Italy
About Italy
Italy is a country in Southern Europe known for its rich history, art, culture, and cuisine. From the ancient ruins of Rome to the Renaissance art of Florence and the romantic canals of Venice, Italy offers a diverse range of experiences.
Best experience: I've never been a museum person, but the Uffizi Gallery changed that completely.
- Home to more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other country
- Birthplace of the Renaissance
- World-renowned cuisine and wine regions
Travel Tips
- Best time to visit: April-June and September-October
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Language: Italian
- Transportation: Extensive train network (Trenitalia), Regional buses, Domestic flights between major cities
Latest Articles
2 Days in Rome: A First-Timer's Itinerary
A 2-day Rome itinerary covering the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican and Trevi Fountain — how far ahead to book, what's skippable, and a warning about how pickpockets actually operate.
Florence Travel Guide: What to See, Where to Eat and What to Skip
My favourite city in the world — a Florence guide covering the Duomo climb, why the Uffizi converted me to museums, the best pasta in the city, and how to visit the museums for free.
7-Day Dolomites Itinerary Without a Car (and on a Hostel Budget)
A 7-day Dolomites itinerary done entirely on public transport — Tre Cime, Cadini di Misurina, Seceda and Lago di Braies — plus why booking one of the region's four hostels months ahead saves you a fortune.
Flying a Drone in Italy: Where You Legally Can (Dolomites, Capri, Amalfi)
Where I could and couldn't legally fly a drone in Italy - Alpe di Siusi, Val di Funes and Cadini di Misurina in the Dolomites, plus Capri and the Amalfi Coast, and how the registration works.
Lake Como Day Trip from Milan: Pick One Town and Stay There
An honest Lake Como day trip guide — why hopping between Bellagio, Varenna and Como is the wrong plan, how long the boats actually take, and what to do instead.
One Day in Venice: Stay in Bologna, and How to Pay €16 for a Gondola
Venice as a day trip from Bologna — why staying outside the city is the better call, how to share a gondola down to €16 a head, and why you shouldn't book a single experience in advance.
Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence: The Hike, the Trains and Which Village to Pick
How to do Cinque Terre as a day trip from Florence — the easy coastal hike between the villages, whether you need the Cinque Terre Card, which trails close, and the one village I'd go back to.
11-Day Italy Itinerary: Rome, Florence, Venice and the North
An 11-day Italy itinerary covering Rome, Vatican City, Florence, Cinque Terre, Siena, Milan, Lake Como, Bologna and Venice — the classic route, day by day.
7-Day Southern Italy Itinerary: Amalfi Coast, Puglia and Naples
A 7-day southern Italy itinerary — the Amalfi Coast, Capri and the Path of the Gods, then Matera, Alberobello and Polignano in Puglia, finishing in Naples and Pompeii. Including why Puglia is the better value.
Quick Facts
- Capital: Rome
- Time Zone: CET (UTC+1)
- Visa Requirements: Schengen Visa required for most non-EU citizens
Cultural Notes
- Dress modestly when visiting churches
- Many shops close for siesta in the afternoon
- Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated