ABOUT ITALY

Italy, located in Southern Europe, is a country renowned for its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural landscapes, making it one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. From the ancient ruins of Rome to the art-filled streets of Florence, Italy blends centuries of history with vibrant modern life. Whether you are seeking world-class art, delicious food, or breathtaking scenery, Italy offers a diverse range of experiences for every traveller.

Rome, the capital city, is a treasure trove of ancient landmarks. The Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon are testaments to the grandeur of the Roman Empire, while the Vatican City, located within Rome, is the heart of the Roman Catholic Church. Visitors can marvel at St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, home to Michelangelo’s famous ceiling frescoes. After exploring, indulge in traditional Roman dishes like carbonara and cacio e pepe in one of the city's charming trattorias.

Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, is a must-visit for art lovers. The Uffizi Gallery houses works by Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, and Michelangelo, while the imposing Duomo dominates the city’s skyline. Florence’s streets are filled with historical sites, boutiques, and cafes where you can enjoy local Tuscan specialities. Just outside the city lies the Chianti region, where rolling vineyards offer wine tasting and tours of centuries-old estates.

Venice, with its enchanting canals and historical palaces, provides a completely different Italian experience. A gondola ride through the winding waterways and a visit to St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace transport visitors to a time of Venetian grandeur. The Rialto Bridge and Piazza San Marco are perfect spots for people-watching and enjoying the unique ambience of the city.

Heading north, Milan is the fashion capital of Italy, known for its high-end shopping streets like Via Montenapoleone and global fashion shows. In addition to its modern appeal, Milan is home to historical gems like Da Vinci’s The Last Supper and the Duomo di Milano, one of the largest cathedrals in the world.

For those who seek relaxation and natural beauty, the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre offer dramatic cliffs, colourful villages, and stunning seaside views. The islands of Sicily and Sardinia are also popular destinations for their pristine beaches, unique cultures, and archaeological sites. In Sicily, you can visit Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano, or explore the ancient Greek ruins in Agrigento.

Italy’s northern regions, including The Dolomites and the Italian Alps, offer year-round activities for outdoor enthusiasts. In winter, you can ski and snowboard, while summer brings hiking, cycling, and some of the most spectacular mountain vistas in Europe.

Italy’s culinary heritage is world-famous, with each region boasting its own specialities. In the north, risotto and polenta are popular, while central Italy is known for its pasta dishes like spaghetti alla carbonara and bistecca alla fiorentina. The south, particularly Naples, is the birthplace of pizza, and Sicily is famous for its seafood and sweet treats like cannoli.

Italy’s festivals and traditions also add to its charm. Whether it’s the Venice Carnival, the Palio di Siena, or the various food and wine festivals held throughout the year, Italy’s cultural calendar is packed with events that celebrate its rich heritage.

From the art-filled streets of Florence and Rome to the serene landscapes of Tuscany and the coastlines of the Amalfi Coast, Italy offers a diverse array of destinations to explore. Its blend of history, culture, natural beauty, and world-class cuisine makes it a destination that leaves a lasting impression on every traveller.

Entry into Italy

If you are a citizen of a European Union country, it's going to be easy. Italy is part of the Schengen area, so you can travel there without restrictions, visas and even without a passport - just your country's ID card.

Currency

In Italy, you pay in euros. Most merchants now routinely accept all payment cards from the world's card associations. However, if you plan to rent a car, carry a credit card. Regular debit cards are usually not accepted for this purpose. There is a very dense network of ATMs in all cities. However, we recommend that you only withdraw money from those operated by banks. If you come across ATMs operated by other operators, such as Euronet, you will likely be charged a withdrawal fee of up to €10, or 10% of the transaction.

Electricity

In Italy, the standard electrical voltage is 230 V AC with a frequency of 50 Hz, which is the same across most of continental Europe. Type C plug (two round pins) is widely used in Italy.

Mobile services

Italy boasts several major mobile phone service providers, such as TIM (Telecom Italia Mobile), Vodafone Italy, Wind Tre, and Iliad Italy. SIM cards can be easily purchased at airports, mobile stores, and kiosks with a valid ID. Prepaid SIM cards are a popular choice, offering a variety of packages for data, calls, and texts. Roaming is hassle-free for EU/EEA citizens, as they can use their home plans without additional charges due to the "Roam Like at Home" regulations. Non-EU/EEA citizens should verify international roaming options with their home providers or consider getting a local SIM card for better rates.

Mobile network coverage is typically excellent in cities and along major transportation routes, although some rural or mountainous areas may have weaker signals. Data plans come in various options, from daily to monthly, often including combinations of data, calls, and SMS. Unlimited data plans are also available but are generally more expensive. Mobile internet is widely accessible with 4G LTE, and 5G is gradually being rolled out in major cities.

However, if you don't have an EU number and need mobile data, we recommend apps like Airalo.

Important telephone numbers

• International Dialing Code: +39
• Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 112
• Police (Carabinieri): 112
• Local Police (Polizia Locale): +39 039 2372
• Fire Brigade (Vigili del Fuoco): 115
• Medical Emergencies/Ambulance (Emergenza Sanitaria): 118
• Roadside Assistance (ACI - Automobile Club d'Italia): +39 803 116
• Mugello Hospital: +39 055 84511
• Mugello Tourist office: +39 055 84527185/6

Interesting facts about Italy

Renaissance origins
Italy, particularly Florence, is renowned as the birthplace of the Renaissance, a transformative cultural period that profoundly impacted European art, architecture, science, and philosophy from the 14th to 17th centuries.

Most UNESCO World Heritage sites
Italy boasts the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites globally, with
over 55 sites recognized, including iconic places like the Colosseum, Venice, and the historic cores of Florence and Rome.

Pioneer of modern banking
Established in 1472, Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena, the world’s oldest continuously operating bank, was founded in Italy. The country played a significant role in the emergence of modern banking during the Renaissance.

Global influence on cuisine
Italian cuisine, famed for dishes like pasta, pizza, and gelato, is one of the world’s most beloved. Each region of Italy offers its own distinct culinary traditions and specialities.

Vatican City
The Vatican, the smallest country in the world, is the heart of the Roman Catholic Church and the residence of the Pope.

Legendary automobiles and motorcycles
Italy is known for its luxury and high-performance cars, with iconic brands such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, and Alfa Romeo. Italy is also home to legendary motorcycle manufacturers such as Ducati and MV Agusta.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa
This world-famous Italian landmark began tilting during its construction in the 12th century due to unstable ground. While now stabilised, it still leans.

Birthplace of opera
The musical art form of opera originated in Italy in the late 16th century, and the country remains a central hub for opera with renowned venues like Milan’s La Scala.

Mount Etna
Situated in Sicily, Mount Etna is Europe’s tallest and most active volcano. Its eruptions have been documented for over 2,500 years.

Italy’s boot-shape
Italy is famously known for its boot-like shape, making it instantly recognizable on the map.