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Wine and Italy

Hello. My husband and I will be in Norway (mid-June 2027) for a conference. We are potentially going to Italy after we are finished there. We have no particular knowledge of Italy but are interested in doing some sightseeing (maybe not Rome so much). We have heard amazing things about the Amalfi Coast. We love to walk and explore. The idea of visiting some smaller regions in Italy to more or less take time to "immerse" ourselves among locals, i.e. eating and drinking; potentially taking a cooking class. We do not want to rent a car but are more than willing to take any kind of public transportation.

I realize this is a very broad post but any help or opinions are welcome. We would most like take 10 days or so. Thanks very much.

Karen and Rick

Posted by
9848 posts

Italy is my favorite foreign country. I have been there about a dozen times.
There are so many great places to see.
Rome is wonderful, but if you are interested in smaller cities, here are a few options:

1)The Amalfi Coast is just south of Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento and Capri. Don't miss all these places if you go to the AC.
You don't need to rent a car, but do your research in how you go from point A to B.

2) Tuscany and Umbria are the regions in the middle of Italy, around Florence and SE of Florence.
There are many wonderful smaller cities and towns in these to areas,
Florence deserves 3-4 days itself. Siena is a great place to stay to do day trips to many places in Tuscany.
Pisa and Lucca are in Western Tuscany, and there are more great places to visit. San Gimignano is a must.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g187893-Activities-Tuscany.html

https://www.earthtrekkers.com/best-things-to-do-in-tuscany/

For Umbria, don't miss Assisi, Perugia, Spoleto, Gubbio and Orvieto. There is more.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g187904-Activities-Umbria.html

https://theculturetrip.com/europe/italy/articles/the-10-most-beautiful-towns-in-umbria

Other areas of Italy are great, like the north around Milan and the lakes near Switzerland. Also, Venice, Bologna and Ravenna.

Posted by
6922 posts

The Amalfi Coast will be mobbed in June. Not sure that is what you have anticipated. It has sadly been ruined by the crowds, and compounded by the poor transportation infrastructure, is just not a relaxing area to visit during the spring, summer, or fall.
We really do enjoy Venice, as there are so many quiet neighborhoods that do not have the crowds of St Mark's Square and Rialto Bridge areas.
Perhaps you would enjoy Tuscany?
June will be hot and humid, so compare prepared.
I would advise making a decision asap, as summer lodging options book up early.
Have a great trip!

Posted by
36530 posts

more or less take time to "immerse" ourselves among locals,

on the Amalfi Coast in June you will be immersed in tourists with not room to swing a cat.

You have loads of time to prepare. For those encouraging rapid reservations note that the trip is next year June 2027