With its rolling hills of vineyards, world-famous cuisine, millennia of history, and iconic landmarks, Italy is a country that many people strive to visit at least once in their lifetime. There’s a certain idea that most people have of the land that gave us pizza, the Ferrari, and the achievements of the likes of Da Vinci and Michelangelo.

In some ways, Italy fulfills the stereotype. But in other ways, it will take you completely by surprise. Keep reading to find out five ways that Italy will be different from what you’re expecting, and five ways that it will be exactly the same.