Grand Tours in Italy

Italian use the Euro, having adopted the currency in 1999. They were one of the first countries to adopt the Euro, along with Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. 

Italian Lakes 

Backed by the snow-capped Alps, the serene waters of the Italian Lakes have mesmerised visitors for centuries. Each lake has its own distinct personality from the glamourous Lake Como to the quiet, idyllic Lake Orta, but all are fringed by charming towns and villages and waterfront villas. 

Find out more about our Italian Lakes holidays. 

Rome 

One of the most captivating cities in the world, with architecture and culture that seamlessly blend ancient and modern. There are so many famous landmarks to spot as you explore from the Trevi Fountain to the Spanish Steps, the Parthenon and, of course, the Colosseum. But it’s more than buildings and galleries, there are quiet areas, tiny little piazzas, lovely bars and cosy restaurants serving authentic Italian dishes.  

Venice 

Venice is a stunning city - no photograph could ever truly do it justice (although you're welcome to try) - it must be experienced. From gondola rides along the Grand Canal to climbing to the top of the Campanile for incredible views across the city, there's always something to excite.  

Florence 

Nicknamed the "Pearl of the Renaissance", Florence has been a highlight on the discerning traveller's itinerary since the days of the Grand Tour. The sights are legendary - the Duomo, the Medici Tombs and Boboli Gardens, to name just a few. 

Bay of Naples 

With a skyline dominated by Mount Vesuvius, a still-active volcano, the scenery here is celebrated for its natural beauty - and it hides several ancient sites, including Herculaneum and Pompeii. And there's so much to explore from islands, like Capri, to lovely towns and cities, like Sorrento and Naples.  

Sicily 

The Italian island of Sicily offers beaches, mountains and active volcanoes as well as well-preserved archaeological sites, cathedrals and delicious food The culture has been shaped by the multiple civilisations that have claimed the island as their own throughout the centuries making a stay in Sicily a distinctly different experience to visiting mainland Italy.    

Sardinia 

This sophisticated Italian island offers over 1800 km of unspoilt coastline, beautiful beaches and inviting, turquoise seas but look further inland and you'll find an even more intriguing, authentic side to Sardina. Hidden in the undulating countryside are sleepy towns and villages where you can catch glimpses of local life and centuries-old traditions - this is the true Sardina. 

Visit Pompeii and Herculaneum 

Pompeii, and the lesser-known but equally fascinating Herculaneum, offer some of the best insights into human history - the Roman way of life, their habits, social structure, class system and domestic arrangements. A visit here is like stepping back in time, many buildings still have murals and mosaics, while others are inscribed with graffiti describing political events, romantic entanglements and even gossip of the time.  

Eat authentic Italian cuisine 

Everyone likes Italian food, and you can find it in restaurants around the world, but it never tastes quite as good as when you have the real thing in Italy. From pizzas and pasta dishes to gelato (ice cream), you can find authentic and delicious food on every street in every city and town in the country, no matter where you are. Then there are the regional delicacies, with every part of Italy having its own gastronomic treasures for you to discover. Cities like Bologna and Rome are particular favourites for foodies.  

See the leaning Tower of Pisa 

An iconic symbol of Italy, the Pisa's tilting silhouette has tempted travellers for centuries. Located in the Piazza dei Miracoli (the Square of Miracles), many believe it's a miracle it's still standing as the entire structure leans at an angle of 3.99 degrees. In its original conception, it was designed to be a bell tower however due to the ground beneath the tower - a mix of clay, fine sand and shells from the nearby Arno and Serchio rivers - the tower's foundation began to settle unevenly and started to tilt towards the south.  

Explore Italy's volcanic landscapes  

Thanks to its location on the boundary between the Eurasian Plate and the African late, Italy is home to 3 active volcanoes - Etna, Vesuvius and Stromboli - a draw for any traveller looking for a thrill courtesy of nature's raw, unbridled power.  Italy's fertile volcanic soils and mild climate have made it the perfect place for agriculture with vineyards and orchards spread across the country. These farms and winery have become attractions in their own right with the rise of agriturismo, independently owned farm-stays and restaurants with a focus on serving locally produced fare.  

Discover the villages of Cinque Terre 

Cut off from the land by rugged terrain and steep coastlines, the five villages of Cinque Terre - Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore - seemingly cling to the coastal cliffs. Their dramatic locations and the vivid colours of their buildings make them one of Europe's most scenic destinations. Life here remains unchanged offering an authentic look at small-town Italian culture. 

Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are ideal times to visit Italy thanks to its comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. The gardens that line the shores are at their most colourful between April and June with vibrant blooms and the rising temperatures are also a real draw. 

The summer months of July and August see the highest temperatures, making this a great time to relax by the water, but it’s also when visitor numbers reach their peak. In September, the heat of summer subsides, making the lakeshores ideal for sightseeing. Hotels often shut down in winter when temperatures drop considerably from November to March. 

Italian cuisine is widely regarded as the best in the world, making it an ideal destination for food lovers. The foundation of Italian food is the Mediterranean diet, which incorporates a variety of fresh ingredients such as pasta, fish, fruits, and vegetables into every dish. Simplicity is the hallmark of Italian cuisine, preferring a few fresh ingredients over complicated recipes. With more than 300 tomato varieties grown in the country annually, it is a core ingredient in many dishes. Italy is also known for its delicious cheeses, including mozzarella, mascarpone, and burrata, which are commonly used in many dishes. 

Of course, pizza is an obviously popular Italian dish - as are pasta dishes such as Bolognese and lasagna - but you should also consider bottarga (salted, cured fish roe pouch, typically of the grey mullet), Fiorentina steak, ribollita (Tuscan bread soup) and arancini (stuffed, deep-fried rice balls). 

Love food? You’ll love our foodie holidays including a visit to Italy’s gastronomic capital, Bologna.  

In restaurants and cafés, Tipping might not be the norm, like it is in North America, but it’s still appreciated, especially when the service has been particularly good. In taxis, tipping is not expected, but if rounding up the charge makes life easier, they won’t object!

71% of Italians are Christians, the main denomination in the country is Catholicism with 93% of all Christians in Italy reporting to be catholic – not surprising considering that the Vatican City is within the territory of Italy. 3% follow Islamic faith and while Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism and Judaism account for only around 1% of the population combined.