Destinations >> Italy Overview

From iconic sites like the Sistine Chapel and the Coliseum to the best pasta and pizza in the world, Italy is a feast for the eyes and all the senses. The southern European country stretches from the Alps to the Mediterranean Sea and is the fifth most visited country in the world. Tourists flock to its 20 regions to dive deep into its unrivaled landscapes, historical sights, chic fashion and divine gastronomic tradition.

Cheat Sheet

Sleep at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo for incredible Lake Como views – Eat inside a cave at Grotta Palazzese in Bari – Drink at The Lion’s Fountain in Florence for lively atmosphere and nightly events – See the beautiful town of Amalfi, that gave its name to famous Amalfi Coast – Shop in Quadrilatero Della Moda, Milan’s Golden Rectangle – Get Outside and explore the ancient city of Pompeii and if you dare, climb to the crater of Mount Vesuvius – Don’t Miss a romantic Gondola ride down the canal in Venice

What to do in Italy

Italy is home to 51 Unesco World Heritage cultural sites — the most of any country in the world. It isn’t hard to stumble upon them; many are city centers (Rome, Verona, Florence and Naples) and areas like the picturesque Amalfi Coast and hold treasures dating back to the Roman Empire and Renaissance. Top cultural things to do in Italy include visiting sights such as Vatican museums, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Coliseum, and viewing treasures like Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper and Michelangelo’s David. Shopping and fashion take center stage in Milan. Eaters have the opportunity to taste through Italy’s diverse gastronomic offerings from the truffles and rich sauces of Piedmont to the cannoli of Sicily. Italy is also the oldest and most prolific wine production region in the world and its many wineries and tasting rooms gladly open their doors to the public.

What to take to Italy

Whether you’re yachting in the south or skiing in the north, what you bring to Italy depends on what you will be doing. Pack your winter gear for ski trips in the north and your most stylish swimsuit for sun worshiping in the south during the summer. A voltage converter is also handy; electricity in Italy is the standard European 220V to 230V, with a frequency of 50Hz. Free up some memory on your phone or clear your digital camera’s memory card for the endless photo opportunities. You also may want to consider bringing an empty suitcase for all the souvenirs you’re likely to bring home.

What to buy in Italy

Italy is a travel destination with limitless offerings for everyone from foodies to fashionistas. Depending on how you structure your trip, there’s no doubt you’ll collect things along the way. Visiting Italy’s various wine regions will put you in the perfect spot to collect a bottle or two along the way. Food lovers can pick up locally produced olive oil, dried pastas and other accouterments like truffle salt and cheese. Modena produces the best balsamic vinegar in the world and it is readily available across the country and in Duty Free shops at the airport. In fashion centers like Milan, there are plenty of opportunities for outfitting yourself with a new wardrobe from well-known designer houses and local boutiques.

How it works in Italy

Forget the hassle of negotiating luggage at the airport. Ship your luggage seamlessly to and from Italy with Luggage Free. When you’re on your way, just pack your luggage as you normally would and Luggage Free will pick it up from your home or office whenever you schedule a pick-up, delivering it to your hotel or place of lodging guaranteed. On your way home, the process is reversed and Luggage Free will pick up your luggage from your hotel and deliver it back to you safely.