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Travel Guide for
Italy

Italy

Mediterranean, alpine in north, hot summers

Introduction

Italy, located in southern Europe, is a peninsula surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea and known for its beautiful landscapes, from rolling Tuscan hills to the dramatic Amalfi Coast. With a rich history dating back to the Roman Empire and the Renaissance, Italy is full of fascinating ancient ruins and world-famous art cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice.

The culture is warm and family-oriented, with delicious cuisine and lively festivals suitable for all ages. Italy offers affordable options, such as pizza in Naples or exploring charming villages, making it perfect for families looking for memorable, budget-friendly vacations.

Customized for these preferences:

Travel StyleFamily friendly

DatesDate not specified

BudgetAverage budget

AccommodationHotel, apartment or house

Interests and Activities:

gastronomyarts and culturefamily activities

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Picture of Italy

Key Facts

Location

Southern Europe

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Religion

Roman Catholicism

Population

59,000,000

Language

Italian, regional languages

Electricity

230V, 50Hz, types C, F, L

Time zone

UTCCET (UTC+1)

Country code

+39

Internet access

Widespread, high-speed, affordable

Climate

Mediterranean, alpine in north, hot summers

See More Italy Facts

Language:

Italian

  • hello

    ciao (chow)
  • goodbye

    arrivederci (ah-ree-veh-DER-chee)
  • yes

    (see)
  • no

    no (noh)
  • how much

    quanto costa? (KWAN-toh KOH-sta)
  • please

    per favore (pehr fah-VOH-ray)
  • thank you

    grazie (GRAHT-see-eh)
  • excuse me

    mi scusi (mee SKOO-zee)

Map

Logistics

Most travelers reach Italy by air, with major airports in Rome, Milan, and Venice offering numerous international flights. Families on an average budget should compare flights from major hubs and consider flying into different cities for the best deals. When traveling within Europe, trains are a flexible and scenic option, connecting Italy to neighboring countries like France, Switzerland, and Austria.

Long-distance buses—such as FlixBus—are budget-friendly and serve many Italian cities. For a unique experience, ferries connect Italy with Greece, Croatia, and other Mediterranean destinations, though schedules can vary by season and weather. Book transportation in advance during peak seasons to secure seats and the best prices for your family.

Weather

Italy has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters, especially in the south and along the coasts. Northern regions, like Milan and the Alps, experience colder winters and occasional snowfall, while spring and autumn are generally mild and pleasant throughout the country.

The best times to visit are late April to early June and September to October, when temperatures are comfortable and popular sites are less crowded. These seasons are ideal for exploring art, cuisine, and family activities. July and August can be very hot and crowded, especially in tourist hubs—many locals also vacation during August, leading to some closures.

Food & Drink

Italian cuisine is famous for its pizza, handmade pasta, gelato, and espresso. Don’t miss regional dishes such as Tuscan ribollita, Neapolitan pizza, and Sicilian arancini. Family-run trattorias and osterias offer authentic, affordable experiences, while bustling local markets, like Florence’s Mercato Centrale or Rome’s Campo de’ Fiori, are great places to sample fresh produce and street food.

Cafés (bars) are perfect for a quick cappuccino and pastry, and gelaterias are a must for sweet treats. In most restaurants, tipping is not required—service is often included, but you can leave small change for great service. Many eateries accommodate dietary needs, but it’s helpful to confirm vegetarian or allergy-friendly options in advance.

Keep in mind that Italians typically dine later than some families may be used to, and meal pace is relaxed. Booking ahead is wise in popular cities. Enjoy discovering the diverse flavors and friendly hospitality that Italian food culture offers!

A picture of Pizza

Pizza

Pizza is one of Italy's most famous and beloved foods. It features a thin, crispy crust topped with...

A picture of Lasagna

Lasagna

Lasagna is a classic Italian pasta dish consisting of layers of wide flat pasta, rich tomato sauce, creamy...

A picture of Risotto

Risotto

Risotto is a creamy and comforting Italian rice dish cooked with broth until it reaches a velvety consistency....

A picture of Tiramisu

Tiramisu

Tiramisu is a luscious and decadent Italian dessert made from layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone cheese, and...

A picture of Ossobuco

Ossobuco

Ossobuco is a traditional Milanese dish featuring braised veal shanks cooked with white wine, broth, and aromatic vegetables....

Accommodation

Italy offers excellent family-friendly hotels and apartments, especially in cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice. Look for central neighborhoods such as Rome’s Trastevere, Florence’s San Lorenzo, and Venice’s Cannaregio for easy access to attractions, restaurants, and public transport. These areas typically feature both comfortable hotels and modern vacation rentals with flexible amenities.

Booking.com and Airbnb are reliable sites for securing family-friendly apartments and hotels across Italy. Popular mid-range hotel chains like NH Hotels and Starhotels offer spacious family rooms. For a more authentic experience, consider renting an Italian “agriturismo”—a countryside apartment or house that provides both comfort and a taste of rural life, ideal for families seeking peace and space.

Itinerary

Ease into your Italian journey by enjoying authentic local cuisine, bonding as a family, and experiencing the warm hospitality of Italy's vibrant cities.

Gelato-Making Workshop for Families

Kick off your Italian adventure with a hands-on gelato workshop in Rome. Kids and adults alike will learn the secrets behind Italy’s favorite sweet treat, sample fresh flavors, and bond as a family in a fun, interactive environment. Great for easing into the culture!

Evening Piazza Navona Stroll & Family Photo Session

Take a gentle stroll through Piazza Navona’s vibrant square. Enjoy buskers, artists, and fountains, and capture beautiful family moments with a relaxed photo session amid the baroque architecture. Perfect for soaking in the city’s warm welcome.

Family Dinner at a Traditional Roman Trattoria

Enjoy a hearty Italian dinner at a local trattoria where you can taste homemade pasta and pizza. Many trattorias welcome families and offer kid-friendly menus, ensuring a warm hospitality experience for all ages.

Venetian Carnival Mask Making Class in Venice, Italy

Venetian Carnival Mask Making Class in Venice, Italy

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

If you want to live a real experience in the heart of Venice that's the right choice! A Venetian Master Artisan will explain to you, in 1 hour course, the traditional art of decorating a mask, an artistic personal event which will make you live the preparation for the Venetian Carnival. Create your own unique masterpiece and following your artistic streak, a special memory of an amazing experience and keep your artistic creation of the most emblematic icon of Venice!     An unconventional and handcrafted moment to live with your family or friends!

4.6 (520 reviews)

From $82 USD

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Attractions

5.0 (1300 reviews)
Bologna Food & Market Tour with 6 Tastings, Pasta, Wines & More

Bologna Food & Market Tour with 6 Tastings, Pasta, Wines & More

MANUAL
Free Cancellation

On our Secret Food Tour Bologna: we'll provide you with an unforgettable taste experience. We'll start with a traditional welcoming sweet. Then, we'll visit one of the oldest Salumeria of the city to learn more about the local meat products and the famous pastas. You'll enjoy: Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, Mortadella di Bologna and many more regional cold cuts in the oldest Osteria in the world with a glass of our local wine. Next we have planned a taste of fresh, handmade pasta made just for us at a local Trattoria, always with a glass of local wine (and a coffee, if you like it) Then we will visit the main local food market, called Quadrilatero, and we'll enjoy a tasting of different types of balsamic vinegar from Modena (8-12-25 years of aging) to discover how this amazing tradition is still deeply rooted in this region. Please note that we are not able to offer any gluten-free or vegan option yet.

From $118 USD

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4.7 (501 reviews)
Milan: Sunset Navigli Food & Drinks Tour by Do Eat Better

Milan: Sunset Navigli Food & Drinks Tour by Do Eat Better

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

The Do Eat Better Experience food tour is a walking tour around the Navigli and Porta Ticinese area. The tourist is guided by a "Foodie", a local "buddy" able to explain every detail of the selected bars, their beverages and preparations, and the relevant history/curiosities. Do Eat Better Experience tours are a mix of high-quality gastronomy as a way of showing Italian culture and lifestyle and a walking experience together with a local friend. This is the reason why we accept small groups only: we want to focus on a genuine exchange and give to each tourist the highest attention possible. Please, note that the tour is always run in English and Italian; other languages upon request.

From $106 USD

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4.4 (50 reviews)
Taste Bologna Food Walking Tour

Taste Bologna Food Walking Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

This tour will allow everyone to discover the gastronomy of Bologna with a walk inside the Quadrilatero market, the true beating heart of local specialties. Enjoy 3 tastings in the company of a local guide and discover all the anecdotes about Bolognese cuisine! Immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of the city center and its flavours. At the end of the tour, treat yourself to a small sweet treat.

From $68 USD

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4.9 (136 reviews)
Turin Gourmet Tour: A Premium Tasting Experience by Do Eat Better

Turin Gourmet Tour: A Premium Tasting Experience by Do Eat Better

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

The Turin food tour is a walking tour around the historical center of the city where you will be guided by a Foodie, a local buddy able to explain every detail of the selected restaurants, their preparations, and the relevant history/curiosities. Do Eat Better Experience tours are a mix of high-quality gastronomy as a way of showing Italian culture and lifestyle and a walking experience together with a local friend. This is the reason why we accept small groups only: we want to focus on a genuine exchange and give to each tourist the highest attention possible. Please, note that the tour is always run in English and Italian; other languages upon request.

From $102 USD

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4.9 (104 reviews)
Segway Tour Caruggi - 2.5 ore

Segway Tour Caruggi - 2.5 ore

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

The best way to visit the most important places in the largest medieval historical center in Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the amazing Segway! The most effective, fast, easy and fun way to not miss anything of the beauties of the city, experiencing an exciting adventure. From the hidden alleys of the old town, to the beautiful noble streets, our staff will guide you through magnificent palaces and fascinating views, breathing ancient atmospheres, scents and flavors of the whole world, in complete safety. A mix of culture, art, tradition, gastronomy and lots of fun ... a stone's throw from the sea!

From $71 USD

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4.7 (7 reviews)
Gastronomy tasting through oil, wine and cheese in Turin

Gastronomy tasting through oil, wine and cheese in Turin

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

The oil of Eva is the place for those who love Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVO). Here you can taste and buy different varieties of oil, all strictly made in Italy. You can get in touch with the work, experience and family tradition of our passionate producers. You can enrich your gastronomic culture and open yourself to new frontiers of taste. Perhaps by trying our delicious bruschetta or savouring an oil that evokes the scent of cut grass, almond, green tomato or apple. Here you can ask for any information and curiosity about this rich and fascinating food. And also find an original, unexpected and valuable idea for a tasteful gift.

From $58 USD

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5.0 (73 reviews)
Campo dè Fiori Market and Trevi Fountain Food and Wine Tour in Rome

Campo dè Fiori Market and Trevi Fountain Food and Wine Tour in Rome

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Curious to know how is a local market in Rome? That's the right tour for you! On this food tour you will visit one of the most famous local fresh markets of Rome and some of the most beautiful monuments of the city! This 4 hours tour experience is very informative, with LOTS of eating, sightseeing and drinking!  Explore one of Rome's most visited neighborhoods with a great combination of food tasting and sightseeeing that will keep you away from tourist traps with our local and expert guide!!

From $106 USD

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4.9 (127 reviews)
La Spezia: Taste Cinque Terre on a Food Tour by Do Eat Better

La Spezia: Taste Cinque Terre on a Food Tour by Do Eat Better

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

The Do Eat Better Experience food tour is a walking tour around the historical center of La Spezia. The tourist is guided by a "Foodie", a local "buddy" able to explain every detail of the selected restaurants, their preparations, and the relevant history/curiosities. Do Eat Better Experience tours are a mix of high-quality gastronomy as a way of showing Italian culture and lifestyle and a walking experience together with a local friend. This is the reason why we accept small groups only: we want to focus on a genuine exchange and give to each tourist the highest attention possible. Top 4 food stops in La Spezia for a memorable and rich dining experience! Please, note that the tour is always run in English and Italian; other languages upon request.

From $85 USD

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4.7 (11 reviews)
Modena Private Walking Tour

Modena Private Walking Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

A two-hour private tour to discover Modena : a city famous for its historic center with UNESCO sites, for its gastronomy, engines, and for the friendliness of its inhabitants. Pleasant in every season, Modena offers visitors extraordinary beauties, all concentrated in its pretty old town, which tell the splendor of a city long the capital of a duchy, that of the Signori d'Este, who lived there since 1598. Unesco has recognized the universal value of its treasures by declaring the Duomo, Piazza Grande and the Ghirlandina Tower a World Heritage Site. Discover these great architectural beauties with our certified Tour Guide.

From $143 USD

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4.3 (284 reviews)
5-Day Best of Italy: Assisi, Siena, Florence, Venice and more

5-Day Best of Italy: Assisi, Siena, Florence, Venice and more

INSTANT

This deluxe coach journey offers a blend of guided tours and free time, allowing you to experience the best of Italy’s culture, art, and cuisine. Begin in Rome and visit Assisi’s medieval charm, Siena’s iconic piazza, and the Renaissance splendor of Florence. Explore Bologna’s rich history and Venice’s enchanting canals. Enjoy stays in centrally located 4-star hotels, expert local guides, and curated meals that showcase the unique flavors of each region. Perfect for travelers looking to explore Italy’s treasures in comfort and style.

From $1039 USD

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4.8 (6 reviews)
From Florence: Private Ferrari Museums Tour: Italy's motoring art excellence

From Florence: Private Ferrari Museums Tour: Italy's motoring art excellence

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Departures are always guaranteed! We're using Land Rover car or premium miniVan. Discover the main museums of the world-famous motor house: Ferrari. The tour will start from Florence and the first stop will be the Enzo Ferrari Museum. Here you will be able to admire the most beautiful and famous models of Ferrari. Enjoy the museum with a local guide for 1 hours before moving to Modena, the true home of the Italian engine. Before exploring the real house of Ferrari in Maranello, you will enjoy lunch in the city center of this beautiful old town in a in a typical Emilian Trattoria. Here you will taste traditional Emilian products: parmesan cheese, ham, fried dumpling, lasagne, pasta with ragu... The tour continues with the visit to the house of Ferrari the museum of Maranello where a Ferrari guide will tell you in a tour of 1 hour the history of the most famous and important car brand in the world.

From $773 USD

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4.9 (7 reviews)
Milan: Electric Bicycle Tour Tourist Guide Live - 3 hours & half

Milan: Electric Bicycle Tour Tourist Guide Live - 3 hours & half

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Discover the best of Milan city center with a 3 hour and a half Segway tour led by a milanese licensed tourist guide.

From $89 USD

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5.0 (2 reviews)
Guided tour of the historic center of Perugia

Guided tour of the historic center of Perugia

MANUAL
Free Cancellation

The tour that will immerse you in the beauty of one of the most beautiful cities of art in Italy, you will discover hilly views of unique beauty, picturesque alleys and visit monuments, palaces and churches that will make you live for a few hours in the authentic Middle Ages. You can taste the famous chocolate of Perugia, known and appreciated all over the world, pedaling to the rhythm of Jazz notes. All this you can live only in the beautiful city of Perugia. At the heart of Umbria, the Green Heart of Italy

From $83 USD

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4.2 (5 reviews)
2 Hours Art Class with Local Artist

2 Hours Art Class with Local Artist

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

1. Paint Like a Local: Artistic Workshop in the Heart of Rome 2. Create Your Own Masterpiece: Guided Art Class with a Roman Artist 3. Acrylic Magic: Hands-On Painting Experience in a Roman Gallery 4. From Canvas to Soul: Express Yourself Through Art in Rome

From $154 USD

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5.0 (1 reviews)
Italian Fresh Pasta Private Virtual Cooking Class

Italian Fresh Pasta Private Virtual Cooking Class

MANUAL
Free Cancellation

Enjoy a private and authentic online cooking class and learn to make Cinzia's family recipes for fresh pasta and a classic Italian dessert. This is a perfect experience for anyone looking to connect with local culture over food. A fun and cultural virtual cooking experience with a Florence local! • Learn to make homemade pasta from scratch and an Italian dessert • Private, one-on-one online instruction with a Florence resident • Introduction to Italy's culture and cuisine • Scheduled mutually at your convenience (host lives in Florence, Italy (GMT +2) ) • Recipes and ingredients list will be emailed in advance of class • Customization available for dietary restrictions or preferences • Travel from your own home and learn culinary traditions of Italy!

From $59 USD

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5.0 (1 reviews)
Explore Florence’s Art and Culture with a Local

Explore Florence’s Art and Culture with a Local

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

This Experience is provided by a private local. Each LocalBini Experience is conducted in a small group of up to 6 people. Find out the different cultural and artistic characteristics that makes this city unique, and enjoy the buzzing community and city ambience! Whether you are visiting Florence as a returning tourist who wants to get to know the city a bit better, or if this is your first time, this Experience is for you! While walking the streets of Florence and looking at the amazing, unique street art, or getting to know more about the city’s galleries and museums, you will hear about street-art artists as well as contemporary artists and their close connection to Florence. I will share with you the art and cultural world of my city, where you will see, hear, and experience how colorful and multifaceted Florence is!

From $165 USD

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5.0 (1 reviews)
Authentic Pesto Making & Tasting Experience in La Spezia

Authentic Pesto Making & Tasting Experience in La Spezia

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Discover the art of preparing authentic Ligurian pesto in a hands-on cooking class in the beautiful town of La Spezia. Immerse yourself in the local culinary traditions as a skilled Italian chef guides you through every step of making this famous sauce from scratch. After preparing your pesto, enjoy a delicious meal featuring trofie al pesto, followed by a traditional Italian dessert. Savor the flavors of Liguria in a fun and interactive setting, as you learn the secrets behind one of Italy's most beloved dishes. This unique experience is hosted by Cesarine, Italy’s oldest network of passionate home cooks. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced foodie, this class will give you the skills to recreate authentic Ligurian pesto at home and truly taste the heart of Italy!

From $113 USD

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4.0 (73 reviews)
8-Days Best of Italy Trip from Rome with Florence and Venice

8-Days Best of Italy Trip from Rome with Florence and Venice

INSTANT_THEN_MANUAL

Discover the highlights of Italy in 8 days on an escorted deluxe coach tour from Rome to Venice. Experience the charm of medieval towns, Renaissance art, and the romantic canals of Venice, all while enjoying the comfort of centrally located 4-star hotels. With expert guides and curated meals, this tour is perfect for those who want a comprehensive Italian experience with a blend of guided tours and free time. * Visit Italy’s top art cities: Rome, Florence, Venice * Travel in a deluxe air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi * Expert Tour Director and local guides * Stay in 4-star centrally located hotels * Special Spritz and "Cicchetti" experience in Venice

From $2025 USD

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