Italy Vacations

Vineyards bake in the sun by Mount Vesuvius and street pizza in Naples tastes like a slice of heaven. Shopping in Milan’s boutiques will make fashionistas swoon. Foodies may have trouble eating Italian anywhere else ever again after tasting the gastronomic majesty of Emilia-Romagna’s cuisine. Sip bitter, orange Aperol Spritz in at a café in fair Verona or Medieval Siena and watch the sun melt over the Piazza del Campo, the symbol of Tuscany. 

The beauty of these experiences is that Italians are as enamoured with their culture and heritage as any visitor will be. This pride of place is reflected in their attention to detail in their own daily lives. Predominantly Roman Catholic, hundreds of thousands of beautiful churches have been built in Italy over the centuries. Home to the centre of Catholicism, Vatican City, the world’s smallest sovereign state, continues to house the current Pope within its walls. Inside more than 100 galleries are maintained, making it the largest and most affluent museum complex on the planet.

Soccer may be the other primary religion of the country, with bars and coffee shops packed with locals cheering for their team on game days. Succumb to the Italian way and cheer for instant amici.

What is the visiting etiquette in Italy?

Italians tend to be relaxed and warm visiting with acquaintances, friends, and family. When meeting someone new, it is appropriate to greet them with buongiorno or buonasera, firm handshake, eye contact, and a smile. The gesture of a kiss on each cheek, or hugs are commonplace for friends and family. Use of the versatile word ciao, which can mean both hello and goodbye, is a common greeting between friends.

If invited to someone’s home, it is customary to bring a small gift, such as flowers or chocolates. Pay attention to your attire, as it is a sign of respect for your host to dress neatly. No hats indoors, and save the casual beach clothing for the sea! A home cooked Italian meal is often times a lengthy affair, with lively conversation and slow eating. It's common for the meal to start with everyone declaring buon appetito, loosely meaning to enjoy your meal. Express appreciation for your host's culinary skills, Italians often enjoy talking about food and their cooking.

What is Italy best known for?

Italians have grown up looking at art and history; it is infused into their communities. Historically, there was a time when art production required massive expenditures of money and time. The social and economic elite of Italy invested in the arts as a part of their civic duties, as proclamations of faith, and as proof of their virtue. Today, travellers admire some of the world’s most distinctive artworks in Italian museums, which work to exhibit and preserve extensive collections created over thousands of years. 

Italy is home to fashion empires, and remarkable footwear and accessory manufacturers who continue to don Made in Italy labels, synonymous with quality. It is unlikely you will find an Italian donning sweats to go to the grocery store; fashion is important. Even outside of the fashion centres of Milan and Rome, Italians take time to dress as a way of personal artistic expression. There is a level of care and composure in knowing what to wear, and how to style it that is inherently Italian. It is no wonder the likes of Enzo Ferrari and Gianna Versace were born of this country where Leonardo da Vinci and Botticelli had crafted their creative genius centuries before.

What are some Italian traditions?

The dolce vita, or sweet life, that Italy is known for, is sought after by travellers looking to indulge in the small pleasures of life. This extends to family, which is at the heart of Italy. The importance of family has shaped Italy’s culture, as they rely on one another to celebrate joys and face challenges. Families providing gracious hospitality, such as enjoying long meals, is second nature to Italians.

Carnivals tracing back to the Middle Ages are celebrated across Italy, with the most attended one being in Venice. According to the tale, after a military victory in 1162, the people of Venice started to gather and dance in St. Mark’s Square. Today the event includes opulent costumes, colourful parades, and people donning elaborately decorated masks portraying satirical appearances. Masquerade balls during Carnival continue to be a draw for travellers to Venice.

The most traditionally celebrated national holidays include Christmas, Easter and New Year’s. On New Year's Eve, opening a bottle of bubbly to get the big pop, called botto in Italian, is a tradition to scare away evil spirits and encourage prosperous new beginnings. The following morning, Italians say leaving the house with a pocket full of cash will ensure financial prosperity throughout the year!

What are Italians like socially?

For Italians, spending time with family is at the centre of society. Extended family members often live nearby to one another, and multigenerational homes are also common. Priority is given to any chance to gather and socialize with loved ones for meals and celebrations.

Italians are known for their expressive communication. Non verbal cues, including body language and facial expressions are important, so be sure to smile to convey kindness. Don’t be surprised to see Italians speaking with their hands, including the tulip hand gesture toward a person during conversation, as if to emphasize being critical or interrogative. When chatting with an Italian, asking polite questions about their family is often warmly welcomed. 

What language do Italians speak?

The official language of Italy is Italian, while English is the second most common language. English is spoken by about 15% of the country, along with French and German commonly used in the northern regions. When visiting Italy, it may be helpful to learn some Italian phrases, such as ciao (hello) and politely asking someone if they parli inglese? (do you speak English?). Italians are commonly gracious and accustomed to interacting with English-speaking travellers, and will often attempt to use some English words or gestures to communicate. 

Most guidebooks tell travellers Italy is best visited in the early fall and late spring, when the European schools are back on, it’s not as busy with visitors, and the temperatures are most comfortable.  In reality, the best time to visit Italy is anytime. Winters in the mountain of the Dolomites at Cortina can feel like a fashion show on and off the slopes, or get cozy at Alta Badia, where post ski dinners of pillow soft gnocchi have earned the elegant ski town two Michelin star restaurants. With about 4,000 museums and art galleries across the country, a chilly winter wind is easily subdued once inside thick walls housing some of the world’s most cherished art. Fall brings the harvest and like any wine-centred country, the vineyards are laden with swollen grapes and walks or bike rides in Tuscany or Sicily feel like spending time in a painting.

The Venice Biennale takes place at the beginning of the spring and ends in November. A spectacle of art and architecture where artists from all over the world showcase their talents at this pavilion complex, walking distance from San Marco. Summers by the coast or on the islands are busy, but the waters are at their warmest along the Amalfi Coast or the Italian Riviera. In the summer try to avoid the crowds by heading out early morning and later in the evening. Mid-day naps by the sea, your villa’s pool, or in a decadent hotel room with a view, suits all seasons in Italy.  Afterall, restaurants are open late here and dining after 8pm is the norm. In Italy, life is for pleasure, in all seasons.

When is Italy’s peak tourist season?

Crowds are heaviest during Italy’s peak travel months of June to August, however in some cities the hot temperatures can make some sightseeing less desirable. More pleasant temperatures, with slightly less crowds can be found in Italy’s shoulder seasons of May to June and September to October. National Italian holidays including Easter tend to see heavy crowds in Rome, Venice and Florence.

Which is the most affordable time to visit Italy?

Affordable airfare to Italy can be found nearly year round, with accommodation rates being lowest during the months of November-April. The very lowest pricing for hotels can be found in February and November, both of which experience cooler temperatures. That said, if you pack appropriately there is so much to see indoors with the endless list of exquisite museums and cathedrals!

How long should I plan to visit Italy?

Italy is a large country North to South, so if you are hoping to see as much as possible, plan to spend two weeks visiting. You will be able to check out all the highlights from Milan in the north to the Amalfi Coast in the south. If your time is limited, plan to spend 7-10 days, with a focus on two to three highlight destinations, such as Rome, Florence, and Venice. 

When is the ideal time to visit Italy?

Italy’s favourable location makes it a desirable vacation destination year round. June, July, and August are Italy’s peak travel months, but often have less desirable hot temperatures. Shoulder months including April, May, September, and October are commonly less busy, though you can still relish in pleasant warm weather. Consider visiting in the winter months, when reasonably mild weather makes touring less crowded attractions and historic sites very enjoyable.

How much does a trip to Italy cost?

Typically, for a one-week vacation to Italy, an individual traveller should budget between $2,000-$3,000, not including international airfare. The cost of travelling to Italy can vary depending on the time of year, style of trip, duration, destinations, and level of accommodation, though Italy is known for being able to accommodate budgets of all sizes. 

How to plan a trip to Italy?

The best way to explore Italy is on a tailor-made vacation catering to your individual interests. Do you want to count the arches in Rome at the Colosseum, or be serenaded down the peaceful canals of Venice? Everyone has their own style of travel. Discover tailor-made travel in Italy with the help of a Goway Destination Specialist.

What is required to visit Italy?

All visitors from Canada and the United States require a passport, with a recommended six-month validity, to visit Italy for up to 90 days. Travellers will go through passport control when arriving in Italy. An online electronic travel authorization form, known as ETIAS, will be required to be filled out prior to arrival in Italy starting in 2025. 

What are the best places to visit in Italy?

It would be easy to spend weeks in Italy, exploring the coastlines in the south and the captivating history of the north. A visit to Italy’s most stylish city, Milan, highlights its reputation as the fashion and finance capital, while also offering the chance to contemplate Leonardo DaVinci's The Last Supper painting in the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Explore Rome’s extensive history including where gladiators once battled in the Colosseum and Michelangelo's masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel ceiling, in St. Peter's Basilica. In the heart of Italy, Florence is revered for its Renaissance architecture, while also providing a perfect starting point to explore the Tuscany region. The floating city of Venice is home to 150 winding canals and over 400 pedestrian bridges, which can be explored on foot or by gondola boat. Find sunshine and beaches along coastal destinations including the Cinque Terre, Amalfi Coast and the island of Sicily.

Is Italy LGBTQ+ friendly?

Italy still has a long way legally to recognize the LGBTQ+ community, as no formal laws have been passed to protect sexual orientation or gender identity. Urban cities including Rome, Milan, Venice, Florence and coastal towns Capri and Taorima are the most welcoming. Travellers should not have issues respectfully conducting themselves publicly, but some find smaller towns more conservative and less accepting. 

What currency does Italy use?

Italy is a member of the European Union and uses the Euro (EUR) as its official form of currency. On average $1 USD is worth $.90 EUR, but exchange rates are always fluctuating, so check the latest rates before travelling. While credit cards are increasingly accepted, having cash on hand is especially important for smaller islands and towns. 

Do I need to tip in Italy?

In general, tipping for meals and services in Italy is not required or expected, though the gesture of modest 5-10% tips is welcome. If dining as a group, a servizio charge may be added, which will provide staff with a tip. Alternatively, you may see a cover charge (coperto) on some bills, however this is not a tip.

Italy’s food culture is as diverse as its once independent city states. Unified just over 160 years ago Italy’s cities once existed as city-states with their own specialties and menus based on what produce was available locally. This diversity in food culture remains to this day with French and Austrian influence in northern Italy, where complex meat dishes are to be found. In the south, Mediterranean flavours and more fish and seafood grace the table. Fresh tomato salads, crusty breads, pizza, pasta, and desserts like creamy gelato ice cream and delicate, spongy tiramisu are to be found everywhere.

The ancient Roman god of wine, that rosy-cheeked and rotund rascal, Bacchus, would be pleased with the wine culture of modern Italy. With 20 wine regions, Italy is home to some of the oldest wine-producing areas in the world. More than 60% of the grapes destined for vino in Italy is red, with Chianti being the most famous. Effervescent whites like Moscato and bubbly Prosecco are also gaining popularity and are excellent choices with fresh seafood by the coast.

Coffee shops are called simply “bar” in Italy and are social hubs, swelling with locals shouting out their orders before work and during soccer games. Light lagers such as Moretti or Peroni are not as popular as wine, but go great with a Juventus game. A hearty saluti! with your neighbouring table over a football match, is an excellent way to dive into authentic Italian culture.

What is Italy’s traditional cuisine?

The traditional cuisine in Italy varies regionally from North to South. The terrain of Northern Italy is commonly used for raising cattle and sheep, resulting in renowned cured meals and specialty cheese such as asiago, pecorino, and gorgonzola. It is also home to tortellini pasta, creamy risotto, and polenta. In Central Italy the grape, wheat, and tomato crops thrive, as the farming season is hotter and longer. There you will find the birthplace of classic neapolitan pizza, and speciality pork products including salami and prosciutto. In Southern Italy, tomato-based recipes dominate, along with olive oil, capers, and seafood along the coast.

Even all the different traditional shapes of pasta can be traced regionally! A couple of examples, Sicily is the home of spaghetti, while Campania in the south is known for rigatoni, ziti, and fusilli, and Emilia-Romagna is home to stuffed pastas. While there is variation in some dishes' names or preparation techniques, the overall sentiment of Italian cuisine revolves around simple, high-quality seasonal ingredients.

Italy has laws in place to protect the authenticity of its quality food products. Some famous traditional items are legally required to be made in a certain region to be labelled authentic, for example Parmigiano Reggiano must be produced in Emilia-Romagna, while Modena Balsamic vinegar must be processed in Modena.

What is dining etiquette in Italy?

Eating meals together is an essential part of Italian culture. Italians often eat dinner late, with most non-tourist restaurants not opening until around 7 pm, and locals commonly eating closer to 9 pm. You can expect meals to be served as multiple smaller plates, enjoyed in succession, beginning with an antipasto, otherwise known as an appetizer. Next up will be primo, traditionally a rice-based or pasta dish, followed by secondo, commonly a meat or fish platter. A vegetable dish, contorni, may also be accompanied with the meal. This allows time to savour the food, and the company. And don’t forget to leave room for a sweet end to the night for dolce, dessert!

During a meal, parmigiano cheese is not meant to be sprinkled over everything, though it might be provided by the server if it complements a certain dish. And, if there is bread on the table, you will not find butter to accompany it, rather olive oil for dipping. Bread is not eaten to fill up on before a meal, instead, use it to soak up sauces on your plate at the end. Be sure to wait until everyone has finished eating to leave the table.

What is the drinking etiquette in Italy?

A short toast, or a simple salute, cheers, before sipping a beverage is common. Take care to make eye contact as a sign of respect to family and friends. Most alcoholic beverages are consumed with food, either during aperivito or with a meal. At meal time, it is most common to drink wine or water, a favourite being sparkling or frizzante! 

Wines are often chosen to complement the meal being served. Guests should appreciate the aromas and flavour notes. If you don’t want more wine to be poured in your glass, it is customary to leave the wine glass nearly full. Ordering a digestivo, a small strong alcoholic drink to aid digestion, is common after a meal. Popular choices are grappa, limoncello, and amaro. Don’t be surprised to see these served along with a post-dinner espresso.

Does Italy cater to dietary restrictions?

Consider doing a bit of research before visiting Italy, as certain regions commonly feature dishes more suitable for certain dietary restrictions such as vegetarian or vegan. Once you find a couple of dishes that are suitable, finding restaurants in the area that serve those dishes will be easier. Not all restaurants will be willing to alter menu items to accommodate diners, but there are options across Italy for any dietary restrictions. Given cultural communication differences regarding dietary restrictions, keep communication direct, for example I don’t eat meat, versus I am a vegan. Consider travelling with Italian translated cards to provide serving staff and chefs indicating any dietary restrictions.

For dietary restrictions such as gluten, you will be able to find AIC (Associazone Italiana Celiachia) signs at some restaurants, which means they will be able to accommodate gluten-free pasta, pizza and bread. As well, Italy is a part of the EU, and packaged food in grocery stores are required to list top allergens.

What do meals typically cost in Italy?

At a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay between 25-30 Euros per person, for a dinner in Italy. Lunch tends to be a quicker meal and less costly, averaging 15 Euros per person. Pricing can vary drastically based on type of food, and location, as popular destinations tend to have higher pricing. While seafood tends to be more expensive, pasta and pizza continue to be common and more affordable dining options. Many restaurants offer reasonably priced house wines, often surprisingly enjoyable, that are served on tap versus from a bottle. Also, consider seeking less busy parts of a city and opt for a lovely meal at a family owned osteria or trattoria!