Explore Italy

Taste the freshest buffalo mozzarella, revered for its creamy texture and delicate flavor, often served simply with local tomatoes and basil.

Thin slices of veal (or sometimes pork) topped with prosciutto and sage, pan-fried and quickly cooked in white wine, its name means 'jumps in the mouth' for its flavor.

Roman-style pizza sold by weight or slice, characterized by its rectangular shape, light, airy dough, and wide variety of toppings, perfect for a quick, casual meal.

The Colosseum is an elliptical amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome, Italy, just east of the Roman Forum. It is the largest ancient amphitheatre ever built, and is the largest standing amphitheatre in the world. Construction began under the Emperor Vespasian in 72 and was completed in AD 80 under his successor and heir, Titus. Further modifications were made during the reign of Domitian. The three emperors who were patrons of the work are known as the Flavian dynasty, and the amphitheatre was named the Flavian Amphitheatre by later classicists and archaeologists for its association with their family name (Flavius).

The Trevi Fountain is an 18th-century fountain in the Trevi district in Rome, Italy, designed by Italian architect Nicola Salvi and completed by Giuseppe Pannini in 1762. Standing 26.3 metres (86 ft) high and 49.15 metres (161.3 ft) wide, it is the largest Baroque fountain in the city and one of the most famous fountains in the world.

The Pantheon is an ancient 2nd century Roman temple and, since AD 609, a Catholic church called the Basilica of St. Mary and the Martyrs in Rome, Italy. It is perhaps the most famous, and architecturally most influential, rotunda.

Italy's Christmas season runs from Dec 8 (Immaculate Conception) through Jan 6 (Epiphany/La Befana). Elaborate nativity scenes (presepi), Midnight Mass and festive markets define the season. Rome's St. Peter's Square hosts a giant Christmas tree and nativity. Key foods: panettone, pandoro, struffoli.

Italy's biggest religious holiday. Observed nationwide with Pasqua (Easter Sunday) and Pasquetta (Easter Monday — the traditional outing/picnic day). Every Italian city has processions. Traditional Easter foods: agnello (lamb), colomba pasquale cake, Neapolitan pastiera. 'Natale con i tuoi, Pasqua con chi vuoi' ('Christmas with family, Easter with whoever you like').

The world's oldest film festival, founded in 1932, the Venice International Film Festival is the opening salvo of awards season. Held on the Lido island each August-September, it premieres some of the year's most significant films and awards the Golden Lion, attracting global stars who arrive exclusively by vaporetto and water taxi.

These crunchy, twice-baked almond treats pair perfectly with a glass of Vin Santo.

Pick up a bottle from the nearby hills to savor the region's signature Sangiovese grapes.

Tuscan tanneries provide soft, durable hides that age beautifully over many years of use.