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A special two-week tour to discover Italy's best! The Grand Tour is a journey from the North to the South, passing through the cities of art, villages and the most beautiful places in the country defined by Unesco as World Heritage Sites.

Grand Tour of Italy

Don't miss the opportunity to discover Italy from north to south in 15 days: discover the Grand Tour of Italy , the richest and most complete tour organized by Visit Italy. In total safety, consider your departure for the next holiday period and you will be cradled and pampered by the peculiar Italian welcome.

From Milan to Venice

From Florence to Siena and the surrounding UNESCO beauties

From Assisi to Rome to Naples and the island of Capri

From Pompeii to Cosenza and from Tropea to Reggio Calabria

Tour of Sicily: Taormina, Cefalù, Palermo and Monreale

From Naples to Orvieto and from the Cinque Terre to Genoa

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50 Famous Landmarks In Italy To Visit

Are you planning a trip to Italy and need some destination inspiration? Here’s my guide to 48 must visit landmarks in Italy. These famous Italian landmarks will take your breath away!

Italy is show stoppingly beautiful. The country has heady mix of world famous attractions — stunning cathedrals, ancient Roman ruins, and masterpieces of Roman and Renaissance art.

There are so many amazing things to see and do in Italy. How to choose between the myriad options?

In this guide, I take you on a tour of the 50 most famous historic landmarks in Italy to help you create your Italy bucket list or Italy itinerary .

I’ve grouped these unmissable Italian landmarks by region. As you’d expect, there’s a high concentration in and around Rome and Florence .

Famous Landmarks in Italy

So let’s get down to business and discover the best and most famous landmarks in Italy.

Landmarks In Italy In Rome

1. roman forum.

The ancient Roman Forum is a must visit landmark in Rome. It’s rectangular valley running from the Arch of Titus to Capitoline Hill. The main road is the Via Sacre. The forum was the beating heart of Rome, the seat of political power, and its stunning central showpiece.

Today, the Roman Forum is mostly a rock strewn ruin that you’ll need to have interpreted by a good guide. Stroll by the Basilica of Constantine, the Temple and House of the Vestal Virgins, the Temple of Venus and Rome, the Basilica of Constantine, and the 3 columns of the Temple of Castor and Pollux.

You’ll also find the ruins of the Temple of Caesar . It was built by Rome’s first emperor, Augustus, after Julius Caesar’s assassination. Inside, in a small apse area, is a mound of stone and dirt covered with coins and flowers. This is the altar holding Caesar’s ashes and marks his grave.

Here’s my complete guide to the monuments of the Roman Forum . Click here for a  guided tour  of all three imperial sites, which will take approximately 3 hours.

2. Pantheon

Without a doubt, the Pantheon is the best preserved landmark from ancient Rome. The Pantheon was a temple dedicated to all of the gods.

It was originally built by Augustus’ right hand man, Marcus Agrippa, in 27 BC. In 120 AD, the Pantheon was rebuilt by Hadrian. The well-traveled emperor was a true Grecophile.

Hadrian reimagined the Pantheon as an oversized Greek temple — with 40 foot tall Corinthian granite columns from Egypt, a pediment, and portico. It was considered a masterpiece of engineering and mathematical precision.

The Pantheon’s most emblematic feature is its perfect unsupported spherical dome. At the time, it was a major architectural breakthrough.

The dome became the model for Michelangelo’s dome for St. Peter’s Basilica and for Brunelleschi’s dome for Florence Cathedra l . At the top is the oculus, or eye, which is the Pantheon’s only source of natural light.

The Pantheon is filled with tombs of important Romans, including famed Renaissance artist Raphael .

Here’s my complete guide to visiting the Pantheon .

The Pantheon used to be free to visit. But as of July 3, 2023, there is a 5 euro fee. To avoid long lines, you can pre-book a ticket on Get Your Guide or Tiqets . Click here for a guided tour of the Pantheon.

3. St. Peter’s Basilica

St. Peter’s Basilica is the most famous church in Christendom. It’s a magnificent Italian landmark in a city that does beautiful churches like no other.

Designed by Bramante, Raphael, and Michelangelo, it’s a true Renaissance masterpiece. The dome of St. Peters, partly designed by Michelangelo, is the tallest in the world.

The basilica is the burial place of St. Peter and past popes and houses the famous Bernini Baldachine altar. The basilica is just packed with statues of popes, saints, and cherubs.

The most famous is behind stained glass, Michelangelo’s tragically beautiful Pieta. St. Peter’s also has one of the greatest collections of the work of Bernini , the greatest artist of the Baroque.

For just € 6, you can climb up a narrow flight of stairs to inspect the dome at close range. There’s also an elevator for € 8. This is where you have the iconic view of St. Peter’s Square and a panoramic view of Rome.

Here’s my complete guide to St. Peter’s Basilica . You can take a  guided tour  of St. Peters. You can also visit the  underground grottos on a guided tour . 

4. Vatican City

The Vatican isn’t just a walled city. It holds one of the world’s greatest art collections, housed in former wings of the Vatican Palace.

The Vatican Museums are one of the world’s most visited sites, attracting millions of visitors annually. The works in the Vatican are invaluable crowning glories of Western art.

A museum path leads you through the long corridors and wings of the Vatican Museums. Most of the fine art, as opposed to decorative art, is in the Vatican Pinacoteca (painting gallery), the Pio-Clementine Museum (sculpture gallery), the Raphael Rooms , the Borgia Apartments, and the Sistine Chapel.

Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel frescos are the undisputed highlight of a visit to the Vatican. They’re among the most famous paintings in the history of art.

In 1533, Michelangelo made a return visit to the Sistine Chapel. Pope Julius II summoned him to paint The Last Judgment on the altar wall.

Click  here  to book skip the line tickets for the Vatican. This is essential if you don’t want to stand in line for hours. I also recommend this 3 hour no  w ait tour that also includes the Raphael Rooms .

5. Colosseum

Formally named the Flavian Amphitheater, the Colosseum has stood in Rome for almost 2,000 years. It’s the most instantly recognizable landmark in Italy from the classical world. Despite the ravages of time, the Colosseum is an incredibly well-preserved piece of Rome’s fascinating history.

In its glory days, the Colosseum was a vivid white with painted trim and frescoed hallways. There were monumental statues of the Greek and Roman gods in the arches of the middle two stories. The top story had a retractable canvas awning to shade spectators.

The Colosseum hosted the popular “games,” a form of ancient theater re-creating far flung lands and mythological themes for the masses. There were many variations. The spectacles pitted men against men, men against beasts, and beasts against beasts.

Here’s my complete guide to the Colosseum . You may want to take a  guided tour of the Colosseum   or a tour that also includes the  underground gladiator area of the Colosseum .

6. Castle Sant’Angelo

Castle Sant’Angelo is a 2,000 year old landmark in Rome. As a national museum, it’s official name is the Museo Nazionale di Castle Sant’Angelo. You might consider the distinctive round bulwark a sign that you’ve arrived at the Vatican.

In 139, Emperor Hadrian commissioned the castle’s construction as a mausoleum. Unlike Rome’s other famous archaeological sites , Castle Sant’Angelo never fell into ruins.

Instead, it continued to thrive and was repurposed. Castle Sant’Angelo was transformed from a tomb, to an impregnable fortress, to a prison, to a magnificent Renaissance papal residence, and finally to a museum.

Here’s my guide To Castle Sant’Angelo . Click here to pre-book a skip the line ticket.

7. Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is an imposing Baroque landmark in Italy, designed by architect Nicola Salvi. The fountain was immortalized in Fellini’s movie La Dolce Vita .

The fountain is 85 feet high and 65 feet wide, making it Rome’s largest fountain. In the center is the figure “Ocean.” Water pours from 24 spouts.

If you’re superstitious, toss a coin over your shoulder to ensure your return to Rome. Over 3,000 euros are collected from the fountain daily and donated to charity.

8. Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona is sometimes called the Square of Fountains. Dating from the 16th century, the beautiful Baroque square is the very symbol of Rome. 

Piazza Navona is a long rectangle flanked by ochre colored buildings. The square is always filled with tourists, artists, and street vendors.

The square dates back to the time of Emperor Domitian in 86. He used it as a racetrack for chariot races and sporting matches. The buildings surrounded the piazza were once stadiums with screaming fans.

Beginning in 1652, Piazza Navona was turned into a lake in the summer. The drains of the fountains were closed and the square became flooded with water. Aristocrats would decorate their coaches like traditional gondolas. Sometimes there were mock naval battles. 

9. Largo di Torre Argentina

The Largo di Torre Argentina is spot where Julius Caesar was assassinated on the Ides of March in 44 B.C. Caesar was assassinated by a conspiracy of senators.

They feared Caesar would crown himself king. The assassination was one of the most pivotal moments of the Roman Republic. It led to its downfall and the rise of the Roman Empire.

After a restoration funded by the fashion house Bulgari, the ruins of the Largo opened to the public in June 2023. Via walkways, you can visit four Republican era pagan temples and the ruins of the Theater of Pompey. 

There’s also a fenced off feral Cat Sanctuary onsite. It’s protected and funded by an animal protection organization.

10. The Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps are a beautiful set of steps and one of Italy’s most recognizable landmarks.

They climb a steep slope between the Piazza di Spagna at the base and Piazza Trinità dei Monti, dominated by the Trinità dei Monti church at the top.

As of 2019, you can no longer sit on the Spanish Steps. It’s classified as a national monument. Don’t sit down. If you’re caught sitting on the Spanish Steps, you risk paying a € 400 fine.

And, by the way, the Spanish Steps aren’t Spanish. They’re just named after the Spanish Embassy at the top of them.

11. Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore

This beautiful basilica is a UNESCO-listed site in Rome’s Monti area. The basilica dates to the 5th century. 

Santa Maria Maggiore is one of four papal basilicas in Rome and retains its original shape (with some embellishments). The basilica’s claim to fame is a perfectly preserved Byzantine interior. Beautiful 5th century mosaics decorate both sides of the nave. 13th century mosaics are in the apse.

The basilica also has a stunning coffered ceiling, sculpted by Giuliano da Sangallo in 1450. It’s covered in gold, brought back by Columbus. And there’s a famed relic, five pieces of Jesus’ manger crib downstairs in the  Confessio .

Click here to book a guided tour of the beautiful basilica.

12. Ruins of Pompeii

Pompeii is Rome’s most famous archaeological site, a living museum. In 79 A.D., Mount Vesuvius erupted and buried the city in 60 feet of ash.

The ruins are a remarkable evocation of everyday Roman life. You can get a vicarious thrill sharing living space with ancient Romans.

In the complex, you’ll find roman baths, a roman forum, brothels, basilicas, a grand theater, and the oldest Roman amphitheater in the world.

Pompeii is the gift that keeps on giving. New finds are made all the time, including recently unveiled frescos. When you’re done exploring the ruins, head to a vineyard or restaurant on the nearby Mount Vesuvius.

It’s definitely easiest to visit on a  guided day t our from Rome . But if you can get yourself there, you can then take a  guided walking tour with an archaeologist  to learn everything abut Pompeii. Or simply book a skip the line ticket .

READ : Ultimate Guide To Visiting Pompeii

13. Hadrian’s Villa, Tivoli

Hadrian’s Villa (Villa Adriana) is a UNESCO landmark in Italy in Tivoli. It’s the largest and most spectacular villa of ancient Rome, three times the size of Pompeii.

The villa is a testament to the power and glory of ancient Rome and the world’s most important leader, Emperor Hadrian. And it was designed by Hadrian himself, complete with its magnificent edifices, beautiful mosaics, and ancient statuary.

Hadrian’s sprawling complex is called a “villa.” But it’s more accurately a miniature Rome that covers nearly 300 acres. It’s dotted with 30 large structures — palaces, libraries, baths, living quarters, dining pavilions, and sculpture gardens.

Click here to pre-book a ticket. You can also visit Hadrian’s Villa on a guided day trip from Rome .

14. Villa d’Este, Tivoli

The UNESCO-listed Villa d’Este in Tivoli is a must visit landmark in Italy. The villa is the lush and watery country estate and gardens of a Catholic cardinal.

It makes the perfect day trip escape from Rome, just a half hour away. You can also combine it with a visit to Hadrian’s Villa.

The sumptuous late Renaissance estate is a playground of whimsy, topped with a frescoed villa. Built into a cliff, Villa d’Este’s terraced gardens are one of Europe’s most beautiful green spaces. There are waterfall fountains, ornate staircases, spiky cypress trees, and the gentle murmur of water everywhere.

The villa itself is a bit of an empty shell, with the furnishings and decor long gone. But most of the vibrant frescos and painted ceilings remain.

Set over 35,000 square meters, the verdant gardens will blow you away. You’ll see thundering fountains, placid pools, grottos, waterfalls, and natural beauty.

>>> Click here to book a ticket to Villa d’Este

15. Necropolis of Tarquinia

The UNESCO-listed Necropolis of Tarquinia is one of Italy’s most magnificent Etruscan sites. The “city of the dead” dates back to the 7th century B.C.

Since 1489, nearly 6,000 tombs have been excavated. The most important tombs are the Tomb of the Shields, the Tomb of the Lioness, and the Tomb of the Warrior.

There are 140 fantastic large scale wall frescos behind plexiglass. Press a button to light them up. The necropolis was popular with Roman artists. Raphael and Michelangelo ventured there to study the frescos.

Click here to book a guided tour of this must visit UNESCO landmark in Italy.

Landmarks In Northern Italy

16. milan cathedral, milan.

The Duomo is the nickname for Milan Cathedral , a renowned landmark in Milan Italy. The cathedral was built over 600 years beginning in 1368 and is a top attraction in Milan .

The Duomo is a flamboyant Gothic masterpiece with 135 marble spires. It’s the fourth largest church in the Europe, second in size in Italy only to St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome .

There’s plenty to admire — ornate statues, paintings, and the sarcophagi of famous Milanese citizens. In the transept, you’ll find the rather ghoulish statue of St. Bartholomew Skinned by Marco d’Agrate, a Leonardo student.

The Duomo’s truly spectacular and unmissable feature is its rooftop terrace. From the rooftop, you have an excellent view of the details of the cathedra’s intricate stonemasonry. You can see the panorama of the entire city before you, which is especially nice at sunset.

Click here to book a skip the line ticket with rooftop access.

17. Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie, Milan

Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper is found on the back wall of the refectory in the monastery of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan. It was commissioned by Leonardo’s patron, Ludovico Sforza, the Duke of Milan.

No painting is so familiar, save for the Mona Lisa . In a swoosh of emotion, Leonardo captures each apostle’s unique reaction to his declaration — horror, astonishment, anger, anxiety, grief, shock, etc.

By the time Leonardo finished in 1498, the painting was already deteriorating. 20 years later, it was flaking off the wall. There have been seven documented attempts to repair The Last Supper , the most recent effort in the last 21 years.

You’ve got to be organized and reserve in advance to see this Leonardo masterpiece. Advance reservations are mandatory. Click here to book a ticket and tour, which may be your only option since tickets sell out months in advance.

18. Te Palace, Mantua

Te Palace is one of the world’s most unique and beautiful buildings., It’s a wildly inventive and theatrical feat of both architecture and decoration, a must visit landmark in Mantua Italy.

Te Palace was designed and built by Raphael’s best pupil, Giulio Romano, between 1525-35. It was the bling-y summer palace of the Gonzaga family.

The Hall of Cupid and Psyche is the palace’s most opulent room. It’s filled with racy frescos created by Raphael pupil, Giulio Romano.

The Hall of the Giants is also an extraordinary space. Every inch of the famous grotto-like hall is decorated with colossal scale figures. It’s almost an alternative Renaissance virtual reality.

Click here to book a walking tour of Mantua with entry to the Ducal Palace. Click here for a ticket + tour of the Ducal Palace.

19. Rocca Scaligera Castle, Sirmione

The beautiful town of Sirmione sits at the end of a narrow peninsula jutting into Lake Garda, the largest lake in northern Italy. Oleander, cypress, and palm trees mix into the foliage. And, rising against the town’s medieval skyline, is the enormous Rocca Scaligera, Sirmione’s unforgettable fortress.

The square cut castle was built in the 13th century by the Scaligera family of Verona.The castle is completely surrounded by a navigable moat. Impregnable walls and turrets rise from pale rustic stone.

Crenellated battlements wrapped in red top the fortress. The poet Dante is said to have stayed in the castle.

From the sweeping cobbled courtyard, steel staircases lead to the first turret and your first glimpse of panoramic views of the town. But you get the best views from scrambling up the 146 steps to the tallest tower.

Landmarks In Italy In Tuscany & Umbria

20. duomo, santa maria del fiore, florence.

Florence Cathedral is one of Italy’s most famous landmarks and the very symbol of Florence.

Florence’s Duomo is Gothic in styled made of brown sandstone and beautifully faced with pink, green, and white marble.

Filippo Brunelleschi’s magnificent terra cotta colored dome, built from 1420-36, is the highlight. It’s decorated with high Renaissance frescos by Giorgio Vasari, a Florentine artist and the world’s first art historian.

For panoramic views, climb up Brunelleschi’s dome. You can admire the Vasari frescos up close.

The Duomo is free to visit (though you’ll have to line up). You may want to book a  guided tour of the Duomo with skip the line access.

You can also book a  guided tour of the Duomo that includes access to the dome and secret terraces   that you wouldn’t see on a regular visit. And it’s absolutely essential to pre-book a  ticket to climb Brunelleschi’s dome .

21. Basilica of Santa Croce, Florence

The Basilica of Santa Croce is a must visit landmark in Italy for lovers of Renaissance art. The church dates from 1280. The ancient basilica has one of the greatest assemblages of frescos, painting, sculptures, and funeral tombs in the entire world.

The Santa Croce highlights are the frescos by Giotto in the Bardi Chapel and the Peruzzi Chapel. There are also frescos by his students Taddeo and Agnolo Gaddi. The ones by Agnolo are well preserved and have been recently renovated.

Santa Croce is also the resting place of storied Renaissance luminaries. You can find funeral tombs for Michelangelo, Ghiberti, Galileo, Dante, and Machiavelli.

Santa Croce also houses the famous Cimabue Crucifix . The artifact was damaged in a devastating flood in 1966, but has been somewhat restored.

Here’s my complete guide to the Basilica of Santa Croce Complex . Click here to buy a skip the line ticket. To see it all, click here for a guided tour.

22. Ponte Vecchio, Florence

Dating from 1345, the Ponte Vecchio, or “old bridge,” is Florence’s only bridge to survive WWII. The Nazis destroyed all Florence’s other bridges.

The only reason Ponte Vecchio escaped unscathed is that Hitler had a soft spot for the bridge. Instead of destroying it, he destroyed the buildings at both ends.

The iconic Ponte Vecchio looks like houses suspended over the Arno River. It has three arches topped with a jumble of charming shops. In an urban setting, space was at a premium, so the bridge became a sort of mall.

Originally, the Ponte Vecchio housed unglamorous butcher shops. But the Medici family didn’t like escorting their aristocratic guests and diplomats over the bridge with the wafting stench.

So they swamped the butchers for goldsmiths. Now, you can buy expensive jewelry on the storied Ponte Vecchio.

23. Uffizi Gallery, Florence

Florence is synonymous with the Renaissance period of art history. The Uffizi is its premiere gallery, and the third most visited site in all of Italy. For art lovers, the Uffizi is a place of pilgrimage.

Some of the world’s most famous paintings are in the Uffizi — Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Primavera , Titian’s Venus of Urbino, Leonardo da Vinci’s Annunciation , Caravaggio’s Medusa and Bacchus, Piero della Francesca’s unflattering portraits of the Duke and Duchess of Urbino , and Raphael’s Goldfinch Madonna .

The Uffizi consists of 45 halls of art spread over two floors of the palace. If you have limited time, you should focus your efforts.

The must see halls include the Hall 2 (Giotto), Hall 8 (Lippi), Hall 10-14 (Botticelli), Hall 15 (Leonardo), Hall 35 (Michelangelo), Hall 66 (Raphael), Hall 83 (Titian), and Hall 90 (Caravaggio).

Here’s my complete guide to the Uffizi Gallery, which includes must see masterpieces and tips and tricks for visiting. Click  here  to pre-book a timed entry ticket and click here for a guided tour.

24. Pitti Palace

The magnificent Palazzo Pitti is a stunning architecture gems and one of the best museums in Florence .

The palace’s most important museum is the magnificent Palatine Gallery. It houses an impressive collection of over 500 paintings, chock a block on top of each other amid lavish furnishings.

There are works by Raphael, Titian, Botticelli, Rubens, Caravaggio , Gentileschi , and other European and Italian painters. The ceilings are beautifully frescoed by Pietro da Cortona.

The Royal Apartments showcase styles from three different eras of ownership. You’ll find Baroque frescoed ceilings, gilded inlaid work, Rococo stucco, and red damask decorations.

Here’s my complete guide to the Pitti Palace . Click  here  to pre-book a ticket to the Pitti Palace. Click  here  to book a guided tour of the magnificent museum.

25. Palazzo Vecchio

Dating from the 13th century and steeped in history, the Palazzo Vecchio was Florence’s seat of power. It was the home of the City Council that governed the Republic of Florence and a residence of the Medici dynasty .

On the first floor of the palace is the stunning Michelozzo-designed courtyard. It’s decorated with fresco-filled loggias designed and painted by Giorgio Vasari .

The magnificent Hall of the Five Hundred is awash with more frescos by Vasari. On the second floor are the sumptuously decorated private rooms of the Medici, with recently restored frescos in the beautiful Apartment of the Elements.

Here’s my complete  guide to the Palazzo Vecchio . Click  here  to pre-book an entrance ticket and audio guide. Click here for an entrance ticket + guided tour of the palace.

26. Palazzo Pubblico in Piazza del Campo, Siena

The magnificent Palazzo Pubblico sits proudly in one of Europe’s most beautiful medieval squares, the Piazza del Campo in Siena .

The palace was built in 1297-1308 for the Council of Nine, the governing body of the Republic of Siena. The facade is a harmonious example of early Renaissance architecture, an elegant and symmetrical backdrop to the famed piazza.

Inside, in the Hall of the Grand Council, you’ll one of Italy’s most precious paintings, Simone Martini’s Maesta . The Hall of Peace has an amazing cycle fresco, Ambrogio Lorenzetti’s Allegory of Good and Bad Government .

Beside the Gothic palace soars the slender Tower of Mangia, which you can climb for panoramic views.

Here’s my complete guide to visiting Palazzo Pubblico . Click here to book a tour of this magnificent landmark in Italy.

27. Siena Cathedral, Siena

Siena Cathedral is a beautiful Gothic landmark in Italy. Siena Cathedral is one of Europe’s most beautiful churches. I’s clad all over in Siena’s trademark white and dark green marble. Consistent with the Gothic ethos that “more is always better,” every inch is decorated with marble, mosaics, sculptures, and frescos.

Visiting Siena’s Duomo complex is akin to going to an art museum. It’s filled with mind blowing art from some of the greatest artists of the Gothic and early Renaissance periods, including Donatello, Pisano, Pinturicchio, and Michelangelo.

The Duomo complex consists of six must see structures: the cathedral itself, the Piccolomini Library, the Baptistry, the cathedral museum (Museo dell’Opera del Duomo), the Crypt, and the Facciatone viewing terrace.

To visit the amazing Siena Duomo complex properly, you need to pre-purchase the Opa Si Pass .

28. Towers of San Gimignano

Nicknamed the “Medieval Manhattan,” the turreted hill town of San Gimignano is one of I taly’s most beautiful towns . It boasts a startling cityscape of 14 spiky towers poking the sky.

The towers are one of Italy’s most iconic landmarks. The most famous tower is the Torre Grossa. Climbing to the top is a must do in San Gimignano.

Not surprisingly, San Gimignano’s historic center is a UNESCO site.

The central square is the Piazza del Duomo. There, you’ll find the Collegiate Church of Saint Mary of the Assumption. Consecrated in 1148, it’s a beautiful (mostly) Romanesque church, austere on the outside with a feast of frescos on the inside.

Here’s my complete guide to the top attractions in San Gimignano . Click here for a walking tour of the town.

29. Piazza della Signoria

The Piazza della Signorina is Florence’s most famous square. It’s the center of Florentine life and politics, a meeting spot buzzing with activity.

The piazza is the jackpot of outdoor street art. Many beautiful sculptures by Italy’s greatest artists are on display in front of the Palazzo Vecchio or adjacent to it in the Loggia dei Lanza.

Each statue in the Piazza della Signoria represents a different chapter in Florence’s long history. The statues tell stories of murder, rape, religion, mythology, and key moments in art history.

Here’s my complete guide to the sculptures of the Piazza della Signoria .

30. Basilica of St. Francis, Assisi

Located in Umbria, Assisi was the home and final resting place of St. Francis. and is a pilgrimage destination. The 13th century Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi is one of Italy’s best known churches and a landmark UNESCO site.

There are two parts to the church — the lower church (for pilgrims) and the upper church (for clergy). The frescos in the lower church mark the pivotal transition in art history from the Gothic period to the early Renaissance era.

The highlight are Giotto’s frescos in the Chapel of Santa Maria Maddalena. That chapel also has a fresco cycle by Pietro Lorenzetti, with a haunting Depostion .

The upper church houses paintings by Cimabue, the greatest Italian painter of the 13th century International Gothic style. Giotto, who was Cimabue’s protege, also reputedly painted a 28 panel cycle called The Life of St. Francis , between 1297 and 1300. It’s worth noting, however, that some scholars dispute the Giotto attribution.

Here’s my complete guide to the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi . Click here to book a walking tour of Assisi with a guided tour of the basilica.

31. Field of Miracles, Pisa

The UNESCO-listed Field of Miracles is one of Italy’s most famous landmarks. It’s a true spectacle — a simply splendid assemblage of Romanesque, Gothic, and Early Renaissance art and architecture.

When you clap eyes on its marble sheathed buildings, you’ll likely gasp and conclude that it deserves the hype. Here are the six must see sites on the splendid square:

• The Leaning Tower
• The Duomo di Pisa
• The Baptistery
• The Monumental Cemetery
• Duomo Museum
• Museum of Sinopie

Although a tourist-fly draw, the Leaning Tower is the least interesting of the monuments. For more information, here’s my guide to all the attractions in Pisa .

Click here for a guided tour of Pisa’s landmarks and the Leaning Tower. Click here to pre-book a skip the ticket for the Leaning Tower.

32. Orvieto Cathedral, Orvieto

Medieval Orvieto is a popular day trip from Rome . The hilltop town’s piece de resistance is its magnificent cathedral, a marvel of theatricality.

Begun in 1290, Orvieto Cathedral is a riveting ensemble of spires, spikes, golden mosaics, statuary, stained glass, and black and white striped marble. And that’s just the facade.

Inside, the Chapel of San Brizio boasts one of the Renaissance’s greatest fresco cycles by Luca Signorelli. The frescos depict the usual religious themes — temptation, damnation, and salvation.

In the cathedral museum around the corner, you can inspect 2,000 works of art preserved from the church. The best works are by Andrea Pisano and Francesco Mocchi.

Click here to book a walking tour of Orvieto and Orvieto Cathedral.

Landmarks In The Veneto Region Of Italy

33. rialto bridge, venice.

The iconic Rialto Bridge is another one of the Italy’s most famous landmarks. It connects the sestieres (neighborhoods) of San Marco and San Polo. There was first a bridge located here in 1181. There’s been a bridge here for most of Venice’s history.

Space was an important urban commodity. So the Venetians didn’t leave the bridge space unexploited. In 15th century, shops were added to the bridge, inspired by the Ponte Vecchio in Florence .

The present Rialto Bridge was built between 1588-91 by an obscure architect named Antonio de Ponte. He even beat out Michelangelo, who also submitted a design for the competition.

READ : The History of Venice in a Nutshell

34. St. Mark’s Basilica, Venice

St. Mark’s is an astonishing tour de force of Italo-Byzantine architecture. Consecrated in 1093, it’s one of the world’s most famous churches.

St. Mark’s was built to house the relics of the evangelist St. Mark. The church’s footprint is a Greek cross plan, with a giant dome above the crossing point. Each of the four arms is also surmounted with a dome.

Inside, is a golden extravaganza of mosaics, 90,000 square feet in total. The oldest mosaics in St. Mark’s date back to 1070, telling Old Testament stories.

The baldachin, or architectural shelter, marks the spot where the body of St. Mark rests in the crypt below. Behind the baldachin is the Pala d’Oro, an exquisite Byzantine golden altarpiece. It’s a massive bejeweled screen.

Click  here  for a guided tour of the magnificent basilica. Click here for a tour that includes both the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica.

READ : Complete Guide To St. Mark’s Basilica

35. Doge’s Palace, Venice

The Doge’s Palace stands as a remarkable fusion of architectural styles —Venetian Gothic, Byzantine, and Renaissance. Through the centuries, it was not only the political center of the Republic of Venice but also the residence of its elected leader, the Doge.

Behind its charming pink façade, the palace bore witness to the exercise of power and displays of authority.Within these walls, opulence intertwined with governance.

Lavish decorations and grand proportions aimed to inspire awe and demand reverence. The era’s foremost artists adorned vast expanses of walls, making the palace an artistic masterpiece. Among the must see highlights are the awe-inspiring Golden Staircase and Tintoretto’s monumental masterpiece, Il Paradiso , the world’s largest painting.

If you take the VIP secret itineraries tour , you can cross the fabled Bridge of Sighs and delve into the dungeons where prisoners once faced interrogation and torment.

Here’s my complete guide to the Doge’s Palace. You should definitely pre-book skip the line reserved entry ticket .

36. Grand Canal, Venice

Cruising the historic Grand Canal in Venice is a classic, unmissable thing to do in Italy. As you sail, you can admire Venice’s must see sites and dreamy palazzos. The Grand Canal isn’t man made. It follows the path of an ancient river bed underneath.

During Venice’s heyday, the Grand Canal was used by traders, making their way to the Rialto Bridge. Today, it’s flanked with over 170 buildings — including pastel mansions, gleaming Byzantine palazzi, and Venice’s finest museums.

The most important buildings on the Grand Canal were residences of Venice’s powerful patrician families. Because of these sumptuous palaces, the Grand Canal has been described “as the most beautiful street in the world.”

Click here for a 1 hour boat tour of the Grand Canal. Click here for a 2 hour boat tour that includes secret canals. For a special splurge, go on a private gondola tour .

37. Roman Arena, Verona

Verona is a beautiful peach colored town in northern Italy, an easy day trip from Venice. Its key landmark is the majestic Roman Arena, the Arena di Verona, in the Piazza Bra. Click here to book a skip the line ticket and tour.

It’s the third largest classical arena in Italy, after Rome’s Colosseum and Capua’s Colosseum. And one of Italy’s best preserved Roman monuments.

Built in A.D. 30, the open air amphitheater first served as a stage for brutal gladiatorial games, jousts, circuses, and tournaments. It originally seated 30,000 people.

The arena is still in use today. But instead of gory fight, you can watch large scale opera performances, benefitting from the wonderful acoustics of its elliptical shape.

>>> Click here to pre-book a skip the line ticket

38. Scrovegni Chapel, Padua

Padua is a pretty university town just an hour from Venice. It boasts one of the greatest treasures in Western art, the UNESCO-listed Scrovegni Chapel, also known as the Arena chapel.

Wallpapered with exquisite frescos by Giotto, the Scrovegni Chapel is a precious masterpiece of Italian art. Giotto painted a cycle of 39 frescos depicting the lives of Mary and Jesus in 1303-05. It’s definitely as stunning in person as the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican Museums.

Giotto was the greatest painter of the 14th century. His Scrovegni frescos were a watershed moment in art history. With their naturalism, the chapel is considered one of the first examples of “modern art” and profoundly influenced subsequent Renaissance painters.

Here’s my complete guide to Giotto’s Scrovegni Chapel . Click here to book a guided tour of this magnificent Italian landmark that also takes you to St. Anthony’s Basilica.

39. Basilica of San Vitale, Ravenna

Ravenna is a glittering jewel box of 5th and 6th century mosaic art. Ravenna was once the epicenter of the Western World, when the Byzantine Empire made Ravenna its capitol.

The Byzantine rulers decorated Ravenna’s churches with gorgeous mosaics. This artistic legacy rivals, or even surpasses, that of Venice and Istanbul. Ravenna has a whopping 8 UNESCO sites to explore.

Finished in 547 and almost 1500 years old, the Basilica of San Vitale is Ravenna’s masterpiece. It boasts dazzling Byzantine mosaics in the presbytery and choir, meant to evoke a heavenly realm. In the apse above the altar, there’s a mosaic depicting Christ the Redeemer.

Just below is Ravenna’s pièce de résistance — two famous panels dedicated to the Emperor Justinian and his wife Theodora. They show the pair making offerings to Jesus against a field of gold. They are both resplendent in fine capes and jewels, proving to the world that they’re back in charge.

Here’s my complete cuide to Ravenna’s Mosaics . Click here to book a guided walking tour of the mosaics.

40. Palladian Architecture of Vicenza

Vicenza is especially renowned as the crucible for the celebrated architect Andrea Palladio. In 1994, the entire city of Vicenza became a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site specifically to protect Palladio’s palazzi and villas.

The two most famous Palladian landmarks are the Basilica Palladiana and the Olympic Theater.

The Basilica Palladiana is a regal 16th century church. Its facade has a stately double row of marble columns, which march gracefully down the piazza. The basilica boasts one of Palladio’s greatest inventions, known today as the “Palladian Window.”

The Olympic Theater is one of only three Renaissance theaters still standing in Italy. The theater recreates an ancient Roman amphitheater as an indoor Renaissance playhouse.

Here’s my complete guide to the top attractions in Vicenza . Click here to book a guide walking tour of all the Palladio monuments.

Landmarks In Southern Italy

41. royal place of caserta, naples.

The incredible Palace of Caserta is a UNESCO- listed landmark in Naples Italy. Built by King Charles VII of the House of Bourbon, it was used as the main residence of the kings of Naples. With over 1200 rooms, the palace was one of the largest palaces in 18th century Europe.

The sprawling palace complex was built on a grid with four outer wings. You enter via the Grand Staircase of Honor, surrounded by marble.

The palace is lavish inside, especially the gold filled throne room. Caserta Palace comes complete with stunningly beautiful gardens, with long reflecting pools and statuary.

Click here to book a skip the line entrance ticket and click here for a guided tour of the palace.

READ : 3 Days in Naples Itinerary

42. Trulli of Alberobello, Puglia

The Trulli district in Alberobello looks like a fairytale stage set. It’s an icon of the Puglia region. You can get a real feel for old time-y Italy.

Trulli are whitewashed dry stone huts with conical roofs. They’re sprinkled over the farms and fields in Puglia. In Alberobello, there are over 1600 tiny trulli, earning UNESCO status for their hobbit-like uniqueness.

Most of the the trulli date from the 14th to 19th centuries. They proliferated in this area because they were easy to build, with stones stacked in place without mortar in prehistoric fashion.

There are two main trulli zones in Alberobello — Rione Monte (well known) and Rione Ria Piccola (less touristy). The most celebrated trulli in town is the Trullo Sovrano in Piazza Sacramento.

For more information, here’s my one day in Alberobello itinerary . Click here for a 2 hour walking tour of Alberobello.

43. Valley of the Temples, Agrigento Sicily

The Valley of the Temples is the world’s largest archaeological site and Sicily’s star attraction. Lying on the island’s southern coast, the complex is chock full of spectacular Greek ruins, making it one of Italy’s most famous landmarks.

In the eastern zone, you’ll find the best preserved temples — the Temple of Hercules, Temple of Concord, and the Temple of Juno. The Temple of Hercules is the oldest.

The western zone was the intended locale for the largest temple of the Greek world, the Temple of Zeus. But it was toppled by an earthquake. One remaining treasure, a 26 foot statue of a telamon (stone giant)) is the prize possession of the Museum of Archaeology.

In high season, you should pre-book a  skip the line ticket  to avoid lines. You can book a  guided tour from Catania  or a  guided tour from Palermo .

44. Greek Theater, Taormina Sicily

Sicily’s Taormina is an over-the-top beautiful town with a surfeit of star quality. It’s premiere attraction and must visit landmark in Italy is the impossibly romantic ancient Greek Theater (Teatro Greco).

It’s carved out of a rock and perched on a hilltop. Building began ages ago, in the 3rd century B.C.

With the backdrop of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea, the theater has one of Italy’s most theatrical settings. The view is unbeatable.

After the Greeks plied their trade, Romans did some rebuilding, adding the finishing touches to the 2nd century B.C. edifice. Like the arenas in Rome and Verona, the Taormina theater was used for gladiatorial escapades.

Nowadays, though in picturesque ruin, the theater is used for performances, opera, and film screenings. Follow the Corso Umberto, Taormina’s main pedestrianized lane, until you see signs for the site. It’s a beguiling snapshot of ancient history.

Click here to book a walking tour that includes the Greek Theater. For more information, check out my one day in Taormina itinerary .

45. Villa Romana del Casale, Sicily

Villa Romana del Casale in Sicily is an incredibly mosaicked country villa built by Roman aristocrats in the 4th century. Tucked away in a remote area of central Sicily, this UNESCO site and landmark in Italy is a bit of a hidden gem. 

Villa Romana del Casale has the world’s largest collection of  in situ  Roman mosaics — 3,700 square feet. They’re well-preserved and truly incredible, some of the most whimsical and detailed mosaics from the ancient world I’ve seen. 

The time capsule villa gives you an “up close and personal” look at just how extravagantly aristocratic Romans once lived. 

You can visit the villa on a  guided tour from Catania ,  from Agrigento ,  from Palermo , or  from Taormina .

46. The Palatine Chapel, Sicily

The Palatine Chapel is the top attraction in Palermo and a UNESCO listed landmark in Italy.

It’s an extraordinary space filled with glittering Byzantine style mosaics. French author Guy de Maupassant once described the chapel as “the finest religious jewel dreamed up by the human mind.”

It was built by King Roger II, who spared no expense. He hired mosaicists from Constantinople to fill the walls with breathtaking Byzantine style mosaics. The most famous mosaic is the massive Christ Pantocrater.

You can also admire a 12th century  muqarnas  style ceiling and lavish marble floors.

I strongly suggest booking a skip the line ticket in advance on the  palace website . You may want to  book a guided tour  because there’s almost no signage and no audio guide.

47. Neapolis Archaeological Park, Sicily

Neapolis Archaeological Park is located in the beautiful city of Syracuse Sicily, which was once of the most beautiful Greek cities in the Mediterranean.

Its UNESCO-listed park complex features one of the largest and most impressive Greek theaters in existence, as well as an elliptical Roman arena and mysterious grottos.

The park is fairly large and you may want to plan what you want to see in advance. The park has recommended 45 minute, 1 hour, and 90 minute routes.

Here’s my complete guide to visiting Syracuse’s Archaeological Park . You should  book a skip the line ticket in high season. I also recommend  booking a guided tour  to help make the ruins come to life.

48. Castle del Monte, Puglia

Looking straight out of an Arthurian legend, the Castel del Monte is a symbol of Puglia and famous landmark in Italy. It’s an octagonal shaped castle built by the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II in the 13th century.

This Puglia creation is a mysterious fortress-like building set high, like a crown, on a middle-of-nowhere plateau in Puglia.

In 1996, it became a designated UNESCO site, for its architectural harmony and mathematical and astronomical features. The original function of the structure is still unclear. It’s not exactly a castle, not exactly a fortress, not exactly a palace.

Each of the castle’s eight corners sports a tower. The castle has a blend of architectural elements –medieval, Islamic, classical antiquity. Inside, two floors overlook an internal courtyard and trapezoidal rooms, with spiral staircases linking the floors.

>>> Click here to book a ticket & tour for Castel del Monte

49. Civita di Bagnoregio, Viterbo

The Etruscans founded Civita di Bagnoregio over 2500 years ago and it’s largely unaltered ever since. The isolated and picturesque Civita teeters on a hilltop in a vast canyon, north of Rome. The topography scares away most tourists.

To access this little hamlet, you’ll have to ditch your car, walk across an elevated and steep 300 meter pedestrian bridge, and enter via a massive 12th century stone arch called the Porta Santa Maria. What could be more dreamy and surreal?

Once inside, the charms of Civita are subtle. There’s nothing special to do but look around in this rural village. It’s just unadulterated old world Italy. The warm stone walls glow in the sunshine. Have a seat on the steps of San Donato Church, be suspended in time, and admire the flowerpots.

Click here to book a combined tour of Civita and Orvieto.

50. Greek Ruins of Paestum, Paestum

Nestled just south of the renowned Amalfi Coast is the captivating town of Paestum, a living testament to Italy’s ancient heritage. A designated UNESCO site, Paestum is a true trove of mesmerizing Greek archaeological wonders, unrivaled on the Italian mainland.

This town once played a pivotal role in Magna Graecia, or Greater Greece, It boasts three remarkably preserved Doric temples dating back to 650 to 450 BC. These monumental structures stand alongside an amphitheater, forum, well-preserved houses, and ancient pathways, all offering a glimpse into the past.

At the heart of Paestum, an archaeological museum brings the past to life. It houses a rich collection of archaeological discoveries spanning centuries of excavation at the Paestum site. Its sections delve into Paestum’s prehistoric origins, the intricate tapestry of the Lucanian civilization, the vibrant era of Greek Paestum, and the echoes of Roman influence.

Here’s my complete guide to visiting Paestum .

>>> Click here to pre-book a Paestum ticket

I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to the 45 must visit landmarks in Italy. Need more of Italy? You may enjoy these guides and resources:

• 100+ Bucket List Ideas For Italy
• 7 Ways To Spend 1 Week in Italy
• 10 Day Itinerary for Italy
• 10 Day Itinerary for Tuscany
• 3 0 Most Beautiful Towns in Italy
• One Week Amalfi Coast Itinerary
• One Week in Umbria Itinerary
• Tips for Visiting Italy
• 3 Days in Rome Itinerary
• Hidden Gems in Rome
• 3 Days in Florence Itinerary

If you’d like to visit famous landmarks in Italy, pin it for later.

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Last Updated on August 24, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

Italy Tours

Explore the best that italy has to offer whether you prefer quiet tuscany or bustling rome.

You want to see it all when you come to Italy, which means you have to plan carefully and maximize that precious vacation time. Whether you want to explore Tuscany, Venice, Rome, or the Amalfi Coast, you'll find the perfect tour for you. We're Italy experts and have cultivated years of relationships at the top sites. What does that mean for you? You'll enjoy skip-the-line entry and exclusive access to restricted areas at top monuments like the Colosseum and Vatican Museums.

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Special Access Colosseum Arena Floor Tour through the Gladiator's Gate

Walk in the footsteps of gladiators on the Colosseum floor and see the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum and Vatican Museums

Explore the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and more!

Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel

Skip the line and gain direct access to the Raphael Rooms, Creation of Man, and St. Peter's Basilica

Semi-Private Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel

Enjoy a premium and exclusive tour of the Raphael Rooms, St.Peter's Basilica, and more!

Semi-Private Colosseum Underground Tour with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Get special access to the Underground dungeons and Arena Floor on this guided semi-private tour

Privileged Entrance Colosseum Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Skip the line at the Colosseum, plus Arch of Titus, Temple of Julius Caesar, and more!

Trastevere Local Food Tour in Rome

Join a culinary guide to savor authentic Roman food, such as tasty cheese, pasta, gelato, and wine

Florence Walking Tour with Statue of David

Uncover the best of Florence at the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio, and skip the line at Accademia

St. Peter's Dome Climb and Sistine Chapel Combo Tour

Begin your day early and see Rome from above, the Papal Crypts below, and the Vatican museums nearby

Skip the Line Uffizi Gallery Tour

See Botticelli, Caravaggio, and Michelangelo's masterpieces in Florence's famous Uffizi Gallery

Rome Catacombs Tour and Capuchin Crypts with Transportation

Skip the line and explore a creepy underground world of Roman tombs and crypts with an expert guide

St. Mark’s Basilica & Doge’s Palace Half-Day Tour with Gondola Ride

Explore St. Mark's Square's most iconic attractions with skip-the-line tickets and an expert guide

Murano and Burano in a Half Day Boat Tour

Easily visit these colorful Venetian islands by boat and see traditional glassblowing and lacemaking

Unforgettable Rome Day Trip to Pompeii and Sorrento

The easiest way to dive deep into the famous ancient ruins and soak up the sunny coast of Sorrento

Florence in a Day Combo Tour with David and Uffizi

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Ultimate palace of versailles tour from paris.

Breeze past the lines for the palace and gardens with a friendly English speaking guide

Secrets of the Louvre Museum Tour with Mona Lisa

Get to know Venus de Milo, Liberty Leading the People, and Napoleon's Coronation like never before

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Naples Tour: Historic Centre & Monumental area - With Private Tour Guide

• CutOff: 24 hours

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Not included.

Naples tours are a special experience to live all the traditions of the city.

If you want to enjoy a walking tour of Naples, you have to choose this activity! With a private guide in 4 hours you will visit the historical centre and the monumental area.

This tour is suggested for people who want to set the best pickup time and meeting point with the guide. Older than Rome, Naples was founded by the Greeks in the eighth century BC with the name of Parthenopolis : Naples is one of the richiest cities for its testimonies of different influences due to its dominations, after the fall of the Roman Empire until the unification of Italy. Between all the Naples tours, this one is very completed to discover the historical centre and the monumental area.

The first area, today one of the UNESCO sites, is full of little streets: Spaccanapoli, Via Tribunali and San Gregorio Armeno, the main Nativity scene market. Here, you will have the chance to explore the narrow roads full of shops, street foods and churches. Very interesting is the Cathedral of Naples called "Duomo di San Gennaro".

With the guide you will reach then the monumental area with a stroll along Via Toledo , street famous for its many shop windows, and then inside the Galleria Umberto I.

Piazza del Plebiscito is one of the main squares, where the Royal Palace of Naples and the Basilica of San Franscesco di Paola are located.

Finally, you will walk in front of the Royal Theather of San Carlo and the Castel Nuovo to take a photo of the most famous landmark of the city.

This experience combines different Naples tours only in one day!

Professional Guide

Entrance in Museums, Palaces

Transportation from/to the accommodation

Meeting point with your guide

Visit of the Historical centre

Visit of the Monumental area

Terms and conditions / Cancellation Policy

CANCELLATION  – the customer can cancel the tour (free of charge) up to 24 hours before the booked service, after this deadline no refund will be allowed. Within 24 hours before the tour departure the customer can also ask for an amendment of her/his booking (changes are related to: tour typology, number of participants, tour date, and so on).

LIABILITY  – the tour operator is not liable for any loss of personal belongings. If the customer has to get a train or a flight or a ship booked on the same day of the tour, it would be suggested to inform the tour operator to better manage the situation. The tour operator is not responsible if customers miss a train, a flight or a ship. Given the scheduled time-sheet customers should be aware about the real possibility to enjoy the tour they booked for. 

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Pickup time (from) : 09:00

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25 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Italy

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Aug 17, 2023

As the birthplace of the Roman Empire and the Renaissance, it's not surprising that Italy should be so rich in masterpieces of art and architecture, or that it should have more UNESCO World Heritage cultural sites than any other country in the world .

But Italy's top attractions for tourists are not all art and architecture; the country is blessed with lakes, mountains, and a dramatic coastline that give it outstanding natural attractions, as well. You could plan an entire itinerary inspired by a single interest, from Renaissance art to hiking, but most first-time visitors like to get a sampling of the best Italy offers in several different kinds of experiences.

The attractions that follow show off Italy's art, architecture, stunning landscapes, and history, as well as places to relax and enjoy Italian life.

1. Colosseum, Rome

2. florence duomo santa maria del fiore, 3. the grand canal in venice, 4. leaning tower of pisa, 5. vatican city: basilica of st. peter, sistine chapel & vatican museums, 6. the uffizi gallery in florence, 7. cinque terre, 8. lake como, 9. pantheon, 10. trevi fountain, rome, 11. amalfi coast, 12. st. mark's basilica and doge's palace, 13. verona's roman arena and historic center, 14. pompeii and mount vesuvius, 15. roman forum, 16. the valley of temples in agrigento, sicily, 17. milan duomo, 19. rialto bridge, venice, 20. st. francis basilica (basilica di san francesco), assisi, 21. piazza del campo and duomo, siena, 22. strada delle dolomiti (dolomite road), 23. san vitale and byzantine mosaics, ravenna, 24. portofino, liguria, 25. costa sud and costa verde beaches, sardinia.

This huge amphitheater, the largest of its kind ever built by the Roman Empire and the largest of their constructions to survive, remained a model for sports facilities right up to modern times. Built by Vespasian in 72 CE and enlarged by the addition of a fourth story by his son, Titus, the Colosseum was a venue for public spectacles and shows - even mock sea battles.

A wooden floor that was 83 by 48 meters covered two additional underground stories with tunnels, rooms, cells, and passages that provided space for gladiators, workers, wild animals, and storage.

Today, the structure stands in stark contrast to the modern development that surrounds it and is a prominent reminder of ancient times and the extensive history of Rome.

Tip to parents: The Colosseum is one of the most popular places for families in Rome , and you can make a visit even more memorable for your kids by enrolling them in a gladiator lesson. They (and you) can don replica gladiator helmets and shields and learn swordplay with wooden swords.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Rome

Regarded as one of the finest cathedrals in the world, the Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore, or the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore , dominates the Florence skyline. The cathedral was built between the 13th and 15th centuries, with the most famous piece being the extraordinary dome , completed by Filippo Brunelleschi in 1434.

The cathedral's bell tower stands close beside the cathedral in Piazza del Duomo, covered in the same patterned marble typical of Tuscan Romanesque architecture.

Designed by Giotto, the campanile stands 82 meters tall, and you can climb the 414 steps up to a viewing platform with fantastic views of the city and the dome.

Opposite the Duomo is a magnificent baptistery , famed for its bronze paneled doors by Lorenzo Ghiberti. To see the original, exquisitely crafted panels, which have been replaced by exact replicas to protect the originals from weathering, visit the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo , the cathedral museum.

Author's Tips: As is true of many cathedrals in Italy, tourists wearing shorts or tank tops will not be admitted. You can climb the more than 450 steep steps to the top of the dome, inside the dark, narrow space between the inner and outer shells. While climbing, although there is a barrier, you are looking down more than 40 meters into the church below. I've never thought the view was worth it.

Giotto's bell tower has almost as many steps, but they are in a more conventional stairway setting.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Florence

A gondola ride through the canals of Venice is a tradition that travelers have been enjoying for centuries. Venice is a city of islands, and the canals have long been the city's main streets, connected by a labyrinth of narrow passageways.

The Grand Canal is the largest and most famous of these waterways, cutting a wide S-shaped route through the city. Along its sides are the grandest of the palaces once owned by the wealthiest and most powerful families of the Venetian Republic. The best way to see many of the grand palaces, whose fronts face the water, is from a Vaporetto ride along the Grand Canal.

Be sure your gondola ride - and your sightseeing explorations on foot - include some of the more atmospheric smaller canals, lined by old buildings that have remained relatively unchanged for hundreds of years.

Author's Tip: For a uniquely Venetian experience, cross the Grand Canal as the locals do when they are between bridges, on a small gondola called a traghetto. Stripped of decoration and seating, these little boats scuttle back and forth between Ca' Rezzonico and San Samuel, between the San Angelo and San Toma vaporetto stops, and several other points, including one not far from St. Mark's Square.

Although Venetians stand during the crossing, you can sit on one of the narrow benches if you feel uneasy. The small fare saves long walks between bridges.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Venice

The Leaning Tower of Pisa (La Torre Pendente) is just one of many attractions in the city of Pisa , one whose world fame comes not from the considerable elegance of its design, but from a flaw. Work began on the tower in the 1100s, and the sinking, which led to the lean, began by the time the tower reached the third story.

Leaning more and more over the centuries, before restoration work in the 1990s, it was predicted to topple over by the year 2000. Today, visitors can climb up the stairs of the tower for a fabulous view over the city.

The Leaning Tower stands on the Piazza dei Miracoli, a setting it shares with the beautiful Romanesque Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and a round freestanding baptistery. Each of these features outstanding works of medieval stone carving.

Author's Tip: For the best view of the Leaning Tower, take advantage of the admission to the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo (Cathedral Museum), included in your ticket to the cathedral. The large windows on the upper floor overlook the tower; while in the museum, don't miss seeing the priceless masterpieces of silver and gold work from the cathedral's treasury.

The Vatican is home to some of the world's most priceless art and art collections. The centerpiece is the great Basilica of St. Peter, with the tomb of St. Peter and one of Michelangelo's most poignant works, the Pieta .

Outside is St. Peter's Square, where the Pope addresses followers. Because Vatican City has so many places to visit, you could easily spend a day or more here.

The walls and ceilings of the Sistine Chapel are covered with frescoes by Michelangelo, depicting the creation as described in the Book of Genesis, with scenes that include separating light and darkness, creating Adam and Eve, continuing through the story of Noah and other Biblical events, concluding with the powerful Last Judgement.

After you've seen the interior of the basilica and the Sistine Chapel, if you have any energy left for more sightseeing, tour the magnificent Papal Apartments in the Palace of the Vatican to see the magnificent series of frescoes by Raphael. Like Michelangelo's frescoes in the Sistine Chapel, Raphael's represent the zenith of Renaissance painting.

In addition to being one of the world's foremost art museums, the Uffizi Gallery is a one-stop history of Italian Renaissance art. Although it contains works by some of the great masters of western art, its greatest treasure is its collection of paintings that show step-by-step the evolution in painting that occurred here from the 14th to the 16th centuries.

Here, you will see the first experiments with perspective, as well as some of the early portraits as painters moved beyond religious art, and some of the first use of naturalistic and scenic backgrounds in religious art.

Be sure to see the Uffizi's most famous work: Botticelli's Birth of Venus .

Tip for Parents: Although art museums, especially ones this large, are not common choices for traveling families, the Uffizi has created tours for children that follow themes, such as monsters in art. You can download the brochure from the Uffizi website and follow it like a treasure hunt to find the artworks.

• Read More: Visiting the Uffizi Gallery in Florence: Top Highlights, Tips & Tours

Cinque Terre is a lovely coastal region with steep hills and sheer cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean. The five picturesque villages of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola , and Riomaggiore can be reached by several means, joined to each other by walking paths, a railroad that tunnels through the headlands to emerge at each town, or a scenic narrow road high on the hillside above.

Hiking between the villages is one of the most popular things to do as it gives travelers the chance to enjoy the landscape. The small towns have maintained a feel of old-world fishing villages and offer a sense of remoteness even in the face of modern tourism. Because landslides can close portions of the trail, it is important to check current conditions before planning a hike.

If you are coming from Florence or Milan , several transportation options are available. If your time is limited, at least see the two most picturesque and charming, Vernazza and Riomaggiore.

Author's tip: The shortest and easiest part of the path carved along the cliffs between the villages is called Via dell'Amore (Path of Love) and connects Riomaggiore and Manarola. Closed by a landslide more than 10 years ago, this paved path reopened in midsummer 2023.

Lake Como is one of Italy's most scenic areas, surrounded by mountains and lined by small picturesque towns. A haunt of the wealthy since Roman times, the lake has many opulent villas and palaces along its wooded shores; Villa Balbianello and Villa Carlotta are the best known, both surrounded by gardens that are open to the public.

The mild climate that makes the lake shore ideal for gardens is also a draw for tourists, with characteristics similar to that of the Mediterranean. Along with the resort towns around the lake, there's an 11th-century abbey.

At the foot of the lake, the small city of Como, important since Roman times, is a short train ride from Milan . From its waterfront, you can embark on excursions around the lake on regularly scheduled steamers that make visiting the lakeside attractions easy.

Author's Tip: The most scenic part of the lake is from the town of Como to the center where the three arms join. A cross-lake ferry links the towns of Bellagio, Varenna and Tremezzo. A good way to see the highlights of the lake and explore these towns, where you'll find most of the attractions, is by taking the Navigazione Laghi tour boat from Como to one of the three and hopping onto ferries to visit the others. Then return to Como on a later boat.

The Pantheon, an exceptionally well-preserved remnant from Roman times , reveals the incredible architectural achievements of the Roman Empire.

The precise proportions of the building, dedicated to the planetary gods, with the height equal to the diameter, and a single beam of light entering the room from the top of the dome, were intended to represent the firmament and the sun.

Disused after early Christian kings forbade the use of a pagan temple as a church, it was later consecrated by the Pope in 609 CE. Italian Kings, the Renaissance painter Raphael, and other great Italians are buried in the Pantheon.

• Read More: Visiting the Pantheon in Rome: Highlights, Tips & Tours

Immortalized in films from La Dolce Vita to Roman Holiday, The Lizzie McGuire Movie and Three Coins in a Fountain , Trevi Fountain is a beloved icon that's a traditional stop on any visit to Rome. A coin tossed over the left shoulder (with the right hand) is supposed to guarantee a return trip.

The origins of the tradition are not clear, but the fountain itself began as a public water source, connected to an aqueduct built in the first century BC. By 1629, Pope Urban VIII wanted a more attractive fountain and asked Bernini to design the revisions. When the Pope died, so did Bernini's plan, and the present design of Neptune, horses, and shells was completed in 1751 by Nicolò Salvi.

The Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a stunning stretch of coastline along the Sorrentine Peninsula, south of Naples and Sorrento . Hillside towns are built precariously along the steep mountainsides that cascade down to the sea.

The main towns along here are Positano and Amalfi, with its colorfully domed cathedral. You can tour the coast by road, or hop between towns by boat for different perspectives of the dramatic and almost vertical shore.

While walking paths stretch all along the coast, the most breathtaking scenery for walkers is the Sentiero degli Dei, Footpath of the Gods, at the western end from Positano. My favorite viewpoint is far above the Amalfi Drive, in the village of Ravello. Clinging to the steep mountainside in terraces, Ravello was a sizable town in the 13 th century and the gardens of its former villas make scenic belvederes for enjoying flower-framed views of the coast below.

Author's tip: If you're hoping to spot celebrities, one of the best places to go is the Marina Grande in Positano. One of the largest beaches on the Amalfi Coast , it's also the most crowded. For a quieter experience, try the sandy Maiori Beach at the Amalfi coast's eastern end.

• Read More: Exploring the Top Attractions of the Amalfi Coast: A Visitor's Guide

One of the most important tourist sites in Venice is St. Mark's Basilica, whose ornate Byzantine-inspired façade and domes overlook Piazza San Marco , St. Mark's Square . The building itself is a work of art, with a mix of architectural styles heavily influenced by the Byzantine Empire, showing Venice's long trade connections to the East.

Highlights of the vast interior are the brilliant mosaics that line its domes and vaults, and the high altar covered in gold and jewels. The Treasury contains more glittering gold and jewels.

For an unforgettable view of St. Mark's Square, the tall campanile and the clock tower, climb to the porch to stand among the iconic horses.

Next to the basilica is the Doge's Palace , also filled with priceless masterpieces of Italian art. A tour of the Doge's Palace often includes a chance to visit the prison where Casanova escaped over the rooftops. To get there, you will cross the famous Bridge of Sighs .

• Read More: Exploring St. Mark's Basilica in Venice: A Visitor's Guide

One of the largest and best-preserved Roman amphitheaters still in existence , Arena di Verona is the centerpiece of the centro storico – the town's historic center. It is one of several features from ancient times, when Verona was an important Roman city. In naming it a World Heritage Site, UNESCO notes that "Verona has preserved a remarkable number of monuments from antiquity, the medieval and Renaissance periods."

Verona continued to thrive under the rule of the Scaliger family in the 13th and 14th centuries and as part of the Republic of Venice from the 15th to 18th centuries. The imposing Castelvecchio was both palace and a defensive fortress (now an outstanding art museum), overlooking the beautiful castellated Ponte Scaligero , a 14th-century bridge.

Throughout the old center are Romanesque churches, regal buildings with characteristic Venetian Gothic windows, and stone gates that are more reminders of its Roman origins. And, of course, in a courtyard close to Piazza del Erbe's daily market, you'll find Juliet's Balcony (which was actually built in the 1930s as a tourist attraction).

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Verona

The still-smoking volcano of Mt. Vesuvius looks down on the remains of the city it destroyed in AD 79. But that same eruption also preserved many of the city's art treasures: frescoes, mosaics, and sculptures that were encased in the lava as it cooled.

Several centuries of excavations at Pompeii have revealed the remains of houses, markets, baths, temples, theaters, streets, and human remains. Visitors can tour the site , walk along the old streets scarred by the tracks of chariots, and see the engineering used by Romans more than 2,000 years ago.

Near Pompeii is the excavated city of Herculaneum , destroyed by the same eruption in 79 CE, but buried in lava and ash that solidified and froze the town just as it was. You can combine visits to the two sites in one day, but a longer stay allows time to ascend to the very rim of still-active Vesuvius.

Pompei is an easy day trip from Naples or from Sorrento.

The Roman Forum may require a little imagination – or a good tour guide – to understand exactly what this area once looked like and how it was used. However, its historical significance as the heart of the Roman Empire cannot be overstated.

Temples were built first, then public buildings, and soon the area became Rome's governmental center. Commerce followed with the building of market halls that made the Forum the hub of public life for the city, and eventually the Roman Empire.

Today, only pillars, partial structures, and foundations of former temples, market halls, courts, and public buildings pay tribute to Ancient Rome, which survived here for a thousand years.

Author's Tip: The Forum, the Colosseum, and Palatine Hill are included in a single two-day ticket. Because the Forum and Palatine Hill both require a lot of walking, if you plan to visit all three, it's best not to do those two on the same day.

• Read More: Visiting the Roman Forum: Highlights, Tips & Tours

UNESCO lists this complex of ancient Greek temples as a World Heritage Site not only for the number of these remaining, but for their remarkable state of preservation. Unlike most other ancient Greek settlements, the temples in Agrigento have not been overlain by building in later eras, so they preserve not only the structures themselves but the landscape of the original community.

The highlight is Tempio di Concordia, one of the most perfect Doric temples surviving anywhere. Almost as large is the Tempio di Juno Lacinia. The columns of the largest, Temple of the Olympian Zeus , were toppled by an earthquake. UNESCO cites the Valley of Temples as "among the most extraordinary representations of Doric architecture in the world."

Address: Valle dei Templi, Agrigento, Sicily

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Sicily

Milan's magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria Nascente , "Il Duomo" to the locals, is one of the world's largest churches and probably the best example anywhere of the flamboyant Gothic style. Its statue-studded façade (the exterior of the cathedral has a grand total of 2,245 marble statues) and the 135 carved stone pinnacles that crown its roof make quite a first impression, which is reinforced as you step inside.

Fifty-two immense pillars support the soaring ceiling of the nave, and its walls are decorated by the world's largest stained-glass windows. Highlights in the nave are the tomb of Gian Giacomo Medici and a 12th-century bronze candelabrum.

Below the high altar is the crypt and the octagonal chapel with the gold reliquary of San Carlo Borromeo. Under Piazza del Duomo, and reached by stairs near the entrance, are the foundations of a fourth-century baptistery and basilica.

An elevator will take you partway to the roof, where you can walk at a dizzying height among the carved stone pinnacles.

Address: Piazza del Duomo, Milan

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Milan

The Blue Grotto is one of the most visited spots in all of Italy, but there are other reasons for taking the short boat ride from Naples , Sorrento, or the Amalfi Coast to the fabled Isle of Capri . The steep rocky island juts from an intensely blue sea, its craggy cliffs softened by green pines and tropical plants.

The Blue Grotto is only one of the sea caves that cut its cliffs, and the best way to see these, along with the three signature rocks off the south coast known as the Faraglioni, is on a boat tour around the island. Several villas and gardens are open to tourists, and walking trails invite exploration.

From almost anywhere on the island, you can be certain of a good view. The beautiful Villa San Michele has perhaps the finest views on the island from its gardens, which overlook the Marina Grande from the village of Anacapri, high above. You can get there by bus or, for the energetic, by climbing the ancient Phoenician stairs carved into the steep hillside.

Read More: From Rome to Capri: Best Ways to Get There

Standing on more than 10,000 wooden pilings – the originals placed at the time of its construction in 1588 – the stone Rialto Bridge is both an icon of Venice and an essential link between two sides of the city . Until the Accademia Bridge was built in 1854 it was the only way to cross the Grand Canal on foot. It is still the busiest.

Its architect won the commission to design the bridge over such stiff competition as Michelangelo and Palladio, proposing a bridge with three walkways. The outer two are perpetually crowded with tourists catching views of the Grand Canal and its steady boat traffic, while the wider central walk is lined by shops catering to visitors.

Venetians do their shopping at the other side of the Rialto Bridge, in the bustling food market in San Polo. Along that side of the bridge, the canal is lined by restaurants, and you'll find smaller – and better – choices by following the narrow streets into the neighborhood of small shops and artisans.

Author's Tip: Do cross the bridge to wander in these little streets of San Polo. Here you'll find shops devoted to paper, bookbinding, mask and costume making, even one where skilled wood smiths carve the intricately balanced forcole, the oar posts for gondolas.

Although it is one of the world's most important pilgrimage destinations, Assisi and the 13 th -century St. Francis Basilica hold an important place in art history, as well. This dual importance prompted naming the birthplace of St. Francis and of the Franciscan order as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Begun in 1228, at the time of the saint's death, the basilica consists of two churches, the lower in a vaulted Romanesque style and above it a soaring Gothic church. In both of these, you'll find frescoes by masters including Giotto and Cimabue. This is the oldest Gothic church in Italy .

Although the upper church sustained serious damage in a 1997 earthquake, restorations were completed within two years and the church has returned to its earlier appearance. The order of Poor Clares was also founded in Assisi, in honor of St. Clare, a disciple of St. Francis, and the Gothic Basilica of Santa Chiara was built in 1265.

A hilltop castle, la Rocca, and a cathedral with quality frescoes and medieval stone carving are good reasons to spend some time sightseeing in Assisi , and you can visit the nearby hermitage of Le Carceri, where St. Francis retired to pray.

Assisi is a good day trip from Florence and you can get to Assisi from Rome by bus, train, car, or tour.

Among the most famous public squares in Italy, the oval Piazza del Campo in Siena is surrounded by noble palaces, their facades of red clay brick curving to enclose the sloping piazza. Dominating the scene is the elegant Palazzo Púbblico (Town Hall) and its exceptionally tall tower. The severity of the imposing façade and its battlements is relieved by rows of windows with curved Gothic arches.

The slender Torre del Mangia, at 102 meters in height must have been a leap of faith for Medieval architects and builders, especially with its battlemented platform at the top. The Piazza del Campo is best known as the scene of the madcap bareback horserace , the Palio , held twice each summer and one of the top things to do in Italy .

In startling contrast to the red brick elsewhere in the city, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and its tall campanile are clad in dramatic stripes of black and white marble. Its façade is even more dramatic, a symphony of arches, gables, columns, reliefs, and pinnacles decorated in intricately detailed stone carvings and statues by Renaissance genius Giovanni Pisano.

Inside Siena's cathedral are works by Pisano, Donatello, Bernini, Ghiberti, and other Renaissance masters, which combine with paintings, sculptures, mosaics, gold and silver work, illuminated manuscripts, mosaics, and stone and wood carving for a collection to rival those of many of the most eminent museums.

This largesse reflects the fact that in the 13th and 14th centuries, Siena rivaled Florence in wealth and for its art and architecture. Although once separate seats of power, today Siena is a short day trip from Florence.

In naming Italy's Strada delle Dolomiti a World Heritage Site, UNESCO described "some of the most beautiful mountain landscapes anywhere, with vertical walls, sheer cliffs, and a high density of narrow, deep, and long valleys."

Long known to climbers and winter sports enthusiasts for some of Europe's finest hiking and skiing (the town of Cortina D'Ampezzo is one of the top ski resorts in Italy and site of the 1956 Winter Olympic Games), the Dolomites are just as appealing for sightseeing and relaxing vacations.

Dotted with charming small villages in breathtakingly beautiful settings, the road between Bolzano and Cortina D'Ampezzo is easy to tour by car. Unlike many such dramatic mountain routes, the Strada delle Dolomiti is well maintained and without the perilous sharp curves and steep drop-offs of many Alpine roads.

Bolzano , at the western end of the route, is worth a stop to see Ötzi, the man who was been preserved in ice, deep inside a glacier for 5,300 years , and the clothing and equipment, frozen there with him.

Author Tip: Do venture off the main road to find some of the villages tucked into valleys, where you'll see houses pained in Alpine frescoes. My favorite stop is in Arabba to take the funicular up Col Burz for panoramic views. Several other lifts that carry skiers in the winter are operating for hikers and tourists in the summer.

From 402 CE, when Emperor Honorius moved his court here from Milan, the Adriatic port of Ravenna was the capital of the Western Roman Empire. Honorius and his sister, Galla Placidia, began the process of making Ravenna a center for Byzantine mosaic art, an effort that was continued in the reign of sixth-century king Theodoric the Great.

The results remain today almost as these emperors saw them, lining churches and monuments in extravagant splendor. The dome of San Vitale is completely decorated (apart from a few frescoes added in the Baroque era) in pictures formed by tesserae so minute, that they combine to look like a painter's fine brushstrokes. More line the walls and chapels, comprising the largest and best-preserved display outside of Constantinople.

In the neighboring Mausoleum of Galla Placidia , the tiniest of tesserae create an intimate and other-worldly space under a low vaulted ceiling of intense blue. In a third building, the octagonal Neonian Baptistery, the entire dome is covered in intricate mosaic pictures.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Ravenna

No great art treasures or momentous historic sites put the little Ligurian village of Portofino on the must-see list, but for pure eye candy and a dose of la dolce vita , it's worth a day-trip from Genoa or a detour on the way to the Cinque Terre.

Looking as though it were built as a film set (no, the Masterpiece series Hotel Portofino , although set here, was not filmed here) with a semicircle of pastel houses facing a cozy harbor filled with boats, Portofino begs to be photographed.

A favorite watering hole for high-flying celebs (you never know who you'll spot in its cafes) and the paparazzi that pursue them, Portofino is filled with stylish boutiques and chic restaurants. But don't be put off; the town's picturesque charm will make you glad you stopped.

Leading the list of the top beaches in Italy , the miles of white sand southwest from the capital of Cagliari slope into clear blue-green water and are backed by a spectacular landscape of rocky promontories and protected wildlands.

Choose your favorite style of beach, from tiny secluded coves hidden between headlands to the three-mile-long sands at Porto Campana, where you can rent kiteboard or paddleboard equipment and take lessons, or go scuba diving in the clear water. Spiaggia Sa Colonia is another long stretch of beach with a gentle, shallow drop-off that makes it a good place to go for families with young children.

Near Chia you'll find Tuerredda Beach , whose warm blue-green waters invite swimmers and snorkelers. For a more intimate experience, beautiful Porticciolo Beach is a secluded crescent of white sand. Most remote of all are the wide white sand beaches of the Costa Verde, farther west, where the coast of Sardinia curves northward.

The miles of white sands are backed by dunes, some of which are the tallest in Europe. Don't expect a lot of tourist services here, but do expect long stretches of white sand where, even in busy August, you can find a spot without other people in sight.

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If you want to explore Rome in a different way and experience it as the Romans do choose Walks Inside Rome and its special tours of Rome

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Ancient & Christian Rome Tour | Private

Appian Way Bike Tour | Private

Bernini & Borromini: Geniuses of the Baroque and Rivals to the Death | Private

Best of Rome: Sistine Chapel & Colosseum Tour | Private

Caravaggio Tour | Private

Christian Rome & Basilica Tour | Private

Doria Pamphilj Gallery Tour | Private

Fashion Tour in Rome | Private

Gardens and Views of Rome | Private

Hidden & Mysterious Rome Tour | Private

Hidden Trastevere and Villa Farnesina Tour | Private

Hunting for Antiques Tour | Private

Mosaic and Art Class for Kids | Private

Painting with Caravaggio | Private

Romantic Rome Car Drive | Private

Rome in a Day | Private

Rome of the Mosaics | Private

Rome Vespa Tour | Private

Secret Rome Tour | Private

The Traditional Artisans of Rome Tour | Private

Evening Golf Cart tour of Rome with Pizza & Gelato Dinner | Semi-Private

Vatican After-Hour Tour | Private

Watercolor Painting on the Palatine | Private

Visiting Rome should not be limited to seeing the Colosseum, Vatican, St. Peter’s Basilica, Trevi Fountain or Piazza Navona. Most tourists visit Rome every year without really discovering its essence. This city offers unique and timeless experiences around every corner – taking you on a journey through time filled with breathtaking art and history that can be enjoyed alone or as a family. After marveling at Rome’s mighty monuments it is time to start exploring a different part of the city. People, events, sites and things who have made and continue to make this city one of legendary unparalleled beauty. Come and discover the Eternal city with Walks Inside Rome and its special tours of Rome , what the genius artists left behind and what Roman’s today keep alive.

Private tours to discover an unusual and secret Rome

Is visiting the Eternal City on your bucket list? Well, get ready to cross over 2,500 years of history and discover your own version of Rome. You can fall in love with this city even without setting foot in a museum. We promise you won’t be bored for a second! 

Rome wasn’t built in a day! So, while you may be able to see Rome’s main monuments in four to five days, it would take you months to see every nook and cranny of the city. Yet, Rome is quite easy to explore on foot, and you’ll find yourself wandering the cobblestone streets of Rome.

In a short time, you will discover typical hidden places as you come across ancient Roman ruins. The Eternal City has something for everyone – come and experience a special tour you will never forget!

If you are looking for something new, our tours are for you

When in Rome, you really can do as the Romans do thanks to your own English-speaking local guide showing you intriguing places known only to locals.

Only your personal guide can give you unique special tours of the glories of Rome, suited to your interests. Their passion for the history, art, architecture and culture of the Eternal City will bring your tour to life, from the violent scenes that rocked the Colosseum, to the revelation of Michelangelo’s original colors in the restored frescoes of the Sistine Chapel.

Your local guide can customize your tour of Rome to include exactly what you want to see and do in this magnificent city. Experience Rome through the eyes of a local private guide!

The options of things to do (and see) in Italy’s capital are almost limitless. If you can’t get through all of them you’ll just have to come back for another visit:

• Vatican After-Hour Tour
• Ancient & Christian Rome Tour
• Secret Rome Tour
• Hidden Trastevere and Villa Farnesina Tour
• Hidden & Mysterious Tour
• Angels & Demons Tour Rome
• Appian Way Bike Tour
• Doria Pamphilj Gallery Tour
• Rome Opera Tour
• Fashion Tour in Rome
• Rome Vespa Tour
• Romantica Rome Car Drive
• Gardens and Views of Rome
• Mosaic and Art Workshop Class for Kids

And many other interesting tours. There is so much to see that you won’t stop walking all day!

Special tours of Rome with Walk Inside Rome

For more than 20 years, Walks Inside Rome has been offering immersive, authentic, and educational private and small-group tours and Rome kids and families experiences. Our team of local, licensed guides are seasoned experts in art, history, archaeology and food.

Thanks to our special tours of Rome our expert guides will take you to must-see destinations as well as to unfamiliar places. Enjoy the wonderful excursions, our combined expertise and experience will transform your time in Rome into something truly exceptional.

To check out our catalogue of tours and experiences , visit our website or contact us directly. We can’t wait to hear from you so we can customize your own Rome travel guide and start exploring together!

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Colosseum Tickets Online – Beautiful Palatine Hill, Roman Forum

Get into the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum in central Rome through the fast track entrance with a combined package. Enjoy a hassle-free experience at your own pace. Marvel at the remains of some of the greatest monuments of the Roman Republic.

Colosseum Fast Track Tour with Access to Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Take a guided tour of the Colosseum with Access to Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Let your guide bring their history to life as you tour a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Ancient Roman social epicenter, and founding hill.

1 - 2 hours

Colosseum by Night Underground Tour with Arena Access

Enjoy a unique opportunity to experience the Colosseum’s Underground and Arena Floor by night. Get to the heart of one of the most iconic Roman sites with a guided tour away from the crowds of the daytime

Vatican Tour Skip The Line with Sistine Chapel – Official Guided Tour

Skip the ticket lines and visit the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. Admire famous artworks by Michelangelo, Raphael, Bernini, and more.

2 - 3 hours

Civitavecchia to Rome – A Full Day Round Trip

Explore Rome independently on a shore excursion from Civitavecchia port. Benefit from round-trip transportation from the cruise terminal to access all the attractions of the “Eternal City.” Marvel at the monuments of Ancient Rome, such as the Colosseum.

Underground Grottoes and Vatican Dome Tour

Discover the wonders of St. Peter’s Square and Basilica with a professional guide. Visit the Dome and soak up panoramic views of Rome, then go underground to admire the historic grottoes.

Underground Rome Catacombs Tour – A Fascinating, Historic Journey

Descend into the dark maze of the Roman Catacombs and discover a remote world underground with an expert guide. Meet your guide in the city center and head towards the Appian Way in a comfortable minivan.

Vatican Tickets for Quickest Access to Museums and Sistine Chapel

See priceless works of art from the Papal collections in the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Marvel at masterpieces from antiquity to Michelangelo’s legendary frescoes. Enjoy optional acces to the Papal Villas and Vatican Gardens.

Colosseum Arena Tour with Access to Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Join a guided tour of 3 icons of Ancient Rome: the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Let your guide bring history to life as you visit a UNESCO World Heritage site, the home of Ancient Roman hustle and bustle, and its rumored founding site.

Florence Uffizi Gallery – Skip The Line Tickets Online

Enjoy priority entry to Italy’s greatest art treasures with a reserved entrance ticket to the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. See masterpieces by Michelangelo, Da Vinci, and Giotto, and spend as much time as you like gazing at Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus.”

Galleria Accademia Tickets – Entry Tickets to see Michelangelo’s David

Enjoy priority entry to one of Italy’s top attractions with a reserved entrance ticket to the Accademia Gallery in Florence.

Rome Street Food Tour with Local Guide

Combine a guided walking tour of Rome with one of the best things to do there, tasting authentic Roman delicacies. Choose either a private or small-group tour and try artisanal goodies such as supplì, pizza and gelato.

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Day Trips From Rome

Day Trip from Rome to Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius

Explore the intact remains of the Roman town of Pompeii and climb the mountain that destroyed it. Get panoramic views of the Bay of Naples and Amalfi Coast from its summit (during summer).

Rome to Pompeii Day Tour – A Perfect Combo of Amalfi Coast, Positano

Journey from Rome to the ancient city of Pompeii via air-conditioned coach, and then discover the resorts of Amalfi and Positano on the Amalfi Coast. Get insights from a local guide and venture off the beaten path.

Florence and Pisa Day Trip From Rome – A Semi-Private tour

Explore the Renaissance city of Florence on a full-day tour from Rome. Visit the Accademia Gallery to see the David Michelangelo’s, visit Pisa and Piazza dei Miracoli with the Leaning Tower.

Attractions In Rome

Entry Tickets

Colosseum Arena Entry Tickets with Roman Forum, Palatine

Explore amazing Colosseum Arena Stage on your own. Visit one of the restricted areas of the Colosseum through a reserved entrance Tickets.

Colosseum Tickets and Forum with Multimedia Video

Visit Rome’s most famous monuments, the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Collect your tickets and enjoy a multimedia video about the city’s history at the local partner’s office.

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Italy Stories

• 01 Feb, 2023

Get the Best Colosseum Experience: Book Your Colosseum Tickets Online in Advance

Get the Best Colosseum Experience: Book Your Colosseum Tickets Online in Advance The Colosseum, located in the heart of Rome, Italy, is one of the most iconic structures in the world and a symbol of the city’s rich history. The Colosseum is a must-visit for all travelers to Rome, but with millions of visitors every […]

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• ITALIA MONUMENTAL

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Starting city.

April 2024 / March 2025

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Introduction.

Dear Traveler: thank you for choosing us to perform this Tour! We hope you enjoy your trip.

Here we give you a guidance on their tour with the information that we believe may be of your interest. The information is indicative, may exist variations on designated hours.

TRANSFER from the airport, if you have it included or purchasing. Our transfer will be waiting for you with a poster on behalf of Special Tours or its name to the output of the custom (after collecting your luggage)..

Remember to inform us by phone if you lost your connection flight or expected delay of their arrival, in your VOUCHER figure the phone of the transfer.

In the hotel could help you with all the information you need about the city. In the recepcion you could find an information poster on behalf of Special Tour where you can find the activities and the established schedules for your group. Read the information poster.

1 Visit: Ciudad De Origen - Roma (Mp)

2 visit: roma (ad), 3 visit: roma (ad), 4 visit: roma - siena - pisa - florencia (mp), 5 visit: florencia - región del véneto (mp), 6 visit: región del véneto - venecia - región del véneto (ad), 7 visit: vencia - ciudad de destino (d).

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• Dolomites Italy

Monumental Dolomites

• Level Intermediate +
• Duration 8 days / 7 nights
• Riders (max) 8
• Region Europe
• Price (per person) £2,620 / €3,144 / $3,537

TOWERING PEAKS AND ALPINE MEADOWS.

Imagine a collision of the peaks of Torres del Paine and the lush meadows of the Alps: that’s the Dolomites.

These monumental mountains have attracted climbers for hundreds of years. Now, thanks to the hard work of local riders, mountain bikers are also gravitating to these impressive peaks, lured by the promise of the world’s most picturesque trails.

Your local guide for this adventure is not only a professional MTB guide, but also a local hero who can be found building trails, and in winter skiing some of the toughest routes in the Dolomites.

He’ll take you on his version of the Sella Ronda: 110 km of trails with 7000m of descent, characterising this unforgettable mountain biking experience in the Dolomites.

To find out if this intermediate+ MTB tour in the Dolomites, Italy is right for you, read more on the skill and fitness levels required .

Tour Flavour

• 29 Jun 2024 - 6 Jul 2024 Trip full
• 24 Aug 2024 - 31 Aug 2024 1 spaces left Book Now
• 31 Aug 2024 - 7 Sep 2024 Trip full
• 7 Sep 2024 - 14 Sep 2024 6 spaces left Book Now
• 14 Sep 2024 - 21 Sep 2024 Trip full
• 14 Jun 2025 - 21 Jun 2025 8 spaces left Book Now
• 21 Jun 2025 - 28 Jun 2025 8 spaces left Book Now
• 30 Aug 2025 - 6 Sep 2025 8 spaces left Book Now
• 6 Sep 2025 - 13 Sep 2025 8 spaces left Book Now
• 13 Sep 2025 - 20 Sep 2025 8 spaces left Book Now

• Discover remote trail gems, known only to a handful of locals
• Experience a 2-day Sella Ronda adventure with 7000m descent
• Enjoy an overnight in a remote mountain refuge
• Show off your bowling prowess in the 2-lane alley of your hotel!
• Post-ride leg soak in the snowmelt, then beer in the town square
• Indulge in delicious cuisine, local to the region

Tour itinerary

This fantastic MTB adventure in the Italian Dolomites will take you beyond the ordinary into the extraordinary. You’ll leave the crowds behind to discover trails that some locals have yet to ride, and soak up the mountain lifestyle of Val di Fassa and the surrounding region. Most of your climbing will be gondola-assisted, so be prepared for a lot of downhill grinning on this tour!

You should arrive in Venice the day before your tour start date, to allow for any travel or baggage delays, and to give yourself time to relax before your adventure begins.

Your guide will meet you at the recommended hotel at Venice airport tomorrow morning.

Your guide will meet you at the Annia Park Hotel at Venice Airport in the morning, then you’ll make the 3-hour drive to the mountains. On arrival your guide will go through the tour briefing over lunch, and you’ll have the chance to ask any questions and hear what the week has in store for you.

Then we’ll build your bikes in the bike room, before heading out onto the trails to get your first taste of this incredible region.

Today we start exploring Val di Fassa and ride the race stages that make this valley so unique on the race calendar. This will give you a feel for the terrain and infrastructure created here for mountain biking.

We will utilise the amazing gondola system to maximise our time on trail, enabling us to cover as much ground as your legs and arms will allow. Today is a true classic, and already a day to remember as you’re introduced to views that will continue to impress throughout the week.

We’re going to the top of the second highest lift and being dropped across the valley from Marmolada, the ever-present giant in the region.

As you head up and over the shoulder of this mountain ridge you will be introduced to a variety of trail surfaces, and we’ll do multiple drops as we work our way from valley-to-valley before ending up at Passo Padon for lunch.

Hovering high above the hotel, on the opposite side of the valley is a mountain with a large cross on it. It’s approximately 1000m above the hotel and Val di Fassa, and that’s your target this morning.

We’ll leave the hotel and ride through town, stopping in at the local deli for some mid morning snacks to enjoy at the top. As you reach the other end of town after a gentle warm up ride, you will board the one and only gondola of the day. This will whisk us up to 800m above the valley floor, where the hard work starts: you have 200m vertical to get to the cross.

Now we are riding into the mountains for the next two days. Our mountain rifugio, half-way round the Sella Ronda tour, is a warm and welcoming place to spend the night enjoying local food and wine.

You will ride around the Sella Ronda route on as much singletrack as possible over the course of two days, taking in over 110 km of trails with 7000m vertical over the course of 16 hours of riding. This is a great expedition ride that takes you full circle around some of the best scenery in the Dolomites.

Day two of the Sella Ronda will see you complete the loop back to the hotel in Val di Fassa. As you wake in the morning to the smell of coffee brewing in the rifugio, you can amble downstairs to a warming breakfast and await the sun rising over the mountain ridge line.

Once fuelled and sitting on your bike, you will set off to complete this circumnavigation of the Sella Massif mountains.

After two days circumnavigating the Sella Ronda trails, it’s nice to be back in the valley amongst familiar faces and trails.

This morning you will ride a selection of trails of your choice. You can revisit the best trails from earlier in the week, re-do the Nos tour or see some of the guide’s secret trails – you decide.

Sadly this is the end of your Monumental Dolomites adventure. It’s time to load up the van and head for home. Your guide will arrange pick up times from your hotel and deliver you to the airport in plenty of time to catch your flight home. Arrivederci!

• Plan your trip
• What's included
• Are you ready?
• What bikes?
• Other details

£2,620 / $3,537 / €3,144 per person (ex. flights, based on two sharing a room)

• Services of fully-qualified, English, German and Italian speaking expert mountain bike guide(s) for the duration of the trip
• All breakfasts and lunches, and 3 evening meals.
• All lifts during the course of your tour
• 6 nights’ accommodation in 4* hotel
• 1 night rifugio accommodation
• All ground costs
• Transfers between Venice airport and Canazei on day 1 and day 8
• All group safety equipment
• Global Rescue medical and evacuation services
• International/ domestic flights
• Single room supplement* £650 / $878 / €780
• 4 evening meals
• Travel and activity insurance
• Tips in restaurants and hotels
• Alcoholic/ non-alcoholic beverages
• Personal safety and cycling equipment
• Any other items not mentioned as included

* Single supplement is only applicable if you are travelling solo and do not wish to share a room with another rider of the same sex. If you’re happy to do that, you need not add the supplement.

Please note:  A single room may not be available at time of booking, and is not available on the night spent in a rifugio.

We want you to have the best experience of mountain biking in the Dolomites, so it’s important to be sure that this is the perfect mountain bike adventure, with the right level of challenge, for you.

You’re an experienced mountain biker, riding at least twice a week through the season and comfortable on: long descents with drops, steps, rocky sections, tight corners, steep sections, and sometimes very loose surfaces. Many of the trails are used for international enduro races, so expect technical features. Read more on our intermediate+ skill level .

Does this sound like you? Your vacation time is precious and we want to be absolutely sure that you’re making the most of it. Be honest with yourself, if this adventure isn’t right for you, we have other MTB tours that may be a better fit for your mountain biking ability.

Please note: The skill level required reflects an overall rating for the trails on the trip but you should expect to find sections and obstacles that push your ability levels.

Skill level: Intermediate+

• You are generally comfortable riding most types of terrain in different conditions: singletrack, double track, muddy, dry, loose, bedrock…
• You can brake, use gears and corner instinctively
• You’ll have a go on moderate technical features, such as small rock gardens, small drops and steeper sections, but may get off and walk certain technical features
• You mountain bike two or three times a week throughout your biking season
• And the ‘+’ part of ‘Intermediate+’ means that you will be aiming to tackle more of those moderate technical features

Fitness level: 5/7 

• You have a good level of bike fitness, exercising at least three times every week throughout the year, for an hour at a time
• You can ride a mountain bike for up to six hours a day at a moderate pace, with snack and photo stops, for three or more consecutive days
• You can tackle two or three fairly significant climbs a day, up to 600 metres each

Typical trails you’ll be riding 

• Much the riding you’ll do on our Monumental Dolomites MTB tour will be done on enduro race trails, on a variety of different terrain
• Doubletrack: undulating forest roads made up of hard-packed dirt and small rocks
• Singletrack: mainly forested and ridgeline trails with roots crossing the trails; steep descents, some very flowing, others more technical; small drops; switchbacks; golf ball-sized rock gardens; dusty loose trails and purpose built MTB trails
• Some of the trail sections are hundreds of years old, so are not always buff purpose built trails, they are natural walking trails that link villages across the region and surfaces may be soft and/or muddy at times
• You will have to hike with your bike for a short period (around 30 minutes)

Training for your Monumental Dolomites MTB adventure

To get the most out of your mountain bike tour in Italy you should plan plenty of training in advance of your tour.

The ideal bike for the trails in the Dolomites is a good quality full-suspension mountain bike with 29” or 27.5” wheels, dropper seat post, and 140mm -160mm of travel front and rear. Ideal tyres for Val di Fassa are…

You should travel with your own bike, and have some handy tips on how to do this. When travelling with your own bike, you must ensure that it has been properly serviced before the trip.

We only run small group mountain bike tours to ensure that everyone has the best experience possible, and there will be a maximum of eight people in each group. The minimum number of people we require to run this mountain bike tour in the Dolomites is four.

Our mountain bike tour in the Dolomites caters for a wide age range; typically between 30- and 55-years-old. Regardless of age, you must have the appropriate level of physical fitness and mountain biking skills to participate in this adventure. Please refer to clause 14 of our terms and conditions of booking to find more information on rider age.

This Monumental Dolomites mountain bike adventure is a guided mountain bike vacation, ideal for intermediate+ mountain bikers. The terrain you’ll be riding consists of double track and singletrack through thick forests, villages and coastal mountain ridges.

You’ll encounter some steep descents, drops, switchbacks and rooty sections, as well as fabulous, swooping descents. These trails are part of the enduro racing series, so can be technical.

The distances we cover each day range from 20km to 60km, in accordance with the technical difficulty of the trails and height gain/ loss on each stage.

Each evening your guides will chat with you about the following day’s mountain biking and give you an idea of the sorts of trails you can look forward to. If there’s anything you feel anxious about, your guides will be happy to discuss it with you.

No, you only need to carry a 16 litre back pack with you whilst riding, with all of your spares and repairs, warm and waterproof clothing. Your main bags will stay at your centre based accommodation throughout the tour.

Your guide will be very happy to give you some bike skills help during your trip to help improve your confidence and your enjoyment of your mountain bike tour in the Dolomites.

If there is a section that you would prefer not to ride, then you can simply hop off your bike and walk. You won’t be the only one to walk certain sections and it’s not a competition in biking ability; it’s a mountain bike holiday!

Your mountain bike guides are local to Val di Fassa and experienced professionals who have a real passion for mountain biking and for the culture and landscape of the Dolomites. They are also enduro racers and trail builders.

Your safety is their number one priority, closely followed by your enjoyment of your mountain bike tour of the Dolomites. They will always be on-hand to answer any questions or requests you may have throughout your trip.

On this mountain bike tour in the Dolomites, Italy you will be staying in one hotel in the main town of Val di Fassa.

The reason for this is that each corner of our riding area can be reached easily each day. On day 5 you will be staying in a mountain rifugio halfway around the Sella Ronda singletrack route.

All breakfasts, all lunches, and 3 dinners are included in the tour price.

The ideal bike for the Finale trails is a good quality full-suspension mountain bike with 29” or 27.5” wheels, dropper seat post, and 140mm -160mm of travel front and rear.

Read the full kit list to find out what you need to pack for your mountain bike tour in the Dolomites of Italy.

Yes, you will have the chance to have laundry done at your accommodation.

Unfortunately not. We are working hard to provide each and every customer who rides with us an unparalleled mountain bike experience in every destination we ride. This takes years of experience, riding and planning to get right, and a drone adds a very real danger to the group’s riding experience and health & safety.

Your MTB adventure in the Dolomites will start in Venice. Venice airport is well-served by many major airlines from all over the world.

For up-to-date timetables and booking visit: www.ba.com www.airfrance.com www.swissair.com www.delta.com

Here are some handy tips and video on how to pack your bike for travel .

Visas Citizens of most countries do not require a visa to visit Italy. For more information on visa requirements visit the Schengen visa site. https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/italy/visa/

Arrival and departure details Your Monumental Dolomites mountain bike tour in Italy will start and end in Venice.

We advise you to arrive the day prior to your tour start date and spend one night in Venice, allowing for any delays to flights or luggage.

We recommend the Annia Park Hotel, which is easily accessible by road and offers a shuttle service from the airport. Your guide will meet you in the foyer of this hotel on the morning of day 1.

On the last day of the tour, your guide will ensure you are dropped off at Venice airport in time to catch your flight home. Therefore, we would advise booking your flights home no earlier than 4pm on your day of departure.

Our mountain bike guides in Val di Fassa, in the Dolomites are of the highest level. They are qualified in first-aid and they have the knowledge and experience to lead a group safely in these remote, wild and beautiful parts of the Dolomites, Italy.

Our guides have years of experience in the saddle on the trails of the Dolomites area and will be able to enhance your holiday with facts and fables on local history, flora and fauna. They’re also genuinely nice people and will do their best to make sure that everyone in the group has a great time.

We aim to use the best, locally-run accommodation in each country, and that which is traditional to that specific area, whether it be city or mountain.

On this mountain bike tour in the Dolomites you’ll be staying in one hotel in Canazei, except one night when you will be staying in a rifugio. The region is small enough that we can reach all four corners of Val di Fassa from Canazei, allowing us to work with the weather to deliver the best trail experience each day.

We will enjoy a wide array of food on our tour, all of which is prepared with the greatest of care and skill, using local ingredients.

Whilst not all dinners are included in the tour price, we will eat together as a group at each mealtime, in carefully selected cafés and restaurants.

No vaccinations are required for visiting Italy.

We recommend you check before drinking tap water, but 99% of this is safe for consumption. Bottled or filtered water will be readily available throughout the trip.

Please let us know if you have any special food requirements, allergies or pre-existing conditions your guides should know about.

Your health and safety on tour is our top priority and when you travel with us you will be covered by Global Rescue emergency medical and evacuation services.

You should always consult your own doctor or physician before travelling to new countries to seek their advice on matters concerning your health abroad.

The official currency of Italy is the Euro. ATM machines are readily available in Canazei town.

It is not compulsory to tip your guides or drivers in Italy, but if you feel that you have had a good service or experience on your mountain bike tour in the Dolomites, you can tip at your discretion. We recommend around 5% of your tour price.

It is not compulsory to tip in restaurants, however should you wish to tip your servers, 10% of your meal cost would be acceptable.

You are required as a condition of booking to be insured against medical and personal accident risks. In this policy you must include cover for mountain biking and we recommend that you take out a policy which covers cancellation and baggage, including your bike.

We work with Global Rescue whose policies are specially designed for adventure travel and you can arrange your insurance cover directly with them.

Make this tour private

To make this a private tour for you and your favourite people, complete the form and we’ll work with you to make it happen.

Customise your tour

Meet your guides.

Our local mountain bike guides in Val di Fassa, in the Dolomites, are true mountain men, who live to get out and explore the wilderness on their bikes. There’s not an inch of trail that they don’t know and they’ll make sure you have the most incredible experience in their backyard.

Create your own review

We booked this trip when it was first announced a year ago. We were looking forward to it and, we were not disappointed. We loved everything about it! Alby, our guide, showed us the best of Val di Fassa. If you like beautiful sceneries, nice and long descents, challenging and technical sections, amazing food, comfortable lodging, and nice people … this trip is for you! Oh, and most climbing is done using trams, gondolas or chairs … it is unbelievable! This trip is fantastic! I give it a 10/10!

This was our second trip with H+I and our third international mountain bike adventure, and Val di Fassa had to be our favorite vacation yet. The riding, the food, and THE VIEWS!! All 10 out of 10! You start the trip early with a local pick up just outside the Venice airport and a 3 hour drive up to Dolomites. The scenery is beautiful and it is your first opportunity to get to know your riding team for the week. You check into the most welcoming and charming Hotel Cesa Tyrol. The staff here are so happy to greet you and I think you could literally ask them for almost anything. Note - you can ask for eggs in the morning and cappuccinos any time of day without judgement :D They will also wash your kit after a day of riding for a small fee. Albi is a great guide and knows how to manage the intensity of the riding throughout the week to account for everyone's skill and energy levels. Day 1 eases you into the 7 days straight of riding while Day 2 quickly ramps things up when your energy is still high. We ran into a bit of rain on Day 3, but we more than made up for it later in the week with the Hike-A-Bike day and Sellaronda tour. My favorite day was probably the Panorama tour (supposed to be our Day 3 but ended up being our Day 7) because the views were just out of this world. Our crew rated this trip "Intermediate ++" because the riding is quite technical, but we wouldn't put it at Advanced because it is to be expected that you will walk some sections or piece the trail features together. You will not go hungry on this trip...in fact, you will probably gain a pound or two because there is no shortage of opportunities to try the local pizza, pasta, and even schnitzel! Everyday, we did breakfast at the hotel. For lunch, Albi would have us stop into a local mountain top restaurant, and for dinner, we would either eat at the hotel or a different restaurant in town. Make sure Albi takes you to his favorite pizza place...it was so good, we went there twice! On trail, we typically didn't need much for snacks, but the best days were when we stopped into the local bakery in the AM and carried our mid-ride treat to enjoy at top of the mountain We 100% agree with all these other reviews...the trip is top notch and JUST BOOK IT! Thank you Albi and everyone at H+I that made this such a wonderful adventure for us!

• Intermediate +
• 8 days / 7 nights

• Finale Ligure

• Switzerland

• 11 days / 10 nights
• Your itinerary

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Servicios Básicos incluidos

Categoría de los Circuitos y

Paquete comidas + Visitas

Ventajas Especiales

y Descuentos

Seguro de Viaje

Notas Importantes

CIRCUITOS POR EUROPA

Circuitos con Encanto

Francia, Bélgica y Países Bajos + Londres

España y Portugal

Francia, Bélgica, Países Bajos y Centro Europa

España, Portugal, París y Londres

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Centro Europa: Alemania, Austria, República Checa, Hungría y Suiza

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Circuitos Europa + de 12 días

Moderna flota de autocares dotados del máximo confort y comodidad. Todos nuestros autobuses cumplen con las normas de seguridad europea. No garantizamos autocares con aseos; algunos disponen de ellos, pero de acuerdo con la legislación europea en determinados trayectos no se pueden emplear, por este motivo se realizarán paradas frecuentes en áreas de servicio.

Estancia en alojamientos indicados o similares, en habitaciones con baño y/o ducha. En cada uno de nuestros itinerarios encontrarás la información sobre la categoría y ubicación de cada uno de los hoteles que se va a utilizar para el circuito. Consulta los hoteles previstos en las páginas indicadas en cada cuadro de hoteles. En los vuelos cuya llegada al punto de destino se realice después de las 18.30 horas, el primer servicio de hotel será el alojamiento.

Tasas hoteleras incluidas en los precios de los circuitos hasta la fecha de edición del folleto, excepto si en alguno de los programas se indica lo contrario.

COMIDAS: DESAYUNOS, ALMUERZOS Y CENAS

Para almuerzo y cena consulta el régimen de comidas en cada programa. Las bebidas no están incluidas. En cada país trataremos de seleccionar los menús para el agrado de nuestros clientes. Son menús turísticos, dentro de las posibilidades de la gastronomía local y no hay derecho a elección. En los vuelos cuya llegada al punto de destino se realice después de las 18.30 horas, el primer servicio de hotel será el alojamiento.

Desayuno buffet en la mayoría de ciudades y hoteles, excepto donde no sea posible, en cuyo caso se servirá desayuno continental. En algunos hoteles, por cuestiones prácticas y organizativas, los grupos desayunan en salas especialmente preparadas para ellos.

Guías locales de habla hispana para todas nuestras visitas panorámicas. También incluimos explicación de guía local en las visitas a los museos según se detalla en cada itinerario. Otros lugares de interés comentados por nuestros guías. Ver cada itinerario. Si estás interesado en realizar alguna excursión opcional comunícaselo a tu guía acompañante, es la forma más cómoda y rápida de conocer todo aquello que te interesa.

Algunas de las visitas / excursiones que se realizan en los circuitos, tienen como punto de finalización el centro de la ciudad, pudiendo haber casos que el cliente disponga de tiempo libre y el regreso al hotel sea por su cuenta.

TRASLADOS: AEROPUERTO - HOTEL - AEROPUERTO

Todos los circuitos publicados en este folleto incluyen servicio de traslado de entrada y salida. Dichos traslados se efectuarán desde/hasta los aeropuertos principales de las ciudades publicadas al principio y al final de cada itinerario. En caso de haber algún retraso, pérdida de conexión o llegues en un vuelo diferente del previsto, es imprescindible que contactes con el teléfono de emergencias de Special Tours, indicado en el apartado Teléfono 24 horas de esta magazine y en tu bono de viaje, a la mayor brevedad posible.

En el caso de haber algún retraso, pérdida de conexión o llegada en un vuelo diferente del previsto, es imprescindible que contactes a la mayor brevedad posible con el teléfono de emergencias de Special Tours. Si Special Tours no es informado de estas incidencias el transferista, tras una hora de espera, se irá y perderás el derecho a traslados sin reembolso alguno.

Special Tours no se hace responsable por retrasos y cambios de vuelos no informados con suficiente tiempo de antelación. Si Special Tours es informado con la suficiente antelación, tramitará el nuevo traslado con el transferista, siempre supeditado a la confirmación de éste.

GUÍA ACOMPAÑANTE

Guía acompañante de Special Tours durante todo el circuito. Además, en las ciudades en las que el itinerario lo indique, también tendrán guías locales.

Los guías acompañantes siempre acompañarán al grupo en todas las visitas incluidas.

En los momentos en los que tenga tiempo libre o días libres, estos guías se pueden encontrar realizando tareas de coordinación y, por ello, no estar disponibles en determinados momentos.

Los guías acompañantes deben dedicación a todo el grupo y no a una persona en particular.

Existe la posibilidad de que en algunas de las etapas que se realizan descritas en el itinerario, vayan sin guía acompañante durante el recorrido.

ITINERARIO, PUNTOS DE ENCUENTRO Y HORARIOS

En alguna de las etapas programadas podrá producirse la incorporación de otros participantes al viaje en diferentes hoteles, estaciones de tren o aeropuertos de la ciudad de inicio de la etapa. De igual modo, y por necesidades de la organización, se podría cambiar el medio de transporte en alguna localidad no incluida en el programa, siempre y cuando no suponga la pérdida de ningún servicio incluido dentro del viaje contratado.

Los kilómetros reflejados en el catálogo son los realizados aproximadamente el día que se realiza un cambio de lugar de pernoctación, incluyendo las diferentes ciudades visitadas si las hubiera; sin tener en cuenta los kilómetros realizados en las excursiones y traslados. Los kilómetros publicados son solo a nivel informativo, puesto que la distancia puede verse modificada (aumentada o reducida) dependiendo de modificaciones como pueden ser la ubicación de restaurantes, la ubicación de hoteles asignados para su circuito, carreteras cortadas, etc.

Special Tours se reserva el derecho de alterar los horarios y el orden de las visitas programadas en los itinerarios por circunstancias excepcionales, pero siempre respetando el contenido de las visitas.

SEGURO DE VIAJE

Todas las reservas de circuitos incluyen, sin coste adicional, un seguro de viaje básico. Para más información consulta la información y detalles en el apartado Seguro de Viaje de este magazine

ASISTENCIA 24 HORAS

Special Tours pone a disposición del cliente un teléfono 24 horas de uso exclusivo durante los días de viaje: +34 649 440 697. Dicho teléfono aparece también indicado en la documentación (bono) del viaje, que te entregará tu agencia de viajes.

CATEGORÍAS DE PRODUCTO

QUE DEFINEN Y SE ADAPTAN A TU VIAJE

Con el fin de cubrir las expectativas y exigencias de todos y cada uno de nuestros clientes, ponemos a tu disposición una amplia variedad de productos, siempre con la inmejorable relación calidad-precio que nos caracteriza.

En cada circuito encontrarás el cuadro de hoteles asignados, las tablas de precios y las fechas de salida para tu circuito, donde podrás identificar los hoteles que corresponden a cada tipo de producto:

CLÁSICO: Nuestra línea más competitiva en precio, basada en hoteles de categoría 3* y 4*, con la mejor relación calidad / precio del mercado para un producto inigualable.

SELECCIÓN: Con hoteles 4* y los mejores 3*, todos ellos seleccionados tras años de experiencia, que lo convierten en la mejor elección para su viaje por Europa. Nuestro producto estrella más vendido.

ENCANTO: El producto más Special, más innovador, más diferenciador y con más Encanto. Ofrecemos itinerarios que combinan visitas clásicas y visitas diferentes que buscan experiencias a la medida de un viajero que ama lo Special.

DISEÑA TUS SERVICIOS

COMPLETA TU CIRCUITO AÑADIENDO NUESTRO PAQUETE DE COMIDAS O VISITAS

Paquete de comidas: Añade el Paquete Comidas en todos los itinerarios que tienen esta opción, con el fin de que tu viaje sea más cómodo.

Paquete de visitas: Todos nuestros circuitos llevan incluidas las visitas más importantes del itinerario. Ponemos a tu disposición la posibilidad de completar el viaje añadiendo el Paquete de Visitas, incluyendo desde la compra de tu viaje las visitas y excursiones más destacadas.

Todo Incluido: Diseña añadiendo la opción Todo Incluido el viaje más completo de Special Tours, donde podrás disfrutar de las ventajas de tener más comidas y visitas opcionales que lograrán un viaje con la mayor comodidad para el pasajero.

Ventajas Especiales y Descuentos

5% Descuento:

Para mayores de 65 años

10% Descuento:

Para la tercera persona, compartiendo habitación doble.

25% Descuento:

Para Niños de 3 a 12 años cumplidos, compartiendo habitación con dos adultos.

90% Descuento:

Para bebes de 0 a 2 años cumplidos, compartiendo habitación con dos adultos.

Debido a la normativa europea sobre transporte de pasajeros en autocares de servicio discrecional, el bebé deberá usar una silla reglamentaria o maxi cosi, el cual es responsabilidad de los adultos a su cargo de llevar durante el circuito. Specialtours no proporcionará este servicio. El servicio de cuna en el hotel será bajo petición con pago directo por los pasajeros en cada hotel.

Notas importantes:

Descuentos no acumulables entre si

Descuentos no aplicables a noches extra, traslados extra y seguros opcionales

Estos descuentos se aplicarán sobre el precio final de la reserva.

Para un viaje inolvidable, elige viajar con toda seguridad

Incluimos un seguro de asistencia en todos nuestros viajes:

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CIRCUITOS CON ENCANTO

• Encantos del Norte y Lagos Italianos

• Encantos de La Toscana y Roma

• Encantos del Sur de Italia, Costa Amalfitana y Roma

• Encantos de La Toscana, Roma y Sur de Italia

• Italia Bella, Encantos del Sur y Costa Amalfitana

• Encantos de Flandes y Países Bajos

• Encantos del Tirol y Baviera

• Encantos de Centro Europa

• Lo Mejor de Portugal

• Lo Mejor de Portugal y Madrid

• Lo Mejor de Portugal, Madrid y Andalucía

• Madrid y Andalucía

• Gran Tour de España

• Madrid y París / Madrid, París y Londres

• Barcelona, Madrid y París / Barcelona, Madrid, París y Londres

• Lisboa, Madrid y París / Lisboa, Madrid, París y Londres

España, Portugal e Italia

• Lisboa, España y Roma

• Maravillas de Lisboa, España y Roma / Maravillas de Lisboa, España e Italia

• Italia Clásica

• Italia Turística

• Italia Monumental

• Maravillas de Italia

• Italia Bella

• Maravillas de Roma, Toscana y Venecia / Maravillas de Italia y París

• Italia Multicolor

• Italia Turística y París

• Sicilia Clásica

• Sicilia e Italia Bella

• París, Alpes e Italia

ESPAÑA E ITALIA

• Italia, Costa Azul y Barcelona / Italia, Costa Azul, Barcelona y Madrid

• Italia Turística, París y Madrid

• España e Italia Turística

Circuitos + de 12 días

• Londres, París, Alpes e Italia

• Italia Monumental y Gran Tour de Croacia

• París, Países Bajos, Alemania y el Este Europeo

• Londres, Países Bajos, Alemania y el Este Europeo

• Londres, Países Bajos, Alemania y Praga

• Ámsterdam, Alemania y El Este Europeo

• Roma, España y París

• Madrid, París, Alpes e Italia

• París, Alpes, Italia y Barcelona

• París, Alpes, Italia y España

• París, España y Roma

• Frankfurt, Alpes, Italia, Costa Azul y Barcelona

• Frankfurt, Alpes, Italia, Costa Azul y España

• Lisboa, Madrid, París, Alpes e Italia

• Lisboa, España, Italia Turística y París

• Gran Tour de Europa

• Encantos Europeos

• París, España e Italia Turística

• París, Alpes, Italia y lo Mejor de España

• Italia Turística, París y Londres/ Italia Turística, París, Londres, Países Bajos y el Rin

• España, Italia Turística y París / España, Italia Turística, París y Burdeos

• Londres, París, Alpes, Italia y España

• Maravillas de Italia, París, Lourdes y Madrid / Maravillas de Italia, París, Lourdes, Madrid y Lisboa

• Maravillas de España, Italia y París / Maravillas de España, Italia, París y Lourdes

• Londres, París, España y Roma / Londres, París, España e Italia Turística

• París, Países Bajos, Alpes e Italia / París, Países Bajos, Alpes, Italia, Costa Azul y Barcelona / París, Países Bajos, Alpes, Italia, Costa Azul y España

• Maravillas de Lisboa, España, Italia y París

• Maravillas de Europa

• Europa Latina, Berlín y el Este Europeo

• París, Londres, Países Bajos, Alemania y el Este Europeo

• Gran Tour de Europa Latina

Croacia Y Bosnia

• Gran Tour de Croacia / Gran Tour de Croacia y Bosnia

Francia, Bélgica, Países Bajos + Londres

• París y Madrid

• Londres y París

• París y Londres

• París, Países Bajos y el Rin

• París, Londres, Países Bajos y El Rin

• París, Londres y Países Bajos

• Madrid, París y Países Bajos / Madrid, París, Países Bajos y El Rin

• Londres y Países Bajos / Londres, Países Bajos y el Rin

• Londres, Países Bajos, el Rin y París

• Flandes y Países Bajos

• Gran Tour de Normandía y Bretaña / Gran Tour de Normandía, Bretaña y París

• Castillos de Loira / Castillos del Loira y París

• Londres, Países Bajos y Alemania

Francia, Belgica, Países Bajos y Centro Europa

• París, Países Bajos, Alemania y Praga

• Ámsterdam, Alemania y Praga

• Lo Mejor de Inglaterra / Lo Mejor de Inglaterra y Londres

• Gran Tour de Escocia Clásica

• Lo Mejor de Escocia e Inglaterra / Lo Mejor de Escocia, Inglaterra y Londres

• Gran Tour de Irlanda

• Irlanda, Escocia e Inglaterra / Irlanda, Escocia, Inglaterra y Londres

• Irlanda, Escocia y Londres

• Irlanda y Lo Mejor de Escocia

Centro Europa: Alemania, Austria,

República Checa, Hungría y Suiza

• El Este Europeo

• Alemania y el Este Europeo

• Berlín y el Este Europeo

• Alemania Idílica

• Lo Mejor de la Selva Negra y Alsacia

• Múnich, Ruta Romántica, Selva Negra y Alsacia

• Múnich, Ruta Romántica, Selva Negra, Alsacia y Berlín

• Lo Mejor de Alemania y el Este Europeo

• Suiza Alpina

• Lo Mejor de Suiza

• Lo Mejor de Suiza e Italia Bella

• Lo Mejor de Polonia

• Gran Tour de Polonia

• Rumanía Histórica

• Rumanía y Bulgaria

• Lo Mejor de Rumanía y Bulgaria

Escandinavia, Islandia y Países Balticos

• Islandia Fascinante

• Todo Fiordos / Todo Fiordos y Copenhague

• Fiordos y Estocolmo / Fiordos, Estocolmo y Helsinki

• Fiordos y Capitales Bálticas

• Lo Mejor de las Repúblicas Bálticas / Lo Mejor de las Repúblicas Bálticas y Helsinki

Francia, Bélgica,

Países Bajos + Londres

Francia, Belgica, Países Bajos

y Centro Europa

Escandinavia, Islandia

y Países Balticos

• Rotoworld Staff ,

• Associated Press ,

Trending Teams

2024 tour de france: teams, how it works, points, prize money, rules.

• Phil Akre ,
• Perri Kitei ,
• +2 More +1 More
• Ricky Podgorski

The Tour de France returns in all of its glory on Saturday, June 29, with no shortage of major storylines going into cycling’s most prestigious race. Can Jonas Vingegaard, winner in back-to-back years, become history’s ninth cyclist to win at least three Tour de France races? His primary competition, Tadej Pogačar, aims for the same feat and the yellow jersey after finishing second in 2022 and 2023. Elsewhere, Primož Roglič seeks the elusive Tour de France victory that has eluded him.

Before cyclists embark on their massive trek, get up to speed with everything you need to know for the 111th Tour de France, which is streaming on Peacock on NBC.

How does the 2024 Tour de France work?

This year’s Tour de France is unique for several reasons. It will begin in Florence, Italy, for the first time in the event’s history. This starting point honors the 100-year mark since an Italian won the Tour de France, achieved by Ottavio Bottecchia in 1924. With the Paris Olympics starting in late July, 2024 features the first-ever Tour de France that won’t conclude in France’s capital city. Instead, it will finish in Nice, France. Riders will complete 21 stages across three weeks, starting in Florence, Italy on Saturday, June 29, and ending on Sunday, July 21. The entire Tour De France will cover a total distance of 3,492 km (2,170 miles), with riders competing in one stage per day and receiving one rest day at the end of each week.

How to watch every stage of the 2024 Tour de France: Stages, schedule, start times, live stream info

Who is riding in the Tour de France 2024?

The favorite to win the 2024 Tour de France is Tadej Pogačar , a member of the UAE Team Emirates . At 25 years old, he already has two Tour de France wins (2020, 2021) and one Giro d’Italia victory (2024). After dominating the Giro d’Italia in May, the phenom aims to become the first cyclist since 1998 (Marco Pantani) to win both the Giro and the Tour de France in the same year. Already considered one of the greatest talents cycling has ever seen, the Slovenian has won four out of five events he’s raced in this year, finishing third in his only non-victory. He’s finished second place in the last two editions of the Tour de France.

Pogačar will look to defeat two-time defending Tour de France champion Jonas Vingegaard of Team Visma-Lease a Bike, another popular pick to win this year. The 27-year-old has bested Pogačar the last two years, but the Tour de France will mark his return to racing since a severe crash at the Tour of the Basque Country in April, where he broke his collarbone and ribs, suffering a collapsed lung in the process.

Another intriguing challenger is Tour veteran Primož Roglič of Team Bora-hansgrohe, who seeks his first Tour de France victory in what will be his sixth appearance. At 34 years old and well into his illustrious career, it remains the major title he has yet to win, having already secured victories across the Giro d’Italia, Vuelta a España, Monuments, and Olympic Games.

How many teams are in the Tour de France?

The Tour de France is made up of 22 pro cycling teams with eight riders each, amounting to 176 total competitors.

How do teams work in the Tour de France?

Each team has one rider who is their main contender, commonly referred to as the team’s leader. Teams may have several leaders throughout the race, determined by each group’s individual race strategy. Other members of the team are known as domestiques . These key figures support their team’s leader in the race by shielding them from wind and other cyclists, bringing them water, and even offering to switch bikes in the event of mechanical failure. Team members typically take turns acting in these support roles.

RELATED: 2024 Tour de France cyclists to watch: Jonas Vingegaard, Tadej Pogacar lead the pack

Who are recent Tour de France winners?

2023: Jonas Vingegaard (Denmark) 2022: Jonas Vingegaard (Denmark) 2021: Tadej Pogačar (Slovenia) 2020: Tadej Pogačar (Slovenia) 2019: Egan Bernal (Colombia) 2018: Geraint Thomas (United Kingdom, Wales) 2017: Chris Froome (United Kingdom) 2016: Chris Froome (United Kingdom) 2015: Chris Froome (United Kingdom) 2014: Vincenzo Nibali (Italy) 2013: Chris Froome (United Kingdom) 2012: Bradley Wiggins (United Kingdom) 2011: Cadel Evans (Australia) 2010: Andy Schleck (Luxembourg) Alberto Contador was initial winner, but was stripped of victory in 2012 after he was found guilty of doping

How many points do you get for winning a stage in the Tour de France?

Points are awarded throughout and at the end of each stage, differing based on the type of stage. Here’s the point distribution for first-place finishers across stages (Individual time trial and intermediate sprint winners are also awarded 20 points each):

Flat stage finishes: 50 points Hilly and medium mountain stage finishes: 30 points High mountain finishes: 20 points

How do they determine the winner of the Tour de France?

The rider with the shortest overall combined time from every stage is declared the winner. This year’s race will feature an individual time trial from Monaco to Nice as the final stage. Though there is only one overall winner, there are three other individual awards granted to cyclists for various accomplishments. Throughout the race, the leaders in each category wear specific jerseys to differentiate them from the rest.

The coveted yellow jersey is for the rider with the fastest overall time at the end of each stage; the race leader. A green jersey, also known as the points jersey, is awarded to the fastest sprinter. Riders collect points for finishing stages quickly, winning sprint sections, and performing well in mountain sections. A white jersey with red polka dots, also known as the “King of the Mountains,” is awarded to the best climber. Mountain points are distributed based on the difficulty of individual climbing sections throughout various mountain stages. Lastly, a white jersey is awarded to the best young rider, the highest-ranked cyclist under the age of 26. Winning just one Tour de France stage is considered a huge victory for most cyclists.

How much money do you get for winning the Tour de France?

The overall winner of the Tour de France will receive €500,000, equivalent to $533,915. Second place earns €200,000 ($213,566), with third place getting $100,000 ($107,062). Each stage win is worth €11,000, equivalent to $11,746. The rider with the most sprint points at the race’s conclusion walks away with €25,000 ($26,765) as the green jersey winner.

Is there a team prize in the Tour de France?

Yes, there is a team prize in the Tour de France. The top five teams at the end of the race receive cash prizes, which are then calculated by adding the cumulative times of each team’s three fastest finishers from the stage. The winning team receives €2,800 in prize money ($3,001). Team earnings are often split among the team instead of just one rider.

How is the Tour de France time cut calculated?

The Tour de France’s time cut is a Grand Tours ruling that ensures riders don’t reduce their workloads in certain stages to conserve energy for later stages. Time cuts in stages are determined by two factors, primarily the stage’s difficulty and the winning rider’s average speed. Every stage in the Tour de France is given a difficulty coefficient, numbered one to six. For example, a stage where minimal climbing is involved may be granted a one or a two, but a stage with high climbs through mountains may be granted a higher difficulty coefficient, like five or six. If the stage maintains a fast pace, time cuts will be more forgiving. If races produce a slower pace, the time cut will be harsher.

What is the name of the British team in the Tour de France?

The INEOS Grenadiers are Great Britain’s professional cycling team that competes at the UCI World team level. The team is based out of Manchester, England with a base in Deinze, Belgium. Previously known as Team Sky, the name changed to Team INEOS and then the INEOS Grenadiers in 2019, when INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe became sole owners. This year’s 11 British riders throughout the field are the most ever in Tour de France history.

What are the stages of the Tour de France 2024?

Saturday, June 29: Stage 1 , Florence - Rimini (206 km) Sunday, June 30: Stage 2 , Cesenatico - Bologne (199.2 km) Monday, July 1: Stage 3 , Plaisance - Turin (230.8 km) Tuesday, July 2: Stage 4 , Pinerolo - Valloire (139.6 km) Wednesday, July 3: Stage 5 , Sant-Jean-de-Maurienne - Saint-Vulbas (177.4 km) Thursday, July 4: Stage 6 , Mâcon - Dijon (163.5 km) Friday, July 5: Stage 7 , Nuits-Saint-Georges - Gevrey-Chambertin (25.3 km, individual time trial) Saturday, July 6: Stage 8 , Semur-En-Auxois > Colombey-les-Deux-Églises (183.4 km) Sunday, July 7: Stage 9 , Troyes - Troyes (199 km) Monday, July 8: Rest Day Tuesday, July 9: Stage 10 , Orléans - Saint-Amand-Montrond (187.3 km) Wednesday, July 10: Stage 11 , Évaus-les-Bains - Le Lioran (211 km) Thursday, July 11: Stage 12 , Aurillac - Villeneuve-sur-Lot (203.6 km) Friday, July 12: Stage 13 , Agen - Pau (165.3 km) Saturday, July 13: Stage 14 , Pau - Saint-Lary-Soulan Pla d’Adet (151.9 km) Sunday, July 14: Stage 15 , Loudenvielle - Plateau de Beille (198 km) Monday, July 15: Rest Day Tuesday, July 16: Stage 16 , Gruissan - Nîmes (188.6 km) Wednesday, July 17: Stage 17 , Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux - Superdévoluy (177.8 km) Thursday, July 18: Stage 18 , Gap - Barcelonnette (179.5 km) Friday, July 19: Stage 19 , Embrun - Isola 2000 (144.6 km) Saturday, July 20: Stage 20 , Nice - Col de la Couillole (132.8 km) Sunday, July 21: Stage 21 , Monaco - Nice (33.7 km, individual time trial)

Who is the only American to win the Tour de France?

The legendary Greg LeMond is the only American man to win the Tour de France, capturing victories in 1986, 1989, and 1990. In the process, he became the first non-European professional cyclist to win the historic race.

What happens if you have to go to the bathroom during the Tour de France?

Cyclists can stop on the side of the road if they must use the bathroom during the Tour de France. However, they must be out of view of spectators to avoid getting fined. Riders often will take collective breaks as a group to individually go to the bathroom.

Do riders sleep during the Tour de France?

Yes! Tour de France competitors do indeed get rest. The race is three weeks long and athletes are exercising intensely, so sleep is necessary. Cyclists typically sleep in hotel rooms that vary in accommodations and location.

What are the Tour de France rules?

There are many rules within the Tour de France, among them include:

• All riders must wear their team’s official outfit: shorts, jersey, socks, shoes, gloves, and a helmet to begin the race (aside from special jerseys).
• Other classifications can be identified by a rider’s uniform or race number, including colored or special numbers for the highest-ranked individual rider on each team, the most aggressive rider as determined by a jury, and stage winners.
• If a cyclist wins a stage or is one of the first three finishers, seconds are subtracted from their overall time as a bonus. First place subtracts ten seconds, then six and four for second and third. At various critical points like passes and summits, the first three riders can also receive time premiums of eight, five, and two seconds.
• There is a time cut calculated depending on the type of stage using the time of the winner. In most cases, riders will be eliminated from the race if they do not finish under the time cut. There are cases where a rider will finish after the time cut and still be allowed to start the next day, but they lose all of the points they had accumulated to that point.
• Various cyclists are drug tested at every stage, with over 180 drug tests distributed throughout the race.

Other specific rules for the Tour de France include:

• No littering
• Cyclists cannot push off cars, motorcycles or other riders
• Team cars called caravans may follow riders, but must maintain a distance of at least 25 meters.
• Spraying liquid, like water used for cooling purposes, from team cars is prohibited.
• Teams cannot help eachother.
• Riders may only eat in designated areas.
• No indecent behavior towards spectators.