If Italy could be summed up in three words it would be these: la dolce vita. Every year millions of tourists take cheap flights to Italy to experience the good life.
From the snow-capped Alps in the Aosta Valley in the far north of Italy, through the rolling hills of Tuscany and the sun-baked beaches of the south, Italy enchants. Its history stretches back millennia, beyond the Renaissance and even the glory days of the Roman Empire to the ancient gods. There are many ways to trace a path around the country - through art, architecture, dynastic families and popes, but the food nourishes more than just the belly; it's soul food.
Each region and city has its own specialty - in Veneto, risotto; in Liguria, pesto; in Parma, ham; in Rome, artichokes; in Modena, balsamic vinegar; and, of course, in Naples, pizza. The Italians call this campanilismo - loyalty to your own bell tower - a philosophy that ensures that local culinary traditions last for the next few millennia.
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Italy's climate is temperate with some regional fluctuations. Northern Italy enjoys warm summers with some rainfall, and cold and foggy winters. In the Alps, snow can fall as early as mid-September and winters are long and cold.Central Italy's summers are hot and humid, and the winter temps plummet towards freezing.Southern Italy has hot and dry summers and mild winters.
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Peak Season:
June to September is high season in the beach resorts and December through April is ski season. In the cities, peak season runs from April to October. June and July are particularly busy, despite high temperatures and high humidity. Flights to Italy and accommodation are in high demand around Christmas and New Year’s. Venice is thronged with tourists during Carnival (February).
Off Season:
Italy’s low season is, in general, between November and mid-December and January through March. Many Italians will take August off, closing their shops and businesses.
Shoulder Season:
April and May, and, after the high summer season, September through October are shoulder months when you won't find too many fellow tourists and the weather will most likely be pleasant.
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If driving around Italy (perhaps on an iconic Vespa scooter) think like the Italians. They have a saying: "there is the law, and then there is your intelligence." Keep your wits about you when you're driving.
Walking is the best way to see Italy's finest cities, but be prepared for all those cobblestones - stilettos are a no- no.
Public transport is good in Rome and Milan. There are underground trains, buses, and trams. Florence and Bologna have good bus networks. In Venice you have to take a water bus or ferry, it is a must-do.
Taxis are readily available in most cities; water taxis in Venice. Bologna's one-way street system is convoluted and taking a taxi there can be pricey.
Trains are extensive throughout the country. The so-called industrial north is better connected with all types of transport (trains and low-cost airlines) than the rural south.
Ferry services between the mainland and the islands are regular. It's a wonderfully slow way to travel.
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- The Aosta Valley - you'll need to take three cable cars to view the entire valley, but it's worth it.
- Florence is an important centre for fashion, but you'll need your platinum credit card. Via Tornabuoni is home to Gucci and Pucci, Prada and Louis Vuitton, and Ferragamo and Versace. But a mere 30-minute drive will get you to The Mall where you can stock up on discounted Gucci, Ferragamo and Yves Saint Laurent.
- Puglia, one of Italy's less-discovered regions, is renowned for its sandy beaches and azure-blue waters, simple, fresh local produce and centuries-old architecture and art. A morning spent biking along the olive tree-lined roads, followed by a hearty lunch of linguine studded with mussels straight off the boat, and an afternoon dip in Portoselvaggio cove and a view of the Duomo church in Lecce all lit up at night makes for a pretty perfect day.
- In Naples, in a recent trial, 70 former convicts (such as drug traffickers, con men and muggers) were hired by the city authorities to help tourists get around the city safely. The guides would warn bling-toting tourists to hide their jewellery or be more discreet with their cash.
- Never drink cappuccino after lunch. No self-respecting Italian would do that. Also, do as the Italians do and drink your morning coffee standing up in the coffee shops. You'll fit right in and pay about a third of what you would pay if you drink it at one of the tables outside. And take a siesta around lunchtime. When in Rome...
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Rome Leonardo da Vinci (Fiumicino) Airport (FCO) (website: www.adr.it) Fiumicino is situated 26km southwest of Rome.
Roma Ciampino Airport (Giovan Battista Pastine Airport) (CIA) (website: www.adr.it) Ciampino, where lots of low-cost airlines are based, is 15km from the centre of Rome.
Bologna G Marconi Airport (BLQ) (website: www.bologna-airport.it) The airport is located 6km from the centre of Bologna.
Milan Linate International Airport (LIN) (website: www.sea-aeroportimilano.it) The airport is about 7km east of Milan.
Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) (website: www.sea-aeroportimilano.it) Malpensa is located about 45km north west of Milan.
Naples International Airport (NAP) (website: www.portal.gesac.it) NAP is located 7km from Naples.
Pisa International Airport Galileo Galilei (PSA) (website: www.pisa-airport.com) The airport is just 1.5km from the centre of Pisa.
Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) (website: www.veniceairport.it) The airport is 12km from Venice if going by land or 10km if going by water.
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No visa is required. Australian tourists may enter Italy for 90 days or less.
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