Colosseum, Rome
Monopoli, Apulia
Varenna, Lake Como
Orvieto Medieval Town and Duomo Cathedral Church
The Duomo Complex in Florence
Colle di Val d'Elsa
Siena
St Peter Basilica, Vatican City
Positano, Amalfi Coast
Greek Theater, Taormina
Italy

Italy Travel & Holiday Packages

Italy boasts a unique historical heritage, with art and architecture spanning from ancient Egypt to contemporary times, and is famous for its diverse and tasty food, changing wildly from north to south.

WHEN EXPERIENCE MATTERS

REGIONS OF ITALY

ALBEROBELLO & PUGLIA

The region of Puglia, with its kilometres of spectacular Adriatic Sea coastline, is the real Italy – less tourists, unique cultural treasures and amazing regional food and wine. Distinctive of this region are the mysterious trulli, traditional dry stone huts with a conical roof. Experience the delights of the Puglia known as the heel of Italy’s boot, is replete with idyllic coastal towns, whitewashed houses, historic villages, gorgeous beaches, Baroque architecture and delicious cuisine, trulli houses in Alberobello and gorgeous beaches of Salento.

AMALFI COAST & CAMPANIA

Discover the jewels of the Campania region exploring the ruins of Pompeii, charming Sorrento and all Amalfi Coast. Head south to bustling Naples, home of the pizza and gateway to the beautiful region of Campania with its picture perfect Amalfi Coast and spectacular seaside towns of Sorrento, Positano, Praiano, Ravello, Salerno and the enchanting islands of Capri and Ischia. The Amalfi Coast is a 50-kilometer stretch of coastline along the southern edge of Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula. It’s a popular holiday destination, with sheer cliffs and a rugged shoreline dotted with small beaches and...

BASILICATA & CALABRIA

Experience the full flavours of the south visiting the southernmost region of Calabria, and rugged rock faces of Basilicata. Separated from Sicily by the Strait of Messina, Calabria rich in rugged natural landscapes with stunning coastline and beaches and lapped by the splendid crystal blue Ionian and Tyrrhenian seas. Discover pretty coastal Tropea with its lanes and piazzas and the coast of the gods in Vibo Valentia. The Basilicata region boasts two coastlines, mountain ranges, dark forested valleys and villages melded to rugged rock faces.

CINQUE TERRE & LIGURIA

A gem of the north is the magical Ligurian coastline, known as the Italian Riviera and including the spectacular Cinque Terre, a place people dream of visiting for its unique beauty and iconic postcard images. Liguria adds a stark contrast to the otherwise mountainous natural landscapes of the north and a rich diversity that brings travellers back to see and experience more. The famed coastal strip is a popular holiday destination with its colourful seaside villages, pristine beaches, and alpine views. Visit Genoa, one of Europe’s largest seaports and San Remo, a city defined by its flowers and the sun.

EMILIA ROMAGNA & SAN MARINO

Emilia Romagna is a food lovers' paradise! Think cheese and ham, balsamic vinegar and world famous bolognese sauce. Eat your way through Parma, Ravenna and Modena and soak in Bologna’s culinary delights, beautiful colonnades and medieval architectural style. Located in the north of central Italy, extending from the Apennine mountains to the fertile Po River Valley (UNESCO World Heritage listed) and Adriatic Coast. It is known for its elegant cities, unique architecture, history as a trading centre and rich gastronomic delights. The capital, Bologna, is a vibrant university town with arched porticos...

FLORENCE & TUSCANY

Tuscany, the green heart of Italy, with rolling hills, vineyards and olive groves dotted with medieval towns and farmhouses, and are surely on most people’s bucket lists. This region of sprawling vineyards, rolling hills, charming old cities with masterpieces of art and gourmet food has so much to offer. Magnificient Florence, known as the cradle of the Renaissance, Siena, famous for the Palio horse race, the Chianti area, Montepulciano and Montalcino, known all over the world for their prestigious wines, San Gimignano with its tall towers. Visit wineries and cellars, sample excellent wines...

MILAN & LOMBARDY

Lombardy (Lombardia) is home to the iconic fashion capital, Milan, the culture and style centre of Italy and gateway to the northern regions. Milan is considered Italy’s city of the future, a fast-paced metropolis where Italian design is world renowned. The city has been recognized as one of the world's four fashion capitals thanks to several international events and fairs, including Milan Fashion Week and the Milan Furniture Fair (Salone del Mobile). Home to the stunning Cathedral Duomo and many cultural institutions, museums and art galleries, and one of Leonardo's most famous paintings...

NORTH ITALIAN LAKES

The three largest lakes of Italy are collectively known as the ‘Italian Lakes’. Lake Como is the most famous one. Before the Versaces and Clooneys, many wealthy Romans, writers and poets had villas in the northern lakes of Italy. The Italian lakes are surrounded by striking scenery with snow-capped mountain peaks, glistening blue-green lakes, lush forests and medieval villages. Como is a jewel-like oasis of tranquility, with its sparkling waters set against a majestic mountain backdrop. Just half an hour from bustling Milan by rail or car and nestled on the shores of the fabled lake of the same name...

ROME & LAZIO

Surrounding Rome, one of the world’s most romantic and charismatic cities, is the often overlooked region of Lazio with its own treasures. A myriad of ancient hill towns, beautiful gardens and easy day trips to Tivoli, Ostia Antica and Civitavecchia, on a thousand roads less travelled. An ancient saying "A thousand roads lead men forever to Rome" has over time, become the proverb "all roads lead to Rome". The Eternal City, considered the centre of the world for centuries, is an open-air museum over 2000 years old. Still bringing travellers from around the world to its timeless charm, Rome is a city...

SICLY & THE ITALIAN ISLANDS

Sicily, the island in the sun, is home to heavenly beaches, majestic mountains and Europe’s greatest natural wonder, tallest active volcano Mount Etna. Sardinia with its kilometres of beautiful unspoilt coastline and stunning crystal clear water. Sicily it is the largest Italian island and one of the pearls of the Mediterranean, with its crystal clear waters and archaeological ruins, full of cultural treasures, folklore and traditions, breathtaking scenery and age-old heritage. And of course, great food and wine. The writer Goethe once said, “To have seen Italy without having seen Sicily is not to have seen Italy...

TRENTO & THE DOLOMITES

Stunning and sublime natural settings of Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to explore. The Dolomites sit at the top of Italy, surrounded by the region of Trentino-Alto Adige, and next to Austria. This stunning area offers rugged mountain wilderness and green vine and orchard covered valleys, dotted with wooden farmhouses. Their rock evidently gives to the mountains a very distinct white cast (which is why they are also called the “Pale Mountains”), but the most particular tones arise every evening when the sun starts to set: the colors go from pinkish hues to fiery reds, the phenomenon referred...

TURIN & PIEDMONT

Piedmont is a land of mountains, surrounded on three sides by the Alps, with the highest peaks and glaciers in Italy. Piedmont sits at the foot of the Alps bordering France and Switzerland. Its elegant capital Turin offers abundant baroque architecture, high quality shops and interesting museums. The Automobile Museum is devoted to Turin’s main industry, while the Egyptian Museum displays significant archaeological and anthropological collections. The region is justly known for its wines, which include some of the best produced from Italy such as Barolo, Barbaresco, Barbera, Dolcetto and Moscato D'Asti.

UMBRIA & ABRUZZO

Abruzzo is rugged lands that lie between the Apennine Mountains and the Adriatic coast. Located off the beaten tourist track on Italy’s east coast, full of food, medieval villages, and undiscovered cultural riches. Off the beaten track and often over-shadowed by its famous neighbour, Umbria is less discovered and the green heart of Italy. Like Tuscany, this is a land of ancient churches, hamlets and vineyards with hidden treasures and beautiful landscapes. Take a pilgrimage to Assisi (UNESCO World Heritage site). Discover spectacular medieval hilltop towns including Spoleto, Todi, Spello and Orvieto and...

VENICE & VENETO REGION

Veneto offers a wealth of sights and flavours to be treasured for a lifetime: gondolas that glide along canals, imposing Roman amphitheaters, majestic mountain ranges, ancient cathedrals but also lots of characteristic shops, delicious foods and excellent wines. The verdant Veneto region in north east Italy is a land of sparkling prosecco, timeless landscapes and charm. Little has changed in Venice’s design for the past 700 years. It is a dense network of waterways with 118 islands and more than 400 bridges over its 150 canals. Instead of main streets, you will find main canals, instead of cars you will find...

Helpful Information

When to visit

Italy is an attractive destination year-round destination and recommended times to visit will vary on interests, budget, and weather preferences. The climate varies considerably from the north to the south of Italy. In the north of the country the climate is harsh, with very cold winters and very hot, particularly humid summers. In central Italy the climate is milder, with a smaller difference in temperature between summer and winter and a shorter and less intense cold season than in the north. In southern Italy and the islands winters are never particularly harsh, and spring and autumn temperatures are similar to those reached in the summer in other areas of Italy.

  • High Season (Jul–Aug): Summer season is considered the peak season with very high temperatures throughout Italy. During this season, the Italian coast, with its countless gulfs, coves and inlets, touristic ports and long, sandy beaches, is truly adapted to the water lover’s every demand.
  • Shoulder (Apr–Jun & Sep–Oct): Spring and Autumn seasons are generally the best time to visit Italy, when there is nice weather, moderate temperatures, and fewer tourists.
  • Low Season (Nov–Mar): Winter season is your time to go to Italy if you want to enjoy the beautiful Dolomites' Ski Slopes or to discover the most renowned Italian cities of Art.

Getting around

Self drive holidays give you the freedom to explore your own way in your own time. No early starts, no crowds or being herded around. And many roads to discover off the beaten tourist track with only you in charge of your dream Italian travel experience. A car in Italy really becomes useful if you want to get away from the main cities and take to the countryside.

With 17,000 kilometres of rail and thousands of trains running daily, travelling by rail is one of the easiest, fastest and most cost effective ways to travel around Italy. Discover Italy’s incredible diversity and consider one of our suggested rail packages, or if you prefer, we can tailor a rail itinerary especially for you.
Travelling by rail is one of the fastest and most cost effective ways to travel around Italy.  Relax along the
Frecciarossa and Frecciargento, the famed Trenitalia highspeed trains are a great way to travel across the country from major art cities to the romantic countryside. 

Major cities all have good transport systems, including bus, tram and metro networks. In Venice, the main public transport option are the vaporetti (small passenger ferries) which ply the city's waterways.

Extensive metropolitane (metros) exist in Rome, Milan, Naples and Turin, with smaller metros in Genoa and Catania. The Minimetrò in Perugia connects the train station with the city centre. Cities and towns of any size will have an urbano (urban) and extraurbano (suburban) bus network. Services are generally limited on Sundays and public holidays.

About Us

Ciao, Welcome to Italy! Our Italy division was formerly known as CIT Holidays, then in 2019 we amalgamated all of our brands under Entire Travel Group. 

Narrow winding alleyways, rolling green hills with olive groves, vineyards, ancient ruins and cultural masterpieces with the sparkling water of the sun-kissed Mediterranean. Italy boasts a unique historical heritage, with art and architecture spanning from ancient Egypt to contemporary times. It has the most diverse and tasty food, changing wildly from north to south.

People traveling to Italy for the first time usually focus on Rome, Florence and Venice. It’s not difficult to see why - these stunning destinations are filled with historical landmarks, authentic restaurants, and old-world hotels. Highlights of Northern Italy include exploring the lakeside towns of Lombardy, hiking the hillside-hugging villages of Cinque Terre and downhill skiing in the Italian Alps.

Central Italy is known for the rolling vineyards of Tuscany and Umbria, as well as Pisa’s iconic leaning tower. Travel further south to find Naples, known for its pizza; the rugged Amalfi Coast, where picturesque towns hang precariously over cliffs; and Pompeii's 2,000-year-old remains. If you want to get off the beaten track, Southern Italy is it. Boasting stunning views, impressive cathedrals, and jawdropping settings, these Italian towns are sure to awe you. Visit Alberobello in Puglia and stay in a trullo, explore Matera,Basilicata's jewel, a town built on carved caves or relax on one of the beautiful white-sandy beaches.

Don’t forget the gorgeous islands of Italy! There are more than 80 picturesque islands within Italy’s borders to explore and enjoy. From the beautiful unspoilt coastline of Sardinia to Sicily, the island in the sun, home to heavenly beaches, majestic mountains and Europe’s greatest natural wonder, Mount Etna.

There’s a myriad of other charming places worth to discover. And hopefully, after your first trip, you will fall in love with Italy. Then, you might come back and decide to visit beautiful towns like Ravenna, Brindisi, Orta San Giulio, Brisighella or discover the breathtaking Dolomites. Whether in search of Italy’s rich past or on the hunt for a beach with powder-soft sand and clear water, Italy has something special to offer every visitor looking for a taste of la dolce vita.

General Advice

  • Planning to hire a car in Italy? Be aware travellers from other countries than EU should obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP). 
  •  Visiting the South of Italy? Almost everything shuts up for lunch time and does not reopen till 4 pm in the afternoon. Churches, major monuments and tourist information close at noon, shops sometimes later. 
  •  Cover shoulders, torso and thighs when visiting churches and other religious monuments. 

 

Things to Do in Italy

Italy has a full spectrum of experiences waiting for you to unfold. Planning your itinerary can be overwhelming since Italy has plenty to offer. Make the most of your trip with our exclusive Italy holiday deals. Whether you’re only going to Italy for a few days or a couple of weeks, we’ll curate a holiday that ticks all your boxes. 

Discover spectacular views of quaint villages and open landscapes when hiking along the Cinque Terre. This 12-kilometre stretch consists of five towns with their own unique vibe  and wonderful coastal views.
Shop at Mercato di Campagna Amica del Circo Massimo, Rome’s largest farmer’s market, open only during the weekends. Sample the freshest fruits, delicious pecorino and prosciutto and mouth-watering bread.

Speaking of food, don’t miss out on learning how to cook authentic Italian cuisine by signing up for cooking classes. These classes are often combined with tours around food markets and shops to broaden your palate and knowledge of Italian cooking. 

Must-visit Attractions in Italy

Italy has a city or town for every traveller. 

Milan is a central entry point for millions of tourists thanks to its three international airports. But you’ll wind up staying a day or two to marvel at its many artistic and architectural attractions. The city embraces the old and new, and this unique energy has inspired renowned artists spanning generations, including Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Giorgio Armani.

Let the enchanting beauty of Campo Dei Miracoli and the iconic leaning tower of Pisa charm you during your visit. These Romanesque masterpieces are popular destinations for anyone on an Italian holiday trip.

You can also visit Siena and the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. Its marbled facade and striped bell tower stand out among the red brick buildings in the area. This cathedral also houses some notable works of Donatello, Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Lorenzo Ghiberti.
 

Best Time to Visit Italy

Our Italy holiday packages let you book a flight to enjoy the year-round attractions available. Your holiday will depend on the destination, your weather preferences and travel date.

The peak season of travelling to Italy is from July to August. You can expect the gulfs, ports and sandy beaches to be a tourist hotspot during this time. April to June and September to October are generally the best time to visit Italy as there are fewer tourists and the weather is much nicer. If you want a more intimate time in Italy, you can visit the country during the off-peak seasons from November to March.
 

Known Destinations in Italy

Italy boasts art and architectural masterpieces wherever you go. The most iconic structure in Italy is the Colosseum, the largest amphitheatre built by the Romans and the largest of their constructions to survive.

Tourists can also bask in one of the finest cathedrals in the world such as the Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore or the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and its extraordinary dome that stands out in the Florence skyline.

While exploring the streets of Venice can be done on foot, nothing beats going through its canals in a gondola ride for a full Italian experience. You can also stop by famous sites like Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius, Lake Como, the Uffizi Gallery and Vatican City.
 

Best Hotels in Italy

Our Italy holiday packages let you check into Italy's most luxurious hotels. Surround yourself in a shoreline of villas and the Alps by booking a stay at Villa d’Este. You can also enjoy a boat trip around the lake to learn about the estate’s rich history.

Get captivated by the stunning cliffside view of the Amalfi Coast when you check in Santa Caterina. Its interiors will remind you of Catholic churches with luxurious white walls, gold-hued curtains and baroque chairs.

Another remarkable hotel in Italy is situated in the tiny walled town of Norcia. Book a stay at Palazzo Seneca to experience unparalleled service and the most exquisite meals from a Michelin-starred restaurant.

The Gritti Palace’s strategic location along the stretch of the Grand Canal has made it a favourite amongst travellers since the late 1800s. You can access different attractions near the Gritti Palace and ride water taxis that can pull up at the hotel’s private jetty.
 

Post Lockdown in Italy

You can visit Italy as long as you are fully vaccinated or have fully recovered from COVID-19. Regardless of your status, you must fill-up a self-declaration form and present your certificate of vaccination or recovery. Travellers must also deliver a negative test result taken within 48 to 72 hours of their departure.

Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals are allowed, provided they quarantine for five days upon arrival. Their stay will be extended if you cannot produce a negative test result after quarantine. Your activities in Italy will depend on your vaccination status. You’ll need proof when going about most everyday activities, such as entering restaurants and taking public transportation. Masks are still mandated to be worn indoors and social distancing is still strictly enforced.
 

Other Destinations

Looking for more European adventures? Explore a variety of destinations with our Europe holiday packages.

Why we love it!

Italy, a land of art and history

Italy has been, the centre of history, culture and art for thousands of years. Our museums, collections and archaeological sites reveal countless tokens of the past and the many civilizations that have passed across this country, evidence of which is still inextricably woven into the present day landscape. Artistic wonders can be found everywhere, and every corner of the country holds countless and wonderful surprises. Our artistic and cultural heritage is one of the most valuable in the world. Rome, Florence, Assisi, Venice, Siena, Pisa, and Naples are its most renowned cities of art, but the whole country can boast towns of breathtaking beauty, as these numbers demonstrate: 95,000 monumental churches, 40,000 forts and castles, 30,000 historical residences with 4,000 gardens, 36,000 archives and libraries, 20,000 historical cities and towns, 5,600 museums and archaeological sites, and 1,500 convents.

Outdoor and Wellness

Immerse yourself in Italy’s rough and wild environment and you’ll uncover innumerable treasures, and maybe a few well-kept secrets, too. Italy’s lush and diversified environment is best illustrated in its wildlife parks, an ideal setting for those keen to get amongst nature, discover Italy’s flora and fauna, visit its sunny islands and be surrounded by the typical Mediterranean landscape. There are many national parks well worth exploring: the Gran Paradiso, Circeo, Stelvio, Dolomiti Bellunesi, Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga, Cilento and Vallo di Diano, and Gargano National Parks; the parks of Calabria and Aspromonte; not to mention the Maddalena and Tuscan Archipelagos, the Vesuvius, the Cinque Terre National Parks, and many other protected areas, nature reserves, and marine parks.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Italy counts 55 UNESCO World Heritage Sites within its borders, the most of any country on the World Heritage List. Italy’s World Heritage Sites are well-known. The Dolomites; The City of Verona; Ferrara and the Po River Delta; the Historic Centers of San Gimignano, Florence and Rome; Hadrian's Villa and the Villa D’Este at Tivoli; the archaeological area of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata; the Sassi (rupestrian architecture and churches) of Matera; the Amalfi Coast and the Aeolian Islands are just some among many others. All 55 sites have been, at one time or another, travel destinations for those seeking out history, art and culture in the Bel Paese.

Food and Wine

Italian is one of the world’s most renowned cuisines. Characterised by its simplicity, Italian food is a celebration of local history and culture, and it is enjoyed with passion and intention. Pizza and pasta are the country’s most famous culinary exports, but there’s nothing quite like the home-soil version, where the freshest ingredients are prepared to perfection. And if you’re still hungry (you won’t be), dessert will never disappoint: think creamy gelato and fresh cannoli. And limoncello to finish? Don’t mind if I do. You’ll find some of the world’s best restaurants in Italy, but expect to be just as impressed by the mouth-watering fare at the casual trattoria down the street. Buon appetito!

The Cities

The great artistic legacy of Italy, unequalled anywhere in the world, is not only distributed throughout Italy’s major cities and their famous museums. In fact, there is no Italian city, however modest, that does not contain and cherish some share of this wealth of art. Tuscany alone possesses more artistic treasures than the whole of Spain, which is the second country in the world for cultural heritage. There are more than 3600 museums, art galleries and archaeological sites across Italy. Italy also brims with magnificent architectural achievements, which can be found in all corners of the country, from Rome’s famous Colosseum and St Mark’s Basilica in Venice to the striking Milan Cathedral and the Tower of Pisa.

The Regions

Italy is divided into 20 regions, each and every one with its own unique cultural heritage, culinary tradition and most often, its own independent language (also known as a dialect). Tourists travelling from region to region will notice the different points in history showcased by each location, such as Florence uncovering the Renaissance period, Latium the Roman Empire, Veneto the Middle Ages and Sicily the Greek period.

Weather in Italy

Italy Weather chart
Flying to Italy

Flying to Italy

The mains International Airports in Italy are - Rome: Fiumicino (Leonardo da Vinci) Airport Trains take 30 minutes and run from 6.08am to 11.23pm. Buses take an hour and operate between 6.05am and 12.40am. Transfers take 45 to 60 minutes; Milan: Malpensa Airport Trains take 50 minutes and run every half hour from 5.37am to 12.20am. Buses run half-hourly between 3.45am and 12.15am. Transfers take 50 minutes; Venice: Marco Polo Airport Water shuttles take 45 to 90 minutes from the airport ferry dock. Buses to Piazzale Roma take 25 minutes and run between 5.20am and 12.50am. Naples International (Capodichino) Airport Shuttle buses take 15 to 35 minutes and run between 6am and 11.20pm. Transfers take 20 to 35 minutes.

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