The top places to visit for a weekend trip to Italy
8 min readItaly weekend breaks are perfect for taking in one of the most beautiful places in the world on a short-haul mini escape.
As a country that offers ancient cities, like Venice and Florence, the turquoise waters of Sardinia and rolling hills of Tuscany, there’s something for everyone looking for a short break to Italy.
To show you why you don’t need a whole week to take in Italy, we’ve picked the best destinations for a long weekend.
We’ve picked the best destinations for Italy weekend breaks to show you why you don’t need a whole week or more to take in the beautiful country.
Venice
Unique is a word that you hear a lot when reading about holiday destinations – but it’s fair to say that Italy’s iconic floating city deserves the title. Thanks to its wealthy past as an independent republic, the city is literally packed with architectural and artistic wonders, from the magnificence of the famous Rialto to stunning frescos tucked away in tiny backwater churches.
The flight time from London to Venice is a little over two hours, making it an easy journey for a few nights. There are many contenders for the best hotel in Venice, but one of our favourites is the famous Hotel Danieli. Not only is it beautifully luxurious and historical, but it also featured in the James Bond movie Moonraker and The Tourist starring Angelina Jolie.
Sicily
If it’s sun, sea and sand you’re after, then look no further than Sicily. The island off the tip of Italy’s boot is home to Roman and Greek monuments, rolling fields and irresistibly charming fishing villages.
The Sicilian diet is classically Mediterranean, with a big emphasis on fresh seafood drizzled with the finest olive oil and locally grown herbs – heaven on a plate alongside a glass of cold wine. One of our favourite spots on the island is Taormina, where you can buy delicious cannoli, wander the old streets, and get the cable car up the mountainside to visit the Teatro Greco amphitheatre. Fly into Catania, then it’s just an hour’s drive north. Another hotspot is, of course, the capital of Sicily, Palermo. And those looking to spend a memorable weekend here should look to book Villa Igiea, a grand Belle Époque residence masterfully restored by the Rocco Forte hotel group.
South Tyrol
Unique among Italian destinations thanks to its Austrian heritage, South Tyrol is full of dazzling scenery, lush vineyards and pretty mountain villages. It’s also just a hop away, with just a two-hour flight duration from London to Innsbruck. While cities like Bolzano have a more obviously northern Italian feel, you’ll find plenty of Austrian influence in the region’s cuisine.
Expect menus that feature pizzas alongside schnitzel and wheat beers. Great for a long weekend of hikes and stunning views, or a chic city break, South Tyrol combines everything that’s great about both Italy and Austria. For a lovely, luxurious stay in the region, look no further than Rosa Alpina in the quaint village of San Cassiano.
Tuscany
Tuscany’s rural beauty is irresistible and even a short stay in the countryside here will have you forgetting the stresses of everyday life. Its cities are wonderful too, with so much history and culture around every corner. Florence, the capital, is famous for its magnificent churches and cathedrals, but small enough to explore on foot on a romantic weekend, popping in and out of gorgeously stylish boutiques that line the maze of streets.
When it’s time for a bite to eat, plump for something traditional in a trattoria, or visit an outpost of one of many contemporary Tuscan chefs who are reinventing the classics. For all-out luxury during a stay in Florence, head for the Four Seasons outpost in the city, which is majestically set in a Renaissance palazzo amid 11 acres of grounds.
Bologna
This dreamy medieval city is the perfect romantic getaway. Though it’s famous for the often-imitated and endlessly adapted pasta dish that takes its name, Bologna is far more than just a foodie haven (although you’ll definitely eat well there!).
Visit for charming alleyway bars, lively piazzas and ramshackle Renaissance beauty. In short, it’s a quintessential Italian escape. There’s also a wealth of enchanting countryside to explore in the wider Emilia-Romagna region, characterised by gently rolling hills carpeted with vineyards, olive groves, and orchards.
To make the most of town and country, check in to the inimitable Palazzo Di Varignana in the Bolognese countryside just a short drive from the city. This award-winning spa resort is perfect for a long week where you’ll be worlds away from the stresses of everyday life, yet within easy reach of all Bologna’s foodie delights.
Rome
The perfect blend of historic discoveries, an air of romance, and sensational food make Rome an Italy weekend break no-brainer. With so many artistic and architectural masterpieces, Rome could rest on its legacies, but there’s a modernity to the city to experience over a weekend here – lively pizzerias and elegant wine bars to sip the crisp whites grown on the Castelli Romani hillsides.
It’s a city to return to time and time again, but first-timers shouldn’t miss its most famous location – the epic Colosseum, which was the heart of the gladiator dramas of ancient Rome. To be close to all the key sightseeing spots, splash out on a room in the legendary Hotel Eden, one of the city’s most prestigious five-star hotels and a romantic haven for a weekender in the Eternal City.
Milan
Synonymous with Italy’s fashion industry, Milan is Italy’s design and style central. The gateway to the Italian Lakes, it’s too often rushed through in pursuit of the dazzling Lake Como – particularly in the summer when the temperatures rise. But there’s plenty to explore on a weekend break here.
Admire the magnificent pink-hued Duomo, a Gothic cathedral crafted in Candoglia marble. Then stroll down Via Montenapoleone for window shopping, Milan style. And when evening rolls around, feast on the aperitivi that appear in the chic bars where theatre and opera-goers sip on pre-show cocktails. If you’re looking to stay in a grande dame hotel at the heart of it all, don’t miss Principe di Savoia, a gilded gem of a property that’s full of the great and the good of the city, plus discerning international travellers.
Lake Como
Although it’s well worth lingering in Milan, Lake Como (which is just a short drive from the city) remains a classic in the realm of Italy weekend breaks. The scenery is quite simply stunning and unlike anywhere else in the world, with placid lakes surrounded by undulating mountains. The gardens are glorious too, so the green-fingered will delight in a stay here. And while sparkling Lake Maggiore and lesser-known Lake Lugano are also well worth a visit, you can’t really beat Lake Como for a couple of days of indulgent relaxation.
There are many, many glamorous five-star hotels that surround Italy’s most famous lake, but to soak up the cinematic dolce vita style from a modern classic, choose Il Sereno. It’s spacious suites offer some of the best lake views possible, and guests can take the hotel’s own Riva out for a spin (self-drive tours mean you’ll be behind the wheel) when the mood to explore strikes.
Ravello
The Amalfi Coast is so gorgeous, it can feel like no amount of time there is enough – so why not start with a long weekend? A quick flight to Naples and a ferry will get you to this (there’s simply no better word) iconic destination, which is sun-soaked and splendid throughout the spring and summer months.
For an unforgettable stay, check in to Palazzo Avino, a 12th-century private villa turned five-star haven in the tiny village of Ravello. It’s considered to be among the finest hotels in the world and there’s a Michelin-starred restaurant, so this is certainly treat territory, but as it’s just for the weekend, why not?
Lake Garda
If you’ve already visited Lake Como and fancy a change, consider the beautiful Lake Garda. Known for its crystal clear waters and striking scenery, you can spend the days here cruising the waters by boat, taking in the majestic Dolomites and stopping off at pretty towns like Salò and Sirmione in the south, with its harbour-facing fortress.
As for where to stay in Lake Garda, why not make a wellness weekend of it? For that, look no further than Lefay Resort & Spa, an internationally acclaimed temple of wellbeing that overlooks Lake Garda, nestled among the Dolomites. Indulge in spa treatments or enjoy a bespoke weekend retreat.
Umbria
Somehow, Umbria, the heavenly Italian region bordering Tuscany, has remained ever so slightly under the radar on the international travel scene. But that’s in its favour, meaning it remains mercifully free from crowds and still feels authentically Italian. Often referred to as the country’s ‘green heart’, it’s a place of bucolic beauty and heavenly food – foraged truffles and locally produced wine are its signatures.
It’s also known for intriguing medieval hilltop towns, including Perugia, which can be easily reached via a direct flight from London. After exploring this magnificent, culture-filled city, retreat to nearby Castello Di Monterone for a luxe yet classic stay in a former castle.
Puglia
This glorious southern Italian region (forming the heel of Italy’s boot) has increased in popularity in recent years. Little wonder – Puglia‘s full of warmly welcoming people, historic hilltop towns, classic Italian beaches and some of the most delicious food on earth. It’s easy to fly into Bari or Brindisi and spend a weekend here for a taste of the region (though you might well want to return).
The city of Lecce, dubbed ‘the Florence of the south’ thanks to its architectural splendour, is a great spot to visit, full of authentic restaurants and great boutique accommodation. One of the best in the area is La Fiermontina, which feels like an urban oasis thanks to its pool, shady garden and lovely rooms.
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