Stylish, cultured and food so good you’ll swear no other cuisine compares...
Italy with its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage and its beautiful capital Rome has inspired poets and painters for centuries. Today, besides the renowned cities of Venice, Florence, Milan and Naples, each with its own unique identity and architecture, Italy features romantic medieval hill towns, such as San Gimignano in Tuscany and unspoilt fishing villages, like Positano on the Amalfi coast.
Italy combines art, history and contemporary fashion. The turquoise waters of the Costa Smeralda offer one of Europe's most beautiful stretches of sand, sea and sunshine, while the snow-covered slopes of the Dolomite Mountains are a haven for winter sports enthusiasts. Throughout the country visitors can find vineyards and cellars to taste the very best regional wine and eat in friendly restaurants where simple but superb dishes are served.
Local time: GMT/UTC +1 Currency: Euro
Climate: The climate is highly diverse and can be far from the typical Mediterranean climate depending on the location
Language: Italian but English is widely spoken
Best time to visit: Italy is at its best in spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November)
Things to do: Choose if you`d like to visit Italy for a ski break, a city trip in spring and autumn or for a relaxation holiday on the Italian coasts
Things to know: Try to avoid August, as this is the time that most Italians take their vacations, and many shops and businesses are closed as a result
Insider tip: Never order a cappuccino after lunch or dinner- that`s very unitalian and don`t miss out making a day trip to Rome
