Italy Tour Packages

1. About Italy
2. Tidbits
3. Things to Know Before Visit Italy
4. Our Best Budget Italy Tour Packages
5. Italy at a Glance
6. Top Reasons to Visit Italy
7. Visit The Tourist Attractions In Italy
8. Best Time to Visit Italy
9. Top Things To Do In Italy
10. Shopping in Italy
11. Do’s and Don’ts of Visiting Italy
12. Foods in Italy
13. Art and Culture

Italy is Europe’s tenth-largest and the continent’s third-most populous country. It is also the world’s fifth most visited country, with millions of tourists visiting Italy every year for its Roman ruins, Renaissance-era landmarks, and architectural marvels. And, of course, the food!

People also visit Italy to learn more about its rich history – it has been the epicentre of one of the world’s greatest civilisations and the Catholic Church. Contrary to popular opinion, Italian history does not begin with the foundation of Rome in 753 BC; the region has been inhabited for thousands of years by early hominins and Neanderthals. Some ancient tribes that ruled the areas before Rome was founded include the Etruscans, the Latins, the Samnites, the Celts, the Phoenicians, the Rhaetian people, and the Camunni.

Another major attraction that draws tourists to Italy is its rich legacy of art and architecture. Thanks to the Medici Family and other rich Italian merchants who patronised Renaissance art, we now have priceless masterpieces like the Mona Lisa, Michaelangelo’s Statue of David, frescos at the Sistine Chapel, The Pieta, The Last Supper, and the Dome at the Florence Cathedral. The country borders France, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, San Marino, and Vatican City.

Italy is known for its breathtaking and varied scenery—from the rolling hills of Tuscany to the rugged shoreline of the Amalfi Coast and the Alpine lakes of Como and Garda, there’s so much to see and explore.

Another significant factor that draws people to Italy is its culinary scene. The country is every food lover’s dream destination, from the classic Neapolitan pizza to the hearty soups, stews, and salads of Tuscany and the refined food culture of Emilia-Romagna with its parmigiano reggiano, balsamic vinegar, and prosciutto.

If you’d like to experience these and more, check with GT Holidays for the best Italy tour packages— we’ll customise one to match your preferences and budget.

• Italy is home to Europe’s oldest university – The University of Bologna, established in 1088.
• Italy has the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites – 60 sites.
• Italians are the champions of eating pasta – almost 23 kg per year.
• Around €1.5 million is tossed into the Trevi every year.
• The Montessori Method was first developed in Rome, Italy.
• Sardinia, Italy, is one of the world’s 5 blue zones where people have the longest life expectancy.
• With rising sea levels, Venice could completely sink underwater by the 22nd century.
• Venice was built on over 10 million tree trunks around 1200 years ago. These trunks still support the city.
• Italy is the largest producer of wine in the world.
• Italy was one of the six countries that were the first to become members of the EU.
• The Italian language is closest to Latin and originated around Tuscany after the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century.
• Over 75% of Italy is mountains.
• Gelato was invented in Florence in the 16th century
• The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore took 100 years to build.
• The Duomo of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is the largest dome in the world.
• Batteries were first invented in Italy by Alessandro Volta.
• Italy is home to the world’s second oldest population, with 24% of people over 65.
• Contrary to public opinion, pretzels were first baked in Italy, not Germany.

• Italy offers Type C Schengen Visa for Indian tourists for 90 days up to 180 days.
• Carry proper shoes – walking is the easiest way to get around in most Italian cities.
• If you are lost, ask locals. Google Maps can be unreliable, especially in the mountain regions, and internet service can be dotty.
• Pack light – the cobblestoned streets are historic but narrow, and carrying them is difficult.
• Carry enough cash—while a card is sufficient for tourist places, you’ll need cash at the local markets.
• Buy tickets to tourist attractions in advance to avoid last-minute disappointments.
• There are too many attractions in Italy to cover – don’t pack everything in a single trip.
• Indian food is hard to find in Italy – carry ready-to-eat meals.

Italy is a dream destination because of its stunning landscapes, rich culture, sumptuous food, and interesting history. If you are considering visiting Bel Paese, here are a few reasons to consider booking an Italy tour package.

The Romans were not the earliest civilisation in history, but they were definitely one of the greatest empires. At its height, the Roman Empire ruled an area spanning 5 million sq km, including continents like Asia Minor, North Africa, and most of Europe. Their influence on modern civilisation is ever-pervasive, ranging from art and architecture to technology, science, politics, literature, and law.

There’s no better place than Rome, Italy, to experience the Roman way of life, as it was the empire’s birthplace and epicentre. The Romans mastered the art of using curved roofs and arches to build massive aqueducts and bridges that supported more weight than the simple post-and-beam columns of the Greeks.

The sports stadiums we see today are a gift from the Roman architects who used tiered seating and oval shapes to create massive open-air arenas. The Colosseum, the largest amphitheatre in the ancient world, was made of cement using volcanic ash and volcanic rock. Scientists have attributed this ash to the Colosseum’s longevity. Some of the famous Roman relics you’ll find across Italy include:

• The Colosseum
• The Pantheon
• The Arch of Constantine
• The Temple of Apollo, Pompeii
• The Roman Forum
• Hadrian’s Villa

Italy is chockfull of 2000-year-old monuments that co-exist with modern structures. When you embark on our Italy tour package, you’ll visit all the ancient Roman ruins that dominate the Italian terrain.

Italian cuisine is consistently ranked among the world’s favourite food. While the world is in love with pasta and pizza, Italian food is much more than these staple delicacies. The cuisine focuses on simple, fresh, and local ingredients that speak for themselves. For instance, you can put together some freshly cooked pasta, olive oil, garlic, and bacon bits, and voila! You have the sumptuous pasta aglio e olio! The famous Neapolitan pizza is made with nothing but dough, San Marzano tomatoes, fresh basil, olive oil, and fresh mozzarella.

Not just the ingredients but the recipes and cooking methods are also simple to ensure the original flavours of the ingredients are intact.

Italian food is also deeply rooted in gastronomical traditions and regional variations. For instance, be prepared for odd stares when ordering a cappuccino after noon. We all know the no-breaking rule when cooking spaghetti, but did you know there’s a structure to an Italian menu, and you cannot misplace the order? Typical Italian meals start with an antipasto or starter, followed by a primo (rice or pasta), a secondo (meat or fish) with a contorno or side dish, dolce or sweet, and finally, coffee and digestive. Order a cappuccino with pasta, and you’ll be frowned upon.

Italian food is so versatile and ancient that it has inspired other European cuisines. No wonder Italian cuisine is considered the mother cuisine of Europe.

No Italian tour package is complete without guests sampling Italian staples like Parmigiano Reggiano, Balsamic Vinegar, gelato, prosciutto, and mushrooms like porcini and chanterelles. Don’t miss the truffle season when visiting Italy in autumn.

The Vatican City is the seat of the Pope, the highest authority of the Roman Catholic Church and home to iconic artworks and architecture, museums, and the Vatican Library. Even if you aren’t religious, you must visit the Vatican to admire the many frescos and learn about the city’s history. St Peter’s Basilica, the world’s largest and most famous cathedral, was built over the tomb of Apostle Peter. The Sistine Chapel is famous for its artworks, namely, the frescos by Michelangelo and paintings by Raphael. The Vatican Museums are a treasure trove of over 70,000 artworks and artefacts, including works of Van Gogh, Bacon, Chagall, and Caravaggio. With so many invaluable treasures, it’s no wonder Vatican City is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Vatican City also stands witness to a history that spans over 2 millennia. For instance, the St Peter’s Basilica was built on the site of the old Basilica built by the Roman Emperor Constantine I. The old basilica itself was built on the site of the Circus of Nero. Many parts of the St Peter’s Basilica were refurbished from dozens of Roman ruins. For instance, the obelisk in the centre of St Peter’s Square was originally from Alexandria, where a Roman governor dedicated it to the Roman Emperors Augustus and Tiberius. Another example is the basilica’s baptismal font, which was initially a piece of Egyptian porphyry (a rare stone) that was designed into a lid of a Roman Emperor’s coffin and later incorporated into the tomb of Roman Emperor Otto II before ending up as the baptismal font.

Italy is the perfect destination for lovers of art and architecture. It is the birthplace of the Renaissance movement and various other art styles, such as Baroque, Arte Povera, and Neoclassicism – not to mention the classic Roman architecture that has stood tall for over 2000 years.

From the canals and bridges of Venice to the breathtaking statues and the many duomos of Italy, there’s so much to experience and enjoy. Cities like Siena, Florence, Rome, Milan, Venice, and Urbino testify to the Renaissance’s grandeur. Notable among these include the St Peter’s Basilica, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, artworks of the Sistine Chapel, and the Basilica of San Lorenzo.

Italy has some of the world’s most prestigious museums and art galleries. Famous artworks include the Statue of David, The Last Supper, The Birth of Venus, The School of Athens, The Madonna, The Vitruvian Man, The Last Judgement, and The Creation of Adam.

Some of the famous museums in the country include the Uffizi Gallery, the Vatican Museums, and Galleria Borghese – each of these boasts a wide range of architectural sights, from the classic and baroque to the ornate and the neoclassical.

Some amazing destinations for art lovers include:

• Florence: This city is home to sculptures, frescos, and paintings, most famously the Statue of David, the Cathedral of Florence, The Last Judgement, and the stained-glass windows in the Cathedral of Florence.
• Sicily: Some of the impressive artworks in Sicily include the mosaic work at the Cathedral of Monreale and the Palatine Chapel, Piazza Armerina, and the beautiful baroque buildings of Ragusa.
• Tuscany: In addition to the quiet Tuscan countryside, the region is famous for the Siena Cathedral, the towers of San Gimignano and Lucca, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Rome is another city famous for its stunning architecture, including Renaissance palaces, baroque fountains, Michaelangelo’s artworks in the Sistine Chapel, and artworks of Caravaggio, Bernini, and Raphael.

Italy is home to medieval cities and towns, each with a personality of its own. For instance, Rome, also called The Eternal City, is famous for its ancient vibes, cobblestoned streets, and Roman ruins like the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. Milan is famous for its fashion vibes and trendy boutiques.

Venice is a romantic city famous for its ornate buildings and cathedrals. It is also famous for its labyrinth of canals and bridges, which captivate travellers.

Florence is one of the most important cities in Renaissance architecture and is home to several museums and galleries that host some of the world’s most famous artworks.

Naples is often the starting point for excursions to Pompeii, Herculaneum, and the Amalfi Coast.

Don’t miss the romantic city of Verona, the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Besides the famous balcony of Juliet, you’ll visit the Roman Arena, the grand churches, and the beautiful lakes of Garda and Como.

You can’t miss Siena, especially its architectural gems like the Piazza del Campo and the Fonte Gaia. Genoa is another gem, often called the gateway to the Italian Riviera and famous for its historic restaurants and hidden churches.

Despite its relatively small size, Italy promises a varied landscape – from the mountainous Alps and the Apennines to the sun-kissed coastlines of the Amalfi Coast and the breathtaking Italian lakes of Garda and Como.

Mountains dominate almost 80% of the Italian landscape, with three well-known mountain ranges: the Alps, the Apennines, and the Dolomites.

Cinque Terra is a series of Italian villages between the Ligurian Sea and the Alps and Apennines Mountain ranges. It is famous for its terraced hills, fishing villages, and colourful houses on Italy’s Ligurian Coast.

The Italian Alps attract visitors in summer and winter for their hiking trails and world-class ski resorts such as Sestriere and Madonna di Campiglio.

The Dolomites are another stunning mountainous landscape famous for its jagged rock formations, especially Tre Cime di Lavaredo, or Three Peaks, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Apennines may not be as famous as the Alps or Dolomites, but they’re a haven for wildlife, including bears and wolves. Some of the beautiful regions on the borders of the Apennine Mountains include Tuscany, Liguria, and Emilia Romagna, all famous for their quaint villages and distinct food and culture.

Italian rivers are equally significant, helping shape the country’s history and culture. For instance, the Tiber River witnessed the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, and the Po River helped shape the destiny of cities like Turin, Piacenza, Cremona, Ferrara, and Venice.

If you’re looking for a luxury Italy tour package, don’t miss Lake Como and Lake Garda on your itinerary. They are famous for their picturesque views and charming towns.

Italy is home to over 450 islands that attract tourists for their history, food, and biodiversity. Sicily and Sardinia are two of Italy’s largest islands, known for their history, culture, cuisine, and Mediterranean climate.

And if you’re looking for a less-famous cousin of Tuscany, check Umbria, also called the Green Heart of Italy, thanks to its magnificent panoramic views of olive groves and vineyards.

The Italians pride themselves in being well-dressed and looking put together. The phrase fare bella figura is the key to understanding Italian culture and lifestyle. It literally means to make a good appearance and involves Italians making an effort to dress well and taking care of their hair, makeup, and general appearance. But this doesn’t mean they dress excessively – on a typical day, you’ll find an Italian with groomed hair wearing well-fitting jeans over a white shirt (instead of a t-shirt) and some perfume at the local supermarket.
You won’t find Italians casually dressed in sweatsuits, pyjamas, t-shirts, and flip-flops. And it’s not for fashion – rather, it’s because of the Italian culture of appearing put together.

Milan and Rome are the fashion capitals of the world and home to many famous Italian fashion houses, such as Gucci, Prada, Versace, Dolce and Gabbana, and Armani. If you’re a fashion lover, Italy is a great place to shop for luxury brands as they are cheaper than the US or India. Aside from the fact that these goods start at a lower price, the taxes are included in the final price. By providing your passport, you can also get a VAT Refund if you are not an Italian citizen.

And if these luxury brands are beyond your budget, there are plenty of markets where you can buy fake brands at a much lower price. If you’re lucky, you can visit seasonal sales and fashion outlets.

There are plenty of small shops and street markets that sell fashionable but inexpensive clothes and accessories like shoes, bags, wallets, and jackets for cheap. For instance, at a weekly market, you can buy a decent quality bag for less than INR 1000 and even leather bags and shoes for the same price. Just type mercati settimanale followed by a town or area name, and you’ll find a list of all the weekly markets in the area. If you are looking for antiques or artwork, type mercati artigianale.

No other country boasts of so many tourist attractions as Italy, including its historical places, paintings, sculptures, and ancient ruins. Some of the top ten attractions of Italy include:

The Roman Colosseum was inaugurated in 80 CE during the reign of Emperor Titus but was built by his father, Emperor Vespasian, between 70 and 72 CE. The elliptical structure is made of stone, concrete, and tuff and is built to hold as many as 50,000 spectators. The Colosseum fell into disrepair after the fall of the Roman Empire and was even used as a quarry during the 15th century.

The Roman Forum was the epicentre of everything in ancient Rome, attracting thousands of Romans every day. The Palatine Hill is the highest of the seven hills of Rome and home to several palaces and ancient imperial buildings that are now in ruins. The Roman Forum is only 40 metres below the hill and a rectangular plaza surrounded by several multi-storied buildings, including government buildings, triumphal arches and basilicas. Some of the notable buildings in the Roman Forum include the Temple of Venus, the Arch of Titus, the Arch of Constantine, the Senate Building, and the House of the Vestal Virgins.

The Pantheon was built around 27 BC by Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa as a temple to the 12 gods and to the living Sovran. Emperor Hadrian completely rebuilt it around CE 118 and 128. It is the only Roman building to remain intact through the centuries.

The Trevi Fountain is considered a masterpiece of Baroque art and is one of the world’s best fountains. It is founded on the site of an earlier fountain that was demolished in the 17th century and redesigned by Nicola Salvi. The fountain’s water was once considered Rome’s best-tasting water but is now considered undrinkable. The myth of tossing a coin at the Trevi Fountain probably originates from a pagan myth of making offerings to pagan gods.

The city of Pompeii was destroyed in 79 CE after Mount Vesuvius erupted, burying the city under mounds of volcanic ash. It was discovered 1700 years later, and its entire buildings, markets, shops, villas, courts, and even a brothel were intact, making it an open-air museum.

This was initially built as a bell tower and was Pisa’s cathedral complex’s third and final structure. It was built in the 12th century – when three of the eight stories were completed, the uneven setting was noticed. Work was stopped for a few years because of war until work began later in the 14th century. The tower continued to lean until 2008, when sensors showed that the leaning had finally stopped and would continue to be stable for another 200 years.

The Florence Cathedral is one of the largest churches in the world. It is dedicated to Santa Maria del Fiore or Our Lady of the Flower, referring to the Lily, the city of Florence’s symbol. The highlight of the cathedral is the Duomo, or the dome, which was built in the 15th century and is the largest masonry vault in the world. The tour’s highlight is a tour of the Duomo terraces, which were initially constructed to allow workers to perform maintenance of the Cathedral and have been open to the public since 1985.

The Uffizi Gallery in Florence is home to some of the world’s finest artworks, including paintings, sculptures and drawings, including masterpieces by Botticelli, Da Vinci, Buonarroti, Caravaggio, Raphael, and Michaelangelo.

The Vatican is home to several buildings, cathedrals, museums, and other attractions that draw visitors from around the world.

Valley of the Temples, or Valle dei Templi, is an archaeological site in Agrigento and one of the largest archaeological sites in the world. The entire valley comprises eight temples: the Temple of Hera, the Temple of Concordia, the Temple of Heracles, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Temple of Castor and Pollux, the Temple of Hephaestus, the Temple of Demeter, and the Temple of Juno.

Located in the south-central part of Europe, Italy boasts not only a varied and scenic landscape but also an equally diverse climate. The country comprises a boot-shaped peninsula, the mountainous Alps, the plains of the Po Valley, and Mediterranean islands like Sardinia and Sicily. Regions like Liguria, Tuscany, Campania, Sicily, Umbria, and Le Marche have a Mediterranean climate, while Northern Italy is cold, with snow falling from November to March.

Italy’s peak tourist season is from May to October, although July and August can be sweltering, with temperatures reaching up to 32°C in cities like Rome and Florence. It’s the perfect time to enjoy the sunny Italian weather and make the most of the grape harvest season. November to February is the low season thanks to the cold winters, except in the mountains, where you can enjoy winter activities like skiing and snowboarding. It’s also the holiday season for Italians, with Christmas being the most important festival. Most small stores and restaurants are closed or follow shorter holiday working hours.

Italy experiences four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Here’s a breakdown of the different seasons to help you choose the best Italy tour packages.

Spring is an excellent time for Italy tour packages. The weather is pleasant and breezy, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 25°C and a delightful mix of warm days and cool evenings. However, the weather varies across regions. For instance, cities like Milan and Venice may experience occasional rain in May, but Rome and Florence are pleasant and perfect for outdoor activities.

The Dolomites in northern Italy attract skiing enthusiasts as the ski season lasts until the first weeks of April. But you might want to check beforehand as most mountain passes and trails may be closed.

Spring is a great time for nature enthusiasts to visit Italy. It’s when the flowers begin to bloom and the perfect time to see cherry blossoms in Rome, visit lavender fields in Tuscany and spend some time with the many birds and animals in the Italian countryside.

Don’t let the warm days fool you, as it can get very cold at night. Carry a warm jacket, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself from the ever-changing weather. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, regardless of the climate, as exploring Italy involves a lot of walking, especially on cobblestoned streets.

• Rome Film Festival in October
• Venice Carnival in Feb-March
• Easter Week celebrated across Italy
• Liberation Day in April

Italy is hot and humid in summer, especially in July and August. The average temperature in July ranges from 29°C to 32°C, especially in cities like Rome and Florence. However, places in the Alpine regions of Trentino and Merano are pleasant and perfect for hiking, trekking, and horse riding.

Summer is also a great time to enjoy the multiple parades, carnivals, and concerts held across the country. Some of the best places to visit Italy in summer include the Amalfi Coast, Sardinia, the Dolomites, and Sicily.

However, if you’re Indian and looking for summer Italy tour packages, we suggest you hold a little longer, i.e., until September or October. Here’s why:

For one, everyone and their grandma are visiting Italy, as it’s summer break in the US from early May until early September. It’s also the time when people swamp popular tourist spots like Rome, Florence, and Milan. For instance, Venice, a tiny island of a few square miles and a population of a little over 50,000 people, hosts over 25 to 30 million people during summer. Standing in a queue to visit the country’s top attraction seems cumbersome, given that it is hot, humid, and dry across Italy.

If you’re travelling to Italy for the first time, we suggest you wait for the shoulder seasons to book your Italy tour packages. But if you have already visited Italy’s major tourist destinations, you can visit less touristy places like Le Marche and Umbria or the Casentino Valley near Florence.

Also, most places, including hotels and restaurants, do not have air conditioning. Even those with AC units are shut off because of government regulations. Another problem with an August Italy tour package is Ferragosto, a holiday celebrated on August 15th every year. Practically, the entire country shuts down for the whole of the week as all of Italy goes on vacation. This tradition has been practised since Roman times, when Caesar Augustus declared August 15th a day of rest. Not only is everything expensive, but beaches and other tourist places are jam-packed with locals. With international travellers joining in, things get very hectic and overwhelming.

• Watch the Palio di Siena, an 800-year-old horse race.
• Enjoy wine tasting at the Borgo di Vino festival.
• Enjoy the Italian Grand Prix in Monza.
• Visit the Italian districts like Lake Como and Lake Garda.

Autumn is a great time to explore Italy, as the weather fluctuates between 8°C and 28°C depending on where and when you travel. Northern Italy is much colder and wetter than the southern regions.

Central Italian cities like Rome and Florence can be warm in September, with temperatures around 27°C during the day and ~16°C in the evening. As the month progresses, temperatures begin to drop.

October is especially good, with clear blue skies and mild temperatures. You may experience snow in October, in the higher altitudes. But it could rain during the last weeks of October, especially on the peninsula. Southern Italian regions like the Amalfi Coast and Campania are also pleasantly warm, with temperatures ranging from 23°C to 25°C.

November is the rainiest month in the peninsula regions and the mountains where flash floods could even lead to landslides. Venice is especially vulnerable in November as high tides flood the Piazza San Marco.

Autumn is also a great time for foodies, with restaurants changing their menus for the fall. This allows you to dig into the seasonal porcini mushrooms, white truffles, grapes, and freshly pressed olives. It’s the best time to taste comfort foods like pasta al forno, polenta with mushroom sauce, and ribollita.

If you are travelling at the end of autumn, make sure you carry long-sleeved T-shirts, cotton sweaters, a waterproof jacket, a lightweight poncho, and a heavy sweatshirt.

• Visit the Venice Film Festival in September.
• Experience the Festival of San Gennaro in Naples.
• Join one of the many truffle fairs in central and northern Italy.
• Experience the EuroChocolate, one of the largest chocolate festivals in Europe.

Winter isn’t generally considered a great time to visit Italy. Unless you don’t mind the cold temperatures and shorter days. The upside of choosing Italy tour packages in winter is the cheaper plane tickets and hotel accommodations. The temperature falls to 12°C in central Italian cities like Rome and Florence. And if your itinerary includes historical marvels like Pompeii and Herculaneum, winter temperatures in the Campania regions average at 9°C.

January is the coldest month across Italy, with temperatures hitting 0°C in the northern regions and 13°C in some cities in the southern provinces. February temperatures could be around -2°C in the Alps. In the higher Alps and the foothills, it snows between December and February.

Winter is also a great time to visit Venice, as it is less crowded, the streets are quiet, and the restaurants are reasonably priced. You can explore the many churches on the island with a Chorus pass, which allows access to 18 churches across the city.

The best thing about visiting Italy during winter is Christmas. The entire country, including small villages, is lit with bright lights and festive decorations. And you cannot miss the lively Christmas markets selling everything from handmade crafts and homemade wine and cheese to wooden crafts, clothing, accessories, and homemade jams and fruit loaves.

February is an excellent time for carnivals, including the masked balls of Venice, the Orange Battle of Ivrea, and the mamuthones of Sardinia. The only downside to visiting Italy during winter is that a lot of attractions close early and are closed on Christmas and for the New Year. Some locations are closed in winter for maintenance.

• Visit one of the many Christmas markets in Italy.
• Join the Venice Carnival in February – March
• Join the Battle of the Oranges
• Marvel at the Nativity Lights in Manorola Hills
• Join the Viareggio Carnevale in Venice.

Here’s a quick guide about the perfect time to book Italy tour packages, depending on what you’d like to do:

Cheapest time to visit Italy – November and February

Most expensive time to visit Italy – May to June & Christmas Season

Best time for a honeymoon – Late September to October & May

Best time for skiing – December to February

Rainiest month of the year – November

Driest month of the year – August

With its rich history, culture, cuisine, and amazing landscapes, we’re sure there are incredible things to explore and experience in Italy. But with so many incredible things to do, planning a perfect Italy tour package can be overwhelming. If you’re planning a trip to the country, here are some of our favourite things to do:

If you’re a history student, a trip to Italy will surely not disappoint you. Visiting Italy is stepping back in time to an era when the Greeks, Romans, and the Etruscans built an empire. The remnants of these great empires still remain intact – through ancient ruins, monuments, roads, and buildings.

A visit to Rome is a must to explore some of its ancient ruins, such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, the Baths of Caracalla, the Catacombs of San Sebastino, the Trajan Market, the Stadium of Domitian, the many Roman aqueducts, and the Appian Way.

Pompeii is a time capsule with ancient Roman streets, buildings, pavements, baths, temples, and even casts of humans who were caught off guard when Mount Vesuvius erupted and buried the entire city in volcanic ash over 2000 years ago.

Herculaneum is another ancient Roman town famous for its well-preserved homes, baths, temples, taverns, and other ruins buried by Mount Vesuvius’ eruption thousands of years ago.

Turin is another city that bears testament to Italy’s Roman heritage with its defensive walls, townhouses, and guard towers from the 1st century BC. The Porta Palatina is one such Roman site and one of the best-preserved Roman gates in Italy. The highlight of these gates is the central arch that depicts historical scenes, including Julius Caesar’s victory over the Gauls. The Roman Theatre in Turin is another monument from Roman times and one of the best-preserved theatres built in the 1st century AD. Don’t miss visiting the Museo di Antichita or Archaeological Museum, which hosts artefacts like statues, coins, mosaics, and other everyday objects from the Roman ruins.

The Valley of Temples, an ancient archaeological site in Sicily, is an excellent example of Greek architecture. The place includes temples dedicated to the legendary twins Castor and Dioscuri, the Olympian Zeus, and the temple of Concordia, built in the 5th century. Other temples in the area include the Temple of Hercules, the Temple of Aesculapius, the Temple of Juno, the Temple of Vulcan, and the Temple of Theron.

With its beautiful basilicas, cathedrals, ornate opera houses, statues, paintings, frescos, public buildings, fountains, and museums, your Italy tour package will be spoilt for choice. Thanks to the classical tradition of the ancient Greeks and Romans, wealthy patrons like the Medicis and Farnese, and the fact that Rome was at the centre of the Catholic faith, Italy became famous for its architectural achievements.

The Vatican is one of the finest examples of this rich heritage with its treasure trove of iconic art and architecture. Saint Peter’s Basilica is famous for its grandiose design and invaluable artworks, including Michaelangelo’s Pieta, Bernini’s Longinus, the monument to Pope Alexander VII and Canopy, and the Baldacchino. The Sistine Chapel is famous for Michaelangelo’s frescos and other paintings by Raphael, Botticelli, and Ghirlandaio.

Other artworks at the Vatican Museums include paintings by Caravaggio, Raphael, Van Gogh, and Fra Angelico.

Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, is home to sculptures, cathedrals, buildings, statues, and museums that are now masterpieces. Prominent among them are the famous Statue of David, the cathedral of Florence, especially the red-bricked dome, and the artworks of Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, and Raffaello in the Uffizi Gallery.

Sicily is known for its Baroque buildings, especially buildings constructed after the earthquake in the 17th century, where towns such as Noto, Ragusa, Modica, and Catania were practically rebuilt, resulting in some of the finest buildings of the time. These buildings are known for their ornate facades, the use of chiaroscuro and stucco, statues of saints, balconies in cast iron and stone, interior frescos, and elegant gardens.

Siena is famous for its medieval architecture, especially the central piazza, II Campo, renowned for its architecture and beauty. The Siena Cathedral is another popular monument famous for its marble inlay, the graffito floor, the Duomo, and the intricate Romanesque and Gothic architecture. The church is famous for its artworks, including those of Michaelangelo and Bernini.

Venice isn’t famous only for its romantic gondola rides but also for the Renaissance and Gothic palaces on the edge of the Grand Canal. Some of the architectural attractions in the city include Saint Mark’s Basilica, the Palazzo Cavalli-Franchetti, and the Palazzo Ducale. You can’t visit Venice and not admire the beautiful Venetian glass industries in Murano and Torcello.

We’ve already discussed how Italy is heaven for food lovers. From fresh and seasonal dishes to savoury antipasti, mouthwatering desserts, and unique regional specialities, there are so many options that making a choice can be overwhelming. You’ll need a customised food-based Italy tour package to savour Italian food in its glory and splendour.

As earlier said, regional specialities are what makes Italian food unique. For instance, Emilia-Romagna is known for its creamy pastas, risottos, mortadella sandwiches, lasagna, tortellini, Parmigiano Reggiano, piadine, ragu alla Bolognese, prosciutto, and balsamic vinegar. Some of its amazing cities, like Bologna, Reggio Emilia, Ferrara, and Ravenna, are worth visiting. You can visit some of the small local restaurants that serve authentic food, check the many local farmer’s markets in Modena, join a guided tour to see live Parmigiano Reggiano production, take a wine and vinegar tour to learn about balsamic vinegar or sign up for a cookery class in Forlimpopuli.

Explore Piedmont to learn how truffles are harvested and sample the region’s mouthwatering array of chocolates, cheeses, and wines.

The Campania region is famous for its Amalfi Coast, Naples, and Ischia. No food tour is complete without a tour of Naples, the birthplace of the Neapolitan pizza. It’s also the city of mozzarella, sfogliatelle, and casatiello. The Amalfi Coast is particularly famous for the limoncello, a liqueur made from lemon zest.

Italy’s most popular cities, Rome, Florence, and Venice, are a gastronome’s food mecca. While Rome is popular for its cacao e pepe, amatriciana, and porchetta, Florence is famous for its Florentine steak, truffles, and ribollita not to mention the excellent Chianti wine. Remember to visit the Central Market in Florence to sample some local delicacies.

How can you end an Italian tour without an artisanal or handmade gelato made using fresh ingredients, a shot of cappuccino, or an excellent espresso?

At GT Holidays, we can customise your Italy tour package with visits to dairy farms in Emilia Reggiano and Tuscany, winery visits and lunch, wine-tasting sessions near Siena, visiting lime farms in Sorrento, visiting olive groves in the Tuscan countryside, signing up for cooking classes, and local market tours in Florence.

Italy was introduced to Christianity very early on by traders and soldiers, although it did not become an official religion until the Roman Emperor Constantine embraced Christianity. Constantine’s embrace helped spread Christianity across the Roman Empire and North Africa. Over time, as Constantine built the Constantinian Basilica over the grave of Saint Peter and the Vatican became the permanent seat of the Popes, Italy became the epicentre of Catholicism.

Italy is the perfect destination for Catholic pilgrims thanks to its huge list of Catholic destinations, each with its own charm and spiritual significance.
Vatican City is famous for the St Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, the shrine of Lady of Loreto, and the Vatican Museums. The Apostolic Palace, the official residence of the Pope, is also open to visitors. Make sure you attend a mass at the St Peter’s Basilica, especially the Sunday mass, which is officiated by the Pope. But remember to arrive at least three hours before the mass and to book a ticket for the Sunday mass.

The Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi in Perugia Is another iconic pilgrimage site built in the 13th century and dedicated to the founder of the Franciscan Order. Another tourist attraction is the Basilica of Saint Claire in Assisi, again built in the 13th century and featuring frescos depicting the life of St Clare.

You must also visit the Basilica of Saint Nicholas in Bari, constructed in the 11th century and housing the relics of Saint Nicholas.

When in Venice, don’t miss the Basilica of Saint Marco, one of the most famous churches in Italy. It is famous for its ornate design and exceptional artwork.

The Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua is another magnificent building which houses the relics of Saint Anthony of Padua, a member of the Franciscan Order.

As you go further south, you will visit the Saint Padre Pio shrine, dedicated to the saint revered for bearing Christ’s wounds on his hands and feet.

When in Milan, you must not miss the Milan Cathedral, built in the 14th century and famous for its stained-glass windows and ornate decorations.

You cannot miss the Holy House of Mary in the Ancona Province, believed to be the house where the Virgin Mary was born and received the message from the angel Gabriel.

The Florence Cathedral, or Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, is another breathtaking beauty completed in the 15th century. It is home to famous artworks, including the Last Judgment by Giorgio Vasari.

There are plenty of other Christian pilgrimage sites worth visiting. Call us at +91 9940882200 for a customised spiritual Italy tour package.

Besides food, if the Italians are known for anything, it’s their fashion sense. Italians are always known to look put together thanks to an old Italian concept of bella figura, which loosely translates to the beautiful figure but actually means looking polished and dignified. Bella figura reflects not only in their dressing but also in how Italians carry themselves, including their body language and interactions with others. It’s not about wearing expensive clothes, but rather dressing for the season and keeping clothes in good condition. The concept is also reflected in their everyday goods, including ceramics, glassware, accessories, and even utensils.

Fortunately, you don’t have to spend a fortune to look like a put-together Italian. Besides the multiple luxury brands, plenty of small shops and boutiques sell quality clothes and accessories at an affordable price. For instance, Florence is full of local markets selling leather goods, dresses, scarves, and trinkets for cheap. Rome is a great place to buy miniature items of Italian icons like pizza and pasta, fridge magnets, handmade soaps, soccer jerseys, dried herbs and spices, chocolates, bottle openers, and even cheap tote bags.

Regional specialities include Murano glass from Venice, lemon products from Sorrento, pistachios from Sicily, truffles and truffle products from Piedmont, lace from Burano, and torrones from Sardinia.

Venetian Masks: These are made using papier-mâché and hand-painted using natural feathers and gems. While the cheaper ones are factory-made in China, masks made by traditional mask makers are expensive. There are different masks, with each mask portraying a particular message. For instance, the gnaga mask resembles a cat or pig’s muzzle and was used by men wearing women’s clothes.

Balsamic Vinegar: The best place to buy balsamic vinegar is Modena or Bologna. There are dozens of varieties, with prices depending on age and type. For instance, the traditional balsamic vinegar DOP is considered the ultimate and aged for 12 years or more. This is the most expensive variety. Another variety, the balsamic vinegar of Modena, IGP, is less expensive as it is aged for a lesser time and varies in the ratio of ingredients used.

Wine: The best thing about buying wine in Italy is that you can buy excellent quality wine even from a department store that’s not necessarily expensive. The best places to buy good quality wine include Rome, Florence, Verona, Venice, and Milan. But if you are a wine connoisseur, there are several expensive wines, and you can choose from a specialist enoteca or cantina.

Olive Oil: With olive oil being the staple of Italian cuisine, you can find good quality oil everywhere, including supermarkets and department stores. You can also buy them at speciality shops that sell only oils. When buying from supermarkets, read the label to look for the region of produce. Labels that mention products of the EU could mean that it is a blend of oils from different regions like Spain, Italy, Greece, etc. Look for brands with the label 100% Italian olive oil. In Italy, olive oils from Tuscany and Umbria are considered the best.

Cheese: While soft cheeses like mozzarella taste delicious, they do not travel well. Look for hard cheeses like Parmigiano, pecorino, or asiago, ensuring they are vacuum-packed and not removed from their original wrap during travel.
Leather Goods: Florence is a great place to shop for handmade leather goods and accessories. While there are plenty of small and large shops selling good-quality leather, you can also buy them at the massive San Lorenzo market. Look for labels that read Italian leather, so you know it is authentic.

• The weekly market is your best bet to buy crockery, souvenirs, cheap clothing, ceramics, glassware, and leather goods.
• While haggling is uncommon, you can try your luck. But don’t push too far.
• If you’re buying at the local markets, pay by cash.
• Shop owners have a laissez-faire attitude and don’t really push their products – it’s a take-it-or-leave-it attitude. While it may seem rude to you, it’s how it is and not personal.
• Don’t worry too much about buying products only from the right region: while limoncellos are popular in Amalfi, they are available everywhere.

• Beware of tourist traps in popular cities like Rome and Florence. Common scams include fake charity petitions, fake police, and random people offering friendship bracelets or roses.
• Pickpocketing is also a common problem in touristy places and public transport. Keep your valuables close to you at all times.
• Learn a few essential Italian words and phrases like Buon Giorno or Good Morning, Buono Sera or Good Evening, Grazie or Thank You, and Scusi or Excuse Me.
• Don’t deface or scribble your name on ancient monuments. It’s just inconsiderate, rude, and liable for a fine.
• When visiting the cathedrals and churches, remember to cover your knees and shoulders.
• Don’t expect shops to open before 9 a.m. (or even 10). They close from 1 to 4 p.m. for lunch and stay open until 8 p.m.
• Sunday is a day off across Italy, with most shops except restaurants remaining closed. They don’t open until Monday.
• If you’re booking a dinner table, remember that dinner doesn’t start until 7:30 p.m. Also, don’t expect the bill to arrive at the restaurant until you ask.
• Most bars serve as coffee shops in the morning and cafes in the evening.
• Most ancient monuments are covered in scaffolding due to the continuous repair and restoration work in these buildings to preserve them.
• Learn about the rules of travelling to popular tourist attractions. To keep away the huge surge of visitors, Italian authorities are infamous for their arbitrary bans and fines. For instance, in Porto Fino, you can be fined for posing for selfies as it leads to crowding. In Venice, you have to pay a fee if you are a day tripper. You cannot sit on the iconic Spanish Steps or wear flip-flops in Cinque Terra.

Food is a pivotal aspect of Italian culture and is consistently rated one of the best in the world. Italian food relies on high-quality, fresh, seasonal ingredients and uses simple cooking techniques that allow its natural flavours to shine. Every region in Italy has its own unique recipes and cooking style. Italians are sticklers for tradition when it comes to cooking, religiously following time-honoured recipes and cooking methods.

Some iconic Italian ingredients used daily include parmesan cheese, especially Parmigiano Reggiano, mozzarella, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, prosciutto, pecorino, tomatoes, basil, truffles, a variety of mushrooms, and artichokes.

Italy is home to over 2500 varieties of cheese, including the infamous casu martzu or maggot cheese, a rare cheese infested with live maggots. It is also home to over 300 varieties of pasta, including su filindeu or threads of God, a rare pasta made by a single family in Nuoro, Sardinia.

Some of the popular dishes you must try in Italy include:

Pizza: The birthplace of pizza, especially the Neapolitan pizza, was invented in 1889 by Raffaele Esposito for Queen Margherita of Savoy. Besides Naples, some of the best places to sample pizzas include Rome and Florence.

Risotto: This creamy rice dish uses a short-grain variety called arborio. It is cooked with white wine, butter, onion, and parmesan cheese. The best place to try risotto is in the northern regions, including Lombardy, Piedmont, and Veneto.

Arancini: This yummy street food is from Sicily. It is made using leftover risotto rolled into a ball and filled with ragu sauce, mozzarella, peas, ham, and bechamel sauce. The ball is then coated in breadcrumbs and fried until crisp.

Some of the other foods you must try in Italy include breads like focaccia and ciabatta, gnocchi, ravioli, bruschetta, tortellini, and deserts like panna cotta, gelato, and tiramisu.

Rome wasn’t built in a day. And so wasn’t Italy’s rich art and cultural heritage. Italian art has evolved over time, starting from Etruscan art, which flourished between the 10th and 1st centuries BC, leading up to Roman architecture and Renaissance art in the Middle Ages.

Italy was the birthplace of several architectural styles, viz., Renaissance, Baroque, Romanesque, and Neoclassicism. It was also home to legendary artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Michaelangelo, Raphael, Caravaggio, Botticelli, and Titian.

There’s art in every city and town in Italy, evident through their cathedrals, piazzas, and museums. Some of the famous traditional handicrafts in Italy include lace making in Burano, basket weaving in Puglia, hand-painted pottery in Siena, glassmaking in Murano, shoemaking in Campania, and woodwork in Sardinia.

Italians are very religious, following Roman Catholicism. They are very community-oriented, with an emphasis on family and social connection. Family is central to Italians, who cherish their bond with their grandparents, parents, and siblings. In fact, nonnas or Italian grandmas are often matriarchs of the family, passing on cooking traditions, practical skills, and values to the younger generation.

Italians are also known to be emotional and, hence, direct while communicating. Likewise, they expect honesty and unambiguity during a conversation. You’ll also find Italians to be talkative and opinionated. Don’t be surprised when Italians speak with lively hand gestures and animated facial expressions.