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Renowned for its romantic landscapes and artistic flair, as well as famous designer brands and mouth-watering cuisine, Italy is a popular travel destination for us Brits. We're not alone in our love of Italian culture as Italy is the fifth most visited country in the world.
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- National language: Italian
- Time difference: Italy is typically 1 hour ahead of UK time
- Flight time: Flights to Italy depart from most UK airports and take between 2 and 5 hours depending on your destination
Did you know?
Venice Gondoliers
Only three to four Gondolier licenses are issued in Venice each year. To qualify, applicants must finish extensive training after passing a rigorous exam. There are only 400 licensed Gondolas operating in Venice today.
The first ever female gondolier - Giorgia Boscolo - passed her exam in 2010.
Italy is one of the most over legislated countries on Earth. The country is estimated to have 5 to 12 times more laws than France or Germany.
Active volcanoes
Italy is home to three active volcanoes: Vesuvius, Etna and Stromboli. All three are open to the public, with guided walks and tours available most days.
Although rare to encounter a large eruption, it's worth checking that your travel insurance covers you for delays and cancellations caused by volcanic ash.
Mount Etna is the largest active volcano in Europe, with the longest record of continuous eruption.
Our Premier Travel insurance covers you for delays and cancellations after 24 hours if you experience bad weather, terrorism, drones, ash clouds or strikes – all the things we can’t control!
Rome wasn't built in a day...
The city of Rome was established in 753 BC, laying the foundations for what would later become the Roman Empire.
The Italy we know and love today wasn't formed until 1861. Rome became the capital city of unified Italy in 1870, taking the title from Florence.
La Sapienza University of Rome, founded in 1303, is one of the oldest universities in the world.
The Amalfi coast, Italy
What's public transport like in Italy?
Getting around in Italy is relatively easy due to its well-developed transportation network. Here are some common ways to travel within the country:Trains: Italy has an extensive train network operated by Trenitalia and Italo, which connects major cities and towns. High-speed trains like the Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, and Frecciabianca offer fast and comfortable travel between cities like Rome, Florence, Milan and Venice.
Buses: Buses are a good option for reaching smaller towns and rural areas not served by trains. Companies like FlixBus and local operators provide intercity and regional services.
Car rental: Renting a car is a convenient way to explore the countryside and more remote areas at your own pace. However, driving in cities can be challenging due to traffic and limited parking.
Domestic flights: For long distances, like traveling from the north to the south of Italy, domestic flights can save time. Airlines, such as Alitalia, and low-cost carriers operate flights between major cities.
Public transport: Cities like Rome, Milan and Naples have metro systems, buses and trams that make getting around easy and affordable.
Bicycles and scooters: In cities and tourist areas, renting a bicycle or scooter can be a fun and efficient way to explore. Many cities have bike-sharing programs.
Taxis and ride-sharing: Taxis are available in most cities, and ride-sharing services like Uber operate in some areas, although they may be limited compared to other countries.
Walking: Many Italian cities have historic centres that are best explored on foot, allowing you to fully appreciate the architecture and atmosphere.
What activities can you do in Italy?
Italy offers a wide range of activities that cater to diverse interests, from history and culture to outdoor adventures and culinary experiences. Here are some popular activities to consider when visiting Italy:
Explore historical sites: Visit iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum and Roman Forum in Rome, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the ancient ruins of Pompeii.
Art and museums: Discover world-class art collections at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, the Vatican Museums in Vatican City, and the Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo's David.
Culinary experiences: Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine by taking a cooking class, visiting local markets, or indulging in regional specialties like pizza in Naples, pasta in Bologna, and gelato throughout the country.
Wine tasting: Explore Italy's renowned wine regions, such as Tuscany, Piedmont, and Veneto, and enjoy wine tastings at local vineyards and wineries.
Explore charming villages: Wander through picturesque villages in places like Cinque Terre, the Amalfi Coast, and the hill towns of Tuscany and Umbria.
Outdoor adventures: Hike in the Dolomites, ski in the Italian Alps, or enjoy water sports along the Italian Riviera and the islands of Sicily and Sardinia.
Attend festivals and events: Experience Italy's vibrant culture by attending events like the Venice Carnival, the Palio horse race in Siena, and the opera season in Verona.
Shopping: Shop for high fashion in Milan, leather goods in Florence, and unique souvenirs in local markets across the country.
Visit religious sites: Explore stunning churches and cathedrals, such as St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, the Duomo in Florence, and St. Mark's Basilica in Venice.
Whether you're interested in history, art, food, or nature, Italy offers a wealth of activities to make your visit one to remember.
La Dolce Vita (the sweet life)
• Iconic cities like Rome, Venice and Florence have been attracting tourists for centuries.
• Italy features beautiful beaches, islands, and action-packed resorts.
• The south has unspoilt Greek-style coastal towns, from Calabria in the west to Puglia in the east.
• Italian hot spots like Sardinia, Capri and the Amalfi Coast, welcome tourists from around the globe.
• The weather in Italy varies by region.
- The south has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters.
- The north has less intense summers and snowy mountainous regions in winter, ideal for winter sports.
• Italy's peak tourist season is between July and August, with higher costs and bigger crowds.
• To avoid the summer crowds, visit during spring when the weather is still great.
• Italy’s ski resorts are typically open from November through to March.
As a responsible travel insurer we recommend you always check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice before visiting any country. Read the latest FCDO advice for Italy.
Do I need travel insurance for Italy
Our travel insurance for Italy offers:
• Up to £10 million of emergency medical cover.
• Compensation of up to £10,000 if you have to cancel your trip.
• Cover for groups of up to 10 people on one policy.
• Cover for travellers over the age of 65.
If you’re a frequent traveller, you may want to think about multi-trip cover.
Optional extras can be added to protect you against theft of bags and their contents, valuables and money. If you’ve got an action-packed trip planned, check the activities covered in our policies to make sure yours are included.
Just be mindful if you’re looking to get a job during your trip to Italy that work-related incidents are not covered.
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