“You may have the universe if I may have Italy.”
Guiseppe Verdi
Top Seven Destinations In Italy
- Florence and Tuscany Situated on the River Arno, spanned by the beautiful Pont Vecchio, a picturesque small old city with a vibrant young personality. The striking Duomo, Michelangelo’s statue of David, incredible museums, a rich history, Florentine steak, delectable gelato, and dramatic scenery draw many to Florence. In addition to that, nearby Tuscany and the lovely hill towns, excellent wineries scattered among the rural countryside, and perfect rolling hills make this the ideal destination. Our favorite town is Siena, but there are so many wonderful hill towns.
- Venice is one of our favorites. With its dramatic structures on the waterways, this enchanting city captures your heart with its magical ambiance. Wander the backstreets away from tourists in the later hours, and the mystery of this city envelopes you. There is history, architecture, and museums, and you are a short ride away from the islands of Murano and Burano. There is so much to offer and love.
- Amalfi Coast The lush green of the Mediterranean, the turquoise blue of the seas, the magnificent architecture, and the views take your breath away. Bays, cliffs, inlets, and villages are built into the mountains. Villages such as Furore, Positano, Ravella, Atrani, Minori, and many more will make you wish you could stay forever.
- Sorrento’s coast has hidden bays, deep gorges, beaches, cliffs plunging into the sea, and delicious limoncello made from locally grown lemons. The resort is known for its beautiful architecture and history.
- Pompeii is a petrified ancient Roman city frozen in time. Visit this gorgeous city, then hike to the top of the Volcano. It is also one of the most important archaeological sites in the world.
- Rome, Italy’s gritty capital city, is known as the Eternal City. It was once the center of the vast ancient Roman empire and is almost 3000 years old. This makes a rich historical experience with enormous amounts of priceless works of art, palaces, churches, lovely parks and gardens, architectural wonders such as the Coliseum, and too many impressive monuments to count. Wander down a regular street, and you come across an archeological site. Throw in the Vatican, renowned cuisine, and lively shopping and nightlife; there is something for everyone.
- Cinque Terre Is five ancient cities perched on cliffs above the Mediterranean ocean. Colorful homes seem carved into the steep rocks and cliffs. It’s hard to describe the wonder of these five cities Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza, Corniglia, and Monterosso. They are so magnificent that they are surreal. The “Milk train” brings you to these treasures; stay the night if you can; it is extraordinary after the crowds leave. Manarola, the picture here, is our favorite by far.
Did you know?
Italy Stats
- Population: 62.4 million
- Capital City: Rome
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Government type: Parliamentary Republic
- President: Sergio Mattarella
- U.S. State Department Risk Level
- Ethnic groups: Italian (includes small clusters of German, French, and Slovene-Italians in the north and Albanian-Italians and Greek-Italians in the South)
- Languages: Italian (official), German (parts of Trentino-Alto Adige region are predominantly German-speaking), French (small French-speaking minority in Valle d’Aosta region), Slovene (Slovene-speaking minority in the Trieste-Gorizia area)
- Religions: Christian 83.3% (overwhelmingly Roman Catholic with tiny groups of Jehovah’s Witnesses and Protestants), Muslim 3.7%, unaffiliated 12.4%
- State Department Travel Advisory Level: Two due to terrorism
- The name Italy comes from the word Italia, meaning “calf land,” perhaps because the bull symbolized the Southern Italian tribes.
- The official name of Italy is the Italian Republic.
- Almost four-fifths of Italy is either mountainous or rolling hills.
- Italy suffers more earthquakes than any other European nation.
- GDP of 1.989 trillion Ranks 12th in the world.
- It is the world’s 7th largest economy.
- The highest peak in Europe is in Italy. Monte Bianco (White Mountain) is 15,771 feet high and is part of the Alps.
- Rome is almost 3000 years old (753 bc).
- Italy’s national day is the Festa Della Repubblica, which occurs on June 2nd.
- Over 50 million tourists visit Italy a year. Tourism provides over 60% of the national income.
- Italy has the most Unesco Sites in the world, 51.
- Italy’s birthrate is the second-lowest in the Western world.
- Italy is home to three active volcanoes: Etna, Stromboli, and Vesuvius.
- There are 1,500 lakes in Italy.
- Italian Inventions include the thermometer, batteries, eyeglasses, jacuzzi, piano, ice cream cone, espresso machine, and pretzels.
- Significant industries in Italy: Wine, tourism, machinery, iron, steel, chemicals, food processing, textiles, cars, clothing, footwear, and ceramics.
- Life Expectancy 83 years old, ranking 8 in the world.
- Literacy Rate 99%.
Fun Facts
- Parmesan cheese originated in the area around Parma, Italy. Italians also created many other kinds of cheese, including gorgonzola, mozzarella, provolone, and ricotta. No one knows when pizza was invented, but the people of Naples made it popular.
- From 1861 to 1985, more than 26 million people left Italy (mainly from the South) to seek a better life. One in four eventually returned.
- Soccer is Italy’s most popular sport. Italy has won the World Cup four times (1934, 1938, 1982, and 2006), making the country’s team second only to Brazil’s number of wins.
- Italy has hosted the Olympic Games three times (1956, 1960, 2006).
- The first violin appeared in Italy in the 1500s.
- The Arabs brought dried pasta to Italy in the thirteenth century.
- The world’s first operas were composed in Italy at the end of the sixteenth century.
- Italy was one of the E.U. founders and is a member of the Group of Eight (G8), a forum for eight of the world’s most powerful nations.
- The Adventures of Pinocchio was first published in Italy.
- The Sistine Chapel welcomes over 20,000 visitors per day.
- Italian citizens at least 18 years old can vote for the lower house of the parliament, the Chamber of Deputies. Citizens at least 25 years old can vote for the 315 members of the upper house, the Senate.
- Italy was under a dictatorship for 20 years. The fascist dictator Benito Mussolini ruled from 1925 until 1945.
- The first bank started in Italy.
- Three of Shakespeare’s 38 plays are set in Italy.
- The Leaning Tower of Pisa was built in 1173 and began to lean soon after, probably due to a poorly laid foundation.
- People throw €1,000,000 into the Trevi fountain each year.
- Italy is home to the world’s oldest university, the University of Bologna, founded in 1088.
- Some of the world’s greatest artists and writers, such as Michelangelo and Dante DaVinci, originate from Italy.
- Italy has more masterpieces per square mile than any other country.
- Ballet originated in Italy in the 15th century.
- Italy is the world’s largest wine producer.
- The standard Italian alphabet has 21 letters, but it is missing J, K, W, X, and Y.
- Vatican City is the smallest country in the world. You can mail a letter within Vatican City as it has its own postmark.
Italy Map
Good to know before you go
- Tipping is not needed in Italy as it is included in your bill. It is not customary or expected. This includes restaurants, cab drivers, porters, bartenders, and other service workers. Tipping extra for exceptional service is always welcomed.
- Credit cards are accepted everywhere. Always have some cash for low-priced items like espresso or treats. Markets prefer cash.
- Overall, the clothing is stylish and well-kept. Italians are casual dressers, often wearing jeans and comfortable shoes. You will find very well-dressed Italians in the cities. They are very trendy and fashion-conscious. It is home to top designers Armani, Versace, and Prada, after all.
- Wear good, sturdy shoes. This is an old country with many cobblestone streets, uneven pavement, potholes, and streets so narrow that cars brush you.
- The Italian roads are good. Major highways are easy to negotiate, and back roads, even in small towns, are safe but narrow. Mountain roads might be best if you had some sense of adventure. Toll roads, “autostrada,” with the letter A, are very modern. Speed traps and cameras are common. Italians drive fast but don’t tend to be aggressive. An International driver’s license is important in Italy.
- Without a rental, you will miss so much of Italy’s magic. Off-beaten villages, tiny wineries, and wonderful eateries await your discovery. There is so much to love!!
- Visiting the Vatican is incredible, but it can be time-consuming and involve a lot of waiting in line. Research tours that avoid the queue.
- Italians value first impressions; when you meet these lovely people, show politeness and respect, especially in business interactions.
- Italians are not the most timely of people; they are often late. Plan for that and know this is part of their charm.
- Italians do love their hand gestures and facial expressions. It can be pretty entertaining and keep you engaged. Raised voices may seem as if they are mad, but they are just passionate and expressive.
- Oh, the fantastic Italian coffee. You will find coffee counters everywhere. Walk up, ask for espresso or cappuccino, and a couple of euros (best deal anywhere), and you will be handed a rich, delicious coffee. It often comes with a small biscotti. People usually drink this standing, then move on. Or sit and people-watch. But don’t ask for a to-go cup; it is frowned upon.
- Some restaurants are known to play a bit unfairly, so be careful. Know the price of what you are ordering. You may find yourself overcharged; look closely. Avoid food with prices based on weight; they can be exorbitant.
- We suggest using Uber or other such services in Italy, especially Rome. Taxis we felt were a risk. We had a scary cab experience in Rome. Our driver demanded more money at our final destination, and when we said that was not what we agreed to, the driver accelerated the vehicle as we tried to get out. In each attempt to leave the car, he repeated it. We paid it as we felt he could harm us. We picked this cab up in front of the Vatican, where many cabs were lined up.
- Italian meals are relaxed and slow. They are meant to be a time for socializing and enjoying delicious food.
- You will often see a small cover charge of up to 5 euros on your bill for restaurants. This is meant to “reserve” your table. It is yours for the night, however long you wish to stay. You will not be rushed, so enjoy that glass of wine or espresso.
- Walking in Italy is a risk as drivers can be ruthless. Look both ways carefully when crossing the street. Stay in the crosswalks.
- On public transportation, you MUST validate your train and bus tickets. Commercial transportation is known to seek tourists out, expecting you might not know the rules. Ticket checkers can suddenly jump on a train, do a sweep, and then be off. You will pay a fine.
- An Italian meal is a generous amount of fantastic food delivered in multiple courses. The courses include The Antipasto course, which is an appetizer. Often, a cured meat platter with marinated vegetables or a fresh tomato mozzarella salad. The Primo is the first course, usually pasta, but it can also include soup, polenta, salad, and risotto. The Secondo is the second course, which involves chicken, meat, or fish and is not large servings. The Contorno is a platter of vegetables that comes with the main course. Finally, Dolce. It’s a sweet dessert. Cappuccino is very common in the Dolce course.
- Don’t ask for substitutions at restaurants; that is not well received.
- Bottled water is standard in a restaurant. It is often brought to you as you take your seat, and you will have a choice between still or sparkling. It is not free, and that is not obvious at first. Tell them no thank you if you don’t wish to have water.
- At the end of the meal, you will need to ask for the check, “Il conto, per favore.” They feel it is rude to deliver it without being requested. It can still be a wait, but relax; you are in Italy.
- The Italians will be more welcoming if you greet them in their language. Learn the basics, and show respect to your hosts. You are a guest in their beautiful country.
- The church is sacred to the Italians. They wear their faith on their sleeve, and it is deep and passionate. They are careful to respect that faith. Even eating or drinking while on church steps or the grounds would result in a hefty fine.
- If you plan to visit a church, your attire will depend on whether you are allowed in; they adhere to strict dress codes. Short skirts, exposed shoulders, and shorts are not permitted. Some sites will provide you with a shawl to cover, but some won’t, so plan accordingly.
- Family is core to Italian culture. You will see families with their children everywhere, including in restaurants. They are usually well-behaved and sweet.
- Italian cuisine is exceptional and involves, yes, a lot of pasta. Estimated pasta consumption is 70 pounds per person annually. There are 140 types of pasta. Stop by a market, and you will be amazed. Grab some to bring home.
- Italian people can be very superstitious, and here are a few examples: 1. Many hotels in Italy don’t have a 17th floor. Italians believe this number is unlucky because when the Roman numeral for 17 (XVII) is rearranged, it looks like VIXI, which means death as it translates to “I have lived.” 2. A black cat is seen as a symbol of the devil and witchcraft, so don’t cross its path. 3. Please don’t put a hat on a bed; it is seen as bad luck, as priests do that when they come to give last rights.
- When dining in Italy, olive oil is the only condiment you will find on your table. Avoid asking for salad dressing or other condiments.
- Respecting elders is very important in Italian culture. If an elder enters a room, you should stand to show respect.
- Mosquitos can be an issue in Italy, so come with some bug spray to avoid some itchy nights.
- Even though their northern neighbor France has incredible bread, we found Italian bread less impressive. Maybe that is because it is meant to wipe the remaining sauce off their plate. It does that well.
- This country has a lot of smokers. There is still smoking indoors, but that tide is slowly turning. It is still so worth going, even if faced with second-hand smoke.
- Many Italians speak excellent English, but in smaller villages and older generations, it may be less so. To communicate, Use Google Translate or other apps (see below under resources).
- It is a safe country, but pickpockets abound. Be careful who you speak with and keep your distance when you do. Don’t let anyone put something in your hand. Then, they will demand payment and follow and scream at you until you pay. Street vendors can be harassing. If you are bothered, say NO very loudly, turn your back, and walk away.
When to go to Italy
The best time to visit Italy is in the spring (April to June) or fall (September and October) when there is nice weather, moderate temperatures, fewer tourists, and lower prices. The summer months can be hot, crowded, and expensive. The winter months are often grey, wet, and cold in the north but temperate South of Rome.
The high season runs from May to September but sneaks into October. Italy draws an enormous number of tourists and can get crowded in many popular destinations. The traditional shoulder season is quite different in Italy than in most places, a bit farther out. It is from March to April and October to November.
The weather in a country this long will be varied. There will be extremes from the Italian Alps in the North to Sicily in the South. The temps below will reflect two regions. Tuscany to the North. Rome to the South to Naples.
North
- Summer 70-104 °F (21-40 °C)
- Spring 48-79 °F (9-26 °C)
- Fall 45-81 °F (7-27 °C)
- Winter 39-54 °F (4-12°C)
South
- Summer 61-86 °F (16-30 °C)
- Spring 54-77 °F (12-25 °C)
- Fall 54-81 °F (13-27 °C)
- Winter 41-63 °F (5-17 °C)
Our Favorite Italy Resources
This resource section contains some Amazon affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
Travel Books/Guides
Rick Steves Italy (Travel Guide) 2024
We are huge Rick Steve’s fans; it will be rare to recommend one of his wonderful guides; this guide is no different. Rick’s love of Italy is obvious in this guide. We love his travel style and perspective. His off-the-beaten-path approach and his independent travel philosophy match well with how we travel. The guides never disappoint. This book cut into our suitcase and was a fantastic resource. There are lots of guides he offers for specific cities and regions of Italy. Find this must-have guide here.
Our favorite websites
2. U.S. Department of State: Bureau of Consular Affairs Italy Country Info
We cannot encourage you enough to visit this website as you plan and prepare for your trip. The U.S. Federal Government addresses the safety, security, travel risk, entry, exit, visa documents mandates, emergency U.S. and Embassy contacts, health, local laws, special circumstances, threats, traveler vulnerabilities, government warnings, and transportation in Malta. This is your best and most reliable resource for all this important info. Check back often before you go, as things can change quickly. Being prepared is essential in all travel, but especially internationally.
Italy International Travel Information (state.gov)
3. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Travelers Health Resource
This CDC travel resource provides essential health info for your specific destination. Using their tool, you can determine which vaccines, medications, and health advice recommendations are needed for Malta.
CDC’s Travelers Health Page for Italy
Our favorite travel apps
Rome2rio: Trip Planner Trip and Holiday Organizer Enter any address, landmark, or city in the app will instantly display all your travel options, and booking info, along with accommodation providers and things to do. Find it on your local App Store.
Google Maps Trip and Holiday Organizer. Enter any address, landmark, or city in the app, and it will instantly display all your travel options and booking info, along with accommodation providers and things to do. We love it when using public transportation; it is spot on! Find it on your local app store.
Duolingo-Language Lesson Audio lessons that help improve your listening and speaking skills. Find it on your local App Store.
Rick Steves Audio Europe This App includes a vast library of Rick Steves audio content. It also provides cultural and travel information, including self-guided tours of top attractions and historic walks. It is a must-have. Find it on your local App Store.
Google Translate We use this often to practice proper pronunciations of Italian words. Depending on where you are in Italy, some areas speak great English, and some hardly speak at all. Be ready. As we always encourage, learning the basics of greeting and thanking people in the local language is essential. Google Translate is an easy app to use. If needed, you can enter text in English, which will speak back in Maltese to aid in communicating with locals.
Do you have a favorite Italy travel resource? Share your favorites in the comments section at the bottom of this page or
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Flights, Accommodations, and Everything You Need to Book in One Place
Are you planning a vacation this year? Start your research early to explore your options and find what fits your budget. By booking your own travel, you’ll uncover great deals and have complete control over your itinerary. The links below can be used for all elements of your trip, not just accommodations.
It is essential to price out accommodations on various sites. Expedia is a US-based company, whereas Booking.com is Europe-based. Not all properties appear on both, so it is ideal to check both out. Our personal first choice is Booking.com. If the establishment has a website, check the price there as well. Click the link below to check out hotels and vacation homes in the area. It may be just the motivation you need to start planning that next grand adventure.
Our Italy Posts
Our Italy Gallery
Learn why Italy is one of the five best countries to live in retirement
Our Top Recommended Travel Products
Travel Insurance
Squaremouth.com
Our favorite travel insurance site!
We strongly advocate for comprehensive travel insurance, not only for minor inconveniences but also for major, unexpected events like medical emergencies. We never leave home without it. Our go-to resource is Squaremouth.com. which offers a user-friendly platform that connects you with top-rated, reputable insurance carriers. Plus, they’ll mediate on your behalf if you run into any issues.
To empower you as a consumer, we recommend you read our blog post on why travel insurance is essential and how to secure the best coverage from leading companies at an affordable price.
MedjetAssist
Medical transport back home from anywhere in the world
Medjet is a leading provider of global air medical transport. Unlike traditional travel insurance, which typically covers medical evacuation to the nearest facility, Medjet goes further by ensuring you’re transported back to the U.S. to the hospital of your choice once you’re stable enough to fly. Medjet offers membership plans that focus on medical transport, while Medjet Horizon provides expanded coverage for broader protection. Individual trip policies start at just $99, and annual policies are available for around $300. Most policies have an age limit of 74.
To learn more about how Medical Evacuation membership with Medjet Assist works, check out our blog post for a more detailed review.
Accommodations and Airfare
Booking.com
Hotels, Home rentals, BNBs, Flights, and other Transportation & Tours
Booking.com connects millions of travelers to unforgettable experiences, a wide range of transportation options, and incredible places to stay—from homes to hotels and beyond. As one of the world’s largest travel marketplaces, it supports well-known brands and entrepreneurs of all sizes. For its convenience, variety, and reliability, it’s our preferred booking platform.
Transportation
Expedia and VRBO
Hotels, home rentals, BNBs, flights, and other transportation & tours
Expedia is a U.S.-based company with a mission to make global travel accessible to everyone, everywhere. At Wanderers Compass, we embrace independent travel, and platforms like Expedia are essential to making that a reality. Expedia allows you to book every aspect of your trip—from flights and accommodations to rental cars, cruises, and activities—making it a one-stop shop for all your travel needs.
Daytrip
Personalized city-to-city private car transfer service
Daytrip provides an affordable private car service for city-to-city transfers worldwide, and we absolutely love their service. It’s a cost-effective alternative to renting a car, providing comfortable, stress-free travel with the bonus of scenic stops along the way. For example, we used Daytrip for travel between Budapest and Vienna, enjoying some fantastic detours to local attractions. With professional drivers and customizable routes, Daytrip ensures a smooth ride while allowing you to explore hidden gems and unique sights along your journey.
To learn more about how Daytrip, check out our blog post for a more detailed review.
Travel Experiences
Viator
The leading marketplace for travel experiences
Viator believes that travel is all about creating unforgettable memories. With over 300,000 experiences to choose from—ranging from simple tours to extreme adventures, plus a wide array of unique, niche activities—it’s never been easier to make lasting memories. We frequently use Viator during our travels and especially appreciate their flexible cancellation policy, which adds peace of mind to every booking.
Communication products for seamless connectivity overseas
GigSky International eSIM Data Plans
Local Prices. No Roaming. Fastest Networks.
GigSky eSIM effortlessly connects travelers around the globe, eliminating the need to swap physical SIM cards or deal with surprise roaming charges. With affordable data plans and instant activation, you can enjoy reliable internet access in over 190 countries, making your travel experience more convenient than ever. Plus, they offer a fantastic deal: a free 100 MB data plan with no credit card required. They are so confident that you will love their service!
Enjoy 10% off all GigSky Plans (except cruise and inflight) with our discount code WCOMPASS10.
To learn more about how GigSky works, check out our blog post for a more detailed review.
Shopping
Wanderers Compass Amazon Storefront
An excellent source for all travel essentials and guides that we have vetted ourselves
Amazon is one of the world’s most comprehensive online shopping platforms, offering lower prices, a wide selection, and fast delivery through teams worldwide.
This page contains affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your ongoing support!
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