Italy travel guide
Italy inspires awestruck sayings more than perhaps any country in Europe: 'All roads lead to Rome'; 'See Naples and die' (referring to its intoxicating impact not the driving). In his 1972 book Invisible Cities, Italo Calvino wrote that 'every time I describe a city I am saying something about Venice'.
Piedmont gave birth to the Slow Food movement, sprinkling new ethics into global consumption and conception. Italian artistry is revered: the glory of Leonardo among a host of Old Masters; iconic architecture, from ancient Roman grandeur to the sublime elegance of Palladio; an array of chic, contemporary fashion and design.
Piedmont gave birth to the Slow Food movement, sprinkling new ethics into global consumption and conception. Italian artistry is revered: the glory of Leonardo among a host of Old Masters; iconic architecture, from ancient Roman grandeur to the sublime elegance of Palladio; an array of chic, contemporary fashion and design.
Its empire once ruled the ancient world, but today Italy sweetly captures hearts and minds instead.
But alongside glorious towns, peerless history and irresistible food, Italy has truly bellissima nature too: wild and beautiful mountains; deep valleys, vast lakes and smoking volcanoes; paths tracing gorgeous coasts or vineyard-dotted hills. Italy draws passionate responses – and our Italy travel guide is happy to share.
Italy is...
passionate, colourful, sophisticated, delicious.
Italy isn't...
all coach tours, gondoliers and David souvenirs.
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Our Italy Holidays
Amalfi Coast walking holiday, Italy
Walk in lemon groves and hillside villages
From
£1149 to £1549
8 days
inc UK flights
Cilento and Amalfi Coast cycling holiday, Italy
Rocky ridges set between small picturesque inlets
From
£1499 to £1749
8 days
inc UK flights
Italian cooking holiday, small group
Immersive gastronomy & cooking trips in undiscovered Tuscany
From
£1450
7 days
ex flights
Sicily history tour, Italy
One of the most fascinating islands in Europe
From
£1449 to £1749
9 days
inc UK flights
Short break pasta making & Italian food holiday, Tuscany
A Tuscan food adventure, learn to make pasta
From
£750
4 days
ex flights
Sardinia walking holiday, Italy
Superb daywalks amid rich and charming scenery
From
£1249 to £1349
8 days
inc UK flights
Bergamo circular walking tour in Italy
Begamo; start hiking at about 5 km distance from the airport
From
€707 to €978
8 days
ex flights
Umbria cooking holiday, Italy
italian cooking in a farmhouse between Umbria and Tuscany
From
€1440 to €1650
7 days
ex flights
Mont Blanc Circuit trek, with hotel accommodation
Classic Tour, using small inns and guesthouses
From
£2699 to £2849
15 days
inc UK flights
Volterra to San Gimignano walking holiday in Italy
Picturesque Volterra and soaring towers of San Gimignano
From
£1635 to £1675
9 days
inc UK flights
Piedmont walking holiday, Vineyards of Barolo
A gastronomic gem quietly tucked away
From
£2095 to £2185
9 days
inc UK flights
Umbria self guided walking holiday, the North Valley
Along Saint Francis trails through the Green Heart of Italy
From
€800 to €900
7 days
ex flights
Umbria self guided walking holiday, Italy
Easy hiking tour, through vineyards and cultural heritage
From
€680 to €700
7 days
ex flights
Amalfi Coast small group holiday, Italy
Discover the Amalfi coasts villages, trails & local customs
From
£1049 to £1159
8 days
ex flights
Tuscany tours, walking and wine tasting in Italy
Walking and wine tasting in Tuscany
From
£1099 to £1499
8 days
inc UK flights
Tuscany walking holiday, Italy
Discover Tuscany hiking from town to town
From
€780 to €950
8 days
ex flights
Cross country skiing holiday in the Dolomites, Italy
A famously beautiful range of jagged peaks
From
£1279 to £1699
8 days
inc UK flights
Mont Blanc Circuit walking holiday
Probably the most dramatic walk in Europe
From
£1599 to £1649
15 days
inc UK flights
Amalfi Coast and Bay of Naples holidays
One of Europe's most dramatic stretches of coastline
From
£1199 to £1599
8 days
inc UK flights
Snowshoeing holiday in the Dolomites
Michelin recommended cuisine & inspiring walks
From
£1349 to £1799
8 days
inc UK flights
Italian food tours
Flavours of northern Italy on this special food-lovers journey
From
£2105 to £2430
10 days
ex flights
Mont Blanc holiday, Tour du Mont Blanc
The best of the Tour du Mont Blanc
From
£1249 to £1399
8 days
inc UK flights
Dolomites walking holiday in Italy
Sandwiched between the spectacular peaks of the Dolomites
From
£1199 to £1699
8 days
inc UK flights
Cycling tours in Italy, Dolomites, Lake Garda & Venice
One of Europe's unique mountain landscapes
From
£1449 to £1599
8 days
inc UK flights
Italy food holiday
Exciting quest discovering Italy's wine and food excellence
From
€2309
11 days
ex flights
Family activity holiday to Sicily, Etna to Isola Bella
Family active holiday to Sicily, volcanoes, walks & water
From
£990 to £1290
8 days
inc UK flights
Amalfi Coast budget walking holiday
The hidden trails of the Amalfi Coast
From
£585 to £710
8 days
ex flights
Italy island hopping holiday in the Bay of Naples
Explore Ischia, Capri and the Bay of Naples
From
£1349 to £1649
8 days
inc UK flights
What we rate & what we don't
Underrated
Inland Sardinia
Ancient Romans christened inland Sardinia’s wild mountains and valleys ‘Barbaria’ (barbarian) and left it unconquered. Now Barbagia, it remains untamed, the flanks of the Gennargentu massif carpeted with herb-scented scrub roamed by wild horses. Admire powerful murals in former bandit town Orgosolo, then hike from Is Muralleddas to Texil through woods of oak, chestnut, cherry and cork.
Proper Italian meals
Forget soggy pasta doused in gloopy tomato sauce. A true Italian meal skips delectably through distinctive antipasti appetisers, a small risotto or pasta course (cooked al dente and lightly coated with something interesting), then fish and/or meat courses, ending with sweet stuff and cheeses. Pizza should be thin-crust, herby, not too cheesy, and piping hot from a wood-fired oven.
Farm stays
Tuscany and Umbria have long led the way for Italian farm stay breaks (agriturismi) but recent years have seen a surge in places around the country like Cantabria and Sardinia to enjoy close-to-the-earth bucolic bliss. Options include rustic old houses with tiny groves, gritty muck-in farms or grand country estates with pools alongside the produce!
Underwater wonders
The Ligurian Sea has one of the Mediterranean's highest concentrations of whales and dolphins in the Pelagos Marine Sanctuary stretching from the mainland to Sardinia. The latter offers a host of memorable dive sites in the sublime Gulf of Oresei: submerged fossil beaches, mysterious ocean caverns and WW2 wrecks, as well as vibrant reefs and colourful swimming things.
Rated
Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi coast presents a sophisticated face to the Gulf of Salerno, beaches and marinas interspersing chic towns like Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi, with glamorous hotels dotting steep coastal hills. Unspoilt west coast hikes on the island of Capri plus the vibrant mainland port of Salerno contrast the glamour. And ferries beat the hairpin coast roads for getting around.
Tuscany
Popularity can sometimes make Tuscany's hills, vineyards and jewel-like towns crowded – but no less gorgeous for that. Florence remains a stunning backdrop for Old Master treasures, alongside Gothic Siena and Renaissance Lucca. The high towers of San Gimignano are an iconic Italian skyline. As for that wonky tower in Pisa, they're still pursuing the builder!
Umbria & Le Marche
Discover an Italian secret right next door to Tuscany. Vineyards and groves flourish in the lee of the snow-capped Apennines or behind cliff-backed Adriatic coves in neighbouring Le Marche. Medieval towns like Assisi, Macerata and Gubbio vie with Renaissance Urbino, gourmet Orvieto and vibrant Perugia. Hikers will love the Parco Nazionale dei Monti Sibillini and the stunning coastal Parco del Conero.
Coffee
There's more to coffee in Italy than just espresso and cappuccino (named after brown cowls worn by Capuchin monks). Ristretto is super-strong short espresso and lungo a gentler long one. Macchiato is espresso 'stained' with milk. For stronger cappuccino ask for it scuro. Marochino is cappuccino with cocoa. Caffe corretto is espresso spiked with grappa – a real pick-me-up!
Overrated
Cruise ships in Venice
The deep channel dredging done to allow cruise ships to sail up Venice's Grand Canal has scarred the fragile eco-system of the lagoon: disturbing marine life plus natural sediment deposition and vital water movements. And all so passengers too lazy to spend a few minutes in a tender can click pics without having to even leave their giant floating hotel.
Dolphin shows
Italy has five dolphinaria - Rimini, Oltremare, Acquario di Genova, Fasanolandia and Zoomarine – where dolphins are made to perform 'circus' tricks in cramped captive conditions that violate both national and international laws. Only two of the dolphinaria even have a license – the others are technically illegal. Morally, they offend too. Please don't go.
Costa Smeralda
Sardinia's Costa Smeralda is great to preen on a beach drinking cocktails and gawping at mega-yachts. Which seems a huge waste of a distinctive island rich with prehistory, lovely medieval towns, unique food and fantastic character. Even the beaches are better elsewhere on Sardinia: Nora with its Roman amphitheatre; La Pelosa; Baia Chia's towering dunes; the entire Orosei coast.
Tourist tat
From Pinocchio's nose to David's penis, if it vaguely has a cultural reference, you'll find it emblazoned on fridge magnets, key rings and aprons. Typical tourist tat flocks to Italy's landmarks, like pigeons to piazzas, and if you're looking for authenticity, steer clear of the stalls surrounding statues and opt for out of the way workshops, markets or agriturismo stores instead.
Food, shopping & people
Eating & drinking in Italy
Drinking cappuccino after midday is a breach of Italian coffee etiquette!Aperitivi are early evening bar nibbles (free or cheap) – particularly popular in Milan, Rome, Turin, Naples and Venice (called cichetti there). They're a great way to eat - and meet locals - for the price of a drink.
Italy now boasts a growing number of lip-smacking artisan grappas - Poli, Nardini, Capovilla and Tosolini lead the way.
People of Italian origin account for 40% of the population of Argentina – and 5% in the US and Australia.
Our top Italy Holiday
Amalfi Coast walking holiday, Italy
Walk in lemon groves and hillside villages
From
£1149 to £1549
8 days
inc UK flights
Small group travel:
2019: 21 Dec
2020: 15 Feb, 22 Feb, 29 Feb, 7 Mar, 14 Mar, 21 Mar, 28 Mar, 4 Apr, 11 Apr, 18 Apr, 25 Apr, 2 May, 9 May, 16 May, 23 May, 30 May, 6 Jun, 13 Jun, 20 Jun, 27 Jun, 4 Jul, 11 Jul, 18 Jul, 25 Jul, 1 Aug, 8 Aug, 15 Aug, 22 Aug, 29 Aug, 5 Sep, 12 Sep, 19 Sep, 26 Sep, 3 Oct, 10 Oct, 17 Oct, 24 Oct, 31 Oct, 7 Nov, 14 Nov, 21 Nov, 28 Nov, 5 Dec, 12 Dec, 19 Dec
2019: 21 Dec
2020: 15 Feb, 22 Feb, 29 Feb, 7 Mar, 14 Mar, 21 Mar, 28 Mar, 4 Apr, 11 Apr, 18 Apr, 25 Apr, 2 May, 9 May, 16 May, 23 May, 30 May, 6 Jun, 13 Jun, 20 Jun, 27 Jun, 4 Jul, 11 Jul, 18 Jul, 25 Jul, 1 Aug, 8 Aug, 15 Aug, 22 Aug, 29 Aug, 5 Sep, 12 Sep, 19 Sep, 26 Sep, 3 Oct, 10 Oct, 17 Oct, 24 Oct, 31 Oct, 7 Nov, 14 Nov, 21 Nov, 28 Nov, 5 Dec, 12 Dec, 19 Dec
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about Italy or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help.
People & language
Italian is spoken with passion, adorned by engaging facial expressions and gestures. It's a language full of grace too, a concept that extends to people via the prized concept of la bella figura – the desire to 'cut a good figure' in how you look and carry yourself.
Impress the locals with dashes of style, and avoid slobbishness that might prompt mutterings of 'Che brutta!' ('how hideous!')
Ciao (hello/goodbye) is best used with people you know, not strangers.
If unsure, stick with the simple basic greeting Buongiorno (good day).
Impress the locals with dashes of style, and avoid slobbishness that might prompt mutterings of 'Che brutta!' ('how hideous!')
Ciao (hello/goodbye) is best used with people you know, not strangers.
If unsure, stick with the simple basic greeting Buongiorno (good day).
Gifts & shopping
Italian wine and food. For wine, look for DOCG and DOC designation as a sign of a good local appellation, while DOP is a similar sign of a genuine quality Italian food product.Olive wood is used for beautiful carved items - and it's sustainable too!
First compiled 50 years ago, The Silver Spoon is a classic book gathering over 2000 traditional Italian region recipes.
Religious paraphernalia can make beautiful presents, even for non-religious friends – rosaries perhaps, or prayer cards devoted to a particular saint.
The first banks appeared in 12th century Italy – and a 15th century Siena firm remains the world's oldest surviving bank.
How much does it cost?
Meal in budget restaurant: £12
Cappuccino: £1
1.5l bottle of water: 35p
Train fare from Naples to Pompeii: £2
Ferry from Palermo (Sicily) to Lipari
(Aeolian islands): £30
Cappuccino: £1
1.5l bottle of water: 35p
Train fare from Naples to Pompeii: £2
Ferry from Palermo (Sicily) to Lipari
(Aeolian islands): £30
A brief history of Italy
Italy has suffered badly in recent years from economic woes that have seen unemployment rocket and austerity bite hard – making tourism an even more important lifeline. Many people bemoan rampant nepotism that denies opportunities to anyone without ‘connections’, while politics seems crazy to outsiders – notably long-time heavyweight (and several times Prime Minister) Silvio Berlusconi’s years mired in scandals and ongoing efforts to resist punishment after finally being convicted in 2013 of tax fraud. It seems fitting that a protest party set up by a comedian (Beppe Grillo) took a quarter of the votes in the 2013 election. But for many Italians austerity and social instability are sad detractions from the warmth of the people, and the beauty of their natural and cultural treasures. Read more
More about Italy
The best time to visit Italy will no doubt depend on whether you’re a lover of snow-capped mountains and winter sports or sun-drenched beaches and alfresco dining however, for those in the know, our month by month guide unveils a whole host of alternatives as to when to visit Italy & when not to.
If you’re searching for where to go in Italy and how to make the most of your time then why not check out our interactive highlights map that will take you all the way from the Dolomites and the Italian Alps in the north down to the islands of Sardinia and Sicily, further south.
Our top activities in Italy tend to revolve around the cultural history, the cycling routes, the walking trails and the fabulous hillsides that surround some of Europe’s most iconic cities however, if you’re after things to do in Italy, look no further than the food as the locals truly live to eat and do so extremely well.
Sicily is a Russian doll of an island. The closer you look, the more you’ll realise that everything from the food to the architecture is a puzzle of Greek, Roman, North African and Anglo influences. Sky-high Mount Etna is just the smoking cherry on top. Read our Sicily travel guide to find out more.
The Amalfi Coast jags along the underside of the Sorrentine Peninsula, dealing out cliffside villages and tiny polished pebble beaches along the way.
Travel to Puglia, and you’re diving into Italy’s deep south. Here, rural ways rule the roost. You can stay in masseria agriturismo and conical trulli farmhouses, and spend your days driving (or walking or cycling) from farm to vineyard to whitewashed city in search of some the best food and wine Italy has to offer.
The sheer mountains of the Dolomites aren’t just for winter. Cross country skiing and snow shoeing are the themes when the snow falls, but come spring you’ve got a region creased with impossibly scenic alpine walking routes and WWI-era cycle paths – plus a good serving of vineyards. Read our Dolomites travel guide to find out more.
Most feel feel like they’ve got the measure of Tuscany before they’ve seen it. Florence, Chianti, medieval citadels and poppy fields, right? Well…yes. But there’s also everything in between, from the mountainous Apennines to hiking paths between vines that haven’t made it out of Italy yet. Read our Tuscany travel guide to find out more.
Find out what Responsible Travel recommends if you’re hell bent on travelling in Italy with kids.
Our Italy travel advice page is just perfect for those who love to learn from the local experts with Marta Marinelli, Marina Caldera and Andrea Monti all imparting their pearls of wisdom in addition to our thoroughly worthwhile health & safety in Italy section.
From slow food and sealife centres to preserving rural communities and ancient traditions read our responsible tourism in Italy page if you’ve got plans to find out what you can do to travel right in Italy.
Find all of our Italy guides in one place, for Italy holidays in particular places such as the Tuscany or Sicily, or perhaps you would like to know more about the different types of Italy holidays such as walking or cycling.
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Photo credits: [Page banner: Rostislav Glinsky] [Is/Isn't: Fab Lentz]
[Underrated: Heather Cowper]
[Rated: Eric Hossinger]
[Overrated: grobery]
[People & Language: Alessia Cocconi]
[How much does it cost?: Jason Wong]
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