Few countries reward travelers quite like Italy. From the ancient ruins and rolling vineyards of the south to the canals of Venice and the alpine lakes of the north, it’s a place where two-thousand-year-old monuments share the streets with buzzing cafés, where a plate of fresh pasta can be as memorable as a Michelin-starred tasting menu, and where art, history, and natural beauty are never far apart. Whether you’re drawn to the historic heart of Rome, the Renaissance treasures of Florence, the coastline of the Amalfi, or the wine country of Tuscany, Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines can help you get there.
Things to do in Italy
- Stand before the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Roman Forum in a single afternoon in Rome.
- See Michelangelo’s David and Botticelli’s Birth of Venus at the Uffizi in Florence.
- Cruise the Grand Canal in Venice and get lost in the city’s maze of bridges and alleyways.
- Drive or bus the winding clifftop road along the Amalfi Coast from Positano to Ravello.
- Taste your way through Tuscany’s vineyards, olive groves, and hilltop trattorias.
- Toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain, then eat supplì and gelato steps away.
- Explore the ruins of Pompeii, frozen in time since 79 AD at the foot of Mount Vesuvius.
- Stroll the pastel-colored villages of Cinque Terre along the Italian Riviera.
Flying to Rome Fiumicino (FCO) with Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines offers the only daily nonstop service between our hometown hub in Seattle and Rome Fiumicino, the first-ever direct connection between the Emerald City and the Eternal City, and Alaska’s official expansion into Europe. The seasonal route is operated on a 787-9 Dreamliner featuring our newly designed global livery and 34 spacious international Business Class Suites, with a welcome service, multi-course dining, and custom amenity kits. Departing Seattle in the late afternoon, the flight arrives in Rome the following early afternoon, giving guests a full day to begin exploring. International Premium Class and Main Cabin guests enjoy complimentary meals, plush blankets and pillows.
Best time to travel to Italy
Spring (April through June) and fall (September through October) are the standout seasons, with mild weather, fewer crowds, and ideal conditions for sightseeing and wine country. Summer brings heat and the largest crowds, especially in major cities, though the coastlines and lakes come alive. Winter is quieter and more affordable, rewarding travelers with smaller crowds at marquee sites and access to the Alps for skiing. Alaska’s seasonal Rome service runs from late April through late October, lining up well with the best travel weather.
How long is the flight to Italy?
Nonstop service from Seattle to Rome takes roughly 11 to 12 hours depending on winds and direction. If you’re connecting from another U.S. city through Seattle, total travel time will vary with your layover.
What’s the best way to get around Italy?
Italy’s high-speed rail network connects major cities like Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan in just a few hours, often faster and easier than flying. Within cities, compact historic centers are best explored on foot, with metro, tram, and bus networks filling in the gaps. In the countryside, Tuscany’s vineyards, the Amalfi Coast, or the lakes renting a car offers the most flexibility, though many travelers prefer the train for intercity hops and a car only for rural stretches.
Flying into Rome
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