Italy is a country situated in Europe with 20 regions, each having its own glorious history, culture and traditions. It is the place where the Renaissance started and the place which gave the world Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Marco Polo and Christopher Columbus. The icing on the cake is the delicious food that you get to eat here.
You can indulge your inner foodie with decadent Italian cuisine, immerse yourself in the fashion capital of the world, drive through picturesque countryside roads, and travel back in time while visiting ancient monuments and art galleries. What more could you ask for?
CURRENCY | Euro |
CAPITAL | Rome |
TIME ZONE | India is 3:30 hours ahead of Italy. |
POWER PLUG | Voltage: 230V, Frequency: 50 Hz, Power sockets: type C, F and L |
INTERNATIONAL CALLING CODE | +39 |
TRAVEL SEASONS | MIN/MAX TEMPERATURE | SEASON |
Spring | 5-25°C | Pleasant and Breezy |
Summer | 18-38°C | Hot and Humid |
Autumn | 8-28°C | Pleasant and rainy |
Winter | -5-15°C | Dry and Cold |
Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Rainfall (mm) | 70 | 70 | 55 | 80 | 60 | 30 | 20 | 30 | 65 | 100 | 115 | 100 |
The best time to visit Italy is during the Spring (April to June) and Fall (September to October) seasons. These months offer pleasant weather conditions and lesser crowds. Northern Italy’s weather tends to be colder compared to that of Southern Italy. On the whole, the country’s climate is quite mild and predictable.
Food is music inside the body for Italians. An Italian meal without wine is like a day without sunshine. Spaghetti with tomato sauce, pasta, and pizza are as ubiquitous as vineyards in Tuscany. Italy is famous all across the world for its gastronomic delights. Regions in northern Italy are renowned for alpine cheese, risotto, polenta. Tuscany in Central Italy is popular for bean dishes, wine, and olive oil. Emilia-Romagna region is known for ragu. Hearty and vegetable-based food of southern Italy and seafood of Sicily or Sardinia also attracts foodies from all over Europe. Teetotalers can refill their cup of latte and cappuccino anytime they wish in Italy’s atmospheric cafés.
Italy is famous for a lot of things and some of them are shopping Ceramics, Wine, Gourmet food, Italian fashion, Artisan chocolate, shoes, and accessories. Milan is the top shopping destination in Europe to hunt for high-end goods such as clothing and fashion accessories. Ponte Vecchio on the River Arno in Florence is an ideal place to bargain for souvenirs, jewellery, and leather goods. Weekend markets in Venice and Rome are also popular for shopping lovers.
The official and most widely spoken language across the country is Italian, which started off as the medieval Tuscan of Florence.
1. VENICE
Venice is captivating. It draws visitors in with the beauty of its canals, its architecture, and the artwork that it houses within its churches and galleries. It seduces with its superb craftsmen, who create masterpieces with leather and glass, and it enchants with its food and drink. There’s nowhere like it on earth.
Venice is one of Europe’s most fascinating cities. For centuries, the small, former republic on the Adriatic dominated the Mediterranean, developing a sophisticated culture and creating architectural masterpieces like the Basilica San Marco and the Bridge of Sighs. Walking or boat tours with companies like Venice Escapes will make it all come alive in front of your eyes.
Places to visit in Venice: Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge, Doge’s Palace, Basilica Di San Marco Church, Piazza San Marco, St. Mark’s Square
2. ROME
Rome is one of the most exciting destinations in the world. The Italian capital has it all, nightlife, shopping, fine dining and entertainment, whilst being world renowned for its array of historic landmarks.
With its unparalleled history, Rome is the third most visited city in Europe and the fourteenth worldwide. It attracts visitors from all over the world who are impatient to discover the city’s impressive monuments and archaeological sites; not to mention its renowned cuisine and its lively atmosphere.
Places to visit in Rome: The Colosseum, Piazza Navona, Vatican Museums, The Pantheon, Borghese Gallery
3. FLORENCE
Florence is the capital city of Tuscany and the Metropolitan City of Florence. This city is endowed with rich historical and cultural heritage. Located between Piedmont and the Coastal Regions of South Carolina, this is the largest city in the North-east part of South Carolina. The Arno River flows through this city. The township in Florence was initially established as a terminal for railroads. The city boasts of wonderful theatrical performances, Ballet Company, and many such art and heritage and simultaneously preserves the comfort of close-knit townships with parks and streets lined with trees. The hospitable nature of the people of the South and soothing beauty makes it a must-visit location for the tourists visiting Italy.
Places to visit in Florence: The Ufizzi Gallery, The Duomo, The Basilica of Santa Croce, Piazzale Michelangelo,
Ponte Vecchio Bridge, The Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens
4. MILAN
The second-largest city in Italy should not be missed. The fashion capital of Italy (heck it’s the fashion capital of the world) and a center of finance, Milan is filled with countless things to see and do. Milan has no lack of Italian art in fact; Leonardo Da Vinci’s Last Supper is on display at Santa Maria Delle Grazie. The beautiful Porta Sempione City Gate stands proud as trams whisk you from one grand landmark to another. Plus Milan houses one of the largest cathedrals in the world.
Places to visit in Milan: Milan Cathedral, Sforza Castle, La Scala Opera House, San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore
5. PISA
Famed for the leaning tower of Pisa, it is often this one attraction that draws tourists to Pisa, but there are plenty of other reasons to visit and to spend a night or two. Located in the Tuscany region, Pisa is often overlooked as a city to visit as most simply go on a day tour to see the famous leaning tower, but with historic cathedrals and palaces and bridges, it is a wonderful place to visit.
Many people visit Pisa en route from Rome to Florence on a day trip, but we suggest spending at least a night to delve deeper into its top attractions.
6. BOLOGNA
Located in Northern Italy, Bologna is the capital of the Emilia Romagna region. As you probably guessed from the name, this is where Bolognese sauce originated! It follows that Bologna is one of the best foodie cities in Italy. In fact, it is widely regarded as the culinary capital of Italy. Other local cuisine to sample includes lasagna, tagliatelle, tortellini, and mortadella. I don’t know about you, but I’m already salivating at the thought!
Bologna is recognisable from the striking red colour of the buildings and rooftops. It is also home to one of the oldest universities in Europe. In many ways, Bologna has two personalities. One is of a wealthy, well-heeled disposition with exceptional fine dining, majestic opera houses, and high-tech business. The other is a more edgy character where students gather and the streets bring a gritty edge. This makes it an intriguing city that brings together a melting pot of people
Top three things to do in Bologna
Piazza Maggiore: The Piazza Maggiore is one of the oldest squares in Italy and is the beating heart of Bologna. It is recognisable by the impressive Fountain of Neptune.
Food tour: As the best foodie city in Italy, joining a food tour in Bologna is a must. Experience the local food scene and get insider tips on the best restaurants.
The Asinelli Tower: If you can muster the stamina to climb 498 steps to the top of this leaning medieval tower, you’ll be rewarded with some of the best views of Bologna.