Italy in 9 Days: 3 Recommended 9-day Itineraries to Italy

As we walk out of 2025, we have noticed a new trend brewing around travel. We have travelers planning further ahead, joining small-group tours that guarantee camaraderie as well as privacy, and gravitating toward destinations that are already loved, but now offer better value and richer experiences. Overcrowded hotspots haven’t vanished, but more travelers are pairing them with quieter towns and off-the-beaten-path stops. The focus has moved away from ticking boxes or chasing highs, and toward meaningful, well-paced experiences. There’s a growing appetite to revisit familiar places, this time with fresh eyes. Drawing from our internal booking data, customer inquiries, global travel trends, and the very candid conversations happening across travel forums, we’ve curated a list of five destinations that truly stand out for 2026. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, these are the countries delivering exceptional experiences right now.

Italy is a magical place at any time of the year, but in winter it takes on a distinctive charm of its own. From snow-capped mountains and alpine ski runs to relaxed city breaks and a hint of Mediterranean sun, a tour to Italy in winter is bound to impress and delight!

For anyone planning a trip to the Philippines and wondering how many days to spend in the Philippines, there are countless options to explore. Manila, the capital city, is a bustling metropolis filled with historic sites worth exploring. To its north, you'll find the serene Paoay Lake, the pine-clad mountains of Sagada, and the charming cobblestone streets of Vigan. To the south, there are natural wonders like the breathtaking Kawasan Falls in Cebu and Palawan’s underground river. Whether you want to relax on a beach, go island-hopping, or conquer the mighty Cordillera Central, you’re sure to head home with unforgettable memories of the country.

Sicily. The name conjures up images of long lazy days, sunshine, and summer holidays coupled with the style and glamour of an Italian holiday. With over 1000 kilometers of shoreline, one of the island’s main draws is its fabulous coastline. Surrounded by the blue, inviting waters of the Mediterranean, the island is famed for its golden sandy beaches, picturesque coves, and lively coastal resorts. From the tourist beaches of the north to the more rugged parts of the south, Sicily Island is a paradise in Italy waiting to be explored. We’ve picked 6 of the best beaches in Sicily, listed in no particular order, to showcase some of what this Mediterranean jewel has to offer.

Are you looking for a charming European country with tons of character, friendly hospitality, and lush green countryside? If so, an Ireland tour should be on your bucket list. With stunning highlights like the Cliffs of Moher, historic sites like Blarney Castle, and vibrant cities like Dublin and Galway, the Emerald Isle offers something for everyone, from nature lovers to party animals.

Japan is a mesmerizing archipelago where ancient traditions blend with modern technology, where sake is sipped daily and mountain paths are tackled by intrepid travelers searching for hidden onsens. But choosing how long to spend on any one of the thousands of islands that make up the country is a difficult task. From the sandy beaches of the southern islands to the powdered ski slopes of the north, there are lots of lands to cover, so keep reading to find out how to design the best Japan itinerary and make the most of your time in the land of the rising sun.

Discover the hidden gem of Europe, Albania, in just 4 days. This compact timeframe offers the perfect introduction to the Balkan's best-kept secret, allowing you to experience its highlights but not necessarily feeling rushed. In just 96 hours, you can explore the colorful capital Tirana, where Ottoman-era minarets blend with modern architecture, wander the ancient streets of Berat, known as the "City of a Thousand Windows," and relax on the pristine beaches of the Albanian Riviera. With 4 days in Albania you can experience its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, from bustling city streets to tranquil mountain vistas and sun-soaked shores.

With kilometers of golden coastline, world-acclaimed wines, and a fascinating historical heritage, Portugal is one of the most visited countries in Europe. To fully enjoy its natural diversity, from Algarve beaches to wild Douro Valley, we suggest planning a Portugal itinerary lasting between one week and 10 days. Visit the sunny towns of Lagos and Sagres for some of the best surfing spots in Europe, or discover Lisbon, one of the oldest cities in the world, and the narrow streets of Alfama on your Portugal trip. The central region of Portugal is the most untouched—lush nature and rural landscapes make it the perfect destination for keen hikers. Up north, you’ll find some of the best Porto wines and vinho verde from local producers. Regardless of how many days you spend in Portugal, try to embrace the relaxed Portuguese lifestyle and slow traveling through this top-notch destination.

Although a smaller country compared to its Scandinavian counterparts, Denmark gives them good competition when it comes to food, culture and coastlines. Fringed with white-sand beaches, this flat-surfaced island nation is home to quiet fishing villages, centuries-old Nordic culture and castles, and vibrant cities like its capital, Copenhagen. From exploring Nyhavn harbor and its pastel-colored houses on a boat ride, checking off castles such as Egeskov and Rosenborg to swimming in the Baltic Sea in the Danish Riviera and experiencing the untamed world of the Jutland, a trip to Denmark offers a wide array of experiences. One can spend as little as 5 days in Denmark to experience its biggest highlights or as long as 10 days to explore its lesser visited destinations. No matter how long or short of a Denmark itinerary you choose, you will have opportunities to laze around in sandy beaches, go kitesurfing, dive into the Viking culture, and eat your way through the Michelin-star restaurants and street-side stalls to get a taste of Nordic cuisine.

Whether you want to sip wine in the rolling hills of Tuscany, swim in the sparkling waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea on the Amalfi Coast, or explore the architectural and archeological wonders of Rome, Italy has something to capture every traveler’s heart. This is a country overflowing with history, culture and stunning landscapes, leaving you longing to come back again and again. With so much to do you will often find yourself struggling to choose between destinations and activities — browse Renaissance art in the galleries of Florence or watch the sunset over Cinque Terre? Regardless of how long or how short your visit is, planning a well-rounded Italy itinerary can help you pack a punch to your Italy vacation.

From the monarch’s thousand-year-old castle at Windsor to hiking trails that scour the Lake District. From village cricket matches on summer afternoons to some of Europe’s best club nights. England manages to be ancient and contemporary, unique in culture, and stunningly beautiful. No England itinerary can do it all, so check out our recommendations for how long to stay in England to compare all possibilities.

A 7-day trip to Brazil allows you to explore the country’s most iconic landmarks and natural wonders while immersing yourself in its rich South American heritage. From the sun-soaked beaches of Rio de Janeiro to the lush Amazon rainforest, spending a week in Brazil promises unforgettable experiences. Whether you're marveling at the Christ the Redeemer statue, trekking through the Pantanal wetlands, or exploring the colonial streets of Salvador, our expertly curated itineraries will ensure your one week in Brazil is filled with diverse adventures and cultural discoveries.