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Travel Guide for
Italy

Italy

Mediterranean, alpine in north

Introduction

Italy, nestled in southern Europe, is a treasure trove of ancient history, world-renowned art, and natural beauty. From the ruins of Rome to the romantic canals of Venice, each city offers stories that span centuries.

September brings pleasant weather—warm days and cool evenings, ideal for exploring. With a high budget, you can enjoy private vineyard tours in Tuscany, luxe stays on the Amalfi Coast, and Michelin-star dining. Traveling with friends, savor Italy’s vibrant nightlife, chic shopping, and unforgettable landscapes together.

Customized for these preferences:

Travel StyleTravelling with friends

Dates04-18 September 2025

BudgetHigh budget

AccommodationHotel, apartment or house, resort, villa, homestay

Interests and Activities:

outdoor adventuresnightlife and entertainmentsightseeing and toursfestivals and eventsarts and culturegastronomy

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Itinerary

Begin your Italian adventure by settling into your new surroundings, exploring vibrant city streets, and immersing yourself in local culture with your friends.

Evening Passeggiata in Trastevere

Start your Italian adventure by strolling through the charming cobblestone streets of Trastevere in Rome. Enjoy lively piazzas, artisan shops, and street performers—a perfect way to soak up the local culture with friends.

Wine Tasting at a Historic Enoteca

Delight in a curated wine tasting at one of Rome’s famous enotecas. Sample regional varieties and learn about Italian wine traditions with your friends, while savoring delicious local antipasti.

Winner 2026 Rome Twilight Trastevere Food Tour by Eating Europe

Winner 2026 Rome Twilight Trastevere Food Tour by Eating Europe

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Trastevere is a buzzing neighborhood filled with exciting nightlife, local favorite restaurants, and the city’s most authentic street food. Skip the line at some of Rome’s most iconic restaurants, enjoy wine tasting in spots that have stood for thousands of years, and finish your walking tour with the finest Italian gelato. Look no further: this is the best-selling and top reviewed food tour in the world. Experience for yourself what thousands of happy guests have raved about for more than a decade. Important Note: Every departure features 6–7 delicious stops through the charming streets of Trastevere, and every tour always includes a pizza tasting, a delicious sit-down pasta dinner, and authentic Italian gelato, along with other local specialties. Some itineraries may include renowned local favorites such as Spirito Divino or Da Enzo, however these restaurants are not included on every departure, and stops may vary based on availability to ensure the best possible experience.

4.9 (5717 reviews)

From $123 USD

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Key Facts

Location

Southern Europe

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Religion

Roman Catholicism

Population

58,958,000

Language

Italian, regional languages

Electricity

230V, 50Hz, Type C/F/L

Time zone

UTCCET (UTC+1)

Country code

+39

Internet access

Widespread, fast, affordable

Climate

Mediterranean, alpine in north

See More Italy Facts

Language:

Italian

  • hello

    ciao (chow)
  • goodbye

    arrivederci (ah-ree-veh-dehr-chee)
  • yes

    (see)
  • no

    no (noh)
  • how much

    quanto costa? (kwan-toh koh-sta)
  • please

    per favore (pehr fa-vo-ray)
  • thank you

    grazie (grah-tsee-eh)
  • excuse me

    mi scusi (mee skoo-zee)

Map

Logistics

Most travelers reach Italy by flying, with major airports in Rome, Milan, and Venice welcoming international flights from around the world. For those already in Europe, high-speed trains like the Frecciarossa and Eurostar provide comfortable, quick journeys from cities such as Paris, Zurich, and Munich. Private chauffeur services and luxury train options can add extra comfort for groups of friends with a higher budget.

You can also arrive by boat via luxury cruises docking in coastal cities like Venice and Naples, or charter a private yacht for a unique entry. September weather is usually pleasant, making all these travel methods reliable, and peak summer crowds have eased, so you’ll enjoy a smoother travel experience. Consider pre-booking VIP airport transfers and private tours for the most seamless and stylish trip.

Weather

Italy enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers, mild and wet winters, and pleasant springs and autumns. Northern regions get colder in winter and can see snow in the Alps, while southern areas remain warmer year-round. Coastal areas are generally milder than inland regions.

From September 4 to September 18, expect comfortable temperatures—usually between 20–28°C (68–82°F)—with cooler evenings and a chance of brief rain showers, especially in the north. Extreme weather is rare, though occasional storms are possible. This time of year is perfect for outdoor adventures, sightseeing, lively nightlife, harvest season gastronomy, arts events, and cultural festivals across the country.

Food & Drink

Italy is famous for its regional specialties—think Roman carbonara, Florentine steak, Sicilian arancini, and gelato everywhere. Key local drinks include espresso and aperitivi like Aperol Spritz. For fine dining, try Osteria Francescana (Modena), La Pergola (Rome), or Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia (Milan). Milan and Florence also offer lively rooftop bars and chic wine cellars.

Tipping isn’t mandatory; service (coperto) is often included, but leaving small change for excellent service is appreciated. Reserve in advance at renowned spots. Dietary needs are increasingly catered for, though gluten-free and vegan options are more common in larger cities. Enjoy long, leisurely meals—food is a celebrated, social experience in Italy.

A picture of Pizza

Pizza

Pizza is one of Italy's most famous and beloved foods. It features a thin, crispy crust topped with...

A picture of Lasagna

Lasagna

Lasagna is a classic Italian pasta dish consisting of layers of wide flat pasta, rich tomato sauce, creamy...

A picture of Risotto

Risotto

Risotto is a creamy and comforting Italian rice dish cooked with broth until it reaches a velvety consistency....

A picture of Tiramisu

Tiramisu

Tiramisu is a luscious and decadent Italian dessert made from layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone cheese, and...

A picture of Ossobuco

Ossobuco

Ossobuco is a traditional Milanese dish featuring braised veal shanks cooked with white wine, broth, and aromatic vegetables....

Accommodation

Italy’s best stays for friends on a high budget include five-star hotels like Rome’s Hotel de Russie or Milan’s Mandarin Oriental, both luxurious and centrally located. For a more authentic vibe, choose elegant villas in Tuscany, such as Villa Cora, or modern apartments in Florence’s Santo Spirito neighborhood—both ideal for groups.

Resorts along the Amalfi Coast (Le Sirenuse or Belmond Hotel Caruso) offer unmatched scenery and top amenities, while Lake Como's private villas and Venice’s palatial hotels are also exceptional. Use booking platforms like Booking.com, Plum Guide, or Airbnb Luxe for high-end options. For September 4–18, book early as it’s still high season in many popular Italian destinations.

Attractions

4.7 (158 reviews)
Gastronomic Street Food Tour of Catania

Gastronomic Street Food Tour of Catania

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Walking tour through the bustling markets and historical squares of the city centre of Catania to taste the best street food of the city. To visit Catania without savoring the amazing street food available at all hours, from dawn to night, would mean not to have a true vision of the city. The street food of Catania has a true cult following. The city is now a must for all gourmets and food lovers. You also have the option to choose the evening tour, departing at 5:00 PM. The tour begins with a visit to the Benedictine Monastery, followed by an aperitif featuring horse meat and wine at sunset in the historic setting of Ursino Castle before reaching Piazza Duomo to enjoy the traditional arancino. Finally, the sweet part of the tour will take you through a selection of Sicilian pastry delicacies, including the famous ricotta cannolo, cassatella, and almond paste during the winter months, or refreshing Sicilian granita during the summer months.

From $58 USD

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4.9 (10 reviews)
Half Day Catania Gastronomic and Cultural Tour from Taormina

Half Day Catania Gastronomic and Cultural Tour from Taormina

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Half-day tour to discover the city of Catania with its colors, flavors and noises of the most famous market ever: the Catania fish market "in Piscaria", a cross-section of the daily life of the people of Catania. Walking through the beautiful Piazza Duomo, we will enter the local fruit and vegetable market to admire the fantastic colors and taste some street food. Guided experience for culture, art and street food lovers!

From $59 USD

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4.9 (1480 reviews)
Bologna Food & Market Tour with Local Dishes, Pasta, Wines & More

Bologna Food & Market Tour with Local Dishes, Pasta, Wines & More

MANUAL
Free Cancellation

On our Secret Food Tour Bologna: we'll provide you with an unforgettable taste experience. We'll start with a traditional welcoming sweet. Then, we'll visit one of the oldest Salumeria of the city to learn more about the local meat products and the famous pastas. You'll enjoy: Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, Mortadella di Bologna and many more regional cold cuts in the oldest Osteria in the world with a glass of our local wine. Next we have planned a taste of fresh, handmade pasta made just for us at a local Trattoria, always with a glass of local wine (and a coffee, if you like it) Then we will visit the main local food market, called Quadrilatero, and we'll enjoy a tasting of different types of balsamic vinegar from Modena (8-12-25 years of aging) to discover how this amazing tradition is still deeply rooted in this region. Please note that we are not able to offer any gluten-free or vegan option yet. This tour is also not wheelchair-accessible.

From $77 USD

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5.0 (3 reviews)
Polignano a Mare : gastronomic experience from Bari

Polignano a Mare : gastronomic experience from Bari

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Discover Apulian culinary tradition with an authentic experience in the charming town of Polignano a Mare, located a short distance from Bari. During this experience, you can choose between two exclusive ways to discover the local cuisine: a practical Apulian cooking class or a guided street food tour through the historic streets of Polignano. The specific activity will be selected by Pugliamare based on availability. Those attending the cooking class will discover the secrets of traditional recipes, including the preparation of orecchiette. Guided by local chefs, you will discover the stories, techniques and cultural richness of Apulian cuisine. After the lesson, participants will enjoy the dishes they have prepared together. Alternatively, the street food tour offers a tasty journey to discover local specialties, allowing you to taste some of Puglia's most beloved delicacies. The tour includes a convenient pick-up service from Bari.

From $119 USD

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4.9 (1065 reviews)
Palermo Sicilian Street Food Tour: Small Group by Do Eat Better

Palermo Sicilian Street Food Tour: Small Group by Do Eat Better

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

The Do Eat Better Experience food tour is a walking tour around the historical center of the city. The tourist is guided by a Foodie, a local buddy able to explain every detail of the selected restaurants, their preparations, and the relevant history/curiosities. Do Eat Better Experience tours are a mix of high-quality gastronomy as a way of showing Italian culture and lifestyle and a walking experience together with a local friend. This is the reason why we accept small groups only: we want to focus on a genuine exchange and give to each tourist the highest attention possible. Please, note that the tour is always run in English and Italian; other languages upon request.

From $52 USD

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4.9 (274 reviews)
Homemade Pasta & Italian Dishes at Cooking School in Verona

Homemade Pasta & Italian Dishes at Cooking School in Verona

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

What makes our cooking class unique is the attention to every detail: from using professional tools and chef-quality aprons, to sourcing the freshest local ingredients, all in a historic Verona kitchen. Our fun and passionate chefs guide you through each step, making learning hands-on techniques enjoyable. You’ll also take home a carefully curated Italian recipes cookbook to recreate the dishes at home.

From $82 USD

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5.0 (756 reviews)
Rome Pasta Making Class with Italian Sauces and Wine Included

Rome Pasta Making Class with Italian Sauces and Wine Included

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Small groups pasta-making class with local chefs. In this masterclass, you'll be able to learn how to make the famous Italian handmade pasta and pair it with fresh sauces. You will make and cook ravioli, fettuccine, and spaghetti alla chitarra with three iconic Roman sauces made from scratch. Top quality products, selected wine during the whole experience, are our secret ingredients to make this experience so unique and special!

From $101 USD

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5.0 (1290 reviews)
Bari’s Ultimate Street Food Tour - Small Group by Do Eat Better

Bari’s Ultimate Street Food Tour - Small Group by Do Eat Better

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Discover Bari through its flavors on our Food Tour, a journey through the historic streets of the old town. Taste the dishes locals love, from fresh seafood and traditional Apulian specialties to excellent regional wines. Each stop is carefully chosen to introduce you to authentic Apulian culinary traditions, showcase the best local eateries, and create an unforgettable food experience. Your guide is a passionate local foodie, a friendly expert who shares insider tips, explains each dish, and tells the history and stories behind every bite. Do Eat Better Experience tours combine high-quality gastronomy with an immersive cultural walk, offering a true taste of everyday life in Bari. To ensure a personal, authentic experience, we welcome only small groups, giving every guest full attention. Please note: the tour runs in English and Italian; other languages available upon request.

From $58 USD

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4.8 (12 reviews)
Handmade Pasta making Class with Chef Antonio

Handmade Pasta making Class with Chef Antonio

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

I am a professional chef with many years of experience. I have worked even outside Italy. I am great expert of our gastronomy and expert of the traditional Bologna kitchen. We will enjoy preparing the Ragù typical Bolognese Sauce and two kind of handmade pasta: tortelloni and Tagliatelle. At the end I will send by mail all the slides of recipes we have done together. I will explain everything step by step to prepare these delicious dishes.

From $89 USD

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