ITALY, UNPACKAGED

Home to 61 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Italy is a mosaic of layered history, timeless art, and fierce regional identities.

Yet most travelers barely graze its surface. Seventy percent of visitors are funneled into just nine cities, moving through the same streets at the same hours. The result is checklist travel — short, fragmented stays that trade depth for quantity. Too much choice is another paradox. Twenty regions, each with its own rhythm, foodways, and festivals — yet most itineraries flatten them into a “see–snap–move on” circuit.

In a country this varied, a sharply curated set of experiences will always reveal more than any packaged tour. Hotels and fine meals are easy to book. But to truly uncover Italy’s character, you need access: to the historian who turns myth into story, the fisherman who is one of the last of his kind, the chef still cooking Nonna’s recipes. Fernwayer restores what modern travel forgot — the art of truly experiencing a place, not just passing through it.

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RARE EXPERIENCES IN ITALY

These signature Fernwayer experiences will redefine your journey through Italy into a collection of profound, personal memories. Hop aboard a private boat and glide across the waters of Lake Como next to elegant villas and historic villages. Step into a historic Roman palace to learn the centuries-old art of gelato making from a master artisan. Walking through the wild, aromatic landscapes of Sardinia, sharing stories and local cheese with a goatherd. Explore ancient salt pans in Sicily where the land meets the sea. Each experience is crafted to bring you closer to Italy’s soul, from the winemaking traditions of Marsala to the culinary treasures of Trieste's Karst region. Click on any of these unique encounters to book your adventure or save it to your dream board for a future trip.

Check out all Italy experiences.

OUR ITALIAN DESTINATIONS

Italy is a country of paradoxes, where every city holds a story and the past is constantly clashing with the present. We operate in selected destinations to provide you with a personal connection with this multifaceted land of art, history and natural beauty, all tied together by the infectious passion for life of the people who guard and reinvent traditions. From the grandeur of imperial Rome to the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Trieste, explore our destinations to discover Italy beyond stereotypes.

Fernwayer's Italian Destinations

Rome

In Rome, the past is not a museum piece — it’s the pavement beneath your feet. Beyond the Colosseum and the Pantheon, the Italian capital is a city of continuous discovery, where millions of people cross paths daily, moving around ancient aqueducts and forgotten catacombs that stand right around lively markets, bustling trattorias and monumental religious art and architecture.

See all Rome tours.

Milan

Milan challenges the perception of Italy as a country stuck in the past. It’s a dynamic hub of design, fashion and finance, where the aperitivo is a serious art form. Discover the city’s architectural evolution with one of Fernwayer's Experience Makers or take a day trip to the lakes where historic towns drop into calming waters. In Milan, innovation and tradition meet in the streets, where sleek modernist buildings stand a short walk from the historic Sforza Castle.

See all Milan tours.

Florence

Florence is the cradle of the Renaissance, but it’s far from a static monument. While masterpieces like Michelangelo’s David and Botticelli's Birth of Venus are rightfully celebrated, the city’s living culture can be found in its artisan workshops, where shoemakers, bookbinders, and goldsmiths continue a legacy of craftsmanship. Stroll across the Ponte Vecchio and then venture into the Oltrarno district for a glimpse of Florentine life, with its bustling markets and monumental gardens.

See all Florence tours.

Venice

Venice is more than just gondolas; it’s a living testament to human ingenuity. Lose yourself in the labyrinthine calli, take a boat trip through the lagoon with a fisherman or witness the artistry of Murano, Burano and Torcello glass blowing, where centuries-old techniques are passed down through generations. Or, simply observe the city’s relationship with the water, as daily life is conducted not by car, but by boat on the canals that make the city so famously picturesque.

See all Venice tours.

Trieste

Trieste is a world apart, a city where Italy, Austria, and Slovenia converge. Its grand Hapsburg architecture, mirrored in the elegant Piazza Unità d’Italia, speaks to a rich imperial history often overlooked by visitors. Spend an afternoon at a historic literary café where writers like James Joyce used to sit, then take a tour to learn about the city's unique relationship with coffee, before hiking up to the Napoleonic Road for panoramic views of the Gulf of Trieste and the Carso plateau.

See all Trieste tours.

Sicily

In Sicily, you'll find a intriguing blend of Greek, Roman, and Arab influences woven into the fabric of daily life. The island's landscapes are as dramatic as its history, from the fiery slopes of Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano, to the tranquil, sun-drenched valleys of its interior. Beyond the well-trodden paths of Palermo's historic markets and the ancient Greek Theater of Taormina, you can discover the ancient wine culture of Marsala or the medieval heritage of Erice. In Sicily, every street tells a story of empires rising and falling.

See all Sicily tours.

Sardinia

Sardinia is defined by its rugged, untamed beauty and a proudly independent spirit. This isn't a place for busy cities but for wild, secluded landscapes stretching from the coast to the mountainous interior. Countless coves and beaches mark the coastline, while inland the island reveals a mysterious past through its unique prehistoric heritage. Here, you'll discover the Nuragic complexes — ancient stone towers that dot the landscape, offering a window into a civilization that predates the Romans. But also cheese, wine and lifestyle that has famously made the island a "blue zone."

See all Sardinia tours.

Naples

Naples is a city of raw, unfiltered energy. It’s the birthplace of pizza, but its culinary scene extends far beyond, with legendary street food and sophisticated Neapolitan cuisine. Navigate the underground passages that form the "belly" of the city or meet the artisans of Vietri sul Mare. And from Naples, the ancient city of Pompeii, frozen in time by Mount Vesuvius, is just a short trip away, offering a somber but profound look into the Roman world.

See all Naples tours.

Florence | Milan | Naples | Rome | Sardinia | Sicily | Trieste | Venice

Canals to Colosseum

Set out on an iconic journey through Italy with our "Canals to Colosseum" tour. This seven-day adventure, ideal for first-time visitors, links the timeless romance of Venice, the artistic soul of Florence, and the imperial grandeur of Rome. From gliding through Venice's secret lagoons to admiring masterpieces in Florence and walking the ancient streets of Rome, you will immerse yourself in Italy’s most celebrated cities.

La Serenissima to Modern Milan

An unforgettable ten-day journey from the historic canals of Venice to the modern streets of Milan: our "La Serenissima to Modern Milan" tour is a trip designed to blend Italy's artistic heritage with its contemporary flair. You'll glide through Venice's iconic waterways, savor the culinary delights of Bologna, and explore the design and fashion hub of Milan. Along the way, enjoy unique stops to admire the Byzantine mosaics of Ravenna and indulge in a Parmigiano-Reggiano tasting in Parma.

Ruins & Mediterranean Shores

The sun-drenched history and stunning landscapes of Southern Italy await. Get inspired by our "Ruins & Mediterranean Shores" tour, a 14-day journey that takes you from Italy's capital, Rome, through Naples and the onwards to the island of Sicily. You’ll stand in awe of ancient Pompeii, explore Palermo's vibrant street markets, and unwind on the beautiful beaches of Cefalù before closing the adventure on the dramatic slopes of Mount Etna, all while you savor authentic regional cuisine and travel by train and ferry.

WHEN TO GO

Italy’s calendar is a map of living culture — rituals, craft, performance, and celebration. Get exclusive access to some of Italy biggest cultural events with our rare-access tours led by local guides, experts and photographers. While the opulence of Venice's Carnevale is world-renowned, we also invite you to discover the ancient, pre-Christian roots of Sardinian festivals.

Jan-Feb

Venice Carnevale: private palazzi sessions, ateliers. See Carnevale Tours.

Jan-Feb

Venice Carnevale: private palazzi sessions, ateliers. See Carnevale Tours.

Mar-Apr

Holy Week processions in Sardinia. Join the celebrations.

Mar-Apr

Holy Week processions in Sardinia. Join the celebrations.

Apr

Milan Design Week and Salone del Mobile. See Milan Fashion Experiences.

Apr

Milan Design Week and Salone del Mobile. See Milan Fashion Experiences.

Jun-Sep

Verona Opera, coastal feasts and sagre.

Jun-Sep

Verona Opera, coastal feasts and sagre.

Jul-Aug

Palio di Siena, summer art and music programs.

Jul-Aug

Palio di Siena, summer art and music programs.

Sep-Oct

Grape harvest, film and art programs. See Wine Experiences in Italy.

Sep-Oct

Grape harvest, film and art programs. See Wine Experiences in Italy.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. When is the best time to visit Italy?

The ideal time to visit Italy is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April-June) and fall (September-October). During these months, the weather is pleasant and the crowds are smaller. Summer (July-August) can be extremely hot, especially in the south, and major cities and tourist areas will be very crowded. Winter (November-February) is a good option for sightseeing without the crowds, but many coastal towns and smaller resorts will be closed.

2. How should I get around Italy?

Italy's transportation system is efficient and well-connected. For long distances between major cities, high-speed trains are a fantastic option — they are fast, comfortable, and scenic. For shorter distances or travel within a city, local buses and regional trains are widely available. Renting a car is best for exploring the countryside and smaller towns, as driving and parking in major cities can be difficult. Walking is often the best way to explore and soak up the atmosphere of a town.

3. Can you organize the entire trip for me?

We can certainly help you plan your Italy trip, but we do not sell tour packages that include flights and hotel bookings. Fernwayer specializes in single day experiences, which can be combined to create a unique trip through the country. With our "Human Edit" service you can book a consulting session with one of our travel experts, who will help put together the perfect trip based on your interests and desires.

4. Is Italy a safe country to travel to?

Italy is a very safe country with a low violent crime rate. However, like any major tourist destination, petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching is common, especially in crowded areas like train stations, public transport, and famous landmarks. It is always wise to be aware of your surroundings, keep your valuables secure, and be cautious of common distraction techniques.

5. What should I pack for a trip to Italy?

Packing for Italy depends heavily on the season. Regardless of when you go, comfortable walking shoes are essential for navigating cobblestone streets. For spring and fall, bring layers, including a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings. For summer, pack lightweight, breathable clothing, a hat, and sunscreen. If you plan to visit churches or other religious sites, be sure to pack a scarf or shawl to cover your shoulders and knees.

6. Do I need a visa to travel to Italy?

Citizens of the European Union and many other countries, including the United States, do not need a visa for short stays (up to 90 days in a 180-day period). You will need a valid passport that is issued less than 10 years before your entry date and is valid for at least three months after your planned departure. For specific visa requirements based on your nationality, it is always best to check with the Italian embassy or consulate in your home country.