49 Reasons You Need To Book Your Dream Italy Vacation Right Now

Commanding a long Mediterranean coastline, Italy is an extraordinary feast of heart-thumping, soul stirring art, food and landscapes, which is always close to the top of most American’s bucket list of destinations to visit on vacation. A relatively small country (it’s less than half the size of Texas), Italy has no less than 49 UNESCO World Heritage sites, more than any other country in the world.

Top places to visit in Italy

The capital Rome remains one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Europe, and is the perfect place to start. It’s also home to the Vatican City, the world’s smallest sovereign state and official residence of the Pope. The floating city of Venice is like no place on earth, and Florence really is the birthplace of the Renaissance. Milan is the county’s second largest city, home to some of the most celebrated fashion houses in the world as well as one of the world’s renowned opera houses La Scala.

When to visit Italy

The climate varies throughout the different regions and the seasons. The northern part experiences longer and colder winters, and milder but humid summers and wetter weather. In the south expect temperatures in the 90s in July and August. The central regions of Italy, Tuscany, Umbria and Lazia tend to have the best weather regardless of the season.

Getting there

A number of airlines fly directly to Italy and many others through their European hubs. Sonline for availability and prices.

Visa and passport requirements

Italy is a member of the European Union, so Americans don’t usually need a visa or other entry requirements unless you plan to work or stay longer than 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of departure and have two blank pages for the entry stamp.

• Fast facts about Italy
• Capital: Rome
• Currency: Euro
• Population: 59.83 million
• Dialing code: +39
• Neighboring countries: France, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia