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Short TripsClose to HomeRound The WorldPerfect for...
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Download Italy Key FactsItaly...land of romance, Roman ruins and rustic retreats. Be the envy of your friends in Venice, feel the rush of Rome, feast your eyes on Florence and fall in love with the Italian Lakes on your gap year trip. Indulge your artistic side in the glorious galleries on a gap year Grand Tour through Florence, laze away your days by the lush Italian Lakes, or treat yourself to a trip to Tuscany. Whether you're seeking high art, cutting edge fashion, fine food, a hint of history or cosmopolitan charm, Italy has it all and more. Discover all the finest flavours of Europe on an inspirational Italian gap year trip.
Read more in our Italy Travel Guide.
Italy Trips and Tours
The Great European Journey
45 days from £4,688
5.0 7Go large with 15 countries over 45 days on our ultimate European adventure
This is the big one, with 15, yes 15 countries! From Istanbul to Amsterdam and Venice to Prague, you'll see some of Europe's biggest and best cities, as well as magical mountains, and the Greek islands. What are you waiting for?
Europe on the Rails
15 or 29 days from £1,919
5.0 3Discover Europe's top destinations by train!
Travel by train through seven beautiful European countries and get to visit some of the most famous and historic city destinations in the world.
Europe by Train
10 or 20 days
Europe's most iconic highlights by rail
Explore Europe the eco-friendly way with this amazing multi-country train trip. Choose from two trip durations and see the highlights of up to 9 countries with a group of like-minded travellers. Historic cities, beautiful landscapes, and lively nightlife are guaranteed!
European Escape
20 days from
4.5 1£3,149£2,204Discover the best of Europe on this 20 day group adventure
See the hidden gems and iconic sites of Europe on a fantastic 20 day combo-trip! Explore the cobblestone streets, thermal baths and baroque architecture whilst meeting like minded people!
Europe Express
10 days from £887
The best of Europe on one whirlwind tour
Short on time but want to see Europe's biggest hitters? Explore seven of the continent's hottest destinations over ten amazing days on this speedy group tour with hostel accommodation included.
More information
Italy Facts
Capital City
RomeCurrency
EuroLanguage
ItalianDialling Code
+39Plug Type
C, F and LItaly Highlights
Rome
The Eternal City makes a powerful impression. Home to the Colosseum, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Italy’s capital is a heady mix of alluring ancient ruins and classical architecture woven into the hilltops. Trace the historic footsteps of gladiators by day; dive into the sensational nightlife by dusk. When in Rome!
Venice
Venice's charm is one-of-a-kind. Picture yourself gliding along the canals on a traditional gondola, uncovering a labyrinth of backstreets packed with hole-in-the-wall gems or indulging in foodie traditions like Cicchetti (Venetian tapas), exclusive to this city. Experience everything that this unique destination has to offer on our Italy tours.
Milan
One of the “Big Four” fashion capitals of the world, Milan embraces the finer things in life. From rooftop bars to wellness spas and nightclubs for every vibe, this modern city is ten steps ahead. Shopping is a sport here, offering everything from designer labels to up-and-coming brands... you're sure to find a few souvenirs.
Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is all about living “La Dolce Vita” (“The Sweet Life”) and with views like these, it feels like second nature. Rocky cliffs, sapphire grottos, sunkissed little coves and a sugary Limoncello scent that fills the air… This slice of Mediterranean paradise is calling your name on our Italy trips. Aperitivo drinks at sunset await!
Pisa
Pisa’s iconic bell tower was never intended to be, well, leaning. But it turned out to be one of the happiest of accidents in disguise. Pisa is an unmissable day trip destination on our Italy group tours, so get your cameras out and optical illusion poses ready for taking photos with your new mates. The more creative, the better!
Florence
Cradle of the Renaissance, Florence is bursting at the seams with inspiration. Satisfy your wanderlust by exploring the city’s treasure trove of galleries with masterpieces proudly on display. Lose yourself in the live music and sink your teeth into the heavenly food scene, from sumptuous truffle to velvety gelato - it was actually invented here!
Cinque Terre
A string of colourful fishing villages along the Ligurian coast, Cinque Terre (“Five Lands”) promises adventure at each turn. Travelling the towns is one of the greatest joys, whether you’re taking the hiking trails by the ocean edge or a scenic train ride. When you’re not kicking back on a beach, be sure to try pesto pasta: a regional specialty.
Lake Como
There is something in the air in Lake Como. Pastel villages float around like little islands inside the picturesque valleys covered in forest. Stroll along the waterfront promenades’ stunning stretches, glide along the sparkling, sapphire waters or endlessly explore those cobblestone laneways, leading you to the cutest boutiques.
Naples
Get a taste of Naples on our Italy tours. Home to the best pizza in the world, mouthwatering street food that turns heads and an addictive café culture, Naples embodies everything to love about Italy. When you’re not soaking up the sunshine by the harbour, dig into nightlife. Who knew one of the oldest cities in the world could be so alive?
Vatican City
Looking to tick the smallest country in the world off your bucket list? The Vatican City is like a living museum housing some of the finest artwork in Europe - including Michelangelo’s legendary ceiling murals and the “Giudizio Universale” (“The Last Judgement”). Perfect for a day trip from Rome, the Vatican City has plenty of pinch-me moments.
Italy Travel Advice
Climate & Weather
Italy enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Temperatures can vary throughout the country, with the north enjoying generally cooler weather and even snowfall during the winter months. The north of Italy also tends to be more humid in the summer.
Average temperatures can vary depending on the time of year and destination. January is generally the coldest month, with temperatures ranging from 4°C in Venice to 10°C in Sorrento. Meanwhile, July through August is the hottest time of year, with temperatures averaging at least 25 to 30°C.
Best Time to Visit
The best time of year to visit Italy depends on your travel preferences. The spring and autumn months of April to June and September to November are generally recommended for slightly cooler temperatures, which are ideal for sightseeing. This time of year is also less busy as this is the “shoulder season”.
Summers in Italy are amazing if you are looking to enjoy the beaches and the sunshine. Winters can also be an incredible time of year for exploring Christmas markets or experiencing cultural traditions like Venice’s Carnival festival held in February.
Customs & Culture
The vibrant culture of Italy makes this destination truly unforgettable, from its celebration of the arts to its passion for food and family. Regional identities are deeply important; this makes Italy such an exciting country to explore because every destination is so different.
Visiting Italy is generally relaxed with similar customs to the UK. Punctuality is more relaxed here and affectionate greetings like kisses on the cheek are quite common. When visiting churches or religious sites in Italy, always dress modestly and ensure that your knees and shoulders are covered.
Passports & Visas
British passport holders can enter Italy without a visa for up to 90 days within an 180-day period as a tourist. Italy belongs to the Schengen area (a travel zone in Europe) and follows these rules. Your passport must have a date of issue less than 10 years before the date you arrive, as well as an expiry date of at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave the Schengen area.
You may be eligible to apply for a Global or European Health Insurance card through the NHS; this is free of charge, only takes a few steps and ensures you are entitled to necessary state healthcare in Italy. We recommend staying up to date with FCDO advice before you go travelling, as entry requirements and visa rules can be subject to change.
Health & Safety
At Gap 360, your safety and well-being are our top priorities. From the moment your trip is confirmed until you arrive back home, you'll have access to a 24/7 emergency contact number for any urgent issues. For anything non-urgent, our friendly team is also available during office hours to help.
We strongly recommend checking the FCDO advice for Italy, as it's regularly updated with the latest safety and travel information and you can even sign up for email alerts to stay informed of any changes. In addition, you can check the FCDO general travel advice for British nationals abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions
At Gap 360, our biggest priority is ensuring that travellers feel safe and supported on their adventures abroad. Before your departure on our Italy group tours, you will have access to our health and safety information with advice for your travels and country fact-files for Italy. You’ll also have access to a 24/7 emergency support number, operated by our UK-based team, to assist you while you're travelling. We always encourage travellers to do their own research before visiting a destination, or if you have any questions, we are just a message or phone call away.
While you can generally expect to pay similar prices to the UK while in Italy, it is more than possible to travel around Italy on a budget. Some of the best ways to do Italy on a budget is by visiting in the shoulder seasons, staying at hostels, taking public transport, drinking tap water and planning a stay around free Sunday (on the first Sunday of every month, lots of monuments and museums around the country are completely free to visit!).
The legal drinking age in Italy is 18. However, teenagers aged 16 or 17 can order fermented drinks such as beer or wine if accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Direct flights to Italy from London generally take less than three hours. The exact timings can vary slightly based on which city you fly into and how far south you travel in Italy. A direct flight from London to Rome takes roughly two and a half hours.
Italian is the official language of Italy. There are a variety of unofficial regional languages such as Veneto (Venetian), Napolitano (Neopolitan) and Siciliano (Sicilian) throughout the country. English is also spoken in Italy’s major cities and travel destinations.
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