Compare cheap Italy holidays

From pasta to Pompeii, Italy is packed with awesome things to see and do. Whether you’re seeking journeys through history or outdoor adventures, holidays to Italy can be as laidback or busy as you like.

Ancient Rome

Rome’s rich history is unrivalled. Start at the Colosseum, the spectacular amphitheatre built during the Roman Empire. Close to 2,000 years old, the arena hosted violent gladiator battles, theatre and public events.

Opposite the Colosseum, the vast Roman Forum was once the hub of day-to-day life in Rome. Today, you can explore the ruins of houses, temples and a basilica built by Julius Caesar.

Pompeii

Eerie and enthralling, this ancient city was buried after Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. The preserved ruins of full streets and buildings give you a unique insight into life before the tragedy. Guided tours are available and can help make sense of the city – casts of bodies, frozen forever make for uncomfortable yet intriguing viewing.

Sistine Chapel

Technically in Vatican City, the tiny city-state surrounded by Rome, the Apostolic Palace is the Pope's official residence and an art museum combined. Built in the 15th century, its interior walls and ceiling are adorned with frescoes painted by some of the Renaissance era's finest artists.

The best-known are works by Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel – the highlight is the ceiling fresco depicting nine scenes from the Book of Genesis. It’s crowded, but your view won’t be hampered as you’re looking up.

Florence’s galleries

In Florence's historic centre, the Uffizi Gallery showcases its celebrated collection of ancient sculptures and paintings by Botticelli, Michelangelo and Caravaggio, to name a few. This is the most visited museum in Italy, so book ahead to reduce queueing time.

To see sculptures by Michelangelo – the star of the show being the towering David – visit Florence's Accademia Gallery.

Eat and drink

Pizza and pasta only scratch the surface of Italy's cuisine. Food tour your way around and try authentic ragu in Bologna, pizza in Naples and spaghetti carbonara in Rome.

Pair your dish with a smooth glass of red from the rolling vineyards of Tuscany before finishing with a digestif of limoncello, the lemon liqueur from the Amalfi Coast. During a post-dinner stroll, give in to gelato temptation.

Escape to nature

Blessed with lakes, mountains and a long coastline, Italy has a diverse landscape. Explore the seaside villages of Cinque Terre on the Italian Riviera or the pretty towns hugging the stunning Amalfi Coast.

The lake district – Lakes Garda, Iseo, Como, Lugano and Maggiore – creates impressive package holidays with an air of Italian sophistication. For something more active, the Dolomites and Italian Alps have excellent hiking and skiing.

Late spring and early autumn are when Italy's weather is at its best. The sun shines, and temperatures are pleasant, sitting in the low 20s. There are still crowds in the popular spots but fewer than in peak summer. Ski season is roughly November to April.

The annual Carnival of Venice runs for about two weeks in February or March, ending on Shrove Tuesday. And of course, Milan Fashion Week draws the world’s fashionistas semi-annually in February/March and September/October. If you fancy a holiday around these times, it’s best to compare holidays well in advance of your break.

When is the cheapest time to visit Italy?

For a cheap holiday to Italy, consider travelling outside the peak season of May to September.

While cities like Rome and Florence draw tourists year-round, the best chance of getting a cheap deal is in late autumn or winter. The trade-off for fewer tourists and cheaper hotel rooms is the odd rainstorm and, especially in the north, chilly temperatures – winter temperatures can drop to single digits in January and February.

When should I go for the best weather?

Aim for May, June, September or October for a holiday in Italy – the weather is warm and dry, particularly in the south. Temperatures regularly rise above the 25C mark.

In the height of summer (July and August), average temperatures reach the 30s and the weather – and crowds – can be suffocating.