Comparison of temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Catania | 11 | 13 | 17 | 18 | 23 | 27 | 29 | 29 | 26 | 20 | 17 | 13 |
| London | 8 | 8 | 11 | 15 | 18 | 20 | 22 | 22 | 19 | 17 | 12 | 8 |
General note:
Below is an information overview. The conditions of entry, as well as the political and health situation, can change anywhere in the world at any time. We therefore recommend checking the website of the Foreign Office (www.gov.uk) before your departure.
Geography:
The Italian mainland is located in southern Europe on the Apennine Peninsula. There are also several islands in the Mediterranean Sea, the largest of which is Sicily.
Form of government:
Republic, parliamentary democracy with a bicameral system.
Capital:
Rome
Religion:
Predominantly Roman Catholic, with some Muslim and Protestant communities.
Language:
The national language is Italian.
Climate:
The climate in Italy varies greatly from north to south. The north has a harsh climate with very cold winters and very warm summers with high humidity. The climate in the centre is temperate, while in the south and on the islands, winters are always mild and summers are very warm and humid.
Electricity:
Electricity in Italy is supplied at a voltage of 230 V and in the form of alternating current with a frequency of 50 Hertz. The sockets comply with European standards. An adapter is required.
Local time:
Italy is in the Central European Time (CET) zone, with summer and winter time changes. This means there is a time difference of +1 hour to the UK all year round.
Telephone calls:
The dialling code for long-distance calls from the UK to Italy is 0039 (+39). For calls to the UK, dial 0044 (+44). The 0 before the area code is omitted in both cases.
Country and people:
Sicily fascinates with its rich history and diverse culture. At the lively fish market ‘A‘ Piscaria’ in Catania, you can experience fresh seafood and the warm hospitality of the locals. Traditional ceramic art bears witness to original craftsmanship and can be found in many forms in towns and villages. In addition to its fascinating history, shaped by a wide variety of cultures, and its sights, the island also offers breath-taking landscapes – from the majestic Mount Etna to picturesque beaches. The influence of past civilisations can be felt in the architecture, art and cuisine, making Sicily a unique destination where antiquity meets modern life.
It is customary to tip in Sicily. Similar to America, it is part of the income for service professions. It also symbolises recognition for the service provided. You can leave approximately £4.50 per room/week for the chambermaid. In restaurants, around £2 p. p. is customary. Tips are not given in shops. For group tours, around £8.50 p. p./week is recommended for the tour guide and £4.50 p. p./week for the bus driver. Of course, it is up to each individual to decide whether and how much to tip.
Entry requirements for British citizens:
If you are planning to travel to an EU country you must meet the Schengen area rules. Your passport must be:
• Less than 10 years old on the day you enter (check the ‘date of issue’)
• Valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)
You can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. Check your passport is stamped if you enter or exit the Schengen area through Italy as a visitor. Border guards will use passport stamps to check you are complying with the 90-day visa-free limit for short stays in the Schengen area. If relevant entry or exit stamps are not in your passport, border guards will presume that you have overstayed your visa-free limit. If your passport is lost or stolen, you must renew your passport or apply for an emergency travel document.
From 12 October 2025, the European Union’s new Entry / Exit System (EES) will begin. When travelling into and out of the Schengen area, for short stays, you may need to:
• Have your fingerprints and your photo taken
• Answer the Schengen Border Code questions
EES may take each passenger a few extra minutes to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border once the system starts. For more information, please visit: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/pub
Nationals of other countries are advised to enquire at the Embassy of Italy about the entry requirements applicable to them. Whilst we endeavor to provide guidance where necessary, we cannot be responsible for any problems encountered (whether at any point of entry or elsewhere) in the event that passport and visa requirements are not satisfied. For more information, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/
Tour guide:
Your expert tour guides will be able to provide you with detailed information about the country, people, history, culture etc., and offer advice and assistance for organising your trip. They can also help with room allocation and look forward to welcoming you with initial information. Here you will find out all you need to know and useful information about the trip. We have put together a varied programme including numerous highlights, enabling you to experience the culture and diversity of landscape that Sicily has to offer, and learn all about the country and its people.
Additional packages:
Although your trip already includes a comprehensive package, you also have the option of choosing added extras. We recommend booking the following packages:
Gourmet package: The package includes 7x a 3-course menu with typical regional dishes (drinks not included): only £149* p. p.
Explorer package: The package includes two full-day excursions: ‘Caltagirone & Piazza Armerina with Villa del Casale (World Heritage)’ and ‘Etna panorama train ride, city of 100 churches & Alacantara Gorge’ as well as a ‘guided tour of Taormina including admission to the Greco-Roman theater’: only £199* p. p. * Package prices may vary when booking on site.
City tax:
A state tourist tax of approximately €3 (approx. £2.50) p. p./night is also payable on site (as of September 2025).
Currency:
Italy is a member of the European Monetary Union; therefore the currency is the Euro. Exchange rate (September 2025): 1 GBP = 1.16 EUR; 1 EUR = 0.87 GBP.
Banks/Credit cards:
Purchases can be made both in cash and with the most common credit cards. This payment system is typical in Italian shops, usually, the symbols of the accepted credit cards are displayed at the entrance of the shop. When paying with a credit card, the presentation of an ID card is required. In banks, traveller‘s cheques (in dollars or euros) are also exchanged. Cash withdrawals at ATMs are also possible with an EC / Maestro card. However, high fees from the respective bank may apply under certain circumstances. For further information on using your bank cards abroad, please contact your bank.
Customs regulations:
The amount of tobacco and alcoholic beverages must be declared and the corresponding taxes must be paid if you are carrying the following amounts or more: 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars, 250 grams of tobacco, 1 litre of alcoholic beverages with a strength of more than 22%, 2 litres of alcoholic beverages with a strength of less than 22%, 4 litres of wine and 16 litres of beer. You can only carry the medicines you need, and they must be accompanied by a copy of the prescription or medical report.
If you are taking cash or pay-to-cash cheques in euros or other currencies, or prepaid cards not linked to a bank account and / or certain gold items, or a combination thereof, totalling an amount equal to or exceeding €10,000 (approx. £8,500) into or out of the EU, you must fill out a declaration (in person or electronically) and present at Customs on departure or entry.
Your purchases should not exceed €430 (approx. £375) per person if you are travelling by sea or air. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. More detailed customs information on importing goods can be obtained from the embassy of your destination country. Only there will you receive legally binding information.
Important: If you are travelling to Great Britain from outside the UK, your personal allowances mean you can bring in a certain amount of goods without paying tax or duty. If you go over your allowances you must declare all your goods and pay tax and duty on all the goods in that category. Please inform yourself about the current customs regulations: www.gov.uk/bringing-goods-into-uk-personal-use/arriving-in-Great-Britain.
Country-specific safety advice:
Italy is located in a seismically very active zone, which is why earthquakes occur frequently. Mount Etna in Sicily is the most active volcano in Europe and has recently been showing signs of minor eruptions, some of which have led to disruptions in air traffic.
Crime: Especially in tourist centres, caution is advised against pickpocketing and petty crime. In particular, cases of fraud should be mentioned, in which tourists are distracted (e.g.) and then robbed by accomplices. Therefore, as with any holiday trip: Carry only the bare essentials with you when going for a walk. Large amounts of cash and original identification documents should be left in the hotel safe from the start. If at all, carry secure (PIN protected) credit cards. Take photocopies of your documents with you on your trip. Alternatively, the files can be saved on your private email.
Special criminal provisions:
Taking sand and shells from beaches is prohibited in Italy.
Medical information:
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC – https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries) on the Travel HealthPro website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. Prior to travelling, seek personal advice from travel health advisory centres, tropical or travel medicine specialists, and adjust your vaccination protection accordingly.
Medical care:
The quality of medical care in Italy is generally satisfactory. British citizens require a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access state-provided healthcare in Italy, covering emergency and medically necessary treatment for temporary stays. While emergency care is often free, other services like specialist referrals or prescription medicines may require a local fee, known as a ‚ticket‘. You can also contact your health insurance company for information on current regulations.
It is strongly recommended to take out international health insurance with the option of medical repatriation to the UK.
Customers must ensure that they are in good physical and mental health in line with the trip in question. Customers must enquire about the physical mobility and psychological autonomy required for this trip.
All information is subject to change/Last updated: September 2025
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