From Rome and Florence to Venice, Naples and Palermo, 16 Italian cities, each distilled to ten things worth your time, mapped and filmed.
First-timers should pair Rome and Florence with two nights in Venice; repeat visitors trade up for Naples, Bologna and the hill towns of Tuscany. The best windows are April–May and September–October, warm, lighter crowds, and easier to book than the August peak.
Frecciarossa high-speed trains link Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan in a few hours each. Book early for the cheap fares.
Cards are widely accepted, but keep some cash for espresso bars, markets and small trattorias.
English is common in tourist areas; a few Italian pleasantries go a long way everywhere else.
Schengen visa-free short stays for most Western passports. Always confirm for your nationality.
Italy's national tourism office: trip planning, regional guides and seasonal events.
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