Overview
The holy city of the Vatican offers a glimpse into the religious life that has dominated Italy for centuries. Such glorious works as the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums offer vacationers and locals the perfect balance of art and culture.
No trip to Italy would be complete without a romantic gondola ride and kiss beneath the Bridge of Sighs, a tour of the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa, and a trip to incredible Mt. Vesuvius, the ancient ruins of Pompeii, Sorrento, and Naples along the country’s illustrious southwestern shores.
What To Do
A few hours, or days, can hardly do justice to the incredibly rich collection of Renaissance art at Florence’s esteemed Uffizi Gallery, but it’s certainly worth your time.
Admire Michelangelo’s astonishing Statue of David in Firenze (Florence) and Leonardo de Vinci’s awe-inspiring painting of The Last Supper in Milan.
Tempt your taste buds with some creamy gelato and Neopolitan pizza, made with sun-ripened San Marzano tomatoes grown near Mount Vesuvius, and delicious mozzarella Campana.
Shop for the perfect piece of jewelry on Florence’s renowned Ponte Vecchio medieval stone bridge.
Browse Venice’s colorful Murano glass shops for an iconic souvenir of Italy.
Go on a guided tour of the Vatican Museums for an in-depth look at the country’s artistic, religious and cultural history.
Climb atop the Duomo or Giotto’s bell tower for a bird’s eye view of Florence.
Mangia (eat) anywhere, anytime. Authentic Italian food is a taste of heaven on earth.
When to Go
Any time spent vacationing in Italy is a perfect time. The summer is hot, especially in the south. Many Europeans go on holiday during August for a reason. The best weather arrives during late spring, early summer and fall, although wintertime can also be magical.
Fast Facts
One of Italy’s appropriate nicknames is 'Bel Paese,' beautiful country.
Food and Italy go hand-in-hand (or hand-to-mouth). Italy introduced ice cream to the world (via the Chinese), along with coffee and fruit pies. Bartolomeo Sicci penned the first Italian cookbook in 1474.
Parmesan cheese originated near Parma, Italy. The popular slow food movement began in Italy in 1986 by Carlo Petrini and has since spread worldwide in an attempt to preserve traditional and regional cuisine.
Travel Tips & Tools
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