Why visit Italy?
Italy blends ancient history, art, and everyday life in a way you feel on every street. From Roman ruins to Renaissance masterpieces and coastal villages, you move between eras in a single day.
What to expect
You can wander through Rome's historic heart, shop and sightsee in Milan, or venture on to Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, and the lakes. Each region has its own character, from mountain towns in the north to sunlit southern shores.
Plan your trip
Italy works well for both first-time and repeat visitors, from short city breaks to longer journeys across regions. With excellent onward rail links, it is also an easy gateway to explore the wider Mediterranean and central Europe.
Discover Italy
Discover Italy
Top experiences in Italy
Walk ancient Rome
Explore landmarks such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and surrounding historic streets to trace the city’s imperial past.
Discover Vatican art and architecture
Visit the Vatican Museums and St Peter's Basilica to see grand architecture and world-famous frescoes and sculptures.
Stroll Milan's fashion districts
Wander around the Quadrilatero d'Oro and central shopping streets to experience Milan’s design and fashion culture.
Admire Milan's Duomo and historic centre
Climb to the Duomo terraces, explore nearby galleries and piazzas, and soak in views over the city skyline.
Enjoy Italy's café culture
Pause at local cafés for a quick espresso or a relaxed drink while people-watching in lively squares.
Take a day trip to the Italian lakes
From Milan, reach lakes such as Como for waterside promenades, boat rides, and mountain views.
Explore Rome's neighbourhoods
Wander areas like Trastevere and Monti for narrow lanes, small boutiques, and local nightlife.
Experience Italy's way of life
Getting around
High-speed trains connect Rome, Milan, and other major cities efficiently, making multi-city itineraries simple. Local buses, trams, and metro lines help you move around urban centres, while regional trains and coaches link smaller towns.
Local life & culture
In Italy, daily life often unfolds in piazzas, neighbourhood cafés, and family-run businesses. You will notice strong regional pride, distinct dialects, and a steady rhythm of festivals, performances, and seasonal events.
Where to unwind
You can relax in landscaped city parks, historic gardens, and shaded squares, ideal for gentle walks and quiet breaks. Beyond the cities, coastlines, lakes, and mountain areas offer space for fresh air, scenic drives, and outdoor activities.
A taste of Italy
National dishes & specialties
Italy is known for regional pasta, pizza, and rice dishes, each with its own local twist. Rome is associated with rich, simple pasta specialities, while northern regions around Milan often feature risotto and hearty mains.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Across Rome and Milan, you will find neighbourhood trattorias, contemporary bistros, and quick spots for a snack or light meal. Menus often highlight seasonal ingredients, and each area reflects its own culinary traditions and influences.
Signature & scenic dining
In Italy's cities, rooftop terraces, courtyard restaurants, and elegant historic venues create memorable dining settings. You can pair your meal with skyline views, garden surroundings, or atmospheric piazzas that feel especially vivid after dark.
Retail therapy in Italy
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Rome and Milan offer modern shopping streets, designer flagships, and multi-level malls with international and Italian brands. You can combine shopping with dining, galleries, and entertainment in the same districts.
Markets & local crafts
In both cities, open-air markets and small boutiques showcase leather goods, accessories, and handmade items. Rome, Milan, and nearby regions each highlight different traditions, from textiles to artisanal souvenirs.
Evening retail scene
After sunset, central shopping streets and arcades stay lively, with lit façades and extended opening hours in key areas. You can browse, stop for a drink, and enjoy the atmosphere as locals and visitors share the same streets.
Best time to visit Italy
Peak season: June to August brings warm to hot temperatures, often around 25–32°C (77–90°F) in cities like Rome and Milan, with busy attractions and long daylight hours.
Shoulder season: April to May and September to October are milder, typically 15–24°C (59–75°F), offering comfortable sightseeing and a more relaxed pace.
Low season: November to March is cooler, about 5–15°C (41–59°F), with quieter streets, occasional rain, and a more local feel in major cities.