Italy Tourism

Italy is situated in the heart of Southern and Western Europe, and it is home to some of the most magnificent locations, including Florence, Rome, and Venice. From archaeological sites to roadside espresso bars, Italian tourism is about effortlessly admiring the beauty in every corner. From cobblestone streets to stunning mountain ranges, tourism in Italy is a lifetime experience. 

Why visit Italy? 

Experience skiing in the Alps and cruising on the Amalfi Coast, all at the same time.

Explore the majestic city of Venice, a city built on shimmering waters. 

The food of Italy is considered sacred, from traditional cheeses to handmade pasta. 

 Dive into the Italian Renaissance, cultural heritage sites, and sprawling vineyards in Tuscany. 

Prepare yourself to see breathtaking alpine views from the astonishing Piedmont to the beautiful Aosta Valley 

Places to Visit - 

Rome - 

The location that people adore, especially romantics, is the perfect place for love because of its views that take your breath away from the momentous Colosseum to throwing coins in Trevi fountain to hanging out in Piazza Navona with a gelato in hand. It is chaotic in a nutshell, but one of a kind. 

Florence - 

 Florence feels like you are taking a stroll in an open-air museum every day. Michelangelo's David to a masterpiece in the Duomo - every second you’re seeing different sights in every corner. The city is slow-paced and has numerous coffee corners, sunset spots and rich heritage. Tourism in Italy hits an entirely different note here. 

Venice 

A city that almost feels like a movie, an enchanting place which is built on water. Get lost in the alleys of the Ghetto and Cannaregio, go on Gondola rides through age-old canals and tour through the city. It is a dreamy destination, and Italy tourism is incomplete without it. 

Naples

The place where pizza was born is unapologetically raw and loud. Visit the remarkable Pompeii and take a ferry ride to the glamorous Capri, or wander in the narrow corners of Spaccanapoli. Naples goes a little beyond traditional Italy. 

Milan 

A location where trams pass the old, charming buildings and the Catholic churches, creating a scenic sight. It is not only about fashion but also showcases architectural marvels. Go to Sforzesco Castle, grab a quick snack in cute cafes or catch the street art scene in the districts. 

Budget And Accommodation 

If you’re heading to Italy from India, consider a round-trip flight, which will cost around  ?24,000 to ?25,000, entirely depending on when you decide to book it. A week-long trip to Italy from India can cost up to ?1.8 to ?2.7 lakh. In terms of food, entry tickets and other explorations, you’ll spend roughly around €30-50 per person per day. 

There are plenty of options for accommodations in a happening city like Italy, from budget hostels and Airbnb’s ranging from ?2000-4000 per night to mid-range hotels costing around ?9000 to ?14,000, and you will need at least ?30,000 to ?50,000 per night for a luxurious stay in Italy. 

Best Time to Visit Italy 

To truly enjoy Italy, the best times to visit are April to June or September to October, when the weather is mild and the crowds of tourists are less prevalent. It gets extremely hot during the summers, and also overcrowded, in places like Rome and Venice. Early fall and spring are perfect times if you want to stroll through narrow streets, explore and enjoy gelatos. 

April to June is known to be a sweet spot for Italian Tourism, it is the best time for endless sightseeing, coastal drives that’ll leave you awestruck and countryside views. 

Winters start from December to February, months of celebration and festivities, explore festive markets and go to the Alps for skiing. 

September to October is best for touring vineyards and local sightseeing. 

Italy has a lot of rain in November,  best month for indoor activities - like chilling at an Italian cafe, visiting historic museums and enjoying slow-paced tourism in Italy.

How to Reach Italy? 

By Air :

Till now, there are no direct flights from India to Italy, however, there are multiple one-stop options from major Indian cities like Mumbai or New Delhi to Italian cities like Rome, Italy or Milan. Total flight time is around 11-14 hours, depending on the number of layovers. 

By Train: 

It is not practical to go from Delhi to Italy by train. But once you’re in Europe, taking trains is the most convenient mode of commute. You can go from one city to another - Paris to Milan, or Florence to Zurich. Trains are comfortable and offer striking views. 

By Road: 

Italy is known for its seamless and stunning cross-country drives. If you plan to go on a road trip from Italy to other cities, such as Switzerland, Austria, and France, it takes around 5-6 hours. Ensure you have all the necessary documents, including a passport and visa, for an unforgettable experience. 

Things to do in Italy - 

Toss a coin - 

In the Trevi Fountain, a renowned Baroque fountain in Rome, celebrated for its intricate architecture and history. 

Take a pizza-making class 

At the place where it all started, Naples, and dive into the traditional culinary scene of Italy 

Go on a Ferry ride to the Amalfi Coast 

Think of panoramic cliff roads, towns like Positano and Ravello, painted in pastel colours, mesmerising coves, and lemons everywhere - in sorbets, gelatos, and even perfumes. 

Day trip to Lake Como 

Explore this glacial lake in Italy, known for its dazzling beauty. It is just an hour from Milan, offering everything from luxury to mountains and calmness. Opt for a boat ride to Bellagio, which offers a lake view and a dramatic view of the Alps. 

Sip an Espresso on the streets of Rome

Indulge in a delightful Espresso in Caffe Sant'Eustachio or Tazza D’Oro, which are the two most famous spots near the Pantheon. These cafes are known to be the locals’ favourite for their exceptional brews. Immerse yourself in the charm of the city. 

Culture and Lifestyle 

Language - 

Italian is the official language of Italy, and 93% of the population speaks their native language. In tourist areas, people often speak English, but not always fluently. 

Cuisine - 

Interestingly, Italian cuisine varies significantly from one region to another. Fresh seafood in Amalfi, Must-try risotto in Milan and pasta everywhere. Try out these places: Trattoria da Enzo (Rome), Pizzeria Gino Sorbillo (Naples) and All’Antico Vinaio (Florence). 

Language - 

Italians are known for their style statements; they dress well and choose clothes that are chic yet effortless. Pack breathable fabrics if you’re going in the summer, and a nice thin jacket. 

Shopping 

What to shop

Grab leather bags in the streets of Florence, Murano glass in Venice or go to city markets in Rome for souvenirs. Items like handmade pasta, limoncello, and local olive oil can be taken home safely. 

Where to shop 

Head to San Lorenzo Market (Florence) for leather goods, and Via Del Corso (Rome) for getting aesthetic fashion items. Cities like Milan have stores for every budget- from Zara to full-on designer in the oldest shopping landmark, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. 

Short Itinerary –

Day 1: Arrive in Rome, go to Colosseum, Vatican and Trevi Fountain and eat lots of pasta 

Day 2: Day tour of Florence, Wine day trip in Tuscany 

Day 3: Fly to Luxor to see Prehistoric temples and go for a hot air balloon ride

Day 4: Take a ferry or a cruise to the Amalfi Coast and experience the coastal beauty. 

Day 5: Enjoy a famous Gondola ride in Venice, get clicked at iconic photo spots and wander through canals 

Day 6: Unwind by the shores of Lake Como and soak in gorgeous views that’ll surround you. 

Day 7: Depart

What to pack - 

Walking in Italy is a serious business; the cobblestone streets are no joke. Pack a comfortable pair of shoes. 

Power adapters used in Europe are Type C and F

Sunglasses and Sunscreen because the Italian sun does not hold back

Carry a small Anti-Theft bag when exploring crowded city markets 

Always good to carry a light jacket and linen clothes, since the weather can surprise you at times. 

Visa and Immigration 

Travelling from India to Italy, you will need a Schengen Visa. Please visit the VFS portal with your planned itinerary, supporting documents, and travel insurance. It takes approximately 15 working days to obtain a visa for tourism in Italy.  Make sure to keep your documents handy when you’re at immigration. 

Tips 

Do not forget to validate your train tickets before travelling in local transport; there are small counters and platforms available everywhere. 

Try to avoid restaurants that are in touristy spots, walk a little, and you’ll end up finding way better options that are cheaper and of good quality. 

Grab a local SIM or eSIM- it’s a big lifesaver, and will help you in small cities. 

Usually, shops are closed for a few hours in the afternoon, so plan your shopping hours accordingly.