received a full vaccination course or a booster shot in the last 120 days, they must self-isolate for seven days. If travelers don’t meet these requirements or have never received a COVID-19 vaccine, they must self-isolate for ten days.
To leave self-isolation, travelers must present a negative COVID-19 test. Travelers will also need to be symptom-free for three days.
The current 7-day case average in Italy is 19,879. However, that’s a sharp decline from the 7-day case average of 178,332 in January 2022. Italy has fully vaccinated 85.3% of its entire population.
However, 167,000 people have died from COVID-19 in Italy. since February 2020.
Fancy a trip to Italy? This news is superb for Americans as most European nations have now ended COVID-19 entry rules.
Americans can now visit a growing list of nations with no entry requirements.
Which country are you choosing this year?
Read More:
Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022
Germany Removes All Entry Requirements For Summer
New Flights From New York To Paris Launched
U.S. Government Issues Travel Advisory Regarding Hurricane Season In The Caribbean
Cyprus Removes All Covid Related Entry Requirements
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Delicious food, rich culture, and iconic landmarks. It’s no wonder so many American travelers dream of visiting Italy.
Whether you dream of sailing in a Venetian gondola, marveling at the Colosseum in Rome, or sipping cocktails on the Italian Riveria, there’s an Italian escape for everyone. And next summer, Italy will be easier to get to than ever.
American Airlines has announced an Italian summer and revealed details of 2 new nonstop flight routes.
American Airlines will launch a new nonstop route from Chicago to Naples. This service will begin on May 6 of next year.
This isn’t the first American Airlines route to Naples, but it will be the only route from any airline between Chicago and Naples for the summer of 2025.
Tickets for this route went on sale on November 4, so I checked to see how much you’ll have to spend if you’re planning a Napoli summer!
On this route, you can expect to pay $1,334 for an economy class roundtrip flight departing on May 12 and returning on May 19.
If you’d prefer to travel during the high summer season of August then a flight from August 11 returning August 18 would cost $1,375.
This is also for an economy-class roundtrip flight, meaning the difference in flight prices between the high season and the shoulder season is negligible.
Good news for Dallas residents: American Airlines will also offer its first nonstop flight from Dallas-Fort Worth to Venice next summer.
American already offers nonstop flights to Venice from Philadelphia, but this will be the first time they’ve connected Dallas to the floating city. This new daily service will begin on June 5.
Tickets for this route are already on sale, so I got an example price for departure shortly after the flight launch date.
Departing on June 16 and returning on June 23 would cost $1,408. This is based on a nonstop return economy class flight.
During the August high season, the same flight would cost $1,061.
This is based on a nonstop economy class flight departing on August 16 and returning on August 23.
Showing that sometimes the best way to save on flights, especially during the high season, is to book well in advance!
When it comes to embracing the Dolce Vita and enjoying an Italian summer, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
American Airlines have also announced that their new seasonal flights from Miami and Philadelphia to Rome will now depart on June 5 instead of July as first announced.
Giving options to explore Venice, Naples, and Rome.
As well as being a tourist attraction in its own right, Naples is also the gateway to the Amalfi coast. This coastline offers some of the most stunning scenery in Italy and is home to picturesque villages and high-end beach resorts.
But don’t miss Naples completely. The Archaeological Museum here houses one of the world’s largest Egyptian collections (outside of Egypt, of course). It’s the birthplace of pizza. And its close to Naples and the famous preserved city of Pompeii.
Venice needs no real explanation, but it’s a city everyone should experience at least once! The floating city famed for its canals and gondolas, you can wander over endless ornate bridges and explore the incredible architecture here.
Venice has its own unique kind of magic. It’s like a romantic and fascinating living museum.
Don’t miss the iconic cathedral Saint Mark’s Basilica, and take a batobus or a water taxi to the nearby islands of Murano and Burano, each of which has its own personality and is just as charming and fascinating as Venice itself.
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