I always tell peop;e that if you’re a tourist interested in art and history (and food), Italy blows away every other European country. England, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Austria, the Low Countries... they all their charms... but in terms of bang-for-the-buck experiences for the visitor, Italy beats them all... hands down.
I would agree: we spent three months in Rome but still missed so many things we’ll be going back for another stay. We rented an apartment and shopped at the local grocery stores: it was like food and wine from the best gourmet delis at Walmart prices.