Italy Travel Guide

Italy is the art of living at its finest: sun-soaked vineyards and olive groves, dreamy coastal towns, centuries of history woven into breathtaking architecture, and cities where romance fills the air at every turn. Add in unforgettable cuisine, and you have got the true essence of la dolce vita.

Top cities to visit

  • Rome’s Colosseum at sunrise, bathed in golden light and surrounded by ancient cobblestones.

    Rome

    Rome, Italy’s capital, offers nearly 3000 years of art and history. From the Colosseum to the Roman Forum, the Sistine Chapel to the Vatican, every site reveals a piece of Rome’s extraordinary history. The Eternal City blends timeless culture, deep spirituality, and pure dolce vita.
  • Sunset over Venice’s Grand Canal, featuring Venetian palaces and Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute.

    Venice

    Venice, capital of Veneto, is a city known for its canals and gondolas. With its palaces along the Grand Canal, graceful bridges, and unforgettable sunsets, it is considered the most romantic city in Italy. A truly unique destination, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Aerial view of Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, Brunelleschi’s dome, and the rooftops of Florence.

    Florence

    Historical and cultural heart of Tuscany, Florence takes you on a journey through art, history, and cuisine. As the cradle of the Renaissance, it stands out for its iconic landmarks and timeless masterpieces, from Brunelleschi’s dome to Michelangelo’s David and the treasures of the Uffizi Gallery.
  • Panoramic view of Naples at sunset, featuring its sparkling lights, bustling harbor, and Mount Vesuvius in the background.

    Naples

    Located in Southern Italy, Naples is one of Europe’s oldest port cities. Overlooked by Mount Vesuvius, its bay offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. This historic crossroads captivates visitors with its lively atmosphere, rich cultural heritage, and world-famous Neapolitan pizza.
  • Piazza del Duomo in Milan, Italy, with the Duomo di Milano Cathedral and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II illuminated under a blue sky.

    Milan

    Milan, a city where art, opera, and fashion converge, charms all its guests. Its stunning architecture, highlighted by the iconic Duomo, stands alongside the world-renowned La Scala opera house and Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpieces. As the birthplace of haute couture, with iconic fashion houses such as Prada, Armani, and Versace, Milan shines as a top cosmopolitan destination.
  • Rome’s Colosseum at sunrise, bathed in golden light and surrounded by ancient cobblestones.

    Rome

    Rome, Italy’s capital, offers nearly 3000 years of art and history. From the Colosseum to the Roman Forum, the Sistine Chapel to the Vatican, every site reveals a piece of Rome’s extraordinary history. The Eternal City blends timeless culture, deep spirituality, and pure dolce vita.
  • Sunset over Venice’s Grand Canal, featuring Venetian palaces and Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute.

    Venice

    Venice, capital of Veneto, is a city known for its canals and gondolas. With its palaces along the Grand Canal, graceful bridges, and unforgettable sunsets, it is considered the most romantic city in Italy. A truly unique destination, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Aerial view of Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, Brunelleschi’s dome, and the rooftops of Florence.

    Florence

    Historical and cultural heart of Tuscany, Florence takes you on a journey through art, history, and cuisine. As the cradle of the Renaissance, it stands out for its iconic landmarks and timeless masterpieces, from Brunelleschi’s dome to Michelangelo’s David and the treasures of the Uffizi Gallery.
  • Panoramic view of Naples at sunset, featuring its sparkling lights, bustling harbor, and Mount Vesuvius in the background.

    Naples

    Located in Southern Italy, Naples is one of Europe’s oldest port cities. Overlooked by Mount Vesuvius, its bay offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. This historic crossroads captivates visitors with its lively atmosphere, rich cultural heritage, and world-famous Neapolitan pizza.
  • Piazza del Duomo in Milan, Italy, with the Duomo di Milano Cathedral and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II illuminated under a blue sky.

    Milan

    Milan, a city where art, opera, and fashion converge, charms all its guests. Its stunning architecture, highlighted by the iconic Duomo, stands alongside the world-renowned La Scala opera house and Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpieces. As the birthplace of haute couture, with iconic fashion houses such as Prada, Armani, and Versace, Milan shines as a top cosmopolitan destination.

Useful information

Official language(s)

Italian is the official language of the country.  

English is generally well understood in major cities and popular tourist spots.  

Flight duration

Direct flight: Approximately 8h 

Connecting flight: 12h to 9h (depending on connection times) 

Time zone difference

Italy time zone: UTC+2 (summer), UTC+1 (winter) 

6h ahead of Quebec (EST)   

6h ahead of Quebec (EDT)

Currency

Euro (EUR) 

Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) are accepted almost everywhere. However, it is recommended to also carry cash in euros for small purchases, tips, parking, local markets, and visits to smaller villages.

Tips

In Italy, tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service. In restaurants, if the service charge is not already included in the bill, it is customary to leave around 5% to 10%. For taxis, guides, and hotels, a tip of 1 to 5 euros is sufficient.

Safety

Travelers should be cautious in Italy. Pickpockets are common, and thefts are frequent in crowded areas. It is recommended to keep your valuables and cash in an anti-theft bag. 

Before any foreign trip, visit the Government of Canada’s Italy Travel Advice page to find out about the current situation in the country.

Top things to do and see

  • Discover the villages of Cinque Terre by boat.

  • Visit Vatican City, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.

  • Explore the ruins of Pompeii.

  • Wine tastings in the vineyards of Tuscany.

  • Attend an opera performance at La Scala in Milan.

Hidden gems to discover

  • The Trulli of Alberobello

    The trulli of Alberobello are traditional stone-built houses located in the Puglia region of Southern Italy. They are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With their lime-washed walls and conical roofs, these homes were designed to stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter. This authentic village is a must-see destination.

  • The Medieval town of San Gimignano

    San Gimignano is one of Tuscany’s hidden gems. This medieval town stands out for its towers, cobbled streets, and breathtaking views of the surrounding hills. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers a deep dive into art, history, and local cuisine. It is a must-visit to experience the true essence of Italy.

  • The Dolomite Mountain Range

    The Dolomite Mountains offer breathtaking views of the Alpine peaks in Northern Italy. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this area is renowned for its stunning mountains and lakes and impressive landscapes. Perfect for hiking and skiing, it provides an unforgettable experience for nature lovers.

  • The Monster Park of Bomarzo

    The Monster Park of Bomarzo is located in the Lazio region of Italy. The stone sculptures, depicting fantastic creatures and monsters, are what make this garden unique. It offers travelers a one-of-a-kind stroll where art, history, and imagination come together.

  • The Trulli of Alberobello

    The trulli of Alberobello are traditional stone-built houses located in the Puglia region of Southern Italy. They are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With their lime-washed walls and conical roofs, these homes were designed to stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter. This authentic village is a must-see destination.

  • The Medieval town of San Gimignano

    San Gimignano is one of Tuscany’s hidden gems. This medieval town stands out for its towers, cobbled streets, and breathtaking views of the surrounding hills. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers a deep dive into art, history, and local cuisine. It is a must-visit to experience the true essence of Italy.

  • The Dolomite Mountain Range

    The Dolomite Mountains offer breathtaking views of the Alpine peaks in Northern Italy. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this area is renowned for its stunning mountains and lakes and impressive landscapes. Perfect for hiking and skiing, it provides an unforgettable experience for nature lovers.

  • The Monster Park of Bomarzo

    The Monster Park of Bomarzo is located in the Lazio region of Italy. The stone sculptures, depicting fantastic creatures and monsters, are what make this garden unique. It offers travelers a one-of-a-kind stroll where art, history, and imagination come together.

Highlights

  • World-renowned gastronomy.

  • Unique cultural heritage: museums, monuments, and Renaissance art.

  • Philosophy of la dolce vita, celebrating the pleasures of food and life: sharing a meal, tasting wine, enjoying landscapes and good company, and living in the moment.

  • Wide variety of landscapes: Mediterranean beaches, picturesque villages, Tuscan vineyards, romantic lakes, and alpine peaks.

Keep in mind

  • Italian trains are convenient, but delays of 10 to 20 minutes are common, especially on regional lines. Please keep this in mind if you have a tight connection.

  • Be cautious on countryside roads. Scooter riders often drive fast and overtake freely, even on curves or solid lines. Stay alert!

  • Watch out for pickpockets in busy tourist areas and historic sites and on public transportation.

Local food and gastronomy

  • Pizza napoletana

    Neapolitan pizza is a true culinary art, recognized by UNESCO as part of the world’s cultural heritage. It features a soft, thin centre with a puffy crust and simple toppings—San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and olive oil— and is baked in just a few minutes in a traditional wood-fired oven.

  • Fettuccine al ragù

    Rooted in Bologna, this traditional dish pairs fresh egg pasta with the city’s renowned Bolognese meat sauce—a rich blend of ground beef and pork, tomatoes, onions, celery, and carrots, slowly cooked to perfection for deep, layered flavour.

  • Risotto alla milanese

    This creamy risotto is a signature dish of Milan, made with arborio or carnaroli rice and slowly simmered in a fragrant saffron-infused broth. The saffron gives it its golden hue and delicate flavor. A touch of butter and Parmesan are added to achieve an irresistibly smooth and velvety texture.

  • Cannoli siciliani

    This beloved Sicilian classic features a crisp, golden shell of fried pastry dough filled with sweet ricotta cream. Decadent and irresistibly rich, it’s often garnished with crushed pistachios, chocolate chips, or candied fruit, then lightly dusted with icing sugar.

  • Gelato

    This traditional Italian ice cream is renowned for its dense, smooth and silky texture. Absolutely irresistible, gelato comes in a wide variety of natural flavors—from fruit and chocolate to hazelnut and pistachio—and is best enjoyed in a cone or by the spoonful.

  • Pizza napoletana

    Neapolitan pizza is a true culinary art, recognized by UNESCO as part of the world’s cultural heritage. It features a soft, thin centre with a puffy crust and simple toppings—San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and olive oil— and is baked in just a few minutes in a traditional wood-fired oven.

  • Fettuccine al ragù

    Rooted in Bologna, this traditional dish pairs fresh egg pasta with the city’s renowned Bolognese meat sauce—a rich blend of ground beef and pork, tomatoes, onions, celery, and carrots, slowly cooked to perfection for deep, layered flavour.

  • Risotto alla milanese

    This creamy risotto is a signature dish of Milan, made with arborio or carnaroli rice and slowly simmered in a fragrant saffron-infused broth. The saffron gives it its golden hue and delicate flavor. A touch of butter and Parmesan are added to achieve an irresistibly smooth and velvety texture.

  • Cannoli siciliani

    This beloved Sicilian classic features a crisp, golden shell of fried pastry dough filled with sweet ricotta cream. Decadent and irresistibly rich, it’s often garnished with crushed pistachios, chocolate chips, or candied fruit, then lightly dusted with icing sugar.

  • Gelato

    This traditional Italian ice cream is renowned for its dense, smooth and silky texture. Absolutely irresistible, gelato comes in a wide variety of natural flavors—from fruit and chocolate to hazelnut and pistachio—and is best enjoyed in a cone or by the spoonful.

Sun-Dried Tomato & Ricotta Sicilian Pesto

A twist on the classic, featuring ricotta cheese and sunflower seeds. Close your eyes, take a bite... and experience Italy like never before! (Video in French only)

Good to know

  • To avoid long waiting lines and get the best prices, purchase your museum and attraction tickets online in advance.
  • Along the highways, rest areas, known as autogrills, offer simple, affordable meals such as pizza, sandwiches, and daily specials. They are also the perfect place to fill up on gas.
  • In train stations, museums, and other public spaces, washrooms are often pay-per-use, so be sure to keep a few coins on hand.

What to bring back?

  • Handmade Venitian masks

  • Limoncello

  • Italian leather accessories from Florence

  • Olive oil

  • Positano ceramics

Frequently asked questions

The best time to visit Italy is in the fall, from September to October. The weather is warm and pleasant, and popular tourist sites are less crowded. Spring, from April to June, is another ideal season, with mild temperatures and fewer tourists than in the summer. It’s best to avoid the peak summer months, when heat waves, heavy crowds, and higher prices can detract from the experience.

In Italy, high-speed trains are the fastest and most convenient way to travel between major cities, but for exploring rural regions such as Tuscany, Puglia, and Sicily, renting a car is recommended. It offers greater freedom and easy access to remote areas. Be sure to carry an international driver’s license and confirm that insurance is included in your rental. Ferries and boats are also popular for reaching islands and coastal destinations such as Capri, Cinque Terre, and Sardinia. 

10 to 14 days 

This is the perfect amount of time to experience Italy’s rich diversity—its major cities, charming countryside, and coastal villages.

  • Wine harvests and festivals take place in September and October across wine-growing regions such as Piedmont, Veneto, and Tuscany. It’s a time to celebrate the end of the grape harvest and promote winemakers’ agricultural traditions. Visitors can enjoy tastings, tour wine cellars, and stroll through picturesque vineyards directly at the producers’ estates.

  • The Venice Carnival, held in Venice in February, is one of Italy’s most iconic events. The atmosphere is romantic, mysterious, and festive. Visitors can admire costumed and masked characters, attend parades, and visit traditional mask-making workshops, among many other activities.

  • Christmas markets, from late November to early January, light up Northern Italy in cities such as Bolzano, Trento, Merano, and Verona. The atmosphere is magical—wooden cottages, ice rinks, handmade crafts, mulled wine tastings, regional specialties, breathtaking decorations, and so much more.

Destinations worth a visit in this part of the world

Explore upcoming departures

See all departures

Getting ready for your trip

These destinations could easily become your next favourites.

The world is full of wonders waiting to be discovered. After exploring the beauty of Italy, let yourself be captivated by new places that promise unforgettable experiences.