Italy Travel & Holiday Packages
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ITALY HOLIDAY PACKAGES
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.
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.
Why Visit Italy
Italy boasts a unique historical heritage, with art and architecture spanning from ancient times to contemporary masterpieces, and is renowned for its diverse and delicious cuisine, which varies from north to south. Explore the romantic streets of Rome, where ancient ruins meet vibrant city life. Discover the artistic beauty of Florence, or savour the culinary delights of Tuscany. Unwind on the beautiful beaches of the Amalfi Coast or explore the charming canals of Venice. Whether you're indulging in world-famous Italian dishes, visiting historic sites, or taking in the scenic countryside, Italy offers experiences that will truly captivate you. Enjoy the warmth of Italian hospitality, soak up the lively culture, and uncover the magic that makes Italy a destination you'll want to return to again.