Best time to go to Italy
The climate in Italy is diverse, with the central and northern parts best visited during the spring, summer and autumn months. During winter, the Dolomite Mountains are a haven for skiiers. Further south than Rome, the coastal areas and the islands are a great year round destination, although travel in July and August can be very hot. The arts and opera seasons are generally at their peak outside of July and August, with the exception of Rome and Verona. In the major cities, such as Rome and Milan, August is very much a shut down month with many shops, offices and restaurants closing as Italians take their annual break. This does mean the cities are much less hectic and accommodation is often less expensive than during June or September.
Events
La Milanesiana
Jun - Jul 2010 (annual)
Milan
La Milanesiana is Milan's festival of international culture held all the way through the city, even on public transport. Writers, musicians, actors, film directors, scientists and other creative minds, some of whom are Nobel Prize winners, participate in meetings, screenings and concerts.
Ravenna Festival
Jun - Jul 2010 (annual)
Ravenna
Hosted at sites like the San Vitale Basilica and the Alighieri Theatre, the Ravenna Festival offers opera, drama, cinema and exhibitions.
Lucca Summer Festival
10 – 27 July 2010 (annual)
Florence
One of Italy’s biggest music festivals, drawing Italians from far and wide as well as international visitors for concerts in the piazza’s of stunning Lucca. This years line up includes Jeff Beck, Mark Knopfler, ZZ Top and Crosby Stills & Nash.
La Quintana
1 August 2010 (annual)
Ascoli Piceno, Le Marche region
Ascoli Piceno holds one of the best medieval festivals in the Marche, including a historic jousting tournament. The tournament is preceded by a huge parade with more than 1500 citizens, outfitted in impressive 15th century costumes, reviving the past to the sound of a steady drum-beat.
Tuscan Sun Festival
1-9 August 2010 (annual)
Cortona, Tuscany
The Tuscan Sun Festival is one of the top summer festivals in Italy, gathering famous artists and musicians. Lectures on wellness and cooking demonstrations are offered for the more inquisitive. Moreover, prepare yourself to be spoiled during the pre-concert receptions and art exhibitions by the wide range of Tuscan wines and locally made products.
Rome Opera at the Baths of Caracalla
8 Aug 2010 (annual)
Rome
A once in a lifetime experience, enjoying world class opera in the open air surroundings of the ancient thermal baths of Caracalla. Highlights this year include performances of Aida and Rigoletto.
Verona Arena Opera Festival
29 August 2010 (annual)
Verona
One of the “must dos” for any opera enthusiast is to view the spectacle of a performance within the Roman arena of Verona. Throughout the summer highest quality renditions of Aida, Carmen, La Traviata, Turandot and Madame Butterfly take centre stage.
Venice Film Festival
1-11 September 2010 (annual)
Venice
The Venice Film Festival is the oldest and most prestigious film festival in Italy. For already 67 years notable film makers have been competing for the desired Golden Lion award. Screenings are restricted for the under aged, however discounts are offered for those under 26 or over 60.
Regatta on the Grand Canal
5 September 2010 (annual)
Venice
The Venice Historical Regatta is an amazing competition, finding its origins back in the second half of the 13th century, and it’s deeply rooted into the history of Venice. Once the observers have witnessed the grand Regatta, they can enjoy the view of the countless boats of all sizes, packed with people rejoicing amongst all the noise and confusion. Also not to miss are the street-entertainers and other performers in he principal’s square.
Live Chess Match in Marostica
10-12 September 2010 (annual)
Marostica
Witness the re-enactment of a 15th century unusual duel. Why unusual? It’s not just a classic blood-shedding duel but a live chess game, where two gentlemen had fought for the hand of a lovely lady. Pink and White marble blocks are imbedded in the centre of Piazza Castello and form the Chess Board.
Symphonic Season
10 Sep 2009 - 20 Jun 2010 (various dates)
Auditorium di Milano
From September through to June La Verdi's Symphonic Season offers a rich programme of classical music at Milan's Auditorium. You would enjoy melodies by great composers such as Bach, Beethoven, Mozart and Vivaldi.
Ravello Festival
26 Sep 2010 (annual)
Ravello
Often referred to as the “Wagner Festival” nowadays the gathering is an array of music featuring large orchestras, chamber groups and jazz, enjoying the stunning backdrop of Ravello.
Eurochocolate
Oct 2010 (annual)
Perugia
Visit the city of Perugia, the home town of the celebrated bitter-sweet chocolate and hazelnut blend, Bacio Perugina. This chocolate festival is able to satisfy even the most insatiable craving, there is chocolate in every possible shape and form you could imagine. Furthermore, there is also Eurochocolate World, which looks at the socio-economic issues of chocolate production in the Third World.
International Festival of Contemporary Music
24 Sep - 2 Oct 2010 (annual)
Venice
The International Festival of Contemporary Music is a vital part of the Venice Biennale; this contemporary music festival presents concerts at various sites in the city. They focus on modern musical composition and include musical theatre, theatrical concerts, micro-opera, instrumental theatre, performance art and song.
Milan Fashion Week
Sept - Oct 2010 (annual)
Milan
Milan has a well-earned name for being the haute couture fashion hub of Europe, and a stroll around the centre 'fashion quarter' bordered by Via Monte Napoleone, Via Manzoni, Via della Spiga and Corso Venezia will have fashion maniacs crazing over the collections of Italian and global designers focused here.
Bologna City of Food
Oct 2010 (annual)
Bologna
Bologna City of Food Festival is relatively new, as it was held for the first time in 2003, however it is more than capable to impress you with the various Bolognese goodies, such as mortadella, tortellini, lasagne, tagliatelle, bollito misto (a soup cooked with seven kinds of meat, seven vegetables, and seven condiments), cotechino (a Piemontese pork sausage) and the cotoletta alla bolognese, a breaded veal cutlet, graced with cheese and truffles. Buon Appetito!
Alba International White Truffle Fair
Oct - Nov 2010 (annual)
Centro Storico, Alba
Alba enjoys the popularity of being the home town of the best white truffles, which are also believed to be far superior to the French pride, the black ones. The annual International White Truffle Fair in the town draws the attention of the best chefs in the world who gladly attend the venue, offering a truffle auction, a truffle market and a truffle fair.
Bologna Jazz Festival
Nov 2010 (annual)
Teatro delle Celebrazioni, Bologna
Take pleasure not only in the majestic concerts by world-renowned musicians but also in the art exhibitions taking place in jazz clubs and cinemas around town.
 |