Savouring a late-afternoon or evening beverage has its own name in Italy – aperitivo. Italians know that you’ve got to stop, sit back and relax into your surroundings when having a drink. Before, during or after aperitivo hour, be sure to try something authentic.
Coffee
Coffee is a true artform in Italy and is highly regarded, so expect to see cafes (known as a bar in Italian) packed full of locals standing and sipping an espresso at any time of the day. While cappuccinos are on the menu, it’s customary to only drink milk-based coffees in the morning – after then, you might get a strange look from the barista. Be careful, too – ‘latte’ in Italian just means milk, so if you want a coffee instead of a glass of milk, order a ‘caffe latte’.
Wine
Would you care for a glass of vino? Wine in Italy flows almost more than water, but ordering a glass with all the different types of labels and varietals on offer may be daunting. Look out for DOC (Controlled Designation of Origin) or DOCG (Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin) classifications, which act to protect the quality of Italian wine. DOCG is the highest classification, so you’ll know you’re tasting some top-notch stuff.
Prosecco
Named after the village of the same name, this (usually) sparkling style of wine is made from the glera grape and has a crisp and aromatic flavour, often with hints of summer fruits. It’s drunk before a meal and Italians use it in a wide range of homegrown cocktails like the Venetian sgroppino, where it's combined with vodka and lemon sorbet.
Granita
Is this a food or a drink? Well, it depends whether you use a straw or a spoon! Different flavours of granita are found throughout Italy – berries, lemon, coffee – and Sicily has the thickest type of icy goodness. Whatever variation you choose, it’s delicious.
Campari
This liqueur is the bigger, bolder sibling of Aperol – a crimson and herbaceous concoction commonly found on an aperitivo menu or in some strong alcohol-heavy cocktails. It can have up to 28% alcohol content, so a little goes a long way.
Negroni
What’s a boozy cocktail that Campari features in? A Negroni, of course. This is a classic mixture of gin, Campari and vermouth, with a nice large ice block and a garnish of orange. It is said that this cocktail was invented in Florence by a patron who demanded the bartender replace the soda in an Americano with gin. Must’ve needed a stiff drink that night.
Veneziano
Heard of a Veneziano? Possibly not. Heard of an Aperol Spritz? Probably yes, and lucky for you they’re the same thing. There is no one recipe for this type of spritz – different liqueurs (such as Campari) can be used, and select garnishes depending on the type of alcohol. Either or, it’s the perfect companion for a warm summer’s evening.
Digestivo
Just as an aperitivo prepares your stomach for a meal, Italy has a selection of digestivos with herbal properties to aid in digestion. There’s Amari, Limoncello, Grappa, Sambuca and many more.Â
Â
Â
Â
Click to read what to eat in Italy
Our tours in Italy
8 Days
From
2147
Travel to Italy on a tour from Rome to Amalfi and explore the best of the region....
14 Days
From
2738
Immerse yourself in classic culture, history and incredible sights on this Best of...
10 Days
From
3152
Travel to Italy and savour the many flavours of this gastronomic haven on a journey...
8 Days
From
1525
See the best of Italy – Venice, La Spezia, Cinque Terre, Florence and Rome – in eight...
8 Days
From
3543
See the majesty and beauty of Italy’s Renaissance gems on an eight-day Premium tour...
Tailor-Made trips
Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary
8 Days
From
2140
Mountains, forests and beaches – soak up the spectacular scenery of Italy’s Amalfi...
8 Days
From
2022
See Italy in the cooler months, hitting Rome, Florence, Pisa and Bologna before...
8 Days
From
3074
Spend eight unforgettable days hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc, setting off on a circuit...
8 Days
From
2300
Explore the traditional delights of Italian cuisine while travelling through the...
8 Days
From
3196
Discover the culture, history and beauty of Italy’s Puglia region on an 8-day Premium...
8 Days
From
2265
Explore the Dolomites on an 8-day small group hiking tour which explores multiple lakes...
8 Days
From
1598
Encounter the picturesque hills and olive groves of Tuscany on this cycling adventure...
10 Days
From
2380
Take a tour through Italy’s less-visited southern region, absorbing the beauty of...
9 Days
From
2547
Explore the beautiful cities, mountains and waterfalls of Slovenia and Croatia on a...
8 Days
From
2010
Walk into a world that's a play of colourful houses and blue sea as you amble between...
4 Days
From
762
Set sail along Italy’s Amalfi Coast in four days with Intrepid, cruising to the scenic...
4 Days
From
733
Sail Italy’s Amalfi Coast from the colourful village of Procida, through ancient worlds...
10 Days
From
1399
Travel from Split to Venice in 10 days, stopping at Zadar, Plitvice Lakes National Park...
7 Days
From
1332
Sail Italy’s Amalfi Coast, exploring the Bay of Naples, Capri, Amalfi and Procida...
15 Days
From
3479
Visit Spain, France and Italy on this European adventure. Discover gothic architecture...
10 Days
From
2277
Discover the secrets of Calabria 10-day adventure visiting Civita, Pollino National...
15 Days
From
2215
Discover Central Europe on this 15-day journey from Germany to Italy. Start in Berlin,...
15 Days
From
1785
Explore charming Central Europe from Germany to Italy on a 15-day trip through Berlin,...
8 Days
From
1832
Visit Italy and tour through the countryside of Umbria. Travel to Italy's sacred sites...
16 Days
From
5571
Discover the wonders of Slovenia and Croatia on a 16-day Premium adventure down the...
8 Days
From
1814
From the ruins of Rome, to the ancient city of Pompeii and the seaside delights of...
8 Days
From
1970
Visit Venice, Cinque Terre, Pisa and Rome on an exciting 8-day family holiday through...
24 Days
From
6590
Travel to Pompeii, Amalfi, the Aeolian Islands, Taormina and Mt Etna on a tour from...
17 Days
From
4530
Kick off this Roman holiday in Rome, the heart of Italy. Live history as you explore...
8 Days
From
1815
Pamper the appetite and treat the senses on this exquisite journey through Italy’s Lake...
36 Days
From
7007
Visit Spain, France, Germany, the Czech Republic and Italy plus a host of secrets in...
29 Days
From
5071
Spain, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary,...
10 Days
From
3447
Discover Sicily in the heart of the Mediterranean on this 10-day Premium journey that...
16 Days
From
6061
Explore the beautiful cities, mountains and waterfalls of Italy, Slovenia and Croatia...
23 Days
From
8951
Explore the beautiful cities, mountains and waterfalls of Italy, Slovenia and Croatia...
22 Days
From
3402
Discover Central Europe’s most romantic cities on a 22-day trip travelling through...
19 Days
From
2682
Experience Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, Montenegro, Serbia,...
26 Days
From
3951
Set out from Hungary and discover the cultures and cuisines of Serbia, Montenegro,...
17 Days
From
2709
Enjoy a European tasting platter on this 17-day trip including Split, Ljubljana,...
17 Days
From
6119
Spend 17 days exploring all of Italy from Palermo to Mount Etna, to Rome and Venice...
24 Days
From
11837
Spend 24 days exploring Italy in depth from Sicily to Puglia and on to Tuscany - you'll...
17 Days
From
8025
Explore the best of Sicily and southern Italy - including Palermo, Mount Etna, Pompeii...
15 Days
From
6522
Spend 15 days exploring Italy on this Premium Trip that visits icons like Rome, Venice,...
8 Days
From
1970
Take a trip to southern Italy and explore the best of Sicily including Catania, Mount...
17 Days
From
4365
Discover the secrets of Calabria and the highlights of Sicily on this 15-day adventure...
15 Days
From
3841
From the canals of Venice to the ruins of Rome, and beyond wandering the ancient city...
