The Best Places for Group Travel in Italy
Group travel is one of the best ways to enjoy a holiday, whether you’re visiting a destination with your friends or family. Whilst the logistics of travelling with a lot of people can sometimes be tricky, the joy of sharing new experiences and adventures with a plethora of companions definitely makes it worth it.
Italy is an endlessly popular European travel destination, loved for its food, its history and the diversity of its regions that offer so many different things to see and do. It’s a great choice if you’re planning a group holiday, and the trickiest part of the planning process will likely be trying to decide where to go.
In this article, I share my top four recommendations for the best places for group travel in Italy, along with suggestions of where to go and what to do while you’re there.
Sicily
If your group involves travellers of all ages then one of the best places to plan an Italian holiday is Sicily. An island region just off the ‘toe’ of the ‘boot’ of Italy, it’s a destination that has everything you could want for a multi-generational holiday, from beaches and mountains to modern cities and historic sites.
Staying in a villa in Sicily is the perfect choice when you’re travelling with a group, as it gives you a large and private space to unwind at the end of the day and enjoy quality time together when you’re not exploring the island. Beach villas are an excellent choice, with Cefalù one of the most popular resorts on the coast that is ideal for family groups thanks to the range of different activities on offer and places to eat and drink.
If you’re visiting with older children or decide to stay in Sicily with a group of friends, there are plenty of cultural experiences to enjoy around the region, with traditional Sicilian food being a delicious way to understand what makes the island unique. It’s also a great place to stay if you want to keep active and enjoy being outdoors in Italy, whether you’re hiking up Mount Etna, cycling in the mountains or kayaking around the coast.
Taormina Sicily
Rome
Rome is a quintessential Italian travel destination, known for being the seat of the Ancient Roman Empire and home to some of the most famous historic sites on the planet. It’s a great place to visit with a group if it’s most or all of your first time in Italy, or if you’re looking for a destination that is ideal for a cultural trip.
Of course, you have all of the classic sightseeing spots when visiting Rome like the Colosseum, the Palatine Hill, the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain. Italy’s capital city is also home to some of the best restaurants and eateries in the country, whether you’re looking for traditional Italian food or modern takes on staple ingredients, so it’s a brilliant place to stay for foodies.
Guided tours are one of the best ways for groups to experience Rome, especially if there are enough of you that you can book a tour guide all to yourselves! From sightseeing walks that tick off the city’s most famous landmarks to more tailored tour experiences that focus on particular historical figures, ancient stories or even things like filming locations, there are hundreds of different ways to see Rome.
The Best Places for Group Travel in Italy – Rome Colosseum
Milan
Italy is well known for its history, but there’s much more to the country than its ancient past. If you want to see the modern side of this fabulous travel destination, Milan is where you and your group of friends or family members should be heading on holiday.
Not only is Milan the centre of Italian fashion, hosting some of the most well-attended shows every year, but it’s also the country’s economic and innovation centre. This is reflected in the plethora of modern architecture and cutting-edge attractions you’ll find around the city, alongside some more classical buildings and landmarks like the Duomo di Milano.
Visit Milan if you and your travel companions are looking to see a more modern side of Italy and want to stay somewhere where the shopping and nightlife opportunities are excellent. It’s also ideally located to take day trips to places like Lake Como and Lake Maggiore if you want to enjoy a complete change of scenery during your trip.
Milan
Amalfi Coast
If your group is looking for a coastal break when you visit Italy then the Amalfi Coast is one of the best places to travel. Located on the southern edge of the country with the bright blue Tyrrhenian Sea lapping at the shore, it’s a picturesque place to spend a sun-soaked trip exploring charming towns and enjoying brilliant beaches.
Groups of friends will love the Amalfi Coast for the range of different towns to visit, providing enough to fill a range of itineraries for all interests and preferences. It’s well-developed for tourists but there’s still plenty of unspoiled scenery to enjoy, as well as the opportunity to explore the coastline from the water on a paddleboard, in a kayak, or even with a boat charter.
If you’re looking for a luxury vacation in Italy then the Amalfi Coast is often included on the list of recommended destinations because of the reputation of some of its more glamorous towns. Positano in particular is known for being loved amongst the rich and famous and is a picture-perfect spot to spend a day, enjoy a trip to a classy restaurant, and take Instagram-worthy pictures of the colourful cliffside houses.
Amalfi coast
Summary
Visiting Italy as part of a group can be more tricky to organise than a solo trip, but it’s undoubtedly worth it to spend time with your favourite people as you enjoy one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe. The locations I’ve recommended in this article are ideal for a wide range of interests and preferences, so whether you’re seeking a beach holiday or a cultural experience, you’ll be able to plan the perfect Italian holiday.
