Italy tours & travel

Italy is famous for its varied regions. Each region is almost like a mini-country, due to the distinct dialects, cuisines and customs. However, there are many things that unite Italians.

The dominant faith in Italy 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 some people still live under a single roof with their large extended families and multiple generations. Food is infused with a special significance, as meals are seen as an important part of family bonding and quality time spent together. Recipes for family or regional specialities are often passed down from generation to generation.

Italians are also known for being fashion conscious. Many well-known fashion designers are Italian, including Valentino, Versace, Gucci, and Prada and so many people associate Italy with style and glamour.

Italy has a rich history, dating all the way back to the Roman Empire, so consequently, there are many historical sites to visit across the country. In Rome, the Pantheon, Colosseum and ruins of the Roman Forum are some of the historical highlights. Architecture and art are also historical features of the culture, with many museums and art galleries to visit. The Sistine Chapel in Vatican City is an astonishing work of art by the famous artist Michelangelo, as is the Statue of David in Florence.

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.

Italy also has over 450 islands; two of the biggest and most well-known are Sicily and Sardinia and Venice alone is made up of 32 island lagoons. Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean, with a few smaller surrounding islands also being included in the Sicilian region.

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. Visit the quadrilatero della moda for high-end couture and famous designers. However, if you’re looking for a more eclectic shopping experience, it’s worth heading to Navigli area, where you’ll find edgier boutiques. It’s worth straying away from the main shopping areas too – you never know what hidden gems you’ll uncover in one of the world’s most fashionable cities.

Via Condotti and the Spanish Steps are well-known shopping regions in Rome for designer fashion and accessories. It’s here that you will find all the famous Italian brands like Armani, Valentino, Versace, Gucci, and Prada.

In Venice, you’ll find decorative craft items such as masquerade masks and puppets, while leather is big in Florence, where you’ll find shoes, belts 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 beautiful 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 don’t be fooled, there’s a lot more to Italian food than your standard pizza and pasta! Each region of Italy has its own speciality cuisine, produce and even signature dishes, so it’s a good idea to find out what the local delicacies are in the areas you visit, to ensure you’re doing the food justice.

In Bologna, you’ll be treated to some of the world’s best balsamic vinegar and cured ham – and of course the original recipe for Ragu all Bolognese. In the Piedmont region you can expect to find a lot of decadent truffle dishes or slow cooked meat dishes, whereas in Tuscany you’ll find the perfect T-bone steak or mature pecorino cheese.

In Cinque Terre, you’ll find the freshest and tastiest pesto you’ve ever eaten, as well as plenty of incredible gelato along the stunning coast. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to taste fresh seafood and local specialities like arancini and focaccia.

Wine is also a staple in most Italian diets and as with the food, you will find it differs from region to region. In Peidmont you will enjoy impeccable Barolo and Barbaresco wines, whereas in Tuscany you’re far more likely to sip on a local Chianti. Try it all, until you find your favourite.

• 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