What makes Italy Unique

​​Italy is a unique travel destination because of its rich history, stunning art and architecture, delicious cuisine, breath-taking natural scenery, and romantic atmosphere. The country is known for its iconic landmarks, such as the Colosseum, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the canals of Venice, as well as its world-renowned museums and galleries. Italy is also famous for its delicious food and wine, from pizza and pasta to gelato and Chianti. With its picturesque countryside, rugged coastlines, and charming towns, Italy offers a travel experience that is both enchanting and unforgettable.

Top Highlights in Italy

Gelato and Pizza

Italy is known for its delicious cuisine, with world-famous gelato and pizza that visitors can enjoy in every region.

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Sicily

Italy's largest island, with beautiful beaches, unique cuisine, and a rich history and culture.

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Milan

A fashion capital with world-class shopping, iconic landmarks such as the Duomo and the Last Supper painting, and a vibrant nightlife.

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Cinque Terre

A cluster of five colourful coastal villages, connected by hiking trails and offering breath-taking views of the Ligurian Sea.

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Pompeii

An ancient Roman city buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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Tuscany

A region known for its rolling hills, vineyards, and charming hilltop towns.

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Amalfi Coast

A scenic coastal area with stunning views, picturesque towns, and crystal-clear waters.

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Venice

A unique city built on water, with picturesque canals, stunning architecture, and world-famous events such as Carnival.

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Florence

A city of beautiful architecture, art, and history, including the famous Uffizi Gallery and the Duomo.

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Rome

The capital city, with iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Vatican.

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Travel Ideas for Italy

Golfing in Piedmont

Golfing in Piedmont leaves many golfers spoilt for choice, as the region offers almost 50 golf clubs. The centre of the golf holiday in Piedmont is certainly Lake Maggiore. Eight golf courses are located in this charming area. It is sometimes difficult to concentrate on your game because of the magnificent view. Golfers can expect not only good courses but also excellent Spumante wine and fine truffles. Almost all the golf hotels in Piedmont offer a delicious experience, because they place great value on sophisticated cuisine based on locally-sourced ingredients. E.g, experience 7 unforgettable nights of relaxation and golfing excellence at Villa Margara. Wake up to a delicious breakfast each day and enjoy the picturesque surroundings. Plus, we've included three green fees per person, giving you access to Margara Golf Club, GC Villa Carolina, and GC Colline del Gavi. It's the perfect golf getaway you've been dreaming of

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Golfing in Lombardy

Experience a luxurious stay at the Splendido Bay Luxury Spa Resort and tee off on some of the most prestigious golf courses in Italy. After a delicious breakfast, you'll have the opportunity to play at the Arzaga Golf Club, Verona Golf Club, Paradiso Golf Club, Gardagolf Country Club, and the Chervo Golf Club. Your tee times are already secured for your convenience. To make your evenings just as delightful, we've also included a mouthwatering dinner at Trattoria da Oscar. Enjoy the perfect blend of relaxation and golfing excellence at Splendido Bay Luxury Spa Resort.

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Northern Italy: Golf Tour

Experience a delightful 8-day golf tour in Friuli Venezia Giulia, including accommodation, dinners, wine tastings, and tours. Play on beautiful courses such as Golf Castello di Spessa, Udine Golf Club, and Golf Club Trieste, while also exploring historic sites and discovering delicious food and wine.

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Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Italy depends on where you plan to go and what you want to do.

Generally, the best time to visit Italy is during the shoulder seasons of April to May and September to October. During these months, the weather is mild, and there are fewer crowds, making it an ideal time to explore cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice, as well as the countryside and coastal regions.

The summer months from June to August are the high season in Italy, with sunny weather and long days. However, this is also the busiest time of year, and many tourist destinations can be crowded and expensive.

If you are interested in skiing and winter sports, the best time to visit Italy is from December to March when the mountains are covered in snow, and you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding.

Italy is a year-round destination, and there are many festivals and events throughout the year. Some of the most popular events include the Venice Carnival in February, the Palio di Siena horse race in July and August, and the grape harvest festivals in September and October.

Our Experts for Italy

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Special Travel Tips from our Experts

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Where to Stay

Italy offers a wide range of accommodation options for travellers. Here are some examples:

  • Hotels: Italy has a wide variety of hotels, from budget to luxury. There are many iconic historic hotels, particularly in cities like Rome, Venice and Florence, such as the Hotel Hassler in Rome, the Hotel Cipriani in Venice and the Hotel Lungarno in Florence. There are also many international hotel chains in the country, such as Marriott, Four Seasons, and Sheraton.
  • Agriturismo: Agriturismo is a type of accommodation that allows travellers to stay on a working farm or vineyard. These properties offer a more authentic and rural experience, and often include meals made from locally sourced ingredients.
  • Bed and Breakfasts: Bed and breakfasts, or B&Bs, are a popular option in Italy, particularly in smaller towns and villages. These are typically family-owned establishments that offer a more personalised experience and often include breakfast.
  • Apartments: Renting an apartment is a popular option in Italy, particularly in cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice. 
  • Villas: Renting a villa is a luxurious option in Italy, particularly in Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast. There are many rental companies that offer a range of properties, from small cottages to grand estates.
  • Monasteries and Convents: For a unique and affordable experience, travellers can stay in a monastery or convent. Many of these properties have been converted into guesthouses, offering a peaceful and spiritual retreat.
  • Glamping: For a unique and luxurious experience, travellers can try glamping in Italy. There are several glamping sites around the country that offer comfortable tents and facilities such as hot tubs and outdoor showers.
  • Houseboats: For a unique and romantic experience, travellers can rent a houseboat in Venice or along the Italian coast. There are several rental companies that offer this service.

Getting Around

Italy is a beautiful and historic country with many stunning destinations to explore. Here are some ways to travel around Italy:

  • By Train: Italy has an extensive train network, and travelling by train is a convenient and affordable way to get around. High-speed trains connect major cities, and regional trains are available for shorter journeys.
  • By Bus: Buses are a popular option for getting around smaller towns and rural areas in Italy, and many companies offer comfortable and affordable services.
  • By Car: Renting a car can be a good option for exploring Italy at your own pace, especially if you plan to visit more remote areas. However, be aware that driving in big cities can be challenging, and parking can be expensive.
  • By Bicycle: Italy has many scenic routes for cycling tours, especially in rural areas and along the coast. There are several tour operators that offer guided tours and equipment rental.
  • By Boat: Italy's beautiful coastline and islands offer plenty of opportunities for boat tours and island hopping, with many companies offering day trips and longer tours.

Travel Themes Most Common for Italy

Local Cuisine

Italian cuisine is one of the most famous and beloved cuisines in the world, with a wide range of regional specialties. Here are some of the most popular local foods to try in Italy:

  • Pizza Margherita: A classic Neapolitan pizza made with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil.
  • Pasta Carbonara: A pasta dish made with spaghetti, eggs, pancetta or bacon, and Parmesan cheese.
  • Lasagne: A layered pasta dish with meat sauce, bechamel, and cheese.
  • Osso Buco: This is a Milanese specialty made with braised veal shanks, vegetables, and wine.
  • Risotto alla Milanese: A rice dish made with saffron, Parmesan cheese, and beef broth.
  • Prosciutto e Melone: A dish of thinly sliced cured ham and cantaloupe, often served as an appetiser.
  • Gelato: Traditional Italian ice cream, made with milk, sugar, and natural flavours.
  • Tiramisu: A dessert made with ladyfingers soaked in coffee, layered with a mascarpone cheese mixture and cocoa.

Other local specialties in Italy include Caprese salad, made with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil; Panzanella, a bread and tomato salad; and Orecchiette alle Cime di Rapa, a pasta dish made with turnip greens and garlic. And of course, Italy is famous for its wine, so be sure to sample some of the local wines and enjoy the rich culinary traditions of this beautiful country.

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Festivals & Public Holidays

Italy is a country rich in culture and tradition, and there are many festivals and holidays that tourists may enjoy. Here are some noteworthy ones:

  • Carnevale di Venezia: The Carnival of Venice is one of the most famous festivals in Italy and takes place in February. It features elaborate masks and costumes, parades, and music.
  • La Festa di San Giovanni: The Feast of St. John the Baptist is celebrated in Florence on June 24th. The festivities include parades, fireworks, and a boat race on the Arno River.
  • La Notte Bianca: White Night Festival, or La Notte Bianca, is a cultural event that takes place in Rome every September. The festival features concerts, art exhibitions, and other events throughout the city that last until dawn.
  • Easter in Rome: Easter is a very important holiday in Italy, and Rome is a particularly special place to celebrate it. The city's churches and basilicas hold special services and processions throughout Holy Week, culminating in Easter Sunday mass celebrated by the Pope at St. Peter's Basilica.
  • Palio di Siena: The Palio is a horse race that takes place twice a year in Siena, on July 2nd and August 16th. It is a fiercely competitive and colourful event, with riders representing the city's contrade (neighbourhoods) racing bareback around the Piazza del Campo.
  • Christmas and New Year's Eve: Christmas and New Year's Eve are important holidays in Italy, and many cities and towns have unique traditions and celebrations. In Rome, for example, it is traditional to celebrate the Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve.
  • La Biennale di Venezia: The Venice Biennale is a major international art exhibition that takes place every two years in Venice. It showcases contemporary art from around the world, and the event attracts art lovers and collectors from all over.
  • Festa della Sensa: The Festa della Sensa is a traditional Venetian celebration that takes place on the Sunday after Ascension Day. It commemorates the symbolic marriage of Venice to the sea, and features a boat procession along the Grand Canal.
  • Festival dei Due Mondi: The Festival of Two Worlds is a multi-disciplinary arts festival that takes place every summer in Spoleto. It was founded by composer Gian Carlo Menotti and features music, theatre, dance, and other performances.
  • La Notte di San Lorenzo: The Night of the Shooting Stars takes place on the night of August 10th, when shooting stars are particularly visible in the night sky. It is a romantic evening, and many people celebrate with outdoor picnics and stargazing.

When to Start Planning your Trip

Currency & Payment

The official currency of Italy is the euro (EUR), which is divided into 100 cents. The euro is used throughout the 19 countries that make up the eurozone.

In Italy, both cash and electronic payment methods are widely used. Debit and credit cards are commonly accepted in most places, including restaurants, shops, and hotels. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted cards in Italy, followed by American Express and Diners Club.

In addition to cards, electronic payments such as bank transfers and mobile payments are also popular in Italy. Local payment systems such as Satispay, Nexi, and PayPal are commonly used for online transactions and peer-to-peer transfers.

When exchanging foreign currency in Italy, it's recommended to do so at banks, currency exchange offices, or ATMs rather than on the street. ATMs are widely available throughout the country, and they usually offer the most favourable exchange rates.

It's worth noting that some small businesses and shops in Italy may not accept credit cards, especially in more remote areas or smaller towns, so it's always a good idea to carry some cash with you.

Security

Italy is generally considered a safe destination for tourists, with a relatively low crime rate compared to many other countries. However, travellers should still exercise caution and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and theft, can occur in tourist areas and crowded places in Italy, particularly in major cities such as Rome, Florence, and Venice. Travellers should be vigilant with their belongings, especially in crowds, and should avoid displaying valuables in public. It is also advisable to use a money belt or a secure bag to store important documents and money.

Traffic in Italy can also be a concern, with aggressive driving and high rates of accidents. Travellers should exercise caution when crossing streets and be careful when using public transportation, especially on crowded buses or trains.

Italy is also known for its high level of seismic activity, with occasional earthquakes and tremors occurring throughout the country. Travellers should be aware of the potential for earthquakes and should follow the guidance of local authorities in the event of an earthquake or other natural disaster.

Visa & Immigration Rules

In general, EU citizens travelling to Italy are required to have a valid passport or national identity card.

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Our Experts for Italy

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