Italy Insider Tips

Italy | Each year on August 15, Italy celebrates a national holiday called Ferragosto or Assumption Day; festivities include music, food, and fireworks, making this a good opportunity to visit the small villages.

Italy, Amalfi Coast | In Capri, Anacapri is less touristic, hence a more real, deal Italian feel. The single chair lift to the top of Mount Solaro is a fun experience and can be done from Anacapri, but you'll find all your high-end shopping in the village of Capri. Also, you will find the historical sights of Villa San Michele, built in the 20th century by a Swedish physician, the Roma Villa Jovis, built by emperor Tiberius, and the Blue Grotto on this side of the island.

Italy, Amalfi Coast | The towns of Praiano, Amalfi and Ravello are part of the World Heritage Site of the Costiera Amalfitana, meaning that they are protected by UNESCO to keep from being urbanized, to stay as charming as they have always been without the effects of tourism.

Italy, Florence | Let's be honest, you have been planning to try some gelato while in Florence. By far our favorite spot is Gelateria La Carraia. Right off the Ponte alla Carraia, Gelateria La Carraia offers both your classic flavors and some of their own inventions. Hands down our favorite flavor is Tiramisu. With the consistency of whipped creme, the gelato melts in your mouth leaving the fantastic flavor behind.

Italy, Rome | The Trevi Fountain's traditional legend holds that if visitors throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain, they are ensured a return visit to Rome. The coins are collected every night and given to an Italian charity called Caritas. They in turn use it on a supermarket program providing rechargeable cards to Rome's needy to help them purchase groceries.

Italy, Rome | Pope Francis declared an extraordinary Jubilee Year in 216. The Holy Year of Mercy began on December 8, 2015, with the opening of the special Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Additional Holy Doors at the basilicas of St. John Lateran, St. Mary Maggiore and St. Paul's Outside the Walls were also opened. The faithful believe that a walk through the Holy Doors offers forgiveness from sins. Jubilees have taken place every 25 - 50 years, with the last one being called by Pope John Paul II in 2000. ~ Rachel Brodie, Destination Marketing Manager

Italy, Rome | For a unique view of St. Peter's Basilica popular with the locals, visit the Knights of Malta Gate and walk to Garden of Oranges for incredible views.

Italy, Rome | As amazing as Saint Peter's Basilica is, it does have a tourist atmosphere. The Basilica of Saint Paul, located outside Vatican City, exhibits a similar grandeur to Saint Peter's but is more intimate. Our favorite aspect of the Basilica is the chronology of Popes, whose portraits line the ceiling. Those lucky enough to visit during a mass celebration are in for a treat.

Italy, Rome | When in Rome, eat like the Romans do with a visit to Trastevere, a small traditional Italian town, filled with great restaurants and locals who enjoy the traditional fare. ~ Rachel Brodie, Destination Marketing Manager

Italy, Rome | It's well known that the Vatican is a must see while in Rome, however I highly recommend a guided skip-the-lines excursion, lines can take all day, even in the low season and this will allow you easy entrance at your allotted time. Plus, the guides are outstanding and will share the history with you behind each painting and sculpture. They will also take some time in the beginning to cover the work of the Sistine Chapel because you are not allowed to speak once inside the chapel. ~ Rachel Brodie, Destination Marketing Manager

Italy, Venice | After this visit, I traveled to Venice via private transfer and public water taxi but had to walk to our hotel. I would make sure our clients take a private water taxi right to the dock of the hotel, rather than have to get out and walk farther to the hotel with their luggage. ~ Katie Thingstad, Destination Specialist

Italy, Venice | Not to be missed in Venice, Italy is the Redentore Feast. This annual festival typically takes place in June. The Redentore (Redeemer) Feast is a deeply felt celebration combining religion with entertainment. Enjoy a Saturday night fireworks display, attracting locals and visitors alike. A kaleidoscope of shades, lights and colors abound on the inimitable setting in St. Mari's Basin, lighting up the spires, domes and bell towers of the city.

Italy, Venice | San Clemente Palace Kempenski in Venice is a favorite family hotel in Venice. The hotel is located on its own island, offering an oasis from the hustle and bustle of the Venetian crowded streets, especially in the summer time. Rooms are quite spacious, especially when you consider European standards. There is a swimming pool and plenty of grass for children to run around and play. They have their own private water taxi, taking guests back and forth from Piazza San Marco (St. Marks Square) to the hotel. If clients have been shopping and may want to stay longer in the city before returning to the hotel, they can bring their bags down to the private water taxi and they will deposit them at the front desk where they will then be taken to the clients' room. It is about a 15-minute private water taxi ride between Piazza San Marco and the San Clemente Palace.

Italy, Venice | In Venice October through January is typically high water season and flooding is a possibility. The best times to travel to Venice would be late spring to early summer. ~ Steve Perry, Sales Training Specialist

Italy, Venice | The Venice Carnival is usually hosted from February to March with a variety of events including the Festa Veneziana on the water, Festa delle Marie - The Parade, Mestre Carnival Street Show, Best Mask Contests, Dinner and Ball and much more. Don't miss Canaletto and Venice at Doge's Palace with an exhibition dedicated to 18th-century Venice with lights and shadows unfolding through the rooms of Palazzo Ducale, in the story of an extraordinary century and its protagonist: Giovanni Antonio Canal, Canaletto.

Italy, Venice | The Westin Europa & Regina features spacious rooms with heavenly beds, separate room with corner closet, safe, mini-refrigerator and large flat screen TVs that offer a greater variety of American channels than other resorts we visited. The marble bathroom was spacious with a separate shower and tub. Restaurant La Cusina's has a great terrace with beautiful views of the Grand Canal on warmer days. Connecting rooms and private transfers are also available. I would recommend requesting a Grand Canal view since we were in a room that was facing other buildings and rooftops of nearby homes. ~ Christina Liang, Destination Specialist

Italy, Venice | The Piazza San Marco clock tower in Venice displays the time of day, the dominant sign of the zodiac and current phase of the moon. Find Venetian glass and signature masks along Mercerie shopping street.

Italy, Venice | Home to the famous Bellini cocktail and visited by countless storied celebrities and dignitaries, raise a glass to your fellow travelers at Venice's legendary hot spot, Harry's Bar, located on Calle Vallaresso.