Italy is one of those destinations most people dream of visiting. Like Britain's London or France's Paris, all wanderlust-filled roads eventually lead to Rome.
From its ancient heritage draw-cards to its sublime Mediterranean-lapped beaches, there is just so much to check off during this European escape.
Start with this quick guide of things to know before you go.
Now that things are slightly less daunting – you also need to ensure you don’t make the biggest mistake most travellers do when visiting this country shaped like a stylish boot.
Selecting between the buzz of either its northern or southern regions, means first-time travellers should budget their time to avoid tripping themselves up when it comes to trying to see all the sights. Read more about it here.
If you’re inclined to do the high-season but want to miss the crowds, perhaps a bit of lake hopping across Como is just your thing, see this five-day itinerary here.
And from Italy’s own version of the Camino, known as the Way of St Francis to the high streets of Milan and the country’s must-do shopping experiences – there is bound to be something to suit every discerning South African traveller's taste.
It also helps that Alitalia has improved connectivity between Johannesburg and Rome – with sweet incentives for travellers on the cards – read more about it here.
Enjoy!
