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How to plan a trip to Italy

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written by Joanne Owen

updated 19.08.2024

​Radiating vitality from its natty north to its stylish southern heel, there are plenty of reasons Italy attracts a remarkable range of traveler types. And, given its fabulous food, sun-soaked coastline, picture-perfect panoramas, and all those extraordinary ancient sites, it’s no wonder the country usually sparks a desire to return. But how do you plan a perfect trip to Italy? Keep reading, for starters  — here we present key steps in planning your Italy vacation.

• Step 1 — Best time to go to Italy

Step 2 — Decide where to go in Italy

Step 3 — pre-book flights, accommodation and tours, step 4 — prepare to depart, step 5 — plan your italy itinerary, step 6 — leave time to seize the day, take a trip designed by local travel experts, step 1 — best time to go to italy .

The question "how to plan a trip to Italy" is often related to weather and budget, so let's cover that first.

• Best time to visit Italy

When it comes to visiting Italy , timing is everything, and the best time to visit largely depends on your preferences and what you hope to experience. 

If you're looking for pleasant weather, manageable crowds, and cost-effective travel, spring ( April and May ) and fall ( September and October ) are the best times to visit Italy . 

Conversely, peak season, which runs from June to August , sees a spike in temperatures, crowds and prices. 

Cinque Terre, Italy © Shutterstock

Best cities to visit

When it comes to cities in Italy, the options are boundless. Here are our suggestions for cities to prioritize, especially if you're a first-time visitor.

• Rome : known as the 'Eternal City'. Rome's iconic attractions include the Colosseum , Palatino, Roman Forum , and Pantheon. For a real taste of the capital, visit Trastevere, which is known for its bohemian vibe and authentic food.
• Venice : one of the most picturesque cities in the world, Venice is renowned for its canals and ornate architecture. Taking a gondola ride through the narrow canals, and strolling the labyrinth of winding streets are must dos. 
• Florence : birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is an art-lover's paradise. Don't miss the Uffizi Gallery and the Duomo. 
• Naples : if you love history, coastal scenery and food, Naples — the birthplace of pizza — is a must-visit. Take trips to Pompeii and Herculaneum, sail down the scenic Amalfi Coast , and choose the perfect place to stay with our guide to the best areas to stay in Naples .

Best areas to visit

The following regions of Italy should be considered when planning your vacation to Italy.

• Tuscany : known for its rolling, rural landscapes, history, and viticulture, here you can visit medieval towns, and tour vineyards to taste fine wine. 
• Amalfi Coast : don't miss visiting colorful towns like Positano, Amalfi and Ravello in one of Italy's most breathtaking regions .
• Cinque Terre : the coastal trails along this string of five centuries-old villages are sublime.
• Lake Como : surrounded by mountains and speckled with beautiful villages, Lake Como combines luxury and tranquility.

Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy © Shutterstock

Best vineyards to visit

Here are some of the best Italian regions for wine-lovers, with an abundance of wine tours available in each of them.

• Tuscany : Tuscany produces some of the world's most notable wines, including Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
• Veneto : known for its Prosecco and Soave wines, the Veneto region offers splendid views over terraced vineyards.
• Barbagia, Sardinia : the island's climate and rugged terrain make for some distinctive world-class wines. 

Best lakes to visit

Italy is famous for its picturesque lakes. Here are some of the best.

• Lake Como : surrounded by mountains and studded with charming villages and villas, Lake Como is a must-visit for its beauty and tranquillity. 
• Lake Garda : Italy's largest lake is home to charming medieval towns, thermal bath towns, vineyards, and the family-friendly Gardaland amusement park. 
• Lake Maggiore : less crowded than Como and Garda, Lake Maggiore is something of a peaceful retreat. 

Varenna old town, Lake Como © Boris Stroujko/Shutterstock

How to get to Italy from the US

Traveling to Italy from the U.S. is straightforward, with numerous flights to choose from.

Many major U.S. cities offer direct flights to Italy, including New York (JFK, EWR), Miami (MIA), Boston (BOS), Atlanta (ATL), Chicago (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Washington, D.C. (IAD), and Dallas (DFW).

At the other end, the most common arrival points in Italy are Rome (Fiumicino Airport - FCO), Milan (Malpensa Airport – MXP), Venice (Marco Polo Airport - VCE), Florence (Peretola Airport - FLR) and Naples (Capodichino Airport – NAP).

If a direct flight isn’t available from your closest US airport, connect through one of the major European hubs, such as London, Paris, Frankfurt or Amsterdam.

Accommodation in Italy

Italy offers everything from high-end luxury hotels, to budget-friendly hostels, and authentic agriturismo farm-stays. 

As bookings can fill up quickly during shoulder and peak season periods, it’s always wise to reserve your accommodation well in advance.

• City hotels : major cities like Rome, Florence , and Venice offer a multitude of options for all budgets. Websites like Booking.com are excellent for comparing rates and amenities, and for finding deals on hotels and apartments.
• Bed and breakfasts/hostels : a comfortable and cost-effective choice, especially for solo travelers or those on a tight budget. 
• Agriturismo or farm stays : offered by Italian farmers as a way to supplement their income, these are very popular in Italy. Many also offer meals made from fresh farm produce. 
• Apartments : ideal for family trips or a larger groups. 

Traveling to Rome? Be sure to choose from the best places to stay in the city .

You might also want to browse the best hotels in Italy.

Aerial view Italy's famous medieval San Gimignano hill town © Shutterstock

Related articles from the blog

Italy tours

Themed tours are an excellent way to learn about culture and history. Here are some of our top picks:

• Food tours : savour Italy's culinary delights through a food-themed tour, which often include visits to local markets, cooking demonstrations, and tastings.
• Senior tours : tailored for comfort and accessibility, senior tours in Italy tend to blend leisure and cultural immersion, prioritizing ease of travel.
• Train tours : train tours combine the romance of rail travel with convenience, and all while traversing Italy's picturesque countryside.
• Wine tours : there's no better way to discover wine-making traditions, explore esteemed wineries, and taste world-class wines. 

Limone sul Garda, Italy © Shutterstock

Plan your budget

Though costs vary greatly depending on where you go, when you go, how you travel, and your personal preferences, planning a budget will help your trip run more smoothly.

With that in mind, here are some average costs to guide your budgeting process. You'd also be wise to keep some funds aside for unexpected expenses.

• Accommodation: a budget hotel for two people ranges from $50 to $150. For a mid-range hotel, expect to pay $150-$350, while luxury hotels tart at $350.
• Food : expect to pay $25-$50 per person for meals in decent restaurants.
• Travel : for intercity travel, train fares vary from $15 to $60 depending on distance.
• Attractions : allow $15-$25 a day for entry fees to the likes of museums and historic sites.

Get a credit card 

Getting a credit card that offers travel rewards can be highly beneficial for your trip to Italy. Look for cards with no foreign transaction fees, and good cash back or points systems.

  Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Italy, while American Express and Diners Club are not.

A word of warning — be aware of foreign currency charges and ATM withdrawal fees in Italy. You could consider getting a foreign currency card like the Wise Mastercard that enables to you convert Euros easily and cheaply from your US dollar account.

Book airport transfers

Given that many Italian airports are located quite a distance from the city center, and public transport might not always be convenient — especially if you're carrying heavy luggage or traveling in a group — pre-arranging airport transfers can save time and hassle.

Compare different transfer services like Suntransfers or Welcome Pickups , which offer several options, from budget to luxury travel.

Stay connected

Even if you've decided to avoid work emails during your vacation (good for you), having access to affordable data will definitely enhance your experience.

For starters, it'll make navigation a breeze and keep you connected with the folks back home. You might also want to share live updates and photos of your vacation —  to do this, you need fast access to data.

In all likelihood, you're already aware of these advantages, but may have concerns about paying over the odds.

The good news is, with an international SIM card or eSIM from SIMCorner — a trusted Rough Guides' partner — you don’t have to worry about high or hidden costs.

Thanks to partnerships with top telecom providers worldwide, SIMCorner offers products for every type of traveler in dozens of countries, including Italy.

And, if you're not keen on long-term commitment, SIMCorner's data plans and services are contract-free. This means you can use your SIM card or eSIM as needed, and put it on hold when not in use. It's that simple.

If you plan a trip to Italy, make sure to check the Old Town of San Leo © Shutterstock

How many days do you need in Italy?

While the ideal length of a trip to Italy depends on your travel wish-list and time constraints, we suggest aiming for 7-10 days as a minimum.

With careful planning, many of Italy's highlights can be covered during a 10-day whirlwind tour. If your time is limited to 3-5 days, you'll need to choose one region or city.

Read on to discover rewarding ways to spend 5, 7, 10 and 14 days in Italy.

How to spend 5 days in Italy

If you only have five days in Italy , you'll want to focus your trip on one or two destinations. 

For example, you could split your trip between Rome and Florence, spending three days in Rome, and two in Florence. 

Day 1-3: Rome — immerse yourself in the history of the Eternal City. Visit the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Take a walk through St. Peter's Square, tour the Vatican Museums, and roam around Trastevere before tucking into an authentic Italian dinner.

Day 4-5: Florence — hop on a high-speed train to Florence. Enjoy Renaissance art at the Uffizi Gallery, marvel at the view from Piazzale Michelangelo, and visit the Florence Cathedral. You could also dedicate half a day to Pisa or taking a Tuscan wine tour.

Titus Arch and the Roman Colosseum in Rome, Italy as seen from the Palatine Hill © Shutterstock

How to spend 7 days in Italy

7 days in Italy is (just about) long enough get a deeper taste of Italy. 

For first-time visitors, we suggest following an itinerary that covers the classic trio of Rome, Florence and Venice.

Day 1-3: Rome — spend the first few days of your vacation exploring Rome's iconic landmarks.

Day 4-5: Florence — take a train to Florence and spend a day exploring the Uffizi Gallery, climbing the Duomo, and taking a sunset stroll across the Ponte Vecchio.

Day 6-7: Venice — board a train to Venice to visit St. Mark’s Square, tour the Bell Tower, and visit the Rialto Market. Don’t forget to take a traditional gondola ride through the canals.

How to spend 10 days in Italy

In addition to visiting Rome, Venice, and Florence, if you have 10 days in Italy , look to expand your horizons, like this:

• Rome (3 days) : start by immersing yourself in the historic grandeur of the Eternal City, from the Colosseum and Roman Forum, to St. Peter's Square and the Vatican.
• Florence (2 days) : head to the birthplace of the Renaissance to visit the Uffizi Gallery and iconic Duomo, and savor Tuscany's culinary delights.
• Pisa (1 day) : visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
• Venice (2 days) : discover the unique city on water with its famous canals and gondolas. 
• Milan (2 days) : conclude in Milan, Italy's fashion capital. Don't miss the seeing Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci and visit the majestic Duomo.

How to spend 14 days in Italy

With 14 days in Italy at your disposal, you can cover more ground at a more relaxed pace. Here's a suggested itinerary with train itineraries:

• Rome (4 days) : spend 4 days soaking up Rome's ancient sites and café culture.
• Florence (3 days) : discover this cradle of the Renaissance.
• Cinque Terre (2 days) : explore quaint colorful seaside villages perched along the rugged Italian Riviera.
• Pisa (1 day) : visit the iconic Leaning Tower and nearby attractions.
• Venice (2 days) : explore Venice's romantic canals, historic landmarks, and charming cafés.
• Milan (2 days) : end in Milan to witness its towering skyscrapers, international fashion scene and Milan Cathedral.

You can't plan a trip to Italy without considering including Venice © Shutterstock

Don't over-plan and factor in free time

While it's important to have an itinerary , don't pack every minute with activities — Italy is best enjoyed at a slower pace.

It's also essential to be flexible so you can, for example, linger in a picturesque picnic spot that wasn't in your plan, or spend time exploring a market you chance upon. 

Having wiggle room will allow you to seize such unexpected opportunities.

Vernazza, Cinque Terre, Italy © Shutterstock

Planning your trip to Italy? Our local experts can help

Here's why booking a trip curated by l ocal experts will elevate your Italian experience:

• Personalized itineraries : our local travel experts craft itineraries to align with your interests and preferences, whether you're an art aficionado, foodie, or outdoor enthusiast
• Insider knowledge : local experts can guide you to authentic experiences other tourists might miss. 
• Efficient planning:  local experts streamline your trip through handling the logistics of transport and accommodation.
• Cultural immersion: trips designed by local experts are more like to give you insights into local life.
• Support: our local experts are on hand to provide advice and assistance before and during your trip.

Travel advice for Italy

To help you make the most of your vacation, here are a handful of insider insights.

• Avoid peak season : you might want to avoid July and August, when Italy is hot, crowded, and more expensive.
• Use public transport : train travel is highly efficient and cost-effective in Italy. Enjoy the scenery and save on car rental and parking fees.
• Water : it's safe to drink tap water in Italy, so you can save money by not buying bottled water.
• Eat local : as always, trying local food is half the fun of travel. 
• Safety : while Italy is generally safe, pickpocketing can be an issue, so be vigilant in crowded areas.

Joanne is a Pembrokeshire-born writer with a passion for the nature, cultures and histories of the Caribbean region, especially Dominica. Also passionate about inspiring a love of adventure in young people, she’s the author of several books for children and young adults, hosts international writing workshops, and has written articles on the Caribbean and inspirational community initiatives for Rough Guides. Follow her @JoanneOwen on Twitter and @joanneowenwrites on Instagram.

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From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Italy

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Fearlessly Italy

Planning a Trip to Italy – Our Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Are you planning a trip to Italy and don’t know where to start? We’ve made a list of the most essential tips on how to plan a trip to Italy with both a foreign (my husband) and a local’s (myself) insight.

We touched on the most important details you shouldn’t neglect in your Italy trip planner and gave you the necessary tools to plan your holiday on your own.

Even though Italy is a very popular travel destination, proper trip planning is necessary to avoid unwanted surprises. Do you need a visa to travel to Italy? Do you have a favorite type of accommodation? When is the best time to visit Italy and where would you like to go?

We are going to give you handy tips on how to say basic sentences in Italian, we will give you some itinerary-planning suggestions, and even list some of the most popular food stores in Italy where to buy your groceries if you are renting an apartment.

From getting around to deciding where to stay and what to pack, here is all you need to plan a perfect trip to Italy. For more detailed information about the cost breakdown, how to get to Italy, how to get around with local public transport, and important numbers to know in case of emergency , check out our complete Italy travel guide .

Table of Contents

How many days in Italy is enough?

The ideal amount of time to set when you planning a trip to Italy is 2 weeks . If you are visiting for the first time, two weeks is a perfect time to explore the most famous cities and also include some day trips.

If you have already seen the biggest tourist draws and want to go offbeat, 2 weeks still is an ideal time to set for Italy. Alternatively, you can also opt for 10 days in Italy and stick to the most famous destinations and mainly big cities to reach by train.

What is the best way to plan a trip to Italy?

The best way to plan a trip to Italy is to make a list with all the necessary steps ahead of time. While things like packing can be done right before leaving, other things need to be planned in advance. This is what you need to plan and book ahead when organizing your Italy vacation.

• International flights. This is especially necessary if you have fixed holidays and can’t play too much with the dates.
• Travel documents. You need to make sure your passport has 6 months of validity and you need to check your visa requirements in advance.
• Hotels. Especially in the high seasons and in smaller towns with limited options.
• Tours and tickets. Even if you don’t want to book a private tour, purchasing a skip-the-line ticket to crowded attractions will save you plenty of time.
• Restaurants. It’s better to book your table ahead on important days like Christmas for lunch and dinner, New Year’s Eve “cenone” dinner, or lunch on Easter Sunday because many Italians go to eat out and restaurants are very crowded.
• Domestic travel. Whether you are taking a domestic flight, a train, or an extra-urban bus, I highly recommend booking your tickets early to avoid finding all sold out.
• Itinerary planning. This is pretty much one of the very first things to plan so that you know which flights or trains to book, where you will need a hotel, and what landmarks you will want to visit.

How to plan a trip to Italy – All you need to know step-by-step

Research the best time to travel to italy.

When planning a trip to Italy, the first thing you should consider is when it’s the best time to travel also depending on when your holidays are. Every season is a good time to visit Italy .

Do you want to enjoy the beach? How about Sardinia, Sicily, or Puglia in the summer?

July and August are hot and very crowded, but if you can make it in June before the mass tourism starts or September after the crowds are gone, you will love it. If you are planning your trip in the summer, keep in mind that you will find quite a few mosquitoes in many regions of Italy .

If you are a practicing Catholic or love ancient history, then Rome is your ideal destination. If you are a Renaissance art lover, you can’t miss Florence , while if you are hiking and skiing passionate, you will certainly enjoy Trentino Alto Adige’s Dolomites in both summer and winter.

Even though winter is cold (and in northern Italy very cold), this is a great season if you are a ski lover, or even to visit more southern regions where the weather is definitely milder. If you want to celebrate and experience the Christmas vibe, December in Italy is a magical time. To attend some Carnival parties, you should travel to Italy in February .

Weather-wise, spring and fall are probably the best seasons to plan a trip to Italy. In spring, flowers are blossoming, the colors are bright and the scents are intoxicating. Plus, the weather is lovely and even if sometimes it does rain, it makes for a very pleasant walk. Both March and April are great months to visit Italy. April is usually when we celebrate Easter in Italy and big cities can get very crowded.

Autumn is a good season because it’s not too hot anymore and not cold yet, so easy to walk around. During fall, too, it can rain, but the colors of the falling leaves and day and evening lights are very romantic.

Check if you need a visa

When planning a trip to Italy, check out the visa requirements. Several nationalities can get an Italian visa on arrival, while others need to apply in their home country for an Italy/Schengen visa. If you were granted a Schengen visa and you enter the area from another EU country, you can then travel to Italy, too.

The conditions to be granted a visa to Italy go from the type of visa you are applying for, the duration of your stay and your nationality. Nationalities like the US, Brazil, Argentina, Israel, UAE, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and Japan don’t need to apply for a visa for up to 90 days’ stay. They only need to show their passport with at least 3 months’ validity to the border police at the airport.

To make sure if you need to apply for a visa and what documents are required, answer a couple of questions on the Foreign Ministry’s official website and you will get all the information you need.

Find the best flights to Italy

There are several websites where you can check for the best flight deals to Italy. The portal I normally use is Skyscanner because it compares different airlines and other comparison websites, so you will have a broader view.

You can also check the prices and promotions in different Italian cities, so depending on where it’s more convenient, you can start planning your Italy itinerary. On top of that, Skyscanner allows you to receive price alerts for the flights you are looking for directly in your email.

Alternatively, you can check the single airline websites such as ITA, Delta, American Airlines, British Airways, Lufthansa, Iberia, Tap, and many others that land in Italy. Some of the low-cost you can take from other European countries are EasyJet, Ryanair, and WizzAir.

I found that they are actually low-cost when you travel only with small hand luggage. But if you start adding checked-in luggage and services, their fares are not much different from the ordinary airlines. Whichever airline you are booking your ticket with, make sure you check the TSA liquid rules .

How to get around Italy – Using extra-urban public transport

Italy has a great and very widespread railway system , so if you are traveling independently, you can totally rely on Trenitalia or Italo Treno. After each major city, I mentioned the transport you can book to get to your next stop but the Italy railway is great for reaching also smaller towns and even tiny villages. The perfect way of traveling around Italy for two weeks.

So if you are in Rome and want to visit nearby towns like Bracciano or Viterbo, you can easily take the train, or reach the towns of Terni, Perugia, Orvieto. Or even if you are in Sardinia, the railway really reaches improbable tiny villages.

For train routes, prices and connections, you can check the websites of Trenitalia , Italo Treno , and Omio (formerly GoEuro).

If you are visiting cities and towns within the railway network, you are covered. But if you are planning on getting off the train route, relying solely on the buses might not be as straightforward. In this case, I suggest renting a car, a great option for an Italy road trip.

Decide when to rent a car in Italy

If you want to visit also other places without sticking only to the major cities, the easiest and best way to travel in Italy is by renting a car. For example, if it’s not your first trip to Italy and you want to go off the beaten path to explore some gorgeous and famous countryside, your own car becomes essential.

For example, in Sardinia, you totally need to rent a car . The trains get you only this far, stopping mainly in Cagliari , Orist ano, Sassari and Olbia, several smaller villages but most of the archaeological sites , as well as the beaches, are impossible to reach with public transport. There are some buses but very few.

The same goes for regions like Umbria and Tuscany. They boast fantastic countryside, but you will need a car to get there. In general, southern and central Italy requires a car, while in the north you will have a more widespread public service. Even though in mountain areas solely relying on the buses will prevent you from seeing many places and you won’t be free to manage your time.

Please note that in order to drive in Italy, you need an international license that you can get in your home country.

Click here to see prices, cars, and deals.

Decide what to pack, essential when planning a trip to Italy

You can decide what to pack for Italy when you know in which season you are taking your trip. For example, since Spring is a very popular season, what to wear in Italy in May? While the weather is lovely this time of the year, it can sometimes be tricky as temperatures change all of a sudden.

My advice would be to wear different layers so that you can cover quickly if you stay out all day until evening when it’s usually colder. So if you are planning a 2-week trip to Italy in Spring, make sure you pack some pretty flexible clothes and are ready for the warm and crisp weather.

On the other hand, what to wear in Italy in September ? The beginning of the Fall in Italy is pretty nice as the summer heat is mostly gone and the winter cold has not arrived yet. Mostly, you can wear summer clothes with a jacket, a light jumper, and a light scarf for the evening. You might find some showers, too, so make sure you pack an umbrella. Better if small so you can carry it around easily.

If you are wondering what to pack for Italy for the winter, it’s pretty straightforward: definitely warm clothes, a jacket, a coat, warm trousers, socks, and everything you are comfortable with. Quite straightforward is also packing for a summer Italy trip: shorts, T-shirts, sandals or summer runners, and obviously a bikini if you are going to the beach!

Avoid annoying online surcharges and nasty surprises by weighing your suitcase with one of the best digital luggage scales .

Sadly, on public transport in Rome, you need to be careful about the pickpockets as it’s still a problem both on the buses and on the metro. This is why, for your peace of mind, you can buy anti-theft clothes. Clever Travel Companion has a great choice of models, colors, and clothes such as scarves, boxers, leggings, tops, t-shirts, women’s underpants and more. Click here to check models and prices.

Tailor your own Italy itinerary

A major point of your Italy trip planner will be designing the perfect itinerary. This depends on many factors, if it’s your first time in Italy and you want to visit the most popular landmarks, whether you prefer the beach or the mountain, or maybe relaxing on a quiet hill surrounded by nature and silence. And obviously how much time you have, if you are staying two, three weeks, or ten days in Italy.

Here are some examples of itineraries:

• Two-week classic itinerary. Perfect for those who are planning their first trip to Italy and want to see classics like Rome, Florence, and Venice. Check out our classic Italy itinerary suggestions where we include also Cinque Terre and Naples plus some other detours if you have more than 2 weeks.

Check out our tailored Rome itineraries and travel services!

• Italian islands. This is great if you have been to Italy already and want to go a bit off the beaten path. You can visit Sardinia and Sicily, and enjoy fantastic food and beautiful landscapes. Sardinia is wilder and home to countless archaeological sites. In Sicily, you can explore its Greek past in places like Valle dei Templi near Agrigento, beautiful Baroque and Norman cities like Catania, or the wonderful capital, Palermo, known as Italy’s most “Arab”. If it’s summertime, both islands will spoil you wonderfully with their beaches. Check out our guide to the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia .

Do you need help to plan your trip to Sardinia? Check out our customized itineraries and travel services!

• Northern Italy itinerary. Are you a sport, mountain, and adrenaline junkie? Then northern Italy is for you. Go hiking, trekking, climbing, and skiing in the Italian Alps and the Dolomites and be surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, wild nature, and wonderful snow-capped peaks. Do you prefer to explore the northern historical cities? Head to the beautiful Turin , Milan , Trento , Venice, Verona , Bolzano , or smaller towns like Merano and Bressanone.
• Southern Italy itinerary. The south of Italy will make for a different type of adventure but by no means less exciting. Regions like Puglia, Calabria, Basilicata and Campania are rich in culture, traditions, and great food. Some of the places not to miss in the south are Naples and Caserta in Campania, Bari, Lecce, Alberobello and Ostuni in Puglia, Matera, Maratea and Craco in Basilicata, Reggio Calabria, Tropea and Scilla in Calabria. If you are left with some days, the step from Calabria to Sicily is pretty short!
• Central Italy countryside. This trip is all about relaxing and enjoying the nature of the Apennine soft rolling hills. Regions like Abruzzo , Umbria, Tuscany, Lazio, and Marche are fantastic either if it’s not your first time in Italy and you want to discover some more offbeat places or if you are taking a holiday to just unplug from everything. If that’s the case, there is no better accommodation solution than an agriturismo . These are usually farms where the owners turn part of it into bungalows or rooms and the food is mainly produced in-house. You can find luxury agriturismi (plural) or more simple ones, so you can choose depending on your budget. For this type of experience, you will definitely need to rent a car.

Set your budget: average cost of a trip to Italy

As far as your trip to Italy costs go, much depends on where you are going. Rome will be more expensive than smaller villages in Sardinia for example, Tuscany is more expensive than Umbria, with Venice probably being the most expensive destination in your Italy trip planner.

Some of the costs you will have to face in Italy are:

• Accommodation. In cities like Rome and Florence, you will likely spend more on your accommodation, especially if you want to stay close to the city center, where a budget hotel can be some 80/100 euros per night. An agriturismo can charge you from 140 to 200 for two nights, while a hotel in a smaller town can cost as low as 40 euros per night.
• Food. Eating out in Italy is not that expensive. Even in places like Rome, Florence and Turin, you can find great restaurants with pretty affordable fares. Food-wise too, among the cities, Venice is likely to be the most expensive. In some restaurants, you will spend some 15/20 euros, wine included. Smaller towns and villages will be even cheaper and some lunches can cost you as little as 10 euros per person or even less if you are eating street food or in local markets.
• Transport. The public transport in Italy is not too expensive and in big cities, you can either purchase a tourist pass that includes transport or a daily/weekly ticket, depending on how long you are staying in a destination, which will save you a lot instead of using a single ticket every time. For extra-urban trips, traveling by train in Italy is your best bet. If you book in advance, you can find some pretty cheap fares, like 26 euros Milan-Rome. If you book the day before the high-speed trains Freccia Rossa or Frecciargento, expect to pay more, even 80/90 euros. The regional trains are usually slower as they stop at every station and are cheaper. Taxis are pretty expensive, including the taxis in Rome , so wherever you can, do use public transport. You can even check the fees of Uber in Italy if it’s more convenient.
• Landmarks. These vary a lot depending on the place and attraction. Usually, when there are city cards or passes, it’s convenient to buy them. First of all, you will have free access to some attractions and discounts on others. Secondly, often also public transport is included, so you’ll be saving money and time as you won’t have to look for a seller or newsagent every time you run out of tickets.
• Groceries. If you are renting an apartment and want to have some meals in the house, you will likely go grocery shopping. I suggest farmers’ markets for fresh fruits and veggies if you have any nearby, or stores like Conad/Leclerc, Carrefour, Esselunga and Pam. Some of the discount/cheap food chains are Lidl, Aldi (not very common yet), In’s, Todis, Tuodì, Eurospin, MD. One of my favorite store chains is NaturaSì as all their products are organic, even though it’s pretty expensive.

Find the right accommodation in Italy

One of the first things to consider when planning a trip to Italy is to book your ideal accommodation. If you are in a place for the first time, you might want to stay downtown close to the main attractions. If you’ve been already and are more confident in the area, you can look for more affordable accommodation, not in the city center.

When you are in a major city, you have a wider choice of hotels and also public transport to stay connected with the different areas. In smaller towns, usually, prices are lower, so staying in the city center can be easier.

There are several websites where you can compare hotel prices, check out guests’ reviews and search for several options before booking. To read users’ reviews and feedback, I use TripAdvisor .

However, when I want to book, I always use Booking and so far they never let me down. I find them reliable and accommodation options safe. Obviously, before booking, also here I check former guests’ reviews and never book those without reviews.

READ MORE: Check out our extensive guide to the best neighborhoods to stay in Rome .

Book your tours and tickets ahead

Booking your guided tours and entrance tickets ahead is necessary if you are visiting crowded attractions such as the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums in Rome, or Santa Maria del Fiore complex and the Uffizi in Florence, all among the most famous Italian museums .

This is especially true in the highest seasons, so from April through the summer and then again around Christmas.

Websites like Get Your Guide and Civitatis allow you to book both tours and skip-the-line tickets, while companies like Walks , Devour Tours , and Eating Europe offer guided tours, which usually come with fast-track entrances to the main attractions so you skip the queue anyway.

If you are looking for semi-private or private experiences, LivTours runs very exclusive tours across Italy.

Find where to eat

As Italian food is famous the world over and one of the reasons many tourists travel to Italy , I suggest you try traditional dishes and authentic restaurants instead of tourist traps and foreign fast-foods like McDonald’s, Burger King or KFC.

Every region in Italy has its own specialties and dishes, so I totally recommend you try some authentic recipes and local produce. For example, if you are in Rome, some of the famous dishes are bucatini amatriciana , spaghetti carbonara, tonnarelli cacio e pepe if you are vegetarian, or coda alla vaccinara oxtail.

In Sardinia, Sicily and Puglia, you might want to try some seafood dishes, while in the Liguria region they make delicious pesto pasta. If you are in Naples, I suggest you don’t miss their pizza, and in Turin , you might want to try their garlic-rich Bagna Cauda and Vitel Tonné veal dish.

As a general rule, I suggest you don’t stick to the restaurants right in front of the tourist landmark as they often offer “tourist meals”. Go a bit further and ask the locals, even your hotel reception, for a better address.

Check out the dos and don’ts of eating in Italy

Where to find WiFi and Sim Card in Italy

One of the things that can make your Italy trip cost soar is the phone and internet. While in Italy, I suggest you use a local Sim Card. You can buy a pre-paid Sim from any of the providers and top it up on the go.

Vodafone is the company with wider coverage, maybe a tad more expensive than others, but not too much. And certainly not enough to prefer others with little coverage, especially if you are going to the countryside or more offbeat areas.

Tim is the main network provider, so it does have decent coverage but is a little expensive. Wind and Tre are probably the cheapest options but their coverage is good mainly in the big cities and decreases sensibly in other areas. At least this has been my experience some time ago because since I switched to Vodafone years ago, I never looked back.

You can just pop in any of their stores and they will give you all the plan and price info.

Learn some Italian phrases

In the major cities and close to tourist landmarks, you will find most people able to speak English. But if you stray off the city center or you head to offbeat destinations, you might want to learn some Italian phrases to get by at least in the most basic situations like ordering food in the restaurant or asking for directions.

Some of the Italian words and expressions you might want to learn are:

• Buongiorno – Good morning
• Buonasera – Good evening
• Buonanotte – Goodnight
• Arrivederci – Goodbye
• Grazie – Thank you
• Sì/No – Yes/No
• Quanto costa? – How much is it?
• Come stai? (informal)/ Come sta? (formal) – How are you?
• Scusa/scusi/mi dispiace – I’m sorry
• Non lo so – I don’t know
• Permesso – Excuse me
• Colazione – Breakfast
• Pranzo – Lunch
• Cena – Dinner
• Sono vegetariano/vegano – I’m vegetarian/vegan
• Sono intollerante al glutine – I’m gluten-intolerant
• Sono allergico a X – I’m allergic to [whatever ingredient/food]
• Posso avere il menu per favore? – Can I have the menu, please?
• Posso avere il conto per favore? – Can I have the bill, please?
• Posso avere un bicchiere d’acqua per favore? – Can I have a glass of water, please?
• Dov’è il bagno? – Where is the toilet?
• Che strada devo prendere per raggiungere X? – How do I get to X?
• Dritto – Straight
• Destra – Right
• Sinistra – Left
• Dov’è il rifornitore di benzina più vicino? – Where is the closest petrol station?
• Dov’è la stazione ferroviaria/dei treni? – Where is the train station?
• Dov’è la stazione degli autobus? – Where is the bus station?
• Questo treno/autobus ferma a X? – Does this train/bus stop at [your destination]?
• Biglietto – Ticket
• Bancomat – ATM
• Polizia/Carabinieri – Police
• Parla inglese? – Can you speak English?
• Mi può aiutare per favore? – Can you help me, please?

Even though smartphones have made things easier, it would be useful to carry with you a small dictionary or glossary in case of need. Some examples are the Lonely Planet Italian Phrasebook and Dictionary or DK Eyewitness Travel Phrase Book .

Do you need more tips to learn Italian? Check out our guides:

• The days of the week in Italian
• Gelato flavors in Italian
• The colors in Italian
• Pizza toppings in Italian
• Hello in Italian
• Goodbye in Italian
• Shoes in Italian
• How to order food in Italian restaurants
• Foods and drinks in Italian
• House wine in Italian

Look for the best guidebooks for planning a trip to Italy

Here, too, while you can find a lot of information online, including this blog with many articles about Italy, travel tips, and travel guides, you can also carry a hard copy guidebook.

Some of the most popular guidebooks are Lonely Planet , Fodor’s , Frommer’s , DK and Rick Steves .

If you are traveling to Rome and spending some time there, you might want to check out our website entirely focused on the Italian capital, Rome Actually , and our Tasting Rome By Neighborhood food book where we suggest where to eat and what to see in five of Rome’s most exciting neighborhoods.

Peruse the best Italy tour packages

If you don’t feel like planning a trip to Italy and want to enjoy your holiday as relaxed as possible delegating all the logistics to an expert tour guide, a full Italy tour package is your best bet.

Whether you are looking for a one-week Italy itinerary, a 10-day Italy vacation package for two, or for the whole family, many companies offer them.

G Adventures’ Ultimate Italy Tour takes you to the most popular destinations going beyond the Rome Florence Venice itinerary and visiting also the Cinque Terre, Lake Como and Montepulciano in the Tuscany countryside. Click here for more details and rates

Their Highlights of Italy Tour is shorter and in a week you will see the most important places and their main landmarks such as The Last Supper in Milan, the Pantheon in Rome, and the Leaning Tower in Pisa, among others. Click here for more details and rates

If one of the main reasons that brought you to Italy is food, then you might enjoy one of the day tours organized by Eating Italy Food Tours that alongside introducing you to the diversity of Italian cuisine, is a great opportunity to tuck into local delicacies in the best eateries, from exclusive deli stores to popular restaurants. Click here for more details and rates

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BEST of Italy in 2 Weeks: Detailed 14-Day Itinerary (+Map & Planning Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: June 3, 2024

Planning a trip to Italy for the first time and getting overwhelmed? You are not alone! We get this question all the time: ‘What is the best Italy itinerary for a first trip’ ?

In all honesty, there is no one ‘best’ way to plan a trip to Italy. It’s a big and incredibly beautiful country and pretty much everywhere is worth visiting. But if this is your first trip to Italy and you don’t know where to start, I recommend focusing on the ‘musts’ – some of the most beautiful places in Italy that everyone should see at least once in a lifetime.

To help you plan a trip, in this guide, we share a detailed 2-week Italy itinerary that brings you to all the most famous places in the country : Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, but also the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, Tuscan countryside, Cinque Terre, Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, and a few other destinations that should be at the top of every Italy bucket list.

Will you see everything in Italy in two weeks? No, definitely not! But if you want to see the main highlights and get a good idea of what Italy is about, this itinerary is a great first introduction to this amazing country. And take my word for it – you will want to go back and explore more!

So why do we recommend 2 weeks? In my opinion, you really need at least two weeks in order to quickly see all the ‘musts’ in Italy. If you have just a week or ten days, don’t worry – Italy is still more than worth a trip (it always is!). But if you want to cover all the main highlights, you’ll really need at least 12-15 days.

In this article, we focus on helping you make the most of your first trip and plan the most complete Italy itinerary in 2 weeks. At the bottom of this guide, you can also find our additional suggestions on places to see if you have more time.

Good to know: You can visit Italy in any season and this trip itinerary is suitable for any time of the year. Some coastal areas might be a bit deserted in winter, but if you absolutely want to see them, it’s possible too.

Also, this itinerary is structured in such a way that you don’t have to change hotels too often . This will save you time for practicalities and leave more time to explore.

Since most of the places covered in this Italian itinerary are cities, we DO NOT recommend renting a car for this trip . You can’t do much with a car in Rome or in Venice and you can easily travel between the main cities by train . And for those few places where it would be useful to have a car, you can take day tours (you can find all this info in our article).

If you want to explore a few places in northern Italy deeper, you could rent a car after you visit Venice and then return it in Milan . Depending on what exactly you want to see, it might make sense to consider hiring a car for this part of the trip.

How to use this itinerary: As you’ll see, this 2-week trip starts in Rome and ends in Milan . Both cities have major international airports and it’s quite easy to find flights to/from Rome or Milan from pretty much anywhere in the world. Of course, you can do the trip in the other direction, or you can also make a round trip starting and ending at any of the cities mentioned below . This itinerary is solely meant to give you an idea of what can be done and how you can plan a 2-week trip to Italy.

MAP: To help you get a better idea of where all these places are located, we also created a map indicating all the places covered by our itinerary.

Take a look!

This is our recommended Italy itinerary that covers all the best places in two weeks:

Day 1: Arrival in Rome

There is no better place to start your Italian vacation than in the Eternal City – the capital city of Italy – Rome .

For this itinerary, I recommend that you spend at least 3 full days in Rome: 2 days in the city itself, plus make a day trip to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast. This way, you won’t have to change hotels too often and can see (albeit very shortly) some of the best places in southern Italy as well.

Depending on when your flight arrives, you might be able to see some of the landmarks of Rome on the first day already.

TIP: If you can make it, I highly recommend joining an evening walking tour of the city’s highlights – it’s a great first introduction to the city!

Accommodation: Stay in Rome for 4 nights. Here you can find our guide to the best area to stay in Rome . We recently stayed at 9Hotel Cesari and loved it (especially the breakfasts on their rooftop terrace). On a bit lower budget, Hotel Accademia is an excellent choice, and you’ll find many other hotels in the same area.

Days 2-3: Rome

While two days are really short for Rome, if you plan well, you can see most of the ‘musts’ in just 2 days.

We recommend focusing on the main attractions, such as the Vatican , the Colosseum , and all the famous sights in the historic city center (Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, etc.). In addition, you can also add one or two more local experiences such as e.g. a food tour . It will make your visit more memorable and also a bit more relaxing!

Good to know: Be sure to book your tickets/tours for the Colosseum and also for the Vatican in advance!!! Both are extremely popular attractions and tickets often sell out (in high season, sometimes a few weeks in advance). Tip! This Rome Tourist Card allows you to book timed entry tickets for both these attractions in one place, so you’ll also immediately see what is open on the day when you are there (and can adjust your itinerary if needed).

TIP: If you didn’t get the tickets in advance and they are sold out, you can usually still join one or the other guided tour (they usually have access to tickets that are reserved for tour groups). In any case, at least for the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, we highly recommend going with a guided tour rather than on your own. We took this amazing tour that also includes the Colosseum Underground and Arena Floor (these levels are not included with the regular ticket).

For more info on what to see and how to best plan your time, please see our 2-day Rome itinerary below . This itinerary includes all the top sights that you absolutely shouldn’t miss, a detailed schedule, as well as our experience-based tips on how to make the most of your short visit. Check it out!

LEARN MORE: How to see the best of Rome in 2 days

Day 4: Pompeii & Amalfi Coast day trip from Rome

You could easily spend this day in Rome and find plenty to do too. But if you want to make the most out of your two weeks in Italy, we recommend visiting Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast as a day trip from Rome . You don’t necessarily have to do it on day 4 of this itinerary; days 2 or 3 would work too, so you can move things around depending on your preference.

It’s quite a long drive to get to Pompeii from Rome, but if this is your first time in Italy and you want to see as many of the most famous places, then it’s probably worth it.

There are various tours that visit Pompeii and either Mt Vesuvius , Amalfi Coast , or Naples from Rome in one day. Any of these tours will be rushed if you only have a day, but all are really nice and you can’t really go wrong with either option.

• If visiting in the warmest months (+-March to October), we recommend this tour . It includes Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast.
• If visiting in the lower season, we recommend this tour . In winter, it brings you to Pompeii and Naples.

TIP: If you’re just interested in the city of Naples, you can also easily come here for a day by train from Rome. In that case, see our recommended 1-day Naples itinerary . Here you can also find a more detailed guide to the best things to do in Naples .

And if you have a few days extra to add to your Italy itinerary, definitely consider spending more time in this area. In that case, you could probably better fly to Naples first, before going to Rome.

Alternative: If you don’t feel like doing a 12-13-hour day tour to Pompeii and rather stay in Rome, it’s a great choice too. In that case, we recommend getting a bit off the beaten path and visiting some of the most incredible ancient sites in Rome .

We recently did this amazing e-bike tour that brings you to the famous Appian Way, Roman aqueducts, and catacombs.

And with the extra time left in the city, you could visit some of the hidden gems of Rome or see some of the best viewpoints .

Day 5: Rome to Florence & visit Florence

Next on your Italy itinerary is Tuscany , one of the most beautiful regions in the country. We recommend basing yourself in Florence for the next few days. Florence is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy and is well worth a visit, but there are also some really nice places that you can see nearby. With just a few days here, you’ll have difficulties choosing where to go and what to skip!

Florence is just a short ride from Rome (+-1.5 hrs by train). Try to get an early train so you have enough time to explore the city after you arrive and drop off your luggage at your hotel.

On the first day in Florence, be sure to visit the musts, such as the Duomo Cathedral, the Uffizi Gallery, and/or Accademia Gallery . Depending on your interests, you can visit one or all three, but be sure to plan it well.

Good to know: All these places require a ticket and are extremely popular, so it’s essential to get tickets/tours in advance! Having your sightseeing itinerary well-planned upfront is the only way not to miss any of the most important sights and keep your Italian vacation enjoyable without feeling overwhelmed.

TIP: If you want to see as many of the musts in a short time, we recommend this popular tour that includes both – Uffizi Gallery and Accademia Gallery. Afterwards, visit the Florence Cathedral and climb the Dome (be sure to get a timed-entry ticket !).

Then, stroll the streets of the city center and see some of the main highlights that don’t absolutely require tickets or reservations – such as Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, Basilica Santa Croce, etc.

LEARN MORE: One Day in Florence

You’ll still have some additional time to explore Florence in the next days, but – depending on the day trips you choose – it will likely be just a few hours in the evenings after you get back from a tour. That’s why we recommend visiting the places that require a ticket on your first day already.

In the evenings, you can also enjoy some of the best sunset views from the nicest rooftop bars in Florence .

Needless to say, if you can add an extra day in Florence, you’ll be able to explore the city at a much more relaxed pace. But this counts for pretty much every place in this itinerary…

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Florence

Accommodation: Stay in Florence for at least 3 nights. Florence city center isn’t that big, but – to make things easier with the luggage and tours, stay somewhat close to the railway station. For one of our recent trips to Florence, we booked Hotel Croce di Malta – the location is excellent, they have a pool, and you can’t beat those rooftop views! On a bit lower budget, B&B Le Stanze del Duomo is one of the best price-quality hotels in the center!

Day 6: Tuscany day tour from Florence

While there’s plenty to see and do in Florence to fill a few days, you’ll likely want to see some of the famous Tuscan countryside as well.

So on your second day in Florence, we recommend taking a day tour to some of the nicest towns of Tuscany .

You could just take a train and visit the cities like Siena or Pisa on your own, but you would likely only see one town that way (and waste too much time in transit). Also here – if you want to make the most of your time, it’s best to go with an organized tour that visits a few of the very best places in a day.

TIP: We recommend this highly-rated day tour . It brings you to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the beautiful city of Siena, the charming medieval town of San Gimignano, and more. You could never see all these places in just a day on your own.

If you rather not join a tour, then take a train to Siena. Here you can find our guide to the best things to do in Siena , including a sample itinerary for your first. As an absolute minimum, don’t miss the Siena Cathedral !

Day 7: Cinque Terre day trip from Florence

Next is another place that’s probably high on your Italy bucket list – Cinque Terre . The famous 5 villages on the Ligurian coast are among the most visited and most photographed places in Italy.

If you plan well, it’s possible to see the best of Cinque Terre in just a day, also if you are visiting from Florence. You could take a train to La Spezia and on to Cinque Terre, following our detailed 1-day Cinque Terre itinerary . If you decide to go on your own, be sure to also read our practical tips for visiting Cinque Terre .

However, Cinque Terre is very popular and extremely busy (especially in the high season from March to October). So planning a quick visit here might be overwhelming…

TIP: If you want to see all the best places without having to plan anything, you’ll be glad to know that there are also some organized day tours from Florence to Cinque Terre. This highly-rated tour is one of the very best options for a day trip from Florence and covers all the musts in Cinque Terre.

Alternative/ addition day: If you are visiting Italy in the low season, you may want to skip Cinque Terre and visit Bologna instead (it’s just 40 minutes by train from Florence). Or, you could also add a stop in Bologna when traveling between Florence and Venice.

One day is enough to see the main sights in Bologna and it’s worth it if you can squeeze it in. But – as already mentioned before – you can add extra days pretty much everywhere in this itinerary and still not see it all…

READ ALSO: Florence to Bologna Travel Info & Best Things to Do in Bologna

Day 8: Florence to Venice & explore Venice

The second part of this 2-week Italy itinerary takes you to northern Italy. The next stop is Venice , just about 2.5 hrs from Florence by train. Venice is one of the most unique cities in the world and so no Italy trip itinerary would be complete without visiting here!

If you take a train early in the morning, you’ll be in Venice by noon, which leaves you plenty of time to get acquainted with the city and see some of the main highlights. We recommend spending 2 nights here, so you have 1.5 days, plus two evenings in Venice. Venice is magical at night – the city is so pretty and you can appreciate it so much more without all the day tourists around.

On your first day, you could tick some of the must-see places on your Venice bucket list. One of the musts is St. Mark’s Square and Cathedral (one of the most beautiful churches in Italy ), and the other – Doge’s Palace , just next door. Needless to say, these are very popular attractions, so also here you have to book your tickets (or tours) in advance.

TIP: We recommend a tour like this that covers some of the musts in the most efficient way. Ideally, opt for an afternoon tour, so that you don’t have to rush in order to get there on time.

After that, explore the city center on foot, see Rialto Bridge and the Grand Canal. You should also take a Venetian gondola ride , which is another must-do in Venice!

READ ALSO: How to see the best of Venice in 1 day

Accommodation: Stay in Venice for 2 nights. To make things easy for yourself, you could stay close to the railway station – e.g. Hotel Carlton On The Grand Canal is a very good option and usually great value for the money. Alternatively, if you don’t mind taking a water bus to the more centrally-located places, check out H10 Palazzo Canova close to Rialto Bridge or Bauer Palazzo not too far from San Marco Square. For the ultimate Venitian experience, take a look at the famous luxury Hotel Danieli .

Day 9: Venice

Today, you have an entire day to explore Venice and its surroundings . You could opt to spend the day in the city, or you could also take a half-day trip to the nearby islands Murano, Burano, and Torcello (there are various boat tours that visit the islands in 4-6 hours ).

While not an absolute must, a visit to these islands is a nice opportunity to see some smaller Italian towns. Murano is famous for its glass-blowing factories, Burano – for its lace, and Torcello – for its Byzantine basilica. In addition, the towns are very colorful and picturesque, and completely different from Venice.

There is so much to see and do in Venice that you will easily fill the entire day in the city. So it all depends on your interests and how many activities you want to pack into your itinerary.

As a minimum, in addition to the places mentioned before, we recommend going to the top of St. Mark’s Campanile for some of the best views over the city and the Venetian Lagoon. In some seasons, it is now possible to reserve the tickets in advance (do it!). Otherwise, you’ll have to queue and wait a long time. If you can do it first thing in the morning or in the late afternoon, it will be easier to plan the rest of your day.

TIP: If you are looking for something special to do in Venice in the evening, check out this dinner cruise on the Venetian lagoon . Alternatively, see if there’s something interesting going on at Teatro La Fenice .

And if you can squeeze in an extra day in your itinerary, Venice is definitely worth a longer stay. In that case, check out our 3-day Venice itinerary for some inspiration on what to see and do depending on how much time you have.

READ ALSO: Best things to do in Venice

TIP: Next on your itinerary is Verona, Lake Garda, and Lake Como. If you want to explore these areas deeper, Venice would be a good place to rent a car for the remainder of this trip (we use and recommend this website for the best car rental deals ). You can easily visit Verona by car, drive to (and maybe even around) Lake Garda, visit Lake Como, and then return the car in Milan.

Renting a car in Italy is normally not expensive, but driving and parking in the small towns by the lakes – especially in high season – can be very challenging.

Anyway, the rest of the itinerary below is created assuming you take a train. But you can easily adjust it if you decide to drive.

Day 10: Venice to Verona & explore Verona

The next stop on this Italian itinerary is Verona , one of the most romantic cities in Italy. It gets this reputation because of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”, and Juliet’s House is one of the top attractions in the city.

The train ride between Venice and Verona takes about 1.5 hours, so you’ll have a big part of the day left to explore Verona. The city is quite compact and you should be able to see all the musts in a day.

As a minimum, be sure not to miss the Verona Arena , built 2000 years ago (best get a priority ticket for this one). Also the views from Torre dei Lamberti and the earlier-mentioned Juliet’s House with its famous balcony are must-see in Verona.

Just as in all the other cities, you can also find some really nice Verona city tours led by locals. There are walking tours , a very nice bike tour , and this food tour is very popular as well. The nice thing about Verona is that it’s not that big, and so you can see a lot at a rather relaxed pace.

LEARN MORE: Best Places to See & Things to Do in Verona

Accommodation: Stay in Verona for 2 nights. We recommend Hotel Milano & SPA***S – it offers excellent price/quality in the city center. And yes, it also has a beautiful rooftop terrace with an amazing view – something we recommend in every city in this itinerary because we love staying at hotels with nice rooftop terraces ourselves. It makes any city visit so much more memorable!

Day 11: Lake Garda day trip from Verona

Lake Garda is one of the most beautiful lakes in Italy and if you have an extra day in your itinerary, it’s well worth planning a short visit here as well. This is especially the case if you are traveling in the warmer months.

If you don’t mind changing hotels more often, you could stay in Sirmione on your way between Verona and Milan. However, keep in mind that there is no direct train from Verona to Sirmione, so you’ll have to travel by bus or train + bus, or arrange a private transfer. To make it easier and simpler to plan, you can just visit Lake Garda as a (half) day trip from Verona. It’s good not to have to pack/ unpack every day.

You can come here by public transport and explore on your own. In that case, be sure to decide in advance where you’ll visit – just Sirmione or also some other towns along the lake, and research the public transport options to get back to Verona in the evening. See our Lake Garda itinerary suggestions on how to spend a day here.

There’s also a nice half-day tour from Verona that visits Sirmione town and includes a short boat ride on the lake. Sirmione is one of the best places to see at Lake Garda and the one that’s the easiest to visit if you don’t rent a car and/or don’t have at least a few days in the area.

TIP: If you take a half-day tour to Lake Garda, you’ll have a free afternoon in Verona. If visiting on weekends in summer (Thursday to Sunday, from +- mid-June to early September), you can attend an opera at the Verona Arena . It’s a really special experience!

Alternative: If you decide to skip Lake Garda altogether, then you could add an extra day in Florence or in Bologna as mentioned before. Or – if you visit Lake Garda with a half-day tour, you could take a train to Milan in the afternoon already and save some time in your itinerary this way.

Day 12: Verona to Milan & explore Milan

The final destination in this 2-week Italy itinerary is Milan , where you can also visit the beautiful Lake Como nearby.

One of Italy’s biggest and richest cities, Milan is also one of the most fascinating places in the country. It has such a unique mix of old, historic places and modern contemporary lifestyle and architecture. Plus, if you like Italian fashion and want to do some shopping, Milan will not disappoint either.

The train ride from Verona to Milan takes about 1.5 hours, and since you have almost two days for the city alone, you should be able to see all the musts in a rather relaxed way.

On your first day in Milan, you could visit the two main attractions – the Duomo Cathedral and see Leonardo Da Vinci’s Last Supper . There are also some great tours that visit The Last Supper and some of them also bring you to the Cathedral. It’s also well worth visiting the Duomo rooftop , but you can leave it for the next morning as well.

Good to know: Also here, whatever you decide, be sure to book tickets/ tours for the most popular places in advance! Tickets for The Last Supper are often sold out a few months upfront, but finding a guided tour is much easier (they pre-book tickets and can usually accommodate last-minute bookings as well).

Accommodation: Stay in Milan for 3 nights. Hotel Dei Cavalieri Milano Duomo is a great option right in the heart of the old town.

Day 13: Milan

Today, you have an entire day to explore Milan . Visit the highlights in the old city center, but don’t miss the modern part of the town either!

For more information on what to see and do and how to plan your day, please see our recommended 1-day Milan itinerary . It includes all the musts and the details on how to best plan your time.

If you already visited the Duomo and/or Duomo Terraces and/or Da Vinci’s Last Supper the day before, just adjust your itinerary accordingly.

If you have some time left, you can go shopping in the center or visit Designer Outlet Serravalle (although this one will likely require an entire day).

In the evening, head to the Navigli district , aka the canals of Milan. It’s a very nice and lively neighborhood with lots of restaurants, bars, and cafes – a perfect place to end the day of sightseeing.

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Milan

Day 14: Lake Como day trip from Milan

On the last day of your 2 weeks in Italy, we recommend visiting another famous lake in northern Italy, Lake Como . Located just near Milan, it’s an easy day trip destination and a wonderful addition to any Italian itinerary!

Just as with Lake Garda, you could visit Lake Como on your own. In that case, simply take a train from Milan to one of the towns (Como or Varenna are both good options) and then explore further.

However, ideally, you also take a boat trip on the lake and visit several of the nicest towns of Lake Como instead of one. And for that, it’s easier to join an organized tour and have them guide you to all the best places without having to plan or arrange anything.

TIP: We recommend this highly-rated day tour. It brings you to Como (including Villa Olmo), Bellagio , and Varenna – some of the most scenic places on Lake Como. It would be very difficult to plan a similar trip and see all of these sights in just a day on your own (mainly because tours use private transportation and don’t have to waste time waiting for trains or delayed ferries).

Also here, you could easily spend more time at Lake Como than just a day. In that case (or if you rather not take a tour even if visiting for just a day), you may want to read our guide with tips for visiting Lake Como .

READ ALSO: Top Places to See & Things to Do in Lake Como

So, this is it – the ultimate Italy itinerary that allows you to see ALL THE BEST PLACES in 2 weeks. Of course, there’s much more to see and do in Italy than the destinations covered here. But if you want to visit all the ‘musts’, this sightseeing itinerary does exactly that.

We planned this Italy itinerary in such a way that it starts and ends at the biggest towns with major international airports, Rome and Milan. There are lots of direct flights to/from both of these cities to many other places in the world. So it should be quite easy to plan your trip in such a way that you can fly home from Milan.

And if you absolutely want to make a loop, a round trip starting and ending in Rome, you can simply take a train from Milan to Rome, and fly out of there. The fast train between the two cities takes about 3.5 hours.

Good to know: If you take regular trains in Italy, you can just get a ticket at a station. However, if you opt for high-speed trains between the main cities (recommended), it’s best to reserve your seat in advance. You can use the official Trenitalia website for that, but keep in mind that standard tickets are usually non-refundable. We also recommend checking this website for all the best options for train tickets .

If you have more time…

If you have more time in Italy, you could add extra days pretty much anywhere in this itinerary and you’ll find plenty to do. We already included some additional recommendations above. And here are a few extra suggestions:

• You could add some extra time at the Amalfi Coast and also visit Capri Island and Naples . So instead of visiting this area on a day trip from Rome, you could stay here for several days. See our Amalfi Coast itinerary and Naples day trips for more suggestions on what to see and do there, and this guide for more information about the best areas to stay in Naples . You could easily add at least 5 days to your Italy trip itinerary just for this area – there’s so much to see!
• If visiting in summer, I also highly recommend adding at least a few days in the beautiful Italian Dolomites . You could rent a car in Venice and visit the mountains for a few days, continuing past Verona and Lake Garda and on to Milan. Here you can find some Dolomites itinerary suggestions and our guide on where to stay in the Dolomites .
• Tuscany is another area where you could easily add a few extra days. There are so many beautiful places to see! See our Tuscany itinerary for some additional inspiration for the best Tuscan towns .
• Bologna , one of the foodie destinations in Italy, is another nice addition to any Italy itinerary. You could just visit for a day from Florence, or spend several days here as well. Also Rimini , Ravenna , and San Marino are all worth a visit. See our Emilia Romagna itinerary for more information about these places.

…. I could go on and on. As you can see, there’s plenty to see in Italy to fill another few weeks or months. And once you visit this incredible country, you’ll definitely want to come back and explore more.

But for your first trip, this is a very complete itinerary that shows you the best of Italy in two weeks .

Yes, this itinerary is quite packed and yes, you’ll probably want to stay longer at many places you visit. But it gives you an amazing overview of what Italy is about, and you can always plan a repeat trip to the areas that you liked the most. You can also find a lot more travel inspiration in our Italy travel guide .

READ ALSO: Italian Food – traditional dishes to try in every region

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Monday 2nd of September 2024

absolutely fascinating travel blog, thank you for sharing your experiences!

I am looking to try and book a once in a lifetime two week holiday to Italy in August next year with my wife and daughter on a bit of a budget.

I am looking at flying out of the uk to Rome, up to Florence (taking in Pisa), to Venice and flying out of Milan. my question is, is there anywhere I should definitely add to this and is there an affordable beach resort we could fit in so my daughter gets her fix of sea swimming?

any recommendations, must not misses and helpful hints would be gratefully received,

many thanks,

Wednesday 4th of September 2024

Hi Peter, there are many nice places with beach access but keep in mind that August is the absolute peak season in Italy so the prices will be high. Maybe look into the coastal area around Pisa (+- between Livorno and La Spezia), but not too close to Cinque Terre if you are looking for budget options. That said, Cinque Terre and Portovenere are well worth a visit if you are in that area. The best beach town in Cinque Terre is Monterosso al Mare. If you can find affordable accommodation, consider staying there for a few nights. You can easily combine sightseeing with beach time. I just checked a few random dates for August next summer and there are - at this moment- some lower-budget accommodations in that area, e.g. Begasti Guesthouse or Pink House Garden, etc. To answer your question about accommodation, if you are already doing all the research, I would just book now. Most places have free cancelation anyway and you can always check later and change if you find something better. But as I said, August is the peak season in Italy, so the prices will not go down and nice affordable places are always the first one to get booked up. For additional recommendations for all the cities you mention, please take a look at the detailed guides we have on our blog. You can just use the search icon or head to our Italy page for an overview of all articles. Good luck with the planning!

Tuesday 3rd of September 2024

@Peter, also, what is the best time to start looking to book accommodation? I notice if you search any of the accommodation websites now, they all say 75% of the accommodation is not available.

Sunday 30th of June 2024

Hello Looking for some advice for a honeymoon to Italy. 10-12 days trip plan + 2 days flights ( most likely in September ) places excited to visit are : Rome Florence Venice Naples Possibly Apulia

Appreciate any recommendations for airbnb / affordable rooms in good areas for these locations? Thanks!

Friday 5th of July 2024

Hi Ryan, sounds like an amazing trip. Unfortunately, I really have no time to help all our readers with individual trip planning. We have so many details and suggestions in our articles. Just read carefully, pick the places that interest you the most, and maybe limit the number of stops since it's your honeymoon. You don't want to be rushing all the time! Why not start in the north (Venice), stop in Florence for two nights, then Rome for 2-3 days, and end with a few days relaxing vacation on the Amalfi Coast or Capri, for example. I think you'd enjoy it more that way. Have a great trip!

Thursday 20th of June 2024

Hello Jurga, hope you're doing great.. :) i need your advice for 10 days trip plan + 2 days flights ( most probably in September ) places excited to visit are : rome florence amalfi coast lake como Cinque Terre Bellagio milan (maybe depends on the start and end destination and flight)

any recommendation for airbnb affordable rooms in good areas in any of above ?

Hi Nancy, here's what you could do with 10 days in Italy if flying to/from Rome: Days 1-2: Rome. Day 3: day trip to Amalfi Coast. Day 4: Rome. Day 5: Rome to Florence and explore Florence. Day 6: Cinque Terre day trip from Florence. Day 7: Florence. Day 8: Florence to Milan. Day 9: Lake Como day trip from Milan (incl. Bellagio). Day 10: Explore Milan, take a day trip to Lugano or back to Rome. If you could fly to Naples and ends in Milan (or vice versa), your itinerary could look something like this: Day 1: Naples. Day 2: Amalfi Coast day trip. Day 3: Capri day trip. Day 4: Naples to Rome and explore Rome. Days 5-6: Rome. Day 7: Rome to Florence and explore Florence. Day 8: Cinque Terre day trip. Day 9: Florence to Milan. Day 10: Lake Como Day trip from Milan. For more details about all these places, please see our article above or use the search function on the blog. As for accommodations, we always use Booking.com. They have the best selection of hotels, hostels, privately-rented accommodations, apartments, villas, etc. It's by far the best place to book your accommodations. Just select the area, your travel dates, and how many people, and you will see all the best options in one place. You can also use their filters to specify specific budget or other criteria. Good luck with the planning!

Cintia Morales

Wednesday 19th of June 2024

Hi! Love this article a lot. I am planning a trip to Italy on April next year. My idea was to fly to: Milan Lake Como Venice Rome Positano Sicily and back home. Is it too much for two weeks? Thank you so much! I appreciate any insides you can share.

Hi Cintia, you could spend two weeks in Sicily alone. So it really depends on what you want to see there. With this itinerary, you will likely only have 3-4 days there at best. So the question is if it's worth adding Sicily (and extra flights) to your itinerary or is it better to spend more time e.g. in Naples area and/or in Tuscany. Only you can decide this based on your interests. But to answer your question, yes, if you plan well and concentrate on just the main highlights in all these places, it could be doable in two weeks. Good luck with the planning!

Tuesday 5th of March 2024

Please offer your ideas and suggestions for a 1-week trip to Italy in May 2024. We only have a short time to visit so any guidance to enjoy Italy in a few days will be so helpful!

Thursday 7th of March 2024

Hi Shannah, there are so many options, so pick the places that interest you the most. And don't overdo it in terms of too many different locations. With a week in Italy and if it's your first trip, you could visit Rome (2-3 days + potentially a day trip to Pompeii/Amalfi e.g. like this), Florence (1 day in the city and one day trip, e.g. to Tuscan towns like this or to Cinque Terre - see this tour), and Venice (1-2 days). Of course, you can just visit one specific region, but there are literally thousands of options, so you have to see what interests you the most. Hope this helps. For more details about all these places, please see our article above.

Plan a Trip to Italy

With the italy itinerary planner by triptile™.

Italy, often hailed as a timeless masterpiece, is a destination that never loses its allure. When one envisions this remarkable country, the mind conjures images of the ancient Colosseum in Rome, gondolas gliding through the canals of Venice, and vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see. Italy is a nation steeped in history, from the Renaissance art of Florence to the architectural wonders of Pompeii.

Its streets exude elegance, with high-end fashion boutiques, cozy trattorias serving delectable pasta dishes, and grand basilicas showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. Italian cuisine is celebrated globally, from the simple yet flavorful margherita pizza to the sumptuous risotto of Milan, making it a paradise for food enthusiasts.

Italy has been an enduring source of inspiration for countless artists, writers, and thinkers who have been entranced by its natural beauty and cultural richness. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the dramatic cliffs of the Cinque Terre, Italy's landscapes have fueled creativity across generations.

At the heart of this cultural treasure trove stands the timeless city of Florence, home to the Uffizi Gallery and the awe-inspiring Florence Cathedral. It's safe to say that at some point, many have dreamt of immersing themselves in the captivating ambiance of Italy and embracing "la dolce vita" – the sweet life. Haven't you?

Popular Italy Tours

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Popular Destinations In Italy

Things to See in Italy

Embark on a journey through Italy, a land rich with history and culture. Marvel at ancient Rome's iconic Colosseum and the Roman Forum, or navigate the romantic canals of Venice. Visit the Vatican City to witness Renaissance masterpieces, and explore Florence, where art permeates the air. From the bustling streets of Naples to the scenic Amalfi Coast, Italy offers a blend of historical treasures and breathtaking landscapes, making it a uniquely captivating destination.

F.A.Q. About Italy

What is the cheapest month to travel to Italy?

What is the most visited place in italy, what part of italy is the most beautiful, do i need a visa to go to italy if i am a us citizen, what is the best itinerary for italy, how to travel by train in italy, can i include a visit to italy as part of my europe trip, what triptile does.

Top Regions in Italy

23 Must-Know Italy Travel Tips to Plan Your Dream Trip

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Do you constantly think to yourself “I want to go to Italy!” as you scroll through social media looking at colorful cliffside villages and huge plates of pasta on gingham tablecloths? You’re not alone! Italy is one of the most beautiful countries in existence. From visiting big cities like Rome and Milan to the Riviera and countryside of Tuscany, everyone should get the opportunity to take a trip to Italy and experience la dolce vita at least once.

Despite the fact that Italian cuisine and culture are popular around the world, visiting Italy is a completely different ball game. This guide covers all the essential travel tips for Italy you need to know before visiting for the first time so you can avoid common travel mistakes.

It can be a surprisingly conservative country with unexpected own laws and rules. Let’s not even get started on the rules and traditions around food and drink yet! Knowing these basic Italy travel tips will allow you to focus your attention on buying cute leather handbags in Florence or sailing on Lake Como instead.

Don’t have time to read a bunch of reviews and blog posts? Here are our top picks for visiting Italy:

Get an Easy Italy Itinerary

Need a quick day-by-day, open-and-go itinerary for Italy? This guide does the work for you!

Awesome hotels in Italy

• Rome :  Hotel Artemide
• Venice :  Palazzo Madonna
• Florence :  Hotel Santa Maria Novella
• Amalfi Coast:   Hotel Villa Garden
• Cinque Terre :   Il Sogno di Manarola
• Tuscany :  Agriturismo Farm Stay

Fantastic tours in Italy

• Rome Vespa Tour
• Venice Walking Tour & Gondola Ride
• Tuscany Tour from Florence
• Pompeii with an Archaeologist
• Cinque Terre Boat Cruise

Renting a Car in Italy?

If you want to see the Italian countryside, I recommend you drive yourself. We prefer to use  Rental Cars  and  Expedia Cars .  We have had no issues with them and have been able to find the best prices available. Be sure to read these tips for renting a car in Italy .

Book a photoshoot

We always love to book a photoshoot when we’re traveling. As a mom, it’s tough to get in photos since I’m always behind the camera. We use Flytographer to capture our memories. You can get $25 off your shoot by booking at this link .

Be sure to buy travel insurance to protect yourself and your vacation expenses! Compare the top companies here to find the right plan for you.

1. Northern and Southern Italy are Very Different

Italy wasn’t even a country until 1861 when most of the current 20 regions of Italy were united. 150 years isn’t a long time when you think about it, so each region is still totally different from each other. This variety is part of the fun of traveling to Italy and what keeps tourists returning again and again!

To put things simply, Northern Italy is very different from Southern Italy. Most of the reasons behind this are economic and employment-based, but there are other differences you’ll notice too.

Much of the landscape of Northern Italy is Alpine and lush with lots of vineyards, whereas the south is much hotter and has a stronger Mediterranean vibe. Both areas are worth visiting on your trip to Italy, but your style of travel and interests will dictate the best regions to visit.

2. Consider these Italian Destinations for Your Trip

Let’s dig into some of the most incredible places to visit! If you’ve never visited Italy before, the entire country is your oyster, so this is a breakdown of just some of the most popular Italian travel destinations.

Italian Cities

• Rome – Italy’s iconic capital, you can also visit Vatican City
• Milan – International hub where you can visit Lake Como and Lake Maggiore
• Venice – Storied canal-laden city close to Verona and Lake Garda
• Florence – Heart of the Renaissance where you can take a day trip to Siena
• Naples – Birthplace of pizza and close to Mount Vesuvius
• Cinque Terre – Colorful cliffside villages on the Italian Riviera
• Tuscan Countryside – One of the best wine regions lined with cypress trees
• Italian Alps – Closely resembles Switzerland with lots of winter sports
• Amalfi Coast – Romantic cobblestone villages and beach resorts (pictured above)
• Sicily – Blend of Greece, Spain, and Italy with delicious street food

Check out the Amalfi Coast or Cinque Terre if you’re traveling as a couple in the warmer months. Families can head to the major cities with lots of kid-friendly activities and take day trips to the countryside.

Read more: Where To Go In Italy With Kids [& Important Planning Tips]

3. Book Tickets to Popular Tourist Attractions in Advance

If you’re visiting any of the big cities in Italy, this is one Italy travel tip you should take. Most of the top museums, galleries, and landmarks will sell a limited number of tickets with time slots in advance. If you aren’t organized, you will have to line up on the day and potentially wait for an hour or more in the baking hot sun.

These are attractions like the Colosseum in Rome , Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence , and the Vatican Museums in Vatican City . It’s understandable that you don’t want to over plan your vacation, but just having tickets to the must-see attractions will make your trip much more enjoyable.

However, you can’t buy tickets to some of the top free attractions, like the Duomo in Florence and St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, for example. Consider if it’s worth booking a guided tour to skip those lines. For the St. Peter’s in particular it’s a really good idea to book a skip-the-line tour in advance as the wait can stretch on for ages! Check the availability calendar below and be sure to snag your tickets:

There’s one attraction where you will have to buy tickets in advance with no exceptions. There are only a finite amount of people who can get The Last Supper painting by Leonardo Da Vinci in their Milan itinerary each day. Again, you can book a guided tour if the public sale tickets are sold out – that option will also provide a lot more context to your visit!

4. Expect a Tourist Tax on Accommodation When Visiting Italy

When traveling Italy, you’ll quickly realize that all accommodations have to charge a tax for tourists by law. The amount will depend on the quality of your stay (e.g. hostel or luxury resort), the number of people on your booking, the number of nights, and which Italian city you’re visiting. Yes, this includes short-term rental apartments like Airbnbs!

For example, the tax ranges between €3 to €7 per person, per night in Rome. It normally needs to be paid in cash upon arrival. While it’s not a huge amount, if you’re traveling to Italy on a budget I don’t want you to be surprised! For a family of four spending 10 days in Italy it could easily add up to several hundred dollars.

5. Apartment Rentals and Hotels Will Ask for Copies of Your Passport

It’s normal for tourists to present their international identification (passport) when staying at a hostel or checking into a hotel room. But if you have booked an apartment rental for your trip to Italy, they will also ask for a photo of your passport page. If you have an in-person check-in, they might take a photo of it themselves.

This might seem a little suspicious, but it’s the law! They’re not going to use your passport information for anything other than passing it on to the local authorities.

6. You need to carry your passport with you at all times

Speaking of passports…

While there’s some debate about whether you need to bring your original passport with you rather than a copy, one thing’s for certain: by law, you can be stopped at any time in Italy and asked to show your passport or legal identification issued by your national government – a US drivers license is not sufficient.

Bringing your passport around with you can be nerve-wracking, as there is a risk of pickpocketing in Italy (as in all populated areas). You’ll want to make sure it’s in a secured inner pocket of your day bag. Wear it close to your body in the front, or on your side but with your hand on it at all times. The bag above is great because the inner compartments are secured by both a zipper and a flap.

7. Get an International Driving Permit to Drive in Italy

When planning your epic vacation, you’ll need to figure out how to travel in Italy. Car rental is a great choice, particularly if you have lots of luggage or want to visit remote destinations.

There are a few unique things to consider before renting a car in Italy . Other European countries may not have this requirement, but all non-EU drivers must present an international driving license when hiring from an Italian car rental company. They only cost around $20 and are super easy to get from AAA before you leave home.

You should also ensure you have extensive vehicle and travel insurance before getting a rental car. Narrow, winding Italian roads and reckless Italian drivers can make for a challenging car trip!

We use our Chase Sapphire Reserve for car rentals because it offers great primary insurance (meaning our own insurance wouldn’t get involved in a claim) and doesn’t exclude Italy. There’s also no foreign transaction fee and solid lounge access overseas. If you only have one travel credit card in your wallet, it’s a great choice!

8. Avoid Taxis – Most Italian Cities Are Walkable

It’s totally understandable if you’d rather not navigate the Tuscan rail network after a 10+ hour flight with lots of luggage and multiple kids. That’s what pre-arranged airport transfers are for! Beyond that, opt for public transport or walk so you can avoid taking taxis altogether (if you’re able).

In my experience it can be challenging in some place to hail taxis off the street in many cities, leaving you to order one through your hotel or head to the nearest station for a taxi stand. Uber and other ride-share companies are still in their infancy and the traffic in some cities will make you’d wish you were walking anyway.

One of the best pieces of Italy travel advice is to walk when and where you can. Almost every historic city center in Italy is walkable (wear comfy shoes) and Google Maps will help you get around. You’ll see more side streets, charming churches, and allow for more spontaneous travel experiences.

9. Learn Italy’s Coffee Rules to Avoid a Faux Pas

Wait, you can’t just drink coffee whenever and wherever you like?! You can, but in the spirit of ‘do as the Romans do’, you may want to put down that venti iced latte and assimilate to Italy’s coffee-drinking routine while you’re on vacation.

Generally speaking, Italians drink espresso by default. If you ask for a caffè in a coffee shop, you will be presented with one shot of black coffee. Macchiatos are becoming more and more common, and these are double-shot espressos with a dollop of foamed, hot milk.

For Italians, a cappuccino or other milk-heavy coffee drink is a breakfast drink. They wouldn’t be caught dead ordering one after lunch.

10. Train Travel Is the Best Way to Get Around Italy

One of the best tips for traveling in Italy is to embrace train travel. Italy has an extensive public transport system and despite the odd strike or delay, it is affordable and super easy to understand. We’ve used the train for long-distance legs like Venice to Florence as well as day trips like Florence to Cinque Terre.

There are two main train companies: Trenitalia and Italo Treno, but there are others too. You can find a great explanation and book your tickets here . When traveling Italy between cities on an Italo Treno service, you need to buy your train ticket in advance to get a seat. For regional train tickets, you can buy them at the train station and sit in any free seat. That’s it!

Once upon a time, you needed to validate your ticket at the train station by using a date stamping machine on the platforms, but this is becoming obsolete. Download the Trenitalia app and screenshot your tickets.

Busy train stations might make you feel overwhelmed, but there are always information desks that can help you find your platform.

Read more: How to Travel to Italy on a Budget

11. Bring a Refillable Water Bottle for Drinking Fountains

Put the bottled water back on the shelf and take advantage of the clean, free, and fresh drinking water available in some of Italy’s major cities. One of the top pieces of travel advice for Italy is to bring a reusable water bottle and only drink tap water while on vacation.

Rome is particularly famous for its 2,500 drinking fountains as the Ancient Romans worshipped water like a god. Venice, Verona, Pisa, Florence, Sorrento, Capri, and many other cities have these fountains.

By law, local authorities have to put a sign up if a fountain is not safe to drink. If there’s no sign, there’s no problem!

12. Adapt to Italian Dining and Eating Habits

Aside from not drinking bottled water, there are other eating and dining habits unique to Italy.

Many Italians opt to eat a light breakfast of espresso with a sweet pastry. Traditionally, workers ate their light breakfast while standing at the counter of a coffee shop. One of the top Italy travel tips is that you do the same as it’s such a fun, local experience!

Beyond Italian breakfast, something else that some Italian restaurants do is include a ‘cover charge’ on your bill which is not a mandatory tip like it is in some countries. This extra cost is for fresh bread and sometimes sparkling water for the table. If you don’t want any bread or water, tell your server when they first bring it over.

Some Italians still go to their local market for fruit, vegetables, fish, and meat instead of a supermarket. If you are staying in an apartment and want to make your own food, consider shopping at a local market too.

13. Wear Conservative Clothing When Visiting Churches

You can’t walk two minutes without passing an ornate church in this country, and so many of the top landmarks are churches too. One key Italy travel tip is to pack conservative clothing or keep a light scarf in your backpack for extra coverage as necessary.

Most churches require visitors to cover their chests and shoulders. Exposed knees aren’t usually an issue, but booty shorts are a no-no.

14. Italy Is Not Warm Year-Round – Check the Local Weather

Speaking of clothing, you may need to rethink your wardrobe depending on where and when you are going to Italy. While it’s warm and dry during the summer months, you’d be surprised how cold Italy can get in the north.

One of the top, essential Italy travel tips is to check the weather forecast just before you leave. Pack at least one pair of long pants and a light sweater even if the weather looks warm in the shoulder seasons of spring and fall.

Read more: What to pack for Italy in Fall

15. Avoid Common Travel Scams in Big Cities in Italy

Every popular tourist destination has its fair share of pickpockets and travel scammers. Watch out for them when walking through a historic city center, like Piazza San Marco in Venice for example, and keep your belongings and valuables secure at all times.

One of the most infamous is the ‘friendship bracelet’ scam. Someone will attempt to tie strings around your wrist and say it is free until it’s knotted and they will ask for payment. Approaching you with a ‘free’ flower and making your partner pay up is another.

Leaving a small cup of change or postcards on the ground for you to accidentally walk across and seek compensation is a popular scam in Florence especially!

16. Public Bathrooms Are Almost Never Free

While public bathrooms are usually plentiful and free in the US, that’s not the case everywhere.

One of the best travel tips for Italy is to make use of cafe and restaurant bathrooms whilst dining. Keep some coins on you if nature calls and you need to use a public bathroom as there is almost always a charge. Even in train stations!

17. Follow These Tips for Choosing the Best Gelaterias

Not all Italian gelato is created equal. These Italy travel tips will help you choose only the best homemade, artificial flavor-free gelato made on the premises.

If the gelato is piled too high in the container, it’s been artificially ‘fluffed up’. Silver containers are a good sign as that’s how it gets transported from the kitchen to the shop. Look for natural colors i.e. pistachio is naturally an olive color and banana gelato should look almost white.

18. Drinking Wine Is Cheap and the House Wine Is Great

Do you love Italian wine? You’re in luck! Italian wine is sold in every restaurant and supermarket in the country. Head to Tuscany if you love Italian red wine and Veneto if you prefer white wine or sparkling.

House wine (known as vino della casa in Italian) doesn’t have the stigma of being the cheapest, worst wine on the menu either. Yes, house wine is still cheap and it’s not the best, but it’s usually either the restaurant’s own label or from a local vineyard. Many Italians will order this vino every time they dine out.

Italian wine is overall much cheaper than it is abroad too. Win-win!

19. Bring a Travel Credit Card and Cash – You’ll Need Both!

One of the essential travel in Italy tips you need to know is about money. Italy uses the euro and it’s a smart idea to carry both travel-friendly credit cards and cash.

What makes a credit card travel-friendly? For starters, be sure there’s no foreign transaction fee – usually you’ll need a card that charges an annual fee to get that critical feature. I recommend one like the Chase Sapphire Reserve that has really good travel insurance and emergency medical coverage. We used it all over the world and never had an issue, and the points we accumulated let us keep traveling longer!

If you usually use American Express, bring an alternative because many Italian vendors won’t accept them. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted by hotels, restaurants, and stores but bring cash for tips, accommodation tax, and other small purchases.

Just don’t carry too much cash – if you get pickpocketed, your travel insurance will only cover so much.

20. Learn Some Basic Italian Phrases When You Visit Italy

You likely already know a couple of Italian words, but these visiting Italy travel tips will clue you up on the basis so you can throw in the odd phrase when chatting to servers and locals:

• Good morning – Buongiorno
• Goodbye – Arrivederci
• Informal Hi/Bye – Ciao
• Yes – Sì
• No – No
• Please – Per favore
• Thank you – Grazie
• Excuse me – Mi scusi

Just as long as you don’t accidentally say gracias instead of grazie , you’ll be doing better than some! (I admit to making that mistake myself – as a French and Spanish speaker, the languages are so similar that my brain sometimes runs on autopilot.)

21. Dine Away from Piazzas and Eat Regional Italian Food

One of the simplest Italy travel tips is to avoid eating at restaurants in piazzas in big cities.

By all means, order a cocktail and enjoy people-watching. But you’ll find cheaper, better Italian food a block away down a side street or in a residential neighborhood.

22. You Won’t Find Spaghetti Bolognese on Italian Menus

There’s American food, there’s Italian food, and there’s Italian-American food. One of the mind-blowing things to know before traveling to Italy is that many dishes you think were invented in Italy weren’t.

Garlic bread is a type of bruschetta in Italy and not a common one. Bolognese sauce exists, but it’s not usually served with mincemeat like spaghetti bolognese.

And what about pepperoni? If you ask for that in Italy, don’t be surprised to find chopped bell peppers on your pizza.

23. Embrace Italian Culture and Dolce Far Niente

A key piece of advice on traveling to Italy is to just relax. The Italians have a saying, dolce far niente . It means the sweetness of doing nothing.

Leave some room in your trip itinerary to wander without looking at your Maps app or sip a cappuccino at a cafe without looking at your phone.

Essential Italy Travel Tips to Know Before Your Vacation

These travel tips for Italy will help you know what to expect from Italian menus, accommodations, locals, and more so you can feel confident and safe on vacation. Whether you’re hiking Cinque Terre at sunset or eating cannoli in Sicily, you’ll have the time of your life on your summer vacation, Italian style!

Don’t miss these additional resources as you plan your trip to Italy:

• Renting a Car in Italy: La Dolce Vita on Four Wheels
• How to Travel to Italy on a Budget
• Where To Go In Italy With Kids [& Important Planning Tips]
• Fall capsule wardrobe for travel: what to pack for Italy in October

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The Effortless Way to Plan a Trip to Italy on Your Own

Kayla D. Martinez

Senior Travel Writer

Kayla D. Martinez is a senior travel writer and a passionate travel enthusiast, whose journey through the world of exploration and storytelling has left an indelible mark on the travel industry. Throughout her career, Kayla has penned countless articles for prestigious travel publications, capturing the essence of cultures, the beauty of landscapes, and the allure of hidden gems. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for uncovering hidden treasures, Kayla has a knack for immersing herself in the local culture of the places she visits, forging connections with locals, and uncovering the untold stories that lie beneath the surface. Her commitment to responsible and sustainable travel practices sets a positive example for her readers and fellow travelers.

Kayla D. Martinez is a senior travel writer and a passionate travel enthusiast, whose journey through the world of exploration and storytelling has left an indelible mark on the travel...

Hello World

Dreaming of pasta-filled evenings, exploring ancient ruins, and wandering picturesque canals in Italy? If so, you’re in the right place! Planning your own Italian adventure might sound tricky, but trust me—it’s simpler (and more fun) than you think. With some handy tips, a bit of organization, and a touch of spontaneity, you can design a personalized itinerary that captures the essence of la dolce vita . 

So, ready to plan a trip to Italy on your own? Let’s get in and get started!

Pick the Best Season for Your Experience

The first step is to determine when you want to visit. Italy’s diverse climate offers unique experiences throughout the year:

• Spring (April to June) : Ideal for sightseeing with mild temperatures and blooming landscapes. Perfect for outdoor activities like visiting Florence to Tuscan vineyards or hiking in the Dolomites.
• Summer (July to August) : Beaches are bustling, and coastal towns like Amalfi or Cinque Terre are at their best. However, major cities ( Rome , Florence ) can be crowded and hot, so plan for early morning or evening visits to popular sites.
• Fall (September to October) : Harvest season , great for foodies and wine lovers. Temperatures cool down, making it perfect for both city tours and countryside exploration.
• Winter (November to March) : Quieter in cities and ideal for Christmas markets or skiing in the Alps. Coastal areas are less busy but remain beautiful, especially in Sicily​.

Set a Realistic Budget & Plan Your Finances Ahead

Knowing your budget upfront allows for better planning. Italy offers a range of options, and budgeting efficiently will enhance your experience:

Accommodation :

• Budget options : Hostels (around $20-$50 per night) and B&Bs.
• Mid-range : Agriturismi or 3-star hotels (around $70-$150 per night).
• Luxury : 4-star hotels or villas (around $200+ per night)​.

Transportation :

• Train travel is efficient for city-to-city travel (e.g., Rome to Florence). High-speed train tickets range from around $10-$70.
• Car rentals are best for rural regions like Tuscany. Expect around $40-$80/day plus fuel and tolls​.
• Casual meals or trattorias : Around $10-$25 per meal.
• Fine dining or Michelin-star experiences : Approximately $50+ per person.
• Save by enjoying Italy’s delicious street food like paninis and gelato​.

Choose the Best Destinations for Your Interests

Italy is packed with diverse destinations, so planning your route based on your interests and time frame is key:

Classic Route (10-14 days) :

• Rome (3 days): Visit Rome’s ancient attractions like the Colosseum, Vatican City , and the Roman Forum. Take a cooking class to learn traditional Roman dishes .
• Florence (2-3 days): Explore the Uffizi Gallery, Duomo, and Ponte Vecchio. Take a day trip to the Tuscan countryside for wine tasting .
• Venice (2 days): Wander the canals in Gondola , visit St. Mark’s Square & Basilica, and take a day trip to the nearby Islands Murano & Burano​ .

Alternative Routes :

• Southern Italy : Naples, Amalfi Coast , and Sicily are perfect for beach lovers and history enthusiasts. Don’t miss Pompeii, Herculaneum , and Mount Vesuvius.
• Northern Italy : Milan , Lake Como , Lake Garda , and the Dolomites are ideal for art, fashion, and outdoor adventures like hiking and skiing near Milan.

Pro Tip : Don’t over-pack your itinerary. Spend at least 2-3 nights in each place to fully enjoy the experience without rushing​.

Book Flights and Accommodation

Booking your flights early can save you money and ensure availability , especially during peak seasons:

• Flights : Use tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Expedia to find the best deals. Be flexible with dates to score discounts. Major hubs are Rome (FCO), Milan (MXP), and Venice (VCE).
• Accommodation : Book at least 3-6 months in advance for popular cities, especially in high season (May to August). Websites like Booking.com offer flexible options; consider Airbnb for longer stays or more local experiences.

Choose the Right Mode of Transportation

Italy’s transport network is extensive, but picking the right option for your itinerary is essential:

• Trains : High-speed trains like Frecciarossa connect major cities efficiently (e.g., Rome to Venice in 3.5 hours). Book in advance on sites like Trenitalia for discounts.
• Car Rentals : Ideal for rural areas like Tuscany or Sicily. Remember to get an international driver’s permit and check local driving laws​.
• Public Transport in Cities : Cities like Rome, Florence, and Milan have reliable metro and bus systems. Consider multi-day passes for savings on transportation.

Craft Your Day-to-Day Itinerary

A well-crafted itinerary balances must-see attractions with downtime for relaxation:

• Decide on Must-See Destinations : Prioritize top sites like the Colosseum in Rome, the canals in Venice, and the Duomo in Florence. Include at least one day for day trips, like visiting the Tuscan countryside or the Amalfi Coast.
• Day Trips : Utilize Italy’s robust train network to plan day trips from major cities. For example, from Florence, you can explore Pisa or the hill towns of Tuscany; from Milan, you can visit Lake Como, Lake Garda, Lugano, or even Swiss border towns. ​

Pack Smart & Be Prepared for Italy’s Diverse Climate

Packing appropriately for the season and your activities can enhance your experience:

• Spring/Fall : Layers, comfortable walking shoes, and a light jacket. These are ideal for exploring cities and countryside alike.
• Summer : Lightweight clothes, a hat, and sunscreen are musts. Don’t forget swimwear if you plan to hit the beach.
• Winter : Warm layers, especially for northern regions. Skiing? Pack thermals and good winter boots.

Prepare Essential Travel Documents and Insurance

Before you leave, ensure all your documents are in order:

• Passport : Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay.
• Visa Requirements : Check if you need a visa based on your nationality. Most visitors from the US and EU can enter visa-free for 90 days .
• Travel Insurance : Get comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies, cancellations, and theft​.

Add Local Experiences & Embrace Italy’s Rich Culture

To make your trip memorable, plan authentic local experiences:

• Food and Wine Tours : Book a food tour in Bologna or Naples for authentic street food experiences.
• Art and History : Explore museums like the Uffizi in Florence or ancient ruins in Rome. Book tickets in advance to skip lines.
• Workshops : Try cooking classes in Florence or ceramic workshops in Matera for a hands-on cultural experience​.

Additional Tips for a Smooth and Enjoyable Trip

To ensure your Italian adventure goes off without a hitch, here are some extra tips to keep in mind. These practical pointers will help you make the most of your time, avoid common pitfalls, and navigate Italy like a local:

• Book Skip-the-Line Tickets : Avoid long waits at popular attractions like the Vatican and Colosseum by booking online ahead of time.
• Stay Connected : Buy a local SIM card or portable Wi-Fi for reliable internet access during your travels.
• Learn a Few Italian Phrases : Basic greetings and polite phrases like Buongiorno (good morning) and Grazie (thank you) will enrich your interactions with locals.
• Use Apps for Navigation and Translation : Download offline maps (e.g., Google Maps) and translation apps (like Google Translate) to help with directions and basic Italian phrases.
• Carry Cash : Many smaller shops, cafes, and markets prefer cash. Always have some euros on hand, especially for tipping and small purchases.
• Be Aware of Siesta Hours : In smaller towns, shops may close in the afternoon (around 1-4 PM). Plan your day accordingly to avoid finding places unexpectedly closed.
• Dress Appropriately for Religious Sites : When visiting churches or the Vatican, ensure your shoulders and knees are covered. Bring a light scarf or shawl to cover up if needed.
• Watch for Pickpockets : In crowded areas like train stations and popular tourist spots, be mindful of your belongings. Use anti-theft bags or keep valuables close to avoid any issues.
• Tap into Local Recommendations : Don’t be afraid to ask locals (or your hotel host) for dining suggestions or hidden gems—they often know the best spots that tourists might miss.
• Fun Fact : Want an interesting fact —Italians drink their coffee standing at the bar. Sitting down can sometimes cost more due to service fees, so do as the locals do—grab your espresso and enjoy it on your feet like an Italian pro!

Final Thoughts

And there you have it—your roadmap to crafting an unforgettable Italian adventure! From planning your itinerary to savoring local experiences, you’re set to explore Italy’s wonders at your own pace. Remember, it’s not just about the destination; it’s about those little moments—like sipping espresso in a tiny piazza. 

So pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and let the magic of Italy unfold. Buon viaggio!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much does a trip to Italy usually cost?

A 10-day trip to Italy typically costs between $2,000 to $4,000 per person, including flights, accommodations, food, and activities.

What is the best way to see Italy for the first time?

For a first visit, explore the classic cities: Rome, Florence, and Venice, with day trips to nearby attractions.

How far in advance should I plan a trip to Italy?

Plan at least 3-6 months in advance, especially for peak travel times and popular destinations.

In what order should I visit Italy?

Try starting in Milan , then head to Venice , continue south to Florence , and finish in Rome for a classic yet efficient travel experience that captures Italy’s diverse regions.

What is the best time of the year to visit Italy?

The best time is spring (April to June) or fall (September to October) for mild weather and fewer crowds.

What is the cheapest month to go to Italy?

January and February are generally the cheapest months to visit Italy.

Getting Around Rome Efficiently and Easily

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Italy Guide: Planning Your Trip

• Best Time to Visit
• Weather & Climate
• Best Destinations
• Top Cities to Visit
• Must-Try Foods
• Two-Week Itinerary
• Things to Do
• Best Beaches
• Best Museums
• Dolomites Guide
• Where to Go Hiking
• Where to Go Skiing

Italy is one of the most fabulous destinations in the world and ranks high on most travelers' must-see lists. As the seat of the once-mighty Roman Empire, home of the Catholic Church, and the birthplace of the Renaissance, its historical, artistic, and cultural treasures are almost too numerous to count (in fact, it boasts 55 UNESCO World Heritage Sites  ). Italy is also a spectacularly beautiful country, with dazzling monument-filled cities, charming small towns, plus gorgeous beaches and mountain ranges. And the food? Don't even get us started. Let's just say there's a reason Italian cuisine is celebrated the world over.

This Italy trip-planning guide is a starting point for organizing your trip of a lifetime, deciding where to go and what to see, how long to stay and most importantly—what to eat!

Planning Your Trip

• Best Time to Visit : The best months to visit Italy depend on your preferences as a traveler. Springtime and early summer—April, May, and June—sees gorgeous weather, mostly mild temperatures and crowds that range from moderate to dense. Summer is the most crowded season, and it can be stiflingly hot in most parts of the country. September and October are still packed, but the weather is more pleasant. Except for December, wintertime is less crowded. If you can put up with cold, rainy weather—maybe with a few sunny days thrown in—January, February, and March are the least crowded months to visit.
• Language: Italian is the first language in Italy  , and in major cities, shop owners, hotel and restaurant workers generally speak at least a little bit of English, and often French and German as well. In more rural areas, away from tourist centers, you may find that very few people speak English—an Italian-English pocket dictionary or a translation app on your smartphone will come in handy. It's always helpful—and polite—to be able to say a few words and phrases in Italian .
• Currency: All of Italy uses the euro  , and other currencies are not accepted. Credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard are accepted everywhere, except for most street food stalls and smaller, independent merchants. It's always a good idea to have cash on hand, especially when stopping off for a caffe (coffee), buying bus, tram or Metro tickets, and at smaller stores or market stands. Note that American Express and Diners Club are less widely accepted in Italy. Be sure to confirm in advance with your hotel or restaurant if you intend to pay with these cards.
• Getting Around: Italy's cities and towns are connected by a comprehensive rail network of high-speed trains servicing major cities and slower, regional trains serving smaller destinations. Trenitalia is the national carrier and covers the entire country, while private rail company Italo serves major cities. If your trip to Italy involves mostly cities and towns on rail lines, you can quickly get around without a rental car. If you wish to spend a lot of time in the countryside, say, visiting wineries in Tuscany or hiking through the Dolomites, then a car will likely be necessary. In nearly all of Italy's major cities, tourist attractions are clustered in the centro storico , or historic center, and are within walking distance of one another. Otherwise, cities have a system of buses, subways, and often trams, all of which are inexpensive and relatively easy ways to navigate. Most smaller towns are entirely walkable.
• Travel Tip: Buy or reserve tickets in advance for those hotspot attractions you want to see. The Colosseum, the Uffizi Gallery, and Leonardo's "The Last Supper" are just a few of the sights in Italy where reservations are either required or strongly recommended. And, don't over schedule. While it's tempting to try to pack in every museum and attraction, remember that a big part of the appeal of Italy is its more relaxed, dolce vita lifestyle. Don't be so rushed that you miss out.

Patience is a virtue, especially in Italy. You may find slower restaurant service, trains that run late, and a general lack of urgency when it comes to customer service. Take a deep breath and adjust to life, Italian-style.

Things to Do in Italy

What you see and do in Italy depends mostly on how much time you have and what your interests are. When planning a trip to Italy, looking at a map of Italy's best attractions and cities is a great way to gain perspective on your travel itinerary. That way, you can make informed decisions about where you want to visit, how long you will need to explore each location, what time of year you want to travel, how you can get around from place to place most effectively, and most importantly, what you want out of your trip.

Everyone knows the three most significant destinations in Italy—Rome, Venice, and Florence—but one of the biggest mistakes travelers make is to try to see this triumvirate in 10 days. While you can certainly travel to each of them within 10 days, you won't get to experience any of the depth of these diverse and interesting places. If you have just a short time in each city, a half-day walking tour is a great way to cover a lot of ground.

To help you start forming your itinerary, here's a brief list of some of the top destinations and activities in Italy:

• Rome : The capital of Italy is the home of the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, Vatican City, including St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums, and so, so much more.
• Florence : Michelangelo's David, the treasures of the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio bridge, shopping for leather goods at San Lorenzo Market.
• Venice : A gondola ride on the Grand Canal, the glory of St. Mark's Square and Basilica, getting lost, and seeing the smaller Venetian islands.
• Naples : Art, archaeology, history, and Baroque churches, plus fantastic street food and proximity to Pompeii, Capri, and the Amalfi Coast.
• Tuscany : Italy's most famous region, known for red wine, rolling hills, and picturesque cities and towns; home to Siena, Lucca, Pisa, and Florence.
• Umbria : The hill towns of Orvieto, Perugia, and Spoleto, plus regional wines and hand-painted ceramics.
• The Lakes Region : Italy's northern playground, with lakes Garda, Maggiore, Como and more.
• Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast : The ruins of a city buried by Mt. Vesuvius, plus the incredible scenery and ambiance of the Amalfi Coast towns.
• Milan and Torino : Italy's fashion capital is also packed with important museums and is home to "The Last Supper," while busy Torino is an underrated European city, with museums, performing arts, and cafe culture.
• Cinque Terre and the Italian Riviera: Hiking from one lovely seaside town to the next, discovering Genoa, enjoying the beaches near San Remo, Savona, and those south of Genoa.
• Puglia : Curious Trulli dwellings, 1,000-year-old olive trees, beautiful beaches, and the "heel" of Italy.
• Emilia-Romagna : Come for the cuisine, then enjoy the great art and culture cities of Bologna, Ravenna, Modena, and Parma.
• Sicily : For Europe's most active volcano, magnificent Greek ruins and regional cuisines like caponata and cannoli .

What to Eat and Drink

Italy is, of course, famous for pasta and pizza, both of which can be found in virtually every corner of the country. These dishes, especially the kinds of pasta, will vary widely depending on the region, with each dish utilizing readily available local products. In Milan and other northern cities, you may find more polenta and risotto on the menu than pasta. At seaside areas and on Italy's islands, fresh seafood will dominate. Desserts are also regional, but tiramisu and panna cotta, a dish similar to flan, are found just about everywhere. Be sure to try some of the local cuisines wherever you are, rather than limiting yourself to familiar dishes.

Outside of your hotel's buffet, breakfast in Italy is light, consisting of an espresso ( caffe ) or cappuccino with a cornetto (breakfast pastry like a croissant), usually eaten standing up at the bar . Lunch is often the biggest meal of the day and is eaten from 1 p.m. to about 2:30 p.m. Restaurants probably won't open before 12:30 p.m. Similarly, dinner is eaten late by U.S. standards. If you show up at a restaurant at 7:30 p.m., you'll likely be the only customers, but by 8:30 or 9 p.m., the place will have filled up.

Wine in Italy is also regional, with every part of the country producing its own. House wines are usually from the region, very cheap and perfectly drinkable. In all but the priciest restaurants, you can find bottles on the wine list priced from around 15 euros. Craft beer is increasingly popular in Italy, and pairs well with pizza. Aperitivo , the before-dinner drink, is an institution in Italy, and usually consists of a glass of sparkling prosecco or an Aperol Spritz, plus light snacks. Bottled water is served in restaurants, either as normale (still), frizzante (with gas), or leggermente frizzante (lightly gassed).

For a more thorough look at the art of eating in Italy, check our guide to dining out in Italy .

Where to Stay

Accommodations in Italy run the gamut from simple to luxury city hotels, rustic farm stays at agriturismi , cozy B&Bs, and private homes and apartments available through sites like Airbnb and Vrbo. If you're visiting a city like Rome, Florence or Orvieto, especially for the first time, we recommend a hotel or lodging as close to the city center as possible. Even if it costs a little more, the convenience is worth it. Renting a private apartment can be a cost-saving measure, especially for families, but you miss out on the services of a hotel. In most hotels large and small, breakfast is usually included in the price and is quite often an extensive buffet.

Agriturismo are country houses set a few miles away from major towns. They offer a bucolic countryside atmosphere and locally sourced food, often grown on-site, and many have outdoor pools. They are ideal for large groups of family and friends, though many rent individual apartments or rooms.

Getting There

Most U.S. travelers to Italy arrive at Rome's Fiumicino airport on the outskirts of the city. International flights also arrive at Milan Malpensa airport , Naples, and Venice , though with far less frequency than Rome. All airports have rental car centers, as well as train stations for connecting into their nearest city. For example in Rome, trains depart every 30 minutes for Termini Station, one of the country's major transport hubs. From there, travelers can take taxis, trams, buses or Metro to their Rome hotel, or catch one of the hundreds of daily trains connecting to all parts of Italy.

Culture and Customs

Generally speaking, travelers from the U.S. won't find Italians too different from themselves. But there is a friendliness mixed with formality here, which visitors should try to adapt to:

• Greet people with a cheerful " Buongiorno !" during the day and " Buona sera " from late afternoon onwards. Say " arrivederci " when leaving a store or restaurant.
• When dining out, remember that sharing plates is frowned upon, but you can ask for a half-portion of pasta.
• In all but the most touristy restaurants, you'll have to ask for your check, il conto —it's considered rude for the waitstaff to present the check before you ask.
• Be respectful when visiting churches, by speaking in hushed tones and observing posted dress codes.
• While shorts, t-shirts, flip-flops, and baseball caps are standard attire for visiting Americans, Italians tend to dress a bit more elegantly. Especially for evening meals, wear something a little less casual.
• Italy is a safe country with a low crime rate. But in busy areas like train stations and public squares, and even in crowded museums, keep a firm grip on your valuables.
• Don't buy contraband purses or souvenirs from unlicensed street vendors, who are selling illegally.
• Uber is illegal in most of Italy or is allowed only in a limited capacity. Taxis are inexpensive when compared to most U.S. cities.

Money Saving Tips

• Save on evening meals by heading to a pizzeria . Even in most cities, diners can enjoy a pizza and house wine or soft drinks for 15 euros per person or less.
• During the day, look for a tavola calda , a cafeteria-type eatery where you can choose from a range of already prepared items.
• If you have an apartment or at least a mini-fridge in your hotel, you can buy lunch supplies at a local grocery store.
• In most cities, museums are free on the first Sunday of the month.
• Instead of buying costly and wasteful bottled water, refill a reusable bottle at any city water fountain, where water is always safe to drink and often, refreshingly cold.
• Look for city passes, like the Roma Pass, which offers savings on museum and attraction admission, as well as transportation passes.

Want more tips? Check out our guide on how to save money on your Italian vacation .

Italian National Tourist Board . "UNESCO World Heritage Sites."

Italian National Tourist Board . "More Information."

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Plan Your Trip to Italy: 10 Top Itineraries

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Jan 31, 2022

Italy may not be a very big country, but it packs plenty of attractions into a small space. Even the most energetic tourist can't expect to see it all at once. You can see the very top highlights in one trip, or you can choose one region to explore in more depth.

When planning your Italy itinerary, remember that time you spend traveling from place to place is time you won't have to explore the fascinating corners of the places you stop. That's where Italy's fast and efficient (and on time) train network will help you.

But trains are not the best way to see and experience one of Italy's greatest charms–its small towns and villages, often perched on hilltops amid rolling landscapes of green fields and poppy-painted meadows. These breathe history, and in their atmospheric streets, you'll have a better chance to meet and interact with the country's greatest treasure–its people.

But there are plenty of options. In these itineraries, you'll find the most famous sights: the Tower of Pisa, the Grand Canal , the Colosseum , and others, but you'll also find suggestions for trips that take you into the very heart of Italy , and to places your friends have never seen. Plan your trip to Italy and discover the best places to visit with these top itineraries.

Venice, Florence & Rome by Train

The hill towns of tuscany by car, milan to venice by train, florence, prato, pistoia, lucca & pisa by train or bus, driving tour of sicily, the italian riviera by train and boat, lake garda & the dolomite road driving tour, driving tour through emilia-romagna from bologna to florence, driving tour of sardinia, driving tour of the aosta valley.

You could easily find enough attractions to spend a week in each of these cities, but you can see the highlights of all three in a well-planned week. The total travel time between Venice and Rome is only three and a half hours, so you can make the maximum use of your time. Of course, you'll want to see the main sights, but do allow some time to stroll through a neighborhood or two and sit in a café to soak up the atmosphere.

For example, after you've ridden the length of the Grand Canal and toured St. Mark's Square and the Doge's Palace , cross Rialto Bridge into the rabbit warren of narrow lanes in San Polo . Here, you'll find mask makers, tiny shops, and artisan studios, as well as churches filled with art and squares where neighborhood children play soccer.

In Rome, after the Colosseum and St. Peter's , explore the streets of the former ghetto of Trastevere , south of the Vatican . In Florence , follow your tours of the Pitti Palace art museums and gardens with a stroll through the Oltrarno neighborhood.

Longer is better, of course, and with a day or two to spare, you can either see more of each of the "Big Three," or you could make a stopover to see Bologna or hilltop Siena . The main train lines between the major cities go right through both. You don't need to stay overnight in either of these, as you can check your luggage at the train station while you tour. To make the most of your time, reserve tickets in advance to big attractions and museums, such as the Uffizi . This itinerary can be followed in either direction.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Venice

The hilltop towns in Tuscany are legendary for their beauty, their history, and the sheer romance of their settings. Many still retain the walls and castles that were their defense in the Middle Ages and Renaissance, and the art in their churches reflects Tuscany's wealth and power.

A car is the best and sometimes the only way to see many of these towns and the remote abbeys that are also part of Tuscany's heritage. You could easily spend a week exploring the Tuscan countryside and lingering to savor its village life, but you can see a good deal in four or five days.

Begin southwest of Florence in Volterra , whose historic center retains tower houses from the 12th and 13th centuries and which is still famous for its alabaster carving. San Gimignano is a short distance to the north, and one of the best-known of the Tuscan hill towns, mainly for its tall towers and the views across the surrounding countryside.

Colle di Val d'Elsa's old upper town still has some of its 13th-century walls, and the Palazzo Pretorio houses artifacts from a nearby Etruscan cemetery in its Museo Archeológico. Heading south, the little town of Monteriggioni sits inside a complete set of perfectly preserved 13th-century walls with 14 square towers; it's a favorite day trip from Siena .

Siena is worth a day or two stop, filled with medieval and Renaissance buildings and one of Tuscany's finest cathedrals. You'll find more Etruscan artifacts in the Museo Archeologico of Asciano , a fortified hill town south of Siena. The large Olivetan monastery of Monte Oliveto Maggiore was founded in 1313 and remains an active monastic community.

Montalcino is not very big, but it seems to have stepped out of the Middle Ages intact, inside walls built by the Sienese in 1361. Walk the well-preserved walls, visit rooms inside the fortress, and savor views of the Tuscan countryside from the castle.

Just to the south is the Benedictine Abbey of Sant'Ántimo , dating from at least 813, with a Romanesque church. Walled Montepulciano , one of the best known hill towns, shows Renaissance "modernization" to medieval architecture, reflecting the continuing power of its leading families even after other small towns here had declined.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Volterra

Although you can travel from Milan to Venice by train in two and a half hours, the same train route provides a made-to-order tour of some of northern Italy's most important art and historic attractions. The train line connects major Roman strongholds, centers of medieval and Renaissance culture, religious landmarks, and great centers of learning.

To spend a full day exploring each of these, with time to see the highlights of both Venice and Milan, you should plan at least 10 days, but you can pick from among the stops for a shorter trip. It's easy to see any of these cities without spending the night–you can check baggage at any train station.

Brescia , your first stop, preserves much of its Roman past, with parts of a temple, theater, and its forum still standing, and an exceptionally fine civic museum that includes a Roman villa with mosaic floors . If time allows, a stopover in Desenzano di Garda is a good chance to tour Lake Garda on the boats that leave regularly from the center of town. Highlights on the lake are nearby Sirmione , with a charming little castle and a Roman spa, and Malcesine, with a stone castle and beautiful views of the steep northern shores.

Verona's highlights include one of Italy's finest Roman arenas and a riverside castle–and of course Juliet's house (although the story is pure fiction). Vicenza's claim to fame–and a UNESCO designation–is the architecture of Andrea Palladio . Along with his masterpiece, Basilica Palladiana, are the Teatro Olimpico and the villa La Rotonda.

In Padua (Padova on the station signs), the attractions you shouldn't miss are the Shrine of St. Anthony and Giotto's incomparable frescoes in the Cappella degli Scrovegni (reserve ahead to be sure of admission). If you have time here or in Venice, make a side trip along the Brenta Canal to see the elegant villas and gardens. Leave extra time for Venice if you can, to savor La Dolce Vita at its best.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Milan

While you could spend a week just seeing all the Renaissance wonders of Florence , you can easily add Pisa and two or three other Tuscan towns in a week's vacation. Handily, they are strung like beads along a route you can follow by train or bus. Because the regional trains don't require seat reservations, you can buy your ticket at the station in Florence and travel any time you wish (be sure to stamp it in the machine on the platform before you board). These towns are only 15 to 45 minutes apart.

After at least two days in Florence, you can see the highlights of Prato and Pistoia easily in the same day. Prato's cathedral is illuminated by two 15th-century fresco cycles that show Filippo Lippi at the height of his artistry.

When you see Pistoia's medieval churches, you may wonder why it's not better known to tourists, but it remains blissfully serene, and you can tour its magnificent 13th-century Cattedrale di San Zeno almost in solitude. Don't miss the silver altar in the adjoining Cappella di San Iácopo or Andrea della Robbia's glazed terra-cotta relief above the central doorway. Across the piazza is a 14th-century baptistery faced with white and green marble.

Lucca , where you will want to stop over for at least a night, will charm you with its medieval towers, beautiful 12th-century church facades, Puccini music (he was born here), and the encircling walls. The tops of these walls are now a city park where locals stroll or ride their bicycles. Climb to the top of the Guinigi Tower for views down into an oval piazza that was once the interior of a Roman amphitheater.

You don't need anyone to tell you what is the main attraction in Pisa, but after you've climbed the Leaning Tower (reserve a timed entrance in advance), be sure to tour the magnificent cathedral and the baptistery, all located in the Campo dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles). The complex is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Florence

You can see some of the main cities of Sicily –Messina, Taormina, Catania, Syracuse, Trapani, and Palermo–by train, and several others by local bus. But you are tied to schedules more in tune to commuting locals than to tourists, and you'll have trouble getting to the historic sites in the countryside.

A driving tour around the perimeter of the island with stops to tour the major attractions could fill two weeks; you can compress it into a shorter time by skipping some places and seeing just the main features at each.

You'll want a day or two for Palermo and Monreale , where you won't need a car (or want to drive), before heading west to ancient Greek Segesta, with its theater and unfinished temple. Just beyond is the historic port of Trapani on its promontory, and hilltop Erice.

Continuing south along the coast, Marsala and Mazara del Vallo are worth seeing on the way to Selinunte , where you'll find one of the largest of all remaining Greek temples . One of the three most perfect temples in the ancient Greek world is farther along the south coast, at the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento .

From Agrigento, you can either continue along the coast or travel a loop of mountain roads inland to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Villa Romana del Casale in Enna , whose more than 3,500 square meters of mosaics place it high among the best-preserved villas anywhere in the Roman Empire.

Head back south and jump forward more than a millennium to Baroque Ragusa and Modica, before reaching Syracuse . In the archaeological area are one of the world's largest and best preserved Greek theaters, one of Italy's largest Roman amphitheaters , extensive catacombs, and an ancient quarry.

Stop in Catania to see its magnificent Baroque architecture. From pretty Taormina , you can drive up continental Europe's largest active volcano, Mt. Etna . Messina , the closest point to the Italian mainland, is usually overlooked, but it's worth seeing before heading back to Palermo along the scenic north coast, by way of Cefalu .

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Sicily

The Mediterranean coast from Sanremo to Portovenere is not just beautiful. It is studded with charming seaside resorts, fishing villages, historic attractions, and artistic treasures, all of them easy to reach by train or boat. If you are traveling with more than a backpack, you may need to choose several bases and backtrack a bit to explore, but that's no problem if you are on a rail pass.

The whole area around Portofino , for example, is easy to reach by boat from a base in Santa Margherita , and the Cinque Terre is easily explored from Portovenere or Sestri Levante. There are no left luggage facilities at any station between Genoa and La Spezia.

Begin near the French border in Sanremo, known as the flower center of the Riviera, where roses, jasmine, carnations, mimosa, and other fragrant flowers bloom on terraces. Rent a bicycle to reach some of the Riviera's best and least crowded beaches between Sanremo and San Lorenzo; most are free.

Genoa is perhaps Italy's most overlooked city, its streets lined with glorious palaces, and its churches and museums filled with priceless art treasures. You can take a ferry from here to the postcard harbor of Portofino and then a local boat to Santa Margherita to stroll its beachside promenade and bask in its gracious old-world atmosphere.

Sestri Levante makes a good base for exploring the Cinque Terre , or choose one of the five towns and hop between them by boat or train. The towns, along with Portovenere, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site . You can move on to Portovenere by train, but by far the most scenic way to arrive is by boat from one of the Cinque Terre towns, traveling beneath the magnificent cliffs and into one of Italy's prettiest harbors. Linger here to climb the narrow lanes, past 12th-century houses, to the citadel high above the town.

• Read More: Visiting the 5 Towns of the Cinque Terre: The Essential Guide

An itinerary for drivers who don't mind winding, steep mountain roads, this is a trip that largely avoids Autostrada traffic, traveling instead through small mountain villages in breathtaking settings. The route combines lovely lake scenery and Garda's holiday atmosphere with the breathtaking mountain views along the UNESCO World Heritage Strada Dolomiti, the Dolomite Road.

Begin in Verona , driving northwest to Peschiera, on the southern shore of Lake Garda , and make a side trip to chic little Sirmione , on a narrow peninsula jutting into the lake. A small but terribly picturesque castle guards its entrance, and at the end of its single street, you can take a tiny train to the ruins of a magnificent Roman villa overlooking the lake.

Return to Peschiera and drive up the east side of Lake Garda, stopping in lively little towns on the way, to Malcecsine . Pause here to climb its medieval streets to the castle and admire the soaring cliffs across the lake. Continue to Riva , worth an overnight stop to savor the lake's holiday vibe. Leave the lake, heading north to Arco, with its hilltop gardens, and continue along the verdant valley to Trento .

Pick up the Autostrada as far as Bolzano , a good stopping point to see the famed Ice Man and tour Castle Roncollo to see some of the finest surviving medieval court frescoes. You'll begin to notice the Germanic influences here, and as you climb through the Alpine villages of the Strada Dolomiti to Cortina d'Ampezzo .

More Alpine villages await on the trip south through the Cadore Valley to Vittorio Veneto , where you'll begin to notice the influence of this region's history as part of the Venetian Republic. Windows and doors around its pretty market square take on the graceful curves seen in the palazzi of Venice.

Conigliano is a charming town with a hilltop castle and excellent restaurants. From Conigliano, continue south past Treviso , where you can either go south to Venice or west through the walled towns of Castelfranco and Citadella to Vicenza . Stop here to tour at least one of Andrea Palladio's magnificent villas before returning to Verona.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions around Lake Garda

Few driving tours in Italy promise as much variety in a week as the scenic route from Bologna to Florence , along the Adriatic coast and over the Apennine mountains . A week allows a day or two for the medieval towers and beautiful churches of Bologna and time at the end for the Renaissance wonders of Florence. In between these are Roman sites, Europe's finest assemblage of Byzantine mosaics, miles of Adriatic beaches, a fishing village, castles, and the tiny independent republic of San Marino.

Head east from Bologna and stop in Faenza , known for its ceramics. Learn about this craft and see examples by Picasso and Matisse at the Museo delle Ceramiche before moving on to Ravenna . The UNESCO World Heritage Site includes eight churches, each lined with dazzling Byzantine mosaics , so a stopover in Ravenna means you won't have the sensory overload of trying to see them all in the same day.

Farther south along the coast is Cesenatico , whose old fishing harbor, surrounded by seafood restaurants, holds a floating museum of historic boats. Rimini's Roman past is well explained in historic signage as you walk its main street past excavations; the forum; the grand Porta Augusto; and the five-arched bridge, Ponte Tiberini. If the season is right, pause at one of Rimini's famed Adriatic beaches.

Head inland to nearby San Marino , leaving the car to ride the convenient shuttle to its historic center to see the frequent changing of the guard and its three mountaintop castles. Follow the old road, parallel to the Autostrada, through Cesena to Forli , a walled town where the Abbazia di San Mercuriale ( Abbey of San Mercuriale) in the main piazza is worth seeing for its stone carving. From here, follow SS67 over the Apennines to Florence.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Bologna

Sardinia may be a part of Italy, but you'll soon feel as though you were in an entirely different country; it even has its own distinct cuisine. Spend at least a day in the capital city of Cagliari for a tour of the main sights, so you'll have some background in Sardinia's unique history and prehistory. To understand the strange nuraghe – the enigmatic stone towers that pepper the entire island–visit the museum in the citadel.

Drive north from Cagliari to see the best of these, Nuraghe su Nuraxi , then head west to Oristano to see the Phoenician/Carthaginian/Roman ruins of Tharros . Continue north to the beautiful town of Bosa , under its castle, and follow the scenic coastal drive to Alghero to walk its walls and stroll its atmospheric stone streets. Take a boat to the impressive sea caves of Grotta di Nettuno before traveling on through Sassari to castle-topped Castelsardo .

Follow the north coast to the fantastic rock formations of Santa Teresa di Gallura and take the ferry to the pink beaches of the Arcipelago di la Maddalena before reaching the Costa Smeralda . Arzachena is a good base here, perhaps at a country inn in the rock-studded mountains above town, as you explore the trendy resort villages and the outstanding prehistoric sites.

A drive south along the east coast brings you to Sardinia's wild and sparsely settled mountains, where a motorway will bring you to Nuoro . This is a good center for a day exploring the precipitous mountain roads to remote towns of the Barbagia . On the way back to Cagliari stop at Nuraghe Losa and the mysterious well of Santa Cristina .

You can do this route in eight days if you leave out some of the prehistoric sites, but 10 gives you more leisure to enjoy Sardinia's unique culture, along with giving you more time to spend in Cagliari with a side trip to the Phoenician city of Nora .

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Sardinia

From the royal splendor of Turin , the former Savoy capital, to the natural splendor of Europe's highest peaks, this route follows a valley that has been a major trade route since Roman times. You'll see a Roman theater in Aosta, a string of medieval castles, and the two most famous mountains in the Alps.

Although you could drive from Turin to Mont Blanc (Monte Blanco) in six hours, you should allow three days in addition to your time in Turin. While here, tour the Savoys' Royal Palace , and ride the elevator to the top of the Mole, where you can visit the outstanding cinema museum.

Head north from Turin on the E612 and E25 as far as Chatillion, then drive north to Breuil-Cervinia , at the foot of the Matterhorn . On the way, stop at Lago Blu for one of the best views of the mountain's dramatic south face. A cable car takes you from the village to higher viewpoints.

Back in Chatillion, SS 26 follows the river past a succession of villages. Each seems to have its own castle; the first you'll see is the impressive Castello Fénis , a pentagonal fortified manor with towers and battlements, surrounded by crenelated walls. Medieval frescoes decorate the balconies around the courtyard and chapel.

The valley's largest town is Aosta , an ancient Roman post that shows off its past in the well-preserved 1 st -century Arch of Augustus , Roman Theater , towers , and catacombs . The monastic complex of Sant'Orso and the cathedral's mosaics are also worth seeing. From Aosta, you can take a cable car to the 1800-meter summit of Pila for views of the valley and the Alps.

For a glimpse of later history, stop at Sarre Royal Castle , built in the early 18th century and later the hunting lodge of King of Italy Vittorio Emanuele II. A side trip into the Gran Paradiso National Park follows a scenic road from Aymavilles through meadows of wildflowers to the village of Cogne. Here, you'll find a botanical garden of Alpine flora, and hiking trails into the park.

Courmayeur is one of Europe's top ski resorts , a chic ensemble of chalets, boutiques, and cafés, with an interesting Alpine Museum and a 14 th -century church. Outside of ski season, the main attraction is the Skyway Monte Bianco , a set of 360-degree rotating cableways linking three stations ascending Mont Blanc, the highest at 3,466 meters.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

More to See in Italy: While you're touring, you can follow your own special interests with our pages on the Most Beautiful Gardens in Italy and Top-Rated Beach Destinations in Italy . If you are traveling to Italy in winter, see our list of the Top Ski Resorts in Italy .

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How to plan a trip to Italy | a step-by-step guide

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Last updated on August 14th, 2024.

It’s hard to know where to begin when planning a trip to Italy.

But with this helpful guide, I’ll be walking you through the step-by-step process of how to plan an Italy trip.

Full of practical information, use this Italy trip planner as your ultimate resource for crafting your vacation in Italy.

Italy travel tips (from a local)

Being a local living in the north of the country, puts me in a good position to write about how to plan a trip to Italy.

From travel tips to help with your Italy vacation planning to the best way to see Italy, this post will cover it all.

Even if you choose to hire a travel agent, it’s a good idea to walk through these steps. They will help the agent build the best trip for you. 

Keep track of your trip planning for Italy by downloading my FREE printable Italy trip planner .

How do I plan my first trip to Italy?

Planning a vacation to Italy can be overwhelming especially if you’re a first-time visitor. I find that one of the best vacationing in Italy tips is to make a list of the 3 ‘Ws’: When, Where, What.

When to go to Italy, where to go in Italy, and what kind of trip do you want to have.

This guide will help you plan, or begin brainstorming, your own Italy trip itinerary.

I said the same point about the 3 ‘Ws’ on my podcast episode with Wander to the Edge . It’s sound advice and is something I stand by.

Step 1: when to go to Italy and deciding your budget

Knowing when to go to Italy will help to get the ball rolling in the planning process.

Would you prefer to travel in Italy during summer when good weather is the norm, though much busier? Or would you prefer to escape the crowds and settle for cooler temperatures in winter or spring?

Personal circumstances and preferences will play a role in helping to answer this question. Ultimately, knowing which month/s that you’d like to travel to Italy will help to streamline the planning process.

Affordable times to visit Italy

A quieter, and more affordable, time to book a trip to Italy is between October and February. Certain places in Italy can be cheaper and you’ll notice a significant change in terms of cost and crowds.

The islands of Sicily and Sardinia , for example, still tend to be popular in October. With warm sunshine and still decent beach weather, both make an ideal fall Italy vacation.

Early December is also a good time of the year to visit Sicily . Rather than booking a beach holiday, take advantage of the mild December temperatures and enjoy a Christmas Sicily city break .

Our favorite time to visit Italy is during the shoulder months.

In April, May, October and November, the weather is generally sunny and mild. The crowds are also manageable and you can find great value deals on your flight and accommodation. 

The weather in Italy

Here’s a brief breakdown of what you can expect during the different seasons in Italy:

Winter : colder temperatures and grey skies in northern Italy and a higher chance of snow and heavy rain. Moderate temperatures in southern Italy, humid in places around Sicily. Higher chance of rainfall. Fewer crowds overall.

Spring : cool in many places across Italy, heavy rainfall in places. Moderate temperatures make it comfortable to visit cities, towns and villages. Mid-size crowds in popular destinations.

Summer : hot to extremely hot in many places across Italy (except in the far north of the country). Large crowds and services like hotels and flights are more expensive.

Fall : hot to warm temperatures in many parts of the country. Low rainfall and mid-size crowds. From November, some services in popular destinations may begin to close for the season.

I cover this topic in more detail in my guide on when is the best time to visit Italy . It provides a table of average temperatures in each season, some pros and cons and more local travel insight.

Times are a changing

One of the biggest misconceptions that people have about Italy is that the weather is always good here.

And as a local, I can tell you that it isn’t true.

Sure, the weather on average is better, and warmer, in Italy compared to many northern European countries. However, like the rest of the world, the weather here too has become unpredictable.

One example I can provide was our 3-day visit to Lake Como . Despite it being late July, the rain and thunderstorms were some of the worst we’d ever experienced.

Though we came prepared with rain jackets and an umbrella, it was far from the weather we’d expected for July in Italy.

However, there are times throughout the year where the weather will be less predictable. Take, for instance, a trip to Italy at Christmas (for example to Milan) or visiting Venice in winter .

From late November through to February or even early March, you’ll know to expect colder wintry weather. And because of this, you’ll be better prepared of what to expect when you plan a trip to Italy.

Italy weather travel tips

• Check the weather forecast in Italy at least 1 week (everyday) before you travel.
• Pack travel essentials for Italy and clothing for any weather eventuality. If visiting Italy in summer, be prepared for the chance of rain and the occasional cool evening.
• Having a back-up plan is also a good idea when traveling in Italy. Using the same example of Lake Como, something like a spa treatment would’ve made an ideal plan B. It would have been a relaxing, and dry, solution while waiting for the storm to pass.

How much will it cost to visit Italy?

The Italy trip cost will depend on your personal situation.

Younger solo travelers may have a more limited budget for Italy compared to a retired couple that typically has more disposable income.

Families with younger — and older — children, on the other hand, will require more planning for their Italian vacation.

Which part of Italy you visit, the time of year, hotels and attractions you book will also play a role.

For a family of 4, the average cost of a trip to Italy for 1 week can start from around €60 ($64/£53) per person each day. This is a rough estimate and won’t apply to all families of 4.

Most travelers, however, fall somewhere in the middle. A reasonable daily budget per person for food, transport and activities is around €100 ($110/£86) on top of flights and accommodation. 

How to travel Italy on a budget

There are several ways to plan a trip to Italy on a budget. They include:

• visiting during the off-peak season (November to March)
• booking flights and accommodation in advance
• choosing B&Bs over hotels (depending on the destination)
• packing lunches for days out by visiting the bakeries and supermarkets
• sticking to one or two destinations

Cheaper in the south

As a (very) general rule of thumb, things tend to cost less in southern Italy.

To give an example, the cost of a family of 4 eating at a local pizzeria in the Campania region will be noticeably cheaper than in Veneto.

In comparison, regions like South Tyrol in northern Italy will cost considerably more (for everything). However, the services here tend to be of a higher quality and run more efficiently.

Step 2: decide where to go in Italy and the type of trip

Deciding where to go in Italy is probably my favorite part of planning a trip to Italy.

But, with so many beautiful cities, towns, villages and regions to see, the choice/s can be overwhelming.

This is why setting out a realistic itinerary is the best way to plan a trip to Italy.

Start researching different places in Italy

Start by making a list of the places in Italy that you want to see.

Have a map of Italy to hand so that you can see exactly where each place is located. This will also be useful for seeing the (rough) distances between each destination.

My travel guides on the best places to visit in Italy and the best things to do in Italy can help kick start your research. Both are presented in a simple format and are full of ideas that will suit all types of travelers.

Decide what kind of trip you want

The last of the 3 ‘W’s’ is what kind of trip do you want to have?

Are you keen to explore one or two Italian cities, or would you prefer having a relaxing beach vacation?

Understanding the M.O. of your Italian vacation will help you better plan an Italy trip.

All-inclusive Italy packages

While some travelers like to plan a trip to Italy on their own, others may prefer a ready-made version. Booking an Italy trip package alleviates the stress of having to plan an Italy trip solo.

Some Italy vacation packages can include airfare, hotels and maybe even some top attractions.

Most popular cities in Italy

For first-time visitors, I usually suggest visiting bigger cities in Italy. There are plenty of things to do in each one not to mention the many day trip options. Add one or two of these popular cities to your travel plans to Italy.

Day trips outside the city

Explore the best of each region by embarking on an Italy day trip. The beauty of visiting these popular cities in Italy is that the travel potential isn’t just confined to the city.

These travel guides outline plenty of day tripping ideas.

• 16 Milan day trips
• 11 Venice day trips
• 10 Palermo day trips
• 11 Sicily day trips
• Naples to the Amalfi Coast

Most popular regions in Italy

• Lazio (Rome)
• Tuscany (Florence, Siena, Chianti)
• Veneto (Venice, Verona, Lake Garda)
• Lombardy (Milan, Lake Como, Lake Garda)
• Liguria (Cinque Terre)
• Sicily (Palermo, Taormina, Aeolian Islands)

Most popular islands in Italy

Get a generous dose of vitamin D and sea by vacationing on one of these popular islands in Italy.

• Sicily (see ‘ most beautiful places in Sicily ‘)
• Beautiful islands where Italians like to vacation

Italy itineraries

Crafting an itinerary is an important step in how to plan a trip to Italy. The below are some Italy itinerary suggestions on which you can base your own.

1 week (7-8 days) in Italy starting from Rome

• Spend 3 days exploring the best attractions in Rome. Mix up the attractions between well-known sights like the Colosseum with something unique like a Rome street food tour .
• Visit the Amalfi Coast from Rome . Opt for a day trip or spend 1 to 2 nights in Positano or Amalfi.
• Take the high-speed Frecciarossa fast train to Naples. Spend one day in Naples visiting the city’s best sights.
• Travel to Florence from Rome by train. Make it a day trip or opt to stay for 2 days in Florence .

1 week in Italy starting from Milan

• Allocate 2-3 days (your preference) to visit the best attractions in Milan.
• Visit Lake Como from Milan . Make it a day trip or choose to spend 1 to 2 nights.
• Travel to Venice. The Frecciarossa train will take around 2hrs 28mins from Milan to Venice. Allow 2 (or 3) days to get the most out of your trip.

Be realistic with your itinerary

Once you’ve decided on where to go in Italy, I’d advise not straying too far from your itinerary.

Let’s take the example of Rome as your base destination. You’re a first-time visitor and you’ve one week in Italy. The above mentioned Rome itinerary provides plenty of time to see the city as well as other places.

To add a destination to your itinerary that’s much further away, like Cinque Terre, requires more planning. Rome to Cinque Terre by car will take around 5hrs 13mins (not including traffic). By train, the journey will take approximately 4hrs and 20mins.

You’ll also need to factor in other costs, such as booking train tickets, renting a car and booking accommodation in Cinque Terre. Instead, the day trip options listed above are within closer reach and take up less travel time.

By not cramming in too many places to your vacation to Italy means that you can fully enjoy the destination.

As a general rule, we like to spend a minimum of two nights in each place. This minimizes the time spent traveling and we also get to enjoy each place as much as possible. 

Watch: things not to do in Italy

Step 3: confirm the number of days/weeks

Knowing how much time in Italy to spend will depend on individual circumstances.

Many visitors traveling from within Europe tend to spend a long weekend break or a week in Italy. The shorter flight times makes this more accessible.

Travelers arriving from the US, Canada, Asia or Australia understandably prefer to book for a longer period. Two weeks (11 to 14 days) in Italy is standard for an Italian vacation.

Being clear about how many days you want to visit Italy will ultimately help you plan better.

Is one week enough in Italy?

One week in Italy is enough as long as you have planned properly and have a realistic itinerary.

This 8-day Italy itinerary can be shortened to 7 days or extended to 10 days depending on your timeframe.

Map of Italy

Step 4: book your flights

There’s no concrete rule as to when you should book your flights to Italy.

If visiting from outside Europe, I’d say that 5 to 6 weeks in advance is sufficient. For long haul flights, the best deals are generally found 6 to 12 months in advance. Flight deals within Europe tend to pop up regularly. 

The exception would be if you plan a trip to Italy during peak periods like summer or Christmas. In this case, I’d suggest 2 to 3 months in advance.

I personally use Skyscanner or Google Flights to search for the best flight prices. But, use whichever search engine that you’re familiar with and one that’s trustworthy and easy to navigate.

My Italy travel guide on the major international airports lists which airports are closest to your destination. It also details which direct flights fly to/from the US.

Booking any flight well in advance comes with a certain risk. While it’s highly likely you’ll get a cheaper deal, you also run the risk of losing your money if plans change.

It’s why I advise paying extra for a flexible ticket or getting travel insurance that covers any kind of cancellation. This ensures that you’re covered for any eventuality when you plan a trip to Italy.

Step 5: book your accommodation

There’s more flexibility when it comes to booking accommodation for Italy.

Like booking flights, the earlier you book your accommodation, the better the deal you’re likely to get.

But unlike booking flights, many websites like booking.com offer a free cancellation period. It’s a big help to booking hotels and it gives you peace of mind should you need to cancel.

If you’re certain of your Italy travel dates, aim to book 1 to 1.5 months in advance.

How much will accommodation cost?

The cost of accommodation in Italy will depend on factors like the type of hotel you book, the destination and time of your visit.

A stay at the 5-star Le Sirenuse hotel in Positano on the Amalfi Coast will cost considerably more than a family-run B&B. We stayed at several affordable hotels during our 4-day trip to the Amalfi Coast and keeping to a budget is possible.

Local Italy tip : call the hotel directly to make a booking. We do this often and almost always secure a lower price for the room we want.

Consider accommodation alternatives

Solo travelers can cut accommodation costs by booking hostels or by trying out services like Couchsurfing. I tried couchsurfing as a female during a trip to Athens and it was a positive and money-saving experience.

Couples or families with young children should consider looking at Italy rental properties over staying at a hotel. They can sometimes work out slightly cheaper and also offer a home away from home experience.

Step 6: check your passport and whether you need a visa

Passport entry requirements for Italy follow the same as other countries. Passports must be valid for 3 months beyond the 3-month entry visa or for a total of 6 months.

Until the end of 2024, most non-EU visitors must apply for a Schengen Visa to enter Italy. This doesn’t apply to citizens from countries like the US, UK, Canada, Australia and Japan.

The following are some countries that require a Schengen Visa.

• Afghanistan

As part of the Schengen Agreement, visitors can stay for a full 3 months in any of the 27 participating countries visa free.

New entry requirements

But things are set to change from 2025. The EU announced in 2023 that all non-EU citizens will now require an entry requirement document to travel.  

Called an ETIAS, the document will cost €7 ($7.50/£6.10) and will last for 3 years. It’s similar to the entry document visitors need to travel to the USA called an ESTA.

Visitors will be able to apply for an ETIAS on the official website from 2025.*

What it entails — plan a trip to Italy

With an ETIAS, non-EU visitors can stay for a maximum of 90 days in Europe. Minors under 18 and people over 70 will receive an ETIAS free of charge. 

Dual citizens of any EU country will be exempt from requiring an ETIAS if they use their EU passport.

Step 7: research and book transport

There are a number of ways to get around Italy.

Many of the major cities, like Rome and Milan, have good public transport options. Take the metro, bus, tram or go on foot to reach your destination.

Taxis in Italy

Metered taxis in Italy are typically white and can be convenient for getting around the city. However, they can be more expensive compared to using public transport.

It’s also worth mentioning that ride-sharing apps like Uber only work in larger cities and not across Italy. The service also works differently in that Uber offers a more premium service in these places.

Needless to say, this usually comes with a higher price tag. It’s something to bear in mind when you plan a trip to Italy.

Instead, I advise downloading one of the most popular apps in Italy for taking taxis. There’s no need to speak Italian and payment is made in advance of your trip.

I cover this topic in greater detail in my guide on taking taxis in Italy .

Taking trains in Italy

For national journeys, taking trains in Italy is one of the best ways to visit Italy.

Two of the main operators are Trenitalia (state owned) and Italo (private). Speaking from personal experience, I’ve always had a good experience with the Italian train system.

From taking a train across Veneto to traveling through Sicily by train, it’s always been a pleasant experience.

Renting a car in Italy

Renting a car is one of the best ways to travel in Italy especially if you plan on touring Italy on your own.

The other best way to see Italy is by booking a tour. It removes the hassle (and cost) of having to arrange your own transport.

How to plan an Italy road trip

Planning a road trip around Italy is one of the best, and funnest, ways to see the country.

We’ve done a few Italy road trips, including from Sicily to Perugia and from Siena to Veneto . And while they’re a helluva lot of fun, an Italy road trip takes a lot of planning.

Some of the main points to consider for your road trip Italy include:

• hiring a car in Italy
• how many days you plan to travel for
• the route/s you want to take
• booking accommodation for the trip
• getting adequate car insurance

Ferry services in Italy

If planning on visiting the Italian islands, you’ll need to factor in a combination of hiring a car and booking ferry/boat tickets.

From mainland Italy, the ferry from Calabria to Sicily is one way of reaching the island. Once in Sicily, there are various ferry services that will take you to smaller islands like the Aeolian Islands.

I cover the transport modes in more detail in how to get around Sicily .

Step 8: book tours and attractions

Your Italy itinerary has been confirmed and your flights and accommodation are booked.

Next comes the fun part of the process of how to plan a trip to Italy.

Booking tours and attractions are one of the best ways to see Italy. Though not obligatory, booking skip-the-line tickets are a great time saver and gets you in the attraction without having to wait in line.

Take The Vatican. It’s probably the most popular attraction (along with the Colosseum) to book in Rome.

However, lines to enter The Vatican are notoriously long and tedious. Saying that, booking tickets in advance for The Vatican is a smart move and one that takes little effort.

Major attractions

The following are some of my top picks for skip-the-line tickets in Italy. Divided by cities, consider adding one of these to your itinerary when you plan a trip to Italy.

Rome (and the Vatican)

• The Colosseum and the Roman Forum  
• Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel    
• St. Peter’s Basilica ( Basilica di San Pietro )  
• The Pantheon   
• The Catacombs of St. Callixtus  
• Borghese Gallery ( Galleria Borghese ) 
• National Museum of Castel Sant’Angelo ( Museo Nazionale di Castel Sant’Angelo )   
• The Capuchin Crypt    
• Florence’s Cathedral and climbing to the top of Brunelleschi’s Dome   
• The Uffizi Gallery   
• The Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s David   
• Pitti Palace ( Palazzo Pitti )   
• Palazzo Vecchio  

• Milan Cathedral ( Duomo di Milano ) 
• Sforzesco Castle ( Castello Sforzesco ) 
• Da Vinci’s Last Supper painting
• Pinacoteca di Brera  art gallery
• Teatro alla Scala  (Scala Theater)
• Doge’s Palace ( Palazzo Ducale )  
• St. Mark’s Basilica ( Basilica di San Marco ) 
• Gondola ride through the canals of Venice   
• The islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello   
• Peggy Guggenheim Collection   
• The Academy Gallery ( Gallerie dell’Accademia ) 

There are plenty of other fun tours to consider booking on your Italy vacation. They include:

• Italy best food tours
• Boat tours in Italy
• Tuscany wine tours from Florence (no car needed)

Step 9: final preparations for your Italy trip

Prepare money, credit cards and get a sim card.

At this stage of travel planning for Italy, it’s a good idea to think about preparing your money and credit cards.

I advise having a minimum of €200 ($219/£171) in cash for your Italian vacation.

While debit and credit cards are widely accepted across Italy, having cash to hand is helpful when paying for smaller items like a coffee. It’s a topic I cover in ‘ what not to do in Italy ‘ and a tip that’s useful for visitors to know when traveling to Italy.

How to get a sim card in Italy

There are several options for getting a sim card in Italy. Not everyone may want one and connecting to the hotel WiFi or public (secure) connections may be sufficient.

But, there are several options to consider should you want to stay connected when traveling in Italy.

Speak to your cellphone provider

Many providers, like T-Mobile, provide international add-on services. These can be added to your current plan before you depart for Italy.  

Buy an eSim

One of the most popular eSims for traveling is Airalo . There are no roaming fees and it’s easy to set up and connect. Activate your eSIM in the Airalo app before you fly so that it’s ready for when you land in Italy.

Buy a sim card from a provide in Italy

Some of the larger cellphone companies include Vodafone, WINDTRE (W3) and TIM. They can arrange a sim card for visitors that will cover the duration of your Italy vacation. My guide on traveling to Italy from the USA covers this topic in greater detail.

Research airport transfers

A mistake that visitors don’t often consider in travel planning for Italy is to research airport transfers. Knowing how to get from the airport to your accommodation in advance will help you better plan a trip to Italy.

The following are some airport transfer options from the most popular international airports in Italy.

Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)

• Shuttle bus transfer to/from Rome FCO Airport
• Bus transfer between Rome FCO and Roma Termini train station
• Private small group transfer (1 way) from Rome Fiumicino
• Private transfer from Rome Fiumicino Airport
• White-metered taxi

Florence Airport Peretola (FLR)

• Private transfer from Florence Airport to hotel
• Private transfer to Florence Airport
• Tram T2 service from Peretola Airport stop ( Peretola Aeroporto ) to the center

Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)

• Direct transfer between Malpensa Airport and the center of Milan
• Bus transfer from Malpensa Airport and Milan Central station
• Private transfer to/from Malpensa Airport
• Train from Malpensa Aeroporto T1 to Milano Cadorna

Venice Marco Polo Airport

• Bus transfer between Venice Marco Polo Airport and Venice
• Marco Polo Airport water taxi transfer
• Boat transfer to/from Venice Marco Polo with 3 routes
• Shared water taxi transfer to Venice Airport
• Private water taxi transfer to/from Venice Airport
• Express bus to/from Mestre train station

Naples International Airport (NAP)

• Bus transfer to/from Naples Airport
• Private minivan transfer (1 way) from Naples Airport to the city center
• Naples International Airport to the Amalfi Coast
• Private transfer from Naples to Sorrento

What to pack for Italy

What to pack for Italy can be easier for some seasons over others.

For example, if planning an Italy vacation for summer, you should be safe packing items like t-shirts, shorts, sandals and sneakers. The Italy packing list of someone visiting Rome for 4 days will naturally differ from someone coming to hike around the Dolomites.

Springtime in Italy can be slightly trickier. Temperatures can range from cold to moderate depending on which part of Italy you visit.

I advise bringing some of the following travel essentials for your trip in Italy no matter the season.

• Disposable rain poncho (handy if it rains and also for covering up when visiting cathedrals)
• Travel scarf wrap (ideal for cool spring and summer evenings and for staying warm on the plane)

Other non-clothing essential items to bring when you plan a trip to Italy include:

• An international power plug adapter
• Insect repellent spray
• Bite treatment cream
• Water sport shoes

Learn some basic Italian words and phrases

This suggestion of how to plan a trip to Italy is by no means obligatory but it can be useful.

It’s safe to say that in bigger cities like Rome or Milan, you’ll come across Italians that speak good English. The same can’t be said when you venture into rural parts of Lazio or Lombardy.

Get in the know

Knowing some easy common Italian words and phrases can come in handy if traveling in more remote areas.

My husband and I experienced communication issues during our south Sardinia road trip .

Despite both of us speaking Italian, we were perplexed by the Sardinian dialect when visiting rural parts. Knowing some ‘ Sardo ‘ before we visited might have improved our communication experience.

Know about the Venice tourist tax

An overnight tourist tax in Venice has been in place for many years. Essentially, it’s a tax that’s added to a person’s hotel bill and can range from €1 ($1.10/£0.86) to €5 ($5.48/£4.28).

The tax is calculated per person, the number of nights stay and the number of stars of the hotel.

A ‘day tripper’ Venice tourist tax

But a new Venice tourist tax was introduced by Venice council on 24 April 2024. Here are some things to know about Venice before visiting:

• The Venice day tax will cost €5 per person to visit Venice on a day trip from 8.30am to 4pm
• You have until 11.59 p.m. on the day before your booked visit to cancel
• Anyone over the age of 14 that wants to travel to Venice on a day trip is liable to pay the day tax 
• Visitors staying overnight in Venice are exempt. To be clear, you only have to pay one of the tourist taxes* 

How to pay for the day-tripper Venice tourist tax

Visit the Venice council website to pay for your Venice day trip. Click on the ‘payment of the fee’ button and fill out the details accordingly.

There are several exemptions for who has to pay the Venice tourist tax. They include:

• children under 14 years old (ID is required)
• residents of Veneto, and
• extended family residing, or renting an apartment, in Venice

Knowing about this new Venice tax is important in discussing how to plan a trip to Italy.

Be informed about Italian public holidays

Another thing to consider when you plan a trip to Italy are the Italian public holidays .

While these dates won’t affect your vacation, they may affect your planning.

Take our trip back from the Sicilian island of Lipari . We made a big mistake one year of traveling on 15 August, a public holiday called Ferragosto . Shops are typically closed on this day and public transportation services are limited.

With no transport services from Messina, we ended up forking out a lot of money on a taxi.

Italian public holidays aren’t likely to affect travel plans like flights. But, being aware of some important dates will help you better plan a trip to Italy.

After all, you wouldn’t want to arrive at your destination only to find that many public services are closed.

How to stay safe in Italy

Traveling around Italy is relatively safe.

However, to ensure safe travels in Italy, it’s important to be aware of potential scams that can happen. These commonly happen more in bigger cities but don’t let your guard down even when visiting smaller Italian towns.

My guide on ‘ Is Italy safe to visit ‘ provides helpful tips on how to stay on your vacation.

Eating out in Italy

There are different types of dining establishments when eating out in Italy.

Trattorias are typically family-run and focus on home-style cooking. They also tend to be more relaxed and reasonable in price.

They’re our go-to when we want to eat good quality food and decent-size portions.

Restaurants ( ristorante ) usually cater to fine dining. The locations are fancier and some may even have a dress code in place. Unsurprisingly, restaurants tend to have higher prices than trattorias.

Trattoria or osteria?

The osteria is another eating establishment that you’ll find around Italy.

Traditionally, it used to only serve wine along with some smaller plates but today, things have changed. Some places label themselves as an osteria , but in reality, they’re really a trattoria .

What are your thoughts on this step-by-step guide on how to plan a trip to Italy? Do you feel more confident to start planning your Italy trip? Let me know in the comments below.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.

*Prices correct at time of travel

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Grazie mille! Welcome to the Italy travel tribe

Welcome to my site. I'm Lisa, an Italy-based travel and lifestyle blogger behind Following the Rivera. Find out more about me and my story.

Make a list of the 3 ‘Ws’: When, Where, What. When do you want to go, where do you want to go, and what kind of trip do you want. This is a good starting point in planning your Italy trip.

How far in advance should I plan a trip to Italy?

Two to three months in advance should give you enough time. You may need longer if factoring in visa issues and other traveler requirements.

What are the cheapest months to travel to Italy?

Traveling to Italy from October to February tends to be cheaper. It all depends on where you want to go and for how long.

Do I need a visa to visit Italy?

From 2025, all non-EU citizens will have to apply for an ETIAS. The entry requirement document will cost €7 ($7.50/£6.10) and lasts for 3 years. Details will be available on the ETIAS official website from 2025.

100 thoughts on “ How to plan a trip to Italy | a step-by-step guide ”

They are great and valuable tips on planning a trip to Italy. Very helpful for a fantastic vacation and to save a bit on a budget. It’s great that you are giving so much exciting information about cities and regions. This definitely facilitates the choice of direction.

Thank you Agnes, I’m glad you enjoyed it! I try to help others in the planning stage 🙂

That is such an informative post! Thank you for sharing!

Wow! This is a fantastic guide! I have been only to Rome, but there are so many beautiful places in Italy I want to visit – Amalfi, Naples, Como… Thanks for your tips!

Thank you Lucy! I really hope you use it to re=plan your visit for your next trip

This is an extremely helpful and informative post! Makes traveling abroad a little less intimidating! Thank you for sharing!

It’s my pleasure!

Wow! This in a very detailed plan. I have fond memories of my study abroad in Italy. It’s so hard to believe it was almost 20 years ago. A trip back is a must for me soon!

Thank you Teresa! I really hope that you visit us again soon

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How to plan a trip to Italy – 15 essential tips

What’s in this article

Wondering how to plan a trip to Italy? You’ve come to the right place!

Planning a trip to Italy can be overwhelming, even for experienced travellers. There are countless sites with tons of information, and you’re never quite sure you’ve got the best available.

And that’s why I wrote this article. I’m Italian and I live in Italy. Needless to say, I am very familiar with my country, its culture, and customs, but above all, I am very familiar with public transportation, so I can give you the best advice on how to get around.

I wrote this guide to walk you through the process of planning your trip step-by-step. From deciding when to go and how much it will cost, to what to pack and how to use your phone, it’s all here to take the stress out of trip planning.

Whether you’re travelling to Italy for a short break or a longer trip, here’s how to plan, book and make the most of your visit.

How to plan a trip to Italy

Check v isa and passport requirements  .

When planning your trip to Italy, the first thing you may want to check is what your visa requirements are.  

Citizens of the United States, Australia, Canada and New Zealand may enter Italy and stay up to 90 days without a visa. You must have at least 3 months validity on your passport after the intended date of departure from Schengen Area.

Starting at the end of 2022, you’ll most likely need to apply for an ETIAS permit to travel to Italy.

This new rule also applies to those who can now travel to Italy without a visa, such as U.S. citizens, who will also be required to apply for the new electronic authorization. Fear not, you can apply online in minutes.

Decide when to go to Italy

Next step when planning a trip to Italy is deciding when to go.

  There is no single “best time” to travel to Italy, it depends on your preferences as a traveler and your budget!  

However, you should consider some seasonal differences.

Spring – Autumn (Fall)

• The best months for traveling to Italy are from April to June and from mid-September to the end of October . These are shoulder months and the weather is sunny and mild, places aren’t overcrowded and you can find good deals on accommodation, especially in the south;
• From July through early September is high season and the country’s tourist spots teem with visitors. The weather gets really hot and the prices are higher;
• Late December to March is high season only in the Alps and the Dolomites, so the prices will be higher only in these locations. The weather varies from year to year, but usually winter can be quite cold in the North and very mild in the South.
• Prices also rocket throughout the country during major holidays, such as Christmas, New Year and Easter.

In my opinion, August isn’t the best month to travel to Italy, not only because the weather gets hot and muggy but most Italians go on vacation for at least two weeks. Major cities are less crowded but plenty of family-run hotels, restaurants and shops may be closed for vacations.

For more details, please see my article: When Is The Best Time To Visit Italy?

What to see and do in Italy

What you see and do in Italy depends mainly on how much time you have, what you are interested in and at what time of the year you want to travel.

When planning a trip to Italy, a good way to get an overview of your itinerary is to look at a map of Italian cities and their best attractions. This way you can make informed decisions about where you want to go, how long it takes to explore each location, how to move most effectively from place to place, and the type of trip you want.

Everyone knows the three most popular tourist destinations in Italy, Rome , Florence and Venice . But one of the biggest mistakes travelers make is trying to see everything within 10 days. While you can certainly tour all of them in 10 days, you will not get a deep experience of their beauty.

If you are staying in a city for a short period of time, a great way to explore Italy like a local is to book a walking tour with a local guide .

If you’re looking for hints on how to plan your trip to Italy, visit the blog’s “ Italy Travel Tips ” section.

Itinerary planning – Where to go

To help you with your itinerary, here is a short list of some of the best destinations in Italy:

Rome : The capital of Italy is the home of the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, which includes St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, the Pantheon, as well as many other historic buildings and museums.

Tuscany : Italy’s most famous region, known for its rolling hills, includes, Lucca, Pisa and Florence .

If you are looking for a unique landscape, head to Val D’Orcia .

Rolling hills with vineyards and olive trees, good food and itineraries through nature. There are also areas with thermal water where you can take advantage of natural baths and relax. I also recommend a stop in Bagno Vignoni to immerse yourself in nature for a wellness weekend.

Umbria : The hill towns of Orvieto , Perugia and Spoleto are accompanied by regional wines and hand-painted ceramics.

The Dolomites: The Three Peaks of Lavaredo  are the three most famous peaks of the Dolomites, considered the pearls of Trentino . They reach almost three thousand meters in the middle section. You can get there by car from Misurina via a toll road. If you love hiking, there are various alternatives to reach them on foot.   Lake Braies  is another pearl in the Dolomites, a must-visit location.

The island of Burano is located on one of the four islands of the Venetian lagoon and a walk through its narrow colored streets is truly the most magical thing to do. It is certainly famous for its needle lace and has a great culinary tradition. Bussolai is a typical sweet that is worth a try.

The Cinque Terre (Liguria) is an absolute gem to visit. They are: Manarola, Vernazza, Monterosso al Mare, Corniglia and Riomaggiore . A Unesco World Heritage Site, they can be reached mainly by train. Olive trees and dry stone walls are predominant in this area. Worth visiting is the Strada dell’Amore, a promenade right above the sea.

Verona : This romantic city is located in Veneto, a region in the North of Italy between Venice and Milan. It’s not a popular tourist destination, however it worths to be visited by anyone who likes history, good food and beautiful landscapes.

Alberobello (Puglia) is famous for its Trulli, buildings that are certainly very characteristic. Trulli has a fireplace that is always present on one side, as well as the usual votive presence at the entrance, which is very important in this area. There is a larger trullo, the only one with two floors, called Trullo Sovrano. Certainly a very interesting place that tourists cannot miss to visit.

Matera (Basilicata) : The 2019 European Capital of Culture, known as the City of the Sassi is another pearl to visit.

Egadi Islands are one of the most beautiful places in Sicily. There are 4 Egadi Islands,  Favignana, Levanzo, Marettimo and the smallest one Maraone . Favignana is the closest (as well as the biggest) one to Sicily. This island I would call the Sicilian Caribbean with crystal clear turquoise waters, popular with beach lovers and divers. You can hire a bike to visit the beaches, so you can stop for a swim, then cycle to the next beach and enjoy the islands views.

The Amalfi Coast is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy, a true gem of our country. Enjoy the steep cliffs, eat lots of pizza and get lost in the scent of Mediterranean nature.

The best time to visit is definitely summer, the weather is great but it can get overcrowded. My advice is to go in spring or early autumn (fall) when the weather is still nice and there are fewer people.

Recommended Italy tour packages

If you are planning a trip to Italy, you can add some tours and activities to your itinerary in addition to your regular itinerary.

 Book your Flights

When looking for flights consider that Italy has four main intercontinental gateways:

• Rome’s Leonardo Da Vinci airport (also known as Fiumicino);
• Milan’s Malpensa airport ;
• Venice’s Marco Polo airport ;
• N aples’ Capodichino airport .

And if you are arriving in Italy from any other European city, it’s cheaper to fly on a budget carrier to one of the smaller Italian cities. Among the most convenient are:

• Venice and Naples;
• Palermo’s Falcone-Borsellino airport (also know as Punta Raisi);
• Bologna’s Marconi airport ;
• Pisa’s Galileo Galilei airport .

Also Italy’s shape is long and skinny, so it would be normal to fly into one airport at one end and leave from another at the other end. For example if you arrive in Rome you can fly out of Milan, or if you arrive in Venice you can then fly out of Naples and vice versa.

Book airport transfers

One of the most important question when planning a trip to Italy is how to get to your hotel on arrival at the airport.

The best place to get information on how to get from the airport to your accommodation is usually the airport website you have landed on.

However, when travelling it is a good idea to have transfer options arranged before you arrive at the airport. This will give you peace of mind when travelling with group of people as opposed to driving yourself.

Here is a list of companies that offer transfer services along with costs for each option:

•   Intui-Travel  – is a platform for booking transfers in 156 countries from the best local transport companies;
•   KiwiTaxi – is an online transfer booking platform for individuals and groups;
• Suntransfer – is a company that specializes in transfer options from major airports.

How to find the best flight deals

There are several websites where you can search for the best flight deals to Italy, I use a combination of Skyscanner , WayAway and Google flights .  

With these websites you have a comprehensive overview of all available flights, from different destinations and airlines.

WayAway is a flight aggregator that provides travelers with the best rates on airline tickets. Users can also purchase the WayAway Plus membership plan ( click here to get 10% off ) which gives cashback on flights, accommodation, car rentals, tours, and more.

Skyscanner also offers the ability to receive price notifications directly via email for the flights you are looking for. Before you plan your trip to Italy, you can check the price offers for various Italian cities, depending on where you are more comfortable.

It is often cheaper to fly to Milan than to Rome, and Pisa is an ideal starting point for excursions to Tuscany and the Cinque Terre.

And always use an incognito browser when looking for flight deals.

 H ow to get around Italy

One of the best way to get around Italy is by train. The various regions are well connected thanks to a great and widespread train system.

I’ve written a detailed guide on train travel in Italy, find it here!

Trenitalia is the national carrier and covers the entire country with high-speed train, such as Frecciarossa and Frecciargento , and regional trains serving smaller destinations.

On the company website you can also find various offers aimed at the needs of families, couples, groups but also individuals.  

To keep informed on timetables and connections, you can use the train travel app ( viaggiatreno.it ), which is free and easy to use.

Alternatively, you can choose to travel with Italo , a private carrier that covers the country’s major cities with high-speed trains. It offers several high-speed routes for very low prices (if booked in advance).  

However, as mentioned, Italo limits itself to transporting its passengers to the main Italian locations, but they’re implementing a combination of train+bus services that will cover lesser known destinations.  

If you want to visit the islands of Sicily or Sardinia or travel very long distances, flying is the most sensible option. Find the price of the route on Skyscanner, Jetradar or Google Flights.

Some islands in Italy can only be reached by ferries . Several ferry companies operate ferry services in Italy, but their websites are difficult to navigate.  

Direct Ferries is a useful English-language website that provides an easy to understand itinerary, times and prices for Italian ferries.

When to rent a car in Italy

If you want to have the opportunity to visit other places instead of just visiting the big cities, the easiest and best way to travel in Italy is to rent a car.

Visiting Italian smaller towns can be challenging without a car. Even if there are trains that go to the towns you’re planning to visit, it may take so much time and hassle because you may need to change trains two to three times to get to your final destination.  

Despite the reputation Italians have to be terrible drivers, driving in Italy can be quite fun and incredibly scenic and, having your car will give you more freedom than relying on public transport.  

My advice is to rent small cars so that you don’t panic when you walk through the narrow streets of a city and it becomes much easier to find a parking space.

If you need to map out distances to travel between destinations and costs use trenitalia.it for trains and viamichelin.com for car.

If you are planning a long road trip to Italy, consider the services of Auto Europe or Qeeq.com , they both offer a wide range of services such as car renting, parking, insurance and more.

Note : To drive in Italy, you will need an international driving license, which you can obtain in your home country.  

If you’re looking for more information on how to drive in Italy, check out my ultimate guide on driving in Italy!

Find your accommodation in Italy

You will find an incredible selection of accommodation in Italy, from simple and private apartments to luxury and boutique hotels, which are offered on websites such as Airbnb , Booking and Vrbo.com .  

If you are visiting cities like Rome or Florence , especially for the first time, I strongly recommend you to book your lodging as close to the city center as possible. Even if it costs a little more, the comfort is worth it.

If you’re planning a visit to Rome, you may want to read this guide about the best places to stay in Rome!

As mentioned before, Italy offers a wide range of options when it comes to hotel accommodation, and in most hotels, large or small, breakfast is usually included in the price and is often served as a rich buffet.  

If you are traveling on a small budget, renting a private apartment can be a cost-saving measure, especially for families. But you would like to consider an apartment or villa with a kitchen.

If you are planning to spend some time in the countryside, consider staying in an Agriturismo.com

They are country houses located a few kilometers away from the major cities, and many have outdoor pools and are ideal for large groups of family and friends. While many rent individual apartments or rooms as well. They offer a variety of foods, often locally grown and produced, such as olive oil, wine, tomatoes and peppers.  

This is a great way to learn about the local culture, history and food of your destination, as well as the history of the country.

Recommended guidebooks for planning a trip to Italy

There are many online resources and offline sources that can help you plan a trip to Italy, but there’s nothing that says it better than a comprehensive overview of Italy travel guides. If you are planning to visit Italy then take a look at this list of the best travel guide books for Italy.

Rick Steves Italy 2020 (Rick Steves Travel Guide)   -Rick Steves is the travel expert you see on public television. He has spent years living in Europe and has a more intimate understanding of what it is like to be there as an American. Study his guide carefully and you’ll be sure not to make some of the mistakes that he did when he was first traveling in Europe.

Lonely Planet Italy (Country Guide)   – I have been traveling the world for over 15 years and my copy of Lonely Planet’s guide is one of the things I never leave home without. They’ve been crafting guides for decades, and their Italy guide is amazing when it comes to day-to-day travel tips and advice.

  Fodor’s Essential Italy 2020 (Full-Color Travel Guide)  – Fodor’s Italy is the definitive, go-to guidebook for all that a traveler needs to explore the whole of Italy. With this book, Fodor’s gives you a deeper understanding of the Italian culture and helps you get around easily with maps, detailed practical information, and advice from locals. With plenty of suggestions on the best ways to see Italy, this book guides you through Rome, Tuscany, Milan, the Amalfi Coast, and beyond.

DK Eyewitness Italy 2020 (Travel Guide)  – If you’re planning a trip to Italy, there’s no need to waste time searching for information you already know about this city. DK Eyewitness Travel Guide Italy is one of the best travel guides for Italy and will surely become your number one resource whenever needed.

Cost of a trip to Italy

How much does it cost for a trip to Italy?

It depends on your expectations, interests and travel style. If you visit lesser-known regional areas and avoid the big cities, you’ll find plenty of free wonderful things to see. Even in the larger cities, it is possible to find free attractions and cheap accommodation if you know where to look.

Of course, there are several variables and it is difficult, if not impossible, to create an Italy travel budget that works for every traveller.

The first thing you need to consider is the cost of accommodation, as this is a large part of the total cost of travel.  

The second big issue to consider for your Italy travel budget is the price of transport.  

The cost of flights to Italy can vary considerably, usually depending on when you want to fly, but there are a number of factors that can vary the cost of accommodation in Italy, some of which are beyond your control.

These costs are responsible for the majority of the travel costs for a trip to Italy, especially for long-term trips to the country.

Another tip that can help you save is to book long train journeys in advance. Trains to Italy are much cheaper if you buy well in advance and do not leave at the last minute.

The local trains to Italy are also cheap, tickets from Rome to Bologna cost only 19 euros via trenitalia.

 What things cost in Italy

Here is a rough guide to help you plan your budget. Prices are average for a double room and per day, though this will vary in popular areas at high season

Accomodation

• Upscale / Luxury – €185+ [USD $225+] per night
• Midrange / Boutique – €100-200 [USD $121-245] per night
• Budget / B&B – €60-120 [USD $73-145] per night
• Ultra budget / Hostel or shared room in AirBnB – €20-40 [USD $25-50] per night
• Breakfast (Cappuccino and croissant standing at a bar) € 2,50 – 5 [$3 – 6]
• Dinner € 35 – 120 [$45 – 150]
• Gelato (ice-cream standing at a bar) € 2 – 6 [$ 2.50 – 7.50]
• Aperitivo € 8 – 15 [$ 10- 18]

Transportation

• Local transportation Bus € 1.50 – 2  
• Local regional train € 8 – 15
• High speed train € 30 – 100

Entrance Fees

• Average daily cost for one person € 10 – 20

Learn some Italian phrases

If you’re planning a trip to Italy, then you should definitely get your Italian phrases straight. Language is perhaps the biggest cultural exposure that you’ll have to the land and people of Italy. It’s impossible to travel Italy like a local without being able to communicate with locals and other travelers.

Here are some of the Italian words and expressions you might want to learn for when you visit Italy. Even if you know only a few Italian words, people will appreciate that you are trying to speak their language. Unfortunately, however there is no way to add accent marks to your typing on the web so I’ve had to leave them out:

Common greetings in Italian

• Buongiorno – Good morning –  Bwon-johr-noh
• Buon pomeriggio – Good Afternoon – bwon po-mer-eej-jio
• Buonasera – Good evening – Bwon-a-seh-rah
• Buonanotte – Goodnight – B won – a – no – tteh
• Arrivederci – Goodbye – ah-ree-vey-der-chee
• Ciao (informal) – Hi / Bye – Chaow
• S alve (formal)  – Hello/Bye – sal-veh
• Grazie – Thank you – grah-tsee-eh
• Sì/No – Yes/No – See/No
• Come stai? (informal)/ Come sta? (formal) – How are you? – Ko-meh stahe? (informal)/Ko-meh stah? (formal)
• Scusa/mi dispiace – I’m sorry – Skoo-sah/Mee dee-spee-ah-chay
• Mi scusi… (to draw somebody’s attention) – Excuse me… – mee skoo-see
• Non lo so  – I don’t know – nohn lo soh

Useful phrases at the restaurant

• Colazione – Breakfast – Kow-lah-tseeo-neh
• Pranzo – Lunch – Prahn-tso
• Cena – Dinner – Che-nah
• Quanto costa? – How much is it? – Kwan-to koss-tah
• Posso avere il menu per favore? – Can I see the menu, please? – po-sso a-vay-ray eel me-noo, per fa-vo-ray?
• Cosa ci consiglia? – What do you recommend? –  Kay koh-za chee kon-seell-yah?
• Sono allergico (man)/ allergica (woman) a … – I’m allergic to … – Sohn-oh ah-lehr-gee-koh ah / Sohn-oh ah-lehr-gee-kah ah …
• Senza Glutine – Gluten free – Sehn-tzah gloo-teen-ay
• Latticini / Pesce – Dairy / fish – Lah-tee-cheen-ee / Pesh-ay
• Vino della casa – House wine – Vee-noh del-lah cah-sah 
• Vino rosso / bianco – Red / white wine – Vee-noh ross-oh / bee-ahn-koh
• Un bicchiere – A glass – Oon beek-kyeh-reh
• Una bottigli a – A bottle – Oo-nah boht-tee-llyah
• Antipasto – Appetizer – Ahn-tee-pah-stoh
• Primo – First course – Pree-moh
• Secondo – Second course – Seh-kon-doh
• Dolce – Dessert – Doll-che
• Il conto per favore? – The check, please? – Ee l kon-toh, pehr fah-voh-reh
• Posso pagare con la carta? – Can I pay by card? – Pohs-soh pah-gah-reh kon lah cahr-tah?
• Dov’è il bagno? – Where is the bathroom (toilet)? – Doh-veh eel bahn-yoh

Asking for directions in Italian

• Dov’è…? –  Where’s…? –  Doh-veh…
• Entrata   – Entrance – En-trah-tah
• Uscita   – Exit – Ooh-shee-tah
• Sinistra – Left – See-nee-strah
• Destra – Right – Deh-stra
• Dritto – Straight ahead – Dree-ttoh
• Avanti – Forward – Ah-vahn-tee
• Dietro – Back – Dee-eh-troh

Useful words for transport and getting around

• Dov’è la stazione ferroviaria? – Where is the train station? – Doh-veh lah stah-tzee-oh-neh feh-rroh-vee-ah-ree-ah
• D0v’è la fermata dell’autobus? – Where’s the bus stop? – Doh-veh lah fehr-mah-tah dehl-auto-boos
• Un biglietto/Due biglietti – one ticket/two tickets – Oon beel-yet-toh/Doo-eh beell-yet-tee
• Solo Andata – One way – Soh-loh Ahn-dah-tah
• Andata e ritorno – Return/Round-trip ticket – Ahn-dah-tah ay ree-thor-noh
• Da quale binario parte per …? – What platform for …? – Dah kwah-lay bee-nah-reeo pahr-teh pehr …?
• Questo treno/autobus ferma a …? – Does this train/bus stop at …? – Kway-stoh treh-noh/auto-boos fehr-mah ah …?

Shopping words in Italian

• Vorrei … – I would like … – Vohr-ray …
• Quanto costa questo? – How much is this? – Kwahn-toh kohs-tah kwehs-toh?
• Va bene, lo prendo! – Ok, I’ll take it! – Vah beh-neh, loh prehn-doh
• Non lo voglio – I don’t want it – Nohn loh voh-llyoh
• Può spedirlo in …? – Can you ship to …? – Poo-oh speh-deer-loh een…?

Useful word if you need help in Italian

• Polizia/Carabinieri – Police – Poh-lee-tzee-ah/Kah-rah-bee-nee-eh-ree
• Parla inglese? – Can you speak English? – Pahr-lah eeng-lay-seh?
• Mi può aiutare per favore? – Can you help me, please? – Mee poo-oh ah-eeu-tah-reh pehr fah-voh-reh?

Internet access in Italy

As you plan your trip to Italy, have a good think about how much internet access you will need. Some people are happy to disconnect and use paper or offline maps while others need that online connection.

If you use offline maps and travel guides and want to use minimal data, you may encounter Wifi in your hotel or accommodation. If you plan to use it, make sure you switch to international roaming when you’re traveling to avoid unwelcome billing surprises. If you are eating in a restaurant in Italy, you should not expect the restaurant or café to have Wifi.

Internet access is widely available in the form of broadband, wireless and optical fibre connections in Italy. Most contracts include international roaming that will cover you in most places, but if you plan to visit more rural areas you will need to consider how much internet access you will need on your trip.

If you have an unlocked phone you can purchase a tourist SIM before your depart or when you arrive. There are 4 different mobile internet providers in Italy:

• Windtre (former Wind & 3 Italia)

Since March 2020 Wind and 3 Italy joined forces and became WINDTRE. Iliad is a fairly new mobile internet operator in Italy. More providers, means more competition, means cheaper prices!

Portable wifi device

If you need to be online 24/7 when traveling, you should definitely get yourself a  Portable wi-fi device .

Travel insurance

If you are travelling to Italy, I recommend finding travel insurance that covers both medical emergencies as well as possible flight cancellations. While a standard travel insurance policy may cover your trip in general, it is recommended that you find a provider that offers more specific travel insurance for Italy instead.

Before you commit to a purchase, you must read the terms of your insurance coverage, including exclusions. Universal health insurance is recommended regardless, but by 2021 you must check whether there is coverage for Covid19-themed coverage. Protection against cancellation, delay or loss of belongings is a bonus, but it cannot apply in the event of pandemics.  

Here you can compare and buy travel insurance for 2021 .

Packing for your trip to Italy

Visiting Italy is a dream comes true for many, but it can be difficult to pack if you’ve never been to Italy before. Consider the area you are going to and decide on your look based on this. It really depends on the season, your itinerary and your activities.

And remember that you don’t have to wear your Sunday best.  

If you decide to visit one of the many churches in Italy, remember to dress appropriately. Therefore, your legs and arms should be covered.

Wear comfortable and nice shoes so that you can walk and move around without discomfort to your feet. I’ve met a lot of tourists who are worried about what to wear and what not to wear when visiting Italy.

People seem to believe that Italy is some kind of fashion mecca.

The truth is that Italians don’t actually care when it comes to clothes and shoes.

So, wear whatever makes you feel comfortable and don’t worry about “Italian fashion” because no one cares.

The general rule of thumb is to look nice and put some effort into your appearance. Leave the flip-flops, old college t-shirts, and shorts at home (most Italians won’t wear shorts, even in the summer, unless it’s for athletic or beach activities). Always carry a pair of jeans, which are considered to be a must-have outfit both during the day and at night. Pair a nice pair of skinny jeans or travel pants with a fashionable pair of sneakers or flats and a trendy top.

To visit art cities in summer, pack light clothes in natural materials and some cotton t-shirts or tops. If your itinerary includes churches or religious buildings, you’ll need to bring something to cover your shoulders. If you want to travel light, a nice cotton scarf or Pashmina  will be perfect. They take up very little space in your suitcase. You could also take the opportunity to buy one directly at your destination. It will be a nice souvenir from your Italian holiday!

And lastly, when traveling to Italy you must learn the art of packing light. A large suitcase is not a good idea, and most people find that a challenge, so try to stick to a medium bag or a carry-on luggage only. This is a great way to travel as it will make it easier to manage the cobblestones and challenges that come with taking public transportation in Italy, as well as the stairs which are a common feature of a trip to Italy.

Must-have items on your trip to Italy

Going on a trip to Italy soon? I know you want to make sure that you bring everything you need.

Here are some of the items that will make your trip so much better.

  Travel adaptors for Italy  – If you’re traveling to Italy from a country outside of Europe, you will need a travel adapter to fit Italian sockets. No worries though, there are a ton of adaptors you can buy online.

Anti theft backpack  – This is a travel must-have. I often take day trips during my trip, and I like to have a bag that can easily store my phone, wallet, and passport when sightseeing. It also works great as a camera carry-all while hiking or walking around cities. Pacsafe is light-weight, fits under the seat in front of me on planes, and has zipper panels that help keep items secure while on the go.

Packing cubes  – I have become a huge fan of packing cubes simply because of their convenience. As someone who has to travel frequently either for business or leisure, I like to keep my packing list simple so I don’t spend too much time packing and unpacking. These little cubes not only have saved me a lot of time in the process but they help me stay organized and clean.

Reusable filtered water bottle  – Some people find that they can adapt to the water in Italy, while others don’t. For those of you who have difficulty adapting to the drinking water in Italy (or other countries), you may want to keep a bottle of filtered water with you as you travel. This will allow you to avoid potentially drinking something that may make your stomach feel upset.

Power Bank  – Whether you are going on one of the many tours in Italy, walking around Rome for the day, or doing an Italy road trip, your phone is probably going to die quickly. You may ask why? It’s because this country is gorgeous and you will be tempted to photograph every single sight you see.

Plus, there is a lot to do and see. Walk through Venice with its canals and bridges. Taste the local food in Milan, Naples and Sicily. Experience beautiful architecture from Roman ruins to Italian renaissance buildings. And if you think that you’re only in for the “city life,” don’t be fooled. Take a tour of the countryside and enjoy taking photos of hills covered with vineyards or olive groves.

Small scarf or pashmina  – In Italy, you’ll find that most of the major destinations have churches, cathedrals or other religious places of worship. Not every small town or village has a church in it but if there is a large population (especially in the north), there’s a very high chance that you’ll find at least one church in the center.

To enter those buildings, you will need to adhere to their dress code which is often strict, and you can always find a lightweight scarf or pashmina to do the job.

Hand sanitizer  and Face mask – It is mandatory in Italy to wear a face mask and use hand sanitizer for your safety. This applies to both citizens and tourists.

How far in advance should you plan a trip to Italy?

When it comes to popular hotels, accommodation and tours, the answer is as early as possible. Especially for the peak periods of July and August.

The more popular the accommodation, the longer you should book in advance. If you are travelling to particularly popular destinations such as the Amalfi Coast in summer, book 9-12 months in advance.

Flight bookings depend on where you are flying. The best time to book flight tickets to Italy is generally 6-12 months in advance. For flights within Europe, there are the best deals 1-5 months in advance.

Train reservations can be made up to 4 months in advance on high-speed trains and standard intercity trains.

Here are some money saving tips on your Italy trip

Buy or reserve tickets in advance for the attractions you want to see. Especially for those hotspot attractions, such as the Colosseum, the Vatican museums, the Uffizi Gallery just to name a few.

Although it is tempting to visit all the museums and attractions, it is worth remembering that much of Italy’s appeal lies in its more relaxed lifestyle.

If you find the idea of an organized tour daunting, most museums sell official guidebooks that can help you navigate to attractions, or if you want direction to a specific location, rent an audio guide.

There are many free and wonderful things to see, and don’t forget that churches are artistic jewels that are above all free – Caravaggio’s best works can be found in various churches in Rome. Even a walk through the historic center is a pleasure, and free of charge.

The biggest tip I can give when it comes to saving money on eating out in Italy is to always avoid tourist restaurants. Some of the attractions in Italy are in areas where it is really easy to exceed the budget.

When you enter a bar in Italy, remember that it is always cheaper to stand than to sit. But sometimes it isn’t only necessary but also fun to sit. You can relax and see the world passing by.

Ready to plan your trip to Italy?

If you are traveling to Italy, I hope this guide has answered a lot of your questions and given you more clarity on the realities of going to Italy. I really hope this guide helps you have the trip that you dream of and make planning your vacation less overwhelming.

If you require any further information, please don’t hesitate to contact me via email or, if you prefer, follow me on social media; I always reply to everyone.

Whether you go it alone or use a tour planner, I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time. Enjoy!

I'm a freelance travel writer and SEO copywriter, and I absolutely love what I do. Writing has always been a passion of mine, and traveling is the ultimate source of inspiration for me. In fact, I became particularly drawn to planning travel experiences in Italy back in 2015, and I've been hooked ever since!

I'm what you might call a "slow traveler" - someone who likes to take their time exploring new places and soaking up different cultures. And when I started writing about my travels a few years ago, I was blown away by the incredible opportunity it gave me to share my experiences with others and learn from them in turn. It's truly an amazing thing!

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Planning a Trip to Italy? Here’s Your 10-day Italy Itinerary

The only thing that’s probably holding you back from traveling to Italy is the daunting task of creating your Italy itinerary. We understand. That’s why we’ve taken the work out of it for you by creating a perfect 10-day Italy itinerary that you can follow or use to plan your own trip.

You’re probably wondering all the typical travel things, like when is the best time to go to Italy , what destinations to visit while you’re there, and how to get around.

It can all be very overwhelming, but don’t worry, our Italy trip planner will clear up all those questions and help you plan the best way to see Italy in 10 days. If you have other questions about Italy, check out this guide with additional tips for traveling in Italy .  Make sure to put these famous foods on your list of things you must try.

You can see a lot in just 10-14 days in Italy without being overwhelmed. It’s not a large country, but there will be a lot of travel to get from place to place. It’s a good thing Italy has a wonderful train system!

If your trip takes you all over Europe, not just to Italy, check out our 2 week itinerary for Europe , which can easily be expanded to one month or more.

Table of Contents

Getting Around in Italy

The best way to get around on your Italy itinerary is to rent a car and drive . I always book through DiscoverCars.com for the best deals. It’s not too difficult driving around in Italy, but you should be prepared for a few things:

• You need an International Driver’s License, which is just a translation of your U.S. or other country license. You can get this at the AAA office, or online.
• Most cars in Italy are manual (stick-shift). You can rent automatics, but there aren’t a lot of them so you have to book in advance.
• The roads are sometimes very narrow and not paved. It’s best to rent a very small car that can easily manuever the roads and parking spots.

Here's more to help you plan

12 Best Cities in Italy: Popular Attractions and Must-See Sights

9 Things to Know When Traveling to Italy

Guide to the Best Wine Regions in Italy

21 of the Best Cities to Visit in Europe

How to Plan a Vacation in Italy

Best time to go to italy.

The first step in planning an Italy vacation is deciding when to go. As with most places, there is a “best” time to go to Italy, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go whenever the mood strikes you.

It really is a year-round travel destination. We’ve been there in all 4 seasons and always have a great time.

If I had to pick one perfect time to go to Italy, it would be late autumn (end of September to November), because it is the height of grape and olive harvest season in Italy, and there’s nothing better than seeing the rolling hillsides covered in ripe bunches of grapes, and the olive trees laden with green fruits.

• Spring (March to May) is a great time to visit, as the temperatures are lower and so is the tourist traffic, which leads to lower prices and shorter lines to get in to popular attractions. May is the rainiest month in Italy, but it’s not enough to ruin your trip.
• In autumn (late September – November), the leaves are changing color and the resulting scenery is nothing short of amazing, plus the harvest is on!
• Summer in Italy gets very hot and humid. It’s also a very busy high season, so you’ll constantly be fighting crowds and you’ll pay more for accommodations. Try to avoid traveling in July and August. Even June can be extremely hot – 100+ degrees F.
• In winter, December to February, there are definitely less tourists, but the weather isn’t prime for that dream Italian vacation.

Getting to Italy

Many top airlines fly to Italy. However, it’s not so easy to find direct flights from the U.S. to Italian cities. The easiest cities to fly into from international destinations are Rome, Bologna, and Milan.

If you don’t mind making a stopover in Frankfurt or Amsterdam, you can fly to just about anywhere you want within Italy. If you want to try to add a free stopover flight on your way to Italy, try it using Skyscanner .

Something to consider, which will help maximize your time in the country, is to fly into one city and out of another, such as flying into Rome and out of Milan. Doing this will save time and money.

Best Places to Visit in Italy

First-time visitors would do best to hit up the most popular sights that are easy to get to via train or a quick domestic flight. Then once you’ve explored the top destinations, you can dig deeper into the more off-the-beaten path locations.

A road trip can be a very rewarding way to see a lot of the country.  Here is a list of places to visit in Italy that you should definitely include in any 10-day Italy itinerary.

If you’re not keen to travel on your own, there are many tour agencies that provide tours to these cities. However, it is very easy to travel around Italy via train, so organizing your own trip is recommended.

How to Spend 10 Days in Italy

If you’re a frequent traveler, you’ll have no problem planning your own Italy travel itinerary and getting around on your own. There is a small language barrier to deal with in some places, but it’s nothing a savvy traveler can’t handle.

In most large cities, the majority of people you will come in contact with will speak English. Now for your 10-day trip to Italy, which includes Rome, Tuscany, Florence, Bologna, and Venice.

Note: Your tour starts on the day after you arrive, unless you fly in quite early, otherwise you won’t have enough time to see everything in Rome. You need 2 full days to do it.

Day 1-2: Rome

Visiting Rome is like stepping back in time.  With so many amazing attractions to see throughout the city, it’s easy to see everything without much fuss. With a good map and a little energy, you can easily walk the entire old city of Rome and see all of the iconic landmarks listed below.

• The Roman Forum: Check out the ruins of the Arch of Titus, the Temple of Vesta and other ruins of a powerful, historical time gone by.
• The Colosseum: You can pay for a guided tour, or just walk around yourself, especially if you’ve done some research ahead of time or have a book along with you.
• Trevi Fountain: This is an absolutely must see, tucked away in a small piazza and crowded with people vying for a chance at a good photo. If you toss a coin into the fountain over your left shoulder using your right hand, you’ll come back to Rome someday.
• The Spanish Steps: Located at the Piazza di Spagna, this steep set of steps climbs up to the Trinita dei Monti church at the top and is surrounded by upscale shopping, tourists lounging on the steps and a wonderful Italian vibe.
• Plaza Navona: You must stop here for photos and for an overpriced drink at one of the cafes, for some of the best people watching in the world.
• The Vatican Museums: If you’re an art and/or architecture lover, you can’t miss a journey through the  ancient Roman sculptures and paintings at the Vatican. You’ll see the Gallery of the Maps, Raphael’s Rooms, the stunning Creation of Adam by Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel , plus St. Peter’s Basilica (if you have time).

Tours & Tickets

You will need tickets for a few of the things on the list. In Rome, I never recommend just walking up to the attraction without tickets, because you could stand in line for hours.

Plan ahead and purchase tickets before you go. The most important ones to secure tickets for are the Colosseum and the Sistine Chapel . 

You can book tickets directly through the attraction’s website, or you can use the links below to book our recommended tours through Viator :

• Skip the Line: Ancient Rome and Colosseum Half-Day Walking Tour – Skip the entrance line to the Colosseum and see the first and second levels with a guide (plus ability to add the underground tour), plus tour of the Roman Forum, the House of the Vestal Virgins and a walk along Via Sacre.
• Faster Than Skip-the-Line: Vatican, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica Tour – “Skip the line” with this tour means using a special entrance to bypass even the fast-track line.
• Rome Food Tour – One of my favorite things about Rome is the food culture. Discover all the great food on a guided food tour. You can read about the tour we took  here .

What to Eat in Rome

Rome has many food specialties, some that differ from other areas of Italy. If you want to get a real immersion in Rome, you must try these specialties:

• Cacio e Pepe – Cacio e Pepe is a very simple pasta dish that literally means “cheese and pepper”.  The pasta noodles are covered in Grana Padano or Parmesan cheese, butter, and ground black pepper.
• Carbonara – Carbonara is made with egg, hard cheese, guanciale, and black pepper.
• Bucatini all’amatriciana – All’amatriciana is a pasta sauce with black pepper, red pepper, guanciale, Pecorino cheese, and tomato.
• Suppli – A fried ball of rice with a filling of tomato sauce and melted mozzarella. You can find really delicious variations at Supplizio.
• Gelato – You will find a gelato stand on nearly every block. Look for ones that aren’t puffed up into a large dome.
• Pizza al Taglio – This pizza is baked in large rectangular pies and cut into squares. You can find it at street food stalls or quick stop shops all over Rome.

Where to Stay in Rome

The best location in Rome depends on what you want to accomplish during your stay, but it’s always best to be centrally located so you can walk to all of the main attractions.

I really like the area around the Spanish Steps. It’s easy to find in case you forget your map or lose your bearings. Two great choices in the affordable luxury range are  The Inn at the Spanish Steps  (with a gorgeous roof-top pool) and  Il Palazzetto .

We also really enjoyed staying at  Nerva Boutique Hotel  in the popular Rione i Monti area.

• Il Plazzetto ⇒ Read reviews on  Trip Advisor  |  Book a stay
• The Inn at the Spanish Steps ⇒ Read reviews on  Trip Advisor  |  Book a stay
• Nerva Boutique Hotel ⇒ Read reviews on  Trip Advisor  |  Book a stay
• Airbnb: Lovely and cosy apartment at Pantheon Square | Book a stay

Transfer from Rome to Siena.

The best way to get from Rome to Siena is either to drive or take the train. It’s a 3-hour journey, no matter how you go. If you have a car, you’ll be able to get around within the region easier, but it’s not absolutely necessary to have a car, if you’re planning to go on pre-arranged day trips.

There isn’t a direct train, but you just make one short change in Chiusi and head to Siena, the most well-connected city in the center of Tuscany.

From here you can get to surrounding towns, like Montepulciano and Greve in Chianti, so it’s the perfect base for tourists, no matter what you want to see.

There are tons of restaurants, cafes, hotels, and wineries right inside Siena to explore, if you don’t want to venture far.

What to See in Siena

• Piazza del Campo – Huge and gorgeous medieval square
• Duomo di Siena – Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral
• Pubblico Palace & Mangia Tower – Gothic-style town hall building and tower
• Fonte Gaia – Lovely historic fountain

If you want to taste some wine in Tuscany, it’s best to get outside of Siena and visit the wineries and vineyards. If you have a car, we recommend checking out our list of the top wineries to visit in Tuscany .

If you’d rather stay within Siena, you can visit one of the enotecas in Siena, like Enoteca Emporio Mediterraneo or Vineria Tirabusciò Siena .

We also highly recommend doing a Tuscany cooking class in Siena.

You don’t need tickets to see any of the things listed above, but if you want to get outside Siena and explore Tuscany without a car, you’ll need to book some tours.

Below are some of the tours we recommend:

• Small-Group Brunello di Montalcino Wine-Tasting Trip from Siena – visit 3 wineries, plus lunch at a family-run winery.
• Hot Air Balloon Flight Over Tuscany from Siena – This 1-hour hot air balloon flight from Siena takes you above Tuscany to get a breathtaking view of the low-rolling hills, some clad in grape vines, others crowned by a rustic ancient villa.
• San Gimignano, Chianti and Montepulciano Tour – Visit San Gimignano, Monteriggioni, and Montalcino on a day trip from Siena, and discover medieval architecture, wine, and stunning views of Tuscany. 

What to Eat in Tuscany

Food and wine are synonymous with Tuscany. You can’t have one with out the other. There are many fantastic dishes, both pasta and not, that you must try.

Many of these you’ll find on almost every traditional menu in Tuscany.

• Ribollita – a vegetable and bread soup
• Fagioli con salsiccia – Baked Cannallini beans with sausage
• Tagliatelle al tartufo – a wide pasta covered in a truffle sauce. Truffles are abundant in Tuscany!
• Tagliatelle al Ragu di Cinghale – Tagliatelle with wild boar ragu
• Pici – a pasta made from flour and water rather than flour and eggs
• Pecorino – Sheep’s milk cheese from Pienza

Where to Stay in Siena 

You won’t find any of the top chain hotels in Siena. The accommodations here are rustic Italian charm. You can expect either a very ornate building, or very minimalist decor.

There are two options – stay inside Siena in a hotel or apartment, or stay just on the outskirts of Siena in a farmhouse stay. If you have a car, I encourage staying outside the city center. 

Grand Hotel Continental Siena  – a Sienese palace steeped in history. The Grand Hotel Continental is part of Starhotels Collezione, Starhotels exceptional luxury hotel group and is the old town’s only 5* hotel and has a privileged position near Siena’s most important attractions. |  Trip Advisor reviews  |  Book here  

Aia Mattonata Relais  – Located in a restored, historic farmhouse outside Siena, overlooking the countryside and the city, and provided with a salted-water, panoramic swimming pool.  |  Trip Advisor reviews  |  Book here

Airbnb: Appartamento Palazzo Casini Piccolomini | Take a look

Transfer to Florence:  If you have a car, the drive will be about 1 hour 15 minutes. 

You can take the 131R train from Siena to Florence in the same amount of time. One of the most beautiful cities in Italy, Florence is known for its art.

The architecturally rich buildings of Florence house some of the world’s most treasured art. So if you’re a museum lover or art history buff, you’ll want to consider how many days to spend in Florence to cover all the top sights .

While 2-3 days is enough for most visitors, to get to all the museums and day trips, you’ll need 5-7.

Spend your time in Florence visiting the sights and museums below. They can be done in this order to make for the most efficient walking route.

• Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore – This vast cathedral towers over the city with its Renaissance dome and Gothic architecture. Entrance is free (tickets needed for the dome).
• Uffizi Gallery – This gallery contains some of the world’s best Renaissance paintings & masterpieces, by the likes of Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.
• Accademia Gallery – This gallery houses some of the most important works of the Renaissance, including works by Leonardo da Vinci, Giotto, Botticelli and Michelangelo’s David statue. Make sure you secure tickets in advance as this is one of the most popular museums in the world.
• Mercato Centrale – This food market is packed with great eating and drinking options. You can peruse the fresh foods and vegetables on the lower floor, then head upstairs to the food court to pick what you want to eat. This is a great place to have lunch.
• Basilica of Santa Croce – A very pretty church, also the final resting place of Michelangelo and Galileo. The memorial to the 19 th century playwright Giovanni Battista Niccolini inside the church is rumored to be the inspiration for the Statue of Liberty. Tickets are 8 Euros and can be purchased here .
• Ponte Vecchio and Palazzo Vecchio – The first is a bridge, the second is the town hall, which is just around the corner from the bridge in Piazza della Signoria. The Piazza is a great place to hang out for a while, because there are sculpture and statues all around, like an open-air art gallery.

You only need to purchase tickets in advance for the Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, and Accademia Gallery. These are where the long lines are in Florence. 

You can book tickets directly through the attraction’s website, or you can use the links below to book our recommended tours through Viator , which are more expensive because they also include a guided tour:

• Best of Florence Walking Tour with Skip-the-Line at Michelangelo’s ‘David’
• Tickets for Uffizi Gallery: Guided Tour + Skip The Line
• The Duomo Complex and Its Hidden Terraces

What to Eat in Florence

One of the most iconic meals you can have in Florence is a Florentine steak, but there are so many other specialties from this area that you should also be on the lookout for.

• Bistecca Fiorentina – a huge T-bone steak that comes from the local Chianina cattle
• Affettati Misti – A very traditional starter in Florence, this is a plate of cold cuts like lardo, finocchiona, sbriciolona, and prosciutto crudo.
• Appa al pomodoro  – a tomato that is thickened with bread and made with tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and basil.
• Penne strascicate – A Bolognese-type sauce made with vegetables, tomatoes, red wine, and olive oil.
• Ravioli gnudi  – Gnocchi made with spinach, ricotta, eggs and parmesan.

Where to Stay in Florence 

There is no shortage of amazing, luxury hotels in Florence. You could easily spend half your budget on a couple of nights here. 

Firenze Number Nine Hotel and Spa  is a smaller boutique hotel in a fantastic location, as is the modern and unique  Hotel Garibaldi Blu  (where we stayed last time we were there).

If you want to splurge, stay at the  Grand Hotel Minerva  – perfect location and it has a gorgeous rooftop pool.

• Firenze Number Nine ⇒ Read reviews on  Trip Advisor  |  Book a stay
• Hotel Garibaldi Blu ⇒ Read reviews on  Trip Advisor  |  Book a stay
• Grand Hotel Minerva  ⇒ Read reviews on  Trip Advisor  |  Book a stay
• Airbnb: Casina BP – historical centre | Take a look

Transfer to Bologna. If you’re driving, it’s about an hour and a half drive to Bologna on the A1. The route has tolls. If you’re taking the train, it’s a quick 35-minute ride on the FR9520 to Bologna Central Station.

For me, Bologna is all about the food . If you love Italian food and want to spend a day learning more about the wonderful DOC products near Bologna, I highly recommend you spend your day in Bologna on this tour .

If you’re not into the food tour, spend your time in Bologna visiting the sights and museums below.

• Piazza Maggiore – this is the center of the action in Bologna and a good place to start exploring.
• Basilica di San Petronio – this gothic basilica is dedicated to the patron saint of the city Saint Petronius. It’s hard to miss, in the center of Piazza Maggiore.
• Fountain of Neptune, Bologna – Next to Piazza Maggiore is the Piazza Neptune, with the monumental fountain of Neptune in the middle.
• Two Towers – One is leaning – Asinelli – and Garisenda. These are great to use as a landmark in city to orient yourself. You can also climb to the top of them for great views.
• Bologna’s porticos – The porticoes, nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, make the architecture of Bologna unique. You can find them all over the city, starting in Piazza Maggiore.
• FICO World Eataly – Just outside the city and easy to reach by train is the Eataly World – a whole warehouse dedicated to food in Italy, with demonstrations, food stalls, and cooking classes. 8-10€ entrance fee.

What to Eat in Bologna

Bologna is home to some really fantastic foods that you don’t typically find elsewhere in Italy – at least in the same form. Tortellino, for instance, is very much a Bologna dish, make with fresh egg pasta. There are also many DOP products made nearby.

• Tortellino – This dish is the star of the show in Bologna. It’s basically tortellini (both big and small), filled with meat and cheese, served in a light broth.
• Tagliatelle al Ragù – Another very popular dish in Bologna, this dish is made with wide egg noodles and slow-cooked meat with tomato, milk, butter, white wine, carrots, celery and onion.
• Parmigiano-Reggiano – This hard, aged cheese is a DOP product that can only be made in Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena and parts of the provinces of Mantua and Bologna.
• Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena – True DOP balsamic must be aged for a minimum of 12 years. Over that time, it ages in a series of five barrels called a battaria.
• DOP Prosciutto – Pancetta, pork cheek, and disossato are all DOP products made only in this region.
• Mortadella – the original sausage from Bologna .

Where to Stay in Bologna

It’s a good idea to stay in the center of the historic district in Bologna, so you’re walking distance to the main attractions.

• Hotel Al Cappello Rosso  –  One of Bologna’s oldest boutique hotels, yet with modern facilities and very unique design, next to Piazza Maggiore ⇒ Read reviews on  Trip Advisor  |  Book a stay
• Grand Hotel Majestic  – Bologna’s oldest hotel. Ornate only beings to describe this opulent hotel. Close walking distance to the main square and the Two Towers ⇒ Read reviews on  Trip Advisor  |  Book a stay
• Airbnb: Bologna Altana Deluxe | Take a look

Transfer to Venice. If you’re driving, it’s a 2-hour drive on the A13 to Venice. The route has tolls. If you’re taking the train, it’s an hour and a half on the FR9414 to Santa Lucia train station in central Venice.

I often think Venice is singlehandedly responsible for Italy’s romantic allure, with its winding waterways and canals, arched bridges and amazing architecture.

Since no cars are allowed in the city, it’s an escape from the normal hustle and bustle of blaring horns and angry traffic snarls. Instead, you wander through the narrow cobblestone streets on foot or glide around the waterways on a gondola.

⇒ See our  infographic guide to visiting Venice .

Here’s what to see in Venice.

• St. Mark’s Square – The most iconic square in Venice , it’s also home to St. Mark’s Basilica and it is a true sight to behold. It’s very touristy, so I wouldn’t recommend eating in the square, but you can always stop for an overpriced drink.
• Doge’s Palace – This Venetian Gothic style palace is now a huge museum with floors worth of incredible things to see.
• Bridge of Sighs   – According to local lore, if you kiss beneath this bridge at sunset, you’ll enjoy eternal love.
• Peggy Guggenheim Collection  features masterpieces by Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and Jackson Pollock.
• Murano and Burano – There’s an island in the Venetian Lagoon called Murano, where glass has been made for more than 700 years. Definitely worth a visit.

You will need tickets for a few of the things on the list. Venice is very crowded, almost year round, so it’s not recommended to arrive without tickets to the main attractions, because you could stand in line for hours. Plan ahead and purchase tickets before you go.

The most important ones to secure tickets for are St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace, plus a trip out to islands, if you want to do that.

You can book tickets directly through the attraction’s website, or you can use the links below:

• Legendary Venice St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace – This tour affords you skip-the-line tickets to both of these popular attractions.
• Murano & Burano Islands Half Day Guided Tour by Private Water Taxi – You can visit these islands by yourself taking the water taxi, but it can be very difficult to get on and off the taxi when there are a lot of people waiting. It’s much easier to do a private tour.
• The 10 Tastings of Venice With Locals: Private Food Tour – Explore food and wine along with facts about Venice.
• Venice Gondola Ride and Serenade – Book ahead to make sure you don’t have to wait in long lines to take the ride you’ve been wanting to take forever.

What to Eat in Venice

Venice is known for their cicchetti bars. Ciccetti are small snacks or side dishes that are served at the bar in between meals, or even replacing a meal when you’re out with friends. Be sure to grab some cicchetti and an Aperol spritz while visiting Venice.

• Aperol or Venetian Spritz – A spritz is made with 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol or Select, 1 part soda, and an orange wedge for garnish.
• Cicchetti – small bites that are typically served in bars alongside a spritz or a small glass of wine.
• Baccala Mantecato – This spread is made from cod, which is soaked and whipped into an airy and light spread that is served on a slice of bread.
• Nero di Seppia – Squid ink pasta
• Sarde in Saor – Fresh sardine fillets marinated in vinegar and served with cooked white onions, and sometimes raisins and pine nuts.

Where to Stay in Venice

The choices of where to stay in Venice are vast, but we can narrow down where to stay in the city to two areas. When you look up hotels on Booking.com, you’re looking at Venice city center.

We narrow that down to the areas around Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Square. Below are the only two places you need to know. The first is an apartment-style rental and the 2nd is a hotel.

• Ai Patrizi di Venezia –  If you’re staying for 3+ nights, I highly recommend this apartment. It’s in the perfect location, is incredibly comfortable and clean, and has a kitchenette. We sometimes prefer an apartment to a hotel so we’re not being bothered by housekeeping. This place is a gem.  |  Read Reviews  or  Book a Stay
• Hotel Londra Palace –  If you’d rather stay in a hotel because you like the extra amenities, then Hotel Londra Palace is a great choice. It’s in a very good location, only 5 min walk from St. Mark’s Square, with free wifi and a restaurant. Some rooms have a balcony and an incredible view.  |  Read Reviews  or  Book a Stay
• Airbnb: Beautiful 2 bedroom very near Rialto Bridge | Take a look

Unfortunately, now it’s time to fly back home. If you booked a multi-city flight, you can return home from the Venice airport. If not, you will have to fly or take the train back to Rome in order to fly back home.

How to Get Around in Italy

The best way to travel around Italy is by train. You can save money on train travel in Italy with a Eurail pass specifically for Italy. The passes allow you to travel for a specific number of days within a month – from three to eight. See all Italy Eurail passes here .

These passes are meant for non-European passengers only. Order it in advance of your trip and it’s delivered right to your door, so you’re ready to travel when you get there.

Some trains require reservations (high-speed and overnight). So be sure to thoroughly check your preferred trains for rules. As long as there is a train linking each of your chosen cities, you’ll be able to easily travel around the country, and in all of the cities listed here the train drops you off right in the center of the city.

Driving in Italy

If you’re planning on renting a car in Italy, make sure you obtain an International Driving License before you go. 

In the United States , you can get one of these at AAA offices as well as from the National Automobile Club, for a small fee. It’s good for 1 year. Italian law requires drivers that don’t have a European Union driving license to show their home country license as well as an International Driving Permit if (or when) they’re pulled over.

The rental car company may not require one to rent, but it’s up to you to have the correct paperwork.

Tipping in Italy

If you’re from the United States, Canada , or another country where tipping is customary, you should be aware that tipping in Italy is not compulsory.

A service charge is often added to the bill, which can be from 10-12%, and it will be noted as a service charge. There can also be fees added for various services, like sitting in on a dining terrace, or getting bread or water for the table.

Be Prepared For Travel Planning is the most important part of any successful trip. Do it the easy way:

🧳 Travel Packing List | ✔️ Why You Need Travel Insurance | ✈️ What to Do Before You Leave Home

• Find and book the best hotel (our favorite booking site is Expedia)
• Research flight options (our favorite tool is Skyscanner )
• Book a tour (we always use Viator to find the best tours)
• Rent a car through Discover Cars (they search the best deals for you!)

There are many ways to experience and enjoy your Italy vacation, now that you know how to plan a trip to Italy. But if the task overwhelms you, rest assured that this 10-day trip to Italy will take you to some of the top places to visit in Italy, and will prepare you for a second visit.

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Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.

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How to plan a trip to Italy – a step by step guide

This article may contain compensated links. See our full disclosure here

Welcome! My name is Katy and ever since I first visited 20 years ago I have been plotting my next trip to Italy. From its historic cities to the mountains, lakes and coast, I fell in love with this beautiful country and want to help you do the same.

Planning a trip to Italy is one of my favorite things to do (I’ve been there more than 25 times!) so we created this guide to help you plan and book your trip with ease. We hope you find our step by step guide on how to plan a trip to Italy useful. 

What's in this article

When to go to Italy

Passports and visas, itineraries and planning, travel booking timelines, accommodation in italy, tickets, tours and attractions, airport and ground transfers, money and budget, internet access, travel insurance, packing for your trip, travel with kids in italy, italy trip planning done.

The best time to visit Italy is when it suits you and your schedule. However, you should be aware of a few seasonal variations:

• Italy is one of the world’s most popular destinations and is very busy (and more expensive) at peak periods – from May to September
• Summers can be very hot (especially in the south) and winters cold with ski resorts open in the northern alpine regions
• August is the busiest month with Italians and people from all over Europe on vacation. Coastal and lake areas are very busy with visitors
• Easter is a major holiday in Italy – expect demand for rail travel and accommodation to increase

For this reason we like to visit Italy in the shoulder months – April/May and September/October when the weather is sunny and mild, crowds are manageable and you can find great value flight and accommodation deals.

How to get there

Flying direct (or with a single stop) to Italy from most places in the world is easy. Most visitors fly into Rome Fiumicino [Leonardo da Vinci](FCO) international airport but you can also easily fly into Milan Malpensa  (MXP) or Venice Marco Polo  (VCE) airports from major hubs around the world.

There are many other airports throughout the country that can be accessed within Italy and Europe.

FREE ITALY TRIP PLANNING CHECKLIST:  CLICK HERE TO GET YOURS. NOW

Best flight deals to Italy

We use a combination of Skyscanner , CheapoAir and Google flights to source the best flight deals for Italy.

• Skyscanner – portal where you can view cheapest days and routes to fly and set alerts for price drops
• CheapoAir – uncovers the best deals on first class flights around the world
• Google flights – great for checking schedules and airline routes

To find the best deals, set up alerts on Skyscanner for the month you wish to travel and wait for price drops. Be prepared to be a little flexible on dates and stopovers. It is often cheaper to fly into Milan rather than Rome but that is most useful for northern Italy itineraries.

Tip – always use an incognito browser window to search for flight deals. Prices are amended up for users known to be searching for specific dates and times

Arriving by train from other cities in Europe

If you are traveling within Europe, train travel is easy with links to major Italian cities – Milan, Rome, Florence and Venice – from other capitals in Europe. Read our guide to train travel in Italy or Seat 61 is another great resource for planning train travel within Europe.

Bus travel to Italy

If you’re on a tight budget and traveling within Europe, then you might want to consider coming to Italy by bus. Low cost operator Flixbus covers 1,200 destinations in 26 countries.

Train and bus bookings

Omio is a useful site for booking a combination of train, bus and air travel within Europe

READ:  Best booking sites for travel to Italy

Citizens of the United States, Australia, Canada and New Zealand can enter Italy and stay up to 90 days without a visa within an 180 day period. You must have 6 months validity on your passport.

All other nationalities should check this Italian government site that will walk you through whether a visa is required for your visit.

European Union and UK citizens can travel with photo identification. 

Please note – this information is subject to change and it is always best to check with your local foreign office for the latest advice on travel to Italy.

• United States – click here
• Australia – click here
• United Kingdom – click here
• Canada – click here

Where to go

Probably the hardest decision you need to make is which places you would like to visit. This is a very difficult task for many of us and it is a challenge for me to this day.

The most popular places to visit in Italy are listed below.

• Major cities – Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan and Naples
• Tuscany – large region known for hilltop towns, wineries and beautiful countryside
• Cinque Terre – 5 spectacular villages that hug the sides of cliffs on the Italian Riviera
• Amalfi Coast – picturesque coastal region near Naples – Sorrento, Positano, Capri
• Northern Italian lakes – scenic lakes close to alpine mountain ranges

As a general rule, for a 3-5 day trip choose one destination – a city or area. If you have a week to 10 days then 1-3 places in either the north OR south of Italy. For a 2 week trip you could cover 3-4 places and see both north and south.

Try not to pack too much in. It’s easy to underestimate transit times and getting in and out of airports and train stations.

Suggested itineraries

Planning your Italy itinerary is one of the most important job in the trip planning process. For their first trip to Italy, many people will choose to start their journey in Rome and visit Florence and Venice. This 10 day Italy itinerary covers that route and includes detailed instructions on how to make the most of your time in Italy. 

Alternative 10 day itineraries

• Rome + Amalfi Coast – Rome [4 nights], Amalfi Coast/Naples/Pompeii/Capri [5 nights]
• Rome + Florence and Tuscany – Rome [4 nights], Florence [3 nights], Siena [2 nights]
• Venice, Milan, Lake Como + Florence  – Venice [3 nights], Milan [1 night], Lake Como [2 nights], Florence [2 nights]
• READ: Sample Northern and Southern Italy itineraries
• Sicily – deserves 2 weeks! – click for highlights and hidden gems

City itineraries

Rome – a 5 day itinerary that can be adapted for more or less days – click here to read Florence – suggestions for 1,2 and 3 days in the Renaissance city – click to read Venice  – things to do and itineraries for 1,2 or 3 days in the lagoon city – read here Milan – explore Milan, fashion forward, fun and the most modern of all the Italian cities – click to read

Recommended group package tours in Italy

Package tours of Italy can be a fantastic way to avoid the stress of planning your own trip. They are also great if you would like some company along the way. Here is a quick summary of popular tours in Italy by well known brands. 

One of the most popular tour companies on the planet, Trafalgar has a broad range of itineraries to choose from in Italy. Appealing to the 50+ age group, travel is mainly by coach and you can expect an emphasis on culture and history. Trafalgar has worked hard to include local experiences such as wine tastings and unique stays into its itineraries as well as time to discover destinations at leisure.

Tour group sizes are between 40-45 passengers and the general standard of hotels is 4 star.

Top Italy tours by  Trafalgar

• Best of Italy – 13 day itinerary visiting Rome, Sorrento, Florence, Venice and more – more information
• Great Italian cities – classic itinerary covering Rome, Florence and Venice in 10 days – click for details
• Best of the Italian lakes – Como, Maggiore, Garda – which will be your favorite? – click here for details

Intrepid Travel

We like the tours offered by Intrepid Travel because they strike the balance between showing you highlights of a destination and allowing time for exploration on your own. Their premium brand Peregrine has some interesting hiking tours of the Cinque Terre and Amalfi Coast.

Group sizes average around 10 so you get personal attention when you need it. We also love that Intrepid has a commitment to responsible travel and leads the way in promoting animal welfare.

Top tours of Italy by Intrepid and Peregrine

• Best of Italy – 15 days covering Rome, Florence, Venice, Cinque Terre and more – click here for details
• Cinque Terre walking tour – 8 days walking the spectacular coastal villages – more information
• Italy real food adventure – 8 days of feasting in Venice, Tuscany and Rome – more details

Even as independent travelers we like to browse Tourradar – a market place for tours where you can browse hundreds of package tours by different operators, and by date. Then filter by your interests and age group and read detailed reviews.

There are various levels of support offered from fully organized tours to independent self drive or train itineraries.

BROWSE: All Italy tours on Tourradar

Top tours in Italy found on Tourradar

• Highlights of Italy – 8 day train tour through Milan, Venice, Florence, Pisa, Rome – click for more info
• 3 Nights Venice, 2 Nights Florence & 5 Nights Rome – a self guided tour – click here for details
• Self guided walking tour of Tuscany – 8 days of fresh air, wine and views – click here for details

Recommended guidebooks

We plan trips using a wide variety of sources. If you can, choose an Italy travel guide that is relevant for the region you are visiting as they are usually more detailed and useful. 

Our favourite general guidebooks for Italy are:

Lonely Planet – Our favorite practical guide, Lonely Planet, regularly updates guides for Italy | Florence and Tuscany | Venice and the Veneto | Naples, Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast | Italian Lakes | Sicily | Southern Italy

Rick Steves – America’s foremost authority on travel in Europe produces excellent practical guides and itineraries for Italy | Rome | Florence | Venice | Cinque Terre

DK Eyewitness Guides – we love the illustrations and cultural and historical insight in these guides. They are perfect for those of us who respond best to visual cues.

When should you book your travel, accommodation and tours in Italy?

As soon as possible is the straightforward answer when it comes to popular hotels, accommodation and tours especially for peak times in July and August. If you can, try to book 6-12 months in advance for popular areas such as the Amalfi Coast in summer.

Flight bookings will depend on where you are flying from. For long haul flights the best deals are generally found 6-12 months in advance while deals pop up regularly for travel within Europe.

Rail bookings can be made up to 4 months in advance on high speed intercity and standard intercity trains.

FREE ITALY TRIP PLANNING CHECKLIST:  CLICK HERE TO GET YOURS NOW

Choosing where to stay is an important part of planning your itinerary. Italy is well set up for tourists and you can expect the usual range of hotels and bed and breakfast accommodation as well as apartments and villas.

If you plan to spend any time in the country, consider staying at an agriturismo or farm stay – offered by Italian farmers who earn additional income by providing rooms and meals. This accommodation is very popular in Italy and ranges from budget to luxurious.

We’ve stayed in agriturismi (plural) with swimming pools, hammams and wine cellars and always try to build them into our itinerary. An added bonus is that the food served is farm fresh and generally excellent.

Accommodation costs

Here is a rough guide to help you plan your accommodation budget. Prices are average for a double room though this will vary with prices higher in popular areas at peak times

Upscale / Luxury – €200+ [USD $230+] per night Midrange / Boutique – €110-250 [USD $125-285] per night Budget / B&B – €60-120 [USD $70-140] per night Ultra budget / Hostel or shared room in AirBnB – €20-35 [USD $25-40] per night

Best accommodation sites

Our favorite site for booking lodging is Booking.com because it has a huge range of options from hotels and resorts to bed and breakfast, apartments and farm stay accommodation.

You can easily compare prices and amenities and take advantage of their generous cancelation policies to find the right accommodation for you. We’ve also found their concierge service helpful and get better deals because we use them regularly.

Other sites we use and recommend

• Plum Guide – visits and reviews the best Airbnb properties and provides detailed information on each one. Get 5% off with code – UNTOLD5
• VRBO – the best site for long stay villas and apartments – click here to browse VRBO
• AirBnB – for longer stays in apartments and villas – first time users can claim free credit here
• Tripadvisor – mainly to read reviews but you can sometimes find good deals on there too

Our guides on where to stay in Italy

We created these guides with specific recommendations of where to stay in the major tourist areas in Italy in response to questions from our readers and in our Italy Travel Planning Facebook Group .

• Florence – district and accommodation guide > click here
• Milan – district and accommodation guide > click here
• Amalfi Coast – towns and accommodation guide > click here
• Rome – accommodation near the Pantheon > click here ; near the Colosseum > click here and in Trastevere > click here ; accommodation near the Vatican City > click here
• Venice – coming soon

We also created a guide on how to find the right accommodation for your trip that includes a printable checklist > click here to access the article.

How to get around Italy

As a general rule, if you are traveling between cities and major towns then the best way to travel around Italy is by train. If you want to explore the countryside and small villages you will need to rent a car.

When you are mapping out distances to travel between destinations use Google maps or Rome2Rio is another useful site.

Train travel in Italy

The train system in Italy is modern and efficient with fast speed services linking the major cities and regional trains connecting smaller towns and villages. Two major train networks operate throughout Italy – Italo and TrenItalia .

Advance bookings are advised for high speed intercity services where seats are allocated. You can save money booking in advance if you purchase non-flexible tickets. You can book directly with these operators or an easier way is with:

Omio and Trainline compare train times and prices across both Trenitalia and Italo schedules and keep your ticket details on their handy app

SEARCH: rail tickets on Omio

High speed train intercity travel times on popular routes

• Rome to Florence – 1 hour 30 minutes
• Rome to Naples – 1 hour 15 minutes
• Rome to Milan – 3 hours
• Rome to Venice – 4 hours
• Florence to Venice – 2 hours
• Florence to Milan – 2 hours

READ: Guide to buying train tickets in Italy

Driving in Italy

With a bit of forward planning and common sense, renting a car and exploring the back roads of Italy is easy. We wrote a full guide to driving in Italy but here are our top tips:

• You are required to carry an International Drivers Permit – these can be arranged in your home country at minimal cost
• Standard transmission on cars is manual or stick shift. If you want to rent an automatic car expect to pay extra, if you can find one available
• Rent the smallest car you can to fit you and your luggage – roads are often narrow and you don’t want to get stuck!
• Heavy fines apply if you enter ZTL zones – historic districts where driving is not allowed

We use Car Rental by Booking.com  to find the best car rental deals in Italy including one way options. They search both international and local providers so you get a wide variety of choice and there is 24/7 support if you need it. 

SEARCH: car rental in Italy with Car Rental by Booking.com .

Internal flights

If you want to travel very long distances or to visit the islands of Sicily or Sardinia, flying makes the most sense.

Check on Skyscanner or Google Flights for routes and prices. Remember to set alerts for those routes you want to fly and book early for flights in the summer months.

We source and book tickets and tours via GetYourGuide  and  Viator .  They are tour and ticket aggregators so there is lots to choose from. I like the fact you can read reviews, book everything in the one place and keep your tickets and vouchers on their apps too. You can also pay in your own currency and with international credit cards which can be a challenge when using Italian websites.

We prefer GetYourGuide – you can read our review of GetYourGuide to find out why here

Tickets for major attractions

Rome, Florence and Venice are some of the busiest cities for tourists in the world thanks to their famous attractions – the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Uffizi Gallery and Doge’s Palace.

We have given you the official booking sites and an alternative for approved ticket partners should you have trouble using the official site – unfortunately that happens a lot! The direct sites are usually cheaper but the partner sites are generally more user friendly.

• Colosseum – official ticket site OR buy Colosseum tickets on Get Your Guide
• Vatican Museums – official ticket site OR buy Vatican Museum tickets on Get Your Guide
• Omnia pass – Colosseum + Vatican + one other museum + hop on, hop off bus – click here for details
• Uffizi Gallery – official ticket site OR buy Uffizi tickets on Get Your Guide
• ‘David’ statue [Accademia Gallery] – official ticket site OR buy Accademia tickets on Get Your Guide
• Doge’s Palace – official ticket site OR buy Doge’s palace tickets on Get Your Guide
• San Marco basilica – official skip the line tickets OR buy a tour of San Marco including tickets on Get Your Guide
• ‘Last Supper’ painting – official ticket site OR buy Last Supper tickets on Get Your Guide
• Duomo rooftop – official ticket site OR buy Duomo tickets on Get Your Guide

Day tours in Italy

We love doing guided tours . Not those huge group ones where you follow the flag waving guide around in a herd trying to keep up. No, we especially like small group and food tours where you learn and discover all about the culture and history of the places we visit. Plus it’s so much more fun than reading plaques and you get to ask questions.

So make sure to build in a couple of tours when you are planning a trip to Italy.

Our favorite small group tour companies are Take Walks (formerly Walks of Italy) and LivTours . Both offer very well designed and engaging tours of the major sights in Italy as well as interesting food and cultural tours.

• Take Walks have a longstanding reputation for excellent service, groups under 20 people and guaranteed departures. So if you are the only person booked on a tour it will still go ahead. We recently enjoyed our Colosseum at night tour and day trip to Tuscany with them 
• We highly recommend the fun team at LivTours .  They offer interesting very small group (6 people or less) and private tours throughout Italy including late and early entry to the Colosseum and Vatican. Get 5% off their tours with code – UNTOLDITALY

Other Recommended Day Tours by destination

• Rome in day – tour includes Vatican and Colosseum – great if you have limited time > click for details
• Colosseum virtual reality tour – brings the arena to life with 3D effects and sound > more information
• Rome by night – discover the beauty of the Eternal City after dark on this 2 hour tour > click for details
• Vespa tour – pretend you’re Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday on this vintage vespa tour > more details  

READ: Our guide to the best day tours in Rome

• Uffizi Gallery + Palazzo Vecchio – 3 hour combined tour of the city’s must see sights > more information
• Florence Dome Climb – climb the famous dome for spectacular views of Florence > more details
• A day in Tuscany – full day tour to San Gimignano and Siena from Florence > click for more info

READ: Our guide to the best day trips from Florence

• Doge’s Palace and Basilica tour – 2 hour tour of the major attractions in Venice > more information
• Burano, Murano and Torcello – half day outer islands of the lagoon escorted tour > click for details
• Street food tour – discover Venetian cicchetti and visit the famous Rialto market > click for details

Naples, Sorrento and Amalfi Coast

• Boat trip from Sorrento to Capri – one of the highlights of my life! Full day tour > click for details
• Pompeii and Amalfi Coast tour from Naples – full day tour if you are short on time > more info
• Amalfi Coast – small group tour to Positano, Amalfi and Ravello from Sorrento > more information

READ: How to take a boat tour to magical Capri

Recommended experiences in Italy

Sightseeing, soaking up the atmosphere and visiting major monuments (plus eating!) will take up most of your time on your trip to Italy. However, if you have a little more time, we recommend seeking out unique Italian experiences that are sure to be the highlight of your trip.

Food festivals are so much fun. We stumbled on a sagra (food festival) near Lake Como and had a great time tasting all the local dishes. On another trip we managed to be in Florence during the finale of the  Gelato Festival (how did that happen I wonder?) and were able to taste some incredible flavours.

You can check this site for information on food festival dates in Italy.

Wine tastings and tours are popular activities in Tuscany and there is a great selection to choose from on Viator – click here to view  

If you want to recreate the delicious dishes you tasted on your trip, why not take a cooking class . We learned so much from our class and market tour in Florence and enjoy making fresh pasta at home. 

>> Click the links to browse cooking classes in Rome , Florence and Amalfi Coast

For those who love football or soccer there could be no greater thrill than watching a football match in an Italian stadium. You’ll need to book tickets well in advance and we found the best site to do just that – click here to book Italian Serie A tickets.

No matter where you fly into Italy you will need to transfer from the airport to your accommodation and vice versa. Most of the airports are a fair way out from the city center – and in the case of Venice, in the middle of a lagoon! So preplanning your arrival is advised.

You can compare different transfer services on Suntransfers – a company that specializes in transfer options from major airports. They have options to suit all budgets and prices for coach, mini bus, private car and limo services. Welcome Pickups is a similar option with great service we use regularly.

Rome – transfers from Fiumicino airport

Taxis are fine, there is a set rate into Rome of €50 and the ride takes around 45 minutes. Or, if you’re like me, and need some comfort when you arrive you can pre-book a transfer on Suntransfers or Welcome Pickups

This would also be the best option if you are traveling with more than 2 people and have several items of luggage.

A popular way to get into Rome is the Leonardo Express train – a non-stop service between Fiumicino and Rome Termini (the main station). Trains depart every half hour from 6:23 to 23:23, and the trip takes 32 minutes. The cost is €14. Unless you are saying close by you will then need to get a taxi to your accommodation.

The cheapest transfer option – this bus goes direct from the airport to Termini – €7 one way 

READ: Rome airport transfers : How to get from the airport to the city center in Rome

Venice transfers

The water bus company Alilaguna runs regular shuttles (every 15 -30 minutes in peak season) to and from the islands on the lagoon and the airport stopping at San Marco and Rialto (main stops). The fare is €15 one way or €27 return and the journey takes 1½ hours – you can book online here  

For a glamorous arrival hire a private boat transfer or shared transfer in a water taxi – journey times and prices increase depending on number of people and exclusivity. A direct private transfer to the airport takes around 45 minutes.

• Private transfer – around €200 for 6 people – book here  
• Shared water taxi transfer – around €32 per person – book here  

You can also take a taxi or express airport bus to Piazzale Roma and then take a vaporetto (ferry) or walk your hotel/accommodation. A one way trip on the ferry costs €10 per person and is valid for 60 minutes.

The taxi will cost around €30 and the bus will cost around €10 and take around half an hour – for advance bus bookings (recommended in summer) go here  

 READ: Venice airport transfers: How to get to and from Venice from the airport

Florence transfers from Florence airport

Florence airport is very close to the city center and a 15 minute taxi ride or 20 minute tram ride away. There is also an airport bus that takes around 20 minutes – more information

Florence transfers from Pisa airport

Many people fly to Pisa to reach Florence as it is a larger airport. If you arrive during the day take the PisaMover train to Pisa Centrale train station – journey time 5 minutes. Then take a train to Florence. The last train departs at 21.30

On our last visit we arranged a transfer with Suntransfers as we arrived too late for the last train. There is also a coach transfer option.

Amalfi Coast transfers from Naples airport or train station

We recommend hiring a driver. The train, ferry and bus via Sorrento can take 4 hours while a car service is around 1.5 hours. You can compare different services on Suntransfers – a site specializing in ground transportation. 

You may find sites or groups where specific drivers are recommended. I do NOT recommend booking a driver this way for safety reasons – how do you know that the person recommending the driver is reputable, let alone the driver? And also for practical reasons – small operators may not have capacity or availability.

 READ: How to get from Naples to Sorrento

The local currency in Italy is the € Euro.

There is no need to carry too much cash when you are in Italy. Credit and debit cards VISA and Mastercard are widely accepted while American Express is not as popular.

Be aware of foreign currency charges and ATM withdrawal fees applied to your account when you are abroad. You may want to review the cards you are taking with you prior to your trip. We always take two – one as a back up for emergencies. 

Expected costs

Apart from major transport, accommodation and activity costs (eg custom tours and experiences) expect to spend around €30 – 50 per person per day on food and snacks. We allocate another €50 per adult for tours, tickets, day travel and other items. This is a generous budget and it is possible to travel much more cheaply in Italy.

Note – a tourist tax is collected at hotels and accommodation throughout Italy. The rate depends on the city, class of hotel and number of nights you are staying.

Have a good think about how much internet access you will need on your trip. Some people are happy to disconnect and use paper or offline maps while others need that online connection.

Italy has high speed internet and there are many options to stay connected depending on your needs. If you use minimal data and are happy using offline maps and guides then you should be able to get by using wifi at your accommodation. It would be unusual to find accommodation that did not offer wifi. You still need to check though.

Do not expect wifi connections to be available in restaurants and cafes – in Italy restaurants are for eating.

Make sure to turn off international data roaming before your trip to avoid unpleasant surprises when you return.

If you have an unlocked phone you can purchase a tourist SIM before your depart or when you arrive that has enough data for map navigation and research – will not extend to streaming movies or any other heavy upload or download activity. I haven’t used it myself but this local SIM from Italian provider TIM comes highly recommended. 

READ: Our full guide to getting online in Italy (SIMs, wifi and more)

Portable wifi device

If, like me, you need to be online and connected throughout the day, you should consider renting or buying a portable wifi device like the Skyroam Solis . It connects to the local network in Italy and many countries around the world. You then buy day passes for $US 9 per day that give you unlimited data.

I’ve been testing out Skyroam and it offers fast speeds – at least 4G. You can connect up to 5 devices and it also acts as a battery charger. The battery itself lasts a day.

You just need to set it up before you depart on your trip and learn how to use it as it is not as straightforward as I would like. Even so, I like having my usual SIM in my phone and the data running separately.

Learn more about Skyroam Solis plus get 10% off with my code – UNTOLDM

It is a very good idea to purch travel insurance for Italy. Even if your home country has a health care agreement in place with the Italian government. These agreements do not cover emergency repatriation or trip cancelation so make sure you are covered well before you depart. 

READ: more information about travel insurance for your trip to Italy

What to pack will depend on the season and places you visit in Italy. We created a full packing guide with printable checklist that you can access on this page . It covers everything from seasonal capsule outfits to tech items and beauty need.

Absolute must have items for your trip

• Collapsible water bottle – stay hydrated and fill up at free water fountains all over Italy
• Camera – for your vacation snaps – I use an Olympus Pen – it’s lightweight and takes great photos
• Packing cubes – these make packing and unpacking so easy.I love them!
• Power cube – don’t bring lots of bulky converters. This one has 3 USB ports
• Battery pack – keep your phone and/or camera charged
• Converter – you will need one!

We think Italy is one of the best places in the world to travel with kids. Children are welcomed and enjoyed wherever you go. There are not too many challenges that you would not experience at home.

Probably the hardest thing we find is that we fend off many kind offers of sweets and treats on a daily basis from well meaning grandmas/nonnas on our trips. There is a limit to how much chocolate a 4 year old can eat!

Restaurants will feed your kids first so you can enjoy your meal later. It’s such a brilliant move, I have no idea why this doesn’t happen in most countries. At any venue you can always order a plain pasta with red sauce beloved by children world wide.

Kids travel at greatly reduced prices on Italian trains. Children under 4 ride free, no ticket required. Those under 15 can travel on the child rate on national trains and the child fare applies to children under 12 on regional trains.

If you are visiting museums and attractions such as the Vatican Museums and Uffizi Gallery we recommend hiring a guide that specializes in bringing these places alive for kids.

Our twins have been all over Italy with us. Their favorite city to visit is Venice – you can read our popular guide to Venice with kids here .

We hope you now feel confident to plan your Italy trip and are counting down the days until you leave. If you haven’t already done so we’d love you to join our Italy Travel Planning Facebook group where you can ask lots of questions and get advice on your planned itinerary.

We also have a regular newsletter with inspiration, tips and deals for your trip to Italy. You can sign up here  and we’ll send you our FREE Italy trip planning checklist .

Disclaimer –  Untold Morsels assists our readers with carefully chosen product and services recommendations that help make travel easier and more fun. If you click through and make a purchase on many of these items we may earn a commission. All opinions are our own – please read our  disclosure  page for more information.

The creator, writer and photographer behind Untold Morsels , Katy has been travelling and tasting the world since she was a teenager.

Now the proud mum of twins, she hopes they grow up to share her passions of great food, wine and travel. Favourite destination: Italy

What to Do in Italy: A First-Timer’s Ultimate Guide

Italy is a destination that captivates travellers with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and world-class cuisine. Whether you’re wandering the ruins of ancient Rome, soaking in the art of Florence, or gliding down Venice’s canals, there’s something for every type of traveller. For first-timers, the array of experiences can be overwhelming – but fear not. In this guide, Designer Journeys will unveil the best things to do on your first trip to Italy, ensuring your Italian adventure is truly unforgettable.

Post Contents

Best Time to Visit Italy

Choosing the right tour package for you, budget planning for italy, navigating italy: transportation tips, where to stay, 1. explore italy’s unesco world heritage sites, discover italy’s most iconic cities, hike in the dolomites, experience southern italy, must-try italian cuisine: what to eat and where, plan your trip, preparing for your trip.

Italy is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to experience.

• Spring (March to May): The weather is pleasant, with mild temperatures and fewer tourists. It’s a perfect time to visit cities like Rome and Florence or explore the countryside.
• Summer (June to August): Summer is the peak tourist season, especially in coastal regions like the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre. The weather is hot, and popular destinations can be crowded, but it’s perfect for beach vacations.
• Fall (September to November): Another ideal time to visit, fall offers cooler weather, harvest festivals, and fewer crowds. Tuscany is particularly beautiful with its vineyards and autumn colours.
• Winter (December to February): Winter is off-season, but cities like Rome, Venice, and Florence are less crowded. This is also the best time for skiing in the Italian Alps or enjoying Christmas markets.

Are you planning a trip to Italy?

Browse our gallery of fully customisable Italy itineraries and connect with one of our expert Local Designers to get you started! Designer Journeys can design your ultimate experience and offers hand-crafted itineraries built by experienced Local Designers  who have first-hand knowledge of the destination.

For first-time travellers to Italy, choosing the right tour package can make the experience both stress-free and deeply enriching. Italy’s diverse regions, rich history, and stunning landscapes offer something for every type of traveller, so it’s crucial to find a tour that matches your interests, pace, and budget. Let’s break down the different types of tours and how to choose the best one for your trip.

Classic Multi-City Tours: Exploring Italy’s Major Cities

If you’re visiting Italy for the first time, a classic multi-city tour is one of the most popular and comprehensive options. These packages are designed to introduce you to Italy’s most iconic cities and landmarks in a relatively short amount of time. They typically include stops in Rome , Florence , Venice , and sometimes additional cities like Milan or Naples .

• Who It’s For:

This tour is ideal for those who want to see the iconic sights and experience Italy’s cultural and historical highlights. It’s perfect for those who prefer structured itineraries with guided tours, ensuring they don’t miss any must-see locations.

Tip: If you prefer a bit more flexibility, look for tours that offer “free time” in each city so you can explore at your own pace.

Food and Wine Tours

Italy is a paradise for food lovers, and a culinary-focused tour is an incredible way to immerse yourself in the country’s famous cuisine. These tours typically focus on specific regions known for their gastronomic excellence, such as Tuscany , Emilia-Romagna , or the Amalfi Coast .

Food and wine tours are perfect for travellers who want to indulge in Italy’s culinary scene while learning about the art of Italian cooking and winemaking. These tours are usually more intimate and hands-on, with activities like cooking classes, market visits, and farm-to-table meals.

Tip: If you’re passionate about learning the ins and outs of Italian cuisine, opt for a tour that includes cooking workshops where you can try your hand at making pasta, pizza, or other traditional dishes.

Cultural and Historical Tours

For those who are fascinated by Italy’s vast history, cultural and historical tours are a deep dive into the country’s ancient civilizations, Renaissance art, and religious heritage. These tours often focus on historical cities and regions like Rome , Florence , Naples , and Sicily .

History buffs and art enthusiasts who want an immersive experience focused on Italy’s historical milestones will love these types of tours. Guided visits to museums, archaeological sites, and cathedrals are often included, providing valuable context for Italy’s cultural legacy.

Tip: Some tours offer special access to areas not usually open to the public, such as underground Roman catacombs or private Vatican tours, so look out for those exclusive experiences.

Adventure and Nature Tours

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast or adventure seeker, Italy has no shortage of scenic landscapes and thrilling activities. Adventure and nature tours allow you to experience the country’s natural beauty, whether it’s hiking, biking, sailing, or skiing.

This type of tour is perfect for active travellers who want to explore Italy’s natural landscapes while engaging in outdoor activities. Adventure tours often include moderate to challenging physical activities, so they’re suited for those with an active lifestyle.

Tip: Make sure to choose a tour that matches your fitness level and activity preferences. Some tours combine light hikes or bike rides with cultural visits, making them a great choice for travellers who want a balance of adventure and relaxation.

Small Group or Private Tours

For those who prefer a more intimate and personalized experience, small group or private tours are an excellent option. These tours typically accommodate fewer people, allowing for a more tailored and flexible itinerary.

Small group or private tours are ideal for those who want a more luxurious and customized experience, with the opportunity to explore at their own pace. They’re also great for families, couples, or friends travelling together who want to share a private adventure.

Tip: Private tours are often more expensive, but they allow for ultimate flexibility. If you’re traveling during a busy season, booking a private tour ensures that you avoid large crowds and have more control over your itinerary.

Italy can cater to a wide range of budgets. Here’s a general guide to help you plan:

• Mid-Range Travelers (€100-200/day): For a mid-range budget, you can enjoy more comfort by staying in boutique hotels or Airbnb, eating at sit-down restaurants, and taking part in guided tours.
• Luxury Travelers (€200+/day): Italy offers plenty of opportunities for a luxurious vacation. Stay in 5-star hotels, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, and indulge in private tours or experiences like a gondola ride in Venice or a wine-tasting tour in Tuscany.

Tip: It’s always a good idea to factor in extra costs for museum tickets, souvenirs, and unplanned experiences like a spontaneous wine-tasting session or a boat ride along the coast.

Italy offers an extensive transportation network, making it convenient to travel around the country. For a smooth travel experience, you can choose from trains, buses, or car rentals.

Italy’s train system, Trenitalia, efficiently connects major cities like Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan. It’s one of the best ways to travel between cities, especially if you want to avoid the stress of driving. High-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Frecciargento) are fast and comfortable, while regional trains offer slower, scenic routes.

Tip: Purchase tickets in advance for high-speed trains to secure lower prices and avoid last-minute rushes.

Renting a car can be a great option if you want to explore the countryside or smaller towns like Tuscany or the Amalfi Coast. Italy’s highways, or “autostrada,” are well-maintained, but be prepared for tolls.

Tip: Be aware of the ZTL zones (limited traffic areas) in many historic city centers like Florence and Rome. Entering these areas without permission can result in hefty fines.

Luxury Hotels

If you’re looking to indulge, Italy has some of the world’s most opulent hotels, especially in cities like Venice, Rome, and along the Amalfi Coast. Iconic spots like Hotel Danieli in Venice or Hotel de Russie in Rome offer stunning views, exceptional service, and proximity to top attractions.

Authentic Italian Options

For those who want comfort without breaking the bank and an authentic Italian experience, look for  agriturismo (farm stays), which are often set in scenic rural areas and provide an authentic Italian experience.

Sightseeing and Activities

Italy boasts the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites of any country in the world. From ancient Roman forums to medieval hilltop towns and Italian cities, there’s no shortage of cultural and religious sites and historical gems:

Amalfi Coast: A Mediterranean Masterpiece

The Amalfi Coast is one of the most iconic and breathtaking destinations in Southern Italy, renowned for its sheer cliffs, pastel-hued villages, and winding roads that offer panoramic views of the shimmering Tyrrhenian Sea. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, this coastal stretch from Positano to Vietri sul Mare enchants visitors with its natural beauty, rich history, food, and vibrant culture. Here’s an in-depth look at what makes the Amalfi Coast a must-visit, from charming towns to unmissable attractions.

Discovering Positano’s Treasures

Famed for its vertical setting, Positano is perhaps the most picturesque and romantic town on the Amalfi Coast. Pastel-coloured houses cascade down the cliffside, leading to a pebble beach and azure waters. Stroll through the narrow, winding streets lined with artisan shops, where you can pick up handmade sandals, linen clothing, or local ceramics.

Spiaggia Grande Positano.

A highlight is the Spiaggia Grande, the main beach, perfect for soaking up the sun or dipping in the Mediterranean. For more active travellers, Positano offers numerous hiking trails, including the famed Path of the Gods (“Sentiero degli Dei”), which provides some of the most breathtaking views along the coast.

Exploring Ravello’s Tranquility

Perched high above the coastline, Ravello is known for its tranquillity and stunning vistas. This hilltop town, often considered a quieter alternative to the busier coastal villages, is home to two iconic villas:

• Villa Rufolo, with its enchanting terraced gardens, has inspired many artists, including the composer Richard Wagner.
• Villa Cimbrone, famous for its Infinity Terrace (“Terrazza dell’Infinito”), offers unparalleled views of the sea, often described as the most beautiful in all of Italy.

Ravello – A Glimpse of Heaven.

Ravello is also a cultural hub, hosting the Ravello Festival, an annual music and arts event that draws artists and performers from around the world.

Amalfi’s Boat Tour

At the heart of the coast lies Amalfi, a town steeped in history and once a powerful maritime republic. The town’s crown jewel is the Duomo di Amalfi, a striking cathedral with a stunning Arab-Norman façade dedicated to Saint Andrew, whose relics are housed in the crypt.

Amalfi’s rich history is also evident in the Arsenal of the Republic, a museum showcasing the town’s maritime past.

Private Sunset Boat Tour, Experience Amalfi Coast.

For beach lovers, Marina Grande Beach is a lively spot with crystal-clear waters, while quieter coves like Atrani offer more seclusion. Amalfi is also a fantastic base for exploring the nearby Valle delle Ferriere, a nature reserve where you can hike amidst waterfalls and ancient ruins.

Exploring Capri’s Natural Wonders

Just a short boat ride from the Amalfi Coast lies the legendary Blue Grotto (“Grotta Azzurra”) on the island of Capri. This natural sea cave is famous for the ethereal blue light that illuminates its waters, created by sunlight passing through an underwater cavity. The best time to visit is during the day when the brightest sunlight enhances the glowing effect.

Capri’s Blue Grotto, a natural wonder of Italy.

Capri is a glamorous destination known for its designer boutiques, high-end hotels, and chic cafés. A walk up to the Gardens of Augustus offers breathtaking views of the Faraglioni, the famous rock formations jutting out of the sea.

Hiking Trails and Scenic Drives

For those who love the outdoors, the Amalfi Coast offers more than just beaches and villages. One of the best ways to explore and take in the dramatic landscapes is by hiking. The Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei) is the most famous trail, a good starting point in Bomerano and leading to Nocelle, high above Positano. The trail offers awe-inspiring views of the coast, olive groves, and lemon terraces, making it a hiker’s paradise.

Backpacker with nordic walking at Path of Gods, Amalfi coast, Italy.

For a more relaxed experience, the Amalfi Drive (SS163), also known as the “Nastro Azzurro” (Blue Ribbon), is one of the most scenic coastal roads in the world. Winding along the cliffs, this road links the various towns, providing spectacular views around every corner.

Cinque Terre: The Quintessential Coastal Escape

The Cinque Terre—literally meaning “Five Lands”—is one of Italy’s most enchanting and scenic destinations. Nestled along the rugged Ligurian coast, these five colourful villages, Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, are perched dramatically on cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, Cinque Terre offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, traditional culture, and authentic Italian charm. From breathtaking hiking trails to tranquil harbours, here’s a detailed guide to what makes this region so special

Boat Tour Along the Cinque Terre Coastline

Each of the small towns and five villages of Cinque Terre has its own distinct character, yet all offer a glimpse into Italy’s simpler, slower-paced way of life. Here’s a closer look at the individual towns:

The largest of the five, Monterosso al Mare, is known for its sandy beaches—rare along the rocky Ligurian coastline. Divided into an old and new town, Monterosso offers a mix of traditional charm and modern convenience. The Old Town features narrow alleyways, historic churches, and local trattorias, while the newer section is home to beach resorts and lively promenades. Monterosso is also famous for its lemon groves and anchovies, a local delicacy often served in simple but delicious dishes.

Cinque Terre, Monterosso al Mare.

Considered by many to be the most beautiful part picturesque of the Cinque Terre villages, Vernazza boasts a small harbour framed by pastel-coloured buildings and the medieval Doria Castle. This village, with its narrow streets and piazzas, remains largely car-free, preserving its old-world atmosphere. The waterfront is the perfect spot to enjoy fresh seafood and local wine, with the dramatic backdrop of the Ligurian Sea.

Vernazza, Cinque Terre, a Thousand Years of Beauty.

Authentic Small-Town Life

One of the most appealing aspects of visiting Cinque Terre is the opportunity to experience authentic small-town life in Italy. The villages have retained much of their traditional charm, with narrow lanes, tiny piazzas, and family-run businesses. Unlike larger tourist hubs, there are no large hotels or resorts here—accommodation is usually in small guesthouses or agriturismi, providing a more intimate and authentic experience.

Towns and small villages of the Amalfi Coast.

As you wander through the streets of these villages, you’ll often see locals hanging laundry from their balconies, tending to their gardens, or chatting in the square. The rhythm of life here is slow and relaxed, offering a refreshing contrast to the hustle and bustle of Italy’s larger cities.

Vatican City: The Spiritual and Artistic Heart of the Catholic World

Though it may be the smallest country in the world, Vatican City holds immense cultural and spiritual significance. As the seat of the Roman Catholic Church and the residence of the Pope, it draws millions of visitors each year, not only for its religious importance but also for its unparalleled artistic and architectural wonders.

Attending a Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica

At the heart of Vatican City stands the magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the largest and most important churches in the world. Built over the tomb of Saint Peter, one of Jesus’s apostles and the first Pope, the basilica is a masterpiece of Renaissance and Baroque architecture, designed by some of history’s greatest artists, including Michelangelo, Bernini, and Bramante.

St. Peter’s basilica during sunset.

As you enter the basilica, you are immediately struck by its sheer scale and grandeur. The vast nave leads to the high altar, beneath which lies St. Peter’s tomb. Above the altar soars Michelangelo’s dome, an architectural triumph that dominates the skyline of Rome. Visitors can climb to the top of the dome for a breathtaking panoramic view of Vatican City and the surrounding city of Rome.

Exploring the Sistine Chapel’s Masterpiece

The Sistine Chapel is perhaps the most famous of all the Vatican’s treasures, renowned for its awe-inspiring frescoes by Michelangelo. Originally designed as the Pope’s private chapel, it now serves as the site of the Papal Conclave, where new Popes are elected. The Sistine Chapel’s ceiling and altar wall, painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512, are widely considered one of the greatest artistic achievements in human history.

The Sistine Chapel.

Upon entering the Sistine Chapel, visitors are immediately drawn to the iconic ceiling, where The Creation of Adam—depicting God reaching out to touch Adam’s hand—takes centre stage. The frescoes on the ceiling portray scenes from the Book of Genesis, including the world’s creation, the fall of man, and the great flood.

At the far end of the chapel, The Last Judgement, also painted by Michelangelo, covers the altar wall. This powerful and dramatic depiction of the final judgement of souls is filled with movement and emotion, with Christ at the centre, surrounded by the blessed and the damned. The sheer scale and detail of the frescoes leave a lasting impression on all who visit.

Italy’s cities are a living museum of history, art, and architecture. Each small city also has its own unique flavour, local cuisine, and attractions.

Exploring Eternal Rome

As the capital of Italy and the heart of the ancient Roman Empire, Rome is a city brimming with history, culture, and architectural wonders. Often referred to as the Eternal City, it offers you a chance to step back in time while exploring its iconic landmarks, world-renowned art, and vibrant local culture. For history enthusiasts, Rome is an absolute must-visit, with highlights such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Trevi Fountain. The city’s rich heritage is complemented by the artistic and religious significance of Vatican City, where masterpieces like Michelangelo’s David and St. Peter’s Basilica await discovery.

Colosseum Sunset Tour

The Colosseum is one of the most iconic structures of ancient Rome and remains a testament to the Romans’ engineering and architectural prowess. Completed in 80 AD under Emperor Titus, the Colosseum was once the largest arena in the Roman world, hosting gladiator battles, animal hunts, and public spectacles that entertained audiences of up to 50,000 people. Today, visitors can walk through the ancient corridors, stand on the arena floor, and imagine the grandeur of the past as they explore the well-preserved ruins of this incredible monument.

Sunset Colosseum & Roman Forum.

Standing next to the Colosseum is the Arch of Constantine, a triumphal arch built to commemorate Emperor Constantine’s victory at the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312 AD. The Colosseum and the surrounding ancient structures provide a glimpse into the power and culture of the Roman Empire.

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Exploring the Baroque Beauty

No visit to Rome would be complete without stopping at the famous Trevi Fountain, one of the most beautiful and elaborate fountains in the world. Designed by Nicola Salvi in the Baroque style, the fountain features a dramatic scene of Neptune (the Roman god of the sea) flanked by tritons and sea creatures.

Trevi Fountain.

The fountain’s intricate sculptures and gushing waters are particularly magical when illuminated at night, making visiting Italy a must-see at any time of day. The Trevi Fountain also has a significant presence in popular culture, having featured in films like “La Dolce Vita” and “Roman Holiday.”

Exploring Rome’s Piazzas and Local Life

Rome is also home to numerous charming piazzas, where you can soak in the lively atmosphere, enjoy a coffee at a local café, or admire the historic fountains and sculptures. Some of the most famous piazzas include the Piazza Navona, known for its Baroque fountains, and the Piazza di Spagna, where the Spanish Steps lead to breathtaking views of the city.

Rome’s Campo de’ Fiori Neighborhood.

The Campo de’ Fiori offers a daily market where locals shop for fresh produce, and in the evening, it becomes a lively square filled with restaurants and street performers. Exploring Rome’s vibrant streets, sampling traditional Italian cuisine, and visiting the small shops selling handmade goods provide a taste of authentic Roman life.

Discovering Florence’s Treasures

Often considered the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence offers masterpieces like Brunelleschi’s Duomo and Michelangelo’s David. It’s also an ideal spot for wine tasting in the nearby Tuscan countryside.

Unveiling David’s Masterpiece

One of the most famous works of art in the world, Michelangelo’s David, is housed in the Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence. This 17-foot-tall marble sculpture represents the biblical hero David and is widely regarded as the pinnacle of Renaissance sculpture. Created between 1501 and 1504, Michelangelo’s David is celebrated for its perfect proportions, lifelike detail, and the sheer expression of human potential. The statue symbolises strength, beauty, and the defence of civil liberties, making it a profound emblem of Florence’s spirit.

Galleria dell’Academia.

For art lovers, the Uffizi Gallery is another must-visit in Florence. This world-renowned museum is home to a vast collection of Renaissance masterpieces, including Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Leonardo da Vinci’s Annunciation. The gallery provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution of Renaissance art, and its location in a former Medici palace only adds to the sense of historical significance.

Exploring Da Vinci’s Masterpiece

Though Leonardo da Vinci’s most famous Last Supper fresco is found in Milan, Florence still holds a deep connection to this brilliant polymath. Da Vinci spent much of his formative years in Florence, where he honed his skills and contributed significantly to the city’s artistic heritage. Visitors to Florence can still explore some of his lesser-known works and studies in various museums, such as the Palazzo Vecchio, and walk the same streets where he once lived and worked.

Palazzo Vecchio Architecture, a Testament to Artistry and Power.

Gondola Rides: A Venetian Tradition

No trip to Venice is complete without a leisurely gondola ride along the city’s picturesque canals. The gondola is a traditional Venetian boat, carefully crafted and designed to navigate the narrow waterways. Gliding through the Grand Canal, beneath arched bridges, and past the ornate façades of Renaissance palaces gives visitors a unique perspective on the city’s history and charm.

Gondola Rides at the Venetian.

While gondola rides can seem touristy, they remain an enduring symbol of Venice. The experience of floating along the quiet back canals, away from the crowds, offers a peaceful and romantic way to see hidden parts of the city that are inaccessible by foot. Gondoliers, often wearing traditional striped shirts, may even serenade you with a song as you pass by.

A Venetian Experience

At the centre of Venice is the expansive Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square), often described as the city’s living room. This vast, open space has been the focal point of Venetian life for centuries, surrounded by some of the city’s most important buildings, including St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Campanile (bell tower). The square is lined with cafés, where you can sip an espresso while enjoying the view of the mosaics on the basilica and the lively atmosphere.

Venice – Piazza San Marco, Canals, Gondolas.

During the day, the square bustles with tourists, vendors, and street musicians. In the early morning or late evening, it transforms into a more peaceful, almost magical place. From here, you can stroll through the narrow streets and alleys that wind their way around the city, discovering Venice’s hidden corners, charming shops, and quiet canals.

Getting Lost in Venice

One of the joys of visiting Venice is getting lost in its labyrinth of narrow streets, alleys, and bridges. Unlike most cities, Venice is a place where wandering without a set destination is part of the experience. As you meander through the maze-like streets, you’ll encounter hidden squares, quaint churches, and little canals that offer a glimpse into local life.

The Rialto Bridge on Venice Grand Canal in Venice Italy.

Venice’s streets are lined with traditional Venetian houses, each with unique architectural details like balconies, flower boxes, and coloured shutters. The Rialto Bridge, one of the city’s oldest and most famous bridges, offers stunning views of the Grand Canal and is home to a bustling market where locals sell fresh produce, fish, and handmade goods.

Fashion capital and home to Duomo di Milano, one of the largest cathedrals in the world. Visit Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, a must-see for art enthusiasts.

Exploring the Duomo di Milano

The Duomo di Milano, or Milan Cathedral, is the city’s most iconic landmark and one of the largest cathedrals in the world. This extraordinary Gothic structure, begun in 1386, took nearly six centuries to complete, with its intricate spires and stunning marble façade dominating Piazza del Duomo, the central square of Milan. The cathedral’s exterior is adorned with over 3,000 statues and elaborate carvings, including the famous Madonnina, a golden statue of the Virgin Mary perched atop the tallest spire.

Milan is the second-most populous city in Italy and the capital of Lombardy.

You can explore the interior, which is equally impressive, with its soaring columns, vast stained glass windows, and an intricately decorated altar. One of the highlights of any visit to the Duomo is the chance to climb to the rooftop terraces, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Milan and the distant Alps on a clear day. As you walk among the forest of spires, you’ll appreciate the cathedral’s immense scale and architectural beauty up close.

Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper: A Renaissance Treasure

No trip to Milan is complete without seeing Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper (Il Cenacolo), one of the most famous works of art in the world. Painted between 1495 and 1498, this Renaissance masterpiece depicts the moment when Jesus reveals that one of his disciples will betray him. Located in the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, the fresco is a stunning example of da Vinci’s ability to convey emotion, drama, and perspective.

The Last Supper, Leonardo da Vinci’s deteriorating masterpiece.

Due to its fragile state, access to The Last Supper is highly restricted, and visitors are limited to small groups. It is essential to book tickets well in advance, as this is one of Milan’s most popular attractions. Despite the challenges posed by its delicate condition, seeing Leonardo’s masterpiece in person is a profound experience, offering a rare glimpse into the genius of one of history’s greatest artists.

Exploring Milan’s Modern Side

While Milan is steeped in history, it is also a city at the cutting edge of design and innovation. The Porta Nuova district is a testament to Milan’s modern, cosmopolitan spirit, with its striking skyscrapers, futuristic buildings, and the impressive Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest), a pair of residential towers covered with thousands of trees and plants, which represent a new model of sustainable urban living.

Bosco Verticale.

The city is also a hub for contemporary art and design, with the annual Salone del Mobile furniture fair and the Triennale di Milano, a museum that celebrates Italian design and architecture. Milan’s thriving creative scene is reflected in its stylish cafés, galleries, and the cutting-edge exhibitions that are constantly on display throughout the city.

Famous for its medieval cityscape, the stunning Piazza del Campo, and the annual Palio horse race. Siena is the perfect stop for those wanting to explore Tuscany’s hilltop towns.

Exploring Piazza del Campo

At the centre of Siena lies the spectacular Piazza del Campo, often regarded as one of the most beautiful medieval squares in Europe. Its unique shell-shaped design, sloping gently downward, creates a grand yet intimate space where locals and tourists alike gather. The Campo, as it is affectionately called, is lined with cafés, restaurants, and palazzos, offering visitors the perfect spot to sit and soak in the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

Piazza del Campo.

At the base of the square stands the Palazzo Pubblico, Siena’s stunning Gothic town hall, which dates back to the 13th century. Inside, you’ll find the Museo Civico, home to priceless frescoes, including Ambrogio Lorenzetti’s Allegory of Good and Bad Government, a masterpiece of medieval political art. Adjacent to the town hall is the Torre del Mangia, a towering 102-metre bell tower that offers panoramic views of Siena’s terracotta rooftops and the surrounding Tuscan countryside. Climbing to the top is a must for those seeking breathtaking views of the city and beyond.

Exploring Tuscany’s Hilltop Towns

Siena’s location in the heart of Tuscany makes it the perfect base for exploring the region’s many hilltop towns and scenic landscapes. Just a short drive away, you’ll find the enchanting towns of Monteriggioni, San Gimignano, and Pienza, each with its own unique charm and history. The rolling hills, dotted with vineyards, olive groves, and cypress trees, provide the quintessential Tuscan backdrop for a scenic drive or a leisurely hike.

Exploring the enchanting hilltop towns of Tuscany.

The Tuscan countryside surrounding Siena is also famous for its wine, particularly Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino. Wine lovers can take a day trip to nearby vineyards for wine tastings and tours, offering a taste of Tuscany’s world-renowned viticulture.

For adventure seekers and nature lovers, Northern Italy offers some of the best hiking trails and top destinations to explore in Europe:

Skiing in Winter: A Snow-Lover’s Paradise

During the winter months, the Dolomites transform into a premier skiing destination, attracting enthusiasts from around the globe. The region is home to some of Europe’s most extensive and well-maintained ski resorts, including Cortina d’Ampezzo, known for its glamorous après-ski scene, and Val Gardena, which boasts kilometres of interconnected slopes. The Dolomiti Superski area offers over 1,200 kilometres of slopes, making it one of the largest ski areas in the world, with options for both beginners and seasoned skiers.

The Dolomites transform into a premier skiing destination in Winter.

For those not interested in skiing, the Dolomites also offer snowshoeing, sledging, and ice skating, as well as cosy mountain lodges where you can enjoy traditional Tyrolean cuisine by the fire, such as canederli (dumplings) and speck (smoked ham).

Hiking in Summer: Explore Verdant Valleys and Majestic Peaks

When the snow melts, the Dolomites reveal a landscape of rolling green meadows, colourful wildflowers, and jagged limestone peaks that are perfect for hiking. The region’s well-marked trails range from leisurely strolls through alpine pastures to challenging multi-day treks that take a day trip with you to the summits of some of the most dramatic peaks.

Trekking in the Dolomites: a dream comes true.

One of the most famous routes is the Alta Via 1, which takes hikers through the heart of the Dolomites, passing by stunning mountain vistas, crystal-clear lakes, and traditional rifugios (mountain huts) where you can rest and enjoy hearty mountain fare. The Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Three Peaks) circuit is a must for those looking for a shorter hike with equally impressive views. This iconic trio of spires is one of the most photographed spots in the Dolomites. It offers a relatively easy trail that circles around the peaks, providing panoramic views at every turn.

This area is perfect for a relaxing retreat. Explore the small villages of Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio, known for their luxurious villas and beautiful landscapes.

Luxury on the Lake

Lake Como is home to opulent villas with lush gardens and panoramic views. Villa del Balbianello, known for its stunning location and appearances in films like Casino Royale , and Villa Carlotta, famed for its botanical gardens and art collection, are must-see spots for visitors.

Luxury Villas and Apartments to rent in Lake Como.

Charming Villages

The lake’s picturesque villages provide a delightful escape. Bellagio, the “Pearl of the Lake”, boasts cobbled streets and waterfront cafés, while Varenna offers tranquillity with its pastel houses and beautiful gardens at Villa Monastero. Menaggio combines historic charm with a scenic lakeside promenade, making it a great base for hiking.

Pretty village on Lake Como’s shores.

Southern Italy offers a laid-back atmosphere with sun, sea, and history:

Explore ancient Greek ruins in Agrigento and the dramatic Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano. Sicily also offers fantastic local cuisine, fresh seafood, and wine-tasting experiences.

Mount Etna: Europe’s Most Active Volcano

Hiking to the summit of Mount Etna offers spectacular views of the Sicilian coastline and the chance to witness smouldering craters up close. Guided tours are available for both experienced hikers and casual visitors, with options to explore the lower slopes or ascend further towards the active summit. In winter, the slopes of Mount Etna also offer skiing opportunities, creating a unique experience of gliding down a volcanic mountain with amazing views of the Mediterranean.

Mount Etna.

Sicilian Cuisine: Fresh Seafood and Wine Tasting

Sicily’s culinary tradition is deeply rooted in its Mediterranean heritage. The island is renowned for its fresh seafood, bold flavours, and local wines. The coastal towns, such as Catania and Palermo, are the perfect places to sample the island’s seafood specialities, from swordfish and sardines to pasta con le sarde (pasta with sardines, fennel, and pine nuts).

Pasta Con le Sarde (Sicilian Pasta With Sardines).

Wine lovers will find Sicily a paradise for wine tasting. The island’s volcanic soil and warm climate create ideal conditions for producing some of Italy’s finest wines. Nero d’Avola, a bold red wine, is one of the region’s most famous varietals, while Etna Rosso, produced from vineyards on the slopes of Mount Etna, offers a unique flavour influenced by the volcanic terroir.

Famous for its unique trulli houses, whitewashed towns like Alberobello, and beautiful beaches along the Adriatic coast.

The town of Alberobello is famous for its trulli houses, which are unique, whitewashed, cone-roofed structures found only in this part of Italy. These ancient stone dwellings, built without mortar, have earned Alberobello UNESCO World Heritage status for their distinctive architecture. As you stroll through the town’s winding streets, you’ll be mesmerised by the fairy-tale appearance of the Trulli, especially in the Rione Monti and Aia Piccola districts, where the largest concentration of these houses can be found.

Alberobello Trulli – UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Many of the Trulli have been converted into shops, restaurants, and accommodations, allowing visitors to stay inside one of these historic buildings and experience a piece of Puglia’s past.

Italian cuisine is celebrated worldwide, but there’s nothing like experiencing it in its home country. Here’s what you should try during your visit.

Pizza in Naples

Naples is the birthplace of pizza, so it’s no surprise that you’ll find the best slices here. Try the classic Pizza Margherita , made with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, representing the colours of the Italian flag.

Pasta in Rome

When in Rome, do as the Romans do and indulge in traditional pasta dishes. Carbonara , Cacio e Pepe , and Amatriciana are must-try dishes that showcase simple but bold flavours.

Seafood on the Amalfi Coast

If you visit the Amalfi Coast, fresh seafood dishes like  spaghetti alle vongole  (spaghetti with clams) and grilled fish are local specialities you won’t want to miss.

Gelato Everywhere

No trip to Italy is complete without daily stops for gelato! The best gelato shops, known as gelaterias , can be found nationwide. Look for flavours made with natural ingredients for the most authentic experience.

Tip: Avoid gelato shops where the gelato is piled high in unnatural bright colours. The best gelato is stored in covered containers, indicating freshness and quality.

For your first trip visit to Italy, it’s worth spending two to three days in major cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice before exploring smaller towns or coastal regions. Public transportation is efficient, with high-speed trains connecting most people to larger cities and buses reaching remote villages.

Day trips from cities like Florence can take you to wine regions or hilltop towns, while Venice offers easy access to the Italian Riviera. In Northern Italy, cities like Milan and Verona are great starting points for day trips exploring the Dolomites or Lake Como.

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Italy offers countless destinations for every type of traveller, whether you’re seeking culture, history, or breathtaking natural scenery. From the towering Leaning Tower of Pisa to the tranquil vineyards of Tuscany, the historic streets of Rome to the emerald waters of the Amalfi Coast, Italy will leave you yearning for more with each visit. Whether you’re on your first visit or planning your next trip, Italy’s beauty, culture, and cuisine promise to make it unforgettable.

Quang Nguyen

Hi!! I'm Quang, a travel enthusiast, photographer and creator from Quang Binh. Here, I share captivating stories and stunning visuals from my journeys across Vietnam and beyond. Find me on Instagram for more travel inspiration!

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Planning a Trip To Italy: 9 Big Mistakes To Avoid

January 23, 2023 //  by  Follow Me Away //   8 Comments

There is plenty of information on the web about planning a trip to Italy, but most of it focuses on what you should do.

We even have an Ultimate 10 Day Italy Itinerary that tells you what to do and how to plan.

But this Italy travel guide is different. This is going to tell you what you should AVOID doing when Italy vacation planning.

Planning your trip to Italy last minute?

Make sure to book your hotels and tours in Italy in advance to ensure availability! Here are my top picks for your trip!

Tickets you MUST book in advance:

• Vatican Museums And Sistine Chapel (A MUST in advance)
• Colosseum Entry Tickets (Another MUST! Book online in advance!)
• Michelangelo’s David Tickets (Often sells out in Florence)
• Skip-The-Line Uffizi Gallery Tickets (Buy online to save time!)
• Doge’s Palace Entry Ticket (Very busy, can sell out)
• Milan Cathedral And Rooftop Tickets (Sells out and a must-see!)

Top picks for places to stay in Italy:

• Rome: Hotel Relais Dei Papi (Amazing Vatican location)
• Florence: Relais Pizza Signoria (City center location)
• Venice: Hotel Carlton Grand Canal (Grand Canal views!)
• Dolomites: Parkhotel Laurin (Central location with pool!)
• Cinque Terre: Affittacamere Casa Dane’ (Affordable location)
• Milan: Collini Rooms (Just 10 min from Milan airport!)

Don’t worry, it isn’t all as scary as you may think. Italy is an easy-going country to visit, but there are a few things to keep in mind when planning your Italy itinerary. 

We have been to Italy countless times at this point and have made countless mistakes. This [unfortunately] has given us first-hand knowledge of what you should NOT DO when planning a trip to Italy.

Italy was one of the three countries we visited on our first trip to Europe ever [along with France and Ireland] and we have since been back many times.

From the prettiest islands in Italy to the villages of Cinque Terre , these Italy travel planning tips will help improve your vacation!

Now, here are some tips on how to plan a trip to Italy!

Mistake #1: Spending Too Much Time In Rome

Don’t get us wrong, Rome is an absolutely amazing city to see.

When we were planning a trip to Italy for the first time, we were warned not to spend too much time in the city. Did we listen? Of course not! We spent four days in Rome and it was bordering on too much.

There is a TON to see and do in Rome like all the famous monuments and the Vatican City.

However, some people plan to spend between 5-7 days in Rome and sacrifice seeing some of the other best things to see in Italy!

Spending too much time in Rome is a common mistake people make when planning a trip to Italy.

Rome can feel quite touristy very quickly if you aren’t careful. If you have a shorter amount of time in Italy, we beg you not to spend half of your trip in Rome.

Go for a quick introduction then head out to see the rest of what Italy has to offer. At the very least, take some day trips from Rome .

When working on your Italy trip planner, consider spending between 2-3 days in Rome for a good first-time experience without feeling too rushed.

Whether you are planning your 10 days in Italy , have a bit more time and are spending 2 weeks in Italy , or renting a car and doing an Italy road trip , we do recommend seeing Rome, but not for a super long period of time! 

If you do choose to spend your 1-3 days in Rome, we recommend the below hotels. We also have a complete list of where to stay in Rome by area.

Where To Stay In Rome:

Near Vatican:  Domus Porta Angelica . Check Rates:  Booking.com

Mid-Range:  B&B La Scalinatella . Check Rates:  Booking.com

Upscale:  The Westin Excelsior Rome . Check Rates:  Booking.com

Mistake #2: Trying To Do Too Much In One Trip

Another of the top mistakes in Italy people make is trying to pack in too much during one trip.

Again, how do we know this? Because we did it too and constantly see others doing the same thing.

Italy may look small on the map, but it is actually quite big when you have to explore the whole thing.

There is also so much to see and do. This is why we have been back to Italy so many times! We have never been able to experience all we want in one trip so we have to go back.

When making Italy travel plans, we highly recommend NOT burning out.

By burning out, we mean trying to do way too much in a short amount of time.

We recommend choosing a few things to do and spending longer at those things rather than choosing a lot of things to do and only getting a few hours at each.

Of course, whatever type of trip you want is completely up to you, but slower travel will really let you know more about Italy and it will be much more enjoyable. 

While you are planning your trip to Italy, we recommend choosing your highlights and then going from there.

Choose the places you must see and make those a priority. If they are all spread throughout the country and you have only a short amount of time, you may want to rethink your Italy itinerary.

Sometimes it is better to do the top half or the bottom half of the country if you only have a short time, say, 5 days.

If your main reason to visit Italy is to see fantastic scenery, then make that your priority. Don’t try to fit in the beach, museums, and wineries all in a few days.

This will make you feel burnt out and at the end of the day, you really won’t enjoy the nature you traveled all the way to Italy to see.

Mistake #3: Being Scared To Use/Not Understanding Public Transportation 

Many Americans planning a trip to Italy are very confused about the Italian public transportation system.

We are from Florida and public transport here are some crappy buses that don’t run on time.

The best experience many people in North America get with public transportation is seeing it in a big city such as New York City or Toronto.

This makes people like us not understand what public transportation is all about in Italy. 

When planning a trip to Italy on a budget, public transportation is widely available and affordable!

On our first trip to Italy, we took the train all the way from Rome to PARIS! That is really far in case you didn’t know, and it didn’t cost that much.

We stopped in a few cities along the way but the point was to show you how connected Italy really is. 

Let’s say you fly into Rome. There are affordable public transportation options to get you from the Rome airport into the city center.

When you are in Rome you can either take the bus or the metro [subway] around the city.

When it is time to head to say, Florence/Venice/Naples/wherever, don’t worry! You will catch a local bus/metro to the larger train station.

You will find your train and ride it to your destination. Once you arrive at your destination such as Florence, you will walk out of the station and there will be local public transportation HERE for you too!

Even the smaller towns in Italy have great local transportation options and are very affordable.

When planning a first trip to Italy, keep this in the back of your mind, especially if you live somewhere that doesn’t rely on public transportation for transit.

You will not show up at a train station and then be left with no option to connect you to your hotel or the city center.

Italy isn’t like North America and this country is well-connected!

Mistake #4: Spending Too Much Money On An International Cell Service Plan

Luckily, with Sprint and T-Mobile, we get free international data and text messages so we don’t have to pay for a pricey international plan like others who have AT&T or Verizon.

If you have a phone carrier with an expensive international plan, DO NOT GET IT when traveling to Italy on a budget!

You don’t need it. Spending too much money on a pricey international cell phone plan is one of the biggest mistakes people make when planning a trip to Italy.

We were spared from making this mistake because our plans had it included, but know many people who don’t know this simple trick we are about to share.

We highly recommend getting a LOCAL sim card in Italy.

You can simply take out your sim card from your phone and pop in a local one. This allows you to use local 4G networks just like the local Italians.

We love using sim cards from local countries as they allow you fast, easy, and affordable network connection.

When buying a sim card, you can usually purchase one in the airport or in any downtown metro area. 

The best network for sim cards in Italy is TIM . This sim card costs around $25 for 30 days of usage and comes with 4G speeds and 15GB of data usage.

This is a WONDERFUL deal and oftentimes much cheaper and faster than using your own plan’s international data.

Plans such as Verizon don’t really exist in Italy which will cause your experience to be frustrating and slow.

Plans such as TIM do exist and are the main network used in the country so you can be sure to have an enjoyable and affordable experience.

WORD FROM THE WISE: Make sure that your smartphone is “unlocked” for International SIM card usage.

This involves calling or tweeting your cell carrier to ensure that it is unlocked for SIM additions.

Simply tell them you are traveling abroad and want to get an international SIM and that you need your phone unlocked.

This is one of the easiest tips we have for you when planning a trip to Italy because it makes getting around so much easier.

Mistake #5: Only Traveling To Italy In The Summer

Most people think they can only plan a trip to Italy during the summer.

Why? Because that is when it will be the best weather and when the experience will be most enjoyable.

We are here to tell you that this isn’t exactly true.

You can plan a trip to Italy any time of year, and we highly recommend visiting during the off-season.

During the summer or warmer months, the entire island is crowded with locals off work for holidays and the heat made hotels without air conditioning unbearable.

When visiting Italy in the off-season, we had a fantastic time every single time we visited.

The weather was cool and pleasant, the tourist season was low, prices were cheaper, and we didn’t need AC in the hotel.

We recommend  checking out Skyscanner to find the best and most affordable time of year to visit Italy. Use this tool to discover the best flights for your trip and easily compare rates.

We also suggest booking your Italy itinerary on a travel credit card so you can earn points toward future travel! These are the  travel credit cards we personally use! 

We planned a trip to Italy once in the early spring and the experience was just great. The weather was beyond fantastic and there were hardly any other visitors.

On the other hand, when we visited in mid-June, we were fighting with crowds of tourists and everything was overcrowded and super hot. 

However, if you are planning a trip to Italy and want to head into the Dolomites/Italian Alps, then the winter/spring will not be the best time for the experience.

The mountains will be buried in snow. Perfect if you want to ski, though!

If you want a lighter tourist time to visit the Dolomites in Italy, consider visiting at the end of summer or during early fall.

You will still get the same stunning experience but it won’t be nearly as busy as visiting during peak season.

Just don’t try and visit the Dolomites in early spring and expect them to be free of snow! 

If summer is the only time you have when planning a trip to Italy then please, feel free!

But we just want you know summer isn’t the ONLY time you have to plan your trip.

Italy is essentially a year-round destination. We have had great experiences visiting when the air is cooler and more pleasant outside.

Mistake #6: Completely Writing Off Renting A Car In Italy

Another mistake people make when planning a trip to Italy is completely writing off renting a car.

This is a HUGE MISTAKE for Italy trips because renting a car will provide you with so much freedom. It is the best way to tour Italy!

If a guided tour is more your style then that is totally fine. There are some great tours in Italy that will take you around with ease if you are only in Italy for a few days.

As we mentioned above, Italy has some FANTASTIC public transportation you should 100% use. But great public transportation can only take you so far.

We suggest checking out  AutoEurope.com  to find the best and most affordable rate when renting a car in Italy.

It allows you to compare rates across a variety of popular car rental websites including Hertz, Sixt, Europcar, Alamo, Dollar, Enterprise, and more.

This way, you can see a bunch of different prices without skipping around through a bunch of different websites.

Make sure to check out the larger cities such as Rome and Milan for the best deals on car rentals in Italy! 

We personally love renting a car as often as possible! From Iceland and Peru to Alaska and Ireland, we have rented cars all around the world and love the freedom they provide.

We have often used public transport in Italy and while it is great, you still must stick to a schedule and the buses and trains only take you so far.

We are photographers and hikers and love getting deep into the landscape and renting a car in Italy allows us to do just that.

For example, when we rented a car in Trentino in the Italian Alps/Dolomites, we spent 5-6 hours a day driving up to the tip-top of the mountains, seeing quaint villages, driving past cliff-side vineyards, finding random castle ruins, and more.

A WORD FROM THE WISE: While renting a car in Italy can be affordable, some tolls are steep! We are talking $25 a pop.

If you choose to rent a car, budget at least $200 for tolls, especially if you are driving anywhere out of Milan.

Some parts of Italy have more expensive toll roads while others are much more affordable. 

Of course, we understand that renting a car in Italy isn’t for everyone!

If you are going to Italy for the first time, and you just want to see the highlights such as Rome, Florence, and Venice then you really won’t need a car because the trains and buses are great.

If you are looking for an Italy road trip planner, we have a great itinerary for a road trip in Italy .

Mistake #7: Only Visiting The Tourist Hot Spots And Nowhere Else

We will be the first to say that we LOVE touristy locations. Why? Because they are usually touristy for a reason such as the Vatican in Rome or the canals in Venice.

That being said, a huge mistake people make when planning a trip to Italy is ONLY visiting these touristy locations and nowhere else!

How do we know? Because that is exactly what we did on our first trip to Italy!

Since then, we have been back additional times and have purposefully done a blend of famous and lesser-known spots. This was a much better mix that allowed us to get a feel for “real” Italy.

So, what is touristy in Italy? Cities like Rome/Florence/Milan/Naples/Pisa are tourist hotspots for obvious reasons.

While we would never suggest you plan a trip to Italy without visiting at least one of these cities, we highly recommend getting out and seeing different parts of Italy.

For example, if you are planning on visiting Florence, consider taking a look at this Tuscany Road Trip Itinerary and go visit a sleepy Florentine town.

There are so many amazingly quaint towns just 30-45 minutes away many people planning a trip to Italy miss.

While the large tourist meccas are popular for a reason, we highly recommend taking the time to visit smaller towns or natural places in Italy that not everyone visits.

Even if you choose to skip a HUGE tourist center for a smaller tourist area that is okay as it still takes you to the small towns in Italy you may have missed.

Not seeing the hidden gems of Italy IS indeed a big mistake. You will miss out on some of the best parts of the country! 

Mistake #8: Not Planning a Budget in Advance

Planning a budget is important for any trip, including Italy. Things can really add up and get expensive if you do not have a plan ahead of time.

If you are planning a trip to Italy on a budget, don’t worry. We have a full, comprehensive article that covers the cost of a trip to Italy .

The article breaks everything down based on how much you are willing to spend.

First, keep in mind the big expenses like flights, hotels, and rental cars.

Then, plan a daily budget for food and activities. You can easily save money by grocery shopping and exploring free things to do.

If you know in advance the average cost of meals, transportation, lodging, and activities, you will know what to expect and how to plan your spending.

Whether you are traveling to Italy on a budget or plan on going all out for a honeymoon in Italy , you will still have a fun and memorable time!

Mistake #9: Not Booking Some Activities in Advance

Because Italy is such a big tourist destination, many of the most popular attractions can book up fast.

This includes things like vising the Colosseum in Rome or touring the Duomo in Florence .

Once you have your Italy itinerary set, you should book your top activities ahead of time to secure a spot on the day you want.

Sometimes, you can also save a little money when you book things online in advance.

Consider booking major experiences like wine tastings and day trips beforehand as well.

Having your must-see attractions and things to do booked in advance takes away the stress of getting tickets at the last minute, waiting in line, and possibly missing out on activities.

Below is a list by city of some of the top attractions you should consider booking in advance to make your trip smoother.

Book Here: Vatican: Museums & Sistine Chapel Entrance Ticket

Book Here: Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Entry Tickets

Book Here: Accademia Gallery Priority Entry Ticket

Book Here: Cathedral, Duomo Museum, and Baptistery Tour

Book Here: From Florence: Tuscany Highlights Full-Day Tour

Book Here: Grand Canal by Gondola with Commentary

Book Here: Doge’s Palace Reserved Entry Admission Ticket

Book Here: From Naples: Pompeii Ruins & Mount Vesuvius Day Tour

Packing Tips For Your Trip To Italy

Here are some of our favorite items that you should consider packing for Italy !

These are essential travel items we use and love, and you should make sure to consider them for your travels.

A  concealed travel pouch  may be one of the most important items you bring with you!

This  unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is  lightweight and comes in several colors.

It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind. You can keep your most valuable documents safe and secure next to your body.

If you have a pouch already you may not want to or need to invest in a new one. If it does not come with RFID protection , these  RFID  sleeves  would be handy to prevent identity theft.

This configuration comes with enough passport and credit card sleeves that the entire family would be protected.

They are slim too, so they will easily fit into your current pouch or wallet. These are the kind our family uses not only when traveling but at home as well.

If you have a camera on your packing list, you need to add additional  memory cards  to your list as well.

Unless you are packing a computer for your trip, you will not be able to upload photos and clear your existing memory card.

Purchasing additional memory cards   cost under $20  and take up no space in your luggage. Having a backup can have the potential to save you a lot of heartache if something goes awry!

There is nothing worse than coming across that perfect moment and then finding out you don’t have enough space to capture it on your camera!

Similarly, if you are planning to capture your trip on a smartphone, we beg you to bring some way to back up your memories.

The best way to do this is with a  portable smartphone flash drive . A flash drive is a small storage device that you can connect to your smartphone and then safely and easily download photos onto this device.

If you are planning on taking a lot of pictures with your phone you will definitely want to consider an  external charging battery .

This  Anker high-speed phone charging battery  is the exact one we carry with us on all of our trips . It can be used on a variety of phones, not just an iPhone like we have. And wow is it fast!

We like that it holds its charging capabilities for several uses so we do not have to worry about it while out and about. And if we forget to recharge it at night, it will still be good to go the next day.

My mom was never a fan of  packing cubes  until she tried them out! Now she is sold .  These Bagail packing cubes   are  the exact ones she uses whenever she travels and she travels a lot.

She cannot believe how much more organized she is now! And she will never leave without them anymore.

We never leave home on a trip without our  Bobble filtration bottle.  The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for travel. It will fit nicely in the pocket of a backpack or your purse.

Also when filled with water, it is not too heavy to carry. And the Bobble carbon  filter  ensures fresh clean water whenever and wherever you fill the Bobble. You can find  filter replacements here. 

Perhaps you are traveling a long distance and packing space is a premium. Then this  set of collapsible silicone foldable water bottles  would work well for you.

Would not take up much space in your suitcase at all. And you will be receiving a set of two.

You will want to bring a  backpack or daypack  with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc.

This   foldable water-resistant backpack  would be great. It is very affordable and is available in many color options for you to choose from. The fact that it folds down into a zippered pouch will make it easy to pack.

Perhaps you need a more substantial  backpack  for your international travel.

This antitheft backpack has a charging port, is water-resistant, and can comfortably carry up to a 15.6″ laptop. It comes in a range of colors to choose from and it is inexpensive as well.

We all need to  protect our eyes  from the sun’s harmful UVA/UVB rays. These  unisex polarized sunglasses   come in a lot of lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable too.

If you are fond of the  aviator-style of sunglasses  these polarized aviators may interest you.

We like polarized sunglasses because they remove the glare of the water and help you to see things more clearly.

Don’t forget to bring along a  universal power adapter  if you are traveling abroad. This  worldwide   power plug  is a great example and will charge your phone at the end of your busy days.

And this  world traveler adapter kit   can charge several devices at the same time.

This is what you will need when there are several people traveling in your group. Or if you bring several electronic devices on your trip that require charging at the same time.

We hope this post helped you learn how to plan a vacation to Italy.

Italy is one of the first places that we visited abroad and remains one of our favorite countries without fail.

We can’t wait for you to experience it and we hope that these tips help you when planning your Italy itinerary.

They aren’t meant to scare you, but to make you “think” about a few alternative mindsets as you write your trip planner for Italy! 

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Reader Interactions

March 1, 2019 at 10:54 am

Victoria – I haven’t yet been to Italy but thanks for arming me with some ideas for what NOT to do!

March 4, 2019 at 7:42 am

I loved your article. I agree with you, being a guide of rome and Milan I always suggest my clients and friend to visit also smaller towns using local trains. Also when is possible hire a guide it’s really a way to get to know the place with a friend. Thanks Lara grom

March 29, 2019 at 5:12 am

Completely agreed with everything! I see people make these mistakes all the time and as someone who loves Italy and has visited many times, it always makes me sad to think about how much they are missing out on!

May 3, 2019 at 2:48 am

These are common mistakes anyone who goes to Italy might do. You wrote such an interesting article touching the most common mistakes. One mistake I would add to your list is referring to food, and that is to avoid eating only pizza and pasta, because Italy has so much many other tasty and gorgeous food that you have to try when you visit Italy.

June 27, 2019 at 10:59 pm

Thank you si much for the useful info. I know it takes long to write these kinds of post MSN’s but they are good really appreciated. I’m planning my next trip to Italy and will definitely visit Tuscany.

July 3, 2019 at 5:03 pm

I have been in Italy twice and nothing has ever gone according to plan or schedule which means I have missed Milan, Venice, Florence & Naples, but have seen Rome, Siena, Ravenna, San Marino and a bunch of nameless places along the Swiss border. My daughter saw Assissi under similar circumstances as well. All of it was very worthwhile. But I need to go back!

October 26, 2019 at 11:56 pm

Hello Great suggestions for a trip. What makes the backpack you suggested “anti-theft”?

Thanks William

October 27, 2019 at 3:58 pm

This antitheft backpack has a charging port, is water-resistant and can comfortably carry up to a 15.6″ laptop. It comes in a range of colors to choose from and it is inexpensive as well.

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Italy 29 ways: pick your perfect Italy vacation

Italy isn’t just a country you visit—it’s a place you feel, taste, and experience with every sense. From the sun-soaked coasts of the Amalfi to the rolling hills of Tuscany, any Italy vacation feels like it is straight from a postcard. And best of all, this iconic European nation is varied from north to south, city to countryside.

Whether you’re interested in history and culture, or natural beauty and food, all the good things in life seem to converge in Italy . If you’ve already explored the ancient streets of Rome, then perhaps Naples is calling. If you’ve bathed in Tuscan sunshine, then Sicily should be next.

Here at Trafalgar we have 29 (yes, 29!) tours that will take you through Italy on vacation. So which one is right for you? From famous cities to countryside gems, we’ve handpicked some of the most unforgettable and unique Italian tours to help you find your perfect Italy vacation. 

For lakes and mountains: Best of the Italian Lakes

While the idea of Italy might conjure up pictures of drinking an Aperol spritz by the sea or wine tasting in the hills or Tuscany, there are so many versions of Italy to explore. Up in the north of the country you’ll find the serene beauty of Italy’s most enchanting lakes, framed by towering mountains and charming villages.

Trafalgar’s Best of the Italian Lakes will take you through the stunning landscapes of Lake Garda, Lake Maggiore, and the glistening waters of Lake Como. See the elegant towns of Bellagio and Stresa, promenade along the lakeside, and take boat trips across the alpine lake waters. This italy vacation centers around Lake Maggiore, Italy’s largest lake, as a base for exploring the romantic streets of Verona and food culture of Modena.

TAKE THE TOUR: Best of the Italian Lakes

For exploring off the beaten path: Colors of Sicily

At the opposite end of the country lies Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean. Here you’ll experience a unique blends of cultures — Greek, Roman, Arab, and Norman — which can be felt in the architecture, food and history. On this 9-day trip you’ll discover the island’s character, from the coastline to ancient ruins.

Feast on street food in Palermo, and gaze in awe at the grandeur of the UNESCO-protected Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. Get caught up in the glamour of hilltop Taormina, and taste wines grown on the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano. 

TAKE THE TOUR: Colors of Sicily

For a family-friendly twist on history: Gladiators, Gondolas & Gold

Take the kids a step back in time and explore the wonders of Italy’s ancient past with Trafalgar’s family tour, Gladiators, Gondolas & Gold . Together you’ll explore the ruins of the Colosseum in Rome, where gladiators once battled for glory… here you’ll wield your own gladiator’s sword and learn to battle!

Between exploring Venice, Florence, Pisa and Rome you’ll join fun and engaging experiences, learning how to make authentic pizza, crafting your own Carnival mask in Venice, and dining with a count at his estate. 

Gladiators, Gondolas and Gold

For iconic italian cities: italian holiday.

Explore some of Italy’s most celebrated cities, where history, art, and culture collide. From the timeless charm of Venice and its canals to the Renaissance splendor of Florence Trafalgar’s Italian Holiday is the perfect one-week Italy vacation for those short on time but ready for adventure. 

Pack your bags and prepare to stroll through streets of Rome, where you’ll see the ancient Colosseum and grand Vatican City, stand in front of Juliet’s balcony in Verona, and hold up the famous tower of Pisa on this trip that blends iconic sights with city experiences. Fro an extended trip, look to the Great Italian Cities tour.

TAKE THE TOUR: Italian Holiday

For art, architecture and wine: Rome & Tuscan Highlights

Tuscany is a place that reserves a special spot in our imaginations… with endless hills covered in vines and olive groves, only interrupted by medieval stone villages and farmhouses. Make those dreams a reality on Trafalgar’s Rome & Tuscan Highlights tour. 

The journey begins in Rome, the Eternal City, where you’ll see iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and the Vatican. Take in the city’s artistic heritage and architecture, then set off into the countryside. This tour uses Montecatini as its Tuscany base, a thermal spa town filled with character. From here you’ll explore the Renaissance treasures of Florence, including Michelangelo’s David and Botticelli masterpieces in the Uffizi Gallery. You’ll visit vineyards for long lunches and wine tastings, where postcard-perfect are part of the package!

Rome and Tuscan Highlights

For touring by train: contrasts of italy.

There’s something extra romantic about touring by train, watching the landscape whizz by your window as you tuck into a good book or soak in the countryside blasting by. While Trafalgar usually travels by bus, we have one fantastic Italy by rail tour – Contrasts of Italy .

Using Italy’s ever-extending network of high-speed trains, your 10-day sojourn will glide from ancient Rome to artistic Florence and end in at romantic Venice. At each destination you’ll explore different parts of Italian culture, from history to local cuisine.

TAKE THE TOUR: Contrasts of Italy  

For coastal beauty and romance: Italian Concerto

The charms of coastal Italy are to be cherished and enjoyed! Fall for the romance of the Bay of Naples, Capri Island, and the Amalfi Coast with Trafalgar’s Italian Concerto tour. Starting in Rome, you’ll stroll the sun-kissed streets the capital before venturing south. Pop into Pompeii for a fascinating glimpse into ancient Rome frozen in time, then reach the Amalfi Coast, a dramatic region famous for its colorful cliffside villages, lush terraced gardens, and fragrant lemon groves.

After, you’ll continue north to Florence and Tuscany, where you’ll join Count Miari Fulcis for a sunset dinner at his 15th-century organic olive oil estate, before reaching Venice.

Italian Concerto

Where are you planning to visit on your next Italy vacation? Leave us a comment….

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40 Best Italy Travel Tips

T here were a few things that surprised me during my first solo trip to Italy. For instance, train strikes are common in Italy. Also, the Italian way to have morning coffee is not a leisurely affair. In this article, I’m sharing 40 Italy travel tips so that you can make the most of your experience and have an idea about what to expect while traveling to Italy.

I visited Italy from mid-April to mid-May. And I stayed in Bologna, Cinque Terre, Florence, Milan, Rome, and Venice during my month of travel. Originally, I planned to also visit Naples, Amalfi Coast, and Sicily, but decided to save that for another trip focusing on Southern Italy.

Here are my tips for visiting Italy …

Planning Your Days in Italy

1.   slow down.

Slow down and embrace a more relaxed pace when doing things in Italy, because that is the Italian way. You may expect tours and events and everything to run exactly on schedule, but I suggest you set that thought aside and instead get used to the idea that everything may be a little late, not on a strict schedule.

2.   Plan on Walking a Lot

You should plan on walking a lot because much of Italy is best explored on foot. Wear comfortable walking shoes especially when walking on uneven surfaces like cobblestone.

3.   Avoid Peak Season

The peak season for travel in Italy is June and July. While August is when Italians take vacations to the coastal areas, you can expect expensive prices and crowds at the beach towns . Summer is also hot and humid in most of Italy including popular tourist locations like Rome , Venice , Amalfi Coast , Sicily , and Florence . Avoid the summer season if at all possible and instead visit during spring or fall.

Easter and Christmas are also peak travel times in Italy so try avoid traveling during the major holidays.

4.   Travel During Shoulder Season

Shoulder season is a great time to visit Italy. Why? Shoulder season is just before and just after peak season, so hotel prices are usually cheaper, but the weather is often pleasant.

Shoulder season in Italy is typically in the spring, from March or April through May, and in the fall, from September through October and even into November. Read our article on the best time to visit Italy for more information on the seasons and options for your trip.

5.   Know the Italian Holiday Dates

While Christmas and Easter come to mind for busy holiday travel, there are other important holidays to consider when booking your holiday to Italy. Some holidays are regional, so check with the local travel sites for each region to find out more.

Here are a few of the big holidays in Italy:

Besides Christmas Day , there is also a holiday on December 26 to celebrate St Stephen’s Day in Italy.

New Year’s Day is followed by the Epiphany holiday on January 6 th .

Easter Sunday and Easter Monday are celebrated in Italy, so check the dates if you are traveling in April or May. Note that Good Friday is not a holiday in Italy.

April 25 is Liberation Day, and especially when it falls near a weekend, you can expect a lot of Italians will be traveling, so plan your travel and accommodation carefully. During my month in Italy, I happened to be in Cinque Terre for Liberation Day in 2023, and it was massively crowded but still fun!

May 1 is Labor Day (known in Italy as La Festa dei Lavoratori, also Primo Maggio), which is also a holiday to keep in mind when planning your travels. In Rome, there is a huge music event called “Concerto a San Giovanni.”

6.   Don’t Overschedule

At first glance, it may seem easy to visit all of Italy in a couple of weeks. Don’t plan on it. Instead, if you have two weeks in Italy, I suggest you focus on one region, for instance, either the North or the South; don’t try to do both.

Especially for your first visit to Italy, make sure you have enough time to enjoy each place you visit. Generally, plan on spending at least three nights in any major city. You can also add a few more days to factor in day trips to smaller towns and villages, for example, day trips from Rome or day trips from Florence .

And don’t overschedule your days with activities and tours at close intervals. Instead, leave some time in your days for relaxing walks, long meals, and chatting with locals when the opportunity presents itself.

7.   Expect Crowds

Expect tons of tourists, obviously, but expect twice as many as you imagined! And even though you may see photos of famous places without a lot of people around, such as Trevi Fountain, don’t count on it. You’re best chance of having fewer people around is to get up early in the morning, at first light.

Train Travel in Italy

An easy and affordable way to get around Italy is to travel by train. Many routes include high-speed trains so it’s a lot faster than driving.

I recommend you bookmark Italy’s train travel website Trenitalia and download their app so you have easy access to train tickets, info, self check-in, and more. You can also use Italiarail which is an official partner of Trenitalia.

8.   Find Cheaper Train Tickets in Italy

Book tickets early (1-2 months or more) for cheaper ticket prices on high-speed trains. Last minute tickets cost more.

I booked all my train tickets over a month in advance of my flight to Italy. Note that there are various options and prices for the class of ticket and whether or not you make changes to your ticket after purchase.

9.   Train Strikes Common in Italy

One important thing about train travel in Italy that you need to be aware of is that train strikes and public transport strikes are common in Italy. But they announce them in advance, so check the website for Commissione Garanzia Sciopero (I can’t get it to load in USA as of this writing, but apparently it works in Europe.) for train strike announcements. An alternate site is Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport in case you can’t access the other website.

Strikes often occur on Fridays (I wonder why, eh?) but they can occur on any day of the week. I did notice there was a train strike on the Friday following Easter Sunday in both 2022 and 2023. Maybe this is a new Easter tradition in Italy?

Also, train strikes often begin at 9:00 am and finish at 6:00 pm so if you purchase your ticket for an early morning departure, that may help you avoid the hassle of a strike.

The important thing is to have a backup plan if the trains do go on strike. And be proactive by checking for train strikes so you can make alternate plans as soon as possible.

10.   Wi-Fi on Trains

Don't expect the Wi-Fi to work on the trains. If it does, you are lucky. If you need Wi-Fi you should have a backup plan such as a Wi-Fi hotspot for travel .

11.   Validate Train and Waterbus Tickets

Remember to validate your travel tickets when necessary, for instance, when you use the waterbus in Venice, for bus tickets, or train tickets.

Often, when you buy online, you don’t need to validate the ticket, but check to make sure you don’t run afoul of the rules in Italy. Importantly, if you don’t validate your ticket, you may have to pay again, along with a hefty fine .

Hotels in Italy

In the major cities you’ll find hotels ranging from budget to luxury accommodation. While in smaller towns, such as the Cinque Terre coastal towns , you will find more boutique hotels. For the best selection and prices book your accommodation early, as soon as you know your travel dates. Note that hotel prices will double or triple during peak season.

12.   Budget Lodging at Monasteries

Something I wish I had known before I booked my trip to Italy is the fact that certain monasteries in Italy offer lodgings for reasonable rates. And you don’t have to be religious or single to do this. Check out the Monastery Stays website . Read the FAQ and cancellation info to make sure you know what to expect. As with most hotel reservations, the earlier you book, the better options you’ll have available.

13.   Italy City Tax for Hotels

Hotel city tax is charged for the first 5 nights in Venice, but elsewhere, it seems they charge the city tax for every night of the reservation.

The hotel tax rate also varies by hotel quality and the season. Some places only accept cash for the hotel city tax.

14.   Tipping at Hotels in Italy

It isn’t customary or expected to leave a tip for housekeeping at hotels in Italy. But if you want to you can leave a euro per night for housekeeping, and a euro per bag for the porter. Nobody will be offended if you don’t tip, but they will appreciate it if you do tip.

15.   Air-Conditioning in Italy

Don't expect air conditioning in your hotel room except when it's very hot outside and if it’s within the season that Italians consider air-conditioning worthy.

Even if the hotel boasts of having A/C, they won’t necessarily turn on the air conditioning until they decide it’s hot enough to warrant the use of AC. For instance, on my first night in Rome in early May, there was no A/C, even though it was a sunny and very warm day. Thankfully, the next evening the air-conditioning was turned on.

16.   Beds in Italian Hotels

Don't be surprised if your queen-size bed is actually two single beds pushed together to make it queen-size. It can be a bit uncomfortable to sleep in the middle of the bed when this is the case, so just pick a side before you slumber.

If you are traveling solo to Italy, you’ll find some hotels have single rooms with just a single bed. These rooms are more affordable than a double room, so it’s a good way to save on accommodations.

17.   Bathrooms in Italian Hotels

Expect tiny showers; like seriously, I got used to bumping my elbows on the sides of the showers because they’re so small.

Also, expect a bidet in your hotel bathroom. Personally, I wish this were the norm everywhere in the world.

Dining in Italy

Food in Italy is regional, for instance ragu and lasagna originate from Bologna while Rome is well known for pasta alla carbonara . Learn more about the foods of Italy by region .

Do try different foods and remember that it’s usually best to order foods that are local to the region you are visiting.

Also, at restaurants always wait to be seated. Even at outdoor cafes, don’t sit at a table until you have talked with the staff first to confirm.

Read more about do’s and don’ts of dining in Italy .

18.   Restaurant Service Charges

Expect to see a charge on your bill for sitting in the restaurant, using up space, plus the extras such as bread, oil, vinegar, salt and pepper, etc.

On your receipt, it is listed as “coperto” or “servizio” and usually is anywhere from 1.50 euros up to about 3 euros, but it can be even more in trendy restaurants.

19.   Tipping at Restaurants in Italy

Tipping at restaurants is not required or expected in Italy, but it is appreciated. If you’ve enjoyed great service you can round up your bill a few euros to show your appreciation.

20.   Coffee in Italy

Espresso is the most popular style of coffee for Italians. But you can also get other styles of coffee, and often even a big cup of Americano too. If you prefer latte you’ll want to order latte macchiato in Italy.

Although Italians enjoy taking their time when dining out, that is not the case with morning espresso. They will drink it quickly while standing at the counter of the café.

Another thing to know about coffee in Italy is that Italians don't drink cappuccino after lunch. You can order cappuccino at breakfast or early in the morning, but by noon, espresso is the norm.

However, during my travels, when I noticed tourists ordering cappuccino after lunch, there was no argument or even the slightest look of disgust from the servers.

So, if you simply love to drink cappuccino after lunch, you can be a rebel in Italy and order a cappuccino in the afternoon. Personally, I prefer a macchiato, which is an espresso with a little milk. Give it a try and see if you agree it is the best coffee!

21.   Breakfast in Italy

Don't expect to find big American style breakfasts at restaurants. Most cafes have only coffee and pastries on the breakfast menu. Bakeries are a great option for a variety of pastries and sometimes pizza by the slice, available even in the mornings.

Alternatively, hotels often provide buffet-style breakfast (usually for a fee but sometimes included in the price of the room). The buffets typically include all sorts of pastries, salami, prosciutto, hard-boiled eggs, fruits, yogurt, toast, coffee, juices, and plenty more.

22.   Aperitivo Hour

In Italy the aperitivo hour usually starts around 6:30 or 7:00 pm and consists of a drink and small bites about an hour or so before dinner. It can be at the same place you will eat dinner or elsewhere, such as a piazza or small bar.

Popular drinks served for aperitivo hour include cocktail-style drinks such as Negroni, Campari, Bellini, and Aperol Spritz. Note that Campari and Negroni have a much higher alcohol content than Aperol or Bellini. Of course, you can also enjoy a non-alcohol drink for aperitivo hour such as juice or the Italian drink Crodino.

23.   Bread in Italy

Typically, every restaurant will serve a small basket of bread before your meal. Especially in northern Italy, it is served with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and salt, and it’s usually very good.

In Florence (and all around Tuscany), the bread typically does not include salt in the recipe. If you’re thinking, “That doesn’t sound yummy,” you are correct.

Apparently, saltless bread is due to an exorbitant tax on salt back in the Middle Ages. The Tuscans decided to make their bread without salt rather than paying the tax, and the habit continues even though salt is now so cheap and readily available.

24.   Where are the Vegetables?

When dining in restaurants in Italy, I was surprised at the lack of vegetables served with meals. You really need to make an effort to get some veggies on your plate.

Even when I ordered a pasta dish with eggplant, the serving was light on eggplant. Sure, you can order a salad, but I often found the salads were rather disappointing, with just lettuce, tomato, and cucumber.

At La Lampada restaurant near my hotel in Rome, I did find a fabulous all-vegetable dish that was very satisfying.

25.   They Aren’t Ignoring You

Don't expect your server to check up on you after bringing your food. It's up to you to get their attention if you want something more. Except in the busiest eateries in the most touristy places, you can sit for hours in the cafes and restaurants.

I talked with some American tourists who complained about the "rude service," but I loved being left alone to enjoy my meal without constant interruptions or feeling like they wanted me to hurry up and leave.

26.   Expect to Wait for Your Check

Don't expect your bill immediately after you finish eating; you will wait, and wait, and wait to get the check. In fact, you may find it somewhat difficult to receive your bill.

When I did find it impossible to get anyone’s attention, I walked to the cashier station within the restaurant, and they prepared my bill and took my payment.

27.   Ask for a Take-Away Box

It's okay to ask for a box for leftovers from your meal. The pasta (first course or “primi piatti” in Italian) was often enough for me for a meal on its own. But I like to try other dishes too, so I asked for a take-away box for the leftover food. In most hotel rooms that I stayed in, there was a mini fridge, so storing leftovers was no problem.

28.   Shop the Neighborhood Food Markets

Italy is well known for its gastronomy and for growing some of the best fruits and vegetables around, so you should try a variety of the local foods. Shop at the neighborhood fruit and veggie markets to get the freshest produce.

And do try the fresh tomatoes! They're actually flavorful and delicious, not at all like the tomatoes we get these days in the US or Canada, which simply lack flavor.

I enjoyed eating the delicious fresh fruits in Italy. The Sicilian strawberries are absolutely scrumptious and full of flavor. There are several types of oranges and lemons grown in Italy too, so do try some of the locally grown fruits.

29.   Dining Solo in Italy

I didn’t experience any problems getting seated at a table for one in Italy during my travels. Although sometimes I did get the “ only one?! ” response when I said I was dining alone, overall, dining solo in Italy was enjoyable.

Truthfully, most of the dining tables at the outdoor cafes in Italy are set so close together that you are always dining with others LOL! Seriously, the small tables at the trattorias are sometimes only a few inches apart.

Travel Safety in Italy

Generally speaking, Italy is considered a safe travel location, even for solo female travelers, but that doesn’t mean you can be careless. So always be aware of your surroundings, keep your handbag close to your body, and trust your gut instinct.

30.   Pickpockets and Petty Theft

Always keep your handbag in sight. When dining out, don't leave your purse under your table or hanging over the back of the chair. Trust me, you may have your wallet or credit card stolen. Ask me how I know :/

Consider using a money belt or an anti-theft cross-body travel bag to protect your valuables. I always bring two credit cards and two debit cards and keep them in separate places in case one gets lost or stolen.

31.   Keep a List of  Important Numbers

Keep a list both on your phone and on paper of the most important numbers you may need, including the emergency number in Italy which is 112 (equivalent to 911 for fire, police, ambulance). There is also an emergency medical service number which is 118.

More Tips for Traveling in Italy

32.   download google maps offline maps.

I always download Google offline maps when I travel so that I can navigate even if I don’t have internet or cellphone service. Note that directions for walking/cycling/transit won’t work offline, but the map will still show your location (with a blue dot) and you can navigate on your own.

33.   Have Some Euros for Bathrooms

Some public bathrooms and pretty much all train station bathrooms charge one euro to use the facilities. Sometimes they take credit cards, but most only accept coins, so always carry at least a euro or two with you for the bathroom.

34.   Book Tickets Early for Popular Attractions

For some of the most popular attractions, you have to book tickets early, perhaps a week or more in advance . For instance, in Rome for the Vatican, Colosseum, or crypt tours, and in Florence for the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, and Accademia Gallery.

Pro Tip: If everything is totally booked, keep checking the attraction and tour websites every morning because they often have cancellations, so you may get a last-minute entry ticket.

35.  Learn a Few Basic Italian Words

At the hotels in major cities, you can expect the staff to be fluent in English and also at many restaurants. But it’s best to learn a few key words and phrases in Italian.

• Hello - ciao
• Goodbye - ciao
• Please – per favore
• Thank you - grazie
• Excuse me – mi scusi
• I don't speak Italian – no parlo Italiano
• Do you speak English? – lei parla inglese

You can practice with apps like Google Translate so you can read and hear the pronunciation and repeat the words. Duolingo is a pretty good language app, and you can use it for free. Read more about overcoming language barriers while traveling .

36.   What to Wear in Italy

Europeans don’t usually dress as casually as Americans. And, certainly when visiting churches you should dress conservatively; cover your shoulders and don’t wear shorts.

Comfortable shoes are essential for walking on uneven surfaces like cobblestone walkways in cities like Florence or in Cinque Terre.

If there’s any chance of rain or chilly/windy days then a good quality waterproof jacket is invaluable during your travels.

37.   Mosquitos in Summer

You might be surprised to learn that some cities in Italy, like Florence, have a big problem with mosquitoes during the warmer months. Be prepared with some bug spray.

38.   Cool Off in Church

Churches are free to visit in Italy, and most are gorgeous historic buildings as well as places of worship. The other plus is that most Italian churches are made with thick stone walls that keep them cool all summer. When it’s hot outside and you need a little break, go ahead and visit a church to cool off. Just remember to dress accordingly.

39.   Why are They Playing American Music?

Don't be surprised if a lot of the cafes, restaurants, and shops are playing American music rather than Italian or other European music. For me, this kind of spoils the ambiance, but c’est la vie, or rather, così è la vita!

40.   Street Numbers Sometimes Confusing

Street numbers often do not match up with the continuity of the numbers on both sides of the street. See the photo from Florence below: Number 58 is on the left side, while on the opposite side the number is 87. It takes some getting used to when you are looking for an address and not looking at both sides of the street for the numbers.

The article 40 Best Italy Travel Tips first appeared on Solo Trips and Tips

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Italoblog » Travel ideas » 7-Day Itineraries in Italy: What to Do and See

7-Day Itineraries in Italy: What to Do and See

Explore Italy by train in one week, visiting landmarks, enjoying local cuisine, and experiencing rich history with Italo’s efficient connections.

How to Spend a Week in Italy

• Traditional 7-Day Itinerary in Italy (Rome, Florence, Venice)
• A Week in and Around Rome
• One Week in and Around Florence
• One Week in and Around Venice
• One Week in and Around Naples
• One Week in and Around Turin
• One Week in Milan and Surroundings

Traveling through Italy by train offers a unique and enriching experience that combines convenience with the beauty of Italy’s landscapes and the charm of its cities . In one week , you can explore iconic landmarks, indulge in culinary delights, and immerse yourself in Italy’s rich history and culture . High-speed trains like Italo connect major cities efficiently , making it possible to visit multiple regions in a single trip.

7-Day Itineraries in Italy

A traditional 7-day itinerary in italy (rome, florence, venice).

A classic week-long itinerary in Italy typically includes Rome, Florence and Venice . These cities, connected by efficient rail services, offer a tapestry of experiences, from the historical depth of Rome with its ancient ruins and Vatican City , to the artistic allure of Florence , and the romantic canals of Venice . Each city is compact enough to offer a fulfilling experience even with a limited stay, making them perfect for a dynamic 7-day tour .

So if you want to see more than one city in just 7 days , we recommend starting with Rome, continuing to Florence and ending your trip in Venice, as we detail everything for you in this Guide: How to see Rome, Florence and Venice with a few days to spare

However, for some of these cities, 7 days is only the minimum to fully enjoy their beauty and appreciate the Italian spirit, characteristic in each of them .

7-Day Itineraries in Italy – in One City

A week in and around rome.

Exploring Rome for a week offers a comprehensive immersion into the city’s storied past and vibrant present . Beyond the iconic landmarks like the Colosseum , delve into the charming Trastevere neighborhood , where the rhythm of daily Roman life plays out against a backdrop of ivy-draped buildings and cobblestone streets.

Venture by train to Ostia Antica , an exemplary archaeological site that offers a peek into ancient Roman commerce and domestic life through its well-preserved ruins and mosaics . For a change of pace, the tranquil town of Castel Gandolfo , with its picturesque lake and the historic Papal Palace , provides a serene day trip. These excursions enrich the Roman experience , revealing the layers of history and culture that define the Eternal City.

Travel from and to Rome with Italo’s High-Speed Train

One week in and around florence.

Spending a week in Florence allows you to fully immerse yourself in the Renaissance spirit that defines this iconic city. Beyond the renowned Uffizi Gallery and the majestic Duomo , Florence serves as a gateway to the Tuscan landscape, famous for its rolling hills and vineyard-dotted countryside .

Easy train connections make day trips to medieval towns like Siena , known for its fan-shaped piazza and historic horse race , and Pisa , with its world-famous leaning tower , both feasible and rewarding. These nearby towns offer unique glimpses into Tuscany’s rich history and architectural beauty , complementing the artistic treasures of Florence. This balance of urban exploration and rural discovery provides a deeply satisfying Tuscan experience.

Travel by high-speed train to and from Florence

One week in and around venice.

Spending a week in Venice opens up a world of exploration beyond its well-trodden paths. The city is not only about gondola rides along the Grand Canal, but also about discovering its famous islands , each with its own unique charm.

• Murano , world-renowned for its exquisite glass-blowing artistry , offers live demonstrations that showcase centuries-old techniques .
• Burano , a visual delight, is adorned with brightly colored fishermen’s houses and is famous for its lace-making tradition .
• The much quieter island of Torcello , with its ancient basilica and tranquil rural landscapes , offers a peaceful retreat from the busier islands .

This array of experiences combines the artistic and historical heritage of Venice with the serene beauty of its lesser-known islands.

Travel from and to Venice with Italo’s High-Speed Train

One week in and around naples.

Spending a week in and around Naples offers a vibrant exploration of both ancient history and contemporary Italian culture . Within the city, the historic center bursts with life, featuring narrow alleyways lined with traditional pizzerias and lively markets such as Pignasecca .

Naples is also your gateway to remarkable archaeological sites like Pompeii and Herculaneum , where the ruins poignantly narrate the life and sudden destruction caused by Mount Vesuvius . The latter can also be visited, offering a pleasant walking route to the top to take in the Gulf of Naples from above.

Just a short ferry ride away, the stunning Amalfi Coast and the island of Capri beckon with their breathtaking landscapes and charming coastal towns . Another day could be devoted to visiting the island of Ischia to enjoy a day at the sea or in the relaxation of its spas.

This rich blend of experiences – from savoring authentic Neapolitan pizza to wandering through ancient cities frozen in time –makes Naples a captivating base for a week-long adventure in Southern Italy.

Travel from and to Naples by Italo’s high-speed trains

One week in and around turin.

Spending a week in and around Turin allows you to soak in the regal history and scenic beauty of Northern Italy . Turin, the first capital of the modern Italian state, is renowned for its refined architecture , grand boulevards and royal residences, such as the Palazzo Reale and Palazzo Madama .

Just a short train ride from the city, the Langhe region invites wine enthusiasts to experience its renowned vineyards , which produce some of Italy’s most celebrated wines , like Barolo and Barbaresco . The area is also famous for its truffles and boasts picturesque rolling hills that offer both scenic beauty and a taste of the local culinary delights .

This blend of royal history , scenic landscapes and gastronomic excellence makes Turin and its surroundings a compelling destination for a week-long visit.

Travel from and to Turin with Italo’s High-Speed Train

One week in milan and the surrounding areas.

Spending a week in and around Milan offers a deep dive into a world where modern fashion and historical art collide . Milan itself is a bustling metropolis renowned for its high fashion and design .

Highlights include viewing Leonardo da Vinci ‘s Last Supper, exploring the gothic splendor of the Duomo and indulging in its luxury shopping districts like the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II .

Just beyond the city, the serene Lakes Como and Garda are easily accessible for day trips , offering stunning alpine views and charming villages nestled along their shores. These picturesque settings are perfect for relaxing after the urban excitement . Milan’s blend of cultural richness and nearby natural beauty provides a varied itinerary that perfectly balances city exploration with tranquil retreats.

Travel from and to Turin with Italo’s high-speed train

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• 3 Weeks in Northern Italy With a 7-Year-Old

Alpine hikes, storybook villages — and not a single American tourist besides us.

Everyone knows that person who spends weeks sniffing around travel blogs, going deep into Tripadvisor rabbit holes, collecting Google docs from friends of friends, and creating  A Beautiful Mind –style spreadsheets to come up with the best  vacations  and itineraries possible. In this recurring series, we find those people who’ve done all the work for you and have them walk us through a particularly wonderful, especially well-thought-out vacation they took that you can actually steal.

Last summer, my friend Ariana and her husband, Nick G., who had a sabbatical coming up, proposed what felt like a crazy idea: What if our families spent a month together in Switzerland? With the exception of a quick trip to Mexico , it had been over seven years since I’d left the country.

My husband, Nick P., and I were nervous about flying overseas with our 7-year-old daughter, Margot. And a month is a long time to spend with your family, let alone another family. But Nick G. and Ariana’s 8-year-old, Gigi, is Margot’s best friend, and I loved the idea of the girls having someone their own age to play with. Plus, I knew Ariana, a nurse , and Nick G., an ex-pilot and reggae drummer turned programmer, would make great travel partners: They’re backpackers who cooked on a camp stove in their living room all summer while their kitchen was being renovated.

We started doing some research and quickly found out that Switzerland is very expensive — but staying in northern Italy, just on the other side of the Alps, cost a lot less and looked just as beautiful. By December, we’d started a brainstorming Google Doc that included our goals for the trip (“Margot tries new foods,” “at least one overnight hut hike,” and “sink into the cadence of European village life”); recommendations from a friend who used to live in St. Moritz; and even a Kim Stanley Robinson essay on the Matterhorn.

Over the next few months, we had regular dinner meetings to review routes in Google Maps and delegate planning. We settled on three weeks, the maximum amount of time Nick P. could get off of work, in August so that we could finish summer camps before we left and slide right into the new school year when we got back. We were each in charge of booking at least one Airbnb or hotel after presenting a few options to the rest of the group. We had loose ideas for what we might want to do in each of the six destinations we ultimately ended up visiting, but we all agreed that we wanted this vacation to feel like an actual vacation and not a long list of to-dos. Here’s how we pulled it off.

Days 1–4: Arboerio

We took an overnight flight from Portland, Oregon, to Milan’s Malpensa airport via Heathrow, landing at around 6:30 p.m. and driving an hour and a half in the dark to Arboerio (not to be confused with Arborio, where risotto rice is grown). It’s an 80-person village — closer to 50 in the winter — in Italy’s northwestern Piedmont region. You won’t find it in any guidebooks; we discovered it only because Ariana and Nick G.’s Milanese friends, Mike and Elé, have a vacation home there. Ariana and Nick G. stayed with Mike and Elé and their two sons, and we rented an apartment from one of their neighbors that’s next door to this one . You could also stay in Varallo Sesia, a town nestled in the foothills of the Alps about two miles down the road. We went to the Tuesday market there and bought yellow plums and arancini wrapped in foil; I saw an old woman open her wallet so a farmer could take out what she owed for her produce (which is to say, you can leave your RFID-blocking money belt at home).

Because our friends arrived four days before we did and we wanted the option to split up, we rented two cars: a Fiat Panda and a Lancia Ypsilon. Every morning, we made espresso in our Moka pot and drank it while sitting at a little table by the window overlooking Varallo; every afternoon, we went swimming in the clear-blue Mastallone river for hours, taking breaks to watch teenage boys cliff-jump. On our third day, while Nick P. went fly-fishing, Ariana and Nick G. and I took the girls on a chairlift up to the Alpe Campo Rimasco Fun Bob, a hand-brake-controlled sled that runs on an aluminum monorail, half an hour away. It was so much fun, we immediately paid to do it a second time.

Day 5: Aosta Valley

7 a.m: trek up a mountain.

Nick G. and I drove 45 minutes west to the village of Alagna Valsesia, the starting point for our eight-mile hike up to Orestes Hutte ( loc. z’Indra, 11020 Tache AO ), a mountain refuge on Monte Rosa we’d all decided to stay in for the night. (The rest of the group took a gondola followed by an aerial tram, then hiked the remaining 2.5mmiles.) I’m used to switchbacks, but this trail went straight up, and even though I work out seven days a week, my hamstrings were screaming. We covered more than 5,000 feet of elevation gain in the first five miles — stopping to eat leftover pizza at the three-mile mark — before finally descending for a bit. The views were spectacular, and we ran into only a handful of other hikers (all of whom were using hiking poles, oops). We did have to check our AllTrails app a few times, but mostly we were able to follow the red and white trail markers painted onto the rocks.

3 p.m.: Nap in a nook

We finally reached the hut and checked in at the bar on the main level, where we were given our room keys and directed downstairs to the boot room. I exchanged my muddy trail-running shoes for a pink pair of loaner Crocs, then threw my backpack in our cozy private room (it also has communal bunk bedrooms) on the second floor. It turns out the rest of our group had gone out exploring, but they had to head back when it started to thunder. Once they made it back to the hut, Margot and I retreated to the second-floor reading nook. I promptly curled up in a papasan cushion in the corner and fell asleep for an hour.

7 p.m.: Eat a four-course vegan dinner

After a game of Uno , a glass of wine, and a little marmot-watching from the sundeck, we took our places at a long table. The hut doesn’t serve animal products, and I think we were all a little apprehensive about getting enough to eat after such an active day (especially without cheesy pasta for the kids). But there was more than enough food, and — miracle of miracles — Margot actually ate most of it, even the pea soup first course. I was full enough that I didn’t finish dessert, a slice of semolina cake.

Day 6: Aosta Valley

9 a.m: hike to a turquoise lake.

After a continental breakfast, we hiked a mile to Blue Lake. While Nick P. and Mike fly-fished for trout in the turquoise waters, the girls climbed rocks and ate the snacks we’d packed the morning before. Then we all hiked to the tram and took it down to the Alpen Stop ( Pianalunga, 13021 ), where we sat on the panoramic terrace eating steak and drinking spritzes while the kids jumped on the two big trampolines in front of the restaurant. Around 3, we hopped on the gondola to the base of the mountain and drove back to Arboerio.

Day 7: Varallo

11 a.m.: visit a renaissance-era religious complex.

Ariana and I walked down the road into town and then hoofed it 20 minutes up the winding cobblestoned path to Sacro Monte ( Piazza G. Testori, 13019 ), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and 15th-century re-creation of Jerusalem consisting of 45 chapels and 800 statues depicting Christ’s last days (you can also take a funicular, the steepest in Europe). There are eight other Sacri Monte in Italy, but this one is the oldest. Ariana went to Catholic school, but even she was confounded by some of the more macabre sculptures, one of which led me down the rabbit hole researching the iconography of goiters a few weeks later.

7 p.m.: Try donkey ravioli

Tucked in the gardens next to Sacro Monte is Hostaria de Bricai ( Via Fiume, 1, 13019 ), a Michelin -recommended fine-dining restaurant in an ancient two-story residence overlooking Varallo. We made reservations for right when it opened and left the girls playing video games with Mike and Elé’s boys. We ordered the donkey ravioli because how could we not, but the risotto was the standout.

Day 8: Bolzano

10 a.m.: drive to south tyrol.

With the girls in one car and Nick P. and I in the other, we embarked on a long drive to this German-speaking autonomous province, which was annexed by Italy from the Austro-Hungarian Empire after World War I. The plan was to stop at an Autogrill for lunch, but by the time we were ready to eat, we’d passed the last one. We finally pulled up at Baumanhoff ( Via Costa di Sopra, 39100 ), an eight-room, family-owned B&B, around 6 (a road closure made the trip take longer than it should have), where we were greeted by two huge German shepherds. After checking in to our room — which had a shared balcony and perfectly made-up spruce-framed beds with a tiny Loacker wafer on each pillow — we grabbed a picnic table overlooking the surrounding vineyards and ordered nearly everything on the menu from the Baumanhoff tavern: three kinds of dumplings; sausages; a cabbage salad; and funnel cake, which the girls went crazy for. Between the food and the neighboring table of well-behaved bachelor partiers in lederhosen, it felt like we were in Austria.

Day 9 : Bolzano

11 a.m.: stroll through alpine pastures.

After a buffet breakfast of muesli, pastries, yogurt, and fruit — plus made-to-order scrambled eggs and a bottomless silver pot of drip coffee, which I have never been happier to see — we played von Trapps for the day at Alpe de Siusi, the largest high-Alpine pasture in Europe. We took a gondola to the top, then ambled along the gently rolling trails for hours taking in panoramic views of the Dolomites, an Alpine mountain range with 18 peaks that top out at over 10,000 feet, while Margot quizzed me on Pokémon . We stopped for sausages and fries at the Alpenhotel Panorama ( via Joch, 10, 39040 ) around 1, then let the girls play on the hotel’s oversize swings before heading back out to explore for another hour or so.

Day 10: Bolzano

8 a.m.: drop in at a local crossfit.

Three of the four of us are CrossFitters, and we wanted to get to a gym at least once while we were in Italy. The coach at CrossFit Bolzano ( Via Alessandro Volta, 1E, 39100 ) was super-welcoming, and even though she taught the class in Italian, we got by just fine. The only tricky part was trying to convert kilograms to pounds.

11 a.m.: Take the kids bouldering

We talked about seeing Ötzi (the iceman, not the DJ) at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology ( Via Museo, 43, 39100 ), but the girls had caught Olympic rock climbing on TV and wanted to try it for themselves. Salewa, the Italian hiking shoe manufacturer, happens to have a cavernous climbing gym in town, so we bought the girls a two-hour pass, which came with shoe rentals. We took turns operating the auto belay for them while the rest of us sat outside in the shade drinking shaken espressos from the neighboring bistro, Salewa Bivac ( Via Waltraud-Gebert-Deeg, 6, 39100 ). When their time was up, we ordered grain bowls and ravioli for lunch and marveled at how chic the locals looked in spite of the heat wave we were experiencing.

2 p.m.: Check in to a castle

It was time to make our way to the spa town of Merano, half an hour away. We rented the north wing of a 12th-century castle , and boy, did it deliver. The ceilings were stratospherically high, the kitchen was well stocked, and the property was surrounded by apple orchards. Plus, it was right on the Maiser Waalweg, a sixish-mile trail through vineyards and forest that we all ended up running on at least once during our stay.

Day 11: Merano

10:30 a.m.: swim in a bio pool.

My family accuses me of not being a pool person, but the truth is that most pools are too cold and crowded. Not so at Terme Merano ( Piazza Terme, 9, 39012 ), which comprises 15 indoor pools and 11 outdoor ones — one of which, the chemical-free “Bio Nature Pool,” makes you feel as if you’re swimming in a very large, clean, and picturesque pond. We hopped from one pool to another, taking a break to eat lunch from the snack bar on the huge sunbathing lawn, until a downpour late in the afternoon finally forced us to pack up and walk back to our castle.

Day 12: Merano

11 a.m.: ride a gondola to an alpine playground.

Another day, another gondola to a family fun area at the top of a peak. This one, Merano 2000 , had in-ground trampolines; a zip line; and, of course, a Fun Bob, which we (again) rode twice. I got a little motion-sick on the way up the mountain, so we scrambled to get a seat near the front of the gondola car on the way back, which made for a smoother and more scenic ride.

Day 13: Merano

11:30 a.m.: tour a botanical garden.

Ariana and I decided to take the girls to Trauttmansdorff ( Strada Provinciale 8 Merano - Scena, 39012 ), an old castle with 80 gardens (including the “Garden for Lovers” with a shallow pond the kids could wade through barefoot, unaware of the weird S&M-coded sculpture in the corner). We thought they’d poop out quickly, but they kept wanting to check out the next thing on the map: the mini Palm Beach; the aviary; and the Botanical Underworld, a 17-minute audio-guided underground “experience trail” that somehow managed to make photosynthesis spooky. That night, my husband and I walked to Mösl ( Via Priami, 1, 39012 ) for dinner and ate chanterelle pasta and flank steak on the patio (we tried to order a third dish, but the server warned us it would be too much food; she was right). Afterward, we wandered into the Monocle Shop ( Via Dante, 25, 39012 ), where I was tempted to buy a $200 salt mill, and then over to Konditorei Eisdel Theiner Obermais for gelato. By the end of the day, my phone said I’d taken nearly 30,000 steps.

Days 14–17: Sulden

It was hard to say good-bye to the castle, but we were excited for our one and only hotel stay of the trip, at the four-star Hotel die Post ( Via Principale, 22, 39029 ) in Sulden, a storybook village about 40 miles west of Merano. Our room rate included a breakfast buffet, a lunch buffet, and an eight-course dinner (plus a salad and dessert buffet) every night. After cooking for two kids for two weeks in a country that does not seem to sell canned black beans, tortillas, or cheddar, it was a godsend to have so many kid-friendly options at every meal.

There were tons of activities for the kids to do, none of which required us to get in the car once during our stay. We hiked to a 150-foot suspension bridge spanning the roaring Sulden river, played a round at the extremely mom-and-pop MiniGolf Sulden, and set the girls free at a charmingly Hobbit-esque all-wood playground. When it rained, we borrowed Monopoly from the front desk and spread out at a big table in the lobby, sipping negronis while the girls learned about land-grabbing. We swam in the indoor pool every day, padding downstairs in our hotel-issued robes and slippers.

We also managed to fit in some adult time. One morning, Ariana, Nick G., and I hiked 6.5 gorgeous miles past free-ranging cows. One afternoon, Ariana and I escaped to the “textile-free” (non-optional; they asked us to remove our swimsuits!) adults-only part of the spa, which has multiple steam rooms and a relaxation terrace with views of the Ortler and Zebru mountains. On our second-to-last night, the adults realized that we could order the girls just one course at dinner — Margot chose pesto every time — then send them upstairs to watch SpongeBob on the iPad while we had a leisurely meal.

Day 18: Milan

11 a.m.: go over a mountain pass.

We gave the girls Dramamine for the four-hour drive from Sulden to Milan over the Stelvio Pass, which has 60 hairpin turns and is the highest paved mountain pass in the eastern Alps (and heavily frequented by sadistic cyclists). We chose an Airbnb in Mike’s neighborhood, Navigli. In addition to the central location just off the Naviglia Grande canal, it also had two major things going for it: air-conditioning and a palatial shower big enough for me to actually sit down and shave my legs. It also had a big window overlooking a courtyard in the back and a lofted bed the kids got a kick out of. Nobody really wanted to drive or deal with parking in Milan, so the dads returned the rental cars to the airport.

Day 19: Milan

Noon: sightsee in the city center.

We had only one full day here, and we spent it taking the girls to the Duomo (they were impressed enough by the outside, which saved us 60 euros per family and hours in line), looking for fish in the canal, and buying Formula 1 merch at the three-story flagship Ferrari store ( Via Giovanni Berchet, 2 ). A lot of businesses were closed when we were there — many residents leave for a good chunk of August — but next time I would try to visit Tenoha ( Via Vigevano, 18 ), a kind of Muji-Izakaya mash-up around the corner from our Airbnb. That night, on Mike’s recommendation, we walked past half a dozen gelato places to Gelateria La Romana ( V.le Col di Lana, 2 ), then went to bed early for our 7:30 a.m. flight home.

Juno’s Italy Packing List

I wanted a backpack with a lot of compartments, including a padded one for my laptop, that I could unzip from the front. This one was heavy-duty enough for hiking but sleek enough to be my personal item on future trips.

We didn’t pack sunscreen because I’d read that European sunscreen is better . We bought a few kinds while we were there, but this brand ended up being my pale-skinned husband’s favorite.

For years, I’ve been running on trails and pavement in an older version of these ride-or-die waterproof sneakers, but they’re also my go-to hiking shoes. Even though they’re low-tops, the ankle cuffs keep dirt and rocks out.

The kids listened to stories on this in the car whenever the road was too winding for them to use the iPad. At home we call it “digital Mommy” because it keeps Margot entertained for so long.

My outdoorsy sister-in-law turned me on to this brand’s lightweight five-panel hats, which pack flat, come in dozens of rad prints, and have a super-easy-to-adjust strap (which meant Margot and I could take turns wearing it on the trip).

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