Sample River Cruise

It is easy to understand why Italy is one of the world’s most celebrated tourist destinations. This is a country that truly has it all: exquisite landscapes, an abundance of art and architectural treasures, world-renowned museums, and a national obsession with decadent food and fine wine. Not to mention the country’s sun-kissed olive groves, glacial lakes, fiery volcanoes and snow-capped peaks. Dive the clear green waters of the Mediterranean, browse the market stalls in Naples or experience the diverse wildlife inhabiting the country’s national parks. And if you find the vast range of choices overwhelming, take some advice from the locals: sit back, relax and take a moment to indulge in the “la dolce vita” (the good life). As they say: when in Rome!

Currency

Local currency: Euro
Symbol: €
ISO code: EUR
Subunit: Cent
Banknotes: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200
Coins: 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1, €2

Banking

Card Transactions: Yes
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: Yes
Diner’s club: Yes

Banking Hours:
Hours vary by bank and branch:
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Weekends: Closed
Public Holidays: Yes (Limited hours)
Foreign exchange services: Yes

Air:

Note: Most Italian airports serve both domestic and international routes; these categories indicate their main role for travellers.

Ryanair, easyJet, ITA Airways

Major International Airports: Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (Rome), Malpensa Airport (Milan), Linate Airport (Milan), Milan Bergamo Airport (Milan), Marco Polo Airport (Venice)

Regional Airports: Florence Airport, Turin Airport, Cagliari Airport, Pisa International Airport, Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport, Brindisi Airport, Verona Airport

Domestic/Regional Hubs: Naples International Airport, Catania–Fontanarossa Airport, Palermo Airport, Bari Airport, Bologna Airport

Road:

Driving on the: Right
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: No
Valid International Driver's License needed: For a non-EU traveller, Italy's official tourism guidance says an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
E-hailing services: Yes

Bus:

Inter-city bus services: Yes
Local city bus networks: Yes

Rail:

Railway system: Yes
Subway System: Yes

Water:

Ferries: Yes
Water taxis: Yes
Leisure cruises: Yes

Food and water safety:

Can you drink the tap water: Yes
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes
Ice: Yes
Meat: Yes
Street food: Yes

Local cuisine:

Italian cuisine is celebrated globally for its diversity and flavours. From pasta dishes like spaghetti carbonara and lasagna to pizzas with various toppings, Italian food delights the palate. Risotto, gnocchi, and antipasti are also popular. Italy is renowned for its wine, with varieties like Chianti and Barolo. Limoncello, grappa, and espresso are notable local drinks.
Tipping: Not expected, but rounding up the bill is appreciated.

Annual rainfall: Varies by region

Average temperature: Varies significantly by region. Please note that this indicates a general overview; temperatures can vary considerably and periods of extreme weather, including heatwaves, can occur. Check temperatures for your specific destination before travelling.

Northern Italy
Summer: Highs 24.4°C | Lows 10.1°C
Winter: Highs 9.9°C | Lows −2.7°C

Southern Italy
Summer: Highs 29.6°C | Lows 17.2°C
Winter: Highs 14.9°C | Lows 5.8°C

Best time to visit:

The best time to visit Italy is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and crowds are fewer.

Spring and Summer 

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 

Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes 

General 

Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Fringed by the North Sea, the Netherlands is a country in northwestern Europe known for its colourful tulip fields, windmills, UNESCO- listed canals and endless cycling routes. More than half the country lies below sea level, and these famed Dutch windmills have helped to pump water over the dykes since the 13th century. The Netherlands boasts one of the most striking coastlines in Northern Europe. Visitors can look forward to exploring the beautiful capital of Amsterdam featuring the Rijksmuseum, the famous Van Gogh Museum and the world-renowned Anne Frank’s house; cycle along almost 32000 kilometres of bike routes through the scenic flat-as-a-pancake landscapes, and visit one of the laid-back atmospheric cafes known for their cozy corners and warm conversations filling the air.

Currency 

Local currency: Euro 
Symbol: € 
ISO code: EUR 
Subunit: Cent 
Banknotes: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, €500 
Coins: 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1, €2 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: Yes 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: Yes 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 

Main airlines: KLM, Transavia 
International Airports: Amsterdam Airport Schiphol 
Domestic Airports: Rotterdam The Hague Airport, Eindhoven Airport 

Road: 

Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: No 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: Yes 

Water: 

Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Food and water safety: 

Can you drink the tap water: Yes 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: 

Dutch cuisine reflects its maritime history and includes dishes like stamppot (mashed potatoes with vegetables), bitterballen (deep-fried meatballs), and haring (herring). Notable local drinks include Dutch beer, jenever (Dutch gin), and Dutch liqueurs like advocaat. 
Tipping: 5-10% 

Annual rainfall: 700 - 900 mm 
Average temperature: 10°C 

Summer: 

Average highs: 22°C 
Average lows: 12°C 

Winter: 

Average highs: 6°C 
Average lows: 0°C 

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit the Netherlands is from April to October when the weather is mild and ideal for exploring cities and countryside. 

Spring and Summer 

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 

Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes 

General 

Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes