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Autumn is one of the best seasons to visit Italy. You avoid the crowds, the overwhelming heat and can enjoy this beautiful country under autumnal hues of orange, red and yellow. Plus with its blend of great food, varied tourist attractions and breathtaking scenery, you're guaranteed a great European city break with plenty to do, see and eat! In this blog, we'll answer the most asked questions about the best Italy city breaks in Autumn and unveil our list of the very best Italy city break destinations including:
- City breaks in Bologna Italy
- City breaks in Verona Italy
- City breaks in Venice
- City breaks in Sorrento
- City breaks in Genoa
- City breaks in Vercelli
- City breaks in Lucca
- City break in Florence Italy
- City breaks to Naples Italy
- City breaks to Rome Italy
But first, to help you along with planning your city break in Italy 2024, here are the answers to the most asked questions about city breaks in Italy.
How To Plan Your City Break To Italy
How cold is Italy in autumn?
Italy in autumn has mild temperatures compared to the UK starting from about 15°C in September and dropping to about 5°C in November.
What should you wear in Italy in autumn?
Although Italy in Autumn is colder than in the summer, you won't need your gloves and scarves. We recommend packing layers that will help you stay cool in the day and warm in the evening. Bring a light jacket and long trousers/tights for the evening and it never hurts to pack a waterproof or umbrella just in case. If you plan on visiting the south, you might want to bring your swimming costume as in October you can still enjoy beach days.
Where is hot in Italy in autumn?
If you're looking for a hot city break in Italy in autumn head to the South. Even in October, Sicily has average highs of 24°C and Puglia has 23°C. Sardinia, Rome and the Amalfi Coast are also great choices for a hot Italy city break, with average highs of 22°C.
Where is cheap to go in Italy in autumn?
If you're looking to go on a cheap city break to Italy this autumn you'll find the cheapest destinations in the South of the county (aside from the Amalfi Coast). Generally, the cheapest places in Italy are Bologna, Lecce, Sorrento and Matera.
Are there any special events in Italy in autumn?
Another one of the best reasons to visit Italy in October or the other autumnal months is the unique festivals that are hosted up and down the country.
- Festa della Vendemmia: This event in Italy in September marks the start of wine production where families gather to pick grapes and eat lunch and Tuscan towns like Montecarlo and Impruneta host events, tastings, art exhibitions and even parades through the town.
- Alba White Truffle Festival: Join in on truffle hunting, tastings and shopping for the beloved white truffle.
- Eurochocolate: An annual chocolate festival in Perugia that's one of the largest in Europe
- All Saints' Day: On November 1 and 2, you can watch religious processions throughout Italy laying flowers on the graves of their loved ones and visiting cemeteries.
- Sound of the Gods Festival: An open-air classical music concert on the Sentiero degli Dei pathway on the Amalfi Coast
City Break to Bologna Italy
Average temperature: 21°C
Fly to: Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport
Visit Bologne on your Italy city break in autumn for the ultimate foodie excursion mixed with medieval architecture and great options for day trips. Tour balsamic, Parmigiano and prosciutto factories and enjoy fresh ricotta with authentic balsamic for breakfast. Upmarket restaurants like Trattoria Da Me and Osteria Bottega are beloved for their blend of innovative and traditional Italian cooking and offer Italian-tasting menus to give you a flavour of regional produce. But the piece de resistance of your foodie tour to Bologna has to be the FICO Eataly World, a complex spread over 40 hectares showcasing the very best of Italian food. When you've finished touring the city take a day trip to Dozza, a medieval hamlet covered in murals.
Where to stay in Bologna on your Italy City Break 2024
Hotel Corona d'Oro | ★★★★ | From £486 per night
A historic four star hotel centrally located in Bologna's city centre. Book one of the rooms with a balcony so you can enjoy your coffee while you watch the sun coming up over Bologna Tower.
City Break to Verona Italy
Average temperature: 18°C
Fly to: Verona Villafranca Airport
When you think of Verona, you probably think of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet so it's no surprise that Verona frequently tops the list of the most romantic destinations in Europe. But aside from the star-crossed lovers, Verona has tons to offer for a short city break to Italy. If you're into nature, you can easily reach The Dolomites, the mountain range running through the Italian Alps, where you can ski, hike, mountain bike or simply enjoy a scenic picnic. Back in the city, you can immerse yourself in the 1,000-year-old history by wandering the narrow alleyways and having an Aeperol Spritz in one of Verona's picturesque squares like the Piazza Brà.
Where to stay in Verona on your Italy City Break 2024
Palazzo Monga | ★★★★ | From £201 per night
An elegant and luxurious guest house in Verona's centre with attentive customer service. Previous guests have even called it a sanctuary in the heart of Verona.
City Break to Venice Italy
Average temperature: 18°C
Fly to: Venice Marco Polo Airport
Venice is a city break in Italy where you'll truly benefit from going in the quieter, autumn months as this Italian city is typically bursting with tourists. We recommend staying in the historic centre and starting your mornings early with a typical Italian breakfast - an espresso and cornetto (a croissant filled with jam, custard or cream) - as you sit out on a terrace before Venice comes alive. Make use of the quieter mornings by taking pictures along the narrow canals and famous Venetian squares like St. Mark's, Campo San Polo, and Campo della Pescaria. If you're booking your city break to Venice in October, you'll be just in time for the opera season, where opera is said to have originated. If you can, try and get tickets to a show at the stunning La Fenice Theatre. For a truly one-of-a-kind travel experience in Venice, book a gondola ride. Although they don't come cheap, it's one of the most special activities you can do on your city break to Venice Italy.
Where to stay in Venice on your Italy City Break 2024
Hotel Canal Grande | ★★★★ | From £268 per night
In an unbeatable setting overlooking the Grand Canal, a stay at the Hotel Canal Grande is perfect for couples seeking a romantic getaway - perhaps for their honeymoon, engagement celebrations or anniversary.
City Break to Sorrento Italy
Average temperature: 25°C
Fly to: Naples Airport Capodichino
Next on our list of the best Italy city breaks for autumn is Sorrento, a coastal town on the world-famous Amalfi Coast facing the Bay of Naples. In autumn, you can fill your Italy city break with hikes up to the Lattari Mountains, strolling along the Maiori Beach or joining in on fun, regional activities like the Festa del Pesce (a seafood festival) or Festa della Castagna (chestnut festival). Near Sorrento, you can explore the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum without the crowds that typically fill the place. If the weather permits, take a boat trip to Capri to see how the other half lives in the lap of luxury.
Where to stay in Sorrento on your Italy City Break 2024
Al Centro Suites | ★★★ | From £117 per night
A traditional and spacious B&B only 10 minutes on foot to the city centre. Previous guests have raved about the warm, friendly host Maria and the balcony which boasts stunning views over the sea.
City Break to Genoa Italy
Average temperature: 20°C
Fly to: Aeroporto di Genova-Sestri Ponente
Our next suggested city break in Italy is to Italy's largest seaport, Genoa. Often used as the starting point of trips to the Italian Riviera, it has one of the largest medieval town centres in the world and is great for history lovers looking to immerse themselves in traditional Italian architecture from years gone by. When in Genoa for your Italy city break, shop at the caruggi - unique, independent shops covering fashion, sweets, butchers and even pharmacies. After you've picked up some unique souvenirs, hike to Genoa's fortress or walk to the Roman aqueduct or if you don't feel up to embracing the outdoors check out the Genoa Aquarium, the largest in Italy. After your day exploring, you're bound to have worked up an appetite, luckily you're in the birthplace of pesto, so make sure you try what's said to be the oldest type of pasta, pesto alla Genovese.
Where to stay in Genoa on your Italy City Break 2024
Charming Genova Residenza D'Epoca | ★★★ | From £318 per night
A rustic dog-friendly hotel in Genoa with an airport shuttle and breathtaking views of the city centre.
City Break to Vercelli Italy
Average temperature: 10°C
Fly to: Milan Malpensa
Famous for its rice fields, Vercelli is a lesser-known Italy city break halfway between Turin and Milan that offers an authentic Italian experience in Autumn. Although this small Italian town doesn't offer the boundless tourist activities of Rome or Milan, you can wander around the city centre's historic and narrow streets and have a coffee at the Piazza Cavour as you soak up the lively atmosphere before climbing one of Vercelli's many medieval towers and marvelling at the view below. If the weather permits, stroll up to the Castellone castle that stands above the city and boasts stunning views over the region.
Where to stay in Vercelli on your Italy City Break 2024
Vercelli Palace Hotel | ★★★★ | From £63 per night
An affordable city-centre Vercelli hotel that offers free onsite parking and express check-in and check-out.
City Break to Lucca Italy
Average temperature: 21°C
Fly to: Pisa Airport
Our next Italy city break for autumn takes us to the Italian capital of comics, Lucca. This historic Italian city in Tuscany is surrounded by 4km of city walls that are said to be the most beautiful and well-conserved in Europe which you can rent bikes and cycle along or simply walk them. If you visit Lucca in October, you might just make the Lucca Comics and Games Festival that takes place from October 30 to November 2 and showcases exhibitions, hosts tournaments and cosplay performances. When choosing Lucca as your Italy city break 2024, don't miss the chance to try the famous regional dishes like castagnaccio (a cake made with chestnut flour) or necci, crepes made with chestnut flour and served with ricotta or Nutella.
Where to stay in Lucca on your Italy City Break 2024
Al Porto di Lucca B&B | ★★ | From £143 per night
A unique B&B with an outstanding breakfast on offer that includes pastries from the local bakery. The rooms are said to be spotlessly clean with comfy beds and great storage.
City Break to Florence Italy
Average temperature: 19°C
Fly to: Florence Peretola Airport
Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, is a cultural haven for those looking to immerse themselves in art, history, and architecture. Autumn is an ideal time to visit, with fewer tourists and cooler temperatures making it easier to explore the Uffizi Gallery, Palazzo Vecchio, and the Duomo without the crowds. Take a leisurely stroll through the Boboli Gardens or climb to the top of the Piazzale Michelangelo for an unforgettable view of the city’s skyline. For those who enjoy shopping, Florence is famous for its leather goods and artisan shops, which can be found along the Ponte Vecchio and in the Oltrarno district.
Where to stay in Florence on your Italy City Break 2024
Hotel Lungarno | ★★★★★ | From £474 per night
Located along the Arno River, this elegant luxury hotel is perfect for a romantic getaway. It boasts a stunning riverside view and is only a short walk from Florence’s main attractions.
City Break to Naples Italy
Average temperature: 22°C
Fly to: Naples Capodichino Airport
Naples is a vibrant city filled with rich history, world-famous cuisine, and spectacular views of Mount Vesuvius. It’s one of the best city breaks in Italy for foodies and history lovers. While you’re there, make sure to wander down the Spaccanapoli, Naples' main street that splits the historic centre, lined with artisan shops, bakeries, and pizzerias. A visit to Naples wouldn’t be complete without tasting the original Neapolitan pizza, and for the best experience, head to L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele, which claims to be "the world's best pizza". For foodies, Naples is heaven. Aside from pizza, make sure you try sfogliatella, a traditional Neapolitan pastry, or enjoy a glass of locally produced Limoncello.
For history lovers, Naples is close to some of Italy’s most iconic historical sites like Pompeii and Herculaneum, both easily accessible by train. You can also visit the Naples National Archaeological Museum, which houses an incredible collection of ancient Roman artefacts, or wander the labyrinthine streets of the Quartieri Spagnoli, the Spanish Quarter, for a glimpse into the city’s vibrant street life. If the city gets too much for you, take a boat trip to the Isle of Capri, a short ferry ride from Naples.
Where to stay in Naples on your Italy City Break 2024
Grand Hotel Vesuvio | ★★★★★ | From £349 per night
This five-star luxury hotel is located on the seafront with stunning views of Mount Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples. The hotel boasts elegant rooms, a rooftop restaurant, and impeccable service, making it ideal for a romantic getaway or special occasion.
City Break to Rome Italy
Average temperature: 21°C
Fly to: Rome Fiumicino Airport
As Italy's famous capital, Rome is undoubtedly one of the best city breaks in Italy that offers the perfect blend of ancient history, art, and cosmopolitan energy. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning, Rome always has something new to discover. Fill your Rome city break with visits to Italy's most famous historical sites like the Colosseum, Roman Forum and the Pantheon. The Vatican City is also a must-see, where you can explore St. Peter’s Basilica and admire the incredible Sistine Chapel (just be prepared for long queues). Rome is also known for its vibrant street life and beautiful piazzas. Take a stroll through the Piazza Navona or enjoy a gelato by the Trevi Fountain. If you’re a foodie, Rome won’t disappoint. The city is home to delicious pasta dishes such as Cacio e Pepe and Carbonara, best enjoyed at traditional Roman trattorias like Da Enzo al 29 in the Trastevere district. Make sure to stop by one of Rome’s famous markets, such as Campo de' Fiori, for fresh produce and local delicacies. For the shopaholics, head to Via del Corso and Via Condotti, where you'll find both high-end and boutique shops.
Where to stay in Rome on your Italy City Break 2024
Hotel Eden | ★★★★★ | From £1,043 per night
Hotel Eden is a luxurious five-star hotel in Rome near Villa Borghese Park, offering breathtaking views of the city. With a Michelin-starred restaurant and a rooftop bar, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring the wonders of Rome.
Which Italy City Break Will You Choose?
Our list of the best Italy city breaks for 2024 has included famous favourites like Rome and Naples, but also lesser-known Italian gems like Lucca and Vercelli. Whatever you're looking for for your short city breaks in Italy, we've provided an incredible Italian destination for you to experience the ultimate dolce vita lifestyle with just a short flight from the UK.
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