Italy
Soft Mediterranean breezes rustle palms along the boardwalk of southern beaches. Fragrant olive and lemon groves dot agricultural Piedmont. Cool mountain streams cascade in tumults off the snow-covered Alps. Art, fashion, music, and architecture flourish in the cities. Then, there's the food. You know what they say: "When in Rome...eat!"
Tours & Packages
- Destinations: Italy
- including closed packages
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Highlights
- Venice
Venice, the capital of the northern Italian region, is built upon over 100 small islands surrounded by the Adriatic Sea. From the beautifully restored red-roofed buildings to romantic gondolas meandering through the famous canals, Venice has captivated the hearts of travelers from around the world for centuries. This city is so unique that it does not even contain any roadways -- just canals! These canals, including the famous Grand Canal, are lined with numerous palaces. Additionally, Venice is home to world-known landmarks, such as Piazza San Marco, St. Mark's Basilica, the Campanile bell tower, and more.
- Tuscany
Located in central Italy, Tuscany is full of diverse and scenic landscapes, fine arts, delectable cuisine, and world-renowned wines. Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is home to some of Michelangelo's famous works of art, including his well-known "David" statue. Tuscany also encompasses the sprawling Apennine Mountains, the sandy beaches of Elba, and Chianti's olive groves and vineyards. Chianti is arguably Italy's most famous wine region, and the wines produced here are highly appreciated and savored throughout the globe. No matter where you travel in Tuscany, whether cycling along the rolling hills or sipping on a Chianti red, you'll be surrounded by beautiful culture and different scenery.
- Vatican City
Established in 1929, Vatican City is a city-state encompassed by Rome and is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. The Vatican holds slightly more than 100 acres and is the smallest nation in the world. However, what Vatican City lacks in size, it makes up for in history, culture, and priceless relics. Many decorated chapels, intricate architecture, religious tombs, and iconic works of art are located in Vatican City, including one of Michelangelo's most well-known and most appreciated works of art, the Sistine Chapel. After undergoing a massive restoration, Pope John Paul inaugurated the magnificently detailed painted ceiling, allowing visitors to gaze upon the hand of God giving life to Adam as it must have looked when first painted. The number of artistic treasures you'll uncover during your visit to the Vatican is unlimited, not least of which is another of Michelangelo's masterpieces, La Pieta, which was carved from a single slab of marble and was the only work he ever signed.
- Michelangelo
Michelangelo was a world-known Italian sculptor, painter, architect, and poet born in Florence during the Renaissance. He was considered the greatest living artist in his lifetime (and is now considered one of the greatest artists of all time!). His works of art stand among the most famous ever, including the immaculately painted ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, the statue of David, the dome of St. Peter'sPeter's Basilica, and the Pieta in Vatican City. Michelangelo was the first artist recognized for his work during his lifetime and the first western artist with a published biography while he was still alive. Before putting his art to life, Michelangelo would create sketches to prepare his sculpture or painting. Today, almost 1,000 of these drawings are still in existence, showcasing his creative process and the development of his masterpieces.
- Amalfi coast
Consisting of 13 individual towns full of rocky cliffs, small beaches, aromatic lemon groves, and colorful villages, the Amalfi Coast is a stretch of coastline sprawling over 30 miles along the southern edge of Italy's Sorrentine Peninsula. With over 5 million visitors annually, the towns spread across this strip are declared UNESCO World Heritage sites. Each town showcases a picturesque Italian landscape, covered with rich vegetation and surrounded by turquoise Mediterranean waters, but they are all unique. Amalfi, the town that gives its name to the coast, encompasses beautiful white houses and buildings, including the stunning Cathedral of St. Andrew. Aside from their elaborate cascading staircases, Positano is famously known for its handmade leather sandals and cotton and linen clothing. The oldest town on the Amalfi Coast is Scala, densely populated with chestnut trees and historical monuments. In addition to the gorgeous coastal destinations, the drive on SS163 is an experience in itself, as it is popularly considered one of the most scenic drives in the world.
- Rome
The capital of Italy, Rome, is a bustling city encompassing thousands of years of world-renowned art, ancient ruins, and Italian culture. Founded in 753 BC by Romulus, Rome is home to the famous ruins of the Colosseum; an amphitheater fit to hold over 50,000 spectators used for gladiator battles, plays based on classical mythologies, animal hunting, and more. You can also find the Roman Forum, a sweeping plaza surrounded by numerous ancient government buildings in the center of Rome. Other architecturally stunning masterpieces in Rome include St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museum, and the Sistine Chapel. There are over 900 churches and 250 fountains throughout Rome, one of the most popular being the Trevi Fountain. This fountain is the largest Baroque fountain in the city and one of the most famous fountains in the world. People travel all over to toss coins in its waters to make a wish. It is estimated that about 3,000 Euros are collected from the fountain daily, and all money is donated to a catholic charity, Caritas, that supports families in need in Rome.
Venice, the capital of the northern Italian region, is built upon over 100 small islands surrounded by the Adriatic Sea. From the beautifully restored red-roofed buildings to romantic gondolas meandering through the famous canals, Venice has captivated the hearts of travelers from around the world for centuries. This city is so unique that it does not even contain any roadways -- just canals! These canals, including the famous Grand Canal, are lined with numerous palaces. Additionally, Venice is home to world-known landmarks, such as Piazza San Marco, St. Mark's Basilica, the Campanile bell tower, and more.
Located in central Italy, Tuscany is full of diverse and scenic landscapes, fine arts, delectable cuisine, and world-renowned wines. Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is home to some of Michelangelo's famous works of art, including his well-known "David" statue. Tuscany also encompasses the sprawling Apennine Mountains, the sandy beaches of Elba, and Chianti's olive groves and vineyards. Chianti is arguably Italy's most famous wine region, and the wines produced here are highly appreciated and savored throughout the globe. No matter where you travel in Tuscany, whether cycling along the rolling hills or sipping on a Chianti red, you'll be surrounded by beautiful culture and different scenery.
Established in 1929, Vatican City is a city-state encompassed by Rome and is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. The Vatican holds slightly more than 100 acres and is the smallest nation in the world. However, what Vatican City lacks in size, it makes up for in history, culture, and priceless relics. Many decorated chapels, intricate architecture, religious tombs, and iconic works of art are located in Vatican City, including one of Michelangelo's most well-known and most appreciated works of art, the Sistine Chapel. After undergoing a massive restoration, Pope John Paul inaugurated the magnificently detailed painted ceiling, allowing visitors to gaze upon the hand of God giving life to Adam as it must have looked when first painted. The number of artistic treasures you'll uncover during your visit to the Vatican is unlimited, not least of which is another of Michelangelo's masterpieces, La Pieta, which was carved from a single slab of marble and was the only work he ever signed.
Michelangelo was a world-known Italian sculptor, painter, architect, and poet born in Florence during the Renaissance. He was considered the greatest living artist in his lifetime (and is now considered one of the greatest artists of all time!). His works of art stand among the most famous ever, including the immaculately painted ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, the statue of David, the dome of St. Peter'sPeter's Basilica, and the Pieta in Vatican City. Michelangelo was the first artist recognized for his work during his lifetime and the first western artist with a published biography while he was still alive. Before putting his art to life, Michelangelo would create sketches to prepare his sculpture or painting. Today, almost 1,000 of these drawings are still in existence, showcasing his creative process and the development of his masterpieces.
Consisting of 13 individual towns full of rocky cliffs, small beaches, aromatic lemon groves, and colorful villages, the Amalfi Coast is a stretch of coastline sprawling over 30 miles along the southern edge of Italy's Sorrentine Peninsula. With over 5 million visitors annually, the towns spread across this strip are declared UNESCO World Heritage sites. Each town showcases a picturesque Italian landscape, covered with rich vegetation and surrounded by turquoise Mediterranean waters, but they are all unique. Amalfi, the town that gives its name to the coast, encompasses beautiful white houses and buildings, including the stunning Cathedral of St. Andrew. Aside from their elaborate cascading staircases, Positano is famously known for its handmade leather sandals and cotton and linen clothing. The oldest town on the Amalfi Coast is Scala, densely populated with chestnut trees and historical monuments. In addition to the gorgeous coastal destinations, the drive on SS163 is an experience in itself, as it is popularly considered one of the most scenic drives in the world.
The capital of Italy, Rome, is a bustling city encompassing thousands of years of world-renowned art, ancient ruins, and Italian culture. Founded in 753 BC by Romulus, Rome is home to the famous ruins of the Colosseum; an amphitheater fit to hold over 50,000 spectators used for gladiator battles, plays based on classical mythologies, animal hunting, and more. You can also find the Roman Forum, a sweeping plaza surrounded by numerous ancient government buildings in the center of Rome. Other architecturally stunning masterpieces in Rome include St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museum, and the Sistine Chapel. There are over 900 churches and 250 fountains throughout Rome, one of the most popular being the Trevi Fountain. This fountain is the largest Baroque fountain in the city and one of the most famous fountains in the world. People travel all over to toss coins in its waters to make a wish. It is estimated that about 3,000 Euros are collected from the fountain daily, and all money is donated to a catholic charity, Caritas, that supports families in need in Rome.Fast Facts
Already booked on one of our packages to Italy? See everything you need to know before you go.
| Overview | Capital: Rome |
| Entry requirements | Please see our Entry Requirements page. |
| Staying Healthy | Immunizations are not currently required for travel to Italy. Please consult your doctor regarding any concerns or recommendations prior to departure. |
| Weather | Italy generally enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with dry, hot summers and wet, windy, and cool winters. However, the weather varies depending on the region. In cities such as Rome and Milan, the temperature ranges from the low 30s in the winter to the mid-70s to 80s in the summer. In coastal cities such as Venice, the temperature is slightly cooler than the mainland, but still pleasant. July and August are ideal times to swim in the warm waters of the Adriatic Sea. In Sorrento, the average high is in the 70s and the low is in the 60s. Evening temperatures will be about 10-15 degrees cooler. |
| What to wear | Clothing style in Italy is smart, fashionable, and casual and appearance is important. Jeans are very popular, especially when paired with nice (but comfortable) shoes. Bring a nice outfit to wear for special evenings. At religious sites, dress modestly. Shorts and sleeveless tops are considered inappropriate, and arms and legs should be covered. If you have two pairs of comfortable (broken in, not brand new) walking shoes, take both pairs. These will come in handy when walking along uneven sidewalks and cobbled streets. Packing to dress in layers is another way to prepare for a variety of weather conditions. Finally, remember that comfort and convenience should dictate your wardrobe for the tour, and casual clothes are the rule for most occasions as you travel. |
| Money & Credit Cards | The local currency is the Euro. Hotels and many shops do accept credit cards. While Visa and Mastercard are most accepted, some establishments also accept AMEX and Discover. If possible, use a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. Be sure to call your credit card providers to let them know you will be traveling abroad, the places you’ll be visiting, and the dates of your trip. This is important for your own protection. Some very small shops souvenir places will accept cash only in local currency. Your hotels will generally exchange your cash for local currency, and you’ll find ATM machines where you can get additional cash as needed. Traveler’s checks are not accepted. Credit cards are the most convenient way to pay for items you purchase as you travel. Be sure to call your credit card providers to let them know you will be traveling abroad, the places you’ll be visiting, and the dates of your trip. This is important for your own protection. Always notify your bank prior to departure to avoid any problems using your credit or debit card while traveling. |
| Shopping | You will certainly have time for shopping, and Italy offers a great variety of goods to satisfy different tastes and price ranges. A good rule of thumb when shopping abroad is to choose items that you love and that will remind you of the destination. If you want to shop for high value items, unless they are very specific to the destination, better do so from a trusted merchant at home unless the pleasure of the happy memory of your trip will keep you from regretting your purchase. While we take great care in arranging the components of your tour, we have no relationship with the shopping venues you’ll encounter, and we cannot be liable for any purchases you make. Your guides may have some favorite shopping places, where the vendors are known, provide good quality merchandise and probably pay some a commission from sales to the guide. This should not surprise or offend you. This is how business is done throughout the world. Please keep in mind that many, if not most stores outside the U.S. will not allow exchanges or refunds for your purchased items. You, as the buyer, assume the full risk in the purchases you make. Como: silks You will certainly have time for shopping, and the countries on this tour offer a great variety of goods to satisfy different tastes and price ranges. It is always a good idea to comparison-shop, and exercise the “buyer-beware” rule, just as you do at home. Be sure to inspect the merchandise before you leave the store. Most stores will not allow you to return or exchange purchased items. |
| Electricity & Power Adapters | 230 volts. Plugs C, F & L. You will need a voltage converter and plug adapter in order to use U.S. appliances. We recommend getting a universal adapter and converter kit. Learn more about electrical standards around the world. |
| Cell Phones & Internet | Want to take your cell phone, tablet or laptop, but not sure how to get cell service or wifi? Read up on using your cell phone abroad and the top 5 ways to get Internet abroad. |
| Photography | Cameras and video recorders are allowed almost everywhere in the countries visited on this tour, and in fact, you will want to take plenty of pictures of the magnificent panoramas you’ll encounter as you travel. Photography is generally permitted everywhere except at airports and military installations. Memory cards for digital cameras will also be readily available, especially in major cities. |
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