Italy Trips & Tours

Italy’s largest airports are in Rome and Milan, and many countries offer direct flights; while Naples and Venice also have international airports. Throughout Europe, Ryanair, easyJet and ITA Airways often offer the best flight options. For intercontinental flights, airlines including Emirates, American airlines, Turkish Airlines and Air Canada offer direct flights to Italy. Booking a connecting flight via another major European city can be a good alternative. When travelling to Italy from Europe, going by high-speed train is a pleasant and scenic alternative to flying. High speed trains from neighbouring countries are scenic and fast. Intercontinental flights sometimes are quite expensive. There are various options for travelling to central Rome from Fiumicino Airport. It is approximately 30 minutes by the Leonardo Express to Roma Termini Station, while regular taxis and buses are also available.

Milan Malpensa Airport is the second busiest airport after Fiumicino and about 50 km away from the city centre. The Malpensa Express train connects the airport to Milan's city centre, with stops at several major stations including Milan Cadorna and Milan Centrale.

Please consult your personal physician and/or a travel clinic preferably 6 weeks prior to your departure. Vaccine requirements vary based on your country of origin and your travel itinerary and your previous vaccination history. It is best to consult with your physician or the CDC website for guidelines. However, there are currently no vaccinations required to enter Italy. The tap water quality is good enough to drink but many locals prefer bottled water. In general, Italy is regarded as a safe country however petty crimes are more common in larger cities. Be on the lookout for pickpockets, especially in major tourist hubs or on public transport, and scams like overpricing. Communication Italy Country Code: +39 Calling overseas from Italy: From a landline dial 010, followed by the country code, area code, and the phone number. e.g., To call the USA: 010 1 [Area Code] [Phone Number] When calling from a cell phone dial +, followed by the country code, area code, and the phone number. e.g., To call the USA: +1 [Area Code] [Phone Number]

The currency used in Italy is the Euro (€). Major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) are widely accepted, particularly in cities and tourist areas. However, it's advisable to have some cash on hand, especially in smaller towns or for smaller establishments that might not accept cards. Known as Bancomat in Italy, ATMs are widely available and are a convenient way to withdraw cash. We advise checking with your bank regarding charges for international withdrawals. You can exchange currency at airports, banks, and exchange offices, but be aware of the rates and fees. Using ATMs often provides a better rate. Gratuities Gratuities are not compulsory or expected; rather it is a reward for excellent service. If you are pleased with the service you receive, you are more than welcome to tip. This is usually done at the end of your stay. You may tip the staff individually, give the tip to the manager to distribute, or do both. Tipping in Italy is not as customary or substantial as it is in other countries like the United States. Gratuities suggestions: Restaurants: If you receive exceptional service, leaving a small tip (around 5-10% of the bill) is appreciated, but it's not obligatory. Many restaurants include a service charge (coperto) in the bill. Bars and Cafes: It's not usual to tip at bars or cafes. You might just round up to the nearest Euro if paying in cash. Taxis: It's not necessary to tip taxi drivers, but rounding up the fare to the nearest Euro is a common practice.

It is a condition of booking that you carry the correct comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover yourself, as well as any dependents/traveling companions for the duration of your trip. This insurance should include cover in respect of, but not limited to, the following eventualities: Compulsory Insurance: a. Emergency evacuation expenses b. Medical expenses c. Repatriation expenses Recommended Insurance: a. Cancellation or curtailment of trip b. Damage/theft/loss of personal luggage, money and goods

The visa requirements depend on the purpose of your visit. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can travel without a visa as Italy is part of the Schengen agreement; a valid identity card or passport is needed. Non-European citizens can travel to Italy with a 90-day Schengen Visa, which can be extended to a 180-day visa. Be aware that this visa extends to the majority of Europe. It's essential to have a passport valid for at least three months beyond your planned date of departure from the Schengen Area. Visa application procedures can involve requirements such as travel insurance, proof of accommodation, return tickets, and proof of financial means. Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) The EU has introduced a new Entry/Exit System (EES) for non-EU passport holders entering the Schengen area. It’s designed to make borders more secure and keep a record of who’s coming and going, but it does mean a few extra steps on your first arrival: • On your first entry into the Schengen zone, travellers aged 12 and over will need to: - Have their passport scanned - Provide fingerprints and have a photo taken by a border officer - Answer a few straightforward questions (such as your reason for travel, where you’ll be staying, and for how long) • Children under 12 will simply have a photo taken. • There’s no cost for this process and you don’t need to register in advance. Once completed, your details are valid for three years and will be automatically recognised on future trips. • Exemptions: The EES does not apply if you are transiting through or if you hold an EU passport. Please allow a little extra time at border control for this on your first entry.

Climate Spring (March to May) is a lovely time of year to visit Italy with generally sunny days. In the north, it can be cooler, especially in the evenings, while southern cities have a mostly temperate climate. During summer (June to August), the days are typically hot and dry, often going for weeks without rain, which makes the air very humid. During autumn (September to November), the southern regions remain fairly warm, while rainfall and cooler temperatures occur in north and central Italy. During winter (December to February), Italy is mostly cold and rainy and although coastal areas like Sicily enjoy milder winters, the wind makes it rather chilly. What to pack - Deciding what to pack for a trip to Italy very much depends on the season. However, here are some general guidelines to help you: - Pack items that can be worn in layers including T-shirts, breezy slacks, as well as jackets, sweaters and a scarf for colder days. - A dressier outfit for the evenings - Sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen - Comfortable and sturdy walking shoes - Swimwear - Basic first aid kit and any prescription medications - Toiletries: while most hotels provide basic amenities, it’s advisable to bring specific personal items. - Camera, spare batteries and memory card, chargers and adaptors. Italy uses plug types C, F and L, at 230V and 50Hz. - A daypack or comfortable bag to carry water bottles, snacks and guidebooks. Luggage Please check with your airlines for the specific luggage restrictions relevant to your flight schedule. Many international airlines have a baggage allowance of 20kgs or more per person and commercial airlines generally permit two (2) pieces of checked luggage. The carry-on bag must be of such dimensions and weight as set by the airlines.

Ideally, you don’t want to find yourself sprinting between sights so finding a balance between pace and how much you want to see is crucial. On a trip of 7 to 10 days, you can comfortably visit multiple regions with time to see some iconic sights (don’t try to cram them all in), local culture and even a bit of relaxation. If you have the time to spare, two weeks spent exploring Italy will be deeply rewarding.

Italy is filled to the brim with places worth seeing, but where to begin? At its centre, Rome is a fantastic anchor for your trip with its astounding history and unique culture. Tuscany is a natural next step for art, wine and beach-lovers alike, while Venice captures the soul with its architecture and beauty. If you’re more actively inclined, the northern lakes, Dolomites and Portofino belong on your itinerary. And then we have wild and rustic southern Italy where you could marvel at the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast or the ancient towns of Sicily. Italy is as varied as they come and it’s all about choosing the right combination to suit you.

Definitely, and with great ease. Italy has a fantastic and extensive train network, which can take you from Rome to Florence in around 90 minutes, and Florence to Venice in under 2 hours. This works well for central and northern Italy, but if you’re heading south, it pays to rent a car or hire a guide / driver. This allows you to really explore off-the-beaten-path destinations, but be sure not to drive into historic city centres as this will come with a fine.

Stretching over 1,200 kilometres from north to south, the mountains to the coast, Italy’s regions have markedly different climates. For instance, the northern lakes shine brightest in late spring (mid-April to May) while Tuscany is at its most enchanting during the grape harvest in early autumn (late September to October). The best time to visit Italy depends on the atmosphere you’re seeking as well. Summer is, of course, very popular among locals and tourists alike so areas like the Amalfi Coast are usually packed with people, while Rome and Florence can be rather hot. But if we’re talking about a sweet spot across most of Italy, May and October vie for first place. October promises golden vineyards, crisp air and thinner crowds, while May is lively but not overwhelming.

While crowding in Italy is a genuine concern to have, by planning ahead, managing expectations and getting your timing right, you can navigate it all without a hitch. Certain cities and regions do get extremely busy, especially in the summer months, including Rome, Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast. Planning a trip to Italy in the ‘shoulder’ months means fewer tourists, while it could also pay off to head for lesser-known alternatives to the most famous destinations. Of course, timing also plays a big part and it’s worth avoiding well-known sights during the midday rush, opting for an early morning or late afternoon visit.