Flights from Christchurch (CHC) to Italy

Discover Italy

Discover Italy

Why visit Italy?

Italy blends ancient history, refined style, and everyday warmth. You can move from Roman ruins to Renaissance art, then unwind with coastal views or quiet hill towns.

What to expect

Explore grand cities such as Rome and Milan, regions of rolling vineyards, Alpine landscapes, and a long, varied coastline, each with its own pace and traditions.

Plan your trip

Italy works well for both first-time and repeat visits, and its extensive rail and air links make it a natural gateway for exploring the wider Mediterranean and Europe.

Top experiences in Italy

Walk through ancient Rome

Stand inside the Colosseum, stroll the Roman Forum, and wander past piazzas and fountains that trace over two thousand years of history.

Discover Milan's fashion and design districts

Browse boutiques around the Quadrilatero della Moda, visit contemporary design museums, and admire the striking architecture of the Duomo and surrounding squares.

Cruise the Italian lakes

Take ferries across lakes such as Como or Garda, stopping at waterside villages, historic villas, and gardens framed by mountain views.

Tour hill towns and wine country

Travel through vineyard-covered hills, visit medieval hilltop villages, and sample local wines at family-run estates.

Explore Italy's coastlines

Follow winding coastal roads, relax on beaches, and discover colourful seaside towns set against dramatic cliffs and clear water.

Uncover Italy's art and museums

Spend time in galleries filled with Renaissance masterpieces, archaeological treasures, and bold modern works across major cities.

Experience Italy's café culture

Pause at pavement cafés to people-watch, enjoy a coffee at the counter, and feel the rhythm of local neighbourhood life.

Experience Italy's way of life

Getting around

High-speed trains link major Italian cities such as Rome and Milan, while regional rail, coaches, and car hire help you reach smaller towns and countryside areas.

Local life & culture

Daily life in Italy centres on the piazza, with strong regional identities, visible craftsmanship, and a relaxed approach to time that invites you to slow down.

Where to unwind

Retreat to lakeside promenades, quiet coastal paths, and mountain trails, or relax in landscaped gardens and city parks scattered across Italy.

A taste of Italy

National dishes & specialties

Italy is known for regional pasta, risotto, and cured meats, with Roman classics and rich northern dishes offering distinct flavours from city to city.

Casual & modern dining hubs

You will find relaxed trattorias, family-run eateries, and modern bistros in Rome, Milan, and beyond, serving everything from simple plates to creative seasonal menus.

Signature & scenic dining

Dine on terraces overlooking historic squares, rooftop restaurants with skyline views, or elegant dining rooms set in restored palaces and townhouses.

Retail therapy in Italy

Malls & lifestyle hubs

In Rome and Milan, large shopping streets and urban malls bring together international labels, Italian designers, and lifestyle brands in one place.

Markets & local crafts

Browse neighbourhood markets and artisan districts in cities such as Rome, Milan, and Florence for leather goods, textiles, and handmade accessories.

Evening retail scene

After dark, central shopping streets stay lively for an evening stroll, with boutiques, cafés, and windows lit up well into the night.

Best time to visit Italy

Spring (April to June) is a shoulder season, with mild weather around 15–24°C (59–75°F) and longer days that suit city walks and countryside trips. Summer (July to August) is the peak season, bringing hot temperatures of 25–33°C (77–91°F), busier attractions, and lively coastal resorts. Autumn and winter (September to March) are a mix of shoulder and low season, with 5–20°C (41–68°F) depending on region, quieter cities, and cooler conditions in the north.

Frequently Asked Questions