• Most travellers fly from JFK or any other major international airport direct into Rome or Milan. There are a variety of flights and carriers that operate flights to Italy.
• The longer the better when you’re spending time in Italy—you’ll want to allow a week at minimum, but 10 to 14 days is more ideal.
• The Amalfi Coast, Sicily and the Aeolian Islands are perfect for honeymooners, and families will find plenty to keep them occupied in Rome, Tuscany, Florence, and Venice. It goes without saying that foodies of any description will find something to love anywhere in Italy.
• There are no critical visa or health considerations for North Americans or Europeans travelling to Italy.[break]
• Italy is easy to navigate and there are many options for getting around. Most travellers use a combination of a few efficient flights between the different regions, and self-driving in rural areas to explore on their own.
• A large part of visiting Italy is experiencing and appreciating the mindset and the general laid back tone. Go with the flow and you’ll be rewarded.
• Food and wine are essential parts of travel to Italy. It's a country densely packed with regional specialties and culinary traditions, which means there's amazing eating and drinking to do, from truffle hunting and cheese making to olive picking, chocolate sampling, wine tasting and beyond.
• The national language is Italian, but English is widely understood, especially in cities.

Italy is a year-round destination. Each season has its own particular allure in different regions, and each month delivers its own set of amazing food and wine visits. August gets very hot, so it’s best to stick to coastal, mountain, or lake areas. Winter is perfect for skiing, and visiting the major cities when they’re at their most uncrowded.

From quirky rural B&Bs to some of the most luxurious palace accommodations in the world, Italy’s hotels are incredibly varied. A recent surge of smaller boutique properties has sprung up to complement the more traditional and classy hotels, which makes for a fantastic variety of options. Italy is all about dense regional variety, and in terms of hotels this usually translates into amazing views—of rugged coastlines, towering mountains, picture-perfect Tuscan fields, or great art-city skylines. Rent a Renaissance villa or beach bungalow, take over an entire medieval castle or charter a yacht and cruise Italy's islands. With such a wealth of unique and historic buildings it would be foolish not to take advantage of them.

Cheese Tasting—One of our best friends in Piedmont is a real character who is mad about Piedmontese cheeses. The tasting takes place in an informal setting at the counter in his shop. He doesn’t speak much English but his enthusiasm usually makes up for it.

Boat Trip to Capri—The journey out to Capri and back will afford stunning views of the spectacular Amalfi coast and mountains, and gives you a chance to explore the island. It makes for a fantastic day out on the water all told.

Cooking Class and Meal at a Tuscan Agriturismo—Cook with a focus almost entirely on the fresh produce picked from the bio-dynamic garden, and foraged in the property’s woodlands that day. You’ll learn a combination of basic, simple, repeatable tricks and recipes, as well as some fancier flourishes.

Mt. Etna Cycling and Winery Tour—A breathtaking ride along mountain roads through greenery and lava flows. You will stop along the way for a tour and tasting at a local Etna winery.

Truffle Hunt—Head out into the countryside with a local truffle hunter (trifolau) and his trusted hound in search of white truffles. Hopefully you’ll end the morning with your very own stash of truffles, which will then be put to good use for lunch.