Cultural Holidays in Italy

Rich in art and architecture with a heritage stretching back to antiquity, Italy has more than its fair share of culture to offer the visitor: from opera at La Scala and the canals of romantic Venice to the statues of Florence and the Colosseum in Rome, whatever your tastes may be - this is a country that does not fail to impress. With a huge array of galleries, museums, theatres, monuments and much more in both the great cities and small towns, it can be hard to pick out highlights.

A cultural trip to Italy gives you a chance to be awestruck by the wealth of Roman and Renaissance architecture in Pisa, Florence and Venice, experience the magnificent landmarks of the Roman Empire in Italy’s capital or discover the ancient remains of Pompeii in the sun baked South and immerse yourself in ‘la dolce vita’ in lively Naples. Or take the opportunity to indulge your taste buds with a regional gastronomic tour in Sicily or spend time learning about the art of fresco making in Florence.

To top it off, Italy’s rich culture and history is surrounded by picturesque scenery including crystal clear lakes, dramatic mountain peaks and rolling green countryside, so journeying between the country’s diverse regions, cities and villages truly is an unforgettable experience.

There really is something for everyone’s interests and below we feature a wide range of the best holidays to experience Italy’s rich culture, unique charms and character. All of which are reachable by train or ferry and our journey planner shows you how to travel from the UK to Italy by train.