Flights from Auckland (AKL) to Italy

Discover Italy

Discover Italy

Why visit Italy?
Italy blends ancient cities, Renaissance art, and dramatic coastlines into one compact country you can explore at your own pace. You will find grand piazzas, hill towns, and seaside villages, each with its own distinct charm.
What to expect
From Rome and the ruins of the Roman Empire to Milan and its design-forward energy, Italy offers powerful contrasts. Venture further to the lakes of the north, wine regions like Tuscany, and the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast for a varied journey.
Plan your trip
You can use Italy as both a dedicated holiday and a base to explore wider Europe, thanks to its extensive rail and air links. Plan time in multiple regions so you can balance major cities with quieter countryside and coastal stays.

Top experiences in Italy

Explore ancient Rome

Walk between the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill to trace thousands of years of history in a single afternoon.

Marvel at Vatican art and architecture

Visit the Vatican Museums and St Peter's Basilica to see masterpieces, grand squares, and sweeping views over Rome.

Discover Milan's fashion and design districts

Stroll through the Quadrilatero d'Oro and Brera to browse boutiques, galleries, and stylish cafes in Italy's fashion capital.

Enjoy lakeside escapes in northern Italy

Use Milan as a gateway to Lake Como and Lake Garda, where mountain views and waterfront promenades invite slow days.

Tour Tuscan hill towns and vineyards

Travel from Rome or Milan to the Tuscan countryside, where medieval towns and rolling vineyards dot the landscape.

Relax on the Italian coast

Head south from Rome to coastal areas such as the Amalfi Coast for colourful cliffside villages and Mediterranean views.

Admire Italian masterpieces in city galleries

Visit major museums in Rome and Milan to see works from classical sculpture to cutting-edge contemporary art.

Experience Italy's way of life

Getting around
Italy has an extensive high-speed rail network linking Rome, Milan, Florence, Venice, and other key cities efficiently. Regional trains, coaches, and rental cars help you reach smaller towns, wine regions, and coastal villages at your own pace.
Local life & culture
Life in Italy often flows through piazzas, neighbourhood cafes, and local festivals that mark the seasons. Each region has its own accent, traditions, and style, from Rome's laid-back streets to Milan's polished, business-focused rhythm.
Where to unwind
Across Italy you will find peaceful gardens, lakeside promenades, and long city parks that invite slow walks. Coastal paths, countryside trails, and spa towns offer relaxing breaks from urban sightseeing and a chance to soak up the landscape.

A taste of Italy

National dishes & specialties
Italy is known for regional classics that change from city to city, from Roman pastas to rich northern risottos. Rome and Milan both showcase local takes on beloved dishes, highlighting seasonal produce and traditional techniques.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Across Italian cities you will find relaxed trattorias, wine bars, and contemporary bistros on side streets and main squares. Rome and Milan offer everything from quick bites to multi-course menus, reflecting both local flavours and international influences.
Signature & scenic dining
In Italy you can dine on rooftop terraces with city views, elegant courtyards, or stylish design-focused interiors. Coastal and lakeside regions add waterfront restaurants where the setting is as memorable as the food.

Retail therapy in Italy

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Rome and Milan feature modern shopping streets and malls where international labels sit alongside Italian designers. You will find everything from fashion and accessories to homeware in easily walkable districts.
Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and small boutiques across Rome, Milan, and Tuscany showcase leather goods, ceramics, and handmade items. Many regions highlight local textiles, stationery, and artisan products that make thoughtful keepsakes.
Evening retail scene
In Italy, evenings are a pleasant time to browse illuminated shopping streets and late-opening boutiques in major cities. Window displays, relaxed strolls, and nearby cafes give shopping after dark a sociable, unhurried feel.

Best time to visit Italy

Peak season
June to August is peak season, with warm to hot weather across much of Italy. Average temperatures range from 24°C to 30°C (75°F to 86°F), especially in cities such as Rome and Milan.
Shoulder season
April to May and September to October are shoulder season, bringing mild days and cooler nights. Expect averages of 15°C to 23°C (59°F to 73°F), ideal for city walks and countryside trips.
Low season
November to March is low season, with cooler temperatures and quieter attractions, apart from festive periods. Averages range from 5°C to 13°C (41°F to 55°F), with colder conditions in the north and occasional snow in alpine areas.

Frequently Asked Questions