ITALY

Italy holds the crown of being one of the world’s most popular vacation destinations for several compelling reasons. It has history, art, culture, cuisine, not to mention amazing natural beauty.

After traveling throughout much of Europe, Italy continues to be my favorite destination. Whether you’re strolling through quaint villages, admiring Renaissance masterpieces, or simply watching the world go by with a cappuccino in hand, Italy is a vacation that feeds your soul.

Destinations

Italy offers a plethora of captivating destinations that cater to a wide range of traveler interests. For history enthusiasts, the ancient city of Rome beckons with its iconic landmarks. Art lovers will find their haven in Florence, while Venice enchants with its romantic canals. The stunning Amalfi Coast and the picturesque villages of Cinque Terre offer postcard-worthy coastal escapes. Food connoisseurs can explore the culinary delights of Bologna and Naples, while adventure seekers will enjoy the Italian Alps.

Amalfi Coast

Cinque Terre

Florence

Rome

Sorrento

Tuscany

Venice

Weather

Italy experiences a diverse range of seasonal weather throughout the year, thanks to its long north-to-south geographical stretch and its Mediterranean climate.

Overall Climate:

Italy’s coastal regions benefit from a Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers.

The interior and northern areas have a more continental climate, with greater temperature variations between seasons and more pronounced winters.

The Italian islands, such as Sicily and Sardinia, generally enjoy milder and more stable weather compared to the mainland.

When planning a trip to Italy, it’s essential to consider the seasonal weather in the destination you’d like to visit. Generally, July and August are high season in Italy, so prices are higher, and destinations are more crowded. Also, it’s HOT! I’ve found the best time to travel is May-June and September-October.

Language

Learning a few basic Italian phrases can go a long way in showing respect to the local culture. Even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect, making an effort is appreciated. Here are a few Italian words/phrases you may find useful:

• Thank you (Grazie)

• Please (Per favore)

• Where is the bathroom? (Dov’è il bagno?)

• Hello (Ciao)

• Good Evening (Buonasera)

• Excuse me, do you speak English? (Mi scusi, parla inglese?)

Local Etiquette

Get to know the local etiquette for things like tipping, greetings, and appropriate dress codes, especially when visiting religious sites or formal places.

• Tipping: A service charge is often included in the bill at restaurants. However, it’s customary to leave small change or round up the bill as a tip. If service is exceptional, you can leave a slightly larger tip.

• Greetings: Italians are generally warm and expressive. A handshake is a common form of greeting, especially in more formal situations. Friends and acquaintances often greet each other with hugs or cheek kisses (air kisses).

• Coffee Etiquette: Italians drink coffee quickly and usually while standing at a café. Avoid ordering cappuccinos or other milk-based coffee drinks after mid-morning, as it’s considered more of a breakfast item.

• Dress Modestly: When visiting churches, cathedrals, or other religious sites, it’s important to dress modestly. Avoid wearing sleeveless tops, shorts, or revealing clothing.

• Personal Space: Italians are known for being affectionate and expressive, so don’t be surprised if people stand close or touch during conversations. It’s considered a sign of warmth and connection.

• Shop Hours: Many shops and businesses in Italy have a “siesta” break in the afternoon, usually between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM. Keep this in mind when planning your shopping or sightseeing activities.

• Punctuality: While it’s generally polite to be on time, Italians have a more relaxed attitude toward time. Meetings and gatherings might start a bit later than scheduled.

• Queueing: In busy public places, such as train stations or ticket counters, be prepared for a less structured approach to queueing. Patience is key.

Currency and Payment Methods

Credit cards enjoy broad acceptance in Italy; nevertheless, you may encounter some establishments that exclusively transact in cash. While ATMs are readily accessible, I recommend purchasing some Euro from your local bank in advance of your travel. It’s a good idea to bring more than one credit card as a contingency. Additionally, it’s worth noting that although American Express is generally accepted in many establishments in Italy, it is not as widely accepted as Visa or Mastercard, which are more commonly used in Europe.

I recommend creating duplicates of your passport and credit cards and either leaving them with a trusted friend at home or emailing them to yourself. In the unfortunate event of loss or theft, having this information readily available can be invaluable.

Get Ready to Explore

Need some help planning your trip? See my recommended two-week travel itinerary above.

Legend has it that tossing a coin over your left shoulder into the Trevi Fountain guarantees your return to Italy. One thing I can assure you is that if you visit to Italy, you’ll create memories that will enrich your soul. So, while you’re there, be sure to make that coin toss, because I can guarantee you’ll be eager to return for more.