Italy tours & travel

Italy is famous for its varied regions, each a mini-country in its own right, a place of distinct dialects and customs. However, there are many things that unite Italians. The dominant faith is Catholicism, and over 80% of people still hold the beliefs of their traditional religion. Family values are strong in Italy, and this is especially true in the southern regions, where people still live under a single roof with their large extended families. Food is infused with a special significance, as meals are seen as important for quality time with family. Italians are also known for being fashion conscious. They place a lot of importance on appearances and judge people by first impressions. 

The peninsula-nation of Italy shares its northern borders with Slovenia, Austria, Switzerland and France. Its northern border is roughly demarcated by the Alps, and Mont Blanc on the French border is the highest mountain in Western Europe. In its northern and central regions, Italy has a continental climate of cold winters and warm summers, but in its coastal regions, the country has a Mediterranean climate where the winters a temperate and the summers are pleasantly warm. Italy also has the only active volcano in Europe, Mt Vesuvius. 

Few places can offer classier shopping opportunities than Italy. Milan is a global fashion capital and its streets are lined with boutique stores and talented tailors. In Venice, you’ll find decorative items such as masquerade masks and puppets. Leather is big in Italy, and here you’ll find shoes and bags made to an exquisite quality. The further south you go, the more you’ll find local handicrafts such as colourful vases in Amalfi and hand-painted ceramics in Sicily. 

Easter

It’s the most important religious holiday for the Catholic church. In Rome, Easter processions involve moving re-enactments of the crucifixion and holy rituals performed by the pope himself.

Carnival

The Venice Carnival is unlike any other. Expect to see marvellous costumes, stunning gondola parades and fireworks.

Saint Ubaldo Day

This festival in Umbria celebrates the life and canonization of the very holy Bishop Ubaldo Baldassini. The streets come alive with music and parades. 

Food is one of Italy’s main attractions, but the diversity of the cuisine may come as a surprise. Firstly there are two main types of pizza, the Neapolitan which is thin and minimalistic, and the Roman which is thick with dough and toppings. Your Italy tour will reveal unique dishes such as spaghetti sauced in squid ink, and enough variations on risotto to last a lifetime. Italy is also home to some of the most highly esteemed chefs and restaurants, so there are plenty of opportunities for fine dining across the country. 

• Naples 44 by Norman Lewis
• The Sicilian by Mario Puzo
• Ancient Rome: The Rise and Fall of an Empire by Simon Baker
• The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco
• A Thousand Days in Venice by Marlena de Blasi
• The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri