Italy in 2025: What to see, where to go and the high-speed train that gets you there!
Italy is always a good idea, but in 2025, with once-in-a-century festivals and promising travel trends, it’s more tempting than ever!
Whether it’s your first time getting a taste of the Dolce Vita or you’re a new convert, we’ve compiled the heavy hitters, the hidden finds and simply must-sees all into one convenient blog. And there’s no better way to link it all together than with Frecciarossa, Trenitalia’s high-speed train that takes you from city to city in comfort, style and record time. Ready? Set? Andiamo!
Itineraries for the top Italian cities
The list of what not to see upon arriving in the Italian capital would be far shorter. This city is bursting with legendary museums, ancient ruins and world-famous architecture. Once you’ve ticked off the must-sees such as the Trevi Fountain and the Vatican Museums, explore some lesser-visited gems like the Baths of Caracalla or the underground layers of San Clemente Basilica. For a fresh take on a classic, book a nighttime tour of the Colosseum and enjoy one of the city's icons in a cooler, crowd-free setting.
What’s new in 2025
This year, Rome celebrates its Jubilee, an event that takes place only once every 25 years. In anticipation of the influx of visitors and pilgrims, the city has invested significantly in refreshing its monuments and upgrading public transport so all travellers can benefit. To take part in the celebrations, follow the route of the Seven Basilicas. This journey of over 15 miles offers a unique way to experience Rome beyond the typical tourist trail.
When you think of Italy you think of fashion, football and frescoes, of course. One of the finest frescoes, Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, can be gazed upon in Milan’s Santa Maria delle Grazie convent. Tickets to see this masterpiece sell out quickly, so be sure to book in advance. For a different take, head to Fondazione Prada for modern art, stroll through the hidden courtyards of Brera or rub (backward bending) elbows with flamingos in the quirky Quadrilatero del Silenzio. For a less crowded yet equally stunning view, take in the land of La Madonnina from the rooftop terraces of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
What’s new in 2025
This year there will be a selection of 45 exhibitions held in museums and public buildings across the city. Whether you’re drawn to international artists such as Shirin Neshat, Italian talents like Felice Casorati or the mind-bending worlds of Escher, there’s something to discover for each appetite. Prefer music to museums? Time your visit with one of Milan’s standout concerts, featuring global rock legends like Bruce Springsteen or local favourites Pinguini Tattici Nucleari. Bonus: many of these concert venues are works of art in their own right.
Yes, Venice has gondolas and canals, but it also offers layers of art, history and everyday life waiting to be explored. After ticking off the essentials like St Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, escape the crowds with a vaporetto ride to the peaceful island of Torcello or watch a glass-blowing demonstration in Murano. For a unique perspective, climb the Scala Contarini del Bovolo spiral staircase and take in the views from above.
What’s new in 2025
To help manage tourism and protect its delicate lagoon environment, Venice is introducing a new visitor access plan. This includes advance booking and an entry fee for day-trippers. The result? A smoother, more enjoyable experience for those who plan ahead, especially during peak season.
Also in 2025, the Venice Architecture Biennale returns. From 10 May to 23 November, the city will become an open-air design lab, with installations and exhibits spread across Venice, not just in museums. The theme, Intelligens, explores how natural, artificial and collective intelligence can shape the future of architecture. Whether you’re a design enthusiast or just curious, it’s a fascinating and imaginative way to see Venice from a new, ingeniosuly-designed angle.
The birthplace of the Renaissance needs no introduction, but we’ll give it a try anyway. Florence rewards those who look beyond the Uffizi and Ponte Vecchio. Once you’ve taken your selfies with Michelangelo’s David and Brunelleschi’s dome, venture into lesser-visited neighbourhoods like Oltrarno for an up-close view of artisan workshops (where you can sort your souvenirs in one go). Or enjoy a fragrant stroll through the Rose Garden just below Piazzale Michelangelo for a quieter, deliciously scented moment.
What’s new in 2025
Florence’s mayor is tackling overtourism by encouraging more conscious travel. (Props to you! Taking the train is already a great way to lower your impact.) In addition, a regional initiative is promoting tourism outside the city centre. Expect new cultural programming in suburban neighbourhoods and nearby towns, along with restored historic sites including lesser known but equally fascinating chapels and villas. Walking around the city is now easier too, thanks to expanded pedestrian zones and redesigned bus routes that make it simpler to explore the hills and local treasures just beyond the main sights.
This vibrant port city is full of character and characters. To get a sense of the city, the musts include the Archaeological Museum, a pizza in its birthplace, a visit to the Sansevero Chapel to witness the Veiled Christ, a walk down Spaccanapoli and a selfie with the patron saint of Napoli, Maradona, of course. Then, dive a little deeper…literally. Explore the underground tunnels beneath the city or take a funicular up to the Vomero district for sunset views over the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius.
What’s new in 2025
You could easily spend your entire holiday in Naples, but improved rail links now make day trips to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast easier and more enjoyable than ever. With faster connections and more frequent service, it’s simpler than ever to combine the energy of Naples with the beauty and history of the surrounding region.
Getting around Italy in 2025
The train operator that connects the Italian boot in style
Frecciarossa, or "the red arrow" in Italian, sets the gold standard for high-speed travel not only in Italy but across Europe. Travelling at speeds of up to 300 km/h means you spend more time enjoying the destination. With multiple class options, free Wi-Fi, food service and quiet zones, the journey itself is part of the experience. Skip the airport and travel directly from one city centre to the next for a smoother, more scenic way to explore Italy. No hassle included.
The top high-speed routes across Italy
Fastest journey: 2 hours
Onboard highlights: Settle in for a front-row view of the plains, orchards and vineyards of the Lombardy and Veneto countryside. If you’re lucky enough to get a window seat, you’ll enjoy the view of the lagoon as you arrive in oh-so-photogenic Venice.
Fastest journey: 1hr 39m
Onboard highlights: Travel from the urban sprawl of Milan through rice paddies and olive groves as you cross Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna and into Tuscany. The views grow increasingly postcard-worthy, and on a clear day you might even catch a glimpse of the Apennine Mountains.
Fastest journey: 3hr 24m
Onboard highlights: As one of the longer journeys on this list, you’ll have more time to watch the landscape shift from canals to hilltop towns and medieval walls. Use a few spare minutes to head to the food car where you can order a famous Italian cappuccino and a local bite or two.
Fastest journey: 1hr 53m
Onboard highlights: Aboard a Frecciarossa train, you’ll speed past charming towns with red-tiled roofs and bell towers. You’ll know you’re nearing your destination when cypress trees begin to line the hills welcoming you into the heart of Tuscany.
Fastest journey: 1hr 17m
Onboard highlights: From sunflower fields to vast green valleys, this speedy journey is the best of the best in quintessential Italian countysides. Keep your eyes, camera or sketchbook ready for glimpses of towns like Orvieto, Cortona or Montepulciano. You might even also spot a Roman ruin or aqueduct along the way
Fastest journey: 2hr 29m
Onboard highlights: From rolling green hillsides stretching as far as the eye can see to dramatic coastal volcanoes, this journey showcases the incredible natural diversity that Italy has to offer.
Fastest journey: 1hr 6m
Onboard highlights: From the lively chaos of the capital to the bustling seaside energy of Naples, no other route offers such a dramatic shift in scenery in so little time. For the best view of Mount Vesuvius as you approach the city, choose a seat on the right-hand side of the train, facing forward.
Upgrade for next-level travel
If you're planning to soak in the views or simply want a more relaxed ride, upgrading your ticket can make the journey even more enjoyable. Frecciarossa offers several comfort levels, including Premium, Business and Executive classes. Enjoy wider seats, extra legroom, a welcome drink and snack service, and quieter carriages; perfect for unwinding between destinations or catching up on your travel plans. On longer routes like Venice to Rome or Florence to Naples, that little bit of added comfort can go a long way.
Ready to ride?
2025 is full of cultural moments, beautiful cities and food that you’ll remember for decades to come – and Frecciarossa is the smartest way to see it all. Whether you're in Italy for a week or a month, there's a high-speed journey ready to elevate your itinerary. Book now to get your 2025 Italian adventure officially on the books.
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