Italy
The Eternal City, sacred shrines, Renaissance art and vineyards under the Tuscan sun

About Italy

Overview

Italy is a country of extraordinary depth, where ancient Rome, Renaissance Florence and the canals of Venice sit within a single unforgettable journey. It is the heart of the Catholic world, home to the Vatican, Saint Peter's Basilica and the great Jubilee, alongside beloved shrines such as Padua, Loreto and San Giovanni Rotondo. Beyond the art and faith lie the rolling vineyards of Tuscany and Piedmont and the sun-drenched cliffs of the Amalfi Coast. For travelers seeking history, spirituality, gastronomy and romance together, few places rival Italy for sheer richness and warmth.

On the map

Touristic sites

The landmarks that shape a journey through Italy, explore them on the map.

  • 1
    Colosseum & Roman Forum, RomeThe mighty ancient amphitheatre and forum at the heart of imperial Rome.
  • 2
    St Peter's Basilica & Vatican CityThe spiritual centre of the Catholic Church, with Michelangelo's dome and the Sistine Chapel nearby.
  • 3
    Florence Cathedral & the DuomoBrunelleschi's soaring dome crowning the Renaissance city of Florence, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • 4
    Grand Canal & St Mark's, VeniceThe dreamlike city of canals, gondolas and Byzantine splendour at St Mark's Basilica.
  • 5
    Leaning Tower of PisaThe famously tilting bell tower on the Piazza dei Miracoli, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • 6
    Amalfi CoastA dramatic stretch of cliffside villages, lemon groves and turquoise sea south of Naples.
  • 7
    Chianti wine country, TuscanyRolling hills of vineyards, cypress lanes and stone villages between Florence and Siena.
  • 8
    Basilica of St Anthony, PaduaA major pilgrimage shrine housing the tomb of Saint Anthony of Padua.
  • 9
    PompeiiThe remarkably preserved Roman city buried by Vesuvius in AD 79, near the Bay of Naples.
Best time to travel

April to October

Italy is a year-round destination, but the most comfortable window for touring runs from April to October. Spring brings mild days and blossom to Rome, Florence and Venice, while early autumn offers warm weather, the grape harvest in Tuscany and Piedmont, and thinner crowds. High summer is hot in the cities but perfect for the Amalfi Coast and the lakes. The Vatican and Italy's shrines welcome pilgrims all year, with major feast days and the Jubilee drawing the largest gatherings.

Apr–JunMild spring days and blossom, ideal for Rome, Florence, Venice and the shrines
Jul–AugPeak summer, hot and lively, best for the Amalfi Coast, Sicily and the lakes
Sep–OctWarm shoulder season with the wine harvest in Tuscany and Piedmont
Nov–MarCooler and quieter, atmospheric for the cities and the Vatican, with festive Christmas
Good to know

Italy at a glance

The practical essentials for planning your trip. Our team confirms the details for your dates and nationality.

Best time to travelApril to October is ideal, with spring and early autumn balancing warm weather and fewer crowds. High summer suits the Amalfi Coast and the lakes, while the Vatican and shrines welcome pilgrims year-round.
CapitalRome
LanguageItalian; English is widely spoken in tourism and the main cities.
CurrencyEuro (EUR). Cards are accepted almost everywhere, though it is handy to carry some cash for small cafes, markets and tips.
Entry / visaItaly is in the Schengen area, so many nationalities can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. From late 2026, visa-exempt travelers will need an approved ETIAS travel authorisation before arrival.
Getting aroundFast trains connect Rome, Florence, Venice and Naples in a couple of hours each, while a car or private transfer is best for the Tuscan vineyards, the Amalfi Coast and the shrines.
What to book

Best tours in Italy

A taste of our most-loved journeys. Every one is a flexible starting point for your tailor-made trip.

Religious & Pilgrimage

Holy Italy, Rome to the Shrines of the Adriatic

A pilgrimage from the Vatican and Saint Peter's to the great shrines of Loreto, Padua and San Giovanni Rotondo.

Classic & Cultural

Classic Italy, Rome, Florence & Venice

The three great cities of Italy in one journey, tracing ancient Rome, Renaissance Florence and the canals of Venice.

Wine & Gastronomy

Tuscany & Piedmont Wine and Table

The celebrated vineyards of Chianti, Montalcino and the Langhe, with tastings, cellars and fine regional cuisine.

Cultural

Southern Italy, Amalfi & the Bay of Naples

The cliffside villages of the Amalfi Coast, the ruins of Pompeii and the vibrant streets of Naples.

See all Italy programs
Why Italy

The specials

The Vatican and the Jubilee

Rome is the heart of the Catholic world, home to the Vatican, Saint Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, and host to the great Jubilee, a special holy year that draws pilgrims from across the globe to pass through the Holy Doors.

The Amalfi Coast

South of Naples, a UNESCO World Heritage coastline of pastel villages, lemon groves and turquoise water tumbles down to the Mediterranean, with Positano, Amalfi and Ravello among its most romantic stops.

The vineyards of Tuscany

The rolling hills of Chianti and Montalcino, threaded with cypress lanes and stone villages, produce some of Italy's most celebrated wines and offer unforgettable tastings paired with rustic Tuscan cooking.

Questions about Italy?

Read our frequently asked questions, or tell us what you're dreaming up and we'll design it around you.

Travel facts verified from Italia.it, official Italy tourism website, GOV.UK, Italy entry requirements, UNESCO World Heritage Centre, Italy, European Union, official ETIAS website, Jubilee 2025, official Holy See website. Sample tours are suggested starting points; details and pricing are finalised by the Tourkom team.