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Capital

Rome

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Language

Italian

Best Time

Apr–Jun and Sep–Oct

Time Zone

CET (UTC+1) / CEST (UTC+2)

Flag of Italy
Welcome to Italy

La Dolce Vita

Welcome to Italy, a country where ancient ruins, Renaissance art, and world-renowned cuisine come together in an irresistible celebration of life. Rome's Colosseum and Roman Forum offer a direct connection to one of history's greatest empires. Florence's Renaissance art and architecture, from Michelangelo's David to the Duomo, reflect a golden age of human creativity. The Amalfi Coast's cliffside villages and turquoise waters rank among the most beautiful coastal drives in the world. Venice's canals, gondolas, and centuries-old palazzos create an atmosphere found nowhere else on Earth. Tuscany's rolling vineyards and hilltop towns embody the slow, sun-drenched pleasures of Italian countryside living. Italian cuisine, from fresh pasta to world-class wine, reflects deep regional pride and centuries of culinary tradition. Italy invites travelers to savor "la dolce vita," the sweet life, in a country where beauty surrounds every corner.

Popular City

Rome

Rome layers more than two thousand years of history into a single walkable center, from the Colosseum and Roman Forum to the domes of St. Peter’s Basilica across the Tiber. Tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain is a tradition nearly every visitor keeps. The Pantheon’s unreinforced concrete dome still amazes engineers nearly two thousand years after it was built, and it sits just steps from the cafes of Piazza Navona. The Vatican Museums, capped by the Sistine Chapel, deserve a full morning on their own. In the evening, the Trastevere neighborhood fills with trattorias serving cacio e pepe and carbonara along narrow, ivy-draped streets. Rome’s density of world-class sights makes it one of the few cities where every corner turned reveals another landmark.

Travel News

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Popular City

Florence

Florence is the cradle of the Renaissance, its skyline defined by Brunelleschi’s red-tiled dome atop the Duomo, still one of the largest masonry domes ever built. Climbing to the top rewards visitors with a full view over the terracotta rooftops of Tuscany’s capital. The Uffizi Gallery holds Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and works by Michelangelo and Leonardo, while the nearby Accademia houses Michelangelo’s original David. The Ponte Vecchio, lined with jewelry shops, is the last of Florence’s medieval bridges to survive intact. Across the Arno, the Oltrarno district and the Boboli Gardens behind the Pitti Palace offer a quieter side of the city away from the main crowds. Florence rewards travelers who pair its museums with long lunches of bistecca alla fiorentina and Chianti.

Travel Tips

Helpful information to consider before and during your visit.

Before You Go

  • Confirm passport validity and entry requirements.
  • Check whether a tourist visa is required.
  • Keep digital copies of important documents.
  • Consider purchasing travel insurance.

Money & Payments

  • Review the local currency and exchange rate.
  • Carry some cash for small businesses and markets.
  • Check for international bank transaction fees.
  • Learn the country's customary tipping practices.

Stay Connected

  • Review your mobile carrier's international plan.
  • Consider purchasing a local SIM or eSIM.
  • Download maps for offline use before traveling.
  • Avoid sensitive transactions on unsecured Wi-Fi.

Transportation

  • Research public transportation before arrival.
  • Use licensed taxis or reputable rideshare services.
  • Check which side of the road vehicles use.
  • Confirm whether an international permit is needed.

Electricity

  • Check the country's voltage and outlet type.
  • Bring the correct plug adapter for your devices.
  • Use a voltage converter when required.
  • Pack a portable charger for longer excursions.

Weather & Clothing

  • Review the seasonal weather before packing.
  • Bring layers for changing temperatures.
  • Pack rain protection when appropriate.
  • Use sunscreen even on cool or cloudy days.

Food & Water

  • Research whether tap water is safe to drink.
  • Communicate food allergies clearly.
  • Try traditional dishes from reputable vendors.
  • Observe local dining customs and meal times.

Safety

  • Secure valuables in crowded tourist areas.
  • Avoid displaying large amounts of cash.
  • Share your itinerary with someone you trust.
  • Review current government travel advisories.

Language & Etiquette

  • Learn a few polite words in the local language.
  • Respect dress requirements at religious sites.
  • Ask permission before photographing people.
  • Follow local traditions, laws and social customs.

Emergency Planning

  • Save the country's emergency telephone number.
  • Locate your nearest embassy or consulate.
  • Keep medication in its original packaging.
  • Store emergency contacts offline and on paper.

Smart Packing

  • Pack comfortable shoes for walking and tours.
  • Keep essential medication in your carry-on.
  • Bring a reusable bottle where appropriate.
  • Leave room for locally purchased items.

Local Research

  • Check attraction hours and reservation policies.
  • Review national holidays and local closures.
  • Download important addresses before departure.
  • Leave flexibility for unexpected discoveries.
Important: Entry requirements, transportation rules, weather conditions and safety guidance can change. Verify important information with official sources before traveling.

Popular City

Venice

Venice floats across more than a hundred small islands linked by canals and footbridges, with St. Mark’s Square and its golden-domed basilica at its heart. A gondola ride along the Grand Canal passes centuries of palazzos in shades of faded pink and gold. The Rialto Bridge and its surrounding market have anchored Venetian trade since medieval times, and the fish stalls there still open at dawn. The Doge’s Palace, connected to the old prisons by the Bridge of Sighs, traces the city’s history as a maritime republic. A vaporetto ride out to the islands of Murano and Burano reveals glassblowing workshops and rows of houses painted in vivid colors. Venice’s car-free streets and endless canal views make it unlike any other city in the world.

Local Food to Try

Discover some of Italy's most popular flavors, traditional dishes and memorable local treats during your visit.

Pizza Napoletana

Pizza Napoletana is a signature Italy specialty known for its distinctive local ingredients, seasoning and traditional preparation.

Lasagna

This popular Italy dish brings together familiar regional flavors and is commonly enjoyed in homes, markets or local restaurants.

Risotto alla Milanese

A well-loved part of Italy cuisine, Risotto alla Milanese reflects the country's culinary traditions and locally available ingredients.

Carbonara

Carbonara is a comforting regional favorite, prepared in styles that may vary between families, cities and different parts of Italy.

Osso Buco

Visitors often seek out Osso Buco for an authentic taste of Italy's everyday cooking and food culture.

Parmigiana di Melanzane

This traditional favorite highlights the bold, savory or gently spiced flavors associated with cooking in Italy.

Arancini

Arancini is widely recognized in Italy and is often served at casual meals, celebrations or community gatherings.

Tiramisu

A memorable choice for travelers, Tiramisu offers a flavorful introduction to the ingredients and techniques used across Italy.

Gelato

This classic food is an important part of Italy's culinary identity and is best sampled freshly prepared.

Dining tip: Regional specialties and preparation styles vary throughout Italy. Explore local markets, independent cafés and family-owned restaurants for an authentic taste of the destination.

Little-Known Facts

Italy

Italy is home to more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other country, reflecting its extraordinary influence on art, architecture, history, and culture. Stretching from the snow-capped Alps to the sun-soaked Mediterranean, Italy offers an incredible variety of landscapes that include rolling vineyards, picturesque lakes, volcanic islands, and dramatic coastlines. For centuries, Italy served as the heart of the Roman Empire and later became the birthplace of the Renaissance, shaping much of Western civilization.

Among Italy's countless treasures are the Colosseum, the canals of Venice, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the ruins of Pompeii, and the Vatican City—the world's smallest independent state and home to St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. The country also features active volcanoes, including Mount Etna and Stromboli, as well as breathtaking coastal destinations like the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre. Every region preserves its own traditions, architecture, cuisine, and local customs.

Italian culture has enriched the world through masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, and countless other artists. Italy is equally celebrated for its cuisine, with regional specialties ranging from authentic pizza and pasta to world-renowned cheeses, wines, and gelato. Blending thousands of years of history with timeless beauty, Italy remains one of the world's most beloved travel destinations.
Another little-known fact is that Albanians have a unique cultural tradition called "Besa," meaning "to keep one's promise." This centuries-old code of honor became internationally recognized during World War II when Albania was one of the few European countries where the Jewish population actually increased because local families risked their lives to shelter refugees. Albania also boasts the stunning Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër), a natural spring with crystal-clear turquoise water whose exact depth remains unknown despite multiple explorations.

Finally, Albania enjoys more than 300 sunny days each year, rivaling many Mediterranean destinations. The country is also famous for its "sworn virgins"—a centuries-old tradition in remote mountain villages where women could legally assume male social roles by taking a lifelong vow of celibacy, preserving family inheritance and leadership in the absence of male heirs.