Italy's currency is the euro, the main European currency used by many countries in the Eurozone. Before adopting the euro, Italian money was known as the lira. Today, Italy uses euro coins and euro notes. The adoption of the euro has simplified travel within Europe, ensuring a unified currency system across many European countries. Italy's rich history is often reflected in the design of its euro coins, celebrating its cultural heritage and notable landmarks.

Italian food, a symbol of rich cultural heritage is admired globally for its exceptional flavour profiles, traditional cooking methods and high quality. Some of the world's most famous Italian dishes include traditional Italian pasta, Italian pizza and Italian focaccia. For dessert, Italian tiramisu is the chefs-kiss. A culinary adventure of deliciously authentic dining, paired with specialty wine sampling, awaits you on our Treasures of Italy 'Business Class' tour.

Hot, dry summers and mild winters - this is Italian weather in a nutshell. The weather in Italy varies from north to south. In northern areas like Venice, Verona and Milan, expect temperatures of 24°C (75F) in summer and 8°C (46F) in winter. The mediterranean climate in the South in destinations including Naples and Sicily is warmer and drier. Temperatures of 27°C (80°F) in summer and 15°C (59 °F) in winter are expected. In any climate, you'll be traveling in style with Insight Vacations.

The best time to travel to Italy depends on your preferences. Italy in spring and autumn offer mild weather and fewer crowds. Italy in April and May is perfect for outdoor exploration. Cool down with an Italian Gelato in Italy's summer months which a hot and lively. Italy in September and October is ideal for enjoying warm weather and autumnal scenery. Learn more about our Year Round Savings and discover all the ways you can save throughout the year with Insight Vacations.

Tipping in Italy isn't as customary as in other countries and when travelling with Insight Vacations, certain tips and gratuities are already included in your tour package. Baggage handling at hotels, service charges and tips for hotel waiting staff (for included meals) will be taken care of by your Travel Director. There are a few instances where individual tipping is welcome, such as tipping your tour guides in Italy, tipping local hosts and when you're dining at restaurants on your own. If you're wondering how much tip? Around 10-15% is customary in restaurants.

Italian wine is produced in every region of italy. Discover Montepulciano and Chianti from Tuscany wineries or try Piedmont wine including Barolo and Barbaresco, another region for wine lovers to explore. Sicily's vineyards produce distinctive wines influenced by the island's volcanic soil. Travel through the stunning northern Italian countryside on our Italian Elegance 'Business Class' tour, to one of the world’s most breath-taking wine regions, Conegliano Veneto, renowned for Italy’s most prized sparkling wine, Prosecco.

Drinking tap water in Italy is generally safe. The country has strict sanitary control standards, making Italy's tap water safe to drink in most areas. At Insight Vacations, we know that dining is at the heart of every great journey. Learn more about meals and beverages on your Insight Vacations here.