The Ultimate Italian Bucket List: 39 Destinations and Activities 

Italy may not be big, but it is mighty. It is overflowing with adventure and discovery with something for every traveler. We only have two more years left in Italy, and I am hoping that is enough time to complete our ultimate Italian bucket list. 

Everyone has different ideas when it comes to the perfect vacation.  Some prefer to spend their time sitting by the calming sea sipping a Spritz, while others dream of hiking up the side of Mt. Vesuvius. Whatever drives you to Italy, there are many options to choose from. I am hoping to accomplish this lengthy list of 40 Italian bucket list destinations and activities before we leave. 

I am learning that it is actually more difficult to visit all that I want while living here than I had thought before moving. Some of this is due to our budget travel restrictions and to Andrew’s busy work schedule. While you are on vacation, the World is your oyster and you can take everything on at once. 

Before we moved here, I imagined that, once we lived in Italy, it would be easy to see all the places I’d hoped to visit.  I was wrong about that–partly due to our budget, which is hard to stretch to include a lot of travel, and partly due to Andrew’s busy work schedule.  We are not on vacation and, sad to say, the world is not our oyster.

I love that aspect of traveling, I am someone who wants instant gratification, and when on vacation I can jump in head first to all that I want to see and do. I am working on being more patient, not envying others who are able to go out and explore. Everyone has their own stories. Who knows, they may have been saving for years or just happen to have the time to travel right now. That is awesome for them–I hope it’s you!

(I am applying the same frame of thought to my exercising. I am just not going to be the fittest and/or strongest person in the room all of the time. Even though I want to be, I also like pizza.)

The first step to figuring out where you want to go and what you want to see in a place like Italy is to compile a list. I don’t know about you, but I love checking things off of lists. That is exactly what I have done here for you and for me. Some of these locations I have been to and strongly believe are worthy of an Italian bucket list. 

11 Italian Bucket List Locations (Where I have been)

Pisa

Of course, I have to put my resident city on the list. Famous for its leaning tower, Pisa is a can’t-miss location on your Italian vacation. Make it a stop if you are able to make it to Tuscany, which is a can’t-miss region itself. 

The Field of Miracles is a can’t-miss sight in Pisa.it is where you will find the Leaning Tower along with a gorgeous cathedral and baptistry. Here you can enjoy the large green lawns, climb the tower, and take your quintessential picture holding up the tower. 

Pisa has a rich history and happens to be the birthplace of the famous astronomer Galileo Galilei. At one time it was a thriving port town, but then the sea receded, they were defeated, and all they had was the Field of Miracles. 

Find out more about Pisa and what to do on one of our other posts. 

Free and Affordable Things to Do in Pisa

Lucca

Oh Lucca, What can I say other than if you have time for Pisa then you have time for Lucca. Please make time, it makes a perfect day trip from Florence when combined with Pisa. That’s two checks on your Italian bucket list! 

Is Lucca Worth Visiting? Why Lucca is One of The Best Towns in Tuscany

Lucca is one of our favorite trips to take for the day, or just for a few hours. It is a charming and unique town with a historic city center surrounded by a large and intact wall. It is a peaceful and fun place to rent a bike and venture around the town atop the wall that has been converted into a wide and tree-lined pathway. 

Get lost in the old streets lined with unique shops and delicious restaurants. Visit the botanical garden and climb Guingi tower. There are so many ways to fill an afternoon while in Lucca.

Rome

Rome is probably on the top of everyone’s Italian bucket list, as it should be. The city is an outdoor museum with history under your feet. You will find yourself in awe of the two-thousand-year-old colosseum that has withstood the tests of time. The Roman Forum whisks you back to the time when Rome ruled most of Southern Europe. 

I loved Rome, and although it is a large and busy city with an endless stream of tourists, it is worth the time you will spend soaking up the beauty and history everywhere you look. You will find adorable neighborhoods like Trastevere and delicious restaurants in the Jewish quarter. Rome will not let you down. It is very worthy of the ultimate Italian bucket list. 

Venice

Romantic canals, hundreds of bridges, and a rich history are only a few reasons to add Venice to your Italian bucket list. Yes, it can be full of tourists and in the winter the tides can flood the streets and piazzas, but it is somewhere worth visiting. 

Gondolas glide down the infinite canals filled with families and couples new and old. St. Marks’s Square stuns your eyes with a truly unique mosque-like duomo and vast square. 

After exploring the Rialto Bridge, Grand Canal, and the rest of Venice’s magical waterways, I recommend that you hop on a ferry and make your way to Burano. Burano is an island where the fishermen painted their homes bright colors to be more easily seen from the sea when they were navigating home.  You’ll love the bright blue, pink, yellow, and red houses.  

 filled with happily colored homes, bright blues, pinks, yellows, and reds adorn the walls that call their fisherman inhabitants home from the sea. Personally, I prefer Burano over Murano (the glass-making island), for me it is more lively and vibrant. 

Florence

Oh sweet, sweet Florence, the home of the Renaissance, of art itself. There are still many museums I am anxious to visit in Florence, but Andrew and I both love wandering up to Michelangelo Park for sunset cityscapes, enjoying local sandwiches, and admiring the exquisite architecture. 

When entering the city from Santa Maria Novella, the city’s main train station, you will wind down streets and turn a corner to come face to face with its jaw-droppingly perfect duomo. I will never forget the first time I saw it, and I love to visit to this day. Here we have another top-notch Italian bucket list city filled to the brim with art, history, and love. 

Cinque Terre

What can I say other than ‘GO!’ I had heard former visitors rave about Cinque Terre, but I held off on being too excited, as sometimes the hype just doesn’t meet the expectations. Well, the hype was accurate! 

Cinque Terre is made up of five small fishing villages along the Ligurian sea near La Spezia. The villages are built along the cliffsides, into the canyons, and atop rocks dropping into the sea. The buildings are painted in vibrant colors to make them easy to spot by the fishermen coming home from the sea. 

Each village is unique and wonderful in its own way. I personally prefer Corniglia, it is small and harder to get to, but I loved entering after our hike from Vernazza. Grapes vines surrounded us, the sea crashed bellow us, and the views may as well have been filled with rainbows and unicorns. 

HIking between the cities is in itself an Italian bucket list item. We loved it, as did Wally. If you have the opportunity I highly recommend hiking starting in Manarola. You can find more information on hiking and exploring Cinque Terre in one day on one of our other posts. 

Cinque Terre has a big thumbs-up for our Italian bucket list!

San Gimignano

One of Tuscany’s most popular hilltop villages, San Gimignano is a rustic and beautiful place to spend part of your day. Not only is it charming and quintessential, it also has some of the best gelato you will have during your Italian adventure. That has to go on the Italian bucket list! 

San Gimignano is most easily accessed by car, but beware that parking can be troublesome to find during the height of tourist season. Walk to the top of the hill to enjoy panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside, a reward in itself for the trek into wine country. I shouldn’t refer to it as a trek, as it is a gorgeous drive out of the city and into the country. Vineyards adorn the hillsides, reminding you of the wine waiting for you at your destination. 

Volterra

I loved Volterra.  We paired it with San Gimignano for a wonderful day full of beautiful scenery and surroundings. As beautiful as San Gimignano is, Volterra would have to take the cake for me, personally. It has the perfect streets and alleyways to venture up and down, as well as hidden sculptures and stairways. 

There are more activities in Volterra than in San Gimignano, such as climbing the main tower, going to the old prison, and exploring the old Etruscan ruins. Being able to touch the same stones that the Etruscans carved and placed as walls for their homes was a surreal experience. I don’t think I will ever get over how old everything is in Italy! 

Siena

I LOVE Siena! It wasn’t at the top of my Italian bucket list, but it would be now if I had the chance to start one afresh. Sitting atop three hills, this medieval town was untouched by war and thus holds onto its historic and ancient ambiance. Siena has a wild history filled with adventure and influential people. 

How to Have an Epic Day in Siena, Italy

One thing in Siena that you need to have on your Italian bucket list would be its phenomenal Duomo. Not only is the outside perfectly wonderful, but the inside is something I have never seen elsewhere. The online photos do not do it justice. 

This is another town where wandering up and down the streets and hills will be the most rewarding part of your trip to the City. Find yourself lost along the cobblestone streets lined with homes and stores.

Treat yourself to one of the local dishes, cacio de pepe. It is probably Andrew’s favorite Italian dish and Siena is the place to try it. 

Vatican City

Located within Rome’s city limits, Vatican City is not easy to miss. When we stayed in Rome, our hotel was located directly next to Vatican City, so we had no excuse to not visit. Good thing, because it is bold and powerful to see. 

We did not get the chance to enter the Sistine chapel as we had not made prior reservations– now we know to do this for the next time. That is okay as even just being outside of the Vatican is a powerful experience, and I say this as someone that is not religious. The architecture, the people, it all is worth seeing. 

If you are in Rome, it is an easy skip over the river to see this Italian bucket list item.

Sicily

When I started to write this piece I had not been to Sicily and I didn’t expect to go anytime soon. Well, when my parents came to visit we came across some incredibly priced tickets. We couldn’t pass up $10 RT tickets to Sicily!

So off we went, and wow, was it worth it. We spent two days in Taormina and one day in Syracuse. Both were extraordinary and filled with history, nature, and delicious food. It is also home to Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano! I can’t wait to go back and see even more of this unique island.

8 Experiences (That I Have Done)

Colosseum Underground Tour

Unbelievable! We were so lucky that all of the daytime regular tours were sold out as it led us to this underground nighttime tour of the colosseum! 

This tour allows you to walk the paths of history’s gladiators, see where animals were housed, and witness how the shows took place behind the scenes. The wooden floor has since disappeared, but you can still picture the feats of strength that were rewarded here. I loved learning so much about the events that happened two thousand years ago. I only wish that the tour had been longer as it left me hungry for more information. 

This incredible feat of architecture does not disappoint and is more than worthy of your Italian bucket list. 

Wine and Cheese Tour

When one of my best friends visited me we survived on wine and cheese, life’s two main food groups. One thing we did that I am telling you to add to your Italian bucket list right now is a wine and cheese tour from Florence. 

We visited a winery in the Chianti region, tasted wines, went to a vineyard, then a Tuscan farmhouse where we were met by a fountain of wine and a mountain of cheese. It was a dream! The best thing I have yet to discover on Airbnb, hands-down. 

If you are a fan of wine then yes you can find plain jane wine tours, but unless you are lactose intolerant, this type of tour HAS to be on your Italian bucket list, I am saying it again. 

The Secret of Wine and Cheese in a Winery

A laid back 9-day itinerary for Tuscany and Beyond

Take a Pasta Making Class

I am getting hungry with all of this talk of Italian cuisine, and it isn’t over! 

Taking a pasta-making class in Italy is quite the quintessential experience for most visitors. When my friend visited, one of her only requests was to do a pasta class. I was completely on board. So we took a class in Florence and it was wonderful. 

There are many options when it comes to pasta classes in Italy, so you will be able to find something that everyone in your group will enjoy. I found our class on Airbnb experiences. 

Eat All of The Pizza and Pasta

DUH! You are in Italy, that means it is time to EAT! The pizza in Italy is a bucket list item itself. It is pure magic. Freshly made pasta? Yes, please. I can’t say I have had pizza from the South, but that is on my list of things to do as I have heard only good things about it. 

Try all of the Gelato

Good thing it is almost time for me to make dinner, I am SO hungry now. 

If you have never had gelato, then that needs to change ASAP. Where is a better place to make that check-mark than in Italy? An ultimate Italian bucket list item, gelato. 

Yes, it is different from ice cream. The cream-to-milk ratio is different, the texture is different. It is dreamily creamy. Pistacchio is my favorite. Are you ready to swim over here to Italy? I would be, I think I gained twenty pounds in my first months here from gelato itself. I have since had to learn that I need to practice more moderation, but if you are here for vacation then go for It! 

Enjoy the views from Michelangelo Park

Michelangelo Park is in Florence and it is across the river and looks across the city. It offers panoramic views and is perfect at sunset. You have to walk up a nice hill, but you are rewarded for your efforts. There is also a road, but I like the walk. 

You will also find a bronze replica of David.  The last time I was there he was surrounded by scaffolding for what I would guess would be cleaning. 

If you are headed to Florence, add this to your Italian bucket list, it is so incredibly beautiful. You can even take a seat in the rose garden and enjoy a spritz or coffee. 

Hike Cinque Terre

So when I was talking about Cinque Terre I got pretty excited and took the punch out of this one. So I am going to direct you back to that item. Hiking Cinque Terre is a perfect item to put on your Italian bucket list along with Cinque Terre itself.  You get to cross two items off at once!

Hike and Explore Cinque Terre in One Day

Tuscan Hotsprings/Spa

I felt so spoiled when my friend visited and she brought me to a spa fed by local hot springs. It was my first spa visit and I LOVED it! We visited Bagni di Pisa in San Gulliano, a neighboring village to us in Pisa. 

Saturnia is also a popular outdoor natural hot spring to visit. I have not been here yet, but have heard firsthand that even though it can get a bit crowded, it is a lovely experience. 

11 Other Italian Bucket List Worthy Locations

Turin

Located in Northwestern Italy, Turin is home to an incredible Egyptian museum. A friend told me to visit Turin, so now it is on my Italian bucket list. 

It is also not far from Milan or France!

Puglia

We have friends that live in Puglia which already puts it high on our list of places to go. This isn’t the only reason we would love to visit Puglia–it is supposed to have incredible beaches, sunny weather, and just plain beauty. It is also quite affordable.

Amalfi Coast

When you see elegant seaside pictures of people enjoying fancy meals above the sea, it is probably the Amalfi Coast. I imagine it to be like Big Sur in California. It is a favorite location for the rich and famous to vacation, so be sure to do some people-watching while enjoying this stunning Italian bucket list location. 

Elba Island

Off of the coast of Tuscany, you will find Elba, an island big enough to need a car, but small enough to feel secluded. I can’t wait to visit and go SCUBA diving to see the underwater life that inhabits the water of the Ligurian sea. 

Sardinia

One of Italy’s largest islands, Sardinia is surrounded by water, ringed by sandy beaches, and filled with mountainous terrain. I am drawn to Sardinia like a moth to a flame. Hiking, swimming, diving, sunbathing–it is one of my ultimate Italian bucket list location

Lake Como

Famed for being the destination of the wealthy, Lake Como has something for everyone. If you wish for a relaxing lakeside retreat you can easily do this. On the flip side, Lake Como also offers many activities for the more adventurous vacationers. 

I think I am drawn to Lake Como for its pristine beauty and colorful lakeside villages. I would love to explore the lakes surrounding nature. 

The Dolomites

All I can say is that you should google some photos of the Dolomites. A mountain range in Northern Italy, they are STUNNING! I have only heard magical things about them and the hikes that they offer. 

Capri Island

Hello, celebrities! 

Bolzano

Sitting in the North near Austria, Bolzano is supposed to have some epic Christmas festivals. I wanted to go this year, but as you can imagine, the price was a bit steep to stay during its most popular season. 

Bologna

The red city, Italy’s food capital, Bologna has it all. 

Verona

Did everyone have to read Romeo and Juliet in school? I know I did, and at the time I loved it and found it to be so romantic. Now I have mixed feelings, but boy does Shakespear know how to throw in some twists to his work! 

Okay, so Verona is where Romeo and Juliet ‘met’, and you can visit Juliet’s balcony. I think that people sometimes forget that it is a fictional story, but that’s okay. It is fun to pretend. So after visiting the balcony, I am excited to explore this city located between Bologna and Venice.

You know what? I want to do a three-city exploration. That’s it, it’s happening. 

9 Other Bucket List Worthy Experiences

Uffizi Museum

The home of Michelangelo’s David and Botticelli’s Birth of Venus. Located in the heart of Florence. 

Gondola Ride in Venice

A quintessential experience to take part in when visiting Venice. You can share a gondola so as to split the cost. 

Stay in a Tuscan Villa/Agriturismo

I am anxious to one day stay at an agriturismo that has animals and/or special experiences such as goat herding or truffle hunting. I would love this!

Sistine Chapel in Vatican City

I imagine the pictures do not do it justice. The Sistine Chapel is full of history and incredible art. Even though I am not religious, this is definitely on my Italian bucket list for the next time we are in Rome/Vatican City. 

Ride a Vespa

Vespas/scooters are everywhere in Italy. It is strange now to travel to places that do not have such a strong scooter culture. Sharing in this bit of Italian culture sounds like so much fun, I have wanted a Vespa since I was in high school. 

Visit the ruins of Pompeii 

The world works the way it does, and sometimes that includes volcanoes.  The destruction is horrific, while at the same time, it’s one of the ways the earth renews itself.  In the case of Pompeii, a peaceful village was destroyed and preserved at the same time, so we can see how the people lived–because they died so suddenly and awfully.  One way to honor them is to respectfully learn about them as you visit their uncovered village.Sometimes nature is heartless, even cruel. I guess volcanoes just can’t help bursting at times. It is only saddened by the fact that an incredible village was destroyed. I can’t imagine there is anyone that doesn’t know about Pompeii, it was such a devastating and at the same time, a unique phenomenon. 

Drive a Fiat

Not only are they crazy cute, but they are also one of the ultimate Italian cars to drive. 

Hike the Appian Way

One of the oldest roads created by the Romans, you can hike, bike, or even ride a horse down the Appian way out or into Rome. I can’t wait to do this hike, or I suppose it is more of a long walk. 

Wine tasting in Montepulciano

Montepulciano is famous for its Nobile wine, and if you visit you can do wine tastings in underground rooms. Make sure to make a reservation to make sure you can see the winding passages and unique rooms that have been carved out under the city. 

Creating your Italian Bucket List

This list is probably missing some Italian gems that I have yet to discover or hear of, but it is a great start. I hope that you have been inspired to add some of these locations and experiences to your personal Italian bucket list. 

Andrew and I have a lot of work to do before we move away, although we can always return to visit and complete our list. I would love to see everything I possibly can right now! I’ll tell you what, I am feeling that Sicily will be our next location as I am now craving a sweet cannolo.