Italy holiday packages
What to see while you're here.
Grab a holiday package deal to get in as much sightseeing as you can! Here's our list of Italy's most popular tourist attractions:
Rome
See all the sights of Italy's splendid capital - the ruined temples of the Roman Forum, the magnificent Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps and Vatican City, whose territory exists within a walled enclave of Rome. The territory includes St Peter's Square, the home of the famed St. Peter's Basilica; the Apostolic Palace, official residence of the roman Catholic Pope; and museums and other residences. The Sistine Chapel is located in the Apostolic Palace, and it is here that Michelangelo completed his Last Judgement fresco in 1512.
Venice
Venice is famous the world over for its canals, and the town is connected by more than 400 bridges. Transportation is either on water or by foot - there are no roads in the centre, so a classic 'gondola' ride in Venice is not to be missed! Also worth visiting are the Basilica di San Marco, St. Mark's Square, the Palazzo Ducale, and the beautiful Grand Canal.
Milan
The Via Monte Napoleone is the ultimate shopping destination, lined with all the top Italian fashion houses. But there is plenty to do besides shop - Milan is also home to La Scala, the world's premier opera house, and Leonardo's Last Supper.
Florence
Undoubtedly, Florence is one of the world's great artistic hubs, filled with magnificent monuments such as the famed Piazza del Duomo, the Palazzo Vecchio, the Palazzo Pitti, and Michelangelo's David (which lies in the Galleria dell Academia). Not to be missed is the Uffizi, with its unrivalled collection of art.
Naples
This is a must for any pizza lover - the town is known as the creators of the first ever pizza slice! Other highlights include the Teatro San Carlo, Italy's biggest opera house; the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli; and the Duomo.
Amalfi Coast
While the lava-covered ruins of Pompeii lie just inland, shadowed by Mt Vesuvius, on the coast, just beyond the Sorrento peninsula, lies the Amalfi coast with pretty towns such as Positano, Amalfi and Ravello. The limestone, green-covered islands of Ischia and Procida lie just offshore, as does Capri, which is well worth the visit, especially to see the famous "blue grotto".
Other sights to put on your itinerary include Sicily, the Mediterranean's largest island; Sardinia, home of the famed Emerald coast; Verona, the setting of Shakespeare's most famous play, Romeo and Juliet; Pisa, where the Leaning Tower of Pisa can be found; and Tuscany, alongside the Cinque Terre.
Package deals and tours
Several companies offer great holiday accommodation deals and tour packages throughout Italy.
Try Tempo Holidays (www.tempoholidays.com) for the Verona Opera package deal (4 days from $399), or the Flavours of Florence package deal (4 days from $417).
For a small-group holiday package, try Peregrine Tours (www.peregrineadventures.com). Special packages include the Rome to Venice tour (15 days from $4195) and the Spirit of Amalfi tour (8 days from $1749).
To experience the Active Tuscany and Cinque Terre package deal (8 days from $1409) go to Intrepid tours (www.intrepidtravel.com).
For a luxury bus tour of Italy's main highlights, try Trafalgar Tours (www.trafalgar.com), who offer the Viva Italia package deal (11 days from $1999).
These package tours and holiday deals are also available online from Flight Centre (www.flightcentre.com.au), Best Flights (www.bestflights.com.au) and Nomadsworld (www.nomadsworld.com)
