• Scenic shot of Venice canals

      Welcome to your Italy guide!

      Start planning your Italy getaway today with this free vacation guide. Inside you will learn all that you need to know to prepare for the ultimate Italian adventure.

  • cypress and olive trees Tuscany Italy

    All About Italy

    It should come as no surprise that Italy is called Bel Paese – it means “beautiful country” in Italian. Our passion for connecting Tenon travelers with other cultures is evident in the itineraries we plan for couples, solo travelers, families and groups. Relax and rejuvenate along the Amalfi Coast. Taste your way through the cities of Italy on a culinary tour – and even take a private cooking class. Visit wine country, cruise on a Vespa, tour crypts in Rome and so much more.

    As Italy is similar to California in length, there can be a large variety in weather depending on where your travel is focused. So be prepared by getting to know the general sense of the season and speaking with your Travel Specialist.

    Capital of Italy:

    Rome

    Languages:

    English, Italian

    Major Airports:

    Fiumicino, Milan, Venice, Florence, Naples

    Time Zone:

    +6 Ahead of U.S. Eastern Time Zone​

    Currency in Italy:

    Euros (€)

    Entry Requirements:

    Valid Passport

    Voltage:

    230-volt (Type F plug, also works with plug C)​

    Best Time to Visit:

    Italy is great any time of year!

    Italian Wine Country
  • lake Como Varenna Lombardy region Italy

    Regions & Areas

    Lazio

    Discover the fascinating city of Rome in this region.

    The Northern Lakes

    Lake Como, Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore

    Campania

    Where you will find the ever-popular Naples, Amalfi Coast and outlying islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida.

    Sicily and Sardinia

    The two largest islands in the Mediterranean, boasting beautiful beaches and captivating coastlines.

    idyllic scenery of beautiful lake Lago di Como, Torno village. Lombradia, Italy
  • vineyard Italy

    Regions & Areas

    Central Tuscany/Umbria

    Gentle rolling countryside, medieval walled towns and great wine!

    Venice

    One of the world’s oldest tourist destinations

    Emilia-Romagna

    A region known for its food including Balsamic vinegar, Parmesan cheese and Parma Ham.

    Ancient hilltop town Orvieto, Umbria, Italy
    • Cityscape image of Spanish Steps in Rome, Italy during sunrise.
      1 / 11

      Accommodations

      Hotels

      We’ll suggest preferred partner properties with a wide range of options, from family-run boutique hotels to luxury hotels.

      Villas

      Choose from authentic historic villas to enhance your visit to Italy.

    • Scenic open window view of the Mediterranean Sea from a luxury resort room along the Amalfi Coast near Sorrento, Italy
      2 / 11

      Food & Drink

      Italian Food

      Pasta – Penne, Orzo, Fusilli, Tagliatelle, Spaghetti, Capellini, Farfalle…..the list goes on and on. Of course, when we think of Italy we think of Pasta! Legend has it that Marco Polo brought pasta back to Italy from his expeditions to the Far East but there is historical evidence of pasta going back to Etruscan times.

      Pizza -The earliest known evidence of Pizza is from Naples in 1889 when King Umberto I and his Queen Margherita visited the city. A local baker Rafaelle Esposito was asked to create something for them and he created what we know today as the Margherita pizza which replicated the colors of the Italian flag with the red tomato sauce, the white mozzarella cheese and the green basil. Pizza in Naples is soft and spongy but other regions in Italy differ.

    • A summer dinner .Pasta , pizza and homemade food arrangement in a restaurant Rome .Tasty and authentic Italian food.
      3 / 11

      Food & Drink

      Italian Food

      Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar – Almost everywhere you go in Italy you will see rows and rows of Olive Trees. Italy is the second-largest producer of olive oil in the world. The use of this oil in cooking dates back to ancient Roman times. Olive oil has also been used for medicinal purposes and beauty products. Modena and Reggio are the regions where Aceto Balsamico di Modena. A great Italian pleasure is some great crusty bread and some local olive oil with a few drops of Balsamic vinegar added. Delicioso!

      Cheese – Mozzarella, Parmesan, Pecorino, Mascarpone and Gorgonzola…just some of the greatest Italian cheeses.

      Gelato! – Practically on every street, even in the smallest village you find a gelato shop! No trip to Italy is complete without tasting (maybe several times!) it.

    • Breakfast with coffee and croissants.
      4 / 11

      Food & Drink

      Italian Drinks

      Caffe – We cannot talk about Italian drinks and not mention their love of Coffee! Whether it be Cappuccino, Caffe Latte, Macchiato, Espresso or Americano coffee is a ritual in Italy and to be enjoyed. You will see very few coffee takeout brand names in Italy. Coffee is either enjoyed sitting down or standing up al banco (at the bar) in a small cafe. Beware, Italians are fussy about what types of coffee you order at what times in the day for example Cappuccino, Caffe Latte (hint never ask for a latte either as all you will get is milk!), or Macchiato are only for breakfast so if you ask after 11 AM they could straight out say no or give you a funny look!

    • A group of mature friends are sitting around an outdoor dining table, eating and drinking. They are celebrating their holiday with a glass of champagne and enjoying each others company. The image has been taken in Tuscany, Italy.
      5 / 11

      Food & Drink

      Italian Drinks

      Wine – Italy is one of the best wine-producing nations in the world with a history of the production of 4000 years. Each region has its own specialty but some of the most famous red wines are Montepulciano, Barbera, Nebbiolo, Nero d’Avola, Barbaresco, Amarone and Aglianico. For White wines try Fiano, Falanghina, Greco di Tufo, Pinot Grigio, Vernaccia, Soave and Trebbiano. Of course, don’t forget to try some Prosecco and maybe even some sweet wines like Vin Santo.

      Aperitivo Time – Italians have this lovely tradition that takes place between around 6-8 PM. Usually, it involves going to a local bar which will also serve some accompaniment such as crostini, olives, cheese, bruschetta and cured meats. Normally Aperitivi is lower in alcohol and popular options would include Aperol Spritz, Vermouth, Campari, Negroni and Prosecco.

    • Morning view of Amalfi cityscape on coast line of mediterranean sea, Italy
      6 / 11

      Traveling Around Italy

      You’ll have a few transportation choices to choose from when traveling around Italy:

      Car Rentals

      Driving yourself around Italy brings the convenience of personal transport and allows you to control what you see and how long you spend at each location.

      Unlike most European counterparts, an International Driving Permit is required in Italy to rent a car. The International Driving Permit is an official document that certifies the validity of your home driver’s license in 10 languages. Your name and other license information are shown in a standard, internationally recognized format, and a passport-size photo completes the identification. The IDP is only allowed to be used in conjunction with your US license, so you must present both. You can obtain an IDP from AAA or the National Auto Club.

    • Morning view of Amalfi cityscape on coast line of mediterranean sea, Italy
      7 / 11

      Traveling Around Italy

      Private Driver

      Hiring a private driver offers another way of getting around Italy without the hassle of maneuvering the roads. It also adds an extra element of personal service to your vacation. With Tenon, you can choose to have a private driver for your entire trip or just a portion of it.

      Train

      Italy has some great fast train options which are very modern. What better way to see the countryside than sitting back on the train.

    • Capital Cities, Famous Place, Sunrise - Dawn, Coliseum, No people, Europe
      8 / 11

      Themes & Points of Interest

      Historical

      • The Colosseum and Roman Forum in Rome
      • The Vatican
      • Pompeii and Ercolano
      • Hilltop walled towns
      • 58 UNESCO listed sites

      Architectural

      • The Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore in Florence
      • The Leaning Tower of Pisa
    • Capital Cities, Famous Place, Sunrise - Dawn, Coliseum, No people, Europe
      9 / 11

      Themes & Points of Interest

      Arts & Culture

      • Food and Wine
      • Renaissance Art

      Landscapes & Scenery

      • The Grand Canal in Venice
      • The Amalfi Coast
      • The Italian Lakes
    • A misty fall day in the charming medieval village in Umbria region. The soft focus depends on dense fog, which, however, creates an evocative atmosphere with Sun rays
      10 / 11

      Tenon Recommends

      Florence

      • Liz Aungier loves the traditional Tuscan cuisine and wines of Quattro Leoni, a casual trattoria located in a small courtyard between the Ponte Vecchio and the Pitti Palace. Specifically, you must try one of their most famous dishes, a pasta dish with pear and Taleggio cheese.

      Naples

      • Make your way to Da Michele and see where Julia Roberts ate in the movie Eat, Pray, Love. It’s a very popular place, at times busy, and nothing fancy (with only two types of pizza on offer inside) but Liz Aungier says it’s the best Neapolitan Pizza.
      • Head to the very beautiful Sorrentino vini Vesuvio for one of Liz Aungier’s favorite wine tours.
    • A misty fall day in the charming medieval village in Umbria region. The soft focus depends on dense fog, which, however, creates an evocative atmosphere with Sun rays
      11 / 11

      Tenon Recommends

      Ischia

      • Liz Aungier says you can’t go to Ischia without a stop at Giardini La Mortella, a spectacular Mediterranean and subtropical garden created by Susana Walton, wife of the English composer Sir William Walton.
      • According to Liz Aungier, the Castello Aragonese, an incredible rock island castle that dates back to the fifth century BC, is not to be missed.
  • Background Image

    Insider Tips

    • Best Time To Visit

      Best Time To Visit

      We love the food festivals and new wines of fall, but anytime is a great time for Italy. Spring brings relaxation, and summer brings crowds. Watch for religious holidays that close sights and attractions.

    • What To Pack

      What To Pack

      As Italy is similar to California in length, there can be a large variety in weather depending on where your travel is focused.

    • Food & Drink

      Food & Drink

      The first thing that comes to mind when you think of Italy is probably pizza and pasta, but we’re sure you’ll find plenty of tasty bites on every street, in every town, and at every ristorante.

    • Travel

      Travel

      A valid passport is required to travel to Italy.

  • Background Image

    Getting Around

    You’ll have a few transportation options to choose from when traveling around Italy.

    • Car Rentals

      Car Rentals

      Driving yourself around Italy brings the convenience of personal transport and allows you to control what you see and how long you spend at each location.

      Unlike most European counterparts, an International Driving Permit is required in Italy to rent a car. The International Driving Permit is an official document that certifies the validity of your home driver’s license in 10 languages. Your name and other license information are shown in a standard, internationally recognized format, and a passport-size photo completes the identification. The IDP is only allowed to be used in conjunction with your US license, so you must present both. You can obtain an IDP from AAA or the National Auto Club.

    • Train

      Train

      Italy has some great fast train options which are very modern. What better way to see the countryside than sitting back on the train.

    • Private Driver

      Private Driver

      Hiring a private driver offers another way of getting around Italy without the hassle of maneuvering the roads. It also adds an extra element of personal service to your vacation. With Tenon, you can choose to have a private driver for your entire trip or just a portion of it.

  • Special Events

    • Carnevale – February and March
    • Palio di Siena – July/August
    • Easter Procession – Every April
    • Oh Bej! Oh Bej! – Christmas Fair Every December in Milan
    Capital Cities, Famous Place, Sunrise - Dawn, Coliseum, No people, Europe
  • Background Image
    • Holidays & Festivals

      Tenon Tours Makes the Inc. 5000 List for the 7th Time

    • Holidays & Festivals

      Why Halloween in Ireland is a Must-Visit: Explore the Origins of Samhain and Spooky Traditions

    • Arts & Pop Culture

      Your Guide to Visiting Bridgerton Filming Locations

    • Adventure & Wellness

      Experience the 2026 Solar Eclipse in Portugal, Spain or Iceland

    • Ancona, Marche region, Italy. Elegant monument on the sea supported by 8 Doric columns and dedicated to the fallen of the First World War.

      Ready for More?

      We hope this guide has helped you learn more about England and that you feel ready to plan your trip! If you want to learn more, you can receive a free 30-minute travel consultation about England when you request a quote, or if you’re interested in other locations you can access more guides.

Free Italy Vacation Guide

Are you ready to plan your Italy getaway, but aren’t sure where to start? Inside our free vacation guide, you’ll learn:

Facts on currency, language and more

Popular regions and cities to visit

Italian foods that you will want to try during your travels

Festivals, attractions and experiences you don’t want to miss

And more!

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Background Image
gondola in Venice

Best of Italy

13 Days | 12 Nights
Arts and Culture
Culinary
Romance

Embark on a journey through the Best of Italy with a first-class travel experience that whisks you away to the enchanting cities of Naples, Florence, Rome and beyond. Indulge in the luxury of privately guided tours and chauffeur driver guides, savor the rich flavors of the Chianti region and immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Venice.

Starting From $9,719 per person based on double occupancy
Lovely couple in Venice honeymoon, Italy in summer.

Splendors of Italy & Greece

20 Days | 19 Nights
Arts and Culture
Beaches
Romance
Culinary

From Veneto’s signature bubbly, Prosecco, to Santorini’s volcanic wines, this inspirational itinerary takes you from Italy to Greece while hitting all the culinary & cultural highlights. 

Starting From $12,747 per person based on double occupancy
Val d'Orcia, Tuscany, Italy. A lonely farmhouse with cypress and olive trees, rolling hills.

Italian Wine Country

8 Days | 7 Nights
Culinary
Outdoor

Explore Italy’s regions of Piedmont, Tuscany and Orcia Valley and immerse yourself in this 7-day itinerary exploring authentic local wineries.

Starting From $3,198 per person based on double occupancy
Famous luxury villa Monastero, stunning botanical garden decorated with mediterranean oleander flowers, lake Como, Varenna, Lombardy region, Italy, Europe

The Magical Lakes of Italy

13 Days | 12 Nights
Outdoor
Adventure
Sustainability

Marvel at the beauty of the stunning Italian Lake District. Get away from it all with this countryside-based tour – relish spectacular views of Lake Maggiore, Lake Como and Lake Garda. Savor the tastes of the Italian food and wine, enjoy cultural activities and picturesque lakeside villages. Wrap up your tour in the metropolis of Milan, the capital of the Northern region of Lombardy.

Starting From $4,698 per person based on double occupancy
By-Your-Side

By-Your-Side Service℠

Our personal concierge service and mobile app

Europe Experts

Custom Europe Experts

Experts in planning truly customized trips

Without Compromise

Value without Compromise

High-touch inclusions and customized experiences

Consistency with Individuality

Consistency with Individuality

You’ll always be met with the highest standards

Let's Get Social

@tenontours