Italy Activities

If the museums, galleries and espresso are not enough to occupy your time in Italy, there are plenty of options for the active adrenaline addict. The Italian Alps offer well-marked trails and strategically placed refuges for long-distance hiking. There are plenty of excellent ski resorts in the Italian Alps - particularly in the Dolomites, which have the most dramatic scenery. Windsurfing and sailing are extremely popular, and at most beach resorts it's possible to rent boats and equipment. Cycling is a great way to see the country.

From Rome to Venice via Florence is a breathtaking 660km (410mi) that you can do in a week but which easily merits as much time as you can give it.A week is not a long time to spend in Italy but, with a bit of planning and a desire to make the most of every moment, it's possible to undertake a whistle-stop tour of the tried and tested. Where else to start but with a couple of days in the ancient capital of Rome, home to St Peter's dome, the Sistine Chapel and its famous ceiling, the world-renowned Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and much, much more. From Rome push onto Florence for a mind-blowing collection of Italian art in the splendid Uffizi Gallery, squeezing in a day trip to Siena, a charming medieval town, or Pisa with its renowned leaning tower and majestic cathedral. After two days in Tuscany it's time to head for the illustrious jewel of the Adriatic - Venice. Spend your last two precious days marvelling at the mosaics of St Mark's Basilica, exploring the picturesque waterways of the lagoon city and gazing in awe at the grand houses of the Grand Canal. If you don't have to travel back to Rome on the final day, stay in Venice to check out the attractive islands of the lagoon or move on to explore the beautiful streets of historic Verona and possibly even cram in a quick visit to elegant Bologna with its graceful monuments and bustling boulevards.