Italy Travel Guide
Discover history, art and landscapes across one of Europe's most rewarding destinations
Italy is one of Europe’s most rewarding destinations, offering a rich blend of history, art, landscapes and everyday pleasures. From ancient Roman ruins and Renaissance masterpieces to sunlit coastlines, alpine peaks and vineyard-covered hills, Italy invites you to explore at a relaxed, immersive pace.
Whether you’re discovering world-famous landmarks for the first time or revisiting much-loved regions in greater depth, Italy rewards curiosity with unforgettable moments.
Home to some of the best places to visit in Europe, the country combines iconic cities with quieter countryside, making it ideal for escorted touring. With expert local guides, carefully planned itineraries and seamless transport, Newmarket Holidays makes it easy to experience Italy’s highlights without the stress of planning.
Must-see highlights include:
- Rome: The Colosseum, Vatican City and timeless piazzas
- Florence: Renaissance art, the Duomo and riverside sunsets
- Venice: Gondola rides, canals and St Mark’s Square
- Amalfi Coast: Cliffside towns, lemon groves and sea views
- Lake Como: Elegant villas, mountain reflections and lakeside cafés
Discover the best Italy has to offer, with Newmarket Holidays’ escorted tours.
Places to visit in Italy
Italy’s diversity lies in its regions, each with a distinct character shaped by history, geography and culture. For a deeper look, explore our dedicated Places to Visit in Italy guide.
Rome & Lazio
Best for: architecture, history, first-time visitors
Ancient landmarks including the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Pantheon sit alongside vibrant neighbourhoods and lively cafés. Vatican City adds another layer of cultural depth with St Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.
The Dolomites
Best for: outdoor lovers, scenery, peaceful escapes
A dramatic alpine region of jagged peaks and mountain lakes, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ideal for scenic rail journeys, gentle walks and photography.
Explore The Dolomites tours
Florence & Tuscany
Best for: art lovers, food and wine enthusiasts, romantic breaks
Florence showcases Renaissance art and architecture, while the surrounding Tuscan countryside offers hill towns, vineyards and cypress-lined roads. Siena, San Gimignano and Chianti are classic highlights.
Browse Tuscany holidays
The Amalfi Coast
Best for: sunshine, scenery, iconic coastal views
One of Italy’s most famous coastal destinations, known for its dramatic cliffs, colourful seaside towns and sweeping Mediterranean views. From the postcard-perfect streets of Positano, to the coast offers stunning scenery, charming piazzas and unforgettable coastal drives.
Puglia
Best for: authentic Italy, coastal scenery, food lovers
Located in the heel of Italy’s boot, Puglia offers whitewashed hill towns, olive groves and a long Adriatic and Ionian coastline. Highlights include Alberobello’s trulli houses, the baroque city of Lecce and the dramatic cliffs of Polignano a Mare. The region is known for simple, high-quality cuisine and a relaxed pace of life.
View Puglia tours
Sardinia
Best for: beaches, island landscapes, distinctive culture
Sardinia combines turquoise waters and sandy coves with rugged interior mountains and ancient Nuragic ruins. The Costa Smeralda is famed for its clear seas, while traditional towns and archaeological sites reveal a unique island heritage.
Discover Sardinia tours
Lake Como & the North
Best for: relaxation, fine dining, scenic boat trips
A refined lakeside destination framed by mountains, known for elegant villas, botanical gardens and ferry-linked towns such as Bellagio and Varenna.
The Lake Maggiore, Zermatt & the Centovalli Railway – Premier Collection tour brings together lakeside stays, alpine scenery and one of Europe’s most picturesque rail experiences for a seamless northern Italy escape.
Discover Lake Como holidays
Sicily
Best for: history, cuisine, warmer climate
A rich blend of Greek, Roman, Norman and Baroque heritage. Sicily combines historic towns with Mount Etna’s volcanic landscapes and a vibrant food scene.
Venice, Verona & Milan
Best for: city breaks, culture, style
Venice’s canals and palaces contrast with Verona’s Roman Arena and Milan’s fashion-forward energy. Together they offer a balance of heritage and modern Italian life.
Read our Venice travel guide
Trieste & Friuli Venezia Giulia
Best for: off-the-beaten-path explorers, cultural blends, refined coastal scenery
Tucked into Italy’s north-eastern corner, Friuli Venezia Giulia offers a fascinating mix of Italian, Austrian and Slovenian influences. Its elegant capital, Trieste, looks out across the Adriatic and is known for grand piazzas, historic cafés and literary heritage.
Discover Hidden Italy – Trieste & Friuli Venezia Giulia – Premier Collection
Favourite Italian Regions
Top things to do in Italy
Italy’s most memorable experiences range from world-famous landmarks to quieter cultural moments that bring everyday Italian life into focus. Many of the activities below are included in Newmarket Holidays escorted tours, while others may be enjoyed during leisure time depending on your itinerary. Always check individual tour details for what’s included.
For more inspiration, see Things to do in Italy.
Top 10 Things to Do in Italy
1. Guided Walking Tour of Venice’s Canals & St Mark’s Square
Explore Venice’s historic heart on foot, taking in St Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace exterior, the Bridge of Sighs and the Rialto area. A guided walk brings the city’s maritime history and unique layout to life, revealing how Venice grew from lagoon settlements into a powerful republic.
Time needed: Approximately 2–3 hours.
Accessibility: Routes are largely level, particularly around St Mark’s Square. Some bridges have shallow steps, and walking surfaces can be uneven in places.
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2. Visit the Colosseum & Roman Forum, Rome
Step inside the Colosseum, one of the world’s most recognisable ancient monuments, before exploring the Roman Forum where temples, basilicas and triumphal arches reveal daily life in ancient Rome. Guided visits help place these vast ruins into historical context.
Time needed: Around 2–3 hours.
Accessibility: Stone paving, steps and uneven ground are common. Limited step-free access is available in some areas.
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3. Wine Tasting & Village Stroll in Tuscany (Montepulciano or similar)
Experience Tuscany beyond Florence with a visit to a traditional vineyard or hill town such as Montepulciano or San Gimignano. Enjoy tastings of regional wines and olive oils, paired with time to wander medieval streets and admire countryside views.
Time needed: Half day.
Accessibility: Generally step-free at vineyards, though village streets may be cobbled or sloped.
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4. Boat Trip and Stay at Lake Como
A boat journey on Lake Como reveals elegant villas, lakeside gardens and dramatic mountain backdrops. Stops in towns such as Bellagio or Varenna allow time for café visits, gentle walks and soaking up the relaxed pace of northern Italy.
Time needed: Half day.
Accessibility: Ferries are accessible, and lakefront promenades are mostly level. Some side streets are steep.
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5. Mountain Rail & Cable-Car Ride in the Dolomites
Travel through the Dolomites’ UNESCO-listed landscapes by mountain railway or cable car, offering panoramic views of limestone peaks, alpine meadows and high-altitude villages. These journeys provide access to spectacular scenery without strenuous walking.
Time needed: Half day.
Accessibility: Transport is generally accessible; paths at viewpoints may be uneven.
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6. Coastal Drive & Visit to Portofino on the Italian Riviera
Enjoy a scenic drive along the Ligurian coast, arriving at Portofino’s picturesque harbour framed by pastel buildings and yachts. Free time allows for waterfront cafés, photography and relaxed exploration.
Time needed: Half day.
Accessibility: Harbour areas are mostly level; surrounding streets can be hilly.
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7. Explore Sicily’s Historic Towns & Volcanic Landscapes
Discover Sicily’s layered history through towns such as Taormina and Palermo, alongside views of Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano. Cultural visits are often paired with tastings of regional food and wine.
Time needed: Full day.
Accessibility: Mixed terrain, including cobblestones and volcanic paths; walking is required.
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8. Visit Verona and its Roman Arena
Explore Verona’s beautifully preserved Roman Arena, still used for performances today, before strolling through medieval streets and lively piazzas associated with Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
Time needed: 2–3 hours.
Accessibility: Town centre is largely level, though cobbled streets are common.
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9. Tour of Florence’s Cathedral, Uffizi & Historic Centre
Discover Florence’s Renaissance legacy, from the Duomo and Giotto’s Bell Tower to masterpieces by Michelangelo and Botticelli in the Uffizi Gallery. Guided walks connect major sights across the compact historic centre.
Time needed: Half day.
Accessibility: Main routes are accessible, though galleries may involve stairs.
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10. Leisure Afternoon in a Historic Spa Town in Tuscany
A slower-paced afternoon in a historic spa town offers time to unwind between sightseeing days. Thermal waters, landscaped gardens and artisan shops provide a restorative contrast to busy city touring.
Time needed: Flexible; typically a few hours.
Accessibility: Hotel grounds and spa areas are usually step-free.
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Food & drink in Italy
Food is central to everyday life in Italy, with each region proudly shaped by local produce, climate and long-standing traditions. Meals are typically unhurried and sociable, built around a few well-prepared ingredients rather than complexity. Travelling on an escorted tour offers a relaxed introduction to regional cooking, with many meals included and opportunities to sample local specialities along the way.
For a deeper dive, see our Food & drink in Italy guide.
Northern Italy
Northern Italian cuisine is influenced by cooler climates and alpine landscapes, resulting in rich, comforting dishes and a focus on dairy and rice.
- Risotto and polenta: Creamy rice dishes and cornmeal staples, often served with mushrooms, cheese or slow-cooked meats.
- Alpine cheeses and butter-based sauces: Reflecting the region’s mountain heritage.
- Freshwater fish: From lakes such as Como and Garda, typically grilled or gently sautéed.
Central Italy
Central Italy is known for simple, robust flavours that rely on high-quality olive oil, wheat and pork, with recipes passed down through generations.
- Classic pasta dishes: Including carbonara, amatriciana and hand-rolled pici.
- Cured meats and cheeses: Such as prosciutto and pecorino, often enjoyed as antipasti.
- Regional wines and olive oils: Integral to Tuscan and Umbrian meals.
Southern Italy & the islands
Sun-soaked regions and coastal settings shape a lighter, more vibrant style of cooking, with an emphasis on vegetables, seafood and citrus.
- Seafood specialities: Grilled fish, prawns and calamari along the coast.
- Vegetable-led dishes: Featuring tomatoes, aubergine and peppers.
- Street food and pastries: Including arancini, cannoli and sfogliatelle, especially in Sicily.
Across Italy, coffee culture is strong and ritualised, from morning espressos at the bar to after-dinner digestifs. On Newmarket Holidays tours, meals are carefully chosen to reflect local flavours while remaining approachable and comfortable for visitors.
Getting around Italy
Italy is well connected, with most visitors arriving via Rome, Milan or Venice. High-speed trains link major cities quickly and comfortably, while regional trains and buses serve smaller towns. Taxis are widely available in cities.
Many main stations and airports offer step-free access and assistance, though historic centres often have cobbled streets and limited vehicle access.
Your Newmarket tour includes hassle-free transport and local guides so you don’t worry about logistics.
The best time to visit Italy
Italy’s climate varies significantly by region, from alpine conditions in the north to Mediterranean warmth in the south. In general, spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer the best balance of comfortable temperatures, manageable crowds and ideal sightseeing conditions.
For more detail, see our Best time to visit Italy guide.
Month-by-month weather guide:
| Month | Temp Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| January | 3–12 °C | Cold and snowy north, mild south; quietest and cheapest month. |
| February | 4–13 °C | Cool and crisp; Venice Carnival and romantic getaways. |
| March | 10–17 °C | Spring starts; good for sightseeing before crowds return. |
| April | 12–20 °C | Mild and blooming; ideal for Rome, Amalfi, and gardens. |
| May | 16–24 °C | Warm and sunny; best for lakes, vineyards, and outdoor dining. |
| June | 20–28 °C | Hot and bright; great for coast and island trips. |
| July | 25–33 °C | Peak heat and crowds; focus on beaches or early sightseeing. |
| August | 25–35 °C | Hottest; locals holiday, cities quieter, coast popular. |
| September | 20–27 °C | Warm, calm, harvest season; top time for tours. |
| October | 14–22 °C | Cooler with autumn colours; food festivals and fewer crowds. |
| November | 8–16 °C | Chilly north, mild south; best for museums and low prices. |
| December | 4–13 °C | Cold and festive; ski resorts and Christmas markets shine. |
Sources: Weather Spark / AI Overview / CTT
Accessibility & comfort in Italy
Accessibility varies across Italy. Major attractions and transport hubs are increasingly step-free, while older areas may involve uneven surfaces and stairs.
Travelling outside peak summer months and visiting sights earlier in the day helps avoid crowds. Newmarket Holidays itineraries are planned with comfortable pacing, rest stops and convenient hotel locations built in.
Essential info for Italy
Italy’s Currency
Italy uses the Euro (€). As a guide, £1 is approximately €1.15, though exchange rates vary.
Tipping in Italy
Tipping is not mandatory, but small amounts are appreciated for good service, particularly in restaurants and for guides.
Plugs in Italy
Italy uses Type C, F and L plugs. UK travellers will need an adapter.
Useful phrases in Italy
While English is widely spoken in Italy, especially in tourist areas, learning a few simple Italian phrases is always appreciated and can make everyday interactions feel warmer and more personal.
- Hello: Ciao (informal) / Buongiorno (formal, daytime)
- Good evening: Buonasera
- Goodbye: Arrivederci
- Please / Thank you: Per favore / Grazie
- Yes / No: Sì / No
- Excuse me / Sorry: Mi scusi / Mi dispiace
- Do you speak English? – Parla inglese?
- I don’t understand: Non capisco
- Where is the station? – Dov’è la stazione?
- I need a taxi: Ho bisogno di un taxi.
- The bill, please: – Il conto, per favore.
- Cheers! – Salute!
- How much does it cost? – Quanto costa?
FAQs
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