Why visit Italy?
Italy blends ancient history, art, and everyday life in a vivid, walkable setting, from grand piazzas to quiet hill towns. You can explore Roman ruins, Renaissance masterpieces, and coastal villages, often within the same trip.
What to expect
From Rome and Milan, you can reach the ruins of the south, the rolling hills of Tuscany, and the lakes and Alps of the north. Each region has its own character, whether you want museums, fashion, wine country, or seaside escapes.
Plan your trip
Italy works well for both first-time travellers and repeat visits, thanks to fast trains and regional airports. It also serves as a natural gateway to wider Europe, with easy onward links to neighbouring countries and Mediterranean islands.
Discover Italy
Discover Italy
Top experiences in Italy
Walk through ancient Rome
Trace centuries of history as you wander between the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and atmospheric cobbled streets nearby.
Discover Vatican art and architecture
Admire grand basilicas, vast museums, and frescoed ceilings that showcase some of the most influential art in Europe.
Experience Milan’s fashion and design scene
Explore stylish districts, gallery spaces, and showrooms that make Milan a capital of fashion, design, and contemporary culture.
Stroll Italian piazzas at twilight
Join locals in lively squares, linger at café terraces, and watch the city slowly shift from day to evening.
Visit hill towns and countryside
Take day trips from major cities to medieval villages, vineyard landscapes, and panoramic viewpoints over rolling hills.
Cruise Italy’s lakes and coastlines
Enjoy boat rides on northern lakes or seaside promenades, combining mountain views with shimmering water and fresh air.
Explore Italian art museums and galleries
See renowned paintings, sculptures, and modern installations in national museums and intimate city galleries.
Attend performances in historic venues
Experience opera, concerts, or theatre in grand halls and open-air spaces that pair culture with historic architecture.
Experience Italy’s way of life
Getting around
High-speed trains link Rome, Milan, and other major cities efficiently, making multi-city trips simple to arrange. Regional trains and buses connect outlying towns, while car hire gives you more freedom in rural areas and along scenic drives.
Local life & culture
Daily life in Italy often centres on neighbourhood cafés, local shops, and weekly markets, where routines feel unhurried. Each region has its own traditions, from craftsmanship and festivals to distinctive accents and architectural styles.
Where to unwind
Italy offers many places to slow down, from quiet city gardens to lakeside promenades and coastal paths. Mountain regions and national parks provide well-marked trails, fresh air, and viewpoints for calmer days between city sightseeing.
A taste of Italy
National dishes & specialties
Italy is known for pasta, pizza, and simple dishes that highlight fresh, regional ingredients. Different areas have their own favourites, so what you order in Rome may be quite different from what you find around Milan and the north.
Casual & modern dining hubs
You will find relaxed trattorias, pizzerias, and cafés in most neighbourhoods, alongside modern bistros and contemporary concepts. Larger cities offer a wide range of international options, so you can mix Italian classics with global flavours during your stay.
Signature & scenic dining
Many Italian cities offer memorable meals in settings with historic architecture or skyline views. You can dine in courtyards, rooftop terraces, or near the water, turning even a simple dinner into a special part of the evening.
Retail therapy in Italy
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Major Italian cities feature modern shopping districts and centres that bring together international brands and local designers. In places like Rome and Milan, you can browse clothing, accessories, and lifestyle stores in compact, walkable areas.
Markets & local crafts
Italy is rich in markets that showcase regional products, handcrafted goods, and everyday items. Cities such as Rome and Milan, as well as many smaller towns, host regular markets where you can find leather goods, textiles, and artisan-made souvenirs.
Evening retail scene
Shopping streets in the main cities often stay active into the evening, with boutiques and department stores open later on certain days. Illuminated windows, open-air cafés, and street life make browsing after dark a pleasant way to end the day.
Best time to visit Italy
Peak season: June to August sees warm to hot weather, often around 25–32°C (77–90°F) in many cities, with busy attractions and lively coastal areas.
Shoulder season: April to May and September to October offer mild temperatures of roughly 15–24°C (59–75°F), with fewer crowds and comfortable sightseeing conditions.
Low season: November to March is cooler, with averages of about 5–13°C (41–55°F) in many regions, quieter streets, and a calmer atmosphere, except around festive holidays.