Italy blends ancient history, art, and fashion with a relaxed way of life. From grand piazzas to coastal villages, you experience culture, style, and everyday beauty at every turn.
Discover Italy
Discover Italy
Why visit Italy?
What to expect
Explore Rome's ruins and baroque landmarks, Milan's design and shopping districts, and regions such as Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, and the Italian Lakes, each with their own distinctive landscapes and traditions.
Plan your trip
Italy is ideal for first-time visitors and seasoned travellers, with efficient rail links and domestic flights connecting major cities. It is also a convenient gateway for exploring wider Europe and the Mediterranean.
Top experiences in Italy
Walk through ancient Rome
Stroll from the Colosseum and Roman Forum to the Pantheon, tracing centuries of history in a compact, walkable area.
Admire Vatican masterpieces
Visit the Vatican Museums and St Peter's Basilica to see frescoes, sculptures, and architecture that define Western art.
Iconic sights of Milan
Stand beneath the spires of the Duomo, explore the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and seek out contemporary design districts.
Escape to the Italian Lakes
Take a day trip from Milan to lakes such as Como or Garda, where mountain scenery frames elegant lakeside towns.
Road trip through Tuscany
Drive or join a tour through rolling hills and hilltop towns like Siena and San Gimignano, dotted with vineyards and historic squares.
Soak up the Amalfi Coast
Base yourself in cities like Rome or Naples, then head south to dramatic seaside roads, pastel villages, and cliffside views.
Explore Italy's art cities
Link Rome and Milan with side trips to Florence, Venice, and Turin to experience different chapters of Italian art and architecture.
Experience Italy's way of life
Getting around
High-speed trains connect Rome, Milan, Florence, Venice, and Turin quickly and comfortably, while regional rail and buses reach smaller towns. Domestic flights link major cities with islands such as Sicily and Sardinia, and car rental offers flexibility in rural regions.
Local life & culture
In Italy, the day revolves around lively piazzas, coffee bars, and evening strolls known as the passeggiata. Each region has its own dialects, festivals, and crafts, and you will notice subtle shifts in style and pace as you travel from city to countryside.
Where to unwind
Relax on Mediterranean beaches, from Liguria to Puglia, or retreat to spa towns in Tuscany and the northern lakes. Alpine areas in the Dolomites and northwestern Italy offer fresh air, hiking in summer, and snow sports in winter.
A taste of Italy
National dishes & specialties
Italy is known for regional dishes such as Roman-style pasta, Milanese risotto and cutlets, Neapolitan pizzas, and gelato found across the country. Coastal areas specialise in seafood, while northern regions often feature rich, butter-based cooking.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In Rome and Milan, you find relaxed trattorias, wine bars, and contemporary bistros on almost every street. Food halls, neighbourhood cafes, and modern eateries serve everything from classic recipes to inventive takes on seasonal produce.
Signature & scenic dining
Enjoy rooftop terraces in Rome with views over domes and monuments, or refined restaurants in Milan's historic centre and fashionable districts. Around the lakes and coastline, waterside venues pair local produce with panoramic views.
Retail therapy in Italy
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Milan features elegant arcades like the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and modern shopping districts with global brands and Italian designers. Rome offers department stores and contemporary malls alongside historic shopping streets.
Markets & local crafts
Browse Rome's neighbourhood markets for leather goods and everyday essentials, or explore Milan's design shops and craft fairs for fashion, accessories, and homeware. Smaller cities across Tuscany and Umbria showcase ceramics, textiles, and artisanal products.
Evening retail scene
After dark, central streets in Rome and Milan stay lively, with boutiques, flagship stores, and galleries illuminated late into the evening. Window-shopping blends easily with an aperitivo stop, creating a relaxed, social shopping atmosphere.
Best time to visit Italy
Spring (April to June) is a shoulder season, with mild temperatures typically around 15–24°C (59–75°F), ideal for sightseeing before the hottest months. Summer (July to August) is the peak season, especially in Rome and coastal areas, with average highs of 28–33°C (82–91°F) and bustling resorts. Autumn (September to November) is another shoulder season, with cooler days around 12–22°C (54–72°F), grape harvests, and generally fewer crowds in major cities. Winter (December to March) is the low season for most of Italy, with cooler temperatures around 3–12°C (37–54°F) in cities like Rome and Milan, while alpine regions experience snow and attract winter sports visitors.