Why visit Italy?
Italy blends ancient history, refined style, and everyday warmth in one compact country. You wander from Roman forums to Renaissance piazzas, then unwind with a simple coffee in a lively street-side cafe.
What to expect
From Rome and Milan you can branch out to coastal villages, vine-covered hills, and dramatic mountains. Grand cities showcase art and architecture, while smaller towns reveal a slower rhythm and close-knit local life.
Plan your trip
You can combine several regions in one journey thanks to fast trains and domestic links. Italy also works well as part of a wider European itinerary, using its major cities as gateways to neighbouring countries.
Discover Italy
Discover Italy
Top experiences in Italy
Explore ancient Rome
Walk through iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, and feel the layers of history in every stone arch and city vista.
Stroll Milan's fashion and design districts
Discover chic boutiques, design showrooms, and grand galleries before pausing in elegant cafes that line Milan's central streets.
Visit world-class museums and galleries
Experience masterpieces of Italian art and sculpture in major museums, from classical collections to contemporary exhibition spaces.
Savour Italian cafe culture
Take a seat at a neighbourhood bar, sip an espresso or aperitivo, and watch local life unfold in the surrounding square.
Enjoy Italy's coastal landscapes
Travel from city bases to nearby seaside towns, where colourful villages, coastal walks, and sea views offer a different side of the country.
Discover vineyards and hill towns
Head into the countryside from Rome or Milan to explore rolling hills, historic villages, and vineyards dotted across the landscape.
Admire iconic cathedrals and squares
Stand before ornate facades and spacious piazzas, where grand churches, fountains, and statues create unforgettable city scenes.
Experience Italy's way of life
Getting around
High-speed trains link Rome, Milan, and other major cities efficiently, making multi-city itineraries simple. Regional trains, coaches, and local transport connect you to smaller towns, while taxis and rideshares help with short hops in the cities.
Local life & culture
Daily life often centres on the piazza, where you see families, friends, and professionals sharing the same public spaces. You notice strong regional identities in language, traditions, and style as you move between different parts of the country.
Where to unwind
Urban parks, landscaped gardens, and tree-lined avenues provide calm within the cities. From these hubs, it is easy to reach lakes, mountains, and coastal paths, where you can slow down, walk, and enjoy open views.
A taste of Italy
National dishes & specialties
Italy is known for pasta, pizza, and regional comfort dishes that change subtly from north to south. Rome and Milan each add their own classic recipes and seasonal favourites to the national table.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In both Rome and Milan you find relaxed trattorias, wine bars, and contemporary bistros on most streets. Menus range from traditional family recipes to modern interpretations, with plenty of options for a quick bite or a long meal.
Signature & scenic dining
You can dine in historic courtyards, rooftop terraces, or restaurants overlooking grand squares and landmarks. Many venues focus on carefully sourced local ingredients, paired with regional wines and atmospheric settings.
Retail therapy in Italy
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Rome and Milan offer large shopping streets and modern malls where global brands share space with Italian designers. You can browse fashion, beauty, and lifestyle stores in comfortable, walkable districts.
Markets & local crafts
In cities and towns across Italy you find open-air markets selling fresh produce, leather goods, and handmade crafts. Rome, Milan, and surrounding regions each showcase their own styles, from artisanal accessories to homeware and art.
Evening retail scene
Main shopping streets and central districts often stay lively into the evening, with illuminated windows and late-opening boutiques. You can pair a stroll past the shops with an aperitivo, taking in the atmosphere as the city lights come on.
Best time to visit Italy
Peak season
June to August is peak season, with many parts of Italy seeing daytime temperatures around 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F). Coastal areas feel busy, and cities can be warm but full of outdoor events.
Shoulder season
April to May and September to October are shoulder season, bringing milder days around 15°C to 24°C (59°F to 75°F). This is a comfortable time for city walks, sightseeing, and trips into the countryside.
Low season
November to March is low season, especially outside festive periods, with temperatures in many central and northern areas around 5°C to 13°C (41°F to 55°F). Some coastal resorts are quieter, but major cities remain active and welcoming.