It is no wonder Italy is called Il Bel Paese – the beautiful country! From the northern snow-capped peaks of the Alps and the idyllic hilltop villages of the renowned central Tuscany and Umbria area, to the rugged southern shores of Sicily, lies a plethora of distinctive regions and people. Explore Italian villages and cuisine with World Journeys.
• Lake Como
• The Cinque Terre
• Amalfi Coast
• Tuscany
• Venice
Italy can be visited all year round but our favourite months are April – June and September/October.
One of my favourite parts of Italy is the Lakes area north of Milan. I recently returned to Lake Como and stayed at the stunning little village of Bellagio which is wonderfully located in the central Lake area. After a leisurely breakfast on the hotel terrace we strolled to the ferry pier and bought a pass for the day. Today we decided we would have a progressive lunch – one course at each of four villages on the lake. We enjoyed antipasti at Varenna Mon Amour in Varenna, enjoyed homemade pasta Il Ristorante di Paolo in Menaggio, dined on freshly caught fish at Ristorante Belle Isole in Cadennabia and finally a fabulous gelato at Gelateria Helvetica in Tremezzo. We caught our final ferry back to Bellagio very happy and very sated and yet again believing Italian cuisine to be some of the world’s best!
Brett
Currency Euro
Language Italian
Why we love it Few countries can offer such a diversity of scenery as Italy. From the lakes of Northern Italy surrounded by majestic mountains, to the cliff-hanging villages of the Amalfi Coast, from the tranquil countryside of Tuscany to the Grand Canal of Venice – Italy is a top favourite of ours. Needless to say the relaxed lifestyle, great wine and cuisine just add to make travelling in Italy a real highlight!
Weather Italy can be visited year round. In winter (December to February) the mountains are covered in powdery snow. In summer (June to August) it can be very warm particularly in the South. Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) can be a wonderful time to visit.
Social customs and quirks It is not uncommon for entire families to be living under one roof in the more traditional southern region. The family heads the social structure in Italy. Italians are also highly fashion conscious, Bella Figura is the concept of presenting a good image in both dress and personal style. Italians make wonderful hosts and are experts in making guests feel welcome. Arriving a few minutes late for a dinner is the norm, as is bringing wine or chocolates as a small gift.
Festivals and events Festivals in Italy are boisterous, fun-filled celebrations, whether they are focused on religious occasions or simply the joy of life. The sheer number of events year-round ensures every visitor has a chance to experience Italy like a local. Carnevale and Easter Week are two of the most popular holidays.
Health* Currently there are no compulsory health requirements to enter Italy.
Notes *Please be aware that Health information is subject to change at any time and you should always double check these requirements at the time of booking and before travel.
Europe 8 Days / 7 Nights Venice to Mantua 25 August 2018
Luxury all inclusive hotel barge
For the opera lovers among you, taking a special Opera Cruises aboard La Bella Vita in Italy is sure to be a once in...
Europe 29 Days 31 July 2019
Book by 30 Nov 2018 to save $400 per couple!
Buried Roman cities, teetering coastal villages, Venetian palaces, awe-inspiring art and sun-kissed beaches - the Mediterranean will delight and enchant, leaving you wanting more!
Europe 5 Days / 4 Nights
Santa Margherita Ligure and the Cinque Terre
Craggy cliffs and mountains jut out of the Mediterranean in Liguria, the north western corner of Italy. Seaside villages like Santa Margherita, Portofino, Camogli...
Europe 9 Days / 8 Nights
Sicily encapsulates drama; the bated fury of Etna and Stromboli, the beautiful evening glow on ancient buildings, bustling markets, fiery but endlessly kind and...
6 Days / 5 Nights
The Northern Italian lakes offer some of the most spectacular scenery in Italy - placid waters, centuries old villas draped with bougainvillea, charming villages,
7 Days / 6 Nights
From lemon terraces, vineyards to alici anchovies, discover the culinary secrets and traditions of the enchanting villages of Positano, Amalfi and Ravello.
6 Days / 5 Nights
Stay in a beautifully restored and luxurious farm house near Lucca. The estate is well known for the delicate flavour and brilliant colour and...
7 Nights / 8 Days
This property was once a mill that took water from a small nearby stream. In the 80s it was renovated and transformed into a...
8 Days / 7 Nights
This ancient villa was built on a natural terrace dominating the surrounding countryside. An oasis of peace and calm, it is immersed in nature...
Europe
London to Venice
Step aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and you step back into a more gracious, elegant age. Your personal steward, instantly available to attend your every...
Austria is full of breath-taking landscapes, stunning architecture, culinary delights and so much more. From the Alps in the…
SEE PACKAGES
Croatia is a country of more than 1,000 islands, a long and sunny coastline and rich history….
SEE PACKAGES
The Czech Republic is a modern and dynamic destination with unique natural beauty and a rich history. Enjoy the…
SEE PACKAGES
The Arctic is a polar region located at the northern-most part of the Earth. The Arctic consists of…
SEE PACKAGES
Finland is a winter wonderland of breathtaking phenomena, home to the Midnight Sun, the Northern Lights, and the Polar Night….
SEE PACKAGES
France has been influencing global culture throughout the centuries, its towns and cities filled with character. There are…
SEE PACKAGES
Germany is full of culture, history, undeniably beautiful scenery. There is something for everyone in Germany, whether looking to…
SEE PACKAGES
You can find just about every experience for every traveller in Greece. Ancient history seeps out of every pore…
SEE PACKAGES
A small country with a big reputation, Ireland is packed with fascinating history, rugged, romantic landscapes and a vibrant…
SEE PACKAGES
One of the most beautiful countries in the world! Experience the natural wonders of Norway – sublime and serene….
SEE PACKAGES
Portugal shares the Iberian peninsula at the western tip of Europe with Spain and has a rich, unique…
SEE PACKAGES
Spain has all the necessary ingredients to satisfy each one of our desires: cultural, sightseeing, its historical past, its…
SEE PACKAGES
The vibrant city of Stockholm is a great introduction to beautiful Sweden. Discover the city’s Scandinavian style or try…
SEE PACKAGES
With one foot in Asia and the other in Europe, Turkey holds a unique place in history. From Achilles…
SEE PACKAGES
Imagine a slow meandering journey past castles, quaint riverside villages and across Loch Ness on an elegant hotel barge….
SEE PACKAGES