All Posts, Country Guides, Europe Guides · Italy Travel Guide Italy is the country that travelers (including myself!) come back to again and again. They come for the history pouring out of Rome’s architectural ruins, the romantic canals winding through the streets of Venice, the rolling hills of Tuscany, and, of course – the food! Not surprisingly, Italy is home to the greatest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world. Whether you’re into art, food, architecture, or nature, Italy has something for everyone. Quick Info Capital: RomePopulation: 60 millionCurrency: Euro (click here for current conversion rates)Visa: 90-day Schengen visa on arrival for most nationalities (click here for more info)Safety: Ranked #39 on the Global Peace Index (USA is ranked #128).Language: ItalianTime zone: UTC +1 When to Visit High Season – July to August Summer is generally the high season in Italy and is the busiest time of year to visitDuring this time, be sure to book your accommodations well in advance as they can sell out quicklyExpect hot weather into the 90s (32C)When visiting during this time of year, you can beat the crowds by venturing into smaller, lesser-known villages and avoiding big tourist hot-spots like Rome, Venice, and Florence. Shoulder Season – April to June; September to October Personally, this is my favorite time to visit. You’ll have the best weather alongside fewer crowds. In the fall, you can see the grape harvest in October and the olive harvest in November Low Season – November to March Winter is generally low season, except for Carnival in Venice, which takes place around February each yearThe low season is a good time to snatch airfare and hotel deals This is also a great time to escape the crowds – you can enjoy all the hot spots without (a ton of) touristsI have visited Rome in November, Milan in January, and Venice in March – all were wonderful trips! Top 5 Bucket List Experiences in Italy 1. Tuscany Situated in central Italy, the Tuscany region is one of my favorite places on Earth. Sip red wine in Chianti, road trip through the charming villages of this region, or take a Vespa tour to admire the rolling hills up close. Tuscany should be on every itinerary to Italy. 2. Rome Rome is a city with layers upon layers of history. For over 2,500 years, emperors, popes, and artists have left their mark on Italy’s capital city. From the archeological remains of the Roman Colosseum to the largest church in the world at the Vatican, Rome is a city just waiting to be discovered. 3. Venice No trip to Italy is complete without visiting the picturesque canals of Venice. No matter how many photos you’ve seen or stories you’ve heard, you have to experience Venice for yourself. Don’t miss the mosaics of San Marco and, of course, be sure to get lost exploring the winding canal-lined streets. 4. Cinque Terre Cinque Terre, meaning “five lands”, is made up of (you guessed it) five seaside villages perched on the Italian Riviera coastline. These pastel-colorful villages are best explored via the cliffside hiking trail that links them together. You are bound to walk away with picture-postcard views of Italy’s most dramatic coastal scenery. 5. Pompeii Italy is all about history, with Pompeii being no exception. It was here that Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, burying everything that lie in its path in black ash. Due to the ash, this once thriving Roman city is preserved perfectly, with its streets and houses still intact – offering a peek into what daily life would have looked like over 2,000 years ago. Other Things to See and Do in Italy Florence- As the capital of the Tuscany region, Florence is home to some of Italy’s most famous masterpieces. Don’t miss the Duomo cathedral and the Galleria dell’Accademia, which displays Michelangelo’s “David” sculpture. You can also shop for Italy’s finest leather at the local markets for quite a bargain. Lake Como- George Clooney may have a monopoly on the best house in Lake Como, but this scenic region is still open for business for locals and tourists alike. With its dramatic scenery set against the foothills of the alps, there’s a reason why Lake Como is on most traveler’s bucket list. Milan– As the fashion capital of the world, Milan is the most modern of all Italian cities. Don’t miss:The Duomo Cathedral of Milan. Be sure to go to the rooftop to see this stunning architecture up closeIl Cenacolo Milan, where Leonardo da Vinci’s famous “Last Supper” painting is housed High-end shopping at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele IIMilan is also a great base for exploring the Lake Como region Amalfi Coast– As the southern sister to Cinque Terre, the Almalfi Coast is one of Europe’s most breathtaking seaside towns. Here, you’ll find high-end shopping, 5-star restaurants, and lots of limoncellos. This stunning area is best combined with a trip to Pompeii and Naples. Dos and Don’ts DO Expect to walk a lot – wear comfortable shoes!Do dress appropriately so you don’t miss out on Italy’s famous churches. In general, shoulders and knees should be covered for men and women. DON’T Don’t expect everyone to speak English, especially in more rural towns. Don’t get upset if the waiter doesn’t bring your bill when you finish eating. It is considered rude to give you the bill before you ask for it. Good To Know Airport- The largest international airports in Italy are Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport (Rome) and Milan International Airport (Milan). Getting Around- Transport around Italy is quick, efficient, and affordable. Trains are the best and quickest way to reach most cities in Italy, while rental cars are great for exploring at your own pace around small villages with no public transport. Money- Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Italy but do make sure that your card has no international fees.For cash, ATMs are situated in all cities and towns across Italy but be aware of transaction fees. Tipping- As in most of Europe tipping isn’t expected in Italy. Restaurants: A service charge is generally included with the bill, but if it’s not already included, etiquette is to round up the bill (pay 20 euros for an 18 euro meal, for example).Taxis: Tipping is optional, but most people round up to the nearest euro.Services: In general. if your tour guide does a great job, a small tip is appropriate Language- While English is spoken in most tourist destinations, it’s helpful to know some common Italian phrases: ENGLISHITALIANPRONOUNCEHelloCiaoChowThank youGrazieGraz-eeGoodbyeArrivederciAree-ved-ercheePleasePer favorePair fav-aw-rayDon’t mention it / you’re welcomePregoPray-goGood morning / good afternoonBuongiornoBwon jaw-no Ready for your dream trip to Italy? CONTACT US TODAY visiting Italy soon? Check out my other blog posts about Italy: How to Spend 3 Epic Days in Rome10 Photos to Inspire You to Visit ItalyHow To Spend Two Days In Venice DID YOU LIKE THIS POST? PIN IT FOR LATER!
