Italy combines ancient history, art, style, and scenic landscapes, from Roman ruins and Renaissance cities to vineyard-covered hills and dramatic coastlines.
Discover Italy
Discover Italy
Why visit Italy?
What to expect
You can wander Rome's historic heart, admire Milan's design and fashion, explore hill towns and lakes, and enjoy a relaxed rhythm of piazzas, cafes, and coastal promenades.
Plan your trip
Italy works well for both first-time and repeat visitors, and its extensive rail network and domestic flights make it a convenient gateway to explore wider Europe.
Top experiences in Italy
Explore Rome's ancient landmarks
Walk between the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill, then continue to the Pantheon and grand piazzas for a vivid journey through thousands of years of history.
Discover Milan's Duomo and fashion districts
Climb to the rooftop of the Duomo for city views, then stroll through Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and the Quadrilatero d'Oro for high fashion and design.
Cruise the Italian lakes
Take a ferry across Lake Como or Lake Garda, stopping at elegant villas, lakeside promenades, and mountain-backed villages.
Wander medieval hill towns
Lose yourself in stone streets, towers, and walls in regions such as Tuscany and Umbria, pausing at quiet squares and viewpoints over rolling countryside.
Drive or tour the Amalfi Coast
Travel along the winding coastal road between cliffside villages, discovering terraces of lemon groves, pebble beaches, and sea-view terraces.
Immerse yourself in Italian art
From classical sculptures in Rome to masterpieces in Milan's galleries, you can encounter works spanning antiquity to contemporary creativity.
Enjoy Italy's cafe culture
Pause at a bar or cafe for a quick espresso or a leisurely drink while watching local life unfold in the streets and piazzas.
Experience Italy's way of life
Getting around
High-speed trains link major cities such as Rome, Milan, Florence, and Naples, while regional services and buses reach smaller towns; domestic flights connect longer distances efficiently.
Local life & culture
Italy's days are shaped by lively neighbourhood streets, weekly markets, and evening passeggiata strolls, with strong regional identities in language, traditions, and style.
Where to unwind
You can unwind on Mediterranean beaches, in alpine valleys and lakes, or at countryside retreats among vineyards and olive groves across the country.
A taste of Italy
National dishes & specialties
Italy is known for regional pasta, risotto, cured meats, cheeses, and gelato, with each area offering its own signature recipes and seasonal produce.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In Rome and Milan you will find trattorias, wine bars, and contemporary bistros, where menus range from traditional favourites to inventive modern Italian cooking.
Signature & scenic dining
For memorable meals, choose terrace restaurants overlooking city skylines, hilltop villages, or lakesides, where the setting adds a special backdrop to your evening.
Retail therapy in Italy
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Milan and Rome feature elegant shopping streets and large retail centres where you can browse international labels, Italian designers, and lifestyle brands in one place.
Markets & local crafts
Look for artisan leather, textiles, ceramics, and paper goods in city markets and boutiques across Rome, Milan, and historic smaller towns.
Evening retail scene
In major cities, shops, boutiques, and galleries stay lively into the evening, with illuminated streets and late-opening stores adding atmosphere to your stroll.
Best time to visit Italy
Spring (April to June) is a shoulder season, with mild temperatures around 15–24°C (59–75°F) and blooming countryside, ideal for sightseeing before peak crowds. Summer (July to August) is peak season, especially in coastal and city destinations, with temperatures often 25–32°C (77–90°F) or higher. Autumn and winter (September to March) cover a mix of shoulder and low season, with autumn days around 12–22°C (54–72°F) and cooler winter temperatures from 3–13°C (37–55°F), fewer visitors, and a calmer pace.