Italy holidays

Italy is renowned for its food. Dine on authentic stone-baked pizzas, topped with locally sourced cheeses and sumptuous tomatoes, tuck into pasta handmade by culinary experts or try out gelato in a variety of flavours on a warm day. Look for cacio e pepe on the menu, a pasta dish which roughly translates to cheese and pepper. It’s definitely a comfort food and is particularly delicious when accompanied by a carafe of local red wine. You’ll also see cafes and bakeries serving suppli, a tasty snack consisting of rice and cheese which is then deep-fried.

The beaches in Italy vary greatly from powdery sand in Tuscany to pebbled stretches in Liguria. Head to Viareggio beach in Tuscany to enjoy the uniformity of the white and blue striped umbrellas on the soft yellow sand. It could be one of the neatest and cleanest beaches you’ll ever enjoy. If you prefer your beaches a little more on the rustic side, instead opt for Capo Testa beach in beautiful Sardinia. This stretch of sand features large rocks to sit on and look out to sea as well as incredible spots to swim and a rugged mountainous backdrop.

Wherever you decide to journey to, you’ll find something incredible to fill your day with. Whether you’re a sun worshipper looking for a relaxing break or a culture vulture looking to revel in the culture and history of the place, Italy has something to offer. Here are just three incredible things to do, during your stay.

Explore the Vatican in Rome: Rome itself is a must-visit when considering a trip to Italy. The capital is a wondrous location with something new to discover around every corner. One destination to make a beeline for is the Vatican building. A city in its own right, explore the halls of the building, taking in the magnificent artwork and relics that have been gifted to the Vatican or left behind in Rome. You’ll eventually reach the Sistine Chapel, take a moment to marvel at the intricately painted ceiling.

Ride a gondola in Venice: Heading to the city on stilts? A visit wouldn’t be complete without spending time in one of the famous gondolas on the water. Glide along, soaking up the sights of the city and get from place to place with ease.

Explore the ruins of Pompeii: Located near Naples, this once great city was engulfed by volcanic ash when Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD 79. You can book onto a tour of the site, which features exhibitions that tell visitors more about how Pompeii would have originally looked and features relics that were encased by ash and pumice and preserved.