Italy is a country with an amazing history. It was once a land ruled by mighty Roman emperors. In the not-too-distant past, it was home to some of the world’s greatest painters, sculptors, explorers, and architects during the Renaissance. Today, this boot-shaped country on the Mediterranean Sea still has much to offer, from high fashion in Milan and unbeatable skiing in the Alps, to delicious wines in Napa, romance in Venice, and holiness in Vatican City. If you are itching to book a flight to Italy, your biggest challenge will be deciding which must-see city to visit first.
When to Visit Italy
It’s never a bad time to visit Italy, but temperatures are at their most comfortable between April and June. July and September are peak tourist months, so expect to see more crowds during this time. Be aware that seemingly all of Italy shuts down and goes on holiday during the month of August as locals tend to go on holidays of their own.
What to See and Do in Italy
The question is not what to do in Italy; it’s how much can you fit into your trip? Historical, artistic, and spiritual treasures abound. After all, Italy contains the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world.
Start by visiting the Colosseum, the Aqueducts, and Pompeii to learn about the ancient Roman Empire. Next, visit the enduring work of Leonardo Di Vinci, Michelangelo, Giovanni, Titan, and the other luminaries of the Renaissance. Certainly, the Sistine Chapel and Piazza Michelangelo cannot be missed. Catch up to the present and treat yourself to a romantic gondola ride down the canals in Venice, see the latest fashions in Milan, or look to your soul and attend mass at the Vatican.
With so much to see, you might want to consider car rentals in Italy to give yourself more control over your schedule. Allow us here at Expedia.com.au to match you up with not only car hires, but cheap deals on hotels in Italy, too. Search our selection for great prices on Italy accommodation, airfare, and car hires for your upcoming trip today.
Rome's landscape is dominated by breathtaking art and architecture across seven hills. Atop Capitoline Hill, bustling Piazza del Campidoglio is a fitting start to a Roman adventure. Surrounded by stunning basilica Santa Maria in Aracoeli and entrancing museums, the piazza is a 15-minute walk from Rome's ancient Colosseum. Other notable landmarks, fountains, ruins and museums are scattered around Rome and are easily accessed via train or public bus. Lodging in Rome is abundant and varied, with the best Italy hotel deals available at three- and four-star properties during winter and summer months.
The world's preeminent fashion scene is north of Rome in cosmopolitan Milan. Top boutiques, galleries, and shops fill Milan's Fashion Quadrangle between Duomo, San Babila, and Cavour Squares. Duomo Square is the heart of the city and the home of the iconic Gothic white marble Duomo cathedral and the 18th-century Royal Palace.
East of Milan lies mysterious Venice, host of the opulent Carnivale festival. Traverse this car-less city by foot or by canal to Byzantine St. Mark's Square, where the famed Basilica, Doge's Palace, and Campanile offer hours of enjoyment. Venetian lodging is plentiful, but the best discount rates on Italy hotels are available about 20 miles north in beautiful Treviso.
Southwest from Venice/Treviso, journey to the warm, glowing Tuscany region. Known for its fabulous wines and rolling hills, Tuscany overflows with museums and buildings spotlighting its Italian Renaissance roots. Capital Florence holds some of the world's most recognized masterpieces, including Botticelli's "Birth of Venus" at Uffizi and Michaelangelo's "David" at the Galleria dell'Accademia. Florence offers a variety of special Italy hotel packages with low prices on rooms in three- and four-star properties.
Traveling through Italy's extraordinary sites is affordable especially when you look for a cheap Italy hotel deal in Rome, Milan, Treviso, or Florence. Book your reservations during inexpensive winter or summer months, and choose locations near your must-see attractions. With all that you'll save on hotels in Italy, you'll feel victorious enough to quote Julius Caesar, "Veni, vidi, vici!"