Flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Italy

Discover Italy

Discover Italy

Why visit Italy?

Italy brings together ancient history, art, fashion, and coastal beauty in one country. You can wander Roman ruins, Renaissance piazzas, and charming hill towns on a single trip.

What to expect

Expect vibrant cities like Rome and Milan, dotted with grand squares, churches, and museums, alongside quiet countryside, lakes, and coastlines that invite slower days and scenic drives.

Plan your trip

Italy suits short city breaks and longer journeys linking several regions by train or car. It is also a natural gateway for exploring wider Southern Europe and the Mediterranean.

Top experiences in Italy

Explore ancient Rome

Stand inside the Colosseum, stroll the Roman Forum, and see the Pantheon to trace the heart of the former empire.

Discover Vatican masterpieces

Visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, then step into St. Peter's Square to admire its sweeping colonnades.

Fashion and design in Milan

Browse the boutiques of the Quadrilatero d'Oro, visit design museums, and see the Duomo's intricate facade up close.

Cruise the Italian lakes

Take a ferry across lakes such as Como or Garda, passing elegant villas, gardens, and mountain backdrops.

Wander medieval hill towns

Roam cobbled streets, towers, and city walls in historic towns, pausing at small piazzas and viewpoints.

Coastal escapes

Spend lazy days on Italy's coasts, from rugged cliffs to long sandy beaches, with picture-perfect seaside towns.

Art-filled city walks

Follow self-guided walks through Italian cities to find public sculptures, fountains, and hidden courtyards.

Experience Italy's way of life

Getting around

High-speed trains link major cities like Rome and Milan efficiently, while regional trains and buses connect smaller towns. Renting a car offers flexibility for countryside regions and coastal drives.

Local life & culture

In Italy, daily life centres around piazzas, neighbourhood cafés, and family-run shops, with a strong sense of local identity in each region. You will notice a relaxed rhythm, with long conversations, evening strolls, and a deep appreciation for art and craftsmanship.

Where to unwind

Unwind in leafy city parks, lakeside promenades, and coastal paths, or retreat to countryside estates surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. Mountain and hill regions offer slow-paced walks, scenic viewpoints, and fresh air.

A taste of Italy

National dishes & specialties

Italy is known for pasta, risotto, and wood-fired pizza, with each region adding its own twist, from rich sauces in the north to lighter coastal dishes in the south. Classic desserts and gelato complete many meals.

Casual & modern dining hubs

In cities such as Rome and Milan, you will find neighbourhood trattorias, contemporary bistros, and relaxed wine bars side by side. Quick counter-service spots and cafés make it easy to pause for a snack between sights.

Signature & scenic dining

Seek out rooftop terraces, historic courtyards, and lakeside or coastal restaurants for memorable settings. Long, leisurely meals often stretch into the evening, with views over city skylines or natural landscapes.

Retail therapy in Italy

Malls & lifestyle hubs

Major Italian cities feature central shopping streets and modern malls with international labels, designer fashion, and home-grown brands. In Milan, entire districts are devoted to style, design, and luxury goods.

Markets & local crafts

Across Italy, markets offer leather goods, textiles, ceramics, and handmade accessories, with different regions showcasing their own strengths. Visit city markets or smaller town squares to browse local crafts and seasonal produce.

Evening retail scene

After dark, shopping streets and window displays remain lively, especially on late-opening evenings in big cities. Strolling and browsing become part of the nightly atmosphere, often combined with a drink or gelato break.

Best time to visit Italy

Spring shoulder season (April to June) offers mild weather, with average temperatures around 15–24°C (59–75°F) in many regions, blooming landscapes, and generally fewer crowds than summer. Summer peak season (July to August) brings warmer days, often 25–32°C (77–90°F) or higher, especially in inland cities, with busy attractions and a lively holiday atmosphere. Autumn and winter shoulder to low season (September to March) vary from 8–18°C (46–64°F) in many central and northern areas, dropping lower in the Alps, with quieter sights and a more relaxed pace.

Frequently Asked Questions