Italy Tailor Made

Click on a place name below to find out more. Alternatively, to start planning where to go in Italy, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0618.

Amalfi Coast

Bologna

Florence

Italian Lakes

Italian Mountains

Italian multi-centre breaks

Milan

Puglia

Rome

Sardinia & Sicily

Tuscany

Umbria

Venice

Verona

The Practical information displayed here is taken from The Traveller's Handbook, published by WEXAS (2009). While all possible care was taken to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, we are aware that situations change, so for the latest information and up-to-date visa requirements, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0618.

Weather

Hot from June-September, especially in the south. Mountain regions are cool with heavy snow in winter.

Festivals

Italy has many festivals, some of religious and historic significance, others of music and the arts. Events in the Roman Catholic calendar are of central importance, notably Easter and Christmas. Holy Week is celebrated in the week before Easter across the country, but with particular enthusiasm in Sicily. The Venice Carnevale, which takes place prior to Ash Wednesday, is a colourful event, featuring the famous masked balls.

Food & drink

Pasta, pizza, risotto, minestre (soups) and meat dishes can be found all over Italy, but regions specialise in dishes based on local produce. Risottos are a northern dish, a classic example is risotto alla milanese (with saffron and white wine). Liguria is famous for pesto sauce made from local basil, Tuscany for bean soups and bistecca alla fiorentina (massive T-bone steaks grilled over charcoal), Umbria for truffles, Naples for pizzas. The many regional wines are of international quality.

Etiquette

Slapping your raised arm on the inside of the elbow, and thumbing your nose, are very offensive gestures. The Roman Catholic Church is a major influence and family ties are stronger than in most other countries in Western Europe.

Safety

Safe

International airport

(And distances from nearest city) Rome, Fiumicino (FCO) 26 km, Bologna (BLQ) 6 km, Genoa (GOA) 6km, Milan, Malpensa (MXP) 45 km, Milan - Linate (LIN) 10 km, Naples (NAP) 7 km, Pisa (PSA) 2 km, Palermo (PMO) 30 km, Turin (TRN) 30 km, Venice (VCE) 10 km.

Internal travel

Italian railways and buses run a nationwide network at reasonable fares. Roads are often congested.

Visa

None.

Vaccination

Not currently required.

Driving

UK driving licence or EU pink format licences are valid but green-coloured licences must be accompanied by an International Driving Permit. Visitors must carry their log-book in driver's name.

Capital

Rome.

Language

Italian.

People

Italian (94%).

Religion

Roman Catholic.

Size

301,230.

Population

58,147,733.

Population density

193.

Life expectancy

M 77.01, F83.07.

Currency

Euro (€) = 100 cents.

Finance

Credit cards and traveller's cheques widely accepted.

Business hours

0900-1700 Mon-Friday.

Time difference

+1.

Voltage

220 AC, 50 Hz.

International dial code

39 (Do not omit 0 preceding area code).

The itinerary ideas listed below are designed to give you a flavour of the things to do in Italy. We can adjust any element and tailor-make your trip though, to suit your individual needs and available time. To start planning your trip, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0618.

Florence & Verona twin-centre break

Milan & Lake Como

Venice Simplon - Orient Express

Flavours of Italy

Orient Express Grand Tour Revisited

Florence & Rome

An Italian Odyssey

Great Escapes at Il Salviatino

The Orient Express: Venice-Krakow-Dresden-London

The Orient-Express: Venice-Prague-London

[See all itinerary ideas in Italy]

The places to stay listed below only represent a handful of the accommodation options available in Italy. We can also recommend and arrange accommodation to suit your personal tastes and budget. To start planning where to stay in Italy, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0618.

Forte Village Resort

Il Salviatino, Florence

Palazzo Victoria, Verona

Super Skills at Forte Village, Sardinia

Luna Hotel Baglioni, Venice

Chia Laguna Resort, Sardinia

Carlton Hotel Baglioni Milan

Hotelito Lupaia, Tuscany

Castel Monastero, Tuscany, Italy

Grand Hotel Continental

Hotel Helvetia & Bristol, Florence

[See all places to stay in Italy]