See Europe in April for milder temperatures and lighter crowds, making it more comfortable to navigate around and enjoy the historical cities. Late summer/early autumn travel in September and October offers similar benefits.

Carbonara in its birthplace, Rome; seafood risotto in Venice (made from the freshest catch from the surrounding lagoon), and Sicily's famous cannoli. Not to mention a classic Margherita pizza in Napoli.  (Is it obvious that I’m partial to Italian food?!)

Definitely drink coffee in Italy, but keep in mind that when you order a "coffee," you will get an espresso. If it's a long coffee with water you're after, you will need to ask for an Americano. And to really do as the locals do, don't order a cappuccino after midday.

Discover Italy’s traditional trulli houses in Alberobello, explore the birthplace of the Sicilian cannoli in Palermo, and taste this famous pastry at a market inside a local nunnery. Wander through the centuries-old stone house museum in Matera, and swim in the crystal-clear waters of Polignano.