Italy Travel Guide: All You Need To Know!

Welcome to Italy, a country which is not just some random place you visit, but a love letter stained with espresso marks. You may feel like you are time-travelling as you take a sip of that cappuccino while sitting next to a 2000-year-old building. Italy has to be the highlight of your Europe Tour Packages due to its painted ceilings, ancient architecture, and cheesy pizzas. We have curated an Italy Travel Guide that will let you in on all the information you need to make the most of your Italy Travel Packages.

Places To Visit In Italy

Looking for the best places to visit in Italy? Here is a list of places that are popular in the Italy region:

1. Rome

Picture cobbled streets, ancient ruins, Renaissance art and modern life, if you are planning to visit Rome. Toss coins to know your fortune, eat world-class Pasta and take as many aesthetic pictures as you want, which makes it one of the best places to visit in Italy. According to our Rome Travel Guide, these are the must visit places:

• Colosseum: The Colosseum is the largest amphitheatre in the world, which once hosted gladiator combats and now draws millions of visitors every year. It is one of the most popular Italian Landmarks.
• Vatican City: Welcome to Vatican City, the world’s smallest country, which is home to St Peter’s Basilica and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, and can be covered in 3 hours.
• Trevi Fountain: The best part about this Trevi fountain is that you can toss coins at any time in the fountain and make a wish, which will guarantee your return to Rome.
• Pantheon: The Pantheon is an ancient Roman engineering marvel that is a must-visit in Italy.

2. Venice

Italy welcomes you to Venice, the floating city, built on canals, and bursting with charm, making it surreal and stunning. It is one of the best places to visit in Italy, making you feel like you are in a movie set with the aesthetically pleasing Pinteresty set up.

• Grand Canal: The Grand Canal is the major source of the city’s waterway, and if you wish to explore the canal, the best way is through the Gondolas, or vaporetto(the water bus).
• At Mark’s Basilica: Treat your eyes to the golden glittering masterpiece of the Byzantine architecture.
• Rialto Bridge: The Rialto Bridge is supposedly the oldest bridge over the Grand Canal and perfect place for clicking pictures.

3. Florence

Another city in our list of best places to visit in Italy is Florence, where the Renaissance took birth. Expect art, architecture, and history oozing out of every cobbled stone.

• Uffizi Gallery: The Uffizi Gallery is home to popular works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and da Vinci.
• Duomo(Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore): This place is popular for it’s Brunelleschi’s magnificent dome.
• Ponte Vecchio: It is a medieval bridge lined with charming jewellery shops.
• Michelangelo’s David: It is the most iconic marble sculpture that lives at the Accademia Gallery.

4. Milan

Welcome to Italy’s fashion and business capital, offering an old-world charm with a modern style. It is the most cosmopolitan city in Italy known for its fashion and historic treasures:

• Duomo di Milano: The Duomo di Milano is a Gothic cathedral offering an epic rooftop view of the city.
• Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: Check out one of the world’s oldest shopping malls.
• The Last Supper: The Last Supper is the most popular masterpiece of Leonardo Da Vinci, a legendary mural, located in Santa Maria delle Grazie.
• La Scala: If you are looking for a high-cultural drama, then the La Scala is the best place for you. It is one of the world’s renowned opera houses.

5. Amalfi Coast

If you are looking for breathtaking views, jaw-dropping stretches of cliffs, vibrantly coloured villages, and sparkling seas, it makes it look like a dream.

• Positano: This place is famous for its pastel houses and surreal cliffside views.
• Ravello: Popular for its elegant villas and lush gardens.
• Amalfi: It is the coast’s namesake town, popular for historic charm and beautiful views.

6. Tuscany

Rolling vineyards and hilltop towns are what make Tuscany in Italy an interesting spot to visit. Witness mesmerising sunsets which seem like they’re painted by hand, so you can imagine how beautiful that would be.

• Chianti Wine Region: This place serves some of the best red wine in the world, so don’t miss out.
• San Gimignano: Explore the medieval hill town with ancient towers.
• Siena: This place is popular for its fan-shaped piazza and the thrilling Palio horse race.
• Val d’Orcia: It’s a UNESCO site that looks like a Renaissance painting.

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Italy On Honeymoon

Things To Do In Italy

While exploring the beautiful land of Italy, you might as well indulge in various activities:

1. Hiking in the Dolomites

Dive into the beauty of the Dolomites and go hiking, which is one of the best things to do in Italy, offering jaw-dropping views, dramatic peaks, and scenic trails.

• Best for: Intermediate to advanced hikers.

2. Climb Active Volcanoes

You can also go climbing active volcanoes in Mount Etna in Sicily. It is the Europe’s highest active volcano trek. You can also take a cable car ride or a 4x4 to the summit. You can also summit Mount Vesuvius, which offers an easy hike to the crater with views of the Naples Bay.

• Best For: For everyone

3. Kayaking & Paragliding

Kayaking and paragliding are some of the best things to do in Italy, and some of the best spots for the activity include:

• Amalfi Coast: Paddle under the cliff, waterfalls, and caves.
• Lake Como or Lake Garda: Calm waters and majestic surroundings.
• Venice: Go kayaking through the canals of Venice on guided tours.

4. Scuba Diving & Snorkelling

Go scuba diving and snorkelling and Sardinia, allowing you to explore the underwater caves, turquoise waters, and shipwrecks, etc. You can also opt for Utica Island(Near Sicily), which is Italy’s first marine reserve, making it one of the best things to do in Italy.

5. Mountain Biking

Mountain Biking is one of the best things to do in Italy, and you can try the activity in Tuscany’s Chianti Hills that combines rugged trails with wine stops. Dolomites are steep, technical rides with unmatched views, so that is a good option too.

6. Hot Air Ballooning

Hot Air Ballooning is another popular activity which is perfect if you are on a family vacation or on your honeymoon. Tuscany or Umbria are ideal spots for the activity, allowing you to glide over vineyards and medieval towns during the sunrise.

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Italy On Your Honeymoon

Places To Shop In Italy

When in Italy, how can you not go shopping, right? Well let’s find out the best places to shop in Italy:

1. Via Del Corso: Rome

Witness the radiating streets of Via Del Corso, which is the best place for shopping in Italy. The street offers a wide range of restaurants, shops, and historic sites. You can find luxury brands like Dolce and Gabbana, Prada, Moncler, and others.

• What to buy: Luxury clothes, shoes, purses, glasses, etc.

2. Via Monte Napoleone: Milan

You can indulge in luxury shopping at the Via Monte, where you will find the world’s top fashion capitals by shopping. It is perfect for picking up designer clothes and shoes. No wonder it is called the fashion capital.

• What to buy: Designer clothes, shoes, etc.

3. Via Giovan Battista Zannoni: Florence

If you are looking for a Florentine leather shop, then this is the perfect place for you. You will find high-quality leather bags, shoes, belts, Jackets and more.

• What to buy: Leather purses, shoes, belts, jackets, etc.

4. Mercerie: Venice

In Mercerie, you will find everything you have been looking for, from fashion items to jewellery to costumes, this place is a shopping boulevard.

• What to buy: Fashion items, jewellery, shoes, etc.

5. Via Toledo: Naples

Naples is one of the most vibrant cities in Italy, and the Via Toledo is the longest shopping street in the city. You can find numerous chain stores, department stores, and boutiques.

• What to buy: Clothes, jewellery, shoes, bags, etc.

Places To Eat In Italy

Italy is popular for its delicious culinary scenes, and you cannot miss out on these delicacies while you are in Italy:

1. Rome(Lazio Region)

Specialities:

• Carbonara: Pasta with egg, Pecorino Romano cheese, guanciale (cured pork cheek), and black pepper.
• Cacio e Pepe: Simple pasta dish with Pecorino Romano and black pepper.
• Saltimbocca alla Romana: Veal, prosciutto, and sage, cooked in white wine and butter.
• Supplì: Fried rice balls filled with tomato sauce and mozzarella.

Where to eat:

• Trattoria Da Enzo al 29
• Roscioli
• Pipero Roma (for gourmet carbonara)

2. Naples (Campania Region)

Specialities:

• Pizza Napoletana: Thin, wood-fired pizza with soft, charred crust.
• Sfogliatella: Shell-shaped pastry filled with sweet ricotta.
• Spaghetti alle vongole: Spaghetti with clams, garlic, and olive oil.
• Pastiera Napoletana: Easter dessert made with ricotta and wheat.

Where to eat:

• L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele (for classic margherita)
• Sorbillo
• Pasticceria Attanasio (for sfogliatella)

3. Bologna (Emilia-Romagna Region)

Specialities:

• Tagliatelle al Ragù: The original version of "spaghetti bolognese" using fresh pasta.
• Tortellini in Brodo: Small meat-filled pasta served in broth.
• Lasagne alla Bolognese: Layered with ragù, béchamel, and fresh egg pasta.
• Mortadella: Traditional cold cut, the ancestor of modern bologna.

Where to eat:

• Trattoria di Via Serra
• Osteria dell’Orsa
• Drogheria della Rosa

4. Florence (Tuscany Region)

Specialities:

• Bistecca alla Fiorentina: Thick T-bone steak, grilled rare.
• Ribollita: Hearty vegetable and bread soup.
• Lampredotto: Sandwich with cow’s stomach, a popular street food.
• Pappa al pomodoro: Tomato and bread soup.

Where to eat:

• Trattoria Mario
• All’Antico Vinaio (famous panini)
• Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori

5. Venice (Veneto Region)

Specialities:

• Sarde in saor: Sweet-and-sour sardines with onions and raisins.
• Risotto al nero di seppia: Risotto with cuttlefish ink.
• Bigoli in salsa: Thick spaghetti with anchovy and onion sauce.
• Tiramisu: Invented in this region.

Where to eat:

• Osteria alle Testiere
• Antiche Carampane
• Cantina Do Spade

6. Milan (Lombardy Region)

Specialities:

• Risotto alla Milanese: Saffron-flavored creamy risotto.
• Cotoletta alla Milanese: Breaded veal cutlet, similar to schnitzel.
• Panettone: Traditional Christmas cake with candied fruit.

Where to eat:

• Trattoria Masuelli San Marco
• Ratanà
• Panificio Marchesi (for panettone)

Best Time To Visit Italy

Now that you have already made plans, you must be wondering when is the best time to visit Italy, right? Let’s break it down for you:

1. Spring(April-June)

Spring in Italy is usually sunny, with mild weather and blooming gardens. It is ideal for visiting Tuscany because there are fewer tourists during this time.

2. Fall(September-October)

The weather is warm but not scorching, perfect for foodies because it is the harvest season, featuring truffle fairs and wine festivals.

3. Summer(July-August)

If you are looking for a perfect Italy beach holiday, then summer is the best time because it’s sunny, making it perfect for swimming and island hopping in Sicily, Sardinia, the Amalfi Coast, etc. Remember, the cities will be crowded and the prices will be higher than usual.

4. Winter(December-February)

If you are looking for skiing activities, then winter is suitable for you. It is perfect for skiing in the Alps and the Dolomites. It is also the time for Christmas and New Year, so you can make the most of the Christmas markets in Italy.

Suggested Read: Best Time To Visit Rome Italy

Best For Culture & Events

• Venice Carnival: February
• Easter(Pasqua): March/April
• Palio di Siena: July & August
• Opera Season in Verona or Milan: Summer or early fall.

How To Reach Italy?

1. By Air

From Outside Europe:

International flights arrive at major Italian airports:

• Rome (Fiumicino - FCO): Best for central and southern Italy.
• Milan (Malpensa - MXP): Ideal for northern Italy and business hubs.
• Venice (Marco Polo - VCE): Great for northeastern Italy.
• Naples (NAP): Perfect for the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, and Capri.
• Florence (FLR) and Bologna (BLQ): Smaller airports with access to cultural regions.

Major airlines from North America, the UK, Australia, and Asia operate regular routes into Italy.

2. By Train

Italy offers a perfect rail connection to the neighbouring countries:

• France: Paris to Milan or Turin(via TGV, around 7 hours)
• Switzerland: Zurich to Milan(around 4 hours), with scenic alpine routes.
• Austria: Vienna to Venice(around 8 hours) or Inssbruck to Verona(Around 3 hours)
• Germany: Munich to Venice or Verona(Around 8 hours)
• Slovenia and Croatia: Regional trains to Trieste or Venice

Use a Eurail or Interrail Pass for ease and convenience across multiple countries.

3. By Car

Italy shares land borders with France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia, making it accessible by car. If you are up for the best Italy Road Trips, then this is your chance.

Things to know:

• An International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required.
• Some countries require a toll pass ("vignette") for highway driving.
• Be aware of ZTL zones (restricted traffic zones) in many Italian cities; entering them without a permit can lead to fines.

4. By Ferry

Ferries connect Italy to several coastal countries:

• From Greece (to Bari, Brindisi, or Ancona).
• From Croatia (to Venice or Trieste).
• From Spain and Tunisia (to Genoa, Civitavecchia, or Palermo).

This is a great option if you're combining a road trip with sea travel.