Reference photo coming soon
Art, Roman ruins, coastline and pasta. A classic that never disappoints, though booking early pays off.
If you like this destination, also see Spain or Turkey.
History and customs of Italy
Rome grew from republic to empire and ruled the Mediterranean. Centuries later, Florence drove the Renaissance under families like the Medici.
Italy was not unified until 1861; before that it was a mosaic of kingdoms and city-states like Venice, Florence or Naples. That history explains why each region has its own dialect, dishes and local pride.
Italy was a founding member of the EEC in 1957 and enjoyed an “economic miracle” in the 1950s and 60s. Today its politics are unstable, with many governments since 1946, and tourism is key to its economy.
Coffee is drunk standing at the bar and cappuccino is for the morning. Meals are long and family-style, and many places charge a small “coperto”.
Typical food in Italy
Neapolitan pizza began as cheap street food in Naples, and the margherita is linked to Queen Margherita of Savoy. Carbonara is Roman: egg, guanciale and pecorino, no cream.
- Neapolitan pizza
- Pasta carbonara
- Gelato
What to eat in each city of Italy
- Rome – carbonara and cacio e pepe
- Naples – Neapolitan pizza
- Bologna – tagliatelle al ragù
Regional dishes in Italy
- Lazio – carbonara and supplì
- Campania – pizza and mozzarella
- Tuscany – bistecca fiorentina and ribollita
- Sicily – arancini and cannoli
- Veneto – risotto and cicchetti
Iconic places in Italy
The Colosseum and Forum in Rome, Brunelleschi’s dome in Florence and Venice’s canals are classics. The Amalfi Coast offers villages perched above the sea.
In Rome, don’t miss the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain and the Sistine Chapel. Venice is explored on foot and by vaporetto, Pompeii shows a Roman city buried by Vesuvius, and northern lakes like Como or Garda offer alpine scenery.
1. Rome – Colosseum and Vatican
2. Florence – Renaissance art
3. Amalfi Coast – cliffside villages
4. Venice – St Mark’s Square and gondolas on the canals
5. Cinque Terre – five colourful villages above the sea
Seasons: when to go and when to avoid Italy
✅ Best time. Apr–Jun and Sep–Oct: pleasant weather and fewer crowds than in summer.
⚠️ Worst time. Jul–Aug: heat and crowds in Rome, Florence and Venice, and many locals close in August; in winter Venice suffers “acqua alta” flooding.
How much does it cost to travel to Italy
| Item | Average price |
|---|---|
| ✈️ Return flight | |
| Hotel per night · Budget | $66 |
| Hotel per night · Mid-range | $143 |
| Hotel per night · High-end | $330 |
| Restaurant meal (per person) | $17–$44 |
| Street food (per person) | $3–$9 |
Approximate, indicative prices (estimate, Oct 2026). They change with dates and availability: always check before booking. Hotel: own estimate, to be verified. Flights: estimates for Europe-based trips; for other cities use the link.