Flights from Christchurch (CHC) to Italy

Discover Italy

Discover Italy

Why visit Italy?
Italy blends ancient ruins, Renaissance art, and stylish modern life, all set against coastlines, vineyards, and alpine peaks. You can move from masterpieces and monuments to relaxed piazzas and seaside promenades in a single trip.

What to expect
Each region has its own flavour, from Rome's grand boulevards and Milan's design districts to hill towns in Tuscany and colourful villages along the Amalfi Coast. You will find historic centres, contemporary galleries, and lively neighbourhoods in every major city.

Plan your trip
You can combine iconic cities like Rome and Milan with day trips into wine country, lakes, or mountains. Italy also works well as a gateway to wider Europe, with rail links and regional flights connecting you onwards after your arrival.

Top experiences in Italy

Explore Rome's ancient heart

Walk between grand ruins, historic piazzas, and imposing monuments that trace over two thousand years of history in the capital.

Discover Milan's fashion and design districts

Stroll through sleek shopping streets, modern galleries, and design showrooms that showcase Italy's contemporary style.

Wander Tuscan hill towns

Take a day trip to stone-built towns surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, with panoramic views at every turn.

Cruise the Italian Lakes

Join a boat trip on lakes such as Como or Garda, passing elegant villas, gardens, and mountain-backed villages.

Relax on the Amalfi Coast

Follow winding coastal roads above dramatic cliffs, stopping in pastel-coloured towns perched over the sea.

Admire Renaissance masterpieces

Visit Italy's museums, churches, and palaces to see renowned works of painting, sculpture, and architecture up close.

Take a leisurely passeggiata

Join locals for an unhurried evening stroll through historic streets and lively squares before dinner.

Visit vineyard estates

Spend an afternoon at countryside wineries, learning about regional varietals amid rolling fields and historic cellars.

Experience Italy's way of life

Getting around
Italy's major cities are linked by high-speed trains, making it easy to combine Rome, Milan, and other regional centres in a single journey. Within cities, you can rely on metro systems, buses, and trams, with taxis and ride-hailing services for late-night or shorter trips.

Local life & culture
Daily life often revolves around neighbourhood squares, local shops, and relaxed social time with friends and family. You will notice regional contrasts, from the measured pace of southern towns to the brisk energy of business districts in Milan and Turin.

Where to unwind
Italy offers many calm corners, from landscaped city parks to lakeside promenades ideal for a gentle walk. In the countryside, you can slow down at rural guesthouses, mountain trails, or coastal paths where the scenery encourages you to pause.

A taste of Italy

National dishes & specialties
Italy is known for regional pastas, slow-cooked sauces, and thin-crust pizzas, each with local twists and ingredients. You can also find cured meats, cheeses, and seasonal produce that vary widely between north and south.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Across cities like Rome and Milan you will find cafes, trattorias, and contemporary bistros serving both traditional recipes and modern interpretations. Food districts often cluster around historic centres and regenerated neighbourhoods, giving you plenty of choice within a short walk.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, look for restaurants with rooftop terraces, courtyard gardens, or waterfront views on lakes and coasts. Many venues highlight regional tasting menus and local produce, paired with Italian wines from nearby hills.

Retail therapy in Italy

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Italy's big cities feature modern shopping centres that mix international labels with Italian brands and lifestyle stores. In Milan and Rome, you can move between malls, department stores, and historic shopping galleries in a single afternoon.

Markets & local crafts
Open-air markets remain popular places to browse for leather goods, textiles, and household items, especially in cities like Florence, Rome, and Naples. Smaller towns often have weekly markets where you can see regional crafts and everyday Italian life side by side.

Evening retail scene
In the evenings, shopping streets in central districts stay lively as locals take an after-dinner stroll and window-shop. You will often find boutiques and gelaterias open late, with softly lit facades adding to the relaxed atmosphere.

Best time to visit Italy

Peak season: June to August, when much of Italy is warm to hot, averaging around 25–30°C (77–86°F) in many cities and coastal areas.
Shoulder season: April to May and September to October, with mild, comfortable days around 15–24°C (59–75°F), ideal for sightseeing and touring.
Low season: November to March, when temperatures can fall to 5–12°C (41–54°F) in many regions, with colder conditions in the north and alpine areas.

Frequently Asked Questions