fbpx
Menu

Italy Travel Guide

Italy, Italy Travel Guide
Italy
Italy

“You may have the universe if I may have Italy.”

Guiseppe Verdi
Italy, Italy Travel Guide

Top Seven Destinations In Italy

  1. Florence and Tuscany Situated on the River Arno, spanned by the beautiful Pont Vecchio, a picturesque small old city with a vibrant young personality. The striking Duomo, Michelangelo’s statue of David, incredible museums, a rich history, Florentine steak, delectable gelato, and dramatic scenery draw many to Florence. Add to that nearby Tuscany and the lovely hill towns, excellent wineries scattered among the rural countryside, and perfect rolling hills make this the ideal destination. Our favorite town is Siena, but there are so many wonderful hill towns.
  2. Venice Is one of our favorites. With its dramatic structures on the waterways, this enchanting city captures your heart with its magical ambiance. Wander the backstreets away from tourists in the later hours, and the mystery of this city envelopes you. There is history, architecture, and museums, and you are a short ride away from the islands of Murano and Burano. So much to offer and love.
  3. Amalfi Coast The lush green of the Mediterranean, the turquoise blue of the seas, the magnificent architecture, and the views take your breath away. Bays, cliffs, inlets, and villages are built into the mountains. Villages such as Furore, Positano, Ravella, Atrani, Minori, and many more will make you wish you could stay forever.
  4. Sorrento The coast has hidden bays, deep gorges, beaches, cliffs plunging into the sea, and delicious limoncello from locally grown lemons. The resort of Sorrento is known for its beautiful architecture and history.
  5. Pompeii is a petrified ancient Roman city frozen in time. Visit this gorgeous city, then hike to the top of the Volcano. It is also one of the most important archaeological sites in the world.
  6. Rome Italy’s gritty capital city, is known as the Eternal City and was once the center of the vast ancient Roman empire and is almost 3000 years old. This makes a rich historical experience with enormous amounts of priceless works of art, palaces, churches, lovely parks and gardens, architectural wonders such as the Coliseum, and too many impressive monuments to count. Wander down a regular street, and you come across an archeological site. Throw in the Vatican, renowned cuisine, and lively shopping and nightlife; there is something for everyone.
  7. Cinque Terre Is five ancient cities perched on cliffs above the Mediterranean ocean. Colorful homes seem carved into the steep rocks and cliffs. It’s hard to describe the wonder of these five cities of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza, Corniglia, and Monterosso. They are so magnificent that they are surreal. The “Milk train” brings you to these treasures; stay the night if you can; it is extraordinary after the crowds leave. Manarola, the picture here, is our favorite by far.

Did you know?

Italy Stats

  • Population: 62.4 million
  • Capital City: Rome
  • Currency: Euro (EUR)
  • Government type: Parliamentary Republic
  • President: Sergio Mattarella
  • U.S. State Department Risk Level
  • Ethnic groups: Italian (includes small clusters of German, French, and Slovene-Italians in the north and Albanian-Italians and Greek-Italians in the South)
  • Languages: Italian (official), German (parts of Trentino-Alto Adige region are predominantly German-speaking), French (small French-speaking minority in Valle d’Aosta region), Slovene (Slovene-speaking minority in the Trieste-Gorizia area)
  • Religions: Christian 83.3% (overwhelmingly Roman Catholic with tiny groups of Jehovah’s Witnesses and Protestants), Muslim 3.7%, unaffiliated 12.4%
  • State Department Travel Advisory Level: 3 due to Covid and Terrorism
  • The name Italy comes from the word Italia, meaning “calf land,” perhaps because the bull symbolized the Southern Italian tribes.
  • The official name of Italy is the Italian Republic.
  • Almost four-fifths of Italy is either mountainous or rolling hills.
  • Italy suffers more earthquakes than any other European nation.
  • GDP of 1.989 trillion Ranks 12th in the world.
  • It is the world’s 7th largest economy.
  • The highest peak in Europe is in Italy. Monte Bianco (White Mountain) is 15,771 feet high and is part of the Alps.
  • Rome is almost 3000 years old (753 bc).
  • Italy’s national day is the Festa Della Repubblica, which occurs on June 2nd.
  • Over 50 million tourists visit Italy a year. Tourism provides over 60% of the national income.
  • Italy has the most Unesco Sites in the world, 51.
  • Italy’s birthrate is the second-lowest in the Western world.
  • Italy is home to three active volcanoes; Etna, Stromboli, and Vesuvius.
  • There are 1,500 lakes in Italy.
  • Italians’ Inventions: the thermometer, batteries, eyeglasses, jacuzzi, piano, ice cream cone, espresso machine, and pretzels.
  • Significant industries in Italy: Wine, tourism, machinery, iron, steel, chemicals, food processing, textiles, cars, clothing, footwear, and ceramics.
  • Life Expectancy 83 years old, ranking 8 in the world.
  • Literacy Rate 99%.

Funs facts

  • Parmesan cheese originated in the area around Parma, Italy. Italians also created many other kinds of cheese, including gorgonzola, mozzarella, provolone, and ricotta. No one knows when pizza was invented, but the people of Naples made it popular.
  • From 1861 to 1985, more than 26 million people left Italy (mainly from the South) to seek a better life. One in four eventually returned.
  • Soccer is Italy’s most popular sport. Italy has won the World Cup four times (1934, 1938, 1982, and 2006), making the country’s team second only to Brazil’s number of wins.
  • Italy has hosted the Olympic Games three times (1956, 1960, 2006).
  • The first violin appeared in Italy in the 1500s.
  • The Arabs brought dried pasta to Italy in the thirteenth century.
  • The world’s first operas were composed in Italy at the end of the sixteenth century. 
  • Italy was one of the E.U. founders and is a member of the Group of Eight (G8), a forum for eight of the world’s most powerful nations.
  • The Adventures of Pinocchio was first published in Italy.
  • The Sistine Chapel welcomes over 20,000 visitors per day.
  • Italian citizens at least 18 years old can vote for the lower house of the parliament, the Chamber of Deputies. Citizens at least 25 years old can vote for the 315 members of the upper house, the Senate.
  • The country was under a dictatorship for 20 years. The fascist dictator Benito Mussolini ruled over Italy from 1925 until 1945.
  • The first bank started in Italy.
  • Three of Shakespeare’s 38 plays are set in Italy.
  • The Leaning Tower of Pisa was built in 1173 and began to lean soon after, probably due to a poorly laid foundation.
  • People throw €1,000,000 into the Trevi fountain each year.
  • Italy is home to the world’s oldest university, the University of Bologna, founded in 1088.
  • Some of the world’s greatest artists and writers, such as Michelangelo and Dante DaVinci, originate from Italy.
  • Italy has more masterpieces per square mile than any other country.
  • Ballet originated in Italy in the 15th century.
  • Italy is the world’s largest wine producer.
  • There are 21 letters in the standard Italian alphabet, missing J, K, W, X, and Y.
  • Vatican City is the smallest country in the world. You can mail a letter within Vatican City as it has its own postmark.

Italy Map

Good to know before you go

  • Tipping is not needed in Italy as it is included in your bill. It is not customary or expected. This includes restaurants, cab drivers, porters, bartenders, and other service workers. Tipping extra for exceptional service is always welcomed.
  • Credit cards are accepted everywhere. Always have some cash for low-priced items like espresso or treats. Markets prefer cash.
  • Overall, the clothing is stylish and well-kept. Italians are casual dressers, often wearing jeans and comfortable shoes. You will find very well-dressed Italians in the cities. They are very trendy and fashion-conscious. It is home to top designers Armani, Versace, and Prada, after all.
  • Wear good sturdy shoes. This is an old country with many cobblestone streets, uneven pavement, potholes, and streets so narrow that cars brush you.
  • The Italian roads are good. Major highways are easy to negotiate, and back roads, even in small towns, are safe but narrow. Mountain roads might be best if you had some sense of adventure. Toll roads, “autostrada,” with the letter A, are very modern. Speed traps and cameras are common. Italians drive fast but don’t tend to be aggressive. An International driver’s license is important in Italy.
  • Without a rental, you will miss so much of the magic of Italy. There are off-beaten villages, tiny wineries, and wonderful eateries awaiting your discovery. So much to love!!
  • Visiting the Vatican is incredible but can be time-consuming and involves a lot of time in line. Research tours that avoid the queue.
  • Italians are big on first impressions; as you meet these lovely people, show politeness and respect, especially in business interactions.
  • Italians are not the most timely of people; they are often late. Plan for that and know this is part of their charm.
  • Italians do love their hand gestures and facial expressions. It can be pretty entertaining and keep you engaged. Raised voices may seem as if they are mad, but they are just passionate and expressive.
  • Oh, the fantastic Italian coffee. You will find coffee counters everywhere. Walk up, ask for espresso or cappuccino, and a couple of euros (best deal anywhere), and you will be handed a rich, delicious coffee. It often comes with a small biscotti. People usually drink this standing, then move on. Or sit and people-watch. But don’t ask for a to-go cup; it is frowned upon.
  • Some restaurants are known to play a bit unfairly, so be careful. Know the price of what you are ordering. You may find yourself overcharged; look closely. Avoid food with prices based on weight; they can be exorbitant.
  • We suggest using Uber or other such services in Italy, especially Rome. Taxis we felt were a risk. We had a scary cab experience in Rome. Our driver demanded more money at our final destination, and when we said that was not what we agreed to, the driver accelerated the vehicle as we tried to get out. In each attempt to leave the car, he repeated it. We paid it as we felt he could harm us. We picked this cab up in front of the Vatican, where many cabs were lined up.
  • Italian meals are relaxed and slow. It is meant to be a gathering time to socialize and enjoy delicious food.
  • You will often see a small cover charge for restaurants of up to 5 euros on your bill. This is meant to “reserve” your table. It is yours for the night, however long you wish to stay. You will not be rushed, so enjoy that glass of wine or espresso.
  • Walking in Italy is a risk as drivers can be ruthless. Look both ways carefully when crossing the street. Stay in the crosswalks.
  • On public transportation, you MUST validate your train and bus tickets. Commercial transportation is known to seek tourists out, expecting you might not know the rules. Ticket checkers can suddenly jump on a train, do a sweep, and then be off. You will pay a fine.
  • An Italian meal is a generous amount of fantastic food delivered in multiple courses. The courses include; The Antipasto course, which is an appetizer. Often a cured meat platter with marinated vegetables or a fresh tomato mozzarella salad. The Primo is the first course, usually pasta, but it can also include soup, polenta, salad, and risotto. The Secondo is the second course, which involves chicken, meat, or fish and is not large servings. The Contorno is a platter of vegetables that comes with the main course. Finally, Dolce. A sweet dessert. Cappuccino is very common in the Dolce course.
  • Don’t ask for substitutions at restaurants; that is not well received.
  • Bottled water is standard in a restaurant. It is often brought to you as you take your seat, and you will have a choice between still or sparkling. It is not free, and that is not obvious at first. Tell them no thank you if you don’t wish to have water.
  • At the end of the meal, you will need to ask for the check, “Il conto, per favore.” They feel it is rude to deliver it without being requested. It can still be a wait but relax; you are in Italy.
  • The Italians will be more welcoming if you greet them in their language. Learn the basics, and show respect to your hosts. You are a guest in their beautiful country.
  • The church is sacred to the Italians. They wear their faith on their sleeve, and it is deep and passionate. Careful to respect that faith. Even eating or drinking while on church steps or the grounds would bring a hefty fine.
  • If you plan to visit a church, your attire will depend if you are allowed in; they adhere to strict dress codes. Short skirts, exposed shoulders, and shorts would not be permitted. Some sites will provide you with a shawl to cover, but some won’t, so plan accordingly.
  • Family is core to Italian culture. You will see families with their children everywhere, including in restaurants. They are usually well-behaved and sweet.
  • Italian cuisine is exceptional and involves, yes, a lot of pasta. Estimated pasta consumption is 70 pounds per person annually. There are 140 types of pasta. Stop by a market, and you will be amazed. Grab some to bring home.
  • Italian people can be very superstitious, and here are a few examples: 1. Many hotels in Italy don’t have a 17th floor. Italians believe this number is unlucky because when the Roman numeral for 17 (XVII) is rearranged, it looks like VIXI, which means death as it translates to “I have lived.” 2. A black cat is seen as a symbol of the devil and witchcraft, so don’t cross its path. 3. Please don’t put a hat on a bed; it is seen as bad luck, as priests do that when they come to give last rights.
  • When dining in Italy, olive oil is the only condiment you will find on your table. Avoid asking for salad dressing or other condiments.
  • Respecting elders is very important in Italian culture. If an elder enters a room, you should stand to show respect.
  • Mosquitos can be an issue in Italy, so come with some bug spray to avoid some itchy nights.
  • Even though their northern neighbor France has incredible bread, we found Italian bread less impressive. Maybe that is because it is meant to wipe the remaining sauce off their plate. It does that well.
  • This country has a lot of smokers. There is smoking even indoors still, but that tide is slowly turning. It is still so worth going, even if faced with second-hand smoke.
  • Many Italians speak excellent English. In smaller villages and older generations, it may be less so. Use Google Translate or other apps (see below under resources) to communicate.
  • It is a safe country, but pickpockets abound. Be careful who you speak with, and keep your distance when you do. Don’t let anyone put something in your hand. Then they will demand payment and follow and scream at you until you pay. Street vendors can be harassing. If you are bothered, say NO, very loud, turn your back, and walk away.

Italy Essential Info

U.S. Consular Emergency
The 24-hour number from a U.S. Phone is 1-888-407-4747
Outside of U.S., 011-202-501-4444

U.S. Embassy Rome
Via Vittorio Veneto, 121
00187 Rome, Italy
Telephone: +(39) 06-4674-1
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(39) 06-4674-1
Fax: +(39) 06-4674-2244
Email: uscitizensrome@state.gov

U.S. Consulate to the Holy See
Via Sallustiana, 49
00162 Rome, Italy
Telephone: +(39) 06-4674-1

US Consulate General Florence
Lungarno Amerigo Vespucci, 38
50123 Florence, Italy
Telephone: +(39) 055-266-951
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(39) 06-4674-1
Fax: +(39) 055-215-550
Email: uscitizensflorence@state.gov

U.S. Consulate General Milan
Via Principe Amedeo 2/10
20121 Milano, Italy
Telephone: +(39) 02-290-351
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(39) 02-290-351
Fax: +(39) 02-2900-1165
Email: uscitizensmilan@state.gov

U.S. Consulate General Naples
Piazza della Repubblica
80122 Naples, Italy
Telephone: +(39) 081-583-8111
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(39) 081-583-8111
Fax: +(39) 081-583-8275
Email: uscitizensnaples@state.gov

Emergency Numbers
GENERAL 112
Police 113
Fire 115
Road assistance 116

Country Code
+39

Time Zone
UTC+1

Driving
Right side

Adaptors
“Standard” Euro plug
Type C or F

Tourism Office
Official Italy Tourism Webpage

When to go to Italy

The best time to visit Italy is in the spring (April to June) or fall (September and October) when there is nice weather, moderate temperatures, fewer tourists, and lower prices. The summer months can be hot, crowded, and expensive. The winter months are often grey, wet, and cold in the north but temperate South of Rome.

The high season goes from May to September but sneaks into October. Italy draws an enormous number of tourists and can get crowded in many popular destinations. Traditional shoulder season is quite different in Italy than in most places, a bit farther out. It is from March to April and October to November.

The weather in a country this long will be varied. There will be extremes from the Italian Alps in the North to Sicily in the South. The temps below will reflect two regions. Tuscany to the North. Rome to the South to Naples.

North
  • Summer 70-104 °F (21-40 °C)
  • Spring 48-79 °F (9-26 °C)
  • Fall 45-81 °F (7-27 °C)
  • Winter 39-54 °F (4-12°C)
South
  • Summer 61-86 °F (16-30 °C)
  • Spring 54-77 °F (12-25 °C)
  • Fall 54-81 °F (13-27 °C)
  • Winter 41-63 °F (5-17 °C)

Our Favorite Italy Resources

This resource section contains some Amazon affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!

Travel Books/Guides

Rick Steves Italy (Travel Guide) 2024

We are huge Rick Steve’s fans; it will be rare to recommend one of his wonderful guides; this guide is no different. Rick’s love of Italy is obvious in this guide. We love his travel style and perspective. His off-the-beaten-path approach and his independent travel philosophy match well with how we travel. The guides never disappoint. This book cut into our suitcase and was a fantastic resource. There are lots of guides he offers for specfic cities and region of Italy. Find this must-have guide here.

Our favorite websites

1. Official tourism site

2. U.S. Department of State: Bureau of Consular Affairs Italy Country Info

We cannot encourage you enough to visit this website as you plan and prepare for your trip. The U.S. Federal Government addresses the safety, security, travel risk, entry, exit, visa documents mandates, emergency U.S. and Embassy contacts, health, local laws, special circumstances, threats, traveler vulnerabilities, government warnings, and transportation in Malta. This is your best and most reliable resource for all this important info. Check back often before you go, as things can change quickly. Being prepared is essential in all travel, but especially internationally.

Italy International Travel Information (state.gov)

3. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Travelers Health Resource

This CDC travel resource provides essential health info for your specific destination. Using their tool, you can determine which vaccines, medications, and health advice recommendations are needed for Malta.

CDC’s Travelers Health Page for Italy

Our favorite travel apps

Rome2rio: Trip Planner Trip and Holiday Organizer Enter any address, landmark, or city in the app will instantly display all your travel options, and booking info, along with accommodation providers and things to do. Find it on your local App Store.

Google Maps Trip and Holiday Organizer. Enter any address, landmark, or city in the app, and it will instantly display all your travel options and booking info, along with accommodation providers and things to do. We love it when using public transportation, it is spot on! Find it on your local app store.

Duolingo-Language Lesson Audio lessons that help improve your listening and speaking skills. Find it on your local App Store.

Rick Steves Audio Europe This App includes a vast library of Rick Steve’s audio content. Get cultural and travel info. Includes self-guided tours of top attractions and historic walks. A must-have. Find it on your local App Store.

Google Translate We use this often to practice proper pronunciations of Italian words. Depending on where are in Italy some areas speak great English and some hardly at all, be ready As we always encourage, learning the basics of greeting and thanking people in the local language is essential. Google Translate was an easy app to use. If needed, you can enter text in English, which will speak back in Maltese to aid in communicating with locals.

Do you have a favorite Italy travel resource? Share your favorites in the comments section at the bottom of this page or

Our Italy Posts

© 2024 Wanderers Compass All Rights Reserved

Squaremouth.com

Our favorite travel insurance site!

If you book a trip, don’t forget to get travel insurance within 14 days of your first booking. We could not be stronger advocates of being well-insured. Not just for the little stuff but the big things like medical emergencies. We never leave home without it. Over the years, we have used many sites but have now found our go-to place. Squaremouth.com does a fantastic job; it has a user-friendly interface, uses top-rated and reputable insurance carriers, and most policies cover COVID-19 medical issues and cancellations. They also mediate on your behalf if you have problems with your policy.

To empower you as a consumer, we suggest you read our blog post on the importance of travel insurance and how to get the best coverage from top-rated companies for an affordable price.

MedjetAssist

Medical transport back home from anywhere in the world

They are the premier global air medical transport. One caveat to travel insurance is that medical evacuation usually gets you to the closest facility to care for you. Medjet gets you back to the U.S. to the hospital of your choice once you are stable enough to fly. They cover COVID-related transport as well.

Medjet carries its own policies. The policy is only for transport and no other aspects of travel insurance. They have individual trip policies starting at $99 and annual policies for around $300. Most of their policies limit the age to 74 and younger. Prices are not based on age below that.

To learn more about how Medical Evacuation membership with Medjet Assist works, check out our blog post for a more detailed review.  

Expedia.com 

Hotels, home rentals, BNBs, flights, and other transportation & tours 

Expedia is a US-based company whose mission is to power global travel for everyone and everywhere. Whether planning a family vacation, booking for business, or organizing the trip of a lifetime, they are a fantastic resource. Wanderers Compass focuses on independent travel, and using sites like Expedia makes that possible. Every aspect of travel you need, from airfare, accommodations, rental car, and cruises to activities to do at your destination, can be booked on Expedia.  

Booking.com

Hotels, Home rentals, BNBs, Flights, and other Transportation & Tours 

Booking.com connects millions of travelers to memorable experiences, various transportation options, and incredible places to stay – from homes to hotels and much more. It is one of the world’s largest travel marketplaces for established brands and entrepreneurs of all sizes.

We always check Expedia and Booking.com to verify prices. At times, one is sold out of rooms while another at the same place has rooms. As well we often find some European hotels, especially smaller ones, on Booking.com but not on Expedia. It could be they are a Europe-based company. Try both before booking accommodations.

Vacation Rental By Owner (VRBO)

Are you traveling with a family or having an extended stay at your destination?

With over 2 million bookable vacation rentals, VRBO connects homeowners with families and vacationers looking for something more than a hotel for their trip. The VRBO community offers families or groups various rental property types such as condos, cabins, lake rentals, beach houses, etc.

VRBO is under the Expedia group ownership now, which many were worried about, but it hasn’t panned out to be a concern. It is a massive network with access to all lodging forms should issues arise. Joelle has used VRBO for many years with her family with no problems.

Viator

As the leading marketplace for travel experiences, Viator believes that making memories is what travel is all about. And with 300,000+ experiences to explore—everything from simple tours to extreme adventures (and all the niche, interesting stuff in between)—making memories that will last a lifetime has never been easier.

With industry-leading flexibility and last-minute availability, it’s never too late to make any day extraordinary. This one site has it all and has experiences throughout the world. We use them often during our travels, especially for food tours. We especially take the time to read the reviews provided.

Amazon.com

An excellent source for travel essentials and guides

We now have our own Amazon Storefront with all our favorite travel accessories and gear in one place. Check out our travel store at the link below.

Wanderers Compass Amazon Storefront

Amazon is one of the most comprehensive online shopping sources in the world. On behalf of their customers, teams worldwide provide lower prices, better selection, and rapid delivery. They offer a vast inventory, and their 1.7 million small and medium businesses worldwide selling on Amazon.com offer extensive options to customers.

We buy most of our travel books, accessories, and luggage from Amazon. We have ordered up to two days before travel and get what we need.

HYDAWAY

This is not your ordinary drinkware company. The HYDAWAY difference is what their products do when you’re not using them. Practical and portable, HYDAWAY doesn’t take up unnecessary space in your already-packed life or pile up in landfills. We all know that trying to pack light while being environmentally conscious can be difficult. Having the right items can make a world of difference. HYDAWAY provides that.

We have used their collapsible water bottle, carrying case for the water bottle, and collapsible insulated drink tumbler. They are all lightweight and durable. A conservation-focused product you can be proud to buy.

Use our Promo Code. WANCOM15, at checkout for 15% off your Hydaway order

Welcome Pick-ups
(Airport and sightseeing service)

A global leader in ground transportation for travelers. They help hundreds of companies worldwide enhance their services and boost their revenue with our 5-star ride experiences and hassle-free automation.

Founded in 2015 in Athens, Greece, Welcome Pick-ups goes above and beyond the standard transfer service as the first company to deliver a holistic, in-destination travel experience. From the moment a traveler arrives at a new destination until they return home, Welcome accommodates all their travel needs (transfers, travel products, things to do, information) as the easiest, friendliest, and most personalized solution.

PhotoAiD

Do you feel like you are wasting time visiting an on-site photographer only to be embarrassed by the photo? Would you like control of the final product? Get the perfect VISA or passport photo online with PhotoAID.

When traveling, you often need to apply for official documents such as a passport, ID, and different kinds of licenses or cards. Those applications require a picture that must meet specific conditions to be accepted, depending on the country. Now, it is possible to take this picture at home without the help of a professional photographer. PhotoAiD allows you to take the perfect biometric photo that will be approved by you without leaving your home.

This article contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!

Want to learn about Wanderers Compass?

check out our most recent blog posts

Passionate about travel? Subscribe to our Wanderers Compass Community

Our quarterly newsletters will inspire your wanderlust

Do you have a question for us or have a comment?

Italy

No Comments

    Leave a Reply

    IMG 8134 scaled

    Passionate about travel? Subscribe to our Wanderers Compass Community

    Our quarterly newsletters will inspire your wanderlust

    No spam, unsubscribe at any time, no more than one email a month