Why visit Italy?
Italy blends ancient history, art, and everyday beauty, from grand piazzas to quiet hill towns. You can move from Roman ruins to Renaissance galleries and coastal promenades in a single trip.
What to expect
Rome and Milan showcase two sides of Italy, one rooted in history and the other in fashion and design. Beyond these cities, you will find lakes, vineyards, and coastlines that invite slower journeys.
Plan your trip
You can use Rome as a gateway to southern regions and historic sites, or Milan as a springboard to the Alps and northern lakes. Together they make Italy an easy and rewarding base for exploring the wider Mediterranean.
Discover Italy
Discover Italy
Top experiences in Italy
Explore ancient Rome
Walk between the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill to trace the foundations of the ancient city.
Stroll through Vatican City
Visit the museums and St Peter square to see masterpieces of art and striking architecture in one compact area.
Discover Milan Duomo and Galleria
Climb to the rooftop of the Duomo, then browse the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II nearby.
Day trip to Lake Como from Milan
Take a short train ride north to enjoy lakefront promenades, villas, and mountain views.
Evening passeggiata in Rome
Join locals for a gentle evening walk past fountains and piazzas as the city lights come on.
Fashion and design districts in Milan
Explore the Quadrilatero della Moda and modern design showrooms that define the city style.
Historic neighbourhoods of Trastevere
Cross the Tiber to wander cobbled lanes, ivy-covered buildings, and lively squares in this Roman quarter.
Experience Italy s way of life
Getting around
High-speed trains link Rome, Milan, and other major cities quickly and comfortably. Regional trains and buses help you reach smaller towns, while domestic flights connect more distant corners of the country.
Local life & culture
In Italy, daily life revolves around neighbourhood squares, local shops, and strong regional identities. You will notice differences in language, design, and rhythm between the capital, the industrial north, and smaller towns.
Where to unwind
Public gardens, city parks, and lakeside promenades offer easy places to slow down in both Rome and Milan. Further afield, coastal walks, countryside trails, and mountain paths invite longer escapes into nature.
A taste of Italy
National dishes & specialties
Italy is known for pasta, pizza, cured meats, and cheeses that vary from region to region. In Rome and Milan you can sample dishes that reflect both local traditions and influences from all over the country.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Trattorias, wine bars, and contemporary bistros line side streets and main avenues in Italian cities. You can easily find everything from quick snacks to relaxed sit-down meals within walking distance of key sights.
Signature & scenic dining
Rooftop terraces in Rome and Milan offer views over domes and skylines with refined menus. In nearby regions, vineyard and lakeside restaurants pair scenic settings with thoughtful seasonal cooking.
Retail therapy in Italy
Malls & lifestyle hubs
In Rome and Milan you will find large shopping streets and modern malls with international labels and Italian designers. Department stores and multi-brand boutiques make it simple to explore fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands in one stop.
Markets & local crafts
Neighbourhood markets in cities like Rome and Milan showcase everyday life alongside stalls selling leather goods, textiles, and crafts. Across other Italian regions you can discover handmade ceramics, stationery, and design pieces in smaller workshops.
Evening retail scene
Major shopping districts stay lively into the evening, with illuminated windows and late-opening stores on key days. After dark, streets fill with pedestrians moving between shops, cafés, and theatres.
Best time to visit Italy
Peak season: June to August, with warm to hot days around 25–32°C (77–90°F) in many cities, especially inland. Coastal and lake areas can feel slightly cooler in the evenings.
Shoulder season: April to May and September to October, with pleasant temperatures around 15–24°C (59–75°F). These months often bring comfortable weather for walking and sightseeing.
Low season: November to March, when temperatures in Rome and Milan are typically 4–13°C (39–55°F). You may find quieter attractions, shorter days, and occasional rain or fog, especially in the north.