Overview of Italy

Despite the never-ending praise and accolades, travelling through Italy is an experience that cannot be overstated. The country really does have it all: diverse and stunning landscapes, incredible collections of the world’s art and treasures, a temperate and mild climate year-round and superbly delicious national cuisine that has everyone coming back for seconds or thirds. Even though Italy is one of the most beloved tourist destinations, there is more than one Italy for the traveller to experience—every region here has its own culture, cuisines, dialects and landscapes to enjoy.

One thing that does unite the country is a passion for embracing life to the fullest. There is an endless calendar of festivals, parties and celebrations that honour local heroes, a successful harvest, an important saint and much more. However, beyond needing no excuse for a celebration and party, Italians are proud of their heritage and incredible history. Few places in the world can offer visitors such an abundance of historically significant monuments and buildings. In fact, Italy is home to more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other country in the world. When you land in Italy, you might as well take the locals’ advice: slow down, breathe deep, enjoy your time in Italy—and promise to come back.

Top Things to Do and See

Wander through Florence

Visit Florence (or Firenze) to see the intricate and mind-boggling Duomo that was designed by the revolutionary Brunelleschi. From the centre of town, head to the medieval Ponte Vecchio bridge that arches over the Arno River. There are shops built into the bridge and can prove to be difficult to cross with the crowds that regularly hang out here. Try stopping by the Uffizi Gallery and Michelangelo’s famous statue of David, located in the Galleria dell’Accademia.

See the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Another monument that needs no explanation, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is a tourist favourite and a great spot to learn a little more about the beauty and odd geometry of the building. It was built in 1174 and Galileo used the tower as a place to prove his theory of motion and to experiment, while he was chair of mathematics at the University of Pisa. Today, one side of the tower leans an astonishing 5m closer to the ground than the other side.

Get lost in Rome’s History

Begin your history lesson at the Colosseum, the forum, and the Pantheon. The crumbling but maintained Colosseum with its colourful (and sometimes aggressive) “gladiators” make it easy to float back in time to a more gruesome era when men were pitted against each other and all matter of beasts. Once you are done reimagining history, you can head to Rome’s Capitoline Hill that symbolizes the heart of Rome and is a great starting spot for your visit in the Eternal City.

Enter Vatican City

Take an afternoon—or two!—to enter Vatican City and explore the history and incredible trove of treasures located within the walls. Vatican City is an independent and sovereign state that is best recognized as the Pope’s residence and boasts such treasures as the incredible St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museum.

Float through Venice

Climb aboard a waiting gondola and float atop teal-blue waters on your way through one of the most inspiring, famous and recognisable cities in the world. Marble palaces and garden islands rising above the calm waters are small parts of the city that make Venice a living work of art. Drift down the Grand Canal on the world’s most beautiful boulevard and see where Casanova was imprisoned in the Doge’s Palace.

Take a tasting tour in Tuscany

Picturesque and perfect, Tuscany’s rolling hills are a sight you have to see in person to truly appreciate. There are vine-covered hills, cypress woods, wide open fields of sunflowers and small villages tucked away on hilltops. Try a glass of Chianti, the best-known Italian wine at any of the number of wine cellars that are open to the public in Tuscany.

Seasonality

Italy is situated directly in the Mediterranean and is regarded by most as a place full of sun and mild weather. Keep in mind that while this may be true for spots like Rome near the tip of the boot, the further north you travel, the more volatile the weather can be. In the Alps, winters are long and severe. In Florence, summers can be brutally warm, and winters milder. Further south in Sicily and Sardinia, there are very mild winters and long hot summers (you can swim in the ocean from Easter to October!).

As for when to travel in Italy, the normal answer will be “any time”, but realistically you should try to head to Italy from April to June. During these months, the sun is warm without being stifling, there are flowers blooming throughout the countryside towns and the massive crowds of European tourists that hit Italy in high summer have yet to arrive.

Travel Tips

• If you are travelling from Australia, you will not be required to get a visa for any tourist visits shorter than 90 days.
• Be prepared for long queues if you are visiting banks, post offices or government offices—they are not unusual.
• Pickpockets and bag-snatchers operate most frequently in Naples and Rome, so reduce your risk of being targeted by using a money belt under your clothing.
• Rental car theft is a problem in Rome, Campania and Puglia. Try not to leave anything in your rental car—especially overnight as vehicles with rental stickers or odd number plates are prime targets. If something does happen to your car, be sure to report to the police station within 24 hours and ask for a statement so you can make a claim under your travel insurance policy.
• Italy isn’t a dangerous country for women to travel in, though forward flirtations are not uncommon in some parts of the country—the further south, the more prevalent. Extensive eye contact (or downright staring) is considered the norm. The best response to undesired attention or advances is to ignore them, or, if that doesn’t work, walk away from the situation.