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Italy

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Italy Tours

Italy is a country of romance, of history, architecture, music, a centre of faith, home of the Rennaissance, and inspirational food and drink. The Alps in the North gradually descend to meet the lush green hilly country of the midlands which stretch towards the hot and dry South; less visited and generally less wealthy, but now welcoming more visitors. Dramatic coasts surround the vast majority of this phenomenal country that many visitors want to return to again and again.

The well preserved remains of the capital of the Roman Empire stand alongside modern Rome creating a city like no other with wonderful opportunities for exploration. From the Colloseum and Forum to St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museum, the city's fine art and architecture are arguably second to none. Famous fountains and squares sit amidst cosmopolitan shops and amenities.

Italy's cities each have a unique character with a wide range of attractions. Amongst the masterpieces housed in cathedrals, museums and galleries are Michaelangelo's 'David', and Boticelli's 'Birth of Venus' in Florence alone. Romantic Venice dates back to the Middle Ages and the entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is made up of over 100 islands and is famous for its canals and bridges, and of course its Gondolas and Gondoliers.

Exploring the hills and Apennine mountains of central Italy reveals picturesque villages and towns surrounded by beautiful countryside. Italy's coasts range from quiet unfrequented southern beaches to busy resorts further North, from the lagoon of Venice to the dramatic volcanic coast of Amalfi.

After a day of exploring or sightseeing, finding a local trattoria for a taste of Italy each evening is always a highlight. The Italians are, after all the masters of pizza and pasta, and a traditional gelatto during the day always refreshes things nicely too. As well as discovering ancient Roman history and beautiful scenery, why not also enjoy a visit to a vineyard, olive grove or cheese producer and sample their fares.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is it safe to visit Italy?

Italy is a safe country to visit. Violent crime is low, and tourists should only be concerned about petty crime and pickpocketing.

What is the official currency of Italy?

The currency used in Italy is the euro (EUR), which is subdivided into cents.

When is the best time of the year to visit Italy?

Italy experiences the best weather and moderate crowds during April, May, September and October.

Should you tip in Italy?

You are not expected to tip in restaurants in Italy. A service charge is sometimes added to the bill, ranging from 10-15%.

Can you drink the tap water in Italy?

The tap water in Italy is safe to drink, except in rural areas. In some parts of Italy, you can still see people drinking from local water fountains.

TOUR REVIEWS

There was a lot of communication from the beginning. The encounters staff was very responsive and the tour guide was great and very accommodating. Encounters was also able to help me with last minute changes to my itinerary while I was on the trip.

When a single women in her 50's, traveling from the US to Egypt, stumbles across a website offering a tour, and then they make her feel totaling comfortable about every step of the process, you know you've hit a homerun!

Ant provided excellent service. He always responded as quickly as he could, attending to the questions I had for him. He was also very patient and pleasant. I depended on his knowledge and service to make the trip.
I liked the service and the tour guide & driver on the tour. They were professional and provided very good service. I thought 1-2 hotels on the trip were not quite 4-star. It also happened that this group of people was always late for schedule and our walk pace was too slow. It really needs the guide to make people on schedule and be punctual for the activity. Overall I think the time management of this tour needs improvement.

Anthony has been amazing throughout my planning of my tour. He has been very quick in replying to my emails and always answering with everything I wanted to know. I look forward to hopefully planning my next trip through him next year!

Encounters Travel did such a superb job in organizing this tour. I had never heard of them before going on the Maldives Magic tour, however now I will recommend them to friends/family and use them for my future planned trips.
Our tour is what made the trip that much more memorable. Rather than being plopped at a westernized resort, we were able to get a taste of how the locals live, eat and entertain themselves. We stayed in quaint guesthouses on the islands amongst the locals, ate authentic Maldivian cuisine (one day even with a Maldivian family who made us breakfast), and viewed a traditional dance/singing performance which was absolutely delightful. This was a trip of a lifetime that I will never forget.

ratings

Italy Country Guide

Italy Country Guide Flag

Factfile


Time: GMT+2
Dial Code: +39
Area: 301,338 km2
Elevation: The lowest point in Italy is Le Contane, Jolanda di Savoia at -3.44m | The highest point in Italy is Monte Bianco, Courmayeur at 4,807m (15,771 ft.)
Population: 59,290,969 (2018)
Capital: Rome
Government: Republic, Parliamentary republic, Unitary state, Constitutional republic
Language: Italian

Italy, officially the Italian Republic, is a country located in Europe. Situated in the Mediterranean Sea, Italy borders with Switzerland, France, Slovenia, Austria, Vatican City and San Marino. The country has the largest population in Southern Europe and is the fourth-most populous EU member state.

Given its positioning in the Mediterranean and Europe, Italy has a rich history. Italy is believed to be one of the world's most culturally and economically developed countries. The economy of Italy has the 8th largest economy in the world and the third in the Eurozone.

There are 14 volcanoes in Italy, and Stromboli, Etna, Vesuvius and Vulcano are still active. The highest point in Italy is Monte Bianco (4,810 m or 15,780 ft.). The longest river is the Po (652 kilometres or 405 miles), which flows from the Alps on the western border with France and crosses over the Padan Plain, heading towards the Adriatic Sea.

The highest level of fauna biodiversity in Europe is in Italy. Over 57,000 species have been recorded. Species from the Middle East, Eurasia and the Balkans have also been recorded in Italy. The landscape in Italy is diverse, including central woodlands, the Apennines and the Alps.

The climate in Italy is diverse and is influenced by the mountainous landscape and the peninsula. Italy has a mainly temperate seasonal and Mediterranean climate. Italy is the top wine producer in the world, and is also popular for its olive oil, grapes and lemons.

Highlights

  • Tuscany - a region in Central Italy known for its beautiful landscapes, museums and wines.
  • Florence - the capital of Tuscany with many masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture.
  • Rome - the capital of Italy, with nearly 3,000 years of globally influential art and culture.
  • Venice - the capital of the Veneto Region built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon.
  • Pompeii - an expansive archaeological site in the Campania Region, with excavated ruins.
  • Naples - a city on the bay of Naples, nearby the still active Mount Vesuvius.
  • Piedmont - Italy's second-largest region at the foot of the Alps, known for its cuisine and wine.
  • Sicily - the largest Mediterranean island with a collection of historical sites.

Tips

  • It's a good idea to carry cash, as some hotels and restaurants only accept it.
  • Learn a few phrases of Italian so that you can speak to the locals.
  • Bring a sturdy pair of shoes for walking on the streets and in the countryside.
  • When visiting a church, cover your shoulders, torso and thighs to be respectful.
  • The locals eat later in the evening, so expect to eat dinner after 7pm.
  • Some restaurants require a cover charge, and this can vary in cost.
  • There are no laws prohibiting smoking in public places, although smoking indoors is frowned upon.
  • Avoid shopping and dining in the main tourist areas, as the prices are higher.

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