There is so much to see and consider when planning a trip to Italy. This European country is known for its ancient architecture, fashion, stunning scenery, Mediterranean coastline, and of course, its food. Popular destinations in Italy include Rome, Venice, Milan, and Sicily, and with every city comes its own individuality. The countries of San Marino and Vatican City are enclaved within Italy, making it one of only two countries in the world to have a separate country within itself.

The Metropolitan city, Rome, is the capital of Italy. It is known for its impressive architecture and Roman cuisine. This city is home to the Colosseum, the largest amphitheatre built during the Roman Empire in 70 AD. The Colosseum is one of the new 7 Wonders of the World, located in the heart of Rome. When in Rome visit the Trevi Fountain as this is one of the most famous fountains in the world. Believe it or not, the fountain itself is made from the same material as the Colosseum! It is said that around €3,000 is thrown into the Trevi Fountain every day. Legend has it that tossing one coin into the fountain ensures a return visit to Rome, two coins mean you will return and fall in love, and three coins means that you’ll return, fall in love and get married! Here, you will also find the smallest country in the world, Vatican City, home to the Vatican Palace where the Pope resides.

The Floating City, Venice, in Northern Italy is built across over 100 mini-islands. Venice is known for its vibrant canals, stunning bridges, gondolas, and interesting shops. The City of Canals is divided into six districts, three on each side of the Grand Canal. It is important to let yourself get lost in Venice, which might not be too hard to do, as there are so many roads to wander through. You may find that some streets lead to dead ends leading to the water, but that is all part of the fun!

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, is home to white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and the beautiful Sicilian mountains. This destination is perfect for anyone who wants to escape reality and relax! In Sicily, you will find Mount Etna, the highest and most active volcano in Europe. Although, do not let this volcano put you off travelling here, as Etna is a closely monitored and safe volcano.

• Italian is the official language of Italy. Regional languages also exist in Italy, such as Sardinian, Sicilian and Lombard. In most tourist areas, English is also spoken.
• The currency in Italy is the Euro (abbreviated € / EUR).
• Major airports in Italy include Rome-Fiumicino International Airport “Leonardo da Vinci (FCO), Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), Falcone Borsellino Airport (PMO).
• Be aware of dress etiquette when visiting museums around Vatican City. It is respectful to cover your knees and shoulders, so long-sleeve shirts and long pants should be worn. Otherwise, you can buy plastic cloaks to wear over your clothes.
• In Rome, the capital of Italy, the hottest month is July. Summer months here have average at daily highs of 32°C/90°F and lows of 18°C/64°F. In colder months, Rome has average daily highs of 15°C/59°F and lows of 4°C/39°F.
• In the north of Italy, in places such as Venice, there are average daily highs of 28°C/82°F and lows of 18°C/64°F in summer months. In colder months, Venice experiences average daily highs of 7°C/45°F and lows of 1°C/34°F.
• Be careful of scams in tourist spots and look after belongings.
• In Italy, service charge is included in restaurant bills. Waiters may offer you bottled water, bread, or antipasto, but note that you will have to pay for this!
• The drinking age in Italy is 16 years of age. Shops cannot sell alcohol after 10:00pm.
• Italy drives on the right-hand side of the road.
• Italy uses two plug types; types C & F & L. Voltage is 230 V & frequency is 50 Hz.

Pompeii

Pompeii displays the infamous tragic story of the Mount Vesuvius eruption in 79 AD. This volcanic eruption destroyed everything in its path as it poured across the land and flowed quickly to the nearby city of Pompeii.

The morning of 24 August 79 AD began normally for the residents of Pompeii. However, as the day went on, Mount Vesuvius erupted dangerously, covering Pompeii with several feet of volcanic ash and rock. It was not until 1748 when a group of explorers were out searching for ancient artefacts and stumbled across the Roman town of Pompeii. The ashes that covered the town had acted as a preservative and underneath everything lied Pompeii as it was almost 2,000 years ago

The town once housed around 12 thousand people, nowadays over 2 million tourists visit this tragic beauty each year to explore how the people of Pompeii lived.

Visiting Pompeii is an eerie experience, as while you are in the city itself, you can see the volcano watching over that caused such destruction. Pompeii is a time capsule for Roman history, and a must-do for any historians, as this place is really one of a kind.

Address: Pompei, 80045 Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy

Coordinates: 40.746158, 14.498936