Things to do in Italy – what to see, best cities, attractions and activities.

Art and Culture Holidays in Basilicata

Basilicata is a region that is steeped in history, with its architecture reflecting the influences of the ages. An example of this rich architectural heritage is the Cathedral of Matera, dating back to the 13th century and still standing proud at the highest point of the city. A few kilometres along the Appian Way from Matera is the so-called Sistine Chapel of Rupestrian Art, the Crypt of Original Sin, which features a 9th century series of frescoes painted on the walls of hollows in the limestone cliffs. Also in Matera is the Museum of Contemporary Sculpture, where modern day pieces are presented in contrast with the rock-hewn surroundings of the 16th century Palazzo Pomarici. In the north west of Basilicata lies the historic town of Melfi, once the capital of the Normans. Its cathedral was originally built in 1155 but only the bell tower has survived the numerous earthquakes over the centuries. It is now home to several works of art including a Byzantine icon of the Madonna. Nearby lie several other churches worth a visit, with impressive frescoes and sculptures spread among them - you could spend a full day touring here. A trip to Basilicata would not be complete without a visit to the Ghost Town of Craco, a small hilltop village which was abandoned after repeated earthquakes and landslides. The deserted town makes for an eerie guided tour (independent exploration is not permitted), and the town has been used as a backdrop for several films including Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ.

Art and Culture Holidays in Sicily

Owing to its location, Sicily has always enjoyed a role as a meeting place between the European west and the Arabic east, and this long history of diversity is reflected in its cultural and artistic heritage which features Doric temples, Roman mosaics, and numerous Baroque and Renaissance palaces and chapels. A fine example of the Roman history of the island is the Piazza Amerina close to Syracuse, where you can find a lavish Roman villa with perfectly restored mosaics across the floors. Architecturally and historically, Sicily is perhaps most famous for its Greek temples such as the one in Syracuse, a town which can trace its history right back to the Greek mathematician Archimedes whose tomb can be found in the Grotticelli Necropolis. Syracuse also hosts dozens of other Greek and Christian monuments, with surviving frescoes and paintings by the likes of Caravaggio and his acolyte Minniti. The special light and dramatic scenery found in Sicily made the island a magnet for artists throughout the ages, and it is nowadays home to many great galleries. The Galleria Regionale di Palazzo Bellomo, also in Syracuse, dates back to the 13th century and is home to a diverse collection of medieval and modern pieces of both painting and sculpture, while the Francesco Pantaleone Arte Contemporanea is a must-see gallery for fans of more contemporary work.

Art and Culture Holidays in Molise

When you start your art and culture holidays in in Molise, you will not be disappointed exploring this part of unspoiled central Italy. Discover the rich history of culture, art and age-old traditions. The Molise region of central Italy boasts countless castles, amazing Roman ruins, magnificent Romanesque churches, bustling fairs and religious festivals. Molise is a small, enchanting region in central Italy that lies between the Apennine ridge and the Adriatic Sea. Campobasso is the capital of the region, which comprises Campobasso and Isernia. The impressive Castello Monforte and the Provincial Samnite Museum are among the many architectural and archaeological treasures that await the explorer. Campobasso is also an excellent base for visiting the Roman ruins at Saepinum, which is perhaps Italy's best example of a Roman town. Also worth exploring in the province of Campobasso, is the walled town of Termoli, with its stunning Swabian Castle and the Romanesque Cathedral. Towards the evening, watch the passeggiata, which is a town parade where flirting and posing is a must. Art and culture holidays in Molise are even more fun and exciting, when visiting one of the many events and fairs such as the Lamb Festival in Capracotta, the White Truffle Fair in San Pietro Avellana and International Bagpipe Festival in Scapoli.

Art and Culture Holidays in Liguria

With a dramatic backdrop of mountainous scenery which stretches from Tuscany to Ventimiglia, the coastal region of Liguria offers something really special for visitors. Although there are many places in this region which offer some of the most enjoyable coastal views in the country, Luguria can be largely noted for its contribution towards to arts and Italian culture. Surprisingly this region is one of the least visited in the country, however contrary to its popularity, Liguria offers a rustic charm which wont be matched anywhere else. The main city of Genoa encapsulates everything which is beautiful about this region and is an interesting gateway to many of the smaller surrounding towns. Once one of Europe's wealthiest cities, the legacy of Genoa still remains today. Enchanting palaces originally built to house the powerful elite are but a glimpse of the magical architecture present here and can now be observed by the public on a daily basis. The Five Villages are one of the highlights of many trips to this region and will give you a real insight into the culture that has paved its history. As you meander down the coast from Genoa, you will be introduced to another slice of Ligurian culture at every stop. Santa Margherita Ligure will place you within proximity of the Five Villages and the resplendent Palazzo Durazzo renaissance palace will give you plenty of chances to take a few snaps. You could also visit Museo del Tesoro too view timeless pieces of art returned from the crusades.

Art and Culture Holidays in Sardinia

Sardina's cultural heritage stretches back to pre-history, as can be seen in the mysterious ancient stone ruins of Santa Christina which are more than 3,800 years old, and feature a sacred well and underground shrine. Ever since then the island has been a meeting point between the cultures of northern Europe and the exotic East. Signs of this past remain in the ruins of the 730BC Phoenician port of Tharros, much of which is now excavated and restored. The Romans spent time in Sardinia too, and 28km from Oristano lies the old spa town of Forum Traiani built around hot sulphur springs. A modern spa complex lies beside the older Roman remains and 19th century buildings. For a more modern cultural experience, the village of San Sperate lies around 25km inland and is known as a living museum The walls and buildings are home to over 320 paintings which began to appear in the 1960s and continue to this day. The village is easily reachable by bus from Cagliari. In Cagliari itself you can find two art museums of note. The Siamese Art Museum exhibits an extensive collection of art works, crafts, silverware and more from South East Asia from the 11th century onwards. The National Picture Gallery of Cagliari has works by Sardinia's own Pietro Cavaro, alongside other fine examples of Sardinian art, pottery and weaponry.

Art and Culture Holidays in Umbria

An adorable marriage of culture and art, Umbria boasts an impeccable collection of assets that have paved the way for future generations belonging to this fascinating Italian region. A world of museums and art galleries, you will be able to see first hand exactly what defines the region of Umbria as one of the most unique and inspirational in Italy. Some of the greatest poets and writers in history have chosen to live out some of their lives here, due to its rich integrity and magical influence on their works. The capital of Umbria is called Perugia and is regarded by many as one of Italy's finest cities. The numerous towns in this region all have their own special tales to tell, many of which are situated on the top of rolling hillsides, creating incredible views over the landscape. If you plan to spend some time in the capital of Umbria, try and squeeze a visit to the traditional Brufani Palace into your itinerary. The Church of San Bernardino and the National Museum are also located in this historic city. Towns such as Todi boast dramatic examples of fine Renaissance churches and your trip to Umbria should include a visit to the town of Spoleto. As one of the great cultural hubs of the region, this town has been made famous by one of Italy's most stunning Cathedrals, known for the frescoed apse by Filippo Lippi. Other inspiring towns in this region include Gubbio, Assisi and Spello.

Carnival in Val d'Aosta

In January and February, we prefer to stay at home warm. And it takes a good reason to go out in the cold. Fortunately, there is a reason: the carnival. The choice is wide, the Venice carnival, that of Viareggio or a special carnival in Val d'Aosta in the Coumba Freida, the long valley cold that connects the city Aosta to the Great Saint Bernard. There are even nearly ten, on different dates during the months of January and February. This carousel of celebrations started on 6 January in Pont-Saint-Martin, then later Ollemont, Verrès, Valpelline, Doues, Gignod, Etroubles, Bionaz, Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses, Roisan and Saint-Vincent. A long line of variation on one topic: the passage of Napoleon's fifty thousand soldiers in May 1800 that left a huge impression on the local population. The masks are called 'landzette' and their uniforms and colourful headgear are full of beads, sequins and mirrors that reflect the light. They carry cardboard or plastic masks and have bells on their belt and a ponytail in their hand to drive away evil spirits. In a long procession they pass in the various countries to drive away the winter and obtain a good harvest. Groups of colorful figures in fake divided by Napoleon's time: the blacks, symbols of winter, in the head then the white ones, symbols of the good weather and then all the other colors of plants and flowers of the mountains. Very nice to see while you're skiing!

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Art and Culture Holidays in Trentino Alto Adige

Trentino Alto Adige is one of the northernmost regions of Italy, bordering Austria and Switzerland, and this mix of Germanic and Latin cultures is plain to see in everything from its architecture to its food and drink. Typical of this crossover of cultures is the city of Trento, whose Castello del Buonconsiglio combines beautiful Renaissance frescoes with a dramatic and imposing Gothic bell tower. The alpine town of Bolzano (Bozen) in Alto Agide (Südtirol) also shows this dichotomy, with its distinctly Tyrolean buildings and atmosphere contrasting strongly with the local dominance of the Italian language, one of the few areas in Alto Adige where German is not the most widely spoken tongue. Bolzano is also home to the Haydn Orchestra, one of Italy's most successful, and there are regular symphony performances in the Haydn Auditorium in the city. Further south, Rovereto is an important cultural centre. It houses the War History Museum with documents and relics from the First World War onwards, and a military memorial at Dante Castle, testament to the troubled history of this border area. On a brighter note, Rovereto also boasts the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, holding works from a diverse range of artists, and the Civic Museum offering seven large exhibits detailing the historical culture of the region.

Art and Culture Holidays in Apulia

Apulia in the far south of Italy is not as widely visited as other parts of the country, but the adventurous traveller is rewarded with stunning wild coastlines, excellent weather, and a taste of a country a world away from the tourist traps of Rome or Venice. Not many people know that Apulia is also rich in art and culture, with impressive Romanesque, Baroque and older monuments often standing almost unremarked and totally unspoiled. An example is the Abbey of San Leonardo di Siponto on the road between Manfredonia and Foggia, a church dating back to at least the 11th century. It has a unique hole in the ceiling which captures the sun's rays at important astronomical times of the year. The building is still in use as a parish church. The Civic Museum in Mattinata's historic centre boasts a huge collection of artefacts and grave goods from nearby Mount Saraceno's Daunian Necropolis, while the Giuseppe Andreassi National Archaeological Museum near Egnazi has an extensive exhibition leading the visitor through 5,000 years of local history from the Bronze Age to mediaeval times. In Bari, the Teatro Petruzzelli is Italy's 4th largest theatre built in typically ornate Umbertino style, hosting a rich variety of performances for audiences of up to 1,500 theatre fans. Also in Bari, the Corrado Giaquinto Provincial Art Gallery has an extensive collection of Puglian artwork from the 11th to the 19th century, plus other works from esteemed artists from Venice and elsewhere in Italy.

Exciting and Fun Art and culture holidays in Marche

Art and culture holidays in Marche are a fun and exciting way to explore the central region of Italy. The region's art and culture dates back to the time of Etruscans and the Roman era. Le Marche is home to stunning pieces of Renaissance art, impressive museums, magnificent architecture and exciting carnivals. The region of Le Marche has preserved much of its historical past. Urbino is one of the region's principal towns and is where Duke Federico of Montefeltro set up his renowned court in the latter half of the 15th Century. The magnificent Palazzo Ducale or Ducale Palace displays exquisite paintings by Piero della Francesca, and a beautiful portrait by Raphael. The palace also houses fascinating Roman artifacts. Further south is Ascoli Piceno, where many painters and sculptors lived. You will find works from Guercino, Crivelli, Titian, Guido Reni, and Tintoretto. Art and culture holidays in Marche would be incomplete without exploring the many cultural events such as Urbino Festa del Duca, which is a carnival in honour of Duke Federico. The festival takes place on the third Sunday in August. Another cultural event is the always popular Rossini Opera Festival. It is held in Pesaro, and usually takes place in August. In July and August, the town of Macerata hosts an open air opera in the outstanding Sferisterio arena, which includes productions of Puccini's La Bohème and Verdi's Rigoletto. For lovers of jazz, the Ancona Jazz Festival is not to be missed.