If you are an ancient history buff, then Italy has to be one of the top European destinations to visit. It is full of historical sites from places like Pompeii to the Colosseum.
If you are visiting any of the famous churches, basilicas, cathedrals or temples, please ensure that you are respectful and cover your shoulders and knees. Many are also strict with photography or limit the use of flash.
It is highly recommended to book things in advance if you want to avoid queues, especially if you are visiting Rome. The Colosseum is very popular and for good reason!
Italy is home to lots of culture, and one way they hold onto that culture is by speaking the langauge. In bigger, more touristic cities like Rome, Venice or Florence, lots of people will probably speak English, but not everyone. Many smaller towns up the coast will speak very little english. It is also
From Rome to Florence, Italy has been home to some of the masters of the art world. Leonardo was born in “Vinci”, its where the name comes from, and, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo (all the ninja turtles), are not only masters of their craft, but they are all also Italian!
Whether you stop by the Vatican and explore the churches, which itself are works of art and host some of the most beautiful sculptures, every inch of the Vatican museums – the Sistine chapel is worth the wait – or head to Florence to see the Birth of Venus. Italian art is exquisite. .
Italy is world renowned for its food so the absolute best thing to do is eat your way through the entire country. Pizza, Pasta, Tiramisu… need I say more. Different parts of the country are famous for different dishes. Pizza was born in Naples so if you want traditional style pizza, that is the place to go. The pasta in Rome is some of the tastiest I’ve ever tried and the Tiramisu in Venice (the region it was born) was heavenly. The further south you go, the more Mediterranean the diet gets whereas up north it gets heavier on the cheeses. Keep this in mind when you are travelling but if you can experience it all, why not!
If you bought your ticket online, it should already be validated. However, if you are buying tickets from the self-service stations, ensure you validate the ticket on the platforms before you step onto the train! Failing to do so can result in hefty fines.
As many popular spots throughout Europe, there are places in Italy with a lot of pickpockets. The viral “Attenzione Pickpocket!” tiktoks and memes started because one lady in Venice was trying to do her bit to stop people falling victim to these pickpockets! Where you can, in busy places try to wear your bag in front of you and ensure you are wearing bags you can fully close or zip up. When sitting at restaurants, avoid putting your bag behind you on chairs and instead put it in front or on your lap.
If you have ever seen italy on a map, you will know just how much of the country touches the water. Places like the Alafi coast have become popular in recent years and cities like Naples are the gateway to some of these beautiful towns. From Sardina to Siciliy, whatever you style of beaches, Italy has them all.
The Alps cover a region from France to Switzerland but the mountains in Italy are some of the most stunning. They stretch from the border with France into the Valle d'Aosta down to the sub-range of the Dolomites
During the Winter, they are filled with busy Ski resorts but in the summer they are perfect for long hikes, swimming in the many lakes and bicycle trails.
When you think about Euro Summer, most people think about Aperol Spritz but not everyone is a fan of the taste of Aperol. If you want to try something new and refreshing, a Hugo Spritz! It is from a region in the North of Italy so pretty common around places like Venice. It is a refreshing elderflower based spritz and perfect for a hot day.
If you are down in the Southern regions of Italy, and they don’t offer a Hugo, try a limoncello spritz will also do the trick.
As soon as you step off the plane, train or whatever transport you chose to take to Italy, you will probably here the word Prego being used. It can be used in a few different ways from the barista at a cafe saying next, or someone saying after you or even just asking you to repeat something. In short, it is used in place of a lot of words in english and is the polite way of saying it!
With all that info, you're ready to start your Italian adventure! Pack your sunscreen, curiosity, and your appetite, and of course your 1Cover Travel Insurance. It's the one thing you need when one thing goes wrong.
Grace wrote this article. She has spent the past few years travelling to over 20 countries and is always looking for her next adventure. Learn more about Grace.
Find out more insider tips about other destinations: read our "One Thing" series here.
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