Image: Allegra in Tuscany, Italy. (photo courtesy of Villas of Distinction)
Image: Allegra in Tuscany, Italy. (photo courtesy of Villas of Distinction)
Italy Today: December 12, 11:46 AM 62°F Broken Clouds

Italy Travel Guide 

It’s easy to see why Italy is one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the world. There are few countries as multifaceted and diverse as this fascinating European peninsula. 

Jutting into the Mediterranean Sea, Italy boasts some of the most varied and scenic landscapes on earth. The country is breathtaking, from its rugged snow-capped alps to rolling hills and azure coastline.

Italy is home to world-famous architecture, the cradle of arts, fabulous wine, and incredible food. 

This Italy travel guide will tell you everything you need to know about this country in the south of Europe, including where to stay and when to visit.

There are several options for getting around Italy, depending on your itinerary, budget, and travel style. 

If you plan a trip to the large cities in Italy and a slight detour here and there to small towns like Pisa and Bologna, your best option is to travel by train. Italy's extensive train network offers cost-effective, high-speed intercity trains and regional services connecting smaller towns. 

If you plan to explore the countryside and lesser-known regions, we recommend renting a car. Many of the smaller towns and villages off the main routes are only accessible by car. We rented a car for our Tuscany road trip and found the online reservation process simple and efficient. 

Busses are a budget alternative to trains in Italy but finding the best routes and services takes some effort. Flixbus has an excellent network of bus routes throughout Italy. 

If visiting Sicily, Sardinia, or the islands in the bay of Naples, you must rely on mainland ferry services. Different ferry companies run services throughout Italy.

Flights are available in Italy, but there are better choices than flying if you're looking at cost-effective travel and convenience. 

Top Things To Do

Florence, Italy
Spectacular landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture make Italy one of the world's most popular travel destinations. With so much to offer, it's no surprise that the boot-shaped peninsula attracts millions of visitors yearly. But you must plan your trip to Italy wisely to avoid being overwhelmed by an overbooked itinerary.

Important Things To Know

National Languages

Italian is the official language of Italy, and 94% of the population are native Italian speakers. 

Time Zone 

Italy uses Central European Standard Time (UTC+01:00)

Italy observes daylight saving where the clocks are switched forward by one hour in summer.

Florence, Italy

Florence, Italy (photo courtesy Exodus Travels)

Climate And Weather

Italy experiences mostly Mediterranean weather, characterized by hot, dry summers and cold rainy winters. 

But, with a length of 736 miles from north to south, Italy experiences a variety of micro-climates where seasonal weather can differ significantly from national norms.

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When To Visit Italy

Baglioni Hotel Luna in Venice, Italy.
Baglioni Hotel Luna in Venice, Italy. (photo via Palace Resorts Media)

Spring, summer, and autumn are all good for coastal visits but be aware that late spring and summer are busy. You’re likely to find yourself on packed, noisy beaches paying exorbitant prices to rent beach chairs and umbrellas. 

Large cities like Rome and Florence burst at the seams with busloads of tourists. You can expect long queues when visiting tourist attractions. 

If exploring the wine regions is your aim, then we highly recommend grape harvest time in the fall. 

The cheapest time of year to visit Italy is in the winter. Christmas markets, festive decor, and tourist-free museums and galleries make December a fabulous time to visit. But be aware that some shops and attractions may close or have restricted hours.

Best Places To Stay In Italy

Charles V Castle in Crotone, Italy
Charles V Castle in Crotone, Italy (Photo Credit: Brian Major)

  • Rome: There are so many incredible attractions in Rome that you cannot give this city a miss. Schedule a few days to visit some of our favorite sites, including The Pantheon, The Colosseum, and St Peter's Basilica.
  • Florence: We were in awe of Florence. Aside from an abundance of art, architecture, and history, the views of the surrounding landscapes are mesmerizing. We highly recommend that you indulge in some gelato while sightseeing. Our top pick is Vivoli Gelato, the best gelato shop in Italy.
  • Tuscany: Anybody who has visited Tuscany will tell you it’s stunning, and we agree. Tuscany is the perfect destination for a road trip. We rented a car and took a loop trip beginning and ending in Florence. You can add as many towns as you have time for in your itinerary - but be sure to include Val d’Orcia. In our opinion, this magnificent valley is a must-see.

 

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Laurence Pinckney

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Agent At Home

Helping leisure selling travel agents successfully manage their at-home business.

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Agent Specialization: Group Travel

Laurence Pinckney

Laurence Pinckney

CEO of Zenbiz Travel, LLC

About Me