Food & wine Updated 17 August 2026
Bologna's Food Valley: Parma, Modena and Emilia-Romagna
Where Parmesan, Parma ham, balsamic vinegar and ragu actually come from, and how to visit Bologna, Parma and Modena as one food-focused trip by train.
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Orange spritz lemons on the vine and a terrace over the bay with local guides to all of Italy waiting below
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Food & wine Updated 10 August 2026
Alba White Truffle Season: Truffle Hunting in Piedmont
When the white truffle season runs in Alba, how a real truffle hunt with a dog and a trifulau actually works, and how to build a Piedmont trip around it.
Trip planning Updated 30 July 2026
One Week in Italy, Routes That Work
Planning one week in Italy? Here are three routes that actually work, Rome with Florence, Venice with the north, or Naples and the Amalfi Coast, and why three cities in seven days wastes a day.
Sicily & Puglia Updated 29 July 2026
Alberobello and the Trulli: The Strangest Town in Italy
A whole district of conical stone houses: what trulli actually are, why they were built without mortar, how long the town takes, and where to see them without the crowd.
Rome & the Vatican Updated 29 July 2026
Colosseum Tickets: How the System Actually Works
Timed entry, limited release and a lot of resellers: what the standard Colosseum ticket includes, what the arena floor and underground add, and how to avoid paying twice for the same thing.
Transport & driving Updated 29 July 2026
Driving in Italy: What to Know First
Where a car is essential in Italy and where it is a mistake: motorway tolls, the autostrada driving culture, mountain and coast roads, fuel, parking colours and the paperwork you need.
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Common questions about visiting Italy
Common questions
When is the best time to visit Italy?
Spring (April to June) and September to October are the sweet spots: pleasant weather, golden light and reasonable crowds. July and August are hot and busy on the coast, while winter is great for the cities and lower prices.
How many days do you need for Italy the first time?
A week is enough for Rome, Florence and Venice on the high-speed train. Ten to twelve days lets you add the Amalfi Coast or slow down in Tuscany without rushing.
Do you need a car in Italy?
In the big cities no, the trains are fast and the ZTL zones make driving in the centre a headache. For Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, Puglia and Sicily a rental car opens up the villages and views at your own pace.
How do you avoid ZTL fines?
ZTL zones are limited-traffic areas in city centres, marked by a white sign with a red circle and filmed automatically. Do not drive into them, park outside the centre, and check your hotel is authorised if it sits inside the zone.
Where do you find the best food and wine in Italy?
Every region has its own signature: cacio e pepe in Rome, bistecca and Chianti in Tuscany, cicchetti and Prosecco in Venice, pizza in Naples and street food in Palermo. Our food and wine guides point you to the markets, trattorias and enotecas that locals actually use.
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