Whether your idea of the perfect Italian escape involves indulging in delicious food and wine, encountering historical landmarks, taking in breath-taking rural landscapes, encountering world-renowned examples of fine art or a little of all the above, how you choose to experience Italy is entirely up to you. 

But where do you start? Here are some favourite Italy experiences that are well worth  including on your Italy itinerary. 

• Explore Rome – Not just known for its vibrant culture, the Eternal City is famous for being home to a seemingly endless list of ancient wonders that you could easily spend weeks exploring. From the iconic Colosseum and nearby Roman Forum to the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and Vatican City, you can’t truly say you’ve seen Italy until you’ve seen Rome. 

• Tour through Tuscany – No trip to Italy is complete until you’ve sampled the delicious food and wine the country is best known for—and where better to do it than in Tuscany. With its lush landscapes of rolling vineyards and olive groves dotted with quaint and charming villages, Tuscany is the undisputed foodie capital of Italy and arguably the best region for savouring exquisite wines and indulging in regional cuisine. 

• Take a Gondola ride through Venice – A gondola ride through the enchanting canals of Venice is a magical and quintessentially Italian experience. Relaxing as the gondolier skilfully navigates the narrow waterways while you take in the city’s historic buildings adorned with intricate architecture is an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. 

• Relax Amalfi-style – This stunning coastal region in southern Italy which is home to the likes of Amalfi, Positano and Revello, is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, colourful seaside villages and crystal-clear waters. Offering breath-taking views, delicious cuisine and a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere, it’s the perfect destination if you’re after some seaside R&R. 

• Cruise the Italian Lakes – There’s a reason why destinations such as Lake Como, Lake Maggiore and Lake Garda have become favourites amongst the rich and famous—not only do they serve up some seriously impressive natural beauty, but they also provide the perfect opportunity to enjoy some water activities or simply relax and explore the charming towns that dot their shores. 

Climate 

Italy experiences a diverse climate that varies from the north to the south of the country, making it an attractive destination year-round. 

In the northern regions including cities like Milan and Venice, the climate is continental, characterised by cold winters and warm summers, while central Italy which includes cities like Florence and Rome, has a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers.  

The southern regions, including Naples and Sicily, also have a Mediterranean climate but with milder winters and hotter summers, while coastal areas generally enjoy milder temperatures compared to inland regions.  

Culture and language 

The official language spoken in Italy is Italian (Italiano). Many Italians, especially in urban and tourist areas, have a basic to advanced understanding of English, making it quite easy to get by as an English speaker. You might encounter fewer English speakers in rural or less touristy areas, however, Italians are generally welcoming and appreciative when visitors make an effort to speak Italian, even if it’s just a few basic phrases. 

Italy is known for its vibrant culture with a deep appreciation for art, history, family bonds and culinary delights, typically fostering a warm and passionate way of life. 

The majority of Italians identify as Catholic and the Catholic Church has deep historical and cultural roots in Italy. The influence of the Catholic Church is evident in various aspects of Italian life including traditions, holidays and social norms. 

Getting around 

Walking is generally the best way to explore Italy’s historic cities which are known for their narrow cobblestone streets filled with hidden gems. Major cities like Rome, Florence and Milan also feature extensive public transportation systems including buses and metro services which provide convenient access to key attractions.  

When travelling longer distances between cities, Italy’s well-connected train network is an affordable and comfortable way to travel that also allows you to take in the beautiful scenery. 

Accommodation

You’ll find a wide variety of accommodation options throughout Italy including hotels, bed and breakfasts, serviced apartments, private holiday home rentals, backpacker hostels and guest houses. 

Accommodation can be expensive in some locations, so it’s worthwhile doing your research to find the most suitable option/s. 

Entry requirements 

Italy forms part of the Schengen Area, a group of European countries which allows Australians to travel freely for tourism purposes without a visa for up to 90 days. 

It’s always a good idea to visit the Australian government’s Smartraveller website and the website for your closest Italian embassy before your trip for the latest information and updates about travelling to Italy. 

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All set for your trip to Italy?  

Make sure you’ve ticked these items off your checklist before you head off: 

• Check your passport is valid with at least 6 months of validity left from the date you plan to leave the country 

• Ensure you meet the visitor entry requirements for Italy 

• Speak to your doctor to find out if you require any travel vaccinations 

• Arrange a travel currency card or another method of payment to cover expenses while you’re away. It’s also a good idea to take some Euro (EUR) with you as some places may prefer cash payments 

• Notify your financial institution of your plans to travel 

• Contact your phone provider to ensure your phone plan will cover you while you’re away or purchase a pre-paid international sim card 

• Arrange accommodation for each location you plan to stay in 

• Consider booking any tours or activities you want to do in advance. This is particularly important if you want to see major attractions like Da Vinci’s Last Supper in Milan or Giotto’s frescoes at the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua which you’ll need to book well in advance 

• Provide details of your travel plans to a family member or close friend not travelling with you so you can be contacted in case of an emergency 

• Save the details of how to access emergency consular assistance in case you need it 

• Organise your travel insurance with PassportCard.