Italy Tourism

If any Italy travel guide asserts that visiting Italy is impressive, it would be a trivializing thing to do. The list of the best cities to visit in Italy is endless, starting from the more obvious to the most obscure. Going to Florence is like having a surprise party every day; not a street in the city that isn’t pregnant with poetry in form of art or architecture. Walking through the shopping streets of Milan is like walking into a fashion magazine. Roaming among ancient ruins in Rome is an experience like no other. Drifting past gothic cathedrals on a gondola ride in Venice is romantic and rewarding. On an Italy travel, one must make sure to explore all that one can cram into the trip.

Italy holidays are incomplete without exploring the beautiful countryside. Summer, from May through August, is the best time to embark on Italy wine tours, especially the world-famous Tuscany region. Tours of Southern Italy also include exploring the Mediterranean coast and glamorous beaches of Italy. Start your Italy vacations with our best-priced holiday packages including visits to Rome and Florence.

Flights to Italy are available from major Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. It may take anywhere between 8 to 12 hours to reach Rome from Delhi. Visit Italy during the shoulder seasons of Spring and Fall. April-May and September-October are ideal months to travel to Italy. Tourist crowds are higher in the peak summer season in Italy, from late June to August. Winter in Italy is another good time to explore Christmas markets and lively town centers.

Places to Stay in Italy

1) Gran Meliá Rome: Situated in the historic center of Rome, this urban resort features lush grounds and fine-dining options. Guests can enjoy indulgent spa sessions and hang out in its glamorous lounge area.

2) Locanda Rossa: Rated among the top retreats in Italy, this countryside-villa is an ideal getaway for those looking to enjoy luxurious accommodation near Tuscany’s picturesque beaches.

3) The Gritti Palace: This lavish 15th-century palace offers views of Venice’s churches and museums. Its highlights for guests include an in-house exquisite spa and collection of priceless antiques.

Honeymoon in Italy

In Florence, Couples can explore the best of Tuscan countryside on wine tours and cultural tours. The city of Florence is an ideal base to launch excursion to famed vineyards of Tuscany. Another option is to explore the art galleries and street markets in Florence. Venice offers a surreal experience for the newlyweds. The nearby islands such as Morano can be explored on romantic boat rides by couples who are looking to for something different than a gondola ride in the Grand Canal of Venice. Lake Como in northern Italy is a wonderful retreat for couples. Between the stunning shores of the lake and majestic mountain backdrop, there are several adventures await for honeymooners in Italy.

Historical Places in Italy

There is no dearth of monuments in Italy dating back to the glory days of Roman Empire. From Colosseum in Rome to the ruins of Pompeii, history buffs can learn about the rich past of Italy. Roman Forum and Pantheon are other popular places to explore.

Shopping in Italy

Milan is the top shopping destination in Europe to hunt for high-end goods such as clothing and fashion accessories. Ponte Vecchio on the River Arno in Florence is an ideal place to bargain for souvenirs, jewelry, and leather goods. Weekend markets in Venice and Rome are also popular for shopping lovers.

Top Highlights of Italy

From St Peter's Basilica in Rome to the Leaning Tower of Pisa and from the Amalfi Coast to the Dolomites, Italy is home to the top-ranked travel destinations in Europe. A shrine to the Renaissance, Florence or the ‘City of Lilies’ is timeless like Verdi’s La Traviata. Read Tuscan novels on the banks of the Arno River, soak in the postcard-worthy panoramic view from Piazzale Michelangelo, shop at jewelry shops on Ponte Vecchio or pick up souvenirs from Mercato Vecchio, and go on full-day walking tours which begin from Piazza della Signoria. Keep in mind, as the shadows grow smaller in Florence, so does the queue to see Michelangelo's David. Go Italy, for a mind-blowing experience.

Hidden Destinations in Italy

From a vast empire to being a city-state and now a country, Italy has preserved the finest examples of its heydays intact. Take time out from urban cities to visit soul-stirring countryside where the scent of vineyards permeates the fresh air. Tuscany is a graceful antidote to tourist hubbub of Florence while Lake Como is an ideal refuge from the neon and noise of Milan. Among other top attractions in Italy include Genoa, Naples, Lake Garda, Turin, and Siena, as part of the best Italy tours. One can also opt to focus on northern Italy tourism.

The vine-covered hills of the Chianti and emerald-green expanses of the Val d'Orcia conjure up iconic images of Tuscany. Italians are big-hearted people. Guests are always welcome to join the locals around festivities, particularly at the food table. Sample seafood along the Sicilian coast, grab a pizza in Naples, prepare a pasta in Bologna, your taste-buds are in for a treat during a trip to Italy. Travel to Italy for an unbelievable experience.

Main Festivals in Italy

Different regions in Italy celebrate different cultural festivities. Carnevale in Venice (and in towns of Northern Italy) is an extravaganza of vibrant street performances, parade of boats, and musical concerts. Opera Festival in Verona features a series of classical music performances from July to September. Marriage of the Sea in Venice, Scoppio del Carro in Florence, Game of the Bridge in Pisa, and Umbria Jazz Festival in Perugia are popular festivals in Italy worth attending.