One of the best times to explore Italy is during the winter months, when there are mild temperatures, fewer crowds and, typically, shorter waiting times at historic landmarks. Spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) months also offer temperate weather, while the popular summer months (July and August) allow for more sightseeing during extended daylight hours.

Italy has 61 UNESCO World Heritage Sites—more than any other country. Visitors to Rome may explore iconic monuments like the Colosseum, the Pantheon and the Roman Forum. Florence boasts Renaissance masterpieces of art and architecture. The archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum provide insight into ancient societies, and the medieval hill town of San Gimignano is known for its 14 striking towers. Alberobello’s distinctive trulli— beehive-shaped huts—offered an inventive solution to sixteenth-century villagers hoping to evade building taxes. In Lombardy, the Bernina Express railway takes travelers on a breathtaking journey from northern Italy into the Swiss Alps. Other notable sites include Venice and its lagoon, the historic center of Naples, Pisa’s Square of Miracles and Sicily’s Mount Etna.

Across Italy, visitors can sample a wide variety of regional dishes. The world’s first pizzeria opened in Naples in 1830, and authentic pizza remains a staple of Neapolitan cuisine and a must-try dish for visitors. In Apulia, you can learn how to prepare orecchiette, a hand-crafted, ear-shaped pasta. Puglia is known for its extra virgin olive oil, or “liquid gold,” which is best accompanied with an array of local bread, cheeses, and wine. Sorrento, located in the Italian Riviera, offers visitors the chance to see how mozzarella cheese is made, an artisanal tradition passed down through generations. Limoncello, sourced from the Amalfi Coast, has long been one of Italy’s favorite after-dinner drinks. No visit to Venice is complete without sampling cicchetti, small snacks or side dishes often served in local wine bars called bacari. Buranelli cookies, a buttery shortbread perfect for dipping into a cup of coffee, are another local favorite. Italy is famous for its wine. The Sangiovese-based dry red wines from Tuscany, such as Chianti, are of particular note. Visitors may also enjoy sampling Sicilian wines produced near Taormina, which benefit from the region’s potassium- and mineral-rich lava soil. Calabrian wines, which were historically awarded to ancient Olympic champions, are another highlight.

Italy’s cultural activities include perusing the world-class art museums of Florence and Rome, discovering the historical significance of ancient sites like Pompeii and Taormina, attending cooking workshops and wine tastings, exploring picturesque cities like Venice and Santa Severina and sampling regional cuisine. Nature enthusiasts may appreciate visiting Sicily’s towering Mount Etna or joining an invigorating walk along the caldera of Mount Vesuvius. You can also take in stunning mountain views on the Bernina Express or set out on an exhilarating boat ride across the Gulf of Naples to explore the enchanting island of Capri.

A firm handshake is common when meeting someone for the first time. When addressing people formally, it is customary to use Signore (Mr.), Signora (Mrs.) or Signorina (Miss). Among friends and family, two light cheek kisses, starting on the left, are typical. In Italy, eating is a social experience that is not to be rushed. With meals, a service charge is often included. Rounding up the bill or leaving small change is appreciated. When visiting sacred sites such as churches or Vatican City, modest dress covering the shoulders and knees is preferred. Respect for history and art is also valued, and one should not touch statues or monuments. When visiting cultural sites without clear guidelines, it is advisable to ask permission before taking photos.