Italy
Italy is one of the most revered destinations in the world, and it's easy to see why. This remarkable land is rich in centuries of history, ancient architecture, active volcanoes, stunning coastlines, diverse dialects, a unique culture, and, of course, exceptional cuisine.
Geographically, Italy is known for its distinctive boot shape located in the Mediterranean Sea. The islands of Sardinia and Sicily lie off the western coast, while to the north, it shares land borders with France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia. The landscape is varied and mountainous, featuring the towering peaks of the Alps, Apennines, and Dolomites. Italy is home to more UNESCO World Heritage sites than any other nation, approximately 5,000 museums, and over 64,000 churches. Whether you are a historian eager to dive into the mysteries of Ancient Rome, an aspiring sommelier in search of the perfect robust Chianti, a photographer aiming to capture the beauty of Cinque Terre, or a food enthusiast hunting for exquisite truffles, Italy truly has something for everyone.
Italy is a wonderful destination for those traveling with children, and there are many family-friendly tour options ranging from Roman ruins and gladiator battlefields to ancient volcanoes and medieval villages. You’ll find a great selection of museums and monuments that will interest older children, while beaches and coastal locales are great for infants and children of all ages.
There is no shortage of shopping options in Italy – from high-end designer items in the fashion capital of Milan and the leather shops in Florence, to the costumes and jewelry in Venice’s Le Mercerie area, and Turin’s Via Polo where you’ll find books, antiquities, and vanguard shops. Meanwhile, in many seaside villages like Cinque Terre, you’ll find an endless array of goods offered by local craftspeople and artisans.
Markets are really what make the streets of Italy tick, and every village, town, and city has their own. Depending on the size of the locale and the products being sold, these can occur daily, weekly, or once a month. Markets are lively places where you can experience local customs, etiquette and see a cross- section of Italian society.
Most travelers start or conclude their journey in Rome. It's an essential destination for your first visit to the country. You will be enchanted by the city's rich culture, fascinating history, artistic legacy, welcoming people, and, of course, its delectable cuisine.
When in Rome, a visit to the Colosseum is a must-do. The Colosseum is the largest amphitheatre, built in 70-80 AD for gladiator battles and circus performances. Ticket options include basic access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, or upgraded access to the Arena Floor and Underground sections for an additional fee.
Explore Vatican City, and discover its impressive collection of art and sculptures. Visit the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel to see works by artistic legends, including Michelangelo's iconic "Creation of the World". See St. Peter's Basilica, and Michelangelo's "Pieta" and other fine art pieces on display. The lines to enter the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel are notoriously long, sometimes causing up to 3-hour waits on the busiest days. If you want to avoid long lines, go for a guided tour or a skip-the-line ticket.
Galleria Borghese is an art museum full of masterpieces from legends like Raphael, Caravaggio, Titian, and Bernini. You will need tickets and a reserved time slot to enter, but if you want to make the most of your visit, skip-the-line guided tours are available.
Visit the world-famous Spanish Steps. This stairway is one of the most popular places to visit in Rome, and frequently shows up in walking tours of the city.
You can't miss the Fountain of Trevi, where according to tradition, you're supposed to throw a coin towards the left using your right hand with your eyes closed and your back to the fountain. Don't hold me to those instructions though!
And you can't miss Piazza Navona, with its spectacular Four Rivers Fountain.
Exploring Rome's Pantheon offers you a blend of Pagan and Christian Architecture.
Campo de' Fiori is a famous square filled with markets during the day and a popular hangout spot in the evening.
Visit The Jewish Ghetto which includes the Theatre of Marcellus, Turtle Fountain, Via Del Portico d’Ottavia, and the Great Synagogue.
Rome's catacombs are also a popular attraction, and the catacombs of San Callisto are the largest of them all, with over half a million Christians buried there.
Most visitors stay within the historic center and focus their sightseeing around the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Piazza Navona. If you have more time, I suggest exploring a few other areas during your visit.
Trastevere
Across the Tiber river from the historic centre is Trastevere. Visit the Renaissance Villa Farnesina, walk along the charming Via Della Lungaretta which leads you to the main church, Basilica di Santa Maria de Trastevere.
Monti
This historic and funky district borders sites such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Santa Maria Maggiore. Once here, it is easy to navigate the city by public transit. Walk along Via Del Serpenti which has vintage shops, restaurants, cafes, and views of the Colosseum. Monti allows an experience of local flair while still being close to the tourist attractions.
Walking through the EUR district of Rome feels as if you have left the Eternal City completely. The area was designed by Fascist leader Mussolini to become the new centre of Rome. Visit the Palazzo della Civiltà del Lavoro, also known as the Square Colosseum.
Aventine
Walk around the Orange Garden and the Rose Garden, which have great views overlooking the city and ruins of Palatine Hill. Visit the Knights of Malta Keyhole, where you can see a little of St Peter's Basilica and surrounding gardens.
Prati
Prati is a quiet, upscale residential area outside of the historic centre. The main reason travellers come to this part of the city is to see the neighbouring Vatican, including St Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums. For shopping, head over to Via Cola Di Rienzo, where you can find high-end stores and Coin Excelsior, Rome's equivalent to Macy’s, but without as many crowds.
Ostiense
This is one of the cool and hipster neighbourhoods. Walk along Via Ostiense and Via del Porto Fluviale, streets filled with colourful murals and artworks.
Lombardy is one of the largest regions in Northern Italy, home to Milan, Bergamo, Brescia and the beautiful lake districts. You come to this area of Italy to retreat, relax, enjoy culture, activities, and all that the beauty of the lakes has to offer.
Milan is the second largest city in Italy and is located in the Lombardy Region.
Highlights include:
Duomo (Cathedral, Baptistery, and Treasury)
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
La Scala Opera House
Brera District
Sforza Castle
Santa Maria delle Grazie Church
Da Vinci's Last Supper
*Many attractions require advance purchase of tickets, timed entry and will sell out months in advance.
Stresa is located along the scenic coastal road that runs from Arona to the Swiss border, on the Piedmont side of Lake Maggiore.
The main draw in Stresa is the Borromean Islands: Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola dei Pescatori. Each island has its own charm, and all three are a short boat ride from Stresa.
Highlights include:
Sanctuary of Santa Caterina del Sasso
Castle of Angera
Museum of Dolls
Parco del Mottarone
Lago Maggiore Aquadventure Park
Distances from Stresa:
Lake Orta - 30 minutes
Lake Mergozzo - 20 minutes
Lake Como - 1 hr 15
Lake Garda - 2 hr
Milan - 1 hr 20
The city of Como is a beautiful retreat surrounded by medieval walls situated on Lake Como.
Highlights include:
Como Cathedral
Boat tours to Bellagio & Tremezzo
Basilica of San Carpoforo
Basilica of Sant’Abbondio
Basilica of San Fedele
Broletto (Town Hall)
In Tremezzo, visit Villa Carlotta, where you can view art collections including beautiful sculptures by Canova and the botanical gardens.
Experience an open-top Venetian water taxi along the coast from Tremezzo to Lenno to see Villa del Balbianello from the water and circle Comacina Island.
Cruise along the opposite coast to the botanical gardens of Villa Melzi before you reach Bellagio.
A popular thing to do in this area is to take a cooking class at the lovely fishing village of Mandello del Lario.
On the shores of nearby Como is the hidden jewel, Lecco.
Highlights include:
Ponte Azzone Visconti
Pescarenico
Castello dell’Innominato
Villa Manzoni
The Basilica of San Nicolò
Palazzo Belgiojoso
Piazza Era
Lierna
Riva Bianca beach
Consonno
Viandante hiking trail
Mandello del Lario
Varenna
Bellano
Montevecchia
Lake Garda has so many different aspects when looking out over its waters. Staying at Lake Garda will certainly ensure inspiration, relaxation and well-being.
You can drive the roads that circle Lake Garda in around 4-5 hours before stopping, so it is best to stay a few days here in order to truly experience the surrounding areas.
Highlights include:
Gardone Riviera - Sirmione
Scaligero Castle
Peschiera - Riva del Garda
Vittoriale degli Italiani
Garda Thermal Park
Museo Alto Garda
Torre di Arco
Varone Waterfall
Villa Canale
Punta Larici
Castle of Malcesine
Museo dell’Olio d’Oliva
Isola San Biagio
Rapallo, Santa Margherita and Portofino are towns along the Italian Riviera coastline.
Portofino and Rapallo are located less than 30 minutes away from each other by car or by ferry, and Santa Margherita is located right in the middle. You can also walk between all three for a very active adventure. The popular area of Cinque Terre is about a 1.5 hour drive away from these towns and not recommended to do in one day.
Portofino
Portofino is the main hub of activity, with its main square, La Piazzetta, located adjacent to the cruise port. The square is full of luxury yachts, restaurants, boutiques, and galleries.
Highlights include:
Castle Brown
Portofino's lighthouse
Giorgio's Church
Paraggi Beach
Santa Margherita
Highlight’s include:
Villa Durazzo
Baroque Chiesa di Santa Margherita d’Antiochia
Giò e Rino Beach
Rapallo
Highlight’s include:
Rapallo Castle
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Montallegro
The Rapallo Cable Car
Spiaggia Minaglia Beach
Cinque Terre
The Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a group of five towns located along the coastline of Italy. The towns can be visited by bus, boat, train, or by hiking trail.
It takes about 5 hours to hike the entire distance, not counting the time to explore in each town and can be done in either direction. In order to hike the trail, you have to purchase a ticket/card or be on a guided tour. You can purchase the Cinque Terre card at any of the welcome centres or with your hotel concierge.
The Amalfi Coastline is home to many scenic and charming towns including Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, Vietri sul Mare, Praiano, and many others. Salerno and Sorrento are at each end. A few towns are situated next to the sea, like Amalfi and Positano, while others are located higher up in the hills, such as Ravello and Praiano.
If you are travelling to the area from Rome via car or train or arriving by cruise, Naples serves as the gateway into the region of the Amalfi Coastline and to Pompeii.
To access the Amalfi Coast towns, you can drive, hire transportation, take the bus, join a tour, or travel by boat (usually a ferry).
Naples
In the historic city centre, see the Castel dell’Ovo and visit Piazza del Plebiscito, the city’s largest square. View the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola and the Italian baroque facade of the Royal Palace. Don't miss the San Carlo opera house and the Galleria Umberto I.
Explore the rugged medieval Castel Nuovo and visit the Vomero District for a walk to San Martino, the district’s highest point. The Certosa di San Martino, a former monastery now a museum, houses many Spanish and Bourbon artefacts.
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pompeii, about 15 miles from Naples and the closer UNESCO World Heritage Site of Herculaneum.
Pompeii & Herculaneum can be visited as a day trip from Rome, Sorrento, Naples, and the Amalfi Coast. For those in transit between any of these cities, Pompeii makes a nice, quick side trip. It is closest to Naples. Tickets are required and need to be purchased in advance. Normally plan to spend 1-2 hours here. In the summer, it can get extremely hot.
Salerno is a city at the end of the Amalfi Coast, serving as a major transportation hub and port city. Its attractions include Castello di Arechi, offering a panoramic view of the city, beaches, shopping areas, and the Salerno Cathedral, which features 28 columns from Paestum in its courtyard.
Ravello's Piazza Centrale is the main square and is home to the Duomo, cafes, shops, restaurants, and an art gallery. Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone can be visited from the square, while ceramics and limoncello are available for shopping.
Amalfi is one of the best towns on the Amalfi Coast. It is small and quick to visit. The Amalfi Duomo is the main attraction in town. It costs a few euros to enter the Duomo complex, where you can visit the Cloister of Paradise, the crypt, the museum, and the cathedral.
Positano is a breathtaking town on the Amalfi Coast with stunning views of the sea and a wide black sand beach. The colourful buildings that cling to the steep cliffs add to its charm. This town features some of the top hotels and restaurants in the region, making it one of the best places to stay and one of the most expensive! The shops, restaurants, and hotels are all located amongst the hills, so be prepared for plenty of walking up and down on staircases.
The main attraction in Positano is spending time on the beach, with a couple of options to choose from. Marina Grande, the harbour and ferry port, is next to the main beach of Positano, Spiaggia Grande. Fornillo Beach, which is connected to Marina Grande via a cliffside path, is not visible from the heart of Positano and can be reached by a 5 to 10-minute walk from Marina Grande. You can spend time at any of the beach clubs, such as Pupetto Beach Club, Arienzo Beach Club, and La Scogliera, which is Positano's VIP beach club. Most require reservations, and prices vary.
Sorrento is the perfect base to discover all the beauties of the Campania region, from the Amalfi Coast to Naples and, with only thirty minutes by yacht or hydrofoil, the mythical island of Capri. While it doesn't offer many traditional sandy beaches due to its cliff-side location, Sorrento's long concrete or wooden docks with lounge chairs and umbrellas provide excellent swimming spots in secluded coves.
For a stunning view of Sorrento, don't miss Piazza della Vittoria & Villa Comunale di Sorrento.
Meanwhile, Leonelli's Beach, Marameo Beach Club, and Peter's Beach are all located next to each other, just below Villa Comunale di Sorrento. They each offer various facilities, including sun loungers, changing cabins, and food and drinks, but expect to pay a fee.
Marina Grande is a beautiful marina with colourful buildings, piers, small fishing boats, and seafood restaurants. Though it's a bit far from the heart of Sorrento, it's worth experiencing. To get to the marina, take a 10-15 minute walk from Villa Comunale di Sorrento. The uphill walk on the return journey might be a bit challenging.
Marina Piccola is the ferry port in Sorrento, where you can catch a ferry or boat ride to Capri, Naples, or the Amalfi Coast. Piazza Tasso is the main piazza in Sorrento and where you will find most of the nightlife.
Take a short drive from Sorrento to reach Bagni Regina Giovanna. Here, you'll find a natural pool surrounded by ruins that make for a stunning hike and dip. You can also kayak to this area. Finally, don't leave without trying Limonoro's famous Limoncello
– it's the most popular place to get it.
Capri is a small island which can be easily accessed from Naples, Sorrento, and Positano. Regular ferry and boat tours run between these destinations throughout the day. The tickets and tours for this idyllic island do sell out quickly, so it's best to book in advance.
Once on the island, visitors can explore two towns, Capri and Anacapri. Those who prefer not to walk up the hills can take advantage of the funicular and chairlift, which offer stunning views.
For a truly memorable experience, take a tour that will transfer you from the port to the island. You'll get to see the Blue Grotto, where you can even take a small rowboat inside, along with other grottos and cliffs surrounding the island. This tour also allows you to spend some time on the island and see many highlights without having to take a bus, ferry, taxi, or walk a lot.
Tuscany includes many regions such as Siena, Pisa, Lucca, Livorno, San Gimignano, Pienza, Montalcino, Montepulciano, Volterra and its capital city of Florence.
Tuscany is famous for being the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, for its wine, and for its long list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Livorno
Located near the Livorno Port, the fortress is a historic landmark that offers breathtaking views of the canals and the city. Take a walk along Via Italia, a road which stretches from the start of the port to Parco Bartolini, offering coastal scenery.
Visit Mercato Centrale for local food and goods.
Many cruise lines list the port as: Florence/Pisa (Livorno).
Unless you are cruising on a small cruise ship, which may dock within walking distance of the Livorno city centre, the main port authorities/cruise lines will provide a short shuttle bus into Livorno city for you.
Distances from Livorno Port:
Florence - 1 hour
Pisa - 30 minutes
Lucca - 45 minutes
Siena - 2 hours
San Gimignano - 1 hour 20 minutes
Volterra - 1 hour 15 minutes
Montepulciano - 2 hours
Pisa
Pisa is a city that's hard to resist, with its iconic Leaning Tower as the main draw. However, there's much more to see, such as the Pisa Baptistery and Pisa Cathedral, both located in the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles).
If you're up for a challenge, climb to the top of the tower. Remember to secure your tickets in advance!
Lucca is a small yet charming town, enclosed by its famous walls, and well worth a visit.
Lucca is conveniently close to Pisa and can be combined into a single day trip.
While in Lucca, don't miss out on visiting the Lucca Cathedral and St. Martin's Cathedral. Climb the stairs to the top of the Lucca bell tower for great views of the town below, although be sure to purchase tickets beforehand. Take a one-minute walk from the Lucca Cathedral to visit The Church of Saints Giovanni and Reparata, which can be combined with the ticket purchase.
Lucca is also the birthplace of the famous opera composer Puccini. Be sure to stop by The Puccini Museum, where you can learn about his life and legacy.
Travel back to the Renaissance period and explore the Tuscan city of Florence. Walk through Florence's UNESCO World Heritage-listed old city center, Cathedral Square, where you can see some of the city's most iconic sites. Visit the Florence Cathedral and Giotto's Bell Tower, which dominate the skyline, as well as the nearby Romanesque Baptistery.
In Signoria Square, see the Palazzo Vecchio, Arnolfo Tower, Neptune Fountain and the statue of Michelangelo’s masterpiece, David. Visit the world's largest Franciscan church, the Basilica di Santa Croce, where you can see the resting place of legendary Italians such as Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei, Dante Alighieri, and Machiavelli.
The Uffizi gallery has a large collection of artwork, including Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus” and Da Vinci’s “Annunciation.” Book your tickets in advance for this must see attraction.
Palazzo Pitti is home to many museums, including the Grand Dukes' Treasure, the Palatine Gallery, the Imperial and Royal Apartments, the Gallery of Modern Art, and the Museum of Fashion and Costume. Don't miss the Boboli gardens.
Visit the Galleria dell'Accademia where you can see Michelangelo's, David. Book your tickets ahead of time or opt for a guided tour.
Exploring the Chianti Wine Region
Located just south of Florence, Chianti is a celebrated wine region with numerous appellations like Chianti Classico, Chianti Montalbano, Colli Senesi, and Chianti Rufina.
Discover together two of the medieval Tuscan hill towns in this region, Siena and San Gimignano.
San Gimignano, a town situated on top of a hill, is famous for its historic century walls, beautiful skyline, Romanesque and Gothic architecture, and its Piazza della Cisterna.
In the countryside outside of San Gimignano, you can visit many Tuscan wineries.
Continue to Siena, another town with many sites including the Piazza del Campo; one of Europe's most beautiful medieval squares. Here you can visit the City Hall, Siena Cathedral and the Torre del Mangia bell tower.
Some other monuments at the square include the Palazzo Sansedoni and the Gaia Fountain.
Montepulciano
Piazza Grande is the main square of Montepulciano. This area is home to some of the most important buildings in Montepulciano, including the Town Hall, the Cathedral of the Assumption, the Contucci Palace, the Palazzo dei Capitani del Popolo, and the Well of the Grifi and the Lions.
For one of the best views of Montepulciano, climb to the top of the clock tower on the Palazzo Comunale. You have the option to take the stairs or ride the elevator to the terrace and walk the remaining steps to the top.
There are numerous places in Montepulciano where you can taste the locally produced wine, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, ranging from enotecas (wine shops), to restaurants, and underground cellars.
Guided wine tours are recommended.
Montalcino
Montalcino sit’s on a hilltop, overlooking the Sangiovese vineyards and stunning landscape of Val d’Orcia. A visit to this small town is also a must for wine lovers.
Visit Enoteca di Piazza Wine Room of Fedolfi Andrea Sas , Enoteca Grotta del Brunello, & Enoteca San Giorgio for wine tastings. Cellar Tour.
Venice is an enchanting city that is full of romance and beauty. Take a walk through the canals, relax in a café, and explore the historical sites of this wonderful city. The city is made up of many neighbourhoods, some of which are popular tourist spots while others are quieter and more residential.
Head to St. Mark's Square, where you can visit St. Mark’s Basilica, St. Mark’s Campanile bell tower, and the Procuratie Vecchie buildings. Just off the square, along the Grand Canal, visit Doge’s Palace. Learn of its adjoining former prison, connected to the Palace by the Bridge of Sighs.
Walk along the Rialto Bridge overlooking the Grand Canal.
The Peggy Guggenheim Museum is a must visit for modern art enthusiasts, while the Teatro La Fenice is a historic opera house that still has performances today.
Visit Harry's Bar, a famous hangout spot of Ernest Hemingway.
If you're looking for a romantic activity, a gondola ride is a must. Negotiate the price and length of your ride with your gondolier before setting off. If you want a more hassle-free experience, consider pre-booking this experience.
Explore the mind of a genius at the Leonardo da Vinci Museum.
Explore Chioggia, one of Italy's largest fishing communities, known as "Little Venice". Transfer by boat to the Ponte di Vigo for views overlooking the lagoon. See the Church of Saint Domenico, Palazzo Grassi, Goldoni Palace, Chioggia Cathedral, and the St. Andrew Tower Clock.
Explore nearby Venetian Islands, such as Murano and Burano. Both are known for their colourful streets, glass blowing, and lace making.
Explore the history and culture of Romeo and Juliet’s Verona, set along the banks of the Adige River. The city is known as the setting for William Shakespeare’s famous love story. You can see the well-preserved Arena, the Piazza delle Erbe, cafes, shops, and the so-called Juliet’s House.
Cruise terminals in Venice where ships may dock:
Venezia Terminal
San Basilio
Chioggia
With very few exceptions, all cruise ships dock at the Venice Passenger Terminal. This main cruise terminal is in an area connected to the mainland by road and train. It has excellent access for all cruisers embarking or disembarking in Venice.
The terminal also has good connections to the historical centre by Vaporetto or Water Taxi and is less than 3/4 of a mile walking distance from Piazzale Roma.
To support Venice in their goal of preserving the lagoon's environment, sometimes ships will dock in Chioggia instead of central Venice. Chioggia is approximately a 1.5-hour drive south of the Venetian Lagoon, depending on traffic.
Cagliari, which means "castle" in the Sardinian dialect, serves as the capital of the Italian island of Sardinia. Exploring its narrow streets on foot is a delightful experience, as car access is restricted to residents only.
The main area of interest is the Castello district, perched atop a hill, which requires a climb up some stairs. If climbing isn’t feasible for you, an elevator located behind Piazza Yenne can take you up.
A must-visit attraction is the National Archaeological Museum. Just below the museum lies the Cathedral of Saint Mary. If you continue downhill along the road in front of the cathedral, you'll find a piazza that offers stunning views. The Bastion Saint Remy platform is an excellent spot to enjoy the scenery, accessible by either climbing or taking the elevator to the viewing area.
Don't miss the ancient Basilica of San Saturnino, and be sure to check out the Elephant Tower and San Pancrazio Tower, two Pisan towers from the 14th century that provide great vistas.
Indulge in Sardinian cuisine by visiting the San Benedetto Market on Via Coccu Ortu. For relaxation, head to Poetto Beach, the closest beach to the city, where you'll find a variety of bars, restaurants, vendors, and private beach clubs offering sunbeds and umbrellas. Near the beach, the Sella del Diavolo, a small rocky cape, is perfect for a two-hour round trip walk.
While some travelers will identify with the food culture of Italy, others will more closely align with the abundance of wine. While not an exhaustive run-through of suggestions, here are some of the more well-known regions and varieties:
For fruit-forward, full-bodied wines look to Puglia, where they use Negroamaro, Primitivo, and Uva di Troia grapes. The Veneto region is one of the largest wine producing regions, and due to its many microclimates you’ll find both hearty reds and fragrant sparkling specimens.
In Tuscany, the warm Mediterranean climate produces superb quality Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. Don’t overlook the regions of Montalcino, Montepulciano, Bolgheri, and San Gimignano for high quality reds.
Piedmont wines have a decidedly different profile due to the proximity to France and Switzerland, and you’ll find a wide range here – Nebbiolo, Barolo, Barbaresco, Barbera, Dolcetto, Arneis, and Gavi.
Sicily’s dark soil and volcanic hills produce Nerello Mascalese, Frappato, and the celebrated Nero d’Avola reds, as well as some white varieties, including Grillo, Carricante, and Catarratto.
Culinary
Gelato: We would be amiss not to mention gelato, or Italian ice cream (although it is typically made with milk instead of cream). Non-fruit flavors are made only with milk, while non-dairy options are called sorbetto.
Burrata: A fresh cow milk cheese with an outer shell made of mozzarella, and a decadent inside of stracciatella and cream. When sliced open, the rich thickened cream flows out.
Arancini: These Sicilian deep-fried rice balls made with tomato sauce, eggs, and cheese are a southern Italian specialty.
Cornetti: Crescent shaped pastries which are similar to a French croissant; a cornetto and cappuccino for many Italians is a daily morning ritual. The cornetto is often filled with pastry cream, chocolate, jam, or Nutella, depending on what is on display.
Bistecca alla fiorentina: This style of porterhouse steak is one of the most popular dishes in Tuscan cuisine. It is a higher cut, which includes the bone, is cooked on embers or the grill, and is often three or four fingers high – steaks are measured in terms of fingers in Florence! These large portions are typically shared by two.
Pizza: Naples is considered the birthplace of pizza, serving what many consider the most “authentic” style. A Neapolitan is typically tomato and oregano, or tomato and mozzarella. You can also ask for the Napolitano specialty portafoglio – pizza folded up like a wallet and excellent for an on-the-run treat. Italian pizza cooked on a wood fired oven tends to have thinner crust and less cheese than those found outside of Italy.
Penne - Short tubes, either grooved or smooth, best known with spicy sauce (penne all’arrabbiatta) in Rome and the Lazio region.
Fusilli - Corkscrew shaped and native to Southern Italy. Farfalle - Bowtie or butterfly shaped pasta.
Orecchiette/Conchiglie - The former resembles an ear and is famous in Apulia served with meat sauce and turnip greens; the latter are the shape of a shell.
Spaghetti - A classic in need of no introduction, these elongated, thin strands of goodness can be enjoyed in a variety of sauces and flavors and are sometimes served in cut pieces, known as spaghetti spezzati.
Tagliatelle - Elongated pasta often served with bean or meat sauces, or mushrooms. Tagliatelle has notoriety in Italy with the song “Le tagliatelle di nonna Pina.”
Ravioli/Tortellini - Squared or rounded, these filled variety contain meat, vegetables, or cheese depending on the recipe. Tortellini is often served in broth at Christmas, and be sure to try it in Emilia-Romagna – where tortellini are especially delightful!
Limoncello - This lemon liqueur produced mainly in Southern Italy is traditionally served as an after-dinner digestivo. It is served in small, chilled ceramic glasses and has a slightly cloudy appearance. Consumed on its own, or used in various cocktails, pastries, and ice cream, it’s a true taste of Italy.
Rome - Venice: approximate travel time by train is 3.5 hours.
Rome - Florence: approximate travel time by train is 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Rome - Milan: approximate travel time by train is 2.5-3 hours.
Rome - Naples: approximate travel time by train is 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Venice - Milan: approximate travel time by train is 2.5 hours.
Venice - Florence: approximate travel time by train is 2 hours.
Venice - Verona: approximate travel time by train is 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Venice - Como: approximate travel time by train is 3 hours.
Venice - Verona: approximate travel time by vehicle is 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Milan - Venice: approximate travel time by train is 2.5 hours.
Florence - Milan: approximate travel time by train is 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Milan - Como: 1 hour by car.
Language
The native language of Italy is Italian, a Romance language closely related to Latin. There are also more than 30 other spoken languages and regional dialects including French, Greek, German, Sardinian, Sicilian, Albanian, Occitan, Croatian, Slovene, Ladin, Friulian, Catalan, and Franco-Provençal. Regionally, speakers from one area are typically aware of features distinguishing their own variety of language from those of others nearby. Most of the country (93%) speaks and understands Italian. English is also widely spoken by tour guides and hotel/restaurant staff.
Currency
The currency used in Italy is the Euro. Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted.
Electricity/Phone
In Italy, the standard voltage is 220-230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. The plugs in Italy are Types C and F, which have two small round pins, and Type L, which has three small round pins. We suggest a multi-adaptor with different plug configurations.
International calling code (+39)
Films with scenes from Italy
Eat Pray Love
Only You
Enchanted April
The Talented Mr. Ripley
The Italian Job
Letters to Juliet
Oceans 12
Roman Holiday
Under the Tuscan Sun
The Tourist
The Godfather
Medici
Montalbano
May, June, September, and October provide the ideal blend of sunshine, dry conditions, pleasant temperatures, and smaller crowds. In contrast, July and August bring both heat and larger crowds.
Mountainous areas like The Dolomites are typically great travel spots from June through September or October.
