Italy Car Rental

Guide to Italy

Geography

Italy’s mainland is a boot-shaped peninsula in southern Europe that meets the Adriatic, Tyrrhenian, and Mediterranean Seas while the northern part borders Austria, France, Slovenia, and Switzerland. Italy also comprises islands such as Sicily and Sardinia. Notably, the sovereign Holy See (Vatican City State) is completely encompassed within Italy.

Topographically, the country can be divided into three broad regions - the continental part, the peninsular part, and the insular part. Landscapes vary greatly across the nation, from alps to volcanoes to low-lying flatlands to islands.

Climate

Tourists from across the world travel to Italy wanting to experience its famous Mediterranean climate, but in reality, different regions experience varying microclimates. The northern part of Italy experiences an Alpine climate and sees a lot of snow in the winter. The in-lands experience hot and humid summers, with plenty of precipitation. The southern regions of Italy, which are closer to the coast, do indeed experience a Mediterranean climate that is characterized by hot and dry summers and cool and mild winters.

The best time to visit Italy is between May and October, as that is when the weather is most pleasant.

Culture

Italy has made several important contributions to the cultural landscape of Europe and the rest of the world. This peninsular nation has had a notable impact on art, architecture, language, religion, and cuisine across the world.

Although most of the population speaks Italian - the official language - different regions often speak their own unique dialects, including Sardinian, Neapolitan, Sicilian, Ligurian, Venetian, and Milanese.

Italians are generally very family-oriented and you’ll find that family gatherings tend to be large and loud, and dinners may last a leisurely 3-4 hours, if not more. They are warm and hospitable to visitors, and a friendly “Ciao” (Hello), “Buongiorno” (Good day), or “Buonasera” (Good afternoon) would go a long way.

Things to Do in Italy

See the Colosseum

The first stop for most visitors to the ancient capital of Rome is the iconic Colosseum. This grand oval amphitheatre dates back to 70-80 AD and, in its prime, could hold about 65,000 spectators viewing gladiatorial contests, executions, and reenactments of famous wars and dramas from Roman mythology. The Colosseum stands today as an iconic symbol of Roman imperialism and has been listed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Experience its open-air museum by taking special guided tours through its maze of tunnels, passages and cells deep beneath the arena floor where the intense spectacles once captivated the audiences of yesteryears. If you are visiting Rome between March to December, do plan to visit the Colosseum at night to see it delightfully lit up.

Throw coins into the Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is arguably the most famous fountain in the world. It is a large Baroque-style masterpiece carved out of glittering marble, featuring the Roman God Oceanus riding his chariot pulled by Tritons and several Hippocampus. The local legend says that throwing coins in the fountain ensures good luck and a return to the city. The fountain has been immortalized by many motion pictures, including Roman Holiday and La Dolce Vita. Also, visit at night to see this fountain divinely lit up.

See the world’s ‘only architecturally perfect building’

Do take time out to visit the architectural paragon, the Pantheon. A former Roman temple turned into a Catholic church, the Pantheon is actually the burial ground of many of Rome’s kings and prominent dignitaries. Built between 118 and 128 AD, this was the world’s largest dome for about 2000 years after completion and has even been called the world’s only architecturally perfect building. The oculus in the 43-metre dome is open to the sky and lets sunlight dreamily filter in.

Explore Vatican City

Did you know that Italy holds a small country within itself? The Vatican is an independent city-state, best known for being the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. Start at the Piazza di San Pietro, designed by Bernini, and make your way towards the magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica, arguably the most celebrated and revered religious building in the world. It has a lavishly designed front façade and is crowned with statues of Jesus and the Apostles. The architecture inside is absolutely otherworldly and it is worth spending at least half a day exploring some of the best - and most valuable - art collections on earth. Then head to the Sistine Chapel, which boasts Renaissance frescoes painted by the maestro Michelangelo himself.

Fall in love in Venice

Universally considered one of the most romantic cities in Europe, Venice is best experienced atop a gondola as you slowly glide through its winding canals with a special someone. You can find many gondoliers in their striped shirts and straw hats gathered along the Grand Canal by the Doge’s Palace and at Rialto Bridge. As you venture into secret side canals, you can witness local artisans at work, making glass and pottery. In the evening, canal-side restaurants twinkle and glimmer invitingly as they beckon you for a romantic meal. While you’re in Venice, do visit St. Mark’s Basilica, one of the best surviving examples of Byzantine architecture.

Dive deep into history in Florence

Along with Rome and Venice, the historic town of Florence also attracts millions of visitors every year. While you’re here, do not miss exploring the world-renowned Uffizi Art Gallery located adjacent to Pizza della Signoria in the town centre. The gallery displays some of the most riveting paintings from the Renaissance period including works by greats like Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, and Botticelli. Look out for Botticelli’s Primavera and Birth of Venus which depicts the arrival of the goddess of love on earth, as well as Filippo Lippi’s famous Madonna and Child.

Eating Out in Italy

Italian cuisine is Mediterranean in nature and consists of ingredients, recipes, and cooking methods developed across the Italian Peninsula since time immemorial and spread across the world through the Italian diaspora. It is also known for its regional diversity. From the top of the boot in Milan to the tip of the toe in Sicily, there is a wide array of specialities to choose from which go beyond pizza and pasta. Traditional Italian cuisine is characterized by its simplicity with many dishes having only two to four main ingredients.

Ragu Alla Bolognese is the national dish originating in Bologna. It is actually a sauce made from tomatoes, minced beef, garlic, wine and herbs. It is served with different kinds of pasta such as spaghetti, tagliatelle, pappardelle, and fettuccine, among others. Some authentic food items that you should try while in Italy include Focaccia, Spaghetti, Lasagne, Gnocchi, Risotto, Ravioli, and, of course, Pizza. Head to the city of Naples, the birthplace of pizza, for authentic wood-fired pizza.

Some of the best-loved restaurants across Italy are: La Pergola in Rome, Club del Doge Restaurant in Venice, Combal.Zero in Rivoli, Enoteca Pinchiorri in Florence and Osteria Francescana in Modena.

Italy Transport

Airport

Italy has a number of international airports, of which the most trafficked and best-connected is Rome Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO). You can also get direct service to cities like Milan, Florence, and Naples from other cities in Europe or take a domestic connecting flight from Rome if travelling from abroad. The flag carrier and national airline of Italy is Alitalia.

Getting around

Italy has a high-speed rail network that connects all major cities from Rome to Naples to Milan and Turin. In addition to 86 intercity trains running within Italy per day, there are also regional trains operated by Trenitalia. Metro systems are available in major cities like Milan, Rome, Naples, Turin, Genoa, Catania, and Brescia. Italy also has 11 rail border crossings over the Alpine mountains with her neighbouring countries. Buses are plentiful and are cheaper than trains for travelling in mountainous and remote areas.

Car rental is also a popular option among visitors to Italy due to the convenience and flexibility it offers. If you are travelling in a large group, consider opting for a 7 seater or 9 seater van. Prebook with Enjoy Travel for the best weekend deals.