​Hello Italian Lovers! 

I've been to Italy more than any other country in Europe and I have so much to explore. First-timers, start in either Venice or Rome and make sure you get out and experience as much of the country as possible.  But no matter what, get to Italy immediately!

Have a fantastic trip! Ciao!

Erik 

ITALY VIDEOS

ITALY - A LITTLE LIGHT READING

 

FAST FACTS
​Destination: Italy
Capital: Rome
Regions: 20
Continent: Europe
Primary Language: Italian, English
Timezone: UTC 
Currency: Euro

​Passport: Yes, Americans need a valid passport to enter Italy by air
Visa: American citizens do not need a visa if traveling for vacation

More information on passports & visas can be found here.

I love traveling abroad as much as I love traveling within my home country of the United States. However, I want you to be safe and be an excellent representative of your home country. Even in places that are very friendly to visitors, remember that you are in a foreign country and understanding local customs is critical. So, here are a few tips as you prepare for your adventure.

1. Before you depart from your home country, call The US Embassy (or your home country embassy) and tell them you are leaving your home country. That way they are aware of your whereabouts in case of emergency.
2. Carry only the credit cards you are using to charge expenses. Call those credit card companies before you leave. Do not travel with your debit cards. 
3. Clean out your wallet or purse and carry only what you need. 
4. Solve your mobile phone situation before you depart. Usually a phone call to your provider will get you started.
5. Keep all medications with you in your carry on.
6. Leave a photo copy of all your travel documents (passport, itinerary, copy of your credit cards) with a friend or at your home. 
7. Do not travel with expensive jewelry.
8. Make sure you travel with a valid passport or visa (if required). Also, bring another valid form of photo I.D., and photocopies of both I.D.s. in case of loss or theft.
9. Read up on local laws and practices before you get here.
10. Be a respective guest of the local customs and obey the local laws.
11. If English is not the primary language, then familiarize yourself with key phrases and make attempts in the country's primary language. Locals usually appreciate the effort.  
12. Keep luggage, handbags or backpacks in view at all times.
13. Keep possessions close to your body.
14. Don’t take around large amounts of cash.
15. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry on road trips or excursions.

For US citizens, visit the US State Department's website (for American citizens) before you travel abroad. Her'e's a direct link to get started. 

 

PLACES OF NOTE
Rome
Venice
Milan
Florence
Pisa
Sicily

 

TRANSPORTATION
By Air​:
Generally speaking it is pretty easy to get in and out of Italy by air from major hubs in North America to Italian gateways. Fly on Alitalia, British Airways, Air France/KLM, Lufthansa, United, American, Turkish, Emirates, Air Canada, Iberia and others.

Car:
I would not advise renting a car in Italy unless you speak and/or can read Italian road signs and navigate the cities and towns. 

 

THE WEATHER
The climate varies considerably from the north to the south of Italy. 
In the north, the area between the Alps and the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines - the climate is harsh, with very cold winters and very hot, pretty humid summers. In central Italy the climate is milder, with a less-noticeable difference in temperatures between summer and winter; summers are longer, but the sultriness of the northern cities is mitigated by the sea. In southern Italy and the islands winters are never all that harsh, and spring and fall temperatures are similar to those reached in the summer in other areas of Italy.

 

HELPFUL LINKS
Italy has an official tourism bureau. Learn more by watching this video. 

Official tourism bureau of Italy

Our good friends at Perillo Tours can also plan the perfect Portugal getaway! Official site