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Italy Snapshot

Italy enjoys a temperate climate most of the year, with June, July and August being the warmest months. Popular tourist spots can get very busy and crowded during the European summer, but the sun is shining and the weather is hot so it's still a great time to go.

April - May and September - October (while not as hot) still offer great conditions for travel, with milder temperatures and fewer crowds at the sights and beaches.

It can get quite cold in the winter months, especially in the north, with cities like Milan, Turin and Venice often seeing snow, fog and rain in December and January. Major coastal tourist spots like the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre all but close (except to locals) during winter and are truly best seen in the warmer months.
  • Rome weather chart

Eating and Drinking in Italy

  • Gelato: A true favourite, gelato shops and carts can be found nearly everywhere in Italy. Try traditional Italian flavours like bacio (choc-hazelnut), amarena (sour cherry) and limone (lemon) - the perfect accompaniment to sightseeing on a hot summer's day.
  • Pizza: Naples is the birthplace of pizza but you'll see it all over Italy. Gorge on a whole pizza in a restaurant or grab a slice from a street stall. Simple is usually the best - fresh basil and mozzarella are a top combo and a calzone is great to eat on the run.
  • Pasta: This is your chance to try all shapes - tortellini, spaghetti, farfalle, linguine, rigatoni, fettucine - and all sauces, from a fiery arrabiata to a hearty bolognese or a tangy puttanesca.
  • Fresh Produce: Fruit and vegetables are sold in street stalls and carts on the side of the road, even in big cities. For a healthy snack, pick up some fresh berries, cherries, grapes or figs. There's no self-service here so ask for what item you want - Italian fruit sellers don't appreciate fruit being handled before purchase.
  • Coffee: The quintessential Italian experience, sip an espresso while standing up at a cafe bar, just like the locals do. It's also cheaper.
  • Wine: Italy produces some of the world's best wine so savour a glass (or two!) of Sangiovese with dinner. Fans of white wine will love a crisp Pinot Grigio, a summer wine best served with seafood or chicken.
  • Limoncello: This lemon liqueur is super strong and usually served after dinner. Native to southern Italy, Limoncello can be found everywhere in Italy but especially on the Amalfi Coast.
  • Pizza

Intrepid believes that one of the best ways to experience a country is by eating! Whether you're sampling street food, savouring a cheap eat or indulging in a banquet, there are endless options to choose from wherever you are in the world. Italy is famous for its food and rightly so! Carb-addicts will enjoy the bounty of pasta and pizza on offer, foodies will love the parmesan and olives, and those with a sweet tooth won't be able to resist the desserts and sweets. From fine dining to street carts, aperitivo and family-run kitchens, Italy's got cuisine covered.

Shopping in Italy

  • Clothing: Milan, Rome and other big cities are packed with high-end designer fashion boutiques, chic chain stores and tailors. Either way, when in Italy you're guaranteed to get the latest fashions straight from the catwalks of Europe.
  • Colourful Ceramics: Vibrant, hand-painted ceramic bowls, jugs and glasses can be found in the shops and markets of the Amalfi Coast and Sicily. A perfect reminder of the Mediterranean.
  • Masks: Venice is filled with shops selling elaborate, handcrafted masquerade masks. These colourful creations look great hung on walls and are a true Venetian keepsake.
  • Leather Footwear, Bags and Accessories: Florence and Rome are hot spots for sourcing gorgeous handmade leather items. Splash out on an 'investment purchase' - a leather handbag that will last a lifetime.
  • Mask

Italians are known for their style and this is reflected in the designer fashion and furniture of Italy. Be prepared to part with money - shopping in Italy can get quite expensive - but the quality of handmade and tailored items is generally exceptional.

It's a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand generally have strict quarantine laws.

Accommodation

Travelling with Intrepid is a little bit different. We endeavour to provide travellers with an authentic experience to remember so we try to keep accommodation as unique and traditional as possible.

When travelling with us in Italy, you may find yourself staying in a:

  • Apartment

  • Experience the joys of living the local life by staying in a classic Italian apartment.

Transport

Intrepid believes half the fun of experiencing a new country is getting there, and getting around once there! Where possible, Intrepid uses local transport options and traditional modes of transport - which usually carry less of an environmental impact, support small local operators and are heaps more fun.

Depending on which trip you're on while in Italy, you may find yourself travelling by:
italy venice gondola lake river canal transport

  • Traghetto

  • Gliding on a gondola through the waterways of Venice is an iconic experience and useful mode of transport. Share with others and take in the sights along the way.
italy rome bicycle against wall

  • Bicycle

  • Fields of grass scattered with wildflowers, quaint buildings and cobblestone lanes… cycling through the countryside of Italy is a great way to get around.
italy transport vaporetto

  • Vaporetto

  • Taking a water bus (vaporetto) when in Venice saves time and offers a great chance to chat with locals while enjoying the ride.

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Italy at a glance

  • 37
  • Rome (population 3.8 million)
  • 61 million
  • Italian
  • EUR
  • (GMT+01:00) Amsterdam, Berlin, Bern, Rome, Stockholm, Vienna
  • Type C (European 2-pin), Type F (German 2-pin, side clip earth), Type L (Italian 3-pin)
  • +39

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