Italy

Italy attracts visitors all seasons because of its history, heritage, architecture and alluring geographic attributes. From the industrial capital of Milan in the north, historic Rome and the Vatican in the center, to the southern cities of Bari and Naples, Italy offers an overwhelming variety of attractions. Tuscany or Campania provide evocative landscape and historical attractions, while Venice is known for its waterways.

Vacationers have seemingly endless choices for sightseeing. Classic Italian works of art from the great masters, beautiful and historic architecture, significant religious sites and classic music and opera provide something for every tourist’s taste. Other cities and towns tourists enjoy visiting include Siena, Verona, Pisa, Sorrento, Capri, Bologna and Genoa. Tourists looking to experience the color and diversity of Italy should consider visiting these locations as well as the major cities. Italian tour packages are available for most regions and locations.

Italian dining is as varied as the country. Regional specialties and the finest ingredients make the food of Italy among the worlds’ finest. Restaurant prices vary.

Italy has the fifth largest population in Europe, with diversity in people, culture and politics. There is a division between the north and the south, with differences in social and economic arenas. The north was previously dominated by the Holy Roman Empire (based in Austria and Hungary), while the south was dominated by Byzantine powers. Italy was unified in 1861, though its politics had strong impacts throughout Europe for centuries. Italy is the fourth largest economy in the European Union. The currency is the Euro.

Italian is the official language and is most commonly spoken. English, however, is spoken throughout the country, particularly in tourist areas. German can be heard in the north, due to the Austrian influence. Italy has been a republic since 1946. The head of state is the president and the head of government is the prime minister.

The weather in Italy can vary tremendously. In the northern mountainous regions and along the Adriatic coast, snow or rain is common. In the south, summers are hot and dry. The beaches along the Mediterranean are among the most beautiful in Europe. Italy is bordered by France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia.

Italy has international airports in Milan, Naples, Rome and Venice. Public transportation is easily accessible throughout most tourist cities. A well-developed network of state railways connects cities in Italy. Locations outside Italy are also accessible by rail. Euro-rail services neighboring countries.

Driving in Italy may be a challenge, but it is a way of seeing the countryside outside of the main cities. The roadways are in good condition and traffic travels on the right side. Car rental in Italy is widely available in most cities. Italy has an excellent communications infrastructure.

Demonstrations occasionally occur, but they rarely present problems for travelers. Larger cities including Rome, Naples and Milan experience high rates of petty theft such as purse snatching and pickpocketing. Theft is also prevalent on trains, at train stations and from unattended vehicles.

Prices are higher (particularly for hotel rooms) in Italian tourists cities such as Rome, Milan, Florence and Venice. Prices are much lower outside cities.

Please see our Destinations Section for samples of recent advisories, alerts and updates on Italy.

Watch your hand gestures and other etiquettes to know for your Italy visit.

Learn how to say thank you and other Italian phrases during your Italy visit.

. The iJET® Intelligence Center

Italy Monitored 24 Hours a Day--365 Days a Year
Intelligence Officers at iJET are currently monitoring local conditions in Italy to provide a level of information that surpasses any available from other public sources, including the U.S. State Department. Free from political constraints or concerns, our data provides unfiltered information vital for every traveler.

Travelers to Italy or those considering travel to Italy are strongly advised to purchase an Intelligence Brief for the most timely and concise information available on the country.

For only $7.50 you will receive the most complete intelligence available to the general public. Each Intelligence Brief contains data on 12 areas of concern for travelers plus a detailed map and real-time updates from the world's leading private intelligence gathering organization.

To purchase and immediately download the latest Intelligence Brief for the country -- Click Here