Italy tours & holidays
Cruise canals, peruse piazzas and veer toward the Vatican
Italy may be one of Europe's most-visited countries, but finding your way around Venice’s canals, choosing the best place for gelato in Rome and knowing your agnello from your agnolotti are skills best learned from locals. Between tasting balsamic vinegar in a traditional acetaia in Modena and sailing past pastel-hued cliffside villages on the Amalfi Coast to sampling local wine in Tuscany's vineyards and admiring lesser-known Renaissance art in Florence, one thing's for sure: you won’t be going hungry.
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Italy at a glance
CAPITAL CITY
Rome (population approximately 2.87 million)
POPULATION
Approximately 59 million
CURRENCY
Euro (EUR)
LANGUAGE
Italian
TIME ZONE
(GMT+01:00) Amsterdam, Berlin, Bern, Rome, Stockholm, Vienna
CALLING CODE
+39
ELECTRICITY
Type C (European 2-pin) Type F (German 2-pin, side clip earth) Type L (Italian 3-pin)
Learn more about Italy
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Italy is during the shoulder seasons in April-May and September-October. These months bring gorgeous, mild weather perfect for exploring Italy’s coastlines, countryside and historic sites without the summer crowds. Plus, the beaches are still warm enough for a relaxing day by the sea.
Winter also holds a unique charm, especially in the northern regions. While it can be chilly in December, and snow may fall, it's a beautiful season to experience Italy's magical Christmas markets. Added perks to the low season are reducing your impact on over-tourism and paying a wee bit less for those flights!
Geography and environment
Sharing borders with Switzerland, France, Slovenia, and Austria, Italy also encompasses the independent territories of San Marino and Vatican City, including the islands of Sicily and Sardinia.
Home to mountains, volcanoes, islands, beaches, spectacular cliffs and expansive stretches of coastline, the natural landscapes of Italy provide dramatic scenery as well as popular places to explore and relax for travellers. This diversity runs from the icy peaks of the Alps in the north to sun-drenched beaches along the Mediterranean. The major cities of Italy, although industrialised, still retain buildings, churches and relics from the past. It's quite common to see modern shops housed in historic cobblestone streets and new Vespas perched beside piazzas.
In smaller cities and more isolated areas, rural life is a whole lot slower. Permaculture remains popular, with many Italians growing fruit and vegetables in their backyards. The traffic and frenetic pace of the cities give way to idyllic olive groves, vineyards and farmhouses.
Top places to visit in Italy
1. Venice
Oh, Venice. The city of romance, gondolas, Piazza San Marco and an endless maze of canals. With plenty of free time to eat, drink, shop and stroll, you’ll lose all sense of direction – but remember, getting lost in Venice is the whole point! Don't forget to sample a big slice of tiramisu (coffee-soaked sponge cake), the region’s specialty.
2. Cinque Terre
The footpaths between the villages on the enchanting Cinque Terre were once the only way to travel in the region. Hike along the rugged clifftops and discover olive groves, vineyards, breathtaking vistas and five pastel villages perched on the coastline – each more colourful than the last. If hiking isn’t your thing, don’t worry – just jump on the train
3. Amalfi Coast
Discover southern Italy’s dazzling coastline of cliffside villages and rugged terrain by land and sea. You might like to hike the famous Walk of the Gods, sip Campari in Sorrento, or tuck into traditional pizza in Naples – the birthplace of pizza.
4. Tuscany
There's much more to Tuscany than Florence's impressive Renaissance art and architecture – though there'll be plenty of time to explore this! From rolling hills and fruitful vineyards to charming fortified towns with their relaxed vibes, the Tuscan countryside is the Italy that continues to draw you back, the one you fall in love with.
5. Rome
Italy’s enduring capital, the epicentre of the fierce Roman Empire – Rome is a living, breathing history book. Dive deep into the city’s most iconic sites – the Forum, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps – and stumble upon the country within a city: the Vatican. Or simply sip espresso at one of the tiny streetside cafes and watch life go by.
6. Sicily
Sitting under the watchful eye of moody Mt Etna, Sicily is a taste of authentic Italy. Surrounded by a sea of turquoise speckled with volcanic islands, Sicily boasts diverse landscapes of rocky mountains, rural pastures, ancient ruins and villages seeped in history.
7. The Dolomites
Carpeted in wildflowers in summer and a blanket of snow in winter, the Dolomites are a breathtaking sight in any season. Whether you’re hiking the trails or just taking in the views with a gourmet picnic in Ampezzo Dolomites Natural Park, you’ll soon realize why this destination has a mighty reputation.
Eating and drinking
Things to try in Italy
Antipasto
If any country knows its way around cured meat and vegetables, it’s Italy. Discover salami, olives, artichokes, anchovies, cheeses, grissini and more, with each board changing depending on what region you find yourself in.
Pizza
If you were asked to describe Italy in one word, chances are someone would yell ‘pizza’. This carby dish is found all over, with regional specialities everywhere you go. And if you’re vegan? No stress – just ask for one of the vegetarian pizzas ‘senza formaggio’ (without cheese) and you’ll be set.
Pasta
Different shapes, different sauces and different preparations make this one of the world’s most versatile dishes. From a fiery penne arrabbiata and a creamy spaghetti cacio e pepe to a baked gnocchi alla romana, you really can’t go wrong.
Gelato
Traditional Italian flavours like bacio (chocolate hazelnut), amarena (sour cherry) and limone (lemon) are the perfect accompaniment to sightseeing on a hot summer's day. Stack the gusti (flavours) up on a cono (cone) or in a copetta (cup) for a quick snack.
Wine
Italy produces some of the world's best wine, so savour a glass (or three) of Chianti or Sangiovese with dinner. Most regions of Italy produce their own wine, but the area that everyone talks about is the one and only Tuscany.
Aperitivo
A classic Italian pastime, aperitivo hour calls for two things: to find a local restaurant or bar in the early evening, and to order yourself a drink. This is usually a light and dry tonic, but can be wine or a cocktail. It’s usually accompanied by some complimentary snacks.
History and culture
Italy’s history and culture are as rich as its food. From the rise of the Roman Empire around 750 BC, the civilization has captivated scholars, artists and travellers for centuries. With its intricate architecture, groundbreaking political systems and military prowess, Rome set the stage for what would later become the world’s most influential societies. Fast-forward to the Renaissance in the 15th and 16th centuries, and Italy was bustling with artists, scientists and innovators who transformed Europe and paved the way for the modern world.
Today, Italy is a lively republic, deeply proud of its heritage and passionate about its culture. Family and food form the bedrock of Italian society – meals aren’t just about eating; they’re daily celebrations of connection and conversation. Italians are known for living with gusto, savouring the simple pleasures and sharing them with loved ones. This zest for life is on full display at events like Natale di Roma, Carnevale and the Verona Opera Festival.
Money matters
The official currency of Italy is the Euro (EUR).
Major credit cards are widely accepted by stores in cities and tourist areas. Smaller cafes, shops and markets may not accept credit cards and smaller museums and galleries may charge an entry fee in cash only. In Italy, cash is king!
ATMs are common in Italy, so finding one shouldn’t be a problem in most towns and cities. It’s best practice to carry enough cash, just in case.
Italy travel FAQs
Generally, you will not need a visa to travel to Italy for a period of up to 90 days. Some citizens of a select few nationalities may need to obtain a Schengen visa before travelling to Italy. For more information, please visit the government of Italy’s website or the Essential Trip Information.
Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it is important that you check for the latest information. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government’s foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our visa and entry requirements page.
Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.
For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance
Tipping isn’t customary in Italy, but it is appreciated. Feel free to leave a small amount if the service has been particularly good. Some restaurants will add a cover charge or ‘servizio’ to your bill.
A coperto is a small per head cover charge (around AUD 1.50–5) that is included in some restaurants for servings of bread, oil, vinegar, salt and pepper at the beginning of the meal. If this charge isn’t mentioned and you still are served bread, expect to see an item for ‘pane’ (Italian for bread) on your bill.
What you wear in Italy will depend on when you are travelling.
In summer, loose-fitting cotton clothing like light T-shirts, shorts or light trousers is recommended no matter what part of the country you’re in. During the transitioning seasons of April-May and September-October, packing a jacket and long pants is encouraged so you can layer, if needed.
Winter brings snow and sub-zero temperatures to the north of the country, so if you’re travelling in Milan or the Piedmont region, pack warm clothing, such as thermals and thick jackets. A scarf and gloves are encouraged, too. For the south, you may not need all the heavy stuff, but having warm, windproof and waterproof gear is advisable.
If you wish to visit the Sistine Chapel and other churches and religious sites in Vatican City and beyond, it is highly recommended that men and women wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees at any time of year. If security guards or staff find you wearing immodest clothing, you will be denied entry.
Drinking water from taps in Italy is generally considered safe. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water instead.
Italy, like the rest of Europe, is well connected. Wi-fi is almost always available at larger hotels and guesthouses, either included in your room price, or for a small additional fee. Some smaller accommodations, such as rural guesthouses and homestays, may not have wi-fi available, or the signal may be patchy.
Many fast food chains, bars and restaurants also offer wi-fi connectivity, often with an access code located on a purchase receipt. Look out for the international wi-fi symbol, or politely ask a waiter if the option is available. Some major Italian cities also offer public wi-fi hotspots with registration.
If you do not have your own device, there are still some internet cafes in Italy’s major cities.
Mobile phone coverage is generally good in Italy. Your best (and often cheapest) option is to purchase a local SIM card when arriving in Italy if your phone is compatible and unlocked.
There is also the option to activate global roaming with your service provider before leaving home. Check the roaming charges before you leave home, as this option can often be highly expensive.
Most service providers have good 4G coverage in the main cities as well as the countryside, however coverage in the Alps to the north, rural areas to the south and some parts of Sicily may be patchy at times.
Western-style flushable toilets are the norm in Italy.
Public toilets are not in abundance in Italy, so your best bet is to use the facilities in museums, galleries, department stores, train stations and restaurants. You may have to pay a small fee to use public toilets – ranging from around EUR 0.50 to EUR 2.
Italy is generally a safe destination for LGBTQIA+ travellers. Same-sex relationships are legal and are largely accepted, with civil unions entrenched in law since 2016. Same-sex marriage is currently not legal. There are some anti-discrimination laws to protect sexual orientation and gender identity.
In more rural and regional areas, overt displays of affection can attract negative responses in smaller towns, which tend to be more conservative. Rome, Milan and Bologna have the largest gay scenes, and Florence and Naples have a handful of LGBTQIA+-friendly venues too.
For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting Equaldex or ILGA before you travel.
Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travellers seriously and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure:
From Australia?
Go to: Smart Traveller
From Canada?
Go to: Canada Travel Information
From the UK?
Go to: UK Foreign Travel Advice
From New Zealand?
Go to: Safe Travel
From the US?
Go to: US Department of State
The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.
Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. In fact, we make a donation on behalf of every traveller. Trips to Italy directly support our foundation partner, Cooperativa Coraggio.
Cooperativa Coraggio
Cooperativa Coraggio set up agricultural projects on unused public land to create local jobs and produce organic food in communities in Italy. Donations help their regeneration project on 22 hectares of land at Borghetto San Carlo Estate, located on the outskirts of Rome.
Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, whatever physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help choose the most suitable itinerary and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.
Despite Italy’s charm and old-town feel, travellers with mobility and sight or hearing impairments may find it difficult to travel around the country independently. Old cobbled streets and pavements blocked by parked cars are the norm, making it difficult for wheelchair users.
Despite this, much of Italy’s public transport system is mobility friendly. The service ‘Sala Blu’ (Blue Hall) is provided to travellers who require assistance at the 14 main train stations around Italy. These services include providing a wheelchair, a representative to accompany you to your train, another to meet at the other end, lift service to get on and off the train, and free use of baggage trolleys.
Many of Italy’s most-visited attractions, like the Colosseum, Vatican museums and the Uffizi Gallery, are almost entirely wheelchair accessible, with ramps and lifts available. Venice may be considered the least accessible, but it is possible. Bridges between canals should be avoided, but vaporettos (or water taxis) can be used, especially the routes along the Grand Canal.
If you do live with a visual, hearing or other impairment, let your booking agent or group leader know early on so they’re aware and suitable arrangements can be made. As a general rule, knowing some common words in the local language, carrying a written itinerary with you and taking to the streets in a group, rather than solo, can help make your travel experience the best it can be.