Why visit Italy?
Italy blends ancient history, art, and a relaxed way of life. From grand piazzas and Roman ruins to family-run trattorias, you will find a country that celebrates beauty in everyday moments.
What to expect
Explore iconic cities like Rome and Milan, then branch out to rolling Tuscan hills, Alpine lakes, and coastal villages. Each region has its own architecture, landscapes, and local traditions to uncover at your own pace.
Plan your trip
Many travellers start in Rome or Milan before continuing by rail or car to other regions in Italy and across Europe. The country works well as both a standalone holiday and a gateway to neighbouring destinations.
Discover Italy
Discover Italy
Top experiences in Italy
Explore ancient Rome
Walk between landmarks such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill to trace centuries of history in a compact area.
Stroll through Vatican City
Admire grand museums, intricate frescoes, and the vast square framed by colonnades at the heart of the Catholic Church.
Discover Milan Duomo and its rooftops
Climb or take a lift to the cathedral terraces for close-up views of marble spires and a sweeping city skyline.
Wander through Trastevere
Lose yourself in Rome's cobbled backstreets lined with townhouses, small piazzas, and lively local restaurants.
Shop the Quadrilatero d'Oro
Browse flagship boutiques and refined multi-brand stores in Milan's famous luxury fashion district.
Day trip to Lake Como
Take a train from Milan to lakeside towns, then continue by boat to elegant villas and gardens set against mountain backdrops.
Tour Tuscany's hill towns
Base yourself in Florence or nearby and visit medieval hilltop villages surrounded by vineyards and olive groves.
Drive the Amalfi Coast
Follow winding cliffside roads between pastel villages and terraces of lemon groves overlooking the sea.
Experience Italy's way of life
Getting around
High-speed trains link major cities such as Rome, Milan, Florence, and Naples efficiently. Regional trains, buses, and rental cars help you reach smaller towns, coastal areas, and countryside villages at your own pace.
Local life & culture
Daily life often revolves around neighbourhood squares, local bars, and evening walks known as the passeggiata. You will notice strong regional identities, from design-focused Milan to Rome's layered history and the relaxed rhythm of smaller towns.
Where to unwind
Italy offers many ways to slow down, from lakeside promenades around Como to long coastal walks and rural stays in vineyard-dotted countryside. Mountain trails, thermal spa towns, and quiet coastal coves add more options to rest between city days.
A taste of Italy
National dishes & specialties
Italian cuisine changes from region to region, but you will recognise favourites such as thin-crust pizza, handmade pasta, and creamy gelato. Rome is known for rich pasta dishes, while northern regions often feature risotto, polenta, and butter-based sauces.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In Rome and Milan you will find everything from neighbourhood trattorias to contemporary bistros and wine bars. Many districts blend traditional menus with modern takes, giving you plenty of choice for lunches, aperitivo, and relaxed evening meals.
Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, look for terraces with city views, rooftop restaurants, or tables set in historic courtyards. Lakeside towns, coastal villages, and countryside estates also offer restaurants where the setting is as appealing as the menu.
Retail therapy in Italy
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large shopping streets and districts in Rome and Milan bring together international labels and Italian designers. You will find department stores, flagship boutiques, and lifestyle hubs that combine fashion, homeware, and dining.
Markets & local crafts
Open-air markets and artisan workshops are common in historic centres, especially in cities such as Rome, Florence, and Venice. These are good places to find leather goods, ceramics, textiles, and other handmade pieces.
Evening retail scene
Major shopping streets in Rome and Milan stay lively into the evening, with window-lit boutiques and people strolling between cafés and bars. In many cities, late opening hours create a relaxed mix of shopping and socialising after dark.
Best time to visit Italy
Peak season: June to August, when many regions are warm to hot, with average temperatures around 25–30°C (77–86°F), especially in central and southern areas.
Shoulder season: April to May and September to October, with milder conditions of about 15–24°C (59–75°F), ideal for city walks and countryside trips.
Low season: November to March, when temperatures can range from 5–15°C (41–59°F) in many cities, cooler in the north, with fewer crowds and a quieter pace.