Discover Tailor-Made Italy Vacations

July and August tend to see the biggest crowds and the highest prices, as the temperatures soar (especially in the south) and everyone (including Italians) hit the beaches. Travel at this time of year usually requires pre-booking to secure your preferred hotel and restaurant picks.

Autumn, meanwhile, is an ideal time to explore the country: The tourist crowds have dwindled and the fall harvests have begun, showcasing the best of Italian food and wine. Celebrations such as Alba’s world-renowned Truffle Festival are among the must-dos for foodies. September to November is also perfect for hikers and bikers to explore the countryside.

Italy’s cities come alive from December to March, the country’s official off season. The cultural calendar from Milan and Venice to Rome and Naples hums with festivals, art shows, concerts and more, from opera at La Scala to the Carnival of Venice. Public squares are especially magical during Christmas and New Year's, when light shows, fireworks displays and live concerts abound. Prices also tend to be at their lowest during the winter months and crowds have dropped to their sparsest.

Spring, finally, is considered by many as the best season to experience Italy. The country bursts into colour after the winter and travellers can enjoy near-empty beaches, shorter lines at famous venues, and cheaper accommodations. Festivals celebrating the planting season abound in the countryside, and hundreds of heritage buildings become open to the public free of charge during the Giornate FAI di Primavera, giving visitors a chance to experience normally off-limits sites.

Whatever the season, Goway can help you make the most of your Italian trip with expert advice on what and when to book. For more information and ideas, visit our guide on the Best Time to Visit Italy.

From fresh pasta in Bologna to a sunset aperitif in Amalfi, an opera in Verona to a trulli stay in the south, Italy offers travellers an almost unimaginable choice of experiences.

“Most tourists don’t realize just how deeply regional Italy is,” says Destination Specialist Jacqueline Fagioli. “Not just in terms of food, but also in language, traditions, and identity. Italian culture is really a patchwork of local cultures.”

To experience the best of this diverse land, including your favourite pursuits and interests, consult one of our Destination Specialists now.

Everything from pasta to wine to pizza possesses a distinct flair that reflects its unique area of origin. The southern regions of Italy put slightly more emphasis on seafood, olive oil, citrus and spice, while travelers in the north of Italy will find more dishes with cream and butter.

Even specific cities will have their unique dishes: Think cacio e pepe in Rome, bistecca alla fiorentina in Florence, wood-fired pizza in Naples and arancine in Palermo.

The list of famous regional dishes in Italy is endless. Make indulging in Italy’s culinary treasures a focal point of your tailor-made Goway getaway.

Tipping is not mandatory in Italy, but a modest gratuity is appreciated when good service has been provided.

Italy is well-served by public transport, such as rail and bus, but independent travel by car will allow you to explore off-the-beaten-track areas. Driving, however, can be a challenge in big cities.

Good walking shoes are essential when visiting Italy, as is modest clothing for visiting religious sites.

Although English is often spoken and understood throughout Italy, locals do appreciate an effort to speak their language; words and phrases to know include grazie for thank you and buongiorno for good day.

For more information on visiting Italy, consult our guide to Things to Know Before You Go.