Holidays to Italy

When To Go

Summer

A summer holiday to Italy might be automatically what you think about, but the summer can actually be pretty hot and uncomfortable, particularly in many of the cities, which is while you'll find many shops and restaurants can close, particularly for the month of August, allowing the owners to escape the heat and enjoy a much needed break. This can mean many of the popular seaside towns of the south can be much busier with domestic tourists. On the other hand, head north and you could be walking through the mesmerising Alps, which, during the summer months are lush with green grass and flowers. A complete contrast to the Alps in winter.

Winter

The more south you go, the warmer it will be, and that also is the case for winter. While it can still get fairly chilly, places like Sicily and Calabria can be a welcome relief from the colder climes of northern Europe, including the UK. This can often mean tourist hotspots like Rome, Florence and Venice can be much quieter, and may make for a more enjoyable break. And, of course, there are the snow fields of the Alps, ideal for skiing, snowboarding or simply enjoying the cosy atmosphere of a mountain retreat.

Types Of Holiday In Italy

There are so many different types of holiday you can enjoy in Italy, from a quick city break amongst the canals of Venice, to a three week multi-centre trip, taking in the sights on a road trip from north to south.

City Breaks

Cities like Milan, Rome and Venice are well known for their food, history and stunning sights, but there are also some lesser known gems just waiting to be explored. Try out cities like Verona, Catania or Ancona for something a little different that many holidaymakers won't have even thought about.
Discover the latest city breaks to Italy here.

All Inclusive

Although you might not have expected it, there are actually some great all inclusive resorts in the south of the country, ideal for beach holidays. Many Italian's head south for the summer to spend time by the coast on their holidays, so there are a number of places that offer this type of break. Take a look at resorts like the TUI Magic Life.

Self Catering

Self catering holidays in Italy are a great option for you if you like to head out and try out all the nearby eateries, making friends with the locals and enjoying the regional cuisine. This can also help keep the cost of your accommodation down too.

Villas

Stunning villas set amongst the green hills of Tuscany may be one of the first things you think about when you're considering a trip here. Villas can come in all shapes and sizes and work well for just a couple, or a large group of people. This is also why destination weddings in Italy are so popular and saught after, the setting is just idyllic for a romantic celebration.

For Couples

Italy is synonymous with romance and is an ideal escape for couples. You've probably seen the gorgeous vistas of the Amalfi Coast, with cliff top hotels and dramatic boat trips, and this is certainly one of those destinations worth considering for something special for just the two of you.

For Families

Families are very welcome in Italy, and you'll find everywhere from the city museums to the beachside resorts cater well for the little ones. City breaks can involve a lot of walking but grab yourself a travel pass for a day or two and you're laughing.

Twin Centre

There are so many incredible sights to see that it's almost impossible to pick a favourite, and you shouldn't have to. Twin centre and multi centre holidays allow you to visit several places in Italy, suited to you. So if you love the cities, fly over to Milan, then jump on a train and head to Florence. Or you could pick up a car in Rome and drive through the countryside over to Bari in Puglia.

Travelling To And Around Italy

Although you might be tempted to plan your own trip to Italy, taking in multiple destinations, booking Airbnbs, hotels, flights and trains along the way, there are a number of great travel companies who can do this for you, and who can offer you financial protection through the ABTA and ATOL schemes. These brands include Kuoni, Citalia and TUI, and depending on the type of trip you're after, you could booking a twin centre break too.

There are flights to Italy from across the UK, including regional airports like Glasgow, Birmingham and Belfast to Italy. The larger cities like Rome, Milan and Venice will naturally have the most flights, but with low cost airlines like Ryanair, you can now snap up a bargain to hidden gems throughout the country.

Depending on where you're visiting and your itinerary, a hire car can be one of the best ways to get around, driving through quaint little towns and villages that you wouldn't have otherwise discovered. No car? No problem. The rail network in Italy is very comprehensive with a high speed rail network between key cities.

Before you book and travel, we always recommend checking the latest travel advice with the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office.