Where ancient history meets effortless style — from Roman ruins to coastal dolce vita
Italy
Italy is where art, food, and history collide on every street corner. From the ruins of Rome to the canals of Venice, from Tuscan hillsides to Amalfi’s cliffside towns, this is a country that rewards slow travel and unhurried meals. Whether you’re chasing masterpieces, mozzarella, or Mediterranean light, Italy delivers it all — often in the same afternoon.
CURRENCY
Euro (€)
GETTING THERE
Rome, Milan, Venice
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
GETTING AROUND
Trenitalia high-speed rail
Top 5 Destinations in Italy
01
Rome
The Eternal City layers ancient ruins beneath Renaissance palaces beneath modern life — the Colosseum, the Vatican, and the Trevi Fountain all within a single afternoon’s walk
02
Venice
Built on water and laced with canals, Venice feels like nowhere else on Earth. Glide past Gothic palazzos at dawn, before the day-trip crowds arrive — that’s when La Serenissima reveals her real magic.
03
Florence
The birthplace of the Renaissance crams more masterpieces per square mile than anywhere on the planet. Climb the Duomo at sunrise, then lose an afternoon in the Uffizi before Tuscany’s hills pull you outward.
04
Amalfi Coast
Pastel villages cling to cliffs above water so blue it looks painted. Drive the coastal road, hop a boat to Capri, or just pick a terrace in Positano and watch the Mediterranean do its thing.
05
Cinque Terre
Five fishing villages strung along a dramatic stretch of coastline, connected by cliffside hiking trails. Each one is more photogenic than the last — bring good shoes and an empty memory card.
CATEGORY 01
Cities & Culture
Rome
Ancient history at every turn, but Rome isn't a museum — it's a living city where scooters weave past 2,000-year-old ruins and locals queue for gelato at midnight. — Best for: history lovers, first-time visitors, anyone who wants it all.
Milan
Italy's fashion and design capital trades ruins for runways. The Gothic Duomo, Da Vinci's Last Supper, and world-class shopping make this a city that moves at its own sharp, stylish pace. — Best for: fashion lovers, design enthusiasts, city break travelers
Naples
Raw, loud, and unmistakably authentic, Naples is where pizza was born and where Pompeii waits just down the coast — chaotic in the best possible way. — Best for: foodies, history buffs, travelers who want real energy
CATEGORY 02
Nature & Landscapes
The Dolomites
Jagged limestone peaks rise straight out of green valleys, UNESCO-listed and genuinely otherworldly. Hike alpine trails in summer, ski legendary slopes in winter. — Best for: hikers, skiers, mountain photographers
Lake Como
Pastel villas line the shores of Italy's most glamorous lake, where George Clooney isn't the only one who fell for the view. Quiet ferry rides, lakeside cafés, and mountains that drop straight into the water. — Best for: romantics, luxury travelers, slow afternoons
Tuscany
Rolling hills, cypress-lined roads, and vineyards in perfect rows — this is the Italy of postcards, and it earns every frame. Wine tastings, hilltop towns, and golden light that painters have chased for centuries. — Best for: wine lovers, road trippers, anyone chasing that perfect photo
CATEGORY 03
Coast & Beaches
Sardinia
Turquoise water and white-sand beaches that feel more Caribbean than Mediterranean. Ancient Nuragic ruins, traditional shepherd villages, and coves you'll have almost to yourself. — Best for: beach lovers, divers, off-the-beaten-path travelers
Sicily
Greek temples, Norman cathedrals, and Mount Etna smoking on the horizon — Sicily layers history on top of history. Add black-sand beaches and the island's own fierce cuisine, and you've got Italy's wildest region. — Best for: history buffs, foodies, adventurous travelers
Puglia
The heel of Italy's boot delivers whitewashed towns, conical trulli houses, and some of the country's best — and least crowded — beaches. Add legendary food and you've got Italy's most underrated region. — Best for: beach lovers, foodies, travelers seeking the road less traveled
CATEGORY 04
Food & Wine
Bologna
Italy's food capital doesn't get the same hype as Rome or Florence, and that's exactly the point. UNESCO-listed arcades, no major crowds, and some of the best regional cooking in the country — this is where tortellini and ragù alla bolognese were born. — Best for: foodies, slow travelers, anyone who'd rather eat than sightsee
Chianti
Rolling vineyards between Florence and Siena produce some of Italy's most celebrated wine, and the small medieval towns scattered between them are just as good. Stop for a leisurely tasting, stay for the golden-hour views, and don't rush — this region rewards a slow, unhurried afternoon. — Best for: wine lovers, road trippers, romantic getaways
Piedmont
Home to prized white truffles, world-class Barolo and Barbaresco wines, and a food culture so deeply serious it sparked the international Slow Food movement. The rolling Langhe hills here look like Tuscany's quieter, less-discovered cousin — and the autumn truffle hunts are genuinely unforgettable. — Best for: serious foodies, wine connoisseurs, autumn travelers
CATEGORY 05
Hidden Gems
Matera
Carved into limestone cliffs and inhabited since the Paleolithic era, Matera's cave dwellings predate Rome by thousands of years. The Sassi district glows gold at sunset and feels like stepping into another century entirely. — Best for: history buffs, photographers, off-the-beaten-path explorers
Orvieto
Perched dramatically atop a volcanic plateau in Umbria, Orvieto feels like Tuscany's hill towns without the crowds. Wander beneath its striped Gothic cathedral, explore ancient underground caves carved by the Etruscans, and sip the region's crisp white wine as the sun sets over the valley below. — Best for: day-trippers, wine lovers, anyone craving quiet
Lecce
Nicknamed the 'Florence of the South,' Lecce dazzles with elaborate Baroque architecture carved from local golden limestone, all packed into a walkable historic center far from the typical tourist trail. Add Puglia's famous food scene and warm southern hospitality, and it's easy to see why those in the know keep coming back. — Best for: architecture lovers, foodies, travelers who want authentic southern Italy
CATEGORY 06
Day Trips & Itineraries
Naples → Pompeii (Half day)
Frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, Pompeii offers an unmatched glimpse into daily Roman life — preserved streets, villas, and even ancient graffiti. Easily reached by train from Naples or Sorrento in under an hour.
Florence → Pisa (Half day)
Italy's most famous architectural mistake draws crowds for one reason — the photo opportunity is genuinely irresistible. Climb the tower itself, then wander the surrounding Piazza dei Miracoli before heading back to Florence the same afternoon. Trains run roughly every hour.
Venice → Verona (Half day)
Shakespeare's fictional setting for Romeo and Juliet is in fact a real, living city — pink-marble piazzas, a 2,000-year-old Roman arena still hosting open-air summer opera, and a famous balcony every visiting tourist photographs at least once. Easily reached by direct train from Venice in just about an hour.
PLAN YOUR ITALY TRIP
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BEFORE YOU GO
Practical Information
Visa & Entry
For EU, EEA and Swiss citizens: No visa is required. You can travel to Italy with a valid national ID card or passport.
For visa-exempt non-EU travelers (including US, Canadian, Australian and UK citizens): Visa-free visits are limited to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen Area.
ETIAS: The EU travel authorisation is currently not in operation, and no application is required at this time. The launch date has not yet been officially confirmed. Check the official EU ETIAS website for the latest updates before travelling.
For travelers who need a visa: Apply for a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) through the Italian consulate or its authorised visa centre. Applications should be submitted well in advance; they can generally be lodged up to 6 months before travel and no later than 15 days before departure. Check the consulate’s guidance and appointment availability.
Passport validity for non-EU travelers: Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from the Schengen Area and must have been issued within the previous 10 years.
This information is provided as general guidance only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice — always verify current entry requirements with official sources before traveling.
Safety
Safety in Italy: Italy is generally safe for tourists, but pickpocketing and bag snatching are common in crowded tourist areas, public transport and major train stations.
Petty crime: Keep your valuables secure, stay alert to distraction techniques and never leave luggage visible inside a parked car.
Public transport and driving: Watch your belongings on buses, metros and trains. Use officially licensed taxis and take care when driving, especially in busy city centres.
Demonstrations and public gatherings: Avoid protests and large gatherings if tensions arise, and follow instructions from local authorities.
Emergency number: Call 112 for emergencies anywhere in Italy. The call is free.
Etiquette & Culture
Italian culture values courtesy, food traditions and respect for historical and religious places. Customs vary by region, so follow local guidance and be considerate of residents.
Greetings & Social Etiquette: Use buongiorno (good morning) or buonasera (good evening) when greeting people in shops and local businesses. Ciao is informal, while grazie (thank you) and per favore (please) are useful expressions.
Punctuality & Respect: Be punctual for tours, reservations and appointments. In residential areas, keep noise down and respect local routines, particularly in smaller towns.
Dining Etiquette: Check menus for a possible coperto (cover charge). Tipping is optional, and rounding up the bill is sufficient. Cappuccino is traditionally associated with breakfast, while espresso is commonly enjoyed after meals.
Culture & Traditions: Italian traditions vary by region, with local festivals, cuisine and religious celebrations playing an important role. In churches, dress respectfully, speak quietly and follow photography rules.
Public Behaviour: Respect queues, avoid littering and follow rules at monuments and attractions. Some city centres have restricted traffic zones (Zona a Traffico Limitato, or ZTL), where unauthorised vehicles may incur fines.
Health
Healthcare: Italy has a well-established healthcare system, with public hospitals and emergency departments available throughout the country. Services and waiting times may vary by region, and private treatment can be expensive.
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC): EU travellers should carry a valid EHIC to access medically necessary care through Italy’s public healthcare system and participating providers. Co-payments may apply, and the card does not cover private healthcare or repatriation. Travel insurance is recommended.
Pharmacies: Pharmacies are widely available and usually identified by a green cross. For evening, Sunday or holiday needs, check the posted rota for the nearest open pharmacy.
Emergency medical assistance: Call 112 for emergencies. The medical emergency number 118 is also used for ambulance assistance.
Useful Phrases
Greetings & Courtesy
Hello — Olá
Thank you — Obrigado / Obrigada
Please / You’re welcome — Por favor / De nada
Getting Around
Where is the train station? — Onde fica a estação de comboios?
How much does this cost? — Quanto custa isto?
Do you speak English? — Fala inglês?
At Restaurants & Shops
A table for two, please — Uma mesa para dois, por favor
The bill, please — A conta, por favor
Can I pay by card? — Posso pagar com cartão?
Emergencies
Help! — Socorro!
I need a doctor — Preciso de um médico
Call the police, please — Chame a polícia, por favor
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