italy travel guide canada

Skip to main content
Skip to "About this site"

Language selection

Search travel.gc.ca.

Help us to improve our website. Take our survey !

COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Italy travel advice

Latest updates: The Health section was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada)

Last updated: July 15, 2024 12:32 ET

Petty crime

Petty crime such as pickpocketing and purse snatching occurs, and tourists are frequently targeted.

Organized groups of thieves often use distraction techniques and are particularly active:

at tourist sites and attractions
in hotels, restaurants and bars
on public transportation
at airports and railway stations

While you’re in Italy:

ensure that your belongings, including your passport, are secure at all times
don’t keep your passport and other types of ID at the same place and carry a photocopy rather than the original when you’re out
avoid showing signs of affluence
avoid carrying large sums of cash or unnecessary valuables
pay attention to your surroundings, particularly in crowded and tourist areas
be wary of unsolicited offers or advice from strangers

On the road

The theft of items from vehicles is common, and thieves often target rental cars. They may use distraction techniques or simulate accidents. Thefts can occur at gas stations, highway service areas, and parking lots.

Be especially vigilant when stopped at traffic lights. Thieves on scooters or on foot often snatch bags from passenger seats.

Keep your windows and doors locked at all times
Keep your belongings out of reach
Use secure parking facilities, especially overnight
Never leave belongings unattended in a vehicle, even in the trunk

On public transportation

Thefts on public transportation and passenger trains are common, particularly on those servicing major tourist sites, main cities and airports. Thieves will often steal your belongings while you’re asleep or distracted and may hassle or crowd you.

Keep your valuables secure and out of sight.

Home break-ins

Home burglaries occur mainly in main cities and coastal areas and sometimes affect holiday rental accommodation.

Whether staying in private or commercial accommodation, make sure you lock windows and doors at night and when you are away.

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Victims of crime

If you are a victim of a theft, go to the nearest police station (Carabinieri or Polizia di Stato) to report it. Keep a copy of your report, as you may need it to make a claim to your insurance provider.

It’s possible to file a preliminary complaint online, in Italian, for certain types of minor crimes, such as theft of belongings. This could help speed up the process at the police station.

If you are a victim of sexual assault:

seek medical assistance, whether or not you appear to have been physically harmed
contact the local police immediately and ensure they file a report
inform consular officials at the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate

Useful links

Online preliminary complaint - Arma dei Carabinieri (in Italian)
Closest police station - Polizia di Stato, Italy’s national police (in Italian)
Advice for women travellers

Credit card and ATM fraud

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs.

When using debit or credit cards:

pay careful attention when others are handling your cards
use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business
avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Cybercrime occurs. Criminals may compromise public Wi-Fi networks to steal credit card or personal information.

Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks
Avoid making purchases on unencrypted websites
Be cautious when posting information on social media
Be particularly vigilant when contacting or meeting individuals known over the internet

Overseas fraud

There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities and further attacks elsewhere in Europe are likely. Attacks in Italy cannot be ruled out.

Targets could include:

government buildings, including schools
places of worship
airports and other transportation hubs and networks
public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Be particularly vigilant if attending sporting events and during religious holidays and other public celebrations, as terrorists have used such occasions to mount attacks.

The Government of Italy maintains a public alert system on terrorism. Alert level changes are communicated mainly through local media. Enhanced security measures are also deployed in various strategic locations and transport hubs.

Expect an increased presence of police and military forces during holidays and in public places, including tourist locations and major landmarks.

Demonstrations and strikes

Demonstrations and strikes occur regularly, particularly in larger cities and often with little notice.

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to significant disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
Follow the instructions of local authorities
Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations
In case of a transportation strike, contact your provider or tour operator to make alternate arrangements
Information on planned strike action - Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (in Italian)
More about mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Swimming and water activities

Coastal waters can be dangerous. Always take into account warning flags at beaches.

In the fall and winter months, be cautious when walking on the shore, as waves can be unpredictable, breaking further than expected and causing strong undertows.

Avoid visiting beaches or coastal areas during periods of severe weather warnings
Look out for signs warning of cliff erosion and falling rocks
Don’t dive into unknown water, as hidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death
Exercise caution and follow the advice of local authorities

Water safety abroad

Mountain activities

If you intend to go hiking, mountaineering or skiing:

never do so alone
consider hiring an experienced guide from a reputable company
buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
ensure that you’re properly equipped
stay informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
inform a family member or friend of your itinerary
know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal
obtain detailed information on trekking routes or ski slopes before setting out
do not venture off marked trails or slopes

Information on avalanche risk - Meteomont, Arma dei Carabinieri

Stray dogs are common in certain areas.

Don’t approach or feed them as they could be aggressive.

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety vary throughout the country.

City streets can be narrow and congested. Signage, traffic lights and road markings may not be visible, especially in the southern areas of the country.

In mountainous areas, roads are often winding and narrow. Weather conditions can make driving conditions dangerous. Avalanches or landslides can occur and block access routes to small isolated towns. In northern Italy, particularly in winter, fog can substantially reduce visibility.

Drivers do not always respect traffic laws. They may drive at excessive speeds and be reckless.

Be cautious when using pedestrian crossings or where there are no sidewalks; drivers may not see you, especially where street lights are limited
Pay close attention to motorcycles and electric scooters
Monitor local news and weather forecast
Refrain from driving during or immediately after severe storms
Follow the advice and warnings issued by local authorities

Public transportation

The quality and availability of public transportation vary across the country.

In urban areas, buses can be over capacity during rush hours, impacting your transit time. Metro stations are sometimes closed for maintenance. Strike actions may also affect train service.

The inter-city train system is extensive, well-connected and reliable.

In Italy, drivers start the meter at the point of departure rather than at pick-up. Ride-sharing services are available but may operate differently.

Use only officially licensed taxis from a stand or requested by phone or app.

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Italian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Schengen area

Italy is a Schengen area country. Canadian citizens do not need a visa for travel to countries within the Schengen area. However, visa-free travel only applies to stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any Schengen area country.

If you plan to stay in the Schengen area for a longer period of time, you will need a visa. You must contact the high commission or embassy of the country or countries you are travelling to and obtain the appropriate visa(s) prior to travel.

Foreign Representatives in Canada

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you expect to leave the Schengen area.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other entry requirements

Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.

Declaration of presence

If you plan to spend fewer than 90 days in Italy for visits, business, tourism or study, you don’t need to apply for a residence permit. However, you must report your presence in the country. Commercial accommodations will generally file the declaration on your behalf, but you are responsible for making sure it's done. Request a copy of this record.

If you’re staying in a non-commercial accommodation and:

arriving from a Schengen country, you must file a declaration of presence with the local police office within 8 days of arrival
arriving from a non-Schengen country, make sure border officials stamp your passport upon arrival, as this is the equivalent to a declaration of presence

Failure to comply with this regulation could result in expulsion.

Entering Italy - Polizia di Stato, Italy’s national police

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary.

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

Vaccination is not recommended.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a risk in some areas of this destination. It is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It is spread to humans by the bite of infected ticks or occasionally when unpasteurized milk products are consumed.

Travellers to areas where TBE is found may be at higher risk during April to November, and the risk is highest for people who hike or camp in forested areas.

Protect yourself from tick bites . The vaccine is not available in Canada. It may be available in the destination you are travelling to.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus. Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.

The flu occurs worldwide.

In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to April.
In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and October.
In the tropics, there is flu activity year round.

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

In this destination, rabies may be present in some wildlife species, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal.

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional.

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who will be working directly with wildlife.

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
Minimize exposure to insects
Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

In this country, risk of dengue is sporadic. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue fever.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

washing your hands often
avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.

Medical services and facilities

Good health care is available throughout the country. However, hospital services may be limited in rural areas and medical staff may not be able to communicate in English or French.

Medical treatment and emergency room visits are free of charge but only for life-threatening emergencies, as determined by the treating physician. Hospitals charge upfront for any convalescence or follow-up care.

There are also numerous private clinics and hospitals that cater to foreign travellers.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Transfer to a Canadian prison

Canada and Italy are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Italy to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Italy authorities.

This process can take a long time, and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences or heavy fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Public behaviour

Certain municipalities, particularly those with a high number of visitors, such as Rome, Florence and Venice, have adopted strict public conduct rules. Certain behaviours are illegal and may include:

sitting, eating or drinking on a monument or an archaeological landmark
bathing in fountains or canals
walking in an urban setting in swimwear or without a shirt/T-shirt
feeding the pigeons
putting locks on bridges or monuments
dropping litter or using single-use plastic

Comply with public notices about conduct, which are usually found in and around tourist areas in major cities. You may be fined if you fail to do so.

Counterfeit merchandise

Buying counterfeit merchandise, such as sunglasses or purses, is illegal. You may receive heavy fines if you’re caught buying counterfeit merchandise.

Natural objects and flora

Removing pebbles, shells, or sand from the beaches in Sardinia and other coastal regions is prohibited.

In mountainous areas, it’s illegal to cut certain types of endangered flowers.

Avoid removing natural objects and flora from their natural setting. You could be fined if you do.

Photography

Photography of military installations and critical infrastructure is regulated.

Request permission from local authorities before taking photographs of such installations.

Recreational and commercial flying of drones is regulated.

You must register your drone to use it across the European Union. If you don’t comply, you may be fined and your drone confiscated.

Civil drones - European Union Aviation Safety Agency
Use of drones - Italian Civil Aviation Authority (in Italian)

Identification

Authorities may request to see your ID at any time.

Carry valid identification or a photocopy of it at all times
Keep a photocopy of your passport in case it’s lost or seized

Hotels and other commercial accommodation providers must provide the Italian authorities with personal details on their guests. As such, you’ll have to present a passport upon check-in.

Wait at the reception until the hotel staff has taken the required from your passport.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Italy.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Italy, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Italy.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Italy, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Italian court.

If you are in this situation:

act as quickly as you can
contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
consult a lawyer in Canada and in Italy to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
The Hague Convention – Hague Conference on Private International Law
Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
Request emergency assistance

You may drive for up to one year with a valid Canadian driver’s licence and an international driving permit or a certified translation of your Canadian licence.

You must also have an international car insurance plan.

If driving a foreign car, an adhesive sticker indicating country of origin must be displayed on the back of the car. It’s illegal to drive a vehicle registered abroad for more than 60 days. If you plan to stay in Italy for more than 60 days, you must obtain Italian plates.

Vehicles must be equipped with safety equipment, including a warning triangle and reflective jacket.

Local authorities may request immediate cash payment for minor traffic violations.

Limited traffic zones and low-emission zones

Historic centres of many Italian cities have restricted traffic zones marked as ZTL, which stands for “Zona Traffico Limitato”, or low-emission zones, to reduce air pollution.

You need a special permit to access limited traffic zones. This permit is usually issued to residents. To be granted access to a low-emission zone, your car must meet certain environmental standards. Authorities may use cameras to record the licence plate of vehicles that violate these restrictions.

If you enter these zones without a permit, you could be fined. If your vehicle is rented, the rental agency could receive the fine and provide your contact details to the local authorities.

Some municipalities use the services of a private company to collect the fines abroad. You could receive traffic tickets by mail several months after returning to Canada.

Pay close attention to street signage
Obtain instructions from your hotel on how to access it by vehicle if it’s located in a ZTL

Seasonal and regional regulations

Rules on the mandatory use of snow tires or snow chains differ regionally. Pay attention to road signage in mountainous regions or other parts of the country prone to snow.

Certain islands restrict or prohibit the entry and use of vehicles belonging to non-residents during the high tourism season and holiday season. These include:

the Aeolian Islands (Alicudi, Filicudi, Lipari, Panarea, Salina, Stromboli, Vulcano)
the Aegadian Islands (Favignana)
the Campanian Archipelago (Capri, Ischia, Procida)
the Pelagie Islands (Linosa)
the Tuscan Archipelago (Giannutri, Giglio)

Other islands could enforce similar regulations. Confirm before travelling.

On route 163 of the Amalfi Coast, between Positano and Vietri sul Mare, it’s prohibited to use campervans or large recreational vehicles.

Driving in Italy - European Commission
International Driving Permit

You must purchase bus, metro and tram tickets in advance at kiosks in stations or at tobacco shops and validate them at machines located on board or in the station.

If you don’t validate your ticket, you may receive a fine requiring immediate payment.

The currency of Italy is the euro (EUR).

Payment in cash is restricted to transactions under €1000.

If you are carrying €10,000 or more, or the equivalent in other currencies, you must make a declaration to customs when you enter or leave the European Union. It includes sums in:

banknotes and coins
bearer negotiable instruments such as cheques, travellers’ cheques, promissory notes and money orders
bonds, shares
gold coins with a gold content of at least 90 %
gold bars, nuggets or clumps with a gold content of at least 99.5 %
any other convertible asset

This does not apply if you are travelling within the European Union or in transit to a non-EU country.

EU cash controls - European Commission

Forest and maquis fires often occur during the summer months, particularly in Sicily, Calabria and Sardinia.

The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke.

In case of a major fire:

stay away from the affected area, particularly if you suffer from respiratory ailments
follow the instructions of local emergency services personnel, including evacuation orders
monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation

Storms and flooding

In fall and winter, strong rainfall and winds may cause landslides and flash flooding, resulting in significant damage in coastal regions and certain cities such as:

Campania (Amalfi Coast)
Liguria (Cinque Terre)

The Italian Civil Protection Department publishes weather alerts on its website.

Monitor local news and weather reports regularly
Follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders

Latest alerts - Italian Civil Protection Department

Venice is subject to tidal flooding (acqua alta), particularly during fall and spring. During episodes of severe flooding, some streets and squares become impassable, and certain businesses and landmarks may temporarily suspend their activities. Local authorities typically install raised pedestrian platforms to facilitate crossing in strategic locations.

The city of Venice warns citizens and tourists of episodes of high tide through a system of acoustic alerts.

In case of high tide:

follow the instructions of local authorities
contact your hotel, travel agent or tour operator to determine if the situation will disrupt your travel arrangements
Tidal forecast - City of Venice (in Italian)
Interpreting tidal forecast - City of Venice
@ICPSMVenezia - Tide Forecasting and Reporting Centre (in Italian)

In mountainous areas, avalanches present a risk. They can make roads impassable and cause power disruptions. These conditions can affect access to isolated areas, including tourist resorts, and limit the ability of emergency services to respond.

If you plan on skiing or mountaineering:

stay informed of weather and safety conditions

Seismic activity

Italy is located in an active seismic zone. Even minor earthquakes can cause significant damage. Volcano eruptions occur.

Mount Etna is Europe’s most active volcano. Periods of high activity can bring significant ash fall, earthquakes and emission of harmful gases.

The Stromboli and Vulcano islands are active volcanoes. Eruptions, ash fall and lava flow occur regularly.

Mount Vesuvius and the Phlegraean Fields in the Naples area are active volcanoes. They are both located near densely populated areas and are continually monitored by the local authorities.

There are several other dormant volcanoes throughout the country.

If you’re travelling near an active volcano or are practising volcano tourism:

closely monitor volcanic activity levels through local media and official sources
ensure that you’re well informed about conditions that may pose a hazard
follow the advice of local authorities
Earthquakes - What to Do?
Information on active volcanoes - Italian national institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (in Italian)
Information on seismic activity in Italy - Italian Civil Protection Department

Local services

Dial 112 for emergency assistance.

Consular assistance

Albania, Malta, San Marino

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada in Rome and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

2024 TRAVEL UPDATE
Work with us
Beyond Bologna
Regions of Italy
Travel books
Best group tours
Itineraries
Accommodation Guide
Ultimate Italy Travel Planner
City Planners
Essential Guides
Italy themed gift ideas
Trip planning services

How to plan an Italy trip

Want to know how to plan an Italy trip? You’ve come to the right place. Italy trip planning is one of our favorite things to do. So much so that we set up this website.

We wrote this article to take you step by step through planning your trip. From deciding when to go and how much it will cost to what to take and how to use your mobile phone, it’s all here to remove the overwhelm and make your trip planning easier. Even if you choose to hire a travel agent to assist with your bookings, it is a good idea to walk through these steps as it will help the agent build the best trip for you.

You can see an overview of the steps you need to follow in the article contents below. Follow our guide and you’ll be on your way to planning your own trip or choosing the right tour for you and your travel companions.

Step 1 – Decide when you want to go and your budget

When to go to italy.

There is no bad time to visit Italy but there may be one that suits you better. Depending on your interests and the places you want to see you need to be aware of seasonal differences that you need to know about:

Summer – June to August: peak tourist season, weather is hot and prices higher. Many Italians are on vacation and the coastal areas are very busy especially in mid August
Fall / Autumn – September to November: September remains hot and busy in most of the major tourist centers. By October the weather is cooling and ferry services on the coast and lakes stop running. At this time grape harvest is in full swing. November is generally quite wet but there is lots of sunshine between the showers.
Winter – December to February: As the weather cools so do the crowds. Attractions are much less busy and the lead up to Christmas is magical with lights and decorations in shop windows. In January and February restaurants in many coastal areas are closed. February’s Carnevale in Venice is generally one of the most expensive times to visit the city
Spring – March to May: In March and April wildflowers bloom and the countryside is awash with color. Easter is a popular holiday for Europeans to visit Italian cities especially Rome, Florence and Venice.

NOTE: peak season in the most visited destinations is May – October.

Our favorite time to visit Italy in the shoulder months. In April and May and October and November the weather is generally sunny and mild, the crowds are manageable and you can find great value deals on your flight and accommodation.

Although we are past the worst of the pandemic and travel restrictions, things can change quickly – you can check our article Can you travel to Italy plus current situation. We update this regularly with the latest travel news.

READ: Our full article on the Best time to visit Italy

How much will it cost?

This will depend on your expectations, interests and travel style. You can travel very cheaply in Italy if you visit lesser-known regional areas and avoid the big cities. Even in the big cities it is possible to find free attractions and budget accommodation if you know where to look.

If you want to see the main sights and enjoy experiences such as cooking classes, private boat cruises and wine tours then the sky is really the limit when it comes to cost.

Most travelers fall somewhere in the middle however and a reasonable daily budget per person for food, transport and activities is around €100 on top of flights and accommodation.

READ: Our full article on Budgeting for your trip to Italy .

Expert Assistance

Need some help planning your trip?

Book in for a trip consultation with our expert Italy travel planners ready to help you build your dream vacation in Italy whether that be a classic first timer trip or an off the beaten path adventure

Step 2 – Do some preliminary research and preparation

Where to research your trip to italy.

From online news and magazines, blogs, Instagram, Facebook groups (check out Italy Travel Planning ) and even podcasts like ours – there are thousands of resources online. I am sure you’ve already seen quite a few of them already. Sometimes endless options can be overwhelming so we recommend collecting ideas in an online folder or scrapbook and organizing them into destinations that you really want to see.

You’ll probably want to “do it all” but really have a think about your interests and what will best suit you and your travel style. Once you have some ideas, it’s best to consult a structured resource to check your assumptions and thoughts.

Traditional guidebooks definitely have their place for planning a trip to Italy. Well researched and structured, they’ll give you in depth information on destinations and sights to see as well as practical tips to help you plan. Even after 30+ trips to Italy we still consult guidebooks for new destinations we want to visit. You can find our favorite Italy guidebooks here .

Italy travel planners

We noticed that even guidebooks can provide too much information in the planning process so we created one page travel planners for the top places to visit in Italy. Our planners tell you the top sights, best viewpoints, must have experiences and our favorite places to eat (including best gelato stops) in each place.

You can print them off or keep them on your phone and there’s a link to an online map so you can map out your days. We have guides for Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, Cinque Terre, Amalfi Coast and Sorrento. Our goal is always to simplify the trip planning process and we know you will find them useful.

DISCOVER: Our Digital travel guides and planners .

Group tour itineraries

Tour companies – like ours ! – put a lot of effort into designing tours that cover the main sights and even lesser known regions. They know the times it takes to get around and how long you can stay in each place to get a taste or feel for the destination.

We often check itineraries of places we would like to visit as an input into our own planning. Here are some recommended tour companies and itineraries to investigate.

Private tours

If you want maximum flexibility and comfort, consider a private driving tour . From the moment you land, to when you depart, you’ll have a personal driver with local knowledge making sure your trip is exactly what you imagined.

Passports and visas

At this stage of your planning it is a good idea to check the validity of your passport and if you require a visa. Citizens of the United States, Australia, Canada, United Kingdom and New Zealand may 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 when you enter Italy. Go and check this now as it can take several months for new passports to be processed.

All other nationalities should check this Italian government site that will walk you through whether a visa is required for your visit.

Citizens of the European Union 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

READ: Can you travel to Italy plus current situation .

Step 3 – Confirm your itinerary

Itinerary planning is where many people get stuck. We understand. There are so many amazing places to see in Italy that deciding where to go and how much time to spend there can be hard. As a general rule, we like to spend a minimum of three nights in each place to minimize time spent traveling and also enjoy each place as much as possible. So if you have a 10 day trip then 3 main stops would be a good baseline to start with.

Where to go

From your research, you probably have an idea of where you want to go. You may want to visit the popular cities and regions on your first trip however each city and region in Italy offers something special.

Most popular cities

Itinerary suggestions

As a general rule, for a 3-5 day trip we suggest choosing one destination – a city or region. If you have a week to 10 days then you can plan 1-3 places in either the north OR south of Italy. In a two week trip you could cover 3-4 places and see both north and south.

Try not to squeeze too much in. It’s easy to underestimate transit times and getting in and out of airports and train stations. Plus you want to have plenty of time to enjoy yourself and soak up every last moment.

Suggested itineraries

If it is your first trip to Italy, like many first-time visitors you may choose to start your journey in Rome and visit Florence and Venice. This 10 day Italy itinerary covers that route. It includes detailed instructions on how to make the most of your time in Italy.

Want our FREE Italy trip planning checklist? >> Click here .

Alternative 10 day itinerary suggestions

Most people travel to Italy for 10 to 14 days so we built some itinerary suggestions to cater for that time frame that cover both northern and southern Italy.

Group Tours

Packaged group tours of Italy are a popular way to travel and avoid the stress of planning your own trip. They are also a great option if you would like some company along the way. Here is a quick summary of popular tour companies:

Untold Italy small group tours – we run exclusive small group tours for food and wine-loving travelers wanting to get off the beaten path to see hidden Italy beyond the major cities and tourist areas. We lead groups of 14 people on journeys of discovery to experience the regions of Sicily, Puglia, Piedmont, Tuscany, Umbria, Bologna and surrounds, Capri and the Cilento coasts > learn more
Trafalgar – popular and well respected brand appealing to the 50+ age group. Travel is by coach and the focus is on culture and history. Expect group sizes of 40-45 passengers and 4 star hotels. Trafalgar also include interesting local experiences such as wine tastings and unique stays in their itineraries. Check out their popular Best of Italy tour
Intrepid Travel – small group tours with an average of 10 travelers with plenty of free time built in for exploring. Their popular Italy Real Food Adventure is an 8 day itinerary that showcases their travel style well
Peregrine – Intrepid’s premium brand offers some interesting hiking tours of the Italian Lakes and Amalfi Coast
Tourradar – is a market place for group packaged tours where you can browse hundreds of package tours by different operators, and by date. You then filter by your interests and age group and read detailed reviews. You can browse fully organized tours to independent self-drive or train itineraries

READ: Our full article on the Best package tours for Italy .

When should you start booking your trip?

Italy is one of the most visited destinations in the world, so in our opinion, it is never too early to start the booking process. Book accommodation as soon as possible, and at least 6-12 months in advance especially for peak times in July and August. We prefer to pay the higher rate for flexible bookings on both Booking.com and Plum Guide .

Day tour and attractions also sell out months in advance at peak times. In 2020 our preferred booking site GetYourGuide refunded all tours canceled due to the pandemic and stand by their policy of allowing cancelations with a full refund up to 24 hours before your activity starts.

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.

Step 4 – Book your flights, inbound travel & insurance

Flights to italy.

It is easy to fly direct (or with a single stop) into Italy from most places in the world. Rome Fiumicino [Leonardo da Vinci](FCO) international airport is the main hub for air traffic 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. Pisa is useful for trips to Tuscany and the Cinque Terre and you will need to fly into both Sicily and Sardinia.

To source the best flight deals to Italy we use a combination of Skyscanner , CheapoAir and Google flights .

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 and business class flights around the world
Google flights – great for checking schedules and airline routes

Secure the best deals by setting up alerts on Skyscanner for the month you wish to travel and wait for price drops. It’s good to have a price that you wish to pay in mind but be prepared to be flexible on dates and stopovers. It is often cheaper to fly into Milan rather than Rome and that city is a useful entry point 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.

Inbound rail from within Europe

Major Italian cities – Milan, Rome, Florence and Venice – have fantastic fast speed train links from other capitals and major cities in Europe. The website Seat 61 is a 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 3,000 destinations in 39 countries.

You can compare schedules and prices using Omio – a useful site for booking a combination of train, bus and air travel within Europe.

Organize travel insurance

Once you have booked your flights or tour, we recommend organizing travel insurance straight away. The main reason you should purchase insurance is to cover health costs and emergency repatriation to your home country should you fall ill. Since 2020 you need to check whether there is cover provided for issues relating to covid19 however general health cover is recommended regardless.

Cover for cancelation, delays and loss of belongings is a bonus and again they may not apply under pandemic conditions. You need to read all the terms and conditions of your cover including any exclusions before you commit to buy.

Policy costs vary by your country of residence, what is covered, age, existing conditions and the insurer. You can visit Worldnomads for a quick quote. We use this company for our family travels and find the cost, coverage and claims process to be good to excellent.

Another option if you are in the United States is Safety Wing’s Nomad Insurance . Unfortunately neither option provides policies for those aged over 69. In this case you can try Travel Insurance Master – a service that allows you to compare quotes and insurance policies.

Step 5 – Book accommodation and transport

Accommodation.

Choosing where to stay at each stop is an important part of itinerary planning. Italy has many different options 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. This is accommodation offered by Italian farmers who earn additional income by providing rooms and meals. Very popular in Italy and Europe, prices ranges from budget to luxurious. You can find agriturismi (plural) with swimming pools, hammams, restaurants and wine cellars. We always try to build them into our itinerary.

LISTEN: Find out about farm stays in Italy in this podcast episode .

How much will accommodation cost?

Here is a rough guide to average prices for a double room. This will vary with prices higher in popular areas at peak times

Upscale / Luxury – €210+ [USD $240+] per night Midrange / Boutique – €120-260 [USD $135-295] per night Budget / B&B – €70-130 [USD $80-150] per night Ultra budget / Hostel or shared room in AirBnB – €30-45 [USD $30-40] per night

Best accommodation sites

Our favorite sites for booking lodging are Booking.com and Plum Guide – between them, you’ll find a huge range of options from hotels and resorts to bed and breakfast, apartments and farm stay accommodation.

Plum Guide is particularly useful for longer stays in apartments and villas and if you’re traveling as a family and need some extra space. Use the code “Untold5” for a 5% discount here .

Other sites we use and recommend

BookingsForYou – beautiful villas and apartments in Tuscany, Italian Lakes and Puglia – 5% for readers when you mention our site or code – UntoldItaly – when booking
VRBO – has some great options for long stay villas and apartments, particularly on the Amalfi Coast
Agriturismo.it – great for finding smaller farm stays but the booking engine is terrible. You can usually find the same properties on Booking.com
Airbnb – we have used Airbnb on many occasions in Italy but are now finding better value and booking conditions on Booking.com and VRBO

LISTEN: To more accommodation options and what to look for in this podcast episode .

Transport while in 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 .

Train travel in Italy

Trains in Italy are modern and efficient. Fast speed services link the major cities and regional trains connect smaller towns and villages. Two major train networks operate throughout Italy – Italo and Trenitalia .

You should book in advance for high speed intercity services where seats are allocated. If you purchase non-flexible tickets you can make significant savings with advance bookings. They are not required on regional services.

READ: Our Complete guide to train travel in Italy .

Recommended train booking sites – Omio and The Trainline

You can book directly with the Italian operators or an easier way is with:

Omio – compare train times and prices across both Trenitalia and Italo schedules and keep your ticket details on their handy app. Click here to search for rail tickets on Omio

The Trainline is a similar service to Omio offering schedules, pricing and booking for train companies in Italy and Europe. They also have a useful app and great instructions in English. Click here to search for rail tickets on The Trainline

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

Car rental in Italy

One of the best ways to see the smaller towns and countryside in Italy is to rent a car and take to the open road. Driving in Italy is quite straightforward. You just need to do some forward planning and use your common sense. Here are some tips to

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 or historic districts where driving is not allowed

We use both Car Rental by booking.com and AutoEurope to find the best car rental deals in Italy including one way options. They both search international and local providers so you get a wide variety of choice and there is 24/7 support if you need it. AutoEurope is usually your best option if you want a one way rental.

Click here to search for car rentals in Italy with Car Rental by booking.com .

READ: Our guide to Renting a car in Italy .

Internal flights

If you want to visit the islands of Sicily or Sardinia, or travel very long distances, 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.

READ: Our guide to all transportation in Italy .

Step 6 – Book Attractions, tours and activities

Major attractions.

The major cities of Italy – Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan – are some of the busiest cities for tourists in the world. And most visitors want to spend time at their famous attractions

We strongly advise you to prebook advance skip-the-line tickets for the following attractions – the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Uffizi Gallery and Doge’s Palace. Otherwise, you could spend precious vacation hours standing in lines to enter these sites. Note – in winter months booking in advance is not as necessary.

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. Always check the terms and conditions of your purchase, particularly in relation to changes and refunds. GetYourGuide has a very easy cancelation policy which in many cases allows cancelation with refunds up to 24 hours prior to departure.

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
Duomo roof climb – official ticket site OR buy Dome climb 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

READ: Our full review of Get Your Guide .

If you want to learn about the sites you are visiting then we recommend a group day tour. We prefer small group or private tours where you learn about the culture and history of the places you are visiting. It’s so much more fun than reading plaques and you are also able 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 Liv Tours and we prefer With Locals for private tours. 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
Liv Tours – family run Italian company offering true small group tours of 6 people or less. All of their tours use expert guides who will help you fall in love with Italian history, culture, and food. Tours include a popular golf cart tour of Rome’s highlights and their fascinating Women’s history tours
With Locals offer great value private tours. You choose from a series of set itineraries and guides in cities across Italy. There are tours focused on history, food, culture and other themes or they can be customized them for your group. We tried their 10 Tastes of Naples recently and it was lots of fun. They also have great options for families
Eating Europe – food tour specialists who will ensure you discover the best local dishes

Save 5% on Liv Tours with code – ‘untold italy’ >> click here to browse tours

Rome: A 3 Day Itinerary
The best tours in Rome
Unmissable day trips from Florence
Day trip from Rome to Pompeii
Best tours of the Vatican
Tickets and tours for the Colosseum
Rome’s best food tours

Activities and experiences

Seeing the sights of Italy is always a treat but you’ll also love immersing yourself in Italian culture. These days you can choose from a wide range of experiences and activities. From food and wine tours, to football matches, concerts and exploring the countryside by vintage car, there are memorable experiences to suit you.

Recommended experiences

Cooking class with Nonna Nerina near Rome – Grandma Nerina teaches you how to make fresh pasta and welcomes you into her home. If you can’t wait until you get to Italy to do this she also does online classes
Capri boat trip – small group on a private boat means a slower pace and more time to see the island. You can read what to expect on this day trip here

Our favorite companies for searching for interesting and unique things to do in Italy are:

Cookly – cooking class and food and wine experiences like truffle hunting from small operators across Italy
Get Your Guide – has the biggest listing of tours and experiences

Step 7 – Get ready for departure

Organize your money and credit card.

The local currency in Italy is the € Euro.

You do not need to carry too much cash when you are there. Credit and debit cards VISA and Mastercard are widely accepted while American Express and Diners Club are not as popular. You may want to consider a foreign currency card like the Wise Mastercard where you can convert Euros easily and cheaply from your US dollar, Australian dollar or Canadian dollar accounts (plus many other currencies)

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 recommend that you take two – one as a back up for emergencies. And inform your bank before you go. Sometimes they can be overzealous and place a block on your card if they see unusual activity.

Book airport transfers

Planning your arrival in Italy is recommended. 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!

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.

Rome – transfers from Fiumicino airport

Taxis are fine to take in Rome. There is a set rate into the center of €48 and the ride takes around 45 minutes. Or, if you would prefer to be met at the airport you can pre-book a transfer. A transfer is the best option if you are traveling with more than 2 people and have several items of luggage. We recommend:

Welcome Pickups – available 24/7, a private car transfer means you are met at the arrivals hall and will take between 30 minutes and one hour door-to-door.
Suntransfers – offers a wide range of vehicles for groups of all sizes. Transfers can be canceled up to 48 hours in advance with no penalty.

Another popular way to transfer into Rome is to take the Leonardo Express train . This non-stop service between Fiumicino and Rome Termini (the main station) takes 32 minutes. Trains depart every half hour from 6:08 to 23:23, and the cost is €14. You can purchase tickets at the station on the day. Unless you are staying close to Termini you will then need to get a taxi to your accommodation.

The cheapest transfer option – this bus goes direct from the airport to Termini – €6-7 one way.

READ: Our full article on Rome airport transfers .

Venice transfers

The water bus company Alilaguna runs shuttles every 15 -30 minutes in peak season to and from the airport and the islands on the lagoon. This bus stops at San Marco and Rialto as well as some other secondary stops. The fare is €8 one way €15 return and the journey takes 1½ hours – you can book online here

A private boat transfer or shared transfer in a water taxi is the fastest (and most glamorous) way to transfer to your accommodation in Venice. Journey times and prices depend on the number of people in your party 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 (cost €25) or express airport bus to Piazzale Roma (cost €8) and then take a vaporetto (water bus) or walk your hotel/accommodation. A one way trip on the ferry costs €7 per person and is valid for 60 minutes.

READ: Our full article on Venice airport transfers> .

Florence transfers from Florence airport

Florence airport is very close to the city center and a 15 minute taxi ride away. There is also an airport bus that takes around 20 minutes. A 20 minute tram ride takes you to the main Santa Maria Novella train station and costs €1.50.

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. Starts at 6.00 am and the last train departs at midnight and it costs €5.00.

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 or Sorrento transfers from Naples airport or train station

We recommend organizing a private transfer for this journey. 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. We 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.

Plan how to access the internet

Consider how you will access the internet on your trip. You may be happy to disconnect and use paper or offline maps however many of us need internet access.

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 to use offline maps and guides then you should be able to get by using wifi at your hotel or accommodation. Do not expect wifi to be available in restaurants and cafes because in Italy restaurants are for eating.

If you plan to use wifi make sure to turn off international data roaming before your trip to avoid unpleasant bill surprises.

Paid internet options

Use your provider’s roaming plan – usually very expensive and slow speeds if coming from outside Europe
Local SIM – purchase a tourist SIM before your depart or when you arrive that has enough data for map navigation and research. Italian provider TIM comes highly recommended and there are outlets at the airports and train stations
Portable wifi device – connect multiple devices to high speed internet for reasonable prices. We use and recommend Solis Wifi (Get 10% off with our code – UNTOLDM )

READ: Our full guide to Cellphones and getting online in Italy (SIMs, wifi and more) .

Packing for your Italy trip

The key to packing for Italy is to pack the minimum that you need. Many people like to take carry-on luggage only for their trips. This is a great way to travel as you will find it much easier managing trains, cobblestones and stairs that are a feature of travel in Italy.

But, most of us find that a challenge, so try to stick to a medium bag per person plus one carry on item. Large suitcases are not a good idea. You will also thank yourself if you consider your footwear carefully. Three comfortable pairs will see you through most trips.

Note – We have a complete packing guide coming soon.

LISTEN: to packing strategies in this podcast episode .

Must have items for your trip

Luggage – get the size right with our guide to the best luggage for Italy
Untold Italy travel planners – one page checklists of the must see sights, restaurants and gelato bars in Italy’s most popular places
Collapsible water bottle – stay hydrated and fill up at free water fountains all over Italy
Camera – for your vacation snaps. We recommend lightweight mirrorless models like these ones
Packing cubes – these make packing, organizing your luggage and unpacking so easy. We love them!
Power cube – don’t bring lots of bulky converters. This one has 3 USB ports
Battery pack – keep all your devices charged
Plug adapter – you will need one!
Face masks – for your safety and you may be required to wear one indoors
Hand sanitizer wipes – to keep germs at bay

READ: Our Complete packing guide for Italy .

Get started and plan your Italy trip now!

We hope you now have more confidence to start planning your trip to Italy. This will no doubt be a trip that you’ll remember and cherish for years to come. And, like many of us, you may find it sparks a passion to return to bella Italia again and again.

Latest Italy Travel Podcasts and Articles

Italy in january – reasons to visit and what to expect, can you travel to italy – latest travel information [july 2024], the best luggage for italy travel in 2024, renting a car in italy – top things to know, 21 most romantic places in italy to add to your itinerary, best place to stay in rome: districts and neighborhood guide [2024], italy in december – reasons to visit and what to expect, how to pack for italy, planning a trip to italy.

We love travel in Italy and sharing our knowledge. Read our popular Italy trip planning guide or join our FREE Italy Travel Planning Community . Our 140,000+ members are happy to answer questions about your itinerary, how to get from place to place, the best places to stay and fun things to do.

Sign up for our news and podcast updates where we share mini guides, tips, exclusive deals and more and we'll send you our Italy Trip Planning Checklist to say grazie ! >> click here to subscribe

Italia. Open to meraviglia.

Where to dock in a roadstead in Italy, 8 beautiful and little-used mooring sites

Abruzzo, let yourself be captivated by the wilderness of a land ready to be discovered

A journey to discover Rimini's seaside architecture

13 hidden places that reveal the secret Milan

Landscapes that will take your breath away, rich history, and delicious food, your trip to italy will be nothing short of unforgettable. , unmissable sites.

UNESCO sites
Thermal baths

Food and wine

Milano Marittima, Rimini and Riccione: where the night is young

Via Tornabuoni in Florence: the address for luxury and Made in Italy trends

Michelangelo's Moses at San Pietro in Vincoli

Caribbean Sardinia: Le Dune di Porto Pino beach

Outdoor and nature 4 seasons: Piedmont is the experience you don't expect

Emilia Romagna: an unforgettable holiday on the wings of the wind, gliding through the hills, villages and flavours of the Apennines

The best trails in UNESCO heritage sites in Italy: 10,000 steps amid nature and beauty

The 15 Italian UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage excellences

Artistic masterpieces and gastronomic marvels in Modena

The Dolomites: the most beautiful architectural work in the world

Cilento, between unspoilt beaches, wild nature and charming hamlets

Alberobello, the Trulli capital, a fairy tale experience

Emilia-Romagna

Small and proud, with a focus on sustainability. Here are the most charming rural villages to visit in Italy

Cycling around nature and historic hamlets in Abruzzo

Tax breaks for moving to the charming villages of central and southern Italy

Seaside Villages

Castelmola, a window on the sea a few steps from Taormina

Frosolone: one of the most beautiful Italian villages, in Molise

3 of the best wellness itineraries in Emilia Romagna

A wellness weekend at the Euganean Spas

Ischia, the island of wellbeing among thermal gardens and natural springs

Outdoor spas in Lazio, oases of relaxation and wellness to suit all tastes

Montecatini Terme, historical thermal centre in Tuscany

Terme di Caramanico, a haven of wellness and relaxation

Discover Italy: Official Tourism Website - Italia.it

Restaurants

Street food in Naples is the quintessence of wonders for the palate

From Levante to Ponente, Ligurian cuisine in 11 stops

Calabria and Its Peperoncino

Artisanal Gelato

Veneto, a colourful planet full of flavour

Festa del Redentore

Medieval Festival

Arezzo Antiques Fair

2024 MONZA FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX

Golden Gala

The Castelbuono Marathon

Lucca Summer Festival

Catania Book Festival

Cous Cous Fest

Romaeuropa Festival

The unique feast of Santa Rosa in Viterbo

Vigneti aperti 2024

Photo from above over Piazza del Campo, Siena.

Palio di Siena

The Palio of Asti

Discover italy.

Aosta Valley

The Aosta Valley is a paradise for visitors seeking outdoor experiences in nature while exploring history and traditions The smallest region in Italy, dotted with the highest peaks in the Alps, it is the ideal destination for anyone who enjoys winter sports and high-altitude walks. Its green valleys and fairy-tale castles make the Aosta Valley an enchanting place to experience all year round.

Piedmont is sure to enchant you with its mountains, hills, typical flavours and uniquely elegant cities An extraordinary heritage of art and history, culture and nature, characterises Piedmont, a region with a thousand faces, one more interesting than the other: cities of rare elegance, mountains that lend themselves to splendid skiing or walking, fascinating villages, hills that are among the best known in the world for their extraordinary wine production.

Lombardy: a dynamic land immersed in the present and reaching toward the future, but with an extraordinary heritage of art and nature Lombardy is a region in the north of Italy known for its industry and finance, of course, but also for its art and extraordinary landscapes, starting with the picturesque lakes and its mountains, Valcamonica and Valtellina in primis. Capital and symbolic city, Milan represents the industrious heart that goes hand in hand with other cities with a vibrant spirit.

Trentino is sure to amaze you with its immense natural heritage, the spectacular splendour of the Dolomites and fascinating sites steeped in history Discover Trentino’s culture of slow travel, taking the time to savour every corner among nature and cultural trails and educational farms. You will find hundreds of hotels offering wellness centres for truly relaxing holidays for the whole family in some of Italy's most beautiful villages, set in unique landscapes.

South Tyrol

Alto Adige is a dream place to discover all year round amidst green valleys and snow-capped peaks Combine the relaxation of spa treatments with the pleasure of fun in the snow for a real wellness boost amidst Alpine lakes, beautiful villages and state-of-the-art ski facilities suitable for all ages. All this and more in the majestic scenery of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Alto Adige.

Veneto, a region of wonder, with cities of art of undisputed beauty, as well as the most pristine nature The beauty of Lake Garda, the charm of the Dolomites, the sea of Jesolo, the hills covered with vineyards and the relaxing thermal baths, on top of an immense artistic and historical heritage, elegant cities such as Venice and Verona, quaint villages and breathtaking landscapes. Veneto is all this and much more.

Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Friuli-Venezia Giulia Friuli Venezia Giulia: a treasure chest nestled between sea and mountains A border region sandwiched between the Friulian Dolomites and the Upper Adriatic, blessed with an immense cultural heritage resulting from the influence of different cultures and peoples, cosmopolitan and modern, Friuli Venezia Giulia will also seduce you with its temptations of relaxation, sport and fun.

Tucked-away villages, secret little beaches and superb nature: how enchanting Liguria is! Liguria is a wonderful strip of land enclosed between the sea and the mountains, with pastel-coloured houses and breathtaking views. With lush unspoilt nature, many small towns to discover and an incomparable culinary tradition, it enraptures the eye and the heart.

Emilia Romagna, a region of unrivalled charm, with immense artistic beauty and unparalleled hospitality Emilia Romagna with its Riviera Romagnola offers beach tourism that attracts families and young people to its shores every summer. Rich in sites of historical and cultural interest, this region boasts a world-renowned wine and food tradition. Skilful hospitality does the rest, making Emilia Romagna an ideal holiday destination in every season. Video credits: Oliver Astrologo

Tuscany will win you over with its unique landscapes, cities of art, thousand-year-old history and fantastic food Tuscany’s magical atmosphere evolves day by day as you stroll around the cities of art, cycle in the parks, enjoy the sea or savour its typical products, in a region with a one-of-a-kind natural, cultural and historical heritage that has fascinated visitors for centuries.

From Assisi to Perugia, via Gubbio, Lake Trasimeno and Marmore Falls: Umbria is a truly enchanting tourist destination Peaks covered in lush forests and large valleys outlined by rivers, lakes and waterfalls; sorrounded by villages and castles, crossed by paths steeped in history, art and culture, in a natural environment that helps to restore the body and soul: Umbria, the Green Heart of Italy, is all this and much more.

Le Marche, a plunge into the history, art and architecture of a region with the scent of the sea and redolent of traditions and hospitality A great variety of landscapes and an infinite range of colours that make the area's natural beauty incomparable, plus an artistic heritage that fears no comparison: this is how the Marches, with an area of no more than 10,000 square kilometres, will captivate you forever.

Sardinia: a journey to the island of the emerald sea, nuraghi, unspoilt nature and millenary traditions Crystal-clear waters, beaches of soft, white sand, granite rocks framed by wild, fragrant Mediterranean scrub: welcome to Sardinia, an island of a thousand contrasts that will also seduce you with its unique archaeological heritage and its people's innate sense of hospitality.

Lazio is not only Rome: landscapes and monuments of Lazio Rome, the capital of Italy and a unique open-air museum in the world, is enough to make Lazio one of the most beautiful and interesting regions. Even in terms of landscape, it boasts an area of great impact and remarkable variety, with its long coastline, beautiful hills and Apennine mountains. A destination to fall in love with.

Abruzzo, a journey through history between sea, mountains, flavours and unspoilt nature in parks and protected areas A region in central Italy, Abruzzo has two souls and one heart. Predominantly mountainous and hilly, it overlooks a beautiful stretch of the Adriatic Sea. Here, you will find the highest peaks of the Apennines, such as the Gran Sasso and the Majella massif, as well as the only Apennine glacier, but also some of the most popular beaches.

Campania offers landscapes, history, culture and a gastronomic tradition that the whole world envies A consistently mild climate, lush nature framing breathtaking landscapes, unspoilt villages and fairy-tale coastlines: this is Campania, a region that sums up centuries of cultures, between West and East, in a single Mediterranean jewel known for its unparalleled hospitality. A destination for the soul, the eyes and the palate.

Molise, a tiny region with grandiose landscapes: come and discover its history and culinary tradition Molise is a region steeped in history, characterised by numerous tasty food and wine delicacies, but also by rich nature reserves and villages that seem crystallised in history. A destination yet to be discovered, amid marvellous seashores and breathtaking high cliffs

Apulia: the sunny region between two seas and warm hospitality in places rich in history Located in the heart of the Mediterranean, it is a magical combination of artefacts, history, art and unspoilt nature, amidst beautiful coastlines and picture-postcard landscapes. This is Puglia, a region of golden beaches and crystal-clear waters, intense flavours and fascinating destinations: Castel del Monte, the trulli, the islands passing through towns kissed by a unique and unforgettable light.

Basilicata, a region of ancient origins, suspended between two seas and with mountains of great beauty Basilicata is a region where the passage of man has left its mark since prehistoric times. With the ancient name of “Lucania”, it is enriched by an incredible artistic heritage. Not to mention its never-boring panorama, which ranges from the Lucanian Dolomites to the Pollino Park, passing through two seas.

Calabria is the region of crystal-clear sea, the Riace Bronzes, Reggio Calabria and Capo Vaticano, a captivating mix of history and beauty Calabria, also known as the tip of the Italian boot, is a region in Southern Italy characterised by the incredible diversity of its landscapes, with the proximity of mountains to a splendid sea that attracts tourists from all over the world.

A dive into Sicily, where a sea of art, culture and nature will seduce you and become eternal love A predominantly hilly and mountainous area, but one that wins the hearts of tourists from all over the world with its wonderful sea and rich cities with a charm all their own. Sicily is a picture-postcard island characterised by the indelible marks of the people who have lived there and made it unique, amidst artistic and cultural testimonies of enormous value.

The source of inspiration for your Italian adventures

The watchword: sustainability. A journey to discover sustainable fashion in Italy

How to travel by bus or train with friends in an eco-friendly and fun way

Diving: close contact with the Big Blue

Emilia Romagna, experience the land of flavours

Rediscover your Italian roots

Italian cuisine around the world: a treasure that knows no boundaries

Create your ideal journey.

Art and culture

Relax and wellness

Spirituality

Shopping & Markets

Cycling Tourism

Social Wall

Italy seen by you.

Join the @italiait community and post your experiences

Continue living like an Italian

Subscribe to the Newsletter so as not to miss places, events and experiences for experiencing the best side of Italy: the authentic one.

Keep up to date

Would you like to learn about the most authentic experiences to be had in Italy, stay up to date on the most interesting events, discover our special offers and receive lots of insider hints and tips?

Save your favorite places

Create an account or log in to save your wishlist

Do you already have an account? Sign in

TTC family of brands

My Trafalgar

Destinations

Get Inspired

1-800-352-4444

Large Man Rowing Boat In Canal By Buildings 1164329422

See All Tours

Last Minute Deals

Travelling soon? Book now & save up to 15%* on 2024 tours & $400† off per couple on flights>

See more trips

The best of Italian trips unlocked for you

Experience Italy differently. Enjoy one-of-a-kind experiences and uncover local secrets when our friends across the country open their doors to you. Here’s just a sample of the rich experiences you can expect.

5 million happy guests and counting

Capital City

Winter avg temp

Summer avg temp

Good morning

Good evening

“Uffizi Gallery in Florence is a world class museum with an incredible renaissance art collection. Enjoy a guided tour with a Local Specialist to make the experience more memorable, especially when in front of Botticelli’s stunning ‘Birth of Venus’ painting”

Pino, Travel Director

See Michelangelo's frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel

One of the most important structures of the Catholic faith, the Vatican City’s Sistine Chapel is a must-see on a tour of Italy. Though the chapel walls have witnessed centuries of worship, it’s the renaissance ceiling paintings of Michelangelo that will leave you in awe.

Visit the glamorous Isle of Capri

Enjoy the classic Italian summer in Italy’s picture-perfect Gulf of Naples. Famed for its crystal grottos, dramatic coastlines and endless glamour, our trips to Italy are complete with a day of freedom spent under a striped umbrella, watching sailboats pass by.

Cruise your way through Venice

The charm found in the canals of Venice is nothing short of irresistible. Admire gothic palaces and postcard bridges whilst adrift in a gondola, gaining an understanding of life in a city that floats. Exploring a city by foot will never be the same after a trip to Venice.

Journey to the well-preserved ruins of Pompeii

An unfathomable history lesson is found in the archaeological ruins of Pompeii. Buried and preserved by the ash of a volcano eruption in the year 79, in this Italian town you will discover the progressive life of early Roman times as you walk within the parameters of an open-air time capsule of life on Earth.

Go shopping in Italy's fashion capital Milan

Armani, Gucci, Prada and Versace. These are some of the prestigious fashion brands that call the Italian city of Milan home. In between yearning through boutiques and department stores, stop to sample the city’s delicacies like breaded veal cutlet and ossobuco.

Our top 5 things to do in Italy

It's the moments of quiet stillness that take your breath away on a Trafalgar tour through Italy. Sitting in the calm halls of the Vatican. Floating on the canals of Venice. Standing beside the ruins of Pompeii.

Uffizi Gallery

The Tuscan capital is home to Uffizi Gallery, where the brushworks of art’s true masters are found. Names like Raffaello, Leonardo, and Michelangelo dress Uffizi’s grand pink walls, whilst internal courtyards leading to the Arno River will show you the building’s architectural brilliance.

Vatican Museums

A collection of Christian artwork that spans centuries and stirs the soul is found in Rome’s Vatican Museums. From the intricate ceiling by Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel to the detailed Pope portraits from the 16th century to today, you will be lost for words once inside this blessed museum complex.

Doge's Palace

Home to the leader of Venice from its opening in 1340, Doge’s Palace summarises the sparkle of this city. An opulent example of Venetian Gothic architecture and home to numerous historical works, this museum is a must when you visit Venice.

Best museums in Italy

The epicentre of the Catholic faith and the birthplace of art’s most renowned masters. Our guided tours of Italy will take you to the many museums found here, whether in the Sistine Chapel, by the canals of Venice or in the grand galleries of Tuscany.

The authentic carbonara experience will take place in Rome, covered in salty Pecorino Romano cheese. A simple dish inspiring heart-warming meal times, this pasta will connect you with Italy’s rich culinary customs - an impressive evolution from its supposed heritage as a coal-miner’s meal.

Pollo alla Cacciatora

Literally translating to ‘hunter’ in Italian, cacciatore offers an appreciation for Italy’s meals of days gone by. Typically a preparation of rabbit or chicken, it’s the simmering tomato stew that makes this dish so mouthwatering. Satisfy a genuine hunger and consume with hand-ripped bread.

Italy tours are best served with an oversized slice of tiramisu. Cementing this country's obsession with espresso, this cake of layered biscuits soaked in coffee is the perfect after hours pick-me-up before an evening stroll through the charming streets.

Best food in Italy

A date with Italian food will likely start and end with a slice of pizza. But it’s the menu items that we share with you in between that will take your appreciation to new heights; think cacciatore and Carbonara with a slice of tiramisu in between.

What to pack for Italy

A classic linen outfit

The Italians are famous for their equal parts glamorous and effortless dress sense. Look the part with a few ensembles featuring classic linens in navy and white.

A blank journal

With the wealth of inspiration tucked into every corner of Italy, you might find yourself compelled to write down notes or memories. At the very least to remember the traditional Italian recipes you learn.

With such a large expanse of space to explore, on some days, long journeys are unavoidable. The scenery will provide plenty of visual entertainment, while headphones can be used to listen to some local music or enjoy podcasts about Italian history, culture and politics when you're not enjoying the storytelling from your Travel Director.

A small blanket

When exploring the soul-stirring setting of Tuscany, a picnic may call. Come prepared with a small blanket to cover in wine and cheese.

Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes

A classic memoir that brought the romance of Tuscany to the world, there’s no better time to read this book than when venturing through the country yourself.

Pack for sustainable travel

Consider your environmental impact when you next take a trip and go single-use-plastic-free by packing a reusable water bottle, a steel straw, your own shopping bags and reusable toiletry bottles.

Our Europe & Britain destinations

Africa the Middle East

Australia and New Zealand

North and Central America

South America

Other worldwide regions we visit

Frequently Asked Questions

Travel Update

Get your free brochure

Find your next escape with the world's leading travel brand

Request A Brochure

Trafalgar worldwide brochure next to a cup of coffee

Award winning tours

Every year, we're proud to win some of the most prestigious travel accolades around the world - from the Travel Globes to the Agent's Choice Awards

Search Our Tours

Help & Info

Our Destination Management Companies

WE MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Unedited Reviews

Travel Updates

Travel Planning

Get Your Free Brochure

Travel Insurance

Booking Conditions

Trip Deposit Level

Recommendations

Trafalgar Tours Limited is a proud member of The Travel Corporation family of companies.

#SimplyTrafalgar

Travel House, Rue du Manoir St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 2JH

Selected Region

United States

United Kingdom

New Zealand

South Africa

Terms and Conditions

Jessie on a Journey | Solo Female Travel Blog

Italy Travel Guide

Looking for an in-depth Italy travel guide ?

Then you’re in the right place!

Italy consistently ranks high on the list of most-visited countries in the world, and for good reason. Between its incredible Italian food, rich history and culture, and gorgeous environment, Italy has so much to offer travelers.

Whether you’re looking to sail the Italian lakes and hike through the Tuscan countryside or just enjoy as much Italian cuisine as your stomach will allow, this guide can help you design the perfect adventure in Italy.

Now, there are a few destinations in Italy that you simply can’t miss.

The capital of Rome has been a hub for urban life for thousands of years. Where else can you enjoy a gelato right across from ancient Roman ruins like the Colosseum?

Additionally, the city has plenty of hidden gems to explore beyond the big-name attractions, like Museum Missionario di Propaganda Fide and other little churches and shops hidden in back alleys. You just have to know where to look!

The city of Florence , located in the heart of Tuscany, is renowned for both classic and modern art — including plenty of street art you can enjoy free of charge. You can even make some art of your own at a fresco workshop !

Up north in Milan, wander through a city that is a true mix of old and new. Roman ruins share space with Gothic cathedrals and modern architecture in this fashionable city.

There are also plenty of ways to enjoy Italy while getting a little off-the-beaten path.

In the small walled Tuscan town of San Gimignano, explore Medieval architecture and climb up the bell tower at Torre Grossa for a truly incredible view. The town is also home to plenty of boutique hotels with a local vibe.

From there, you can explore the rest of the region of Tuscany by bike or car, taste some local wines, and get a true feel for Italian life.

Oh, and you can’t miss the Amalfi Coast, one of the most gorgeous seaside regions in the world! Pro tip: If you enjoy being active, hike the Path Of The Gods and then end the day with some beach time and an Aperol Spritz in Positano.

After your Amalfi Coast adventure, spend time in the nearby city of Naples to explore the still-active Mount Vesuvius and savor a slice in the birthplace of pizza before taking a ferry to visit the island of Ischia for a few days of hiking, beaches, castles, and seafood.

Or, if you’re looking for a truly picturesque destination, head to Cinque Terre on the northwest coast. Go beyond the guidebook and visit the little seaside villages along the coast by hiking or by taking a boat — you’ll be glad you did!

Keep reading to dive into resources that will help you with planning a trip to Italy in Europe.

Note: This ultimate guide to Italy travel contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Use this Italy travel map to begin planning your trip to this incredible country!

Click here for an interactive Google Map version of the above graphic.

Top Italy Destinations

Looking for the best vacation places in Italy ? These travel guides to Italy can help!

Perugia should be in every Italy travel guide

Slowing Down In Paradise In Perugia, Italy

Things To Do In Venice, Italy (Beyond The Grand Canal)

Ischia should be in every Italy visitor's guide

One Perfect Day On The Italian Island Of Ischia

Tips About Italy

This Italy travel advice will help you plan the perfect trip!

Amalfi Coast Italy travel guide hiking the Path of the Gods

How To Hike The Path Of The Gods On The Amalfi Coast Of Italy

Stopping in Ischia on an Italy road trip

How To Have An Epic Road Trip Through Italy

Traveling Italy Solo: The Ultimate Guide

Tuscany Travel Guide

You can’t go to Italy without visiting Tuscany. Learn why through these Italy travel guides.

Exploring the vineyards of Tuscany on a trip to Italy

How To Bike Tuscany & See The Region’s Best Views

A delicious restaurant meal when visiting Tuscany

A Carnivore’s Heaven In Tuscany, Italy

Learning The Art Of Cooking With Olive Oil In Tuscany

Italy's best places to visit include wine like this Tuscany restaurant

Piazza del Vino: A New Concept For Tuscany

Food should be an itinerary focus when planning a trip to Italy

A Delicious & Tipsy Journey Through Tuscany, Italy

Florence Travel Guide

Looking for a city guide to Florence as well as to learn about the best day trips from Florence ? Check out:

Florence tour guide sharing how to make fresco in Italy

Learning The Art Of Fresco In Florence, Italy

A beautiful view that every Florence visitors guide should recommend

3 Unique Art Experiences In Florence (Beyond The Uffizi Gallery)

Cinque Terre Travel Guide

If you’re looking for the best Italy places to visit you can’t miss Cinque Terre. Here’s why.

Making Friends Over Food In Riomaggiore, Italy

Visiting the waterfront on a Cique Terre walking tour

How To Go Beyond The Guidebook In Cinque Terre, Italy

Rome Travel Guide

Rome is home to some of the best sights to see in Italy , which you’ll discover in these guides.

Enjoying Rome sightseeing tours around the Colosseum

Italy, Travel: Exploring Rome Beyond The Ruins

Exploring The Hidden Treasures Of Rome, Italy

The Ultimate Rome Solo Travel Guide

woman in Perugia on a weekend trip from Rome

20 Best Weekend Trips From Rome

Best Italy Tours

Explore local culture with an Italy tour guide through these unique excursions:

Skip-The-Line Rome Colosseum Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine with 45′ Guided Tour
Ancient Rome City Tour
Cooking Class and Lunch at a Tuscan Farmhouse with Local Market Tour from Florence
Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence with Optional Hiking
Capri and Blue Grotto Day Tour from Naples or Sorrento
Full-Day Prosecco Wine Tasting from Venice

Renting A Car In Italy

Need a rental car for your Italy trip?

Use Discover Cars to quickly compare your car rental options.

Italy Train Travel

Getting around Italy by train, bus, or ferry?

Omio is a must! I use this tool for all of my public transportation needs, especially when traveling through Europe .

The site is straightforward and user-friendly — and you can pre-book your tickets in advance at a discount.

They even offer flight and car deals!

Italy Hotels

Click here to browse the best Italy travel hotels!

Prefer self-contained stays?

Click here to check out unique local rentals!

You can also use this map to search for local stays:

Italy Travel Insurance

It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling solo or with a group on an Italy tour. When visiting Italy — or any other country in the world — make sure to get travel insurance to protect your health and safety.

In my opinion, the best travel medical insurance for travelers is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country).

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

With coverage, you’ll have peace of mind as you embark on your Italy travel itinerary.

Click my referral link here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

Italy Travel Guide FAQ

Below, find answers to frequently asked questions about traveling in Italy .

Q: How much money do you need per day in Italy?

The average traveler spends about $150 USD per day in Italy on accommodations, food, transportation, activities, and more.

Italy is fairly backpacker-friendly and there are plenty of ways to save money on food and other travel expenses. Hostels abound in most cities and many offer free walking tours, which are also a great way to get oriented upon arriving in a city.

Tip: Since many restaurants charge an extra fee if you choose to sit and eat inside, consider grabbing some food to go and having a picnic. With all the delicious food available in Italy, you won’t miss out on the cuisine by eating al fresco.

Q: What are some travel tips for Italy?

There are lots of things to consider when visiting Italy, particularly for the first time.

For one, many cities and towns have been around for centuries and can be tough to navigate without a map. Make sure to download some offline maps before you head out. This is particularly helpful in cities like Venice, where the combination of twisty streets and less-than-stellar navigational service can leave you walking around in circles for hours.

There’s no need to buy water in most major Italian cities. Cities like Rome and Florence have clean drinking water fountains throughout where you can fill up a reusable bottle for free. There are even some natural sparkling water fountains around for those who need their fix of bubbles.

While English is widely spoken in major cities, you’ll want to learn at least a few Italian phrases, particularly if you’re visiting smaller towns. Not only will it help you communicate with the locals but it shows your respect for the people of Italy and their culture.

You will also probably visit at least a few churches during your time in Italy. Note that women are expected to cover their shoulders and legs inside churches, particularly at major religious sites like the Vatican. All visitors are expected to remove their hats, as well.

Covering up can be a challenge in the hot summer months, so packing a shawl or hoodie in your day bag to throw over your shorts or tank top is a smart idea.

Hungry? Make sure to spend some time trying traditional food in Bologna , the food capital of Italy!

Q: Is it safe to travel in Italy?

Italy is generally quite safe for visitors. Though crime rates are on the higher side than other European destinations, they have declined in recent years, and most tourist cities are even safe for those traveling alone ( solo trip to Rome , anyone?).

The main thing to be aware of is petty crime. Pickpocketing does happen, particularly in tourist-heavy areas, so be aware of your surroundings, keep any valuables close to you and out of sight, and learn how to avoid pickpockets by wearing hidden-pocket clothing.

It’s also important to be aware of local laws. For example, drinking alcohol on the street is common in many Italian cities but public drunkenness can come with major fines.

Also, don’t forget to validate your bus, train, or metro ticket before you board. If you get caught without a validated ticket, you can face an on-the-spot fine.

Q: How many days do you need in Italy?

Most experts recommend spending at least 10 days in Italy to enjoy the major cities and top destinations like Tuscany and the coast.

You’ll need at least three days just to explore Rome since the city is chock full of historic sites, including the Vatican.

A two-week trip will allow you to visit a few more places like Pompeii and spend a bit of time on the Amalfi Coast. The length of your trip certainly depends on your priorities — and is the perfect amount of time for a fun-filled Italy road trip !

Q: When is the best time to visit Italy?

While the summer season (from July to early September) is a popular time for tourists to visit Italy, the weather is very hot.

Springtime (April through June) and early fall (mid-September through October) are a bit more pleasant and much less crowded. You’ll also find some better deals if you visit off-season.

Of course, Italy is lovely any time of year, and visiting in the winter has its perks, particularly if you’re looking to do some skiing in the Alps.

Q: How long can a tourist stay in Italy?

Most tourist visas will allow you to stay in Italy for up to 90 days without engaging in any professional activity during your stay.

Q: Do I need an Italy travel visa?

Travelers from the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Schengen Area member countries, and several other countries do not need a visa to visit Italy for a period of fewer than 90 days.

It’s recommended to view your country’s Italy International Travel Information page for the most up-to-date information on entry and exit requirements. You can also contact the Consulate General of Italy.

Q: Where is Italy?

Italy is located in southern Europe and is bordered by France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia to the north as well as the Adriatic Sea, Tyrrhenian Sea, Ionian Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea.

Q: Are credit cards accepted in Italy?

Credit cards — particularly Visa and Mastercard — are widely accepted around Italy, though it is always wise to carry some cash for smaller establishments and in case of emergency.

Q: Can you drink the tap water in Italy?

Yes, it is safe to drink tap water in Italy unless otherwise noted in just a few areas of the country.

Q: What is the local currency in Italy?

The local currency in italy is the Euro (€).

What would you add to this Italy travel guide?

Enjoyed this ultimate Italy travel guide? Pin it for later!

Members save 10% or more on over 100,000 hotels worldwide when you’re signed in

Tower of Gualtieri featuring heritage architecture, landscape views and a church or cathedral

As the birthplace of pizza, gelato and pasta, Italy is perhaps best known for its mouthwatering food, though it also has much more to experience. Wander through ancient cities filled with historical ruins and relax at glamorous coastal resorts.

Among Italy’s biggest tourist hotspots are Venice, Rome and Florence, each offering iconic sights and world-class museums, from canals to the Colosseum to the Uffizi Gallery. Travelers in search of rugged coastlines and gorgeous beaches head to the islands of Capri or Sardinia, while food-obsessed visitors head to Bologna. For romance and open-air opera, venture to cobbled Verona, the setting for Shakespeare’s timeless love story, Romeo and Juliet .

The Vatican City in Rome is another tourist favorite, with art-loving visitors arriving in droves to marvel at Michelangelo’s famous Sistine Chapel frescoes. If you are planning a visit to this holy enclave, dress modestly and come in the afternoon to avoid the large morning rush.

South of Naples is the scenic Amalfi Coast. Discover colorful mountain towns and picturesque former fishing villages, such as Positano. For a more rugged coastal escape, head north to the UNESCO-listed Cinque Terre, five pastel-painted clifftop villages on the Ligurian coast.

Tuscany in central Italy is another much-loved vacation destination. Stroll around hilltop medieval towns such as the multi-towered San Gimignano and sample some of the region’s famous wines, including Brunello di Montalcino and Chianti Classico. Tuscany is also home to Pisa, famed for its leaning tower.

Italy has an efficient public transportation system. Getting around the country is relatively easy. Ride trains and buses between the larger cities or rent a car to explore more rural areas and remote villages. Ferries run between the ports of the mainland and the small outlying islands. Two major airports serving Italy are Fiumicino Airport in Rome and Milano-Malpensa Airport in Milan.

Uncovering all the charms of the “big boot” of Italy could take years. Pick your favorite spots for your first visit and plan your trip now.

Popular cities in Italy

Reasons to visit.

Piazza Navona
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Teatro alla Scala
Piazza del Duomo
Port of Naples
Piazza del Plebiscito
Galleria Umberto I
St. Mark's Square
St. Mark's Basilica
Doge's Palace
Uffizi Gallery
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
Palazzo Vecchio
Teatro Massimo
Ballaro Market
Palace of the Normans

Popular places to visit

A true architectural heavyweight, the 2,000-year-old Colosseum is often considered one of the seven “modern” wonders of the world.

Trevi Fountain

Rome is a city abundant in world-class water features, but none more stunning, or more famous, than the Trevi Fountain.

One of ancient Rome’s greatest achievements combines momentous history and inspired architecture.

Regions in Italy

Cagliari - Villasimius - Southern Sardinia which includes street scenes

Things to do

I only need accommodations for part of my trip

Let's be friends! Sign up receive our monthly newsletter with updates and new in-depth guides.

10 Days in Italy: A Complete Itinerary for First Timers

One thing I don’t think people really understand – I certainly didn’t – before they learn more about Italy is how diverse Italy is from a historical, cultural, and political perspective. Italy is one of the youngest countries in the European Union, having only been unified in 1861.

Of course, it’s hard to picture that given our conceptions about the Roman Empire and their control over the Italian Peninsula, but for the past thousand years or so, it has been a smorgasbord of various city-states and independent republics that were constantly vying for power.

And they all had different political structures, cultural quirks, and, perhaps most importantly, food and drink specialties.

Over the course of your time in Italy, we hope that you’ll get a taste for what makes each region that you spend time in special, and we’re here to help you figure out how to spend 10 days exploring that regional diversity, seeing the main sights along with some less-visited places (Bologna!) that we love.

Anyway, our point is that Italy is amazing. We love Italy, and you should go (and be smart about how you structure your trip).

If you’re planning a trip to Italy with 10 days to spend and you’re not sure where to start, this guide is for you!

We’re going to give you our version of the best way to spend 10 days in Italy for the first time all based on our own experiences over the course of multiple trips including Alysha’s six month stint living in Rome, almost six weeks in Italy a few years back, and another three weeks in 2022.

As if that wasn’t enough, Matt just got back from a trip to Rome in the spring of 2024, and we’re planning a trip to the Dolomites in the summer of 2025.

As you can pretty clearly see, we can’t get enough Italy in our lives.

In this guide to planning your 10 day Italy itinerary, here’s what we’re going to cover:

Exactly how to plan out your 10 day trip to Italy, including what stops to make, what route to take, and all the important logistics you need to know
A guide to what to do, where to stay, and how to get there for each stop on the itinerary
Options for shorter and longer trips if you have more or less time in Italy

Throughout the guide, we’ll share our favorite finds and experiences in Italy based on our multiple trips (including six weeks in Italy a couple of years ago, a more recent three week trip in the fall of 2022, and a relatively short trip to Rome in 2024) to help you plan your unforgettable trip.

Sound good to you? Let’s get into it.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.

How Much Can You See With 10 Days?

The first thing we need to do as we get into exactly how to plan your itinerary is set expectations about what is possible with 10 days.

Italy is a big, big country, and 10 days is barely enough time to scratch the surface. 10 days is a great start to exploring Italy, but you’re going to have to pick and choose what to focus on.

I mean, I (Matt here!) have spent a full two and a half months in Italy over the past several years (including a five day stay in Rome in the spring of 2024), and I STILL haven’t made it to all the places I want to make it to (though I’ve made a good dent in my list now – Dolomites in the summer of 2025, here we come!).

We’d urge you to resist the temptation to continuously add places to your itinerary until you’re scooting around Italy like a madman (or madwoman), changing cities every day and sprinting between museums.

We’ve been there. Trust us.

We completely understand the temptation, have fallen victim to it many times, and are here to tell you that your trip will be much more relaxing, rewarding, and memorable if you spend more time in fewer places.

10 days is enough time to see some of the main highlights (like Rome and Venice), connect with locals and see their cities and countries through a different lens, eat some great food and drink some excellent wine (duh), and get a taste for what makes Italy special (and to populate your list for places you want to go on your return trip!).

We’ve also found time to visit some of our favorite underrated, less visited cities in Italy – namely Bologna (our favorite city in Italy) and Verona – along the way.

How to Structure Your Itinerary

As we’ve traveled more and more over the past several years, we’ve come to realize that we have a strong perspective on how to approach a longer trip (10+ days).

The first thing we want to say here is that you should dedicate at least 2-3 days to each of Italy’s big cities like Rome, Venice, Florence, or Milan .

Trying to do any of those cities in a day is going to be mayhem, and you will inevitably be checked out and ready for a nap in the early afternoon as you’re heading to your next attraction.

The reason that multiple days are better is to split up the main attractions.

Take Rome, whose two main attractions are the Colosseum and the Vatican in our minds. Trying to do those two things on the same day is going to sap you of all of your energy, and you won’t be able to focus on whichever one comes second.

Always always always split up those bigger attractions so that they fall on separate days when you can!

We also believe that it is almost always better to choose a home base for a longer period and do day trips from there rather than moving around every day or two .

In this case, with 10 days, we’d pick a maximum of three cities you want to use as a home base, and divide your time roughly equally between them.

For your first trip to Italy, we think those three cities should be Rome, Florence, and Venice .

Those three cities are great places to visit in their own right from a culture, history, and food perspective, but also are easily connected with Italy’s high speed train network. Plus, Florence in particular makes for a great home base for exploring multiple other places via day trip.

Where to Start and End Your Trip to Italy

The next thing to think about as you’re planning your trip is where you’re going to start and end your trip to Italy.

The first thing to know is that, if you can, you should book an “open jaw” flight – a flight that arrives in one city and departs from another – to cut down on backtracking and extra travel time.

If you follow the itinerary below as written, you’ll want to fly into Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and fly out of Venice’s Marco Polo Airport (VCE).

Both are big international airports, but will likely require a connection if you’re coming from outside of Europe (usually that connection will be London, Amsterdam, Paris, or Frankfurt, but it depends on the airline).

The other good international airports in Italy are in Milan, where there are actually two options, Malapensa (MXP) and Linate (LIN).

How to Get Around Once You’re in Italy

After you’ve arrived in Italy, the next thing to talk through is getting around within Italy.

The first thing we want to say is that you really, really don’t need to rent a car to do this trip .

In fact, we’d advise against it if you’re following the itinerary below as written (or close to it) because the car is going to be more of a hindrance than help in the cities, which is where you’ll spend most of your time (doing day trips from your home base in each city).

The second thing to know is that Italy has a robust train network , and that’s what you should use to get between cities.

You could fly between cities on this itinerary, but we highly recommend taking the train for a more pleasant and often more efficient journey.

We LOVE train travel (especially high speed train travel), and it is by far the most efficient way to connect the big cities.

A few things to know about train travel in Italy:

First, there are (essentially) two types of trains in Italy – high speed and regional – and they operate differently.

High speed trains are more expensive, significantly faster, and less flexible. To save time since you’ve only got a limited amount of it in Italy, you’ll want to take the high speed trains between cities. You’ll want to book your ticket as far in advance as possible, which usually will save you some money, but will be less flexible. If you want the flexibility, you’ll have to be prepared to pay a little extra.
Regional trains are slower, cheaper, and more flexible. They’re usually for connecting nearby smaller cities to each other (for example, there’s a regional train between Florence and Pisa). You can buy these tickets when you arrive at the station, and they’re more flexible. You need to make sure you validate them before boarding.

We’d take high speed trains between Rome and Florence, and between Florence and Venice.

For some of the day trips from Florence , regional trains will do.

The website for booking trains directly is Trenitalia , and it’s actually fairly streamlined and user-friendly. They even have a (mostly) functional app!

The only hiccup is that you need to know the name of the train station in Italian (e.g. typing “Venice” doesn’t work – you have to type “Veneto,” which is just Venice in Italian).

If you’re not comfortable with that, we’ve used Omio often to book trains around Europe, which is generally a far more streamlined experience (in English, no less).

How to Plan an Incredible 10 Day Italy Itinerary

Here’s what the itinerary you’re going to find below looks like written out.

Day 0: Arrive in Rome
Day 1: Rome
Day 2: Rome
Day 3: Rome
Day 4: Train to Florence + Explore Florence
Day 5: Florence
Day 6: Day Trip to Bologna
Day 7: Day Trip to Siena
Day 8: Train to Venice (early morning)
Day 9: Venice
Day 10: Venice + Fly Home

Obviously, you’ll have to massage this itinerary a little bit to make it work with your specific flights.

We’re assuming you have 10 full days in Italy, not including the half days that would be dedicated to your arriving and departing flights.

Note that this is very much a classic Italy itinerary that is meant to help you figure out the best way to see the main highlights in Italy with ten days (according to, well, us, who have spent a lot of time in Italy over the past several years – more than two months in total!).

Obviously, there is a LOT to see in Italy, and we have plenty of ideas on how to make changes to this itinerary.

For example, you could do a southern Italy itinerary that focuses more on Naples and the Amalfi Coast after spending a few days in Rome, or a northern Italy itinerary that focuses on the Dolomites, Lake Como, and Milan. It all depends on what you’re looking for.

You’ll find some of our ideas in the “with more time” section below, which you can use to make changes to your itinerary based on your specific style and needs.

Days 1-3: Rome

Ah, Roma. Collectively we’ve spent quite a bit of time in Rome now. I (Matt here) have been to Rome five or six times (it’s hard to keep track at this point!), including a recent trip in the spring of 2024.

Alysha has been a similar number of times, including a six month stint living in Rome.

We love Rome, and I love talking to people about Rome because many people use adjectives like “dirty” and “chaotic” to describe it, and they mean it in a negative way.

And, to be honest, those adjectives are almost 100% deserved. But, for us, that’s part of the charm of Rome. We’re city people, and the sheer energy that you feel walking around Rome is similar to the energy you feel wandering around New York City, though significantly less overwhelming.

There is a ton of history in Rome, and it’s a great place to learn about not only the Roman empire, which was centered in Rome, but also the modern state of Italy, which is one of the newest countries in Europe having only been unified in the 19th Century after centuries of being a collection of independent states with different laws, languages, and cultures.

We also really like the food culture in Rome. Contrary to what you’d expect if you’re picturing the opulence of Ancient Rome, the ingredients used in modern Roman cuisine are much more modest.

The four Roman pastas – Carbonara, Amatriciana, Cacio e Pepe, and Alla Gricia – are all very rustic, as are the fried artichokes, supplì (fried rice balls similar to arancini), and pizza al taglio that make up the other main staples in Rome.

Getting From the Airport to Rome

In all likelihood, you’ll be flying into Rome’s Fiumicino Airport (FCO) , which is the busiest airport in Italy.

The easiest way to get from the airport to the city center is going to be taking the Leonardo Express , a direct, air conditioned train that runs directly from the airport to Termini Station, Rome’s main train station.

The advantages here far outweigh the disadvantages. You’re not subject to the near-constant traffic in Rome, it’s clean, comfortable, and affordable, and it’s easy to find in the airport.

The only downside is that, depending on where you’re staying, you might need to take a taxi or bus from Termini Station to your hotel.

If you’re coming from within Europe (especially on a budget airline), there’s a chance you’ll come into Ciampino Airport (CIA) , which is far more limited in terms of ways to get to the city center, but takes about the same amount of time in the end if you take the Ciampino Airlink .

What to Do in Rome

Here are some things that we think you definitely shouldn’t miss while you’re in Rome.

Our most important tip here is to not do multiple big attractions (e.g. the Colosseum, Vatican, or Borghese Gallery) on the same day, because you will be exhausted by the time you START the second attraction.

That’s also part of the reason why we recommend 2+ days in each city – so you have time to split things up and do the main attractions on separate days.

The Colosseum & Roman Forum: The Colosseum and Roman Forum are the first of the two big tourist attractions in Rome, and it’s something you’re not going to want to miss. First of all, we’d highly recommend heading to this garden early in the morning or late at night for an excellent view (and picture) of the Colosseum, and this viewpoint for a great view of the Forum from above. Second of all, if you only have time or budget for one guided tour in Rome, it should probably be here. It’s hard to wrap your head around what you’re seeing as you walk through the mostly crumbling buildings, and a guide will help you contextualize and comprehend the history you’re seeing, which will lead to a much richer experience in the end (which is what we’re always looking for!). We have personally done both this guided tour , which is a great dive into this rich piece of history, and also this nighttime VIP tour , which takes you under the floor of the Colosseum at night, when it is MUCH quieter than the daytime tours (but, crucially, DOES NOT visit the Forum). Both are with Walks of Italy, our favorite tour company in Italy – you can read more about our experience on the Colosseum tour that challenged our preconceived notions.

Marvel at the Collection at the Vatican Museums (and St. Peter’s Basilica): I have now visited the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica three separate times across multiple trips, and I can confidently say that I still don’t think I’ve seen everything. The Vatican Museums is a truly mindblowing collection of art that the Catholic Church has either accumulated or commissioned over the course of its centuries as one of the main power centers in Europe. There are two aspects here – the Museums (which includes the Sistine Chapel) and St. Peter’s Basilica, and you’ll want to see both. It’s going to take the vast majority of the day to do both, because it’s A LOT. The other thing we’d say is that you’ll want to get in as early as humanly possible, because it’s EXTREMELY busy and claustrophobic at peak times. Book your entry tickets well in advance, and select the earliest time slot of the day. On my last trip, I did this early morning tour with Walks of Italy , which was great (however, it is worth noting that there will be other people in the Sistine Chapel due to changes that the Vatican has made to visitor hours over the past few years – if you truly want to be alone, you’ll have to splurge on this tour where you’re there when they open the doors to the Sistine Chapel).

Walking the Centro Storico (in the early morning!): The Centro Storico is Rome’s historic center (though most of the ornate fountains and buildings you see today are actually from the Baroque period in the 17th Century, ish). It’s a treasure trove of the most famous sites in Rome, including Piazza Navona, Campo de’ Fiori, the Pantheon, and, of course, the Trevi Fountain. Once again, this is something you should do as early in the morning as you possibly can because otherwise, the cobbled, narrow streets in this part of the city are packed wall-to-wall with visitors all wanting to see the same things you do. Get out here between 7am and 8am and it’s a much different story. Here’s a route that we have done multiple times, and gets you to the main sites (start from the northern end, and don’t skip Terrazza del Pincio for excellent views of the city). Along the way, stop at either Tazza d’Oro or Sant’ Eustachio for a quintessential Italian coffee experience (stand at the bar, order a cafe or cappuccino, and enjoy the ruthless efficiency of the baristas).

Spend an Evening in Trastevere: Trastevere is our favorite part of Rome. It’s all narrow cobblestone streets, charming piazzas, a lively atmosphere, and great places to eat and drink. We think it’s at its best in the evening, when it’s packed with people wandering the streets, eating on one of the many al fresco patios, and hanging out in its many piazzas. A few favorites: Fatamorgana for gelato, Les Vignerons for a nice selection of beer and wine by the bottle, Supplì Roma for a Roman classic (similar to arancini in Sicily), and Enoteca Cuverie for a nice, quiet wine bar in a quieter part of the neighborhood.

Seek Out the Best Views in Rome: One of our favorite parts about Rome is the view from above, because it’s a sea of domes as far as the eye can see (almost literally). We have a couple of favorite viewpoints, including the previously mentioned Terrazza del Pincio ( here on Google Maps). We also really like the view from the Giardino degli Aranci (“Orange Garden” – here on Google Maps) and from the top of Castel Sant’Angelo (which is definitely worth a visit – here on Google Maps). One last viewpoint is the walk up to Piazza Garibaldi, which is a piazza above Trastevere with excellent views of the city ( here’s a route that takes you to a couple of other nice sites along the way).

Obviously, Rome is a huge, complex, history-filled city, and there is plenty more to do, see, eat, and drink in it.

For more, we’d point you to our 4 day Rome itinerary and our guide to the best things to do in Rome (for first timers) , which have all of our favorite things to do, see, eat, and drink in the Italian capital.

Where to Stay in Rome

We’ve spent multiple weeks in Rome over the past few years, and Alysha lived there for six months in college, so we think that we have a better than average working knowledge of Rome’s neighborhoods, at least compared to people who have only spent a few days there.

In our minds, there are really only two options when it comes to neighborhoods we like to stay in.

For all of the details behind this summary below, we’d point you to our more detailed guide to the best places to stay in Rome , which has a complete neighborhood guide for all of the neighborhoods mentioned below.

The first (and best for first timers, we think) is the Centro Storico , which is the charming historic center of Rome – specifically the southwestern end between Campo de’ Fiori and Piazza Navona.

Many of our favorites in Rome – our favorite walk, our favorite Italian-style coffee bar, our favorite wine bar – are tucked away in this network of cobblestone streets, and it’s about as central as you can get.

The downside is that it is absolutely packed with tourists between 10am and 7pm, and it’s going to be a little more expensive (you’re paying for the location).

We spent a week here recently, and we wanted an apartment with a little more room to spread out (plus, a kitchen) and stayed at these lovely apartments , which we’d wholeheartedly recommend.

It’s in a great location too – just 10 minutes on foot to the center of all the action.

The second area to consider, and our absolute favorite neighborhood in Rome, is Trastevere .

We stayed there for the last leg of our long trip to Rome a few years ago (after Matt had stayed there before) and fell in love all over again.

Charming cobblestone streets, narrow alleyways with ivy-lined buildings, cafes spilling out into piazzas at the foot of churches. It’s the most romantic part of Rome. It also has some of the best nightlife in Rome.

We stayed at Horti 14 Borgo on our last trip together (Matt has since been solo in the spring of 2024), which was a bit of a splurge for us, but the friendly service, incredible breakfast spread (which is included), and quiet location made it worth it.

Days 4-7: Florence + Day Trips to Bologna & Siena

Florence and Rome as the first two stops on this itinerary provide you a nice contrast, because we think they’re very different cities despite being only an hour and a half apart by high speed train.

Rome is massive, sprawling, and chaotic. Florence is compact and busy, but doesn’t have the same “am I going to get run over by a scooter crossing the street” vibe that Rome does. It’s a much more organized, controlled chaos, if that makes sense.

The main difference in our view is the fact that, starting in the 15th and 16th Centuries, Florence was one of the wealthiest cities in the world, and was on the forefront of the Renaissance (if not the movement’s birthplace). Contrast that with Rome, which has not been a terribly wealthy city in the past 1,000 years (if not more).

The difference between Rome and Florence is kind of like the difference between the Colosseum and Roman Forum and the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica.

The first is a big important historical site, but it’s relatively modest in its decoration (as modest as a massive arena built a couple thousand years ago can be), the second is much more ornate and projects the obscene wealth that went into the commissioning of the various pieces of it.

The thing to keep in mind here is the fact that the relationship between wealth and art flows in that direction. Wealth brings the ability to commission the most famous artists in the world to create all the beautiful art you see in Florence today.

The result of all the wealth that flowed into Florence is a more modern city than Rome is, with incredible architecture that features more ornate decorations than Rome.

Plus, the collection of art in the city’s museums – the Uffizi Gallery and the Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze (home of Michaelangelo’s famous statue of David) – is second to none, and it’s a great place to learn about how the Renaissance fundamentally changed art forever.

As we mentioned above, Florence is no less busy than Rome, but the compact nature of the city center means the same number of people are packed into a much smaller space. Walking through all corners of Florence’s city center feels sort of similar to Rome’s Centro Storico in terms of being packed wall-to-wall during peak hours.

However, there are charming corners to be found around Florence (like across the river in Oltrarno), especially in the early morning and later in the evening when the tour buses and day trippers have gone home.

Getting from Rome to Florence

From Rome, it’s a quick and easy high speed train ride to Florence.

You’ll leave from Rome’s Termini Station , and you want to arrive at Santa Maria Novella in Florence. There are many, many trains running this route each day.

To maximize your time, you’re going to want to book either the “Frecciarossa” or “Italo” trains, which cover the distance in an hour and a half (versus three hours or so on a regional train line).

For your purposes, Frecciarossa (run by Trenitalia, the national rail company) and Italo (run by a private company) are essentially the same. Pick whichever one is best in terms of timing and prices.

What to Do in Florence

Here are some things that we think you definitely shouldn’t miss while you’re in Florence.

The Uffizi Gallery: If you only have time for one tour in Florence, this is by far our top pick for the destination. The Uffizi Gallery is a collection of art that focuses on the Renaissance, and it’s organized in (roughly) chronological order so that you can see the progression as the movement took hold of the artists working in Florence. I’ve done it three times – once on my own, and two separate tours – and I’d highly recommend a tour here, if you can swing it. A tour is going to help you understand the pieces themselves – there are countless details in each piece of art that we never would notice without someone explaining them to us – and how they fit into the broader story of the Renaissance and its impact on art history. Of the tours I’ve done, this tour was by far the best crash course, and it ends inside the museum so you can spend more time, if you’d like.

The Statue of David: I’ve read a lot of travel guides about the famous statue of David, which is housed inside the Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze today, that say something to the effect of “just go see the replica of the statue in piazza della Signoria, which is free.” And, if you have limited time, I would definitely focus on the Uffizi Gallery. However, I do think that there is a lot of interesting work from Michelangelo in the Accademia that tells a story of how he worked his way to making the David. If you’re interested in that progression and the artist’s fascination with the human body, it’s worth spending an hour or two in the Accademia (and seeing the statue in that context here you can walk all the way around it is also cool). Book your tickets well in advance – we’re talking as soon as you know you’ll be in Florence – to avoid standing in the ticket office line (you will still have to stand in the security line), which you can do on the official website . I’ve also done this guided tour of the gallery with my mom, which allows you to skip the long lines (and get tickets if they’re sold out through the official site) and it was a great overview of the story of Michelangelo and his career leading up to the David.

The Duomo: The Duomo di Firenze (also known as the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore) is massive, and is the centerpiece of Florence’s historic center. It was constructed over the course of 150 years or so, starting at the end of the 13th Century and being consecrated in 1436 (though the facade wasn’t actually completely finished until the 19th Century). There are multiple components to see here, and of them all, the one we’d focus on is Brunelleschi’s dome, which is impressive both on the inside and the outside, where you’ll find sweeping views out over the city of Florence. The climb to the top of the dome does require a steep, narrow staircase with 400+ steps, which isn’t for everyone. However, you get excellent views of the interior of the dome as you pass along a walkway just below the dome (which can get claustrophobic as people stop to marvel at the art). You can buy tickets here, and if you want to climb the dome, you’ll need to get the “Brunelleschi Pass” – the only ticket that includes climbing the dome. Choose either the earliest or latest time slot for the smallest crowds.

Piazzale Michelangelo & Oltrarno: Aside from the view from the dome, this is probably our favorite view of Florence. It’s on the other side of the Arno River (the river that runs through Florence), and it’s worth spending an afternoon exploring this less-visited neighborhood (though, it’s still Florence, so expect to see plenty of tourists). Our recommendation would be to walk up to the piazza and back down through Oltrarno, stopping for wine at Le Volpi e l’Uva (which has wine from all over Italy, including some local varietals), gelato at Gelateria Della Passera (recommended by Alysha AND our host at a local winery), and Ditta Artiginale for coffee (Matt’s favorite coffee on this side of the river) on your way down to Piazza Santo Spirito, the beating heart of the neighborhood. Here’s a map of the route with our favorite stops on Google Maps.

Take a Day Trip to Bologna: Bologna is the capital of Emilia-Romagna, the region immediately north of Tuscany, and it’s our favorite city in Italy. First of all, the food is unparalleled. Bolognese, prosciutto di Parma, balsamic vinegar of Modena, parmesan-reggiano, mortadella – it all comes from the area around Bologna! Plus, it is a gorgeous college town with a youthful energy and a TINY fraction of the tourists you’ll see in most other cities in Italy. We love Bologna, and it’s the first place we’d add more time if you have it (for more, see the “with more time section” below the itinerary). We have an entire guide dedicated to spending one amazing day in Bologna , which has all the details you need to plan your day trip (including how to get there, what to do and see, and what to eat and drink).

Take a Day Trip to Siena: Tuscany – the broader region that Florence is the capital of – is known for its hilltop towns, which dot the landscape in the heart of Tuscany to the south of Florence. Siena is, perhaps, the best example of this phenomenon. More importantly, it’s the most accessible by public transportation, and it’s an easy train (or bus) ride away from Florence. When you’re in Siena, we definitely wouldn’t miss the Duomo di Siena (and its incredible tiled floor, if it’s uncovered for the season!), the climb up to the Facciatone (observation deck with great views of the cathedral), and this walking tour that we enjoyed, which gives you a great overview of the city and its history as a powerful city-state in central Italy.

Obviously, Florence is a complex, history-filled city, and there is plenty more to do, see, eat, and drink than the few bullets above.

For more, we’d point you to our 3 day Florence itinerary and our guide to the best things to do in Florence (for first timers) , which have all of our favorite things to do, see, eat, and drink.

Where to Stay in Florence

Florence’s city center is pretty compact as big Italian cities go, which means it matters slightly less where you stay because it’s all within a 15 minute walk of the main sights.

However, there are two areas that stick out in our minds as our favorite neighborhoods in Florence.

We stayed in Santa Croce (also called Sant’Ambrogio) – the neighborhood where Leonardo Davinci grew up that is named after the church, where he is buried – and it’s a great option because it’s central, but far enough removed from the historic center to have fewer tourists (slightly) and better places to eat and drink.

From there, you’ll be able to walk to the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, and the river, all within 15 minutes or so.

We stayed at Pietrapiana Boutique Apartments , which were tucked away in a quiet courtyard away from the hustle and bustle with beautiful, spacious rooms. It was one of our favorite stays in Italy.

If you’re looking for a more traditional hotel (that’s also fairly affordable), look at the Eurostars Hotel a few blocks southeast of the church.

The other place we’d like to stay (though we haven’t stayed there yet) is Oltrarno , which is in many ways a more authentic version of Florence, where locals actually live.

It’s just across the Arno River from the Centro Storico, which is where you’ll find a few of the best views in Florence (including the famous Piazzale Michelangelo).

The result is a vibrant neighborhood with a good selection of food and drinks, charming piazzas, all within a 15 minute walk of the main attractions in Florence.

The downside of staying here is that there are far fewer options in terms of hotels and guesthouses.

For all of the details behind this summary below, we’d point you to our more detailed guide to the best places to stay in Florence , which has a complete neighborhood guide for the neighborhoods mentioned above.

Days 8-10: Venice + Day Trip to Verona

We have somewhat mixed feelings about Venice, and contemplated completely skipping Venice in favor of Milan here in this itinerary.

Venice is a city that has been plagued by overtourism for decades, and the reason why it matters is the simple fact that a city like Venice – which famously sits on a series of canals – is just not built to handle the sheer number of people that descend on it on a daily basis, year round.

This is especially true when the cruise ships dock and flood the relatively small city center of Venice with thousands of tourists, which is a growing challenge facing the city because the infrastructure is just not built to handle it.

However, after multiple conversations about it, we do think Venice is worth seeing once, especially if you’re able to spend a few days there to see it at its best – which is to say in the early mornings and evenings, when the city empties out and is a much more tranquil experience.

If you’re going to include Venice, we’d make sure to include 2-3 days in the city to give yourself plenty of time to see the city, and, with three days, do a day trip to nearby Verona (one of our favorite cities in northern Italy).

To be fair to Venice, the history here is equally fascinating to the other cities you’ve visited.

As we’ve covered already, Italy was a series of independent city states and republics until the 19th Century, and Venice was among the most prolific and powerful for the last 1,000 years or so (until it all fell apart at the end of the 18th Century).

You’ll see that wealth, which came primarily from its prowess as a seafaring and merchant power, reflected in the architecture, like the famous bridges and the intricate beauty of St. Mark’s Basilica.

Venice is truly a beautiful city, between the Grand Canal snaking its way through the center and the gorgeous architecture, but it does require some finesse to see it without feeling overwhelmed by the crowds.

Getting From Florence to Venice

The train ride from Florence to Venice will take a hair over two hours on a high speed train. You want to leave from Santa Maria Novella (again, the most convenient train station in Florence) and arrive at Santa Lucia in Venice .

And, again, you’re going to want the high speed train options here – either Frecciarossa or Italo – because it will take half as long (two hours and fifteen minutes) as the regional trains.

What to Do in Venice

Here are some things that we think you definitely shouldn’t miss while you’re in Venice.

Piazza San Marco and St. Mark’s Basilica : This basilica offers a different style than anything you’ve seen so far in Italy (assuming you’ve followed this itinerary) with its mosaics, facade, and stunning ornate interior. Construction here began in the 11th Century, and by the 14th Century, Venice’s wealth had grown to a point where they decided to start replacing the less impressive pieces of the facade with things like expensive marble. Then, during the 4th Crusade, they stole a bunch of stuff from Constantinople and brought it back to put in and around the church. The church itself is free to enter, but you can skip the sometimes long lines by reserving a ticket and timeslot in advance for €6 (which you can do here ). Given limited time, we’d highly suggest going that route (the lines can be LONG and this completely bypasses that line). If you have the time and budget, it’s worth considering climbing the bell tower for €12, which gives you some nice views out over Venice and the lagoon. Best to book far in advance, because they do sell out and if you don’t get a ticket in advance, you’ll have to wait in the long line.

The Doge’s Palace: The Doge of Venice was analogous to a Duke, meaning it was the person at the top of the food chain. The Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace) is, as you might have guessed, where the Doge lived and worked. Today, it’s a public museum, and there has been significant resources put towards the restoration and renovation of the interior and exterior (pieces of the palace have burned down multiple times since its construction). The architecture – which is in a style that is unique to Venice, Venetian Gothic – is worth the price of admission. It’s a weird mix of a bunch of different styles we’ve seen around Europe, and it’s very unique (and, of course, ornate). Buy tickets in advance and reserve a timeslot on the official website (you can either buy a combo ticket that includes a bunch of the other public museums in Venice, or a ticket for just the Palazzo Ducale – which you choose depends on what else you want to see in Venice). Heads up: it’s marginally cheaper if you buy a ticket 30+ days in advance of your visit. We haven’t done it ourselves yet, but we’d do the Secret Itineraries guided tour of the palace, which will give you some of the history and context around the importance of the building and the Doge’s role in Venice.

Ride Around on the Vaporetti : The public ferries in Venice – the Vaporetti (vaporetto is the singular version) – are both a very useful form of public transportation (we’re big fans of ferries as public transit, like the ferries in New York City!) and a tourist attraction in their own right because the best way to see Venice is from the water (we think). This is an opportunity to do just that without the absurdly high prices of the gondola rides (which we’d skip). You can basically do an entire tour of the Grand Canal – the main canal in Venice – on the #2 route for €7 or so, which is kind of cool.

Head out to Burano and Murano : Venice is known for their handblown glass, and the best way to see it is by heading out to the islands to the north of Venice, Murano and Burano. You can get their on your own by taking the normal vaporetti from this dock (they run roughly every 30 minutes during the day, and the ride takes 30 minutes or so to Murano, double that to Burano). You have to go through Murano to get out to Burano, so you can pretty easily combine them into a nice half day trip. Once you’re out there, there’s a lot of places to see traditional (ish) glass blowing, buy souvenirs, and wander a bit. Our top tip would be to make sure to take some time to get far away from the boat dock, because that will be the most crowded part of the island.

See the Bridges: As a city full of canals, Venice has some pretty incredible bridges that are both functional and beautiful. The most famous is Rialto Bridge ( here on Google Maps), and it’s worth coming here around 7am to see it without the zoo of people that you’ll find here between 9am and 10pm or so. Other bridges to seek out are Ponte dell’Accademia ( here on Google Maps) and the Ponte dei Sospiri (Bridge of Sighs, here on Google Maps). There’s a good view of the Bridge of Sighs from this bridge a short walk south.

A Day Trip to Verona : Verona is another city that we really love, and though it’s not exactly off the beaten path – plenty of tourists come to Verona – it’s certainly on a different level from places like Rome and Venice. Getting to Verona from Venice is an easy 90 minute ride on the regional train line that leaves from Venice’s main train station (you’re going to Verona Porta Nuova). Once you’re in Verona, we’d make sure not to miss the Arena di Verona (check their calendar to see if they have any outdoor concerts while you’re there!) and the Museo Archeologico al Teatro Romano (and it’s lovely theater and views out over Verona). For the best views of Verona, head up to the viewpoint up at Castel San Pietro ( here on Google Maps – the walk up through the narrow alleyways is also nice). We have an entire guide to Verona that you should read for more, but our number one tip is DO NOT go to the Casa di Giulietta , which is the most overrated tourist attraction we’ve ever personally experienced.

Where to Stay in Venice

The first decision you’ll need to make here is deciding whether or not to stay in Venice itself – meaning in the historic center of Venice along the canals – or in the more modern city on the shore, which is cheaper but requires a train journey to reach the part of Venice you want to visit.

Because we think Venice is at its best when it has emptied out and all the day trippers have left, we think it really makes sense to pay the premium to stay along the canals here .

The next decision you’ll need to make when deciding where to stay is going to be what neighborhood to base yourself in. Despite being on the water, it’s actually not as compact as you might expect (which makes the city all that much more impressive, we think).

Generally speaking, we like the southern end of the city, and think that the adjacent neighborhoods of San Polo (more central, equidistant between the train station and Piazza San Marco) and San Marco (which is the in the southern part of the city, near Piazza San Marco – which means it’s not going to be quiet or low key – but far from the train station).

What to Do with More Time in Italy

If you have more time in Italy, here are the things we’d add (along with how much time you need to add them).

We also have an in-depth guide to planning a 14 day Italy itinerary , if you happen to have two weeks to spend. There are even more ideas on what to do with more time there.

More Time in Bologna (+1-2 Days)

If we’re being completely honest, we would completely skip Venice and spend that extra time in Bologna (or Milan, or Verona), but that’s partially because we’ve seen Venice already, and don’t feel a great need to see it again.

Bologna is, hands down, our favorite city in Italy.

Matt plays a lot of soccer at home in Portland and occasionally wears his Bologna FC jersey, and roughly every other time someone recognizes it and says something to the effect of “is that a… Bologna jersey?”

That conversation usually evolves into some version of Matt telling the person that Bologna is his favorite city in Italy and, on occasion, meeting someone who has lived in Bologna and 100% agrees with that statement (almost always because of the food).

Bologna is the best food city in Italy, mostly because the region it is the capital of – Emilia Romagna – is the birthplace of many of the Italian ingredients that you know and love.

Prosciutto di Parma, Parmesan-Reggiano, Balsamic Vinegar di Modena, lambrusco (a lovely sparkling red wine, traditionally a dry wine) all come from Emilia Romagna, which is the region immediately to the north of Tuscany.

You could – and Matt has – spend the better part of a week eating and drinking your way through this part of central Italy, and it actually makes a great home base for exploring other parts of the country because almost every high speed train makes a stop in Bologna, which is at the crossroads of two main high speed rail lines running north-south through Italy.

We love Bologna, and it’s certainly worth more than a day trip. If you have an extra day or two to spend in Bologna, eating and drinking your way through the youthful, vibrant city, you won’t regret it.

To plan your extra time, use our guides to spending 2 days in Bologna , and our guide to where to stay in Bologna .

Milan (+1-3 Days)

Of the destinations we could have added to the main itinerary in place of Venice, Milan is a strong second contender for a couple of reasons.

First, it’s yet another contrast from Rome (and Florence) in that Milan feels significantly more modern and cosmopolitan than those cities.

There are multiple reasons for this, including but not limited to the wealth in northern Italy (Milan is the financial capital of Italy AND the home of all the Italian fashion brands), the fact that it was seen as sort of a backwater back in Roman times, and the fact that it doesn’t follow stereotypical Italian stereotypes (they swap out pasta for rice, which grows in a prolific fashion in the swampy areas outside of Milan).

Second, the Duomo di Milano is worth visiting Milan for. It was constructed over hundreds and hundreds of years, which is why it’s sort of a mishmash of architectural styles (it started in the 14th Century and only finished in the mid-20th Century).

Fun fact: Napoleon crowned himself king of Italy here (there’s a tapestry inside depicting the scene), and there’s a plaque that commemorates that that I saw, said “wait, Napoleon did what now?”, and found myself in a rabbit hole of the history of Napoleon for the next 12-18 months.

Third, Milan’s airport (really, airports, because there are two main airports just outside of Milan) is the second best international airport in the country in terms of connections, so it’ll likely be an easier flight home.

Anyway, the point is that Milan is a pretty fascinating city with a good food and drink scene – that features far more global cuisines than you’ll find in Rome, Florence, or Venice – and offers a slightly different look at the diverse history and cultures that you’ll find in Italy.

We think 1-2 days is enough, and you can add another day to do a day trip to somewhere like Lake Como or Torino.

Guess what? We have a bunch of guides to help you plan a short trip to Milan!

We have a guide to spending a day in Milan , which fits the main highlights (including the Last Supper) into one action-packed day.

We also have an extended guide to 2 days in Milan , which is a similar itinerary at a more relaxed pace.

Last but not least, we have a guide to choosing the best place to stay in Milan based on your particular style and budget, which will be helpful in deciding where to base yourself for your trip.

Tuscany (+2-7 Days)

Florence, which you already have a nice chunk of time in, is the capital of Tuscany, and it’s worth tacking on anywhere from 3-7 extra days to explore the rest of the region.

A few years ago, Matt spent a week in Tuscany with his mom for her 60th birthday, and we both fell in love with the region (despite the fact that the wine in Tuscany is not our type, for the most part). However, the food and the vibe – that dolce vita – is definitely our thing.

Tuscany is a relatively large swath of land that, unbeknownst to me until I was standing in Volterra looking at the coast, spans all the way past Pisa to Italy’s western coast.

However, the part of Tuscany that you probably picture in your mind is the Val d’Orcia, which is just southeast of the city of Siena (also worth a visit) and is where you’ll find the towns of Montepulciano, Montalcino, and Pienza (our personal favorite of the three).

If you’re interested in rolling hills (that are sometimes green, sometimes golden depending on the time of year), cypress trees, excellent red wine, and rustic, rich food, this is the place for you.

On the eastern end of Tuscany, you’ll find the tower-filled town of San Gimignano and the hilltop town of Volterra (made famous by the Twilight saga) with its Etruscan roots and Roman ruins.

Lucky for you, we have an entire guide dedicated to planning a Tuscany itinerary that you can use to figure out what to see with the number of days you have.

Here’s an overview:

With 1-2 days, do Siena.
With 3-5 days, add the Val d’Orcia (and rent a car).
With 6-7 days, add San Gimignano and Volterra

Sicily (+7-14 Days)

Alysha’s dad’s side of the family immigrated to the United States from Sicily two generations back (so Alysha’s grandfather was born in Sicily), and Matt’s grandfather’s parents were also born in Sicily (here’s hoping we’re not distant relatives).

We decided to spend a really nice chunk of time in Sicily a few years ago, and found ourselves marveling at two things.

First, the sheer size of Sicily. Even with three weeks, we spent hours of our Sicily trip driving through towns and past beaches that, I’m certain, were beautiful and worth seeing.

Second, the sheer amount of history in Sicily. There are innumerable ruins in Sicily, ranging from Greek to Phoenician to Roman to Norman. Combine that history with the beautiful landscapes and the towering mass of Mount Etna and you’ve got yourself a beautiful place to spend a week or two (or more, if you have it).

Here’s our biggest tip for Sicily: we would strongly suggest limiting yourself to one part of the island if you have anything less than a week.

If you only have a week, we’d spend it on the southeastern coast around Catania, Siracusa and Ortigia, and Taormina, with day trips inland to Noto and Mount Etna.

Lucky for you, we have an entire guide dedicated to planning a week in Sicily , focused on that southeastern corner. We’d read that for more detail on how to plan a shorter trip.

With two weeks or more, expand your trip to the rest of the island. Our favorite spots in Sicily were the Val di Noto, Agrigento, and Palermo, and we have a longer guide to planning your Sicily itinerary for a trip of 10-21 days.

Cinque Terre (+2-4 Days)

Similar to Venice (and the Amalfi Coast), we have mixed feelings about the Cinque Terre (which means “five towns” in Italian because the area is a chain of five coastal towns just north of Spezia).

On one hand, it’s pretty obvious why people are drawn to this tiny slice of coastal paradise (and why it is a Unesco World Heritage Site). It’s beautiful and dramatic, with steep cliffs and narrow coastal walkways bringing you to towns set into the cliff sides with colorful houses and wonderful sea views.

On the other hand, it’s also pretty obvious that the infrastructure here is really not meant to have thousands of people per day flooding each of the five towns that make up the Cinque Terre.

This is another place that we’d only recommend if you have two or more days. Partially because it’s a pain to get to from anywhere in Italy (which means a day trip is probably off the table), partially because it’s a place that, like Venice, you need to have the early mornings and late evenings to truly appreciate, when all the day trippers have exited the towns and they’re (relatively) quiet and peaceful.

On that 60th birthday trip with my mom a few years back, we picked up my brother and spent four days in Cinque Terre, and I think that’s probably the right amount of time to spend here. There are some great hikes, some great sunset viewpoints, and some good food and wine to be had.

Rather than cover it all here, we have separate guides to planning a Cinque Terre itinerary (including all the logistics), a guide to our favorite things to do in Cinque Terre (for first timers), and a guide to the best places to stay in Cinque Terre .

We’d head over to those guides to plan a side trip to the Cinque Terre to add onto the main itinerary (and we’d do it between Florence and northern Italy – Milan is the easiest major city to reach Cinque Terre from).

What to Do with Less Time in Italy

If you find yourself with less than 10 days, we’d strongly recommend reducing the amount of ground you plan on covering in Italy.

With 8-9 days, we’d go ahead and cut some of the day trips from either Florence or Venice and focus instead on seeing the cities themselves.

With 7 days, you have two options, and it depends on what you’re looking for out of your trip to Italy.

Your first option is to follow our 7 day Italy itinerary , which is basically a more fast-paced, condensed version of this itinerary that has you visiting Rome, Florence, and Venice over the course of a week.

Your second option would be to split your time between two cities, use them as a base for day trips, and move a little slower. You could do something like Rome and Florence (or Bologna) and cover a lot of ground in central Italy.

With five or six days, we’d opt to split time between Rome and Florence, basically following the first chunk of this itinerary as written with three (ish) days in Rome and Florence.

Anything less than five days? Spend your time in one city (we’d do either Rome, or Bologna as a wildcard) and use it as a base to do day trips from (you could do a day trip from Rome to Florence if you really wanted).

Planning a trip to Italy? We’d love to help!

Here are our other Italy travel guides to help you plan an incredible trip (even if you have to eat gluten free!).

If there’s no link below, it means we’re still working on it – long, in-depth guides take time! We’re working on it, though, we promise.

If you’re planning a trip and you’re not sure where to start, your first stop should probably be one of our detailed itineraries.

We have a two week Italy itinerary that blends the main cities with some less-visited cities that we love (BOLOGNA!), a guide to spending 10 days in Italy that focuses mostly on the highlights, and a whirlwind guide to spending one week in Italy that features the Rome – Florence – Venice highlight circuit.

Here are more specific guides to the main cities in Italy.

What to do in Rome (as a First Timer)
How to Plan an Amazing 4 Day Rome Itinerary
Where to Stay in Rome: A Complete Guide for First Timers
12 Things to Know Before You Visit Rome
Gluten Free Rome: A Complete Guide to GF Restaurants + Bakeries
Where to Find the Best Specialty Coffee in Rome
What to do in Florence (as a First Timer)
How to Plan an Amazing Florence Itinerary (3 Days)
Where to Stay in Florence: A Complete Guide for First Timers
Gluten Free Florence: A Complete Guide to GF Restaurants + Bakeries
Where to Find the Best Specialty Coffee in Florence (for Coffee Nerds)
The Best Day Trips from Florence (Complete Planning Guide)
What to do in Bologna (as a First Timer)
How to Spend One Incredible Day in Bologna
How to Plan an Amazing Bologna Itinerary (2 Days)
Where to Stay in Bologna: A Complete Guide for First Timers

Cinque Terre

What to do in Cinque Terre (as a First Timer)
How to Plan an Amazing Cinque Terre Itinerary (2 Days)
Where to Stay in Cinque Terre: A Complete Guide for First Timers
What to do in Milan (as a First Timer)
How to Plan an Amazing Milan Itinerary (2 Days)
Where to Stay in Milan: A Complete Guide for First Timers
Gluten Free Milan: A Complete Guide to GF Restaurants + Bakeries
Where to Find the Best Specialty Coffee in Milan (for Coffee Nerds)

The Rest of Italy

How to Plan an Incredible Sicily Road Trip Itinerary (14 Days)
Exactly How to Spend 7 Days in Sicily
How to Plan an Incredible Tuscany Itinerary (7 Days)

Matt is the founder and main writer behind Wheatless Wanderlust, which he started back in 2018 as a way to share his gluten free travel guides with his fellow Celiac travelers.

Since then, Matt and his wife Alysha have visited 18 national parks, spent three months in Europe and six weeks in Colombia, and have explored every corner of the Pacific Northwest, which is where Matt grew up.

He writes super detailed guides to the places they visit, bringing together personal experience and historical context to help YOU plan an amazing trip.

Great info, thanks! We are planning a trip next May. Flying to Rome and driving to Pienza for a couple of days, then to Volterra for 3 days ,and then into Florence for 4 and then back to Rome for 4 last days…should be a fun first time trip!

Sounds like a lovely trip! May should be a nice time to be there too. Cheers!

Italy Tours & Vacations

Cruise canals, peruse piazzas, veer towards the Vatican and polish off the perfect pizza.

Italy may be one of Europe 's most-visited countries, but finding your way around Venice’s canals, choosing the best place for gelato in Rome and knowing your agnello from your agnolotti are skills best learned from locals. Between tasting balsamic vinegar in a traditional acetaia in Modena and sailing past pastel-hued cliffside villages on the Amalfi Coast to sampling local wine in Tuscany's vineyards and admiring lesser-known Renaissance art in Florence, one thing's for sure: you won’t be going hungry.

Our Italy trips

Let's create an exclusive trip for your group.

Italy tour reviews

Filter by rating

Explore Southern Italy

Northern Italy Family Holiday

Highlights of Italy

Premium Tuscany

Articles of Italy

5 places to escape the crowds in Italy for summer 2024

An agricultural renaissance is underway on the outskirts of Rome

We run at dawn: Why I lace up in cities while travelling

Cinque Terre vs Amalfi Coast: Which destination to visit?

France or Italy? Which European country should you travel to?

This couple is exploring the world one podcast episode at a time

The top 10 destinations to travel in May 2024

Italy or Spain? Which European country should you travel to?

We also travel to

Italy at a glance, capital city.

Rome (population approximately 2.87 million)

Approximately 59 million

(GMT+01:00) Amsterdam, Berlin, Bern, Rome, Stockholm, Vienna

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type C (European 2-pin) Type F (German 2-pin, side clip earth) Type L (Italian 3-pin)

Learn more about Italy

Culture and customs.

With the Renaissance, opera, Vespa, Valentino, slow food, espresso, the Colosseum and the Sistine Chapel, the culture of Italy is as rich as its food. With iconic cities like Rome, Venice, Florence and Naples showcasing historic gems around every corner, it's easy to see why Italians are so very proud of their heritage. Italy drips with sensational artwork, ancient icons, ornate architecture and historic sights. The streets are filled with people and places that exude character and charisma, and the famous Italian artists, inventors and public figures who have contributed so much to the world are openly adored and celebrated.

In general, Italians value family, food and the enjoyment of life. Good quality food made with the best ingredients is preferred over processed products and fast food. Eating is a pleasure to be enjoyed with friends and family, not a necessary inconvenience. Respect for the family unit is paramount, with many families choosing to live close to each other for life. Community is also an important element of Italian life and this can be seen in neighbours enjoying a passeggiata (an after-dinner stroll and chat).

Italians certainly live their lives with passion, and this is evident in their zealous approach to driving, passionate following of football (soccer) matches and exuberant social life. It's common to see Italians debate politics, fashion, sport and current affairs with ferocious verve, which can sometimes be quite confronting for people from meeker cultural backgrounds. But lying underneath the bold, animated exterior of most Italians is a deep, passionate love of life itself.

History and government

Rise of the empire.

The rise of the Roman Empire has been the subject of much fascination, intrigue and interest from scholars, artists, travellers and students around the world. The modern world owes a lot to this civilization, with many important scientific inventions, art movements, architectural triumphs and philosophical ideas being born from Roman civilization – most notably during the Renaissance.

Founded sometime around 750 BC, Rome is still considered one of the most important and enduring cities in the world. Home to such famous citizens as Julius Caesar, Emperor Augustus, Claudius, Nero, Mark Antony, and Marcus Aurelius, Rome has enjoyed the great highs of dominating the Mediterranean region and the artistic triumphs of the Renaissance, but also the lows of the Great Fire of Rome, which ended up destroying a large part of the city. Rome has survived natural disasters, political turmoil, feuding families, plagues and fierce wars.

Spanning centuries, the story of Ancient Rome is full of dramatic twists and turns and explains how tourist icons like the Colosseum, Pantheon, Circus Maximus and Palatine Hill came to be.

The Renaissance

The time of the Renaissance in Italy (15th to 16th century) marked the clear transition from the Middle Ages to Modernity. The social and cultural revolution began in Florence, which was under the rule of the Medici family, and spread south to Rome. During this time, there was a reinvigoration of the arts, literature, science, invention and political theory, which influenced all of Europe – all centred in Italy.

People in protest

After the Renaissance, Italy was unified with Sardinia in 1861, becoming the Kingdom of Italy. After World War I, Italy came under the fascist rule of Benito Mussolini, who ruled until 1943. Siding with Nazi Germany in World War II, the Italian Army suffered many losses and ultimately surrendered in 1945. After a referendum in 1946, Italy became a Republic and flourished during the 1950s and 1960s. The post-war period marks a time of economic progress for Italy, also largely reflected by the rest of the world's increased economic stability during a period of relative peace.

From the late 1960s, Italians lived with political upheaval and uncertainty, marked by the ‘Anni di Piombo’ or ‘Years of Lead’. This time was marked by conflict and public protests, and in the years to follow, corruption, organized crime, terrorism, and government debt were prominent in Italy. This led to extremist incidents of political terrorism and crisis on the left and the right, with one terrorist group – le Brigaterosse (or the Red Brigade) – a key player in the turmoil.

In 1994, media mogul Silvio Berlusconi was elected to the office of Prime Minister but was forced to step down later in the year after losing support from his political partners. Social unrest died down a little after the turn of the millennium, but Italy’s political system remained fraught with instability. Undeterred, Berlusconi regained power on two separate occasions, both times amid controversy and scandal.

Currently, Italy is run under a unitary parliamentary republic system and has been since 1946. The final downfall of Berlusconi has marked a shift in Italian politics, with many parties vying for office, and alliances and coalitions the only way to do so.

Top places to visit in Italy

Oh, Venice. The city of romance, gondolas, Piazza San Marco and an endless maze of canals. With plenty of free time to eat, drink, shop and stroll, you’ll lose all sense of direction – but remember, getting lost in Venice is the whole point! Don't forget to sample a big slice of tiramisu (coffee-soaked sponge cake), the region’s specialty. Explore Venice on our 14 day Best of Italy tour, on our 8 day Highlights of Italy tour, or on our 8 day Italy Real Food Adventure.

2. Cinque Terre

The footpaths between the villages on the enchanting Cinque Terre were once the only way to travel in the region. Hike along the rugged clifftops and discover olive groves, vineyards, breathtaking vistas and five pastel villages perched on the coastline – each more colourful than the last. If hiking isn’t your thing, don’t worry – just jump on the train! Fall in love with Cinque Terre on our 15 day Barcelona to Rome tour, on our 8 day Cinque Terre: Hike, Bike & Kayak tour, or on our 8 day Northern Italy Family Holiday tour.

3. Amalfi Coast

Discover southern Italy’s dazzling coastline of cliffside villages and rugged terrain by land and sea, perhaps sailing out on the Mediterranean to picturesque Procida or the Isle of Capri on an adventure cruise . You might like to hike the famous Walk of the Gods, sip Campari in Sorrento, or tuck into traditional pizza in Naples – the birthplace of pizza. Adventure along the Amalfi coast on our 10 day Explore Southern Italy tour or on our 8 day Amalfi Coast: Hike, Bike & Kayak tour.

There's much more to Tuscany than Florence's impressive Renaissance art and architecture – though there'll be plenty of time to explore this! From rolling hills and fruitful vineyards to charming fortified towns with their relaxed vibes, the Tuscan countryside is the Italy that continues to draw you back; the one you fall in love with. Marvel at Tuscany's picturesque countryside on our 10 day Italy Experience tour or on our 8 day Cycle Tuscany tour.

Italy’s enduring capital, the epicentre of the fierce Roman Empire – Rome is a living, breathing history book. Dive deep into the city’s most iconic sites – the Forum, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps – and stumble upon the country within a city: the Vatican. Or simply sip espresso at one of the tiny streetside cafes and watch life go by. Absorb Rome's history on our 8 day Rome to Amalfi tour or on our 8 day Highlights of Italy in Winter tour.

6. Taormina

If mainland Italy is the boot, Sicily is the football. The further south you go, the more relaxed Italians get – so immerse yourself in an island culture full of charm, and a cuisine packed full of arancini and granita. Take a day trip to the charming city of Taormina and visit the world-famous Greek theatre and cathedral, take a dip in pristine coves or enjoy lunch while looking at the imposing Mt. Etna. Visit Taormina on our 24 day Rome to Sicily adventure.

Eating and drinking

Italy may be the food capital of the world (not exaggerating), but sometimes it can be difficult to know what to eat and where to go.

When eating and drinking through Italy, be sure to walk a street or two away from the tourist attractions to find a restaurant, as they often are cheaper and much more authentic than the ones close by. Be skeptical of menus entirely in English and those with pictures, as this is, again, not the authentic way. Also, bigger is not always better – often, the ‘hole-in-the-wall’ restaurants produce the best food. But above all, go with your gut and follow your eyes and nose, and you will be satisfied.

Sample and sip your way through the best flavours Italy has to offer on our 8-day Italian Real Food Adventure Tour

Must try dishes and drinks in Italy

Antipasto If any country knows its way around cured meat and vegetables, it’s Italy. Discover salami, olives, artichokes, anchovies, cheeses, grissini and more, with each board changing depending on what region you find yourself in.
Pizza If you were asked to describe Italy in one word, chances are someone would yell ‘pizza’. This carby dish of 100% joy is found all over, with regional specialities everywhere you go. And if you’re vegan? No stress – just ask for one of the vegetarian pizzas ‘senza formaggio’ (without cheese) and you’ll be set. Expect to be crucified if you ask for pineapple, though.
Pasta Different shapes, different sauces and different preparations make this one of the world’s most versatile dishes. From a fiery penne arrabbiata and a creamy spaghetti cacio e pepe to a baked gnocchi alla romana, you really can’t go wrong.
Gelato Traditional Italian flavours like bacio (chocolate hazelnut), amarena (sour cherry) and limone (lemon) are the perfect accompaniment to sightseeing on a hot summer's day. Stack the gusti (flavours) up on a cono (cone) or in a copetta (cup) for a quick snack.
Wine Italy produces some of the world's best wine, so savour a glass (or three) of Chianti or Sangiovese with dinner. Most regions of Italy produce their own wine, but the area that everyone talks about is the one and only Tuscany.
Aperitivo A classic Italian pastime, aperitivo hour calls for two things: to find a local restaurant or bar in the early evening, and to order yourself a drink. This is usually a light and dry tonic, but can be wine or a cocktail. It’s usually accompanied by some complimentary nibbles.

Geography and environment

Sharing borders with Switzerland , France , Slovenia and Austria , Italy also encompasses the independent territories of San Marino and Vatican City and includes the islands of Sicily and Sardinia.

Home to mountains, volcanoes, islands, beaches, spectacular cliffs and expansive stretches of coastline, the natural landscapes of Italy provide dramatic scenery as well as popular places to explore and relax for travellers. The major cities of Italy, although industrialized, still retain buildings, churches and relics from the past. It's quite common to see modern shops housed in historic cobblestone streets and new Vespas perched beside piazzas.

In smaller cities and more isolated areas, rural life is a whole lot slower. Permaculture remains popular, with many Italians growing fruit and vegetables in their backyards. The traffic and frenetic pace of the cities give way to idyllic olive groves, vineyards and farmhouses.

8 iconic Italian landscapes

Capri Be blown away by the shimmering beauty of this sun-bleached island that sits in the middle of a mass of deep blue water. Home to luminous sea caves, stunning cliff faces and whitewashed buildings, Capri is the perfect setting for a romantic escapade, a relaxing boat ride or some serious sun-worshipping.
Tuscany An enchanting mix of rolling green hills, vineyards, simple farmhouses and charming villages, Tuscan landscapes are effortlessly beautiful. Whether you're cycling around vineyards, hiking through the countryside or lying in a field of golden grass, Tuscany is made for life in the slow lane.
Lake Como Lake Como is considered one of the most picturesque slices of Italy. A vast expanse of deep blue water set to a stunning mountainous backdrop dotted with rustic villas and wildflowers, Como is the sparkling jewel of Italy's north, naturally polished to perfection.
Mount Vesuvius Sitting on the Bay of Naples, the austere beauty of brooding Mt Vesuvius offers a contrast to the luscious green landscapes of the Mediterranean. Mt Vesuvius is still active, but a hike to the summit is possible – and worth it for the views of the bay below.
Amalfi Coast A journey along the winding roads of the Amalfi Coast offers panoramic sea views, and alluring towns perched on cliffs and beaches bathed in sunlight. Admire landscapes dotted with lemon trees and olive groves and enjoy the gentle sea breezes.
Sicily Sitting under the watchful eye of moody Mt Etna, Sicily is a taste of authentic Italy. Surrounded by a sea of turquoise speckled with volcanic islands, Sicily boasts diverse landscapes of rocky mountains, rural pastures, ancient ruins and villages steeped in history.
The Dolomites Carpeted in wildflowers during summer and covered in a blanket of white snow during winter, the Dolomites are a breathtaking sight in any season. Whether you're hiking the trails during summer or skiing downhill during winter, you’ll soon realize why the Dolomites have such a mighty reputation.
Le Cinque Terre A quintessential Italian sight, the Cinque Terre, or Five Lands, is a destination to be cherished. Walk the rocky path over steep cliffs and past character-filled villages perched beside the sea. Wander past shady trees, gardens and groves as the sea reflects the sun’s rays. This is panoramic perfection!

Italians are known for their style and this is reflected in their designer fashion and furniture. Be prepared to part with money – shopping in Italy can get quite expensive – but the quality of handmade and tailored items is generally exceptional.

Things to buy

Clothing Milan, Rome and other big cities are packed with high-end designer fashion boutiques, chic outlets and tailors. Wherever you are in Italy, you're guaranteed to get the latest fashions straight from the catwalks of Europe.
Colourful ceramics Vibrant, hand-painted ceramic bowls, jugs and glasses can be found in the shops and markets of the Amalfi Coast and Sicily – a perfect reminder of the Mediterranean. If you do happen to head to the island of Murano in Venice, be sure to check out their renowned glassware.
Masks Venice is filled with shops selling elaborate, handcrafted masquerade masks. These colourful creations look great hung on walls and are a true Venetian keepsake.
Leather footwear, bags and accessories Florence and Rome are hotspots for sourcing gorgeous handmade leather items. Splash out on an 'investment purchase' – a leather handbag that will last a lifetime. You deserve it.
Italian foodstuffs Now, this one you’ve got to be careful with, but if you know your limits, you’ll be eating and drinking authentically when you arrive home. Infused olive oils, syrupy balsamic vinegar, local dried pasta, limoncello and more – all (likely) fine to pack carefully in your luggage and take home. Be careful with anything fresh or unsealed, though, or you might be in for a hefty fine if you try to get them back home.

It's a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country.

Festivals and events

Keep the ‘festa’ (or party) going in Italy with festivals and events all around the country. If there’s something going on in Italy, you know that food and drink are somehow involved, too.

Regata Storica di Venezia (Venice Historical Regatta)

For four days, Venice’s romantic gondolas take second place on the scenic canals to races featuring the world’s best rowers. Dating back to the 13th century, this historic event is held on the first Sunday of September each year.

Natale di Roma (Rome’s Birthday Celebrations)

Every April, Rome throws itself an epic birthday bash and parties like it’s 753 BC. Gladiator battles, historic re-enactments, equestrian events, parades, and concerts are all part of this three-day throwback to ancient Roman times.

Pasqua (Easter)

Beautifully decorated shop windows, colourful painted eggs, church services, parades, feasts and fireworks make Easter a wonderful time to visit and immerse yourself in traditional Italian cultures. A huge Easter celebration mass is held at St Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, followed by an address from the Pope at noon. Many festive recipes are also rolled out for Easter, including the Colomba—a dove-shaped cake flavoured with almonds.

Each city may celebrate differently, but Carnevale festivities in the lead-up to Lent are always a raucous affair in Italy. Venice celebrates with masked parties. Viareggio opts for parades featuring floats, costumes and enormous papier-mache puppets, and Turin hosts the Battle of the Oranges – a spectacular food fight with, you guessed it, oranges.

Verona Opera Festival

The country that gave the world opera hosts the oldest opera festival in Verona each summer in the historic Verona Arena, a massive first-century Roman amphitheatre.

Public holidays that may impact travel include:

Easter Sunday (Pasqua)

Liberation Day

Republic Day

Feast of the Assumption

All Saint’s Day

Feast of the Immaculate Conception

St Stephen’s Day

Please note that the dates of Italy's public holidays may vary.

Italy travel FAQs

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Do you need a visa for Italy?

Generally, you will not need a visa to travel to Italy for a period of up to 90 days. Some citizens of a select few nationalities may need to obtain a Schengen visa before travelling to Italy. For more information, contact the Italian embassy or consulate in your home country.

This page is for general information only and may be subject to change. It is your responsibility to obtain relevant visa and travel information required for entry, departure and travel to each country or region you visit on your trip. You should confirm these with the relevant embassies and/or consulates.

Last updated: 06/06/2023

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling?

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

Is tipping customary in Italy?

Tipping isn’t customary in Italy, but it is appreciated. Feel free to leave a small amount if the service has been particularly good. Some restaurants will add a cover charge or ‘servizio’ to your bill.

What is the internet access like in Italy?

Italy, like the rest of Europe , is well connected. Wi-fi is almost always available at larger hotels and guesthouses, either included in your room price, or for a small additional fee. Some smaller accommodations, such as rural guesthouses and homestays, may not have wi-fi available, or the signal may be patchy.

Many fast food chains, bars and restaurants also offer wi-fi connectivity, often with an access code located on a purchase receipt. Look out for the international wi-fi symbol, or politely ask a waiter if the option is available. Some major Italian cities also offer public wi-fi hotspots with registration.

If you do not have your own device, there are still some internet cafes in Italy’s major cities.

Can I use my mobile while in Italy?

Mobile phone coverage is generally good in Italy. Your best (and often cheapest) option is to purchase a local SIM card when arriving in Italy if your phone is compatible and unlocked.

There is also the option to activate global roaming with your service provider before leaving home. Check the roaming charges before you leave home, as this option can often be highly expensive.

What are the toilets like in Italy?

Western-style flushable toilets are the norm in Italy.

Public toilets are not in abundance in Italy, so your best bet is to use the facilities in museums, galleries, department stores, train stations and restaurants. You may have to pay a small fee to use public toilets – ranging from around EUR 0.50 to EUR 2.

Can I drink the water in Italy?

Drinking water from taps in Italy is generally considered safe. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water instead.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Italy?

Major credit cards are widely accepted by stores in Italy. Smaller cafes, shops and markets may not accept credit cards, and smaller museums or galleries may charge an entry fee in cash only, so ensure you carry enough cash to cover small purchases.

What is ATM access like in Italy?

ATMs are common in Italy, so finding one won't be a problem in most towns and cities. Beware of transaction fees that ATMs charge and the conversion rates they may offer, as they are often much worse than what your card offers.

Is Italy safe for LGBTQIA+ travellers?

Italy is mostly a safe destination for LGBTQIA+ travellers. Same-sex relationships are legal and are largely accepted, with civil unions entrenched in law since 2016. Same-sex marriage is currently not legal. There are some anti-discrimination laws to protect sexual orientation and gender identity.

In more rural and regional areas, overt displays of affection can attract negative responses in smaller towns, which tend to be more conservative. Rome, Milan and Bologna have the largest gay scenes, and Florence and Naples have a handful of LGBTQIA+-friendly venues too.

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting Equaldex or ILGA before you travel.

If you are travelling solo on an Intrepid group tour, you will share accommodation with a passenger of the same gender as per your passport information. If you don’t identify with the gender assigned on your passport, please let us know at time of booking and we’ll arrange the rooming configuration accordingly. A single supplement is available on some tours for travellers who do not wish to share a room.

When is the best time to visit Italy?

Italy enjoys a temperate climate most of the year, with June, July and August the warmest months. Popular tourist spots get very busy and crowded during the European summer, but don’t let that deter you – the sun will be shining, and the gelato will be served icy cold.

The shoulder seasons of April–May and September–October offer great conditions for travel, with milder temperatures and fewer crowds at main sights and beaches. Even though it’s not as hot, you’re still set for some warmer conditions and more pleasant temperatures to walk around the cities like Rome and Florence.

It can get quite cold in the winter months, especially in the north, with cities like Milan, Turin and Venice often seeing snow, fog and rain in December and January. Major coastal tourist spots like the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre can be very quiet during winter with many establishments closing at this time, so it might be best to visit in the warmer months if these places interest you.

What is the weather like in Italy?

As you can tell from a world map, Italy is a pretty long country compared to its European neighbours. This gives it one of the more diverse climates in Europe , with mountainous zones in the north and dry arid landscapes in the south graced with all different types of weather.

Much of the inland northern regions have harsh winters and hot summers, while coastal areas of Liguria, Tuscany and the south of Italy generally fit that Mediterranean stereotype, with hot and dry summers and mild winters. The east coast of the Italian peninsula is not as wet as the west coast, but in winter, the east coast is usually colder.

Generally, Italy’s hottest month in the south is August and can reach upwards of 40°C, while the north hits its peak in July and has slightly milder maximums. January is the coldest month throughout the country.

What to pack for Italy?

You’ll need to consider the time of year you want to travel, plus the places you’re travelling to so you can work out what you should wear in Italy.

In summer, loose-fitting cotton clothing like light t-shirts and shorts or light trousers, is recommended no matter what part of the country you’re in. During the transitioning seasons of April-May and September-October, packing a jacket and long pants is encouraged so you can layer, if needed.

Winter brings snow and sub-zero temperatures to the north of the country, so if you’re travelling in Milan or the Piedmont region, pack warm clothing, such as thermals and thick jackets. A scarf and gloves are encouraged too. For the south, you may not need all the heavy stuff, but having warm, windproof and waterproof gear is advisable.

If you wish to visit the Sistine Chapel and other churches and religious sites in the Vatican City and beyond, it is highly recommended that men and women wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees, any time of year. If you are found to be wearing immodest clothing by security guards or staff, you will be denied entry.

Is Italy accessible for travellers with disabilities?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, whatever physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help choose the most suitable itinerary and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Despite Italy’s charm and old-town feel, travellers with mobility and sight or hearing impairments may find it difficult to travel around the country independently. Old cobbled streets and pavements blocked by parked cars are the norm, making it difficult for wheelchair users.

Despite this, much of Italy’s public transport system is mobility friendly. The service ‘Sala Blu’ (Blue Hall) is provided to travellers who require assistance at the 14 main train stations around Italy. These services include providing a wheelchair, a representative to accompany you to your train, another to meet at the other end, lift service to get on and off the train, and free use of baggage trolleys.

Many of Italy’s most-visited attractions, like the Colosseum, Vatican museums and the Uffizi Gallery, are almost entirely wheelchair accessible, with ramps and lifts available. Venice may be considered the least accessible, but it is possible. Bridges between canals should be avoided, but vaporettos (or water taxis) can be used, especially the routes along the Grand Canal.

If you do live with a visual, hearing or other impairment, let your booking agent or group leader know early on so they’re aware and suitable arrangements can be made. As a general rule, knowing some common words in the local language, carrying a written itinerary with you and taking to the streets in a group, rather than solo, can help make your travel experience the best it can be.

How do I stay safe and healthy while travelling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to: Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to: UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to: Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to: US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

What kind of accommodation will I be staying in?

Travelling with Intrepid is a little bit different. We endeavour to provide travellers with an authentic experience to remember, so we try to keep accommodation as unique and traditional as possible.

When travelling with us in Italy you may find yourself staying in a:

Agriturismo (farmstay)

Your time in Italy is further enhanced with an agriturismo, or farmstay, experience. Immerse yourself in a picturesque setting overlooking the countryside, with food and relaxation the main focus.

How will I be travelling around Italy?

Intrepid believes half the fun of experiencing a new country is getting there, and getting around once there! Where possible, Intrepid uses local transport options and traditional modes of transport – which usually have less of an environmental impact, support small local operators and are heaps more fun.

Depending on which trip you're on while in Italy, you may find yourself travelling by bicycle.

Whether it’s riding through fields of grass scattered with wildflowers or past quaint buildings down cobblestone lanes, taking a quick spin around town or tackling the towering Dolomites, two wheels open up so many options.

What better way to see Italy’s island of Sardinia or the Amalfi coast than on a small-group sailing adventure? Cruise past idyllic islands to fabulous shore stops dotted around the Mediterranean.

Does my trip to Italy support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. In fact, we make a donation on behalf of every traveller. Trips to Italy directly support our foundation partner, Cooperativa Coraggio.

Cooperativa Coraggio

Cooperativa Coraggio set up agricultural projects on unused public land to create local jobs and produce organic food in communities in Italy. Donations help their regeneration project on 22 hectares of land at Borghetto San Carlo Estate, located on the outskirts of Rome.

Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

What is it like travelling on a small group tour?

Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or you’re about to embark on your first trip, travelling can be as intimidating as it is exciting. That's the beauty of a small group tour. From handling the logistics and organizing amazing cultural activities to local leaders who know each destination like the back of their hand (like which street has the best markets and where to get the most authentic food), travelling on a small group tour with Intrepid will give you unforgettable travel experiences without the hassle that comes with exploring a new place. Plus, you'll have ready-made friends to share the journey with. All you have to do is turn up with a healthy sense of adventure and we’ll take care of the rest.

Does my Intrepid trip include airfare?

While our Intrepid trips include many modes of transport, from tuk-tuks to overland vehicles, bullet trains, and feluccas, airfare to and from your home country is not included in your tour package.

Meet the Team
Work with Us
Czech Republic
Netherlands
Switzerland
Scandinavia
Philippines
South Korea
New Zealand
South Africa
Budget Travel
Work & Travel
The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
Travel Resources
How to Travel on $10/day

Home » Europe » Italy » Itinerary

Italy Itinerary • MUST READ! (2024)

You are about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime to one the world’s most vibrant countries, with an array of attractions and some of the suavest locals in Europe! Every step you take in this fabulous country will be filled with beauty, art, and fresh excitement. Italy is an absolute hub for tourists, and it is easy to see what brings so many people from around the world to this country!

Italy has become known for its luxurious villas, delicious wines, Mediterranean seas, white sand beaches, and genius architecture. There is so much on offer in this country, and so many marvelous places to visit, that it can become difficult to plan your trip to such a country thriving with scenic adventure! It might be easier to ask yourself what not to do, instead of what to do – as every stretch of Italy is inviting and waiting to be explored!

Our Italy trip planner will ease the stress of navigating your way and finding the best spots to enjoy during your travels to this cultural and magnificent part of the world! From ancient temples to luminescent blue seas, you will be spoilt for choice!

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

Best Time To Visit Italy

Where To Stay In Italy

Italy itinerary, day 1 itinerary in italy, day 2 itinerary in italy, day 3 and beyond, day trips from italy, staying safe in italy, faq on italy itinerary, best time to visit italy.

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

When is the best time to visit Italy ? has some of the most welcoming weather in the world! Every season is magnificent for a vacation in Italy , and this is something that makes the country even more beautiful. There are sunny and dry summers that can reach high temperatures, but the cool Mediterranean seashores are just so exquisite, making summer still very enjoyable.

Winters are wet and cool, and the mountain landscapes get lots of snowfall. The Dolomites, as well as the whole of the Alps, become a dream come true to snow-sport lovers. It is the perfect time to visit for one incredibly scenic ski trip!

Some of the best seasons to visit are between April to May, and September to October. During these phases, the sun is out but moderate, making it ideal to chill and sightsee! June to August is the peak visiting season, so prices skyrocket as do the temperatures.

Do check out our Italy packing list which will help you to pack and dress effectively whatever time of year you decide to visit.

Italy’s neighborhoods still encapsulate so much of this country’s rich heritage! There are so many upbeat, scenic, and often romantic cities to stay in when you go to Italy. Every neighborhood has something different to offer, but the most common theme is olden-day buildings, unique structures, friendly people, and lots of funky restaurants!

Choosing where to stay in Italy obviously depends on what exactly you want to see.

Trastevere is found in Rome and is a historical city that has become known for having narrow, cobblestone alleyways, as well as beautiful medieval structures. This neighborhood has a calm atmosphere and is found along the banks of the Tiber River. The streets are full of boutiques, old-fashioned stores, eccentric cafes, and breathtaking architecture! Nightlife in this part of Italy is very vibrant and breaks the more relaxed mood of daytime. Rome is home to some of the best festivals in Italy. One of the best historical things to see whilst venturing Trastevere is the famous basilica churches! Some of the best hostels in Rome are found here.

Piazza Delle Erbe is an extremely charming part of fair Verona! Buildings from the Renaissance line this popular neighborhood, and there are many Greek-God statues to be admired during your visit here. If you want to know where life is happening, then you will find your answer in Piazza Delle Erbe’s Plaza, where there are shops, restaurants, and plenty of stalls! Here you get the unique opportunity to experience a cup of delicious coffee whilst viewing the 13th-century Madonna Verona in the center of this plaza.

Cannaregio is located in ‘the sinking city’ of Venice, and is one of the most populated neighborhoods in the city! Here you can walk through Romanesque-style narrow streets, purchase the best-baked goods, enjoy the markets and check out some of the local churches. As Venice was one of the first Jewish ghettos in Europe, it is fascinating to take some time out to see the Museum of Jewish Art and the Judaica shops!

Check out one of the following neighborhood guides for some of our favorite Italian cities!

Cinque Terre

Amalfi Coast

Best Hostel in Italy – Generator Rome

One of the very best hostels in Italy is the Generator Rome. Discovery historical and ancient backstreets, and find yourself close to hubs that offer street culture, art, and amazing food! The Generator Rome is only a short walking distance to the Roma Termini station, as well as one of the best attractions, The Colosseum. The interior design of this hostel is outstanding and adds a special touch to your stay.

Best Budget Hotel in Italy – Camping Village Jolly

As well as being affordable, this hotel has a swimming pool, and the staff have lots of insider information which they offer at the reception desk. You can buy your fresh groceries at the store on-site, and even lounge for a drink at the bar after a long day or have yourself a tasty ice cream. If you feel peckish at night, then the à la carte restaurant is perfect for you to have an easy dinner!

Best Luxury Hotel in Italy – Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo

Situated amongst some of the most gorgeous mountain landscapes, and also opposite the Greek Theatre, the Belmond is in one of the most perfect places for a lavish trip! Taormina’s Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo has mesmerizing panoramic views of Mount Etna and the Sicilian Coast.

You can also treat yourself at the spa, and sunbathe at the pool. It features an outdoor pool, and spa. Some of the suites also have magnificent views of the sea! Other suites have a view of the hotel gardens so you can capture the essence of paradise whilst looking out at the magnolias, cypress and palm trees. Everything you can dream of is provided here at this 5-star hotel!

Curious to learn more ? You can find epic accommodations in Taormina neighborhoods . You’re sure to have the best stay!

Using trains is by far the cheapest and most easy way to travel in Italy, and many of the major cities are connected to one another. Italian high-speed trains are operated by both Trenitalia and Italo. These trains link Turin, Bologna, Florence, Naples, Salerno, Milan, and Rome.

You can also rent a car during your stay. EU driving licences are valid but otherwise, you will need to get your hands on an International Driving Permit, and it’s a good idea to keep your original Driver’s License with you too. If you want to rent a bike instead, then that’s also a good idea and your permit will work for those too!

Considering that Italy is made up of 116,000 square miles, with 20 regions (two of which are islands, Sardinia and Sicily) then flying from either north to south, or south to north is much more time saving and sometimes even cheaper! Air Italy is one of the more affordable flight companies that you can use

When walking around Italy, just be sure to have your camera and comfortable walking shoes. The streets are remarkably scenic, so walking from place to place will be an adventure in itself! This is a really awesome way to enjoy the street stalls and meet locals.

The Sistine Chapel | The Pantheon | The Siena Cathedral | The Leaning Tower of Pisa | The River Arno

OK so this Day 1 itinerary is very ambitious and has been designed for people who are short on time but not on cash. To get this itinerary done you will need to start early and finish late. You will need a personal car to get you from Rome to Sienna to Pisa and will need to pay to skip the line to get to the Sistine Chapel. To complete it, you will need to keep moving.

Ideally, you would split this over 2 days.

Stop 1 – The Sistine Chapel

Why it’s awesome: Michelangelo created jaw-dropping paintings on the large ceilings and the tall walls of this Vatican site!
Cost: Entrance Fee is €15 ($17)
Food Recommendation: Get yourself a wonderfully crispy pizza from Alice Pizza! You will get value for money and enjoy premium square slices. As the originators of the phenomenon of pizza, no other country does it better.

The world-famous chapel showcases commissioned art pieces from Pope Julius II, and Michelangelo himself painted the vault of the chapel! The creative genius is responsible for most of the in-depth and awe-inspiring paintings that adorn The Sistine Chapel, and he took years upon years to complete them, from 1508 to 1512 to be exact.

Michelangelo presented original and unprecedented art that understandably revolutionized the world of western art from that day forward! These frescoes are extraordinary and capture the soul of Italy’s religious history, whilst beguiling viewers from all over the world! Art critics have declared Michelangelo’s iconic work as being one of the top works in the history of painting. The massive size of the figures painted on the ceiling and the challenge of applying paint to a curved surface have made these frescos an astounding and exceptional creation!

High Renaissance artwork, a breathtaking chapel, and insurmountable historical lineage all make The Sistine Chapel a treasure trove of brilliant site seeing and a perfect way to begin your unforgettable journey of Italy!

Day 1/Stop 2 – The Pantheon

Why it’s awesome: The Pantheon shows off Rome’s most incredible and genius interior architecture!
Cost: Free entrance
Food Recommendation: Have a lovely and hearty meal at The Pantheon Restaurant, Di Rienzo. Sit and relax whilst enjoying a glass of wine, we suggest ordering the Spaghetti with Clams for an authentic taste of Italian flavor!

Roman architecture has been renowned for its ability to withstand the years while maintaining the original structure, and The Pantheon is a prime example of the brilliance of Roman architecture! This monument has been standing for over two thousand years and, despite its ancient age, it is still standing tall – even though the gilded bronze roof tiles were removed by Pope Gregory III to be used for cannons and to create an altar in St Peter’s Church!

The Pantheon has also survived a fire in 80 AD and was rebuilt in a way that provides us with an insight into the complex and high technical mastery of Roman builders. The most prevalent feature of The Pantheon is its 43-meter dome, which is a superior accomplishment in Roman interior architecture and is suspended from supports that are hidden inside the walls. Talk about mysterious!

The 9-meter central opening in the dome is The Pantheon’s only light source, creating an ambient atmosphere. The Romans created this structure in a way that both the height and the diameter are the same proportion, creating a sort of architectural harmony in the building.

The gardens have been used as a burial place for the Italian kings and other famous Italians, such as the painter Raphael.

You will be immersed in an endless display of ancient Roman beauty and architectural prestige!

Insider Tip: Be careful of the floors when it’s been raining, as they get very slippery!

If you need some ideas for accommodation in Rome, consider checking out our guide on the best vacation rentals in Italy .

Day 1/Stop 3 – The Siena Cathedral

Why it’s awesome: The Siena Cathedral is a marvel, built entirely of marble and complete with golden touches!
Cost: Entrance fee is €5 – €8 ($6-$9)
Food Recommendation: The Ristorante Numero Unico offers scrumptious meals and scenic settings. Have yourself a meal packed with different flavors, served with a beautiful presentation! The T-bone steak is one of their best and most popular dishes.

A visit to Siena’s ancient and gothic cathedral is an adventure in itself! Otherwise known as The Duomo di Siena and this temple has become one of religious fervor to the people of Siena. The interior is breathtaking and covered with incredible works of renaissance-themed artwork. From the roof of The Siena Cathedral, you can experience an awe-inspiring view of Siena!

From The Cathedral Square, the Duomo’s presence is imposing and lavishly decorated, dominating the square with its sheer elegance and light! Made entirely from black, white and pink marble, and decorated with the rich golden decor, The Siena Cathedral is a marvel to behold! This building is one of the most important gothic edifices of Italy, and it took over two hundred years to be fully constructed.

The Siena Cathedral is beautiful inside and out, featuring work of Italy’s most famous and acclaimed artists from that era, such as Nicola and Giovanni Pisano, Donatello, Pinturicchio, Lorenzo Ghiberti, and Bernini. One of the most famous paintings that are showcased here is the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo. This magnificent cathedral is fascinating and by far one of the most impressive features in Siena!

Day 1/Stop 4 – The Leaning Tower of Pisa

Why it’s awesome: This tower was built by a team of different architects over many years, and still stands even though it continues to tilt!
Cost: Entrance fee to walk to the top is €18 ($24)
Food Recommendation: Have a light meal at The Ristoro Pecorino, a quint and local cafe found close by. Their food is delicious and savory. They also happen to serve some of the best-brewed coffee!

The leaning tower of Pisa has gathered attention from the world, and has such an effect that makes this building look like it is defying the very nature of gravity! The ‘leaning’ has been due to the fact that after the first of the three floors was built by the architect Bonanno Pisano in 1178, the tower has begun to bend 5cm to the southeast.

100 years later, another architect by the name Giovanni di Simone began his attempts to compensate for the inclination of the structure. He built four vertical floors, but unexpectedly the bell tower still bent – and so the construction stopped again!

Lastly, came in Tommaso Pisano to complete the work of the bell tower is 1372, despite the continuation of the sideward plummet. A remarkable building expert named Alessandro Gherardesca then made the first restoration of the tower’s foundation and replaced it with marble.

Thanks to all of these creative and innovative thinkers, we now have the tremendous Leaning Tower of Pisa! This structure is a spectacle and insanely beautiful on the inside, with marble finishes and white pillars. Explore a building that took years to be completed, and continues to stand even though it tilts about 1 cm every year!

Insider Tip: Lines can be crazy, so make sure to book your ticket in advance!

Day 1/Stop 5 – The River Arno

Why it’s awesome: It is one of the primary and most important rivers in the whole of Italy!
Food Recommendation: Caffe Dell Oro (Gold Coffee) is an Italian bistro that specializes in traditional Italian cuisine, so you are in for some really diverse and new meals. We suggest going for the seafood options, especially the grilled sea bass. Whatever your stomach feels like, each meal is cooked to perfection!

The River Arno is one of the main rivers in Italy, even the city of Pisa was built around this waterway! The part of the River Arno that runs through Pisa provides a captivatingly beautiful landscape, and is an amazing place to simply walk along at night! Under the stars, watch as the moonlight reflects off the river surface, along with the lights from cafes and cars driving by.

Five absolutely gorgeous bridges cross over the Arno from central Pisa, and both the Lungarno Mediceo and Galileo Galilei are found parallel to the river. The local old-school houses and renaissance-themed architecture create a marvelous backdrop and this part of Pisa is truly picture perfect!

You will remember the magic from this moment forever, there is no better way to end of your first day traveling in Italy!

Insider tip: Learning some basic Italian, such as Ciao for hello and goodbye, will be incredibly helpful during your trip! The locals are some of the most welcoming people in Europe, and they really appreciate it when tourists show that they have attempted the home language.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

The Uffizi Gallery in Florence | San Petronio Basilica in Bologna | The Gardens Of Giardino Giusti in Verona | The Grand Canal in Venice | Lido Beachfront in Venice

The day 2 itinerary is just as hectic as day 1. Whilst these 3 cities are relatively close together, traffic congestion can make the journeys longer than we would like. Again, you will need to start very early , have a private car and skip the line at Uffizi. You will have no time to hang around Bologna and may have to cut the gardens of Giardino Giusti.

Stop 1 – The Uffizi Gallery in Florence

Why it’s awesome: This gallery hosts the most famous and beautiful artworks all the way from the Middle Ages to the present Modern Day!
Cost: €6 – €12 ($7 – $13)
Food Recommendation: Vinaino Fiorenza offers simple, yet gourmet Tuscan style food, specializing in special bread and rolls. The Panzanella is a great dish to have for a breakfast that is jam-packed with different tastes!

The Uffizi Gallery entirely takes up the first and second floors of a large building constructed between 1560 and 1580, originally designed by Giorgio Vasari. The architecture of the building is art in itself, but when you embark on your adventure inside the gallery you will be lost in a world of fine art and ancient history!

The gallery is famous worldwide for the outstanding collections of ancient sculptures and paintings that it keeps, some that are dated back to the Middle Ages and some from the days we now live.

There is already so much splendor encapsulated from the paintings, but the gallery also prides itself on its collections of priceless ancient statues and busts that decorate the corridors! The Uffizi Gallery is a must-see landmark attraction in Italy. For an in depth review of Florence, read our Florence travel guide.

As this itinerary is intense, you will need be there by 9am to restrict yourself to seeing the masterpeices only. This can be done in 2 hours so you can out and on the road by midday.

Day 2/Stop 2 – San Petronio Basilica in Bologna

Why it’s awesome: It is the 10th largest church in the entire world!
Cost: Entrance is free and it is €2 ($3) to take photos
Food Recommendation: Botanica Lab Cafe is the first Bistro in Bologna, and is striving to create healthy meals for a healthy body! Enjoy all of their vegan food and shakes. We recommend tasting one of their fresh croissants.

This immense structure stands and presents a domineering presence in the center of the Piazza Maggiore. San Petronio Basilica is dedicated to Saint Petronius, the patron saint of Bologna.

San Petronio Basilica in Bologna, ItalyThis outstandingly beautiful church has a Gothic design, and its most famous features are the sheer enormity of the building and its ancient unfinished front facade. Originally, the church was constructed in 1388 through to 1479, but it has never been truly finished, so the front facade is rather bizarre. The lower half features brilliant colored marble stonework, in contrast to the top half that remains bare and made of exposed brown brickwork.

The church’s inside atmosphere is truly epic, with large brick columns that are adorned with decoration and seem to stretch on forever! The San Petronio Basilica’s main altar is magnetic and will draw your attention as you walk down the central aisle in wonderment!

Insider Tip: On the weekends you can take an escalator trip to the viewing platform!

Day 2/Stop 3 – The Gardens Of Giardino Giusti in Verona

Why it’s awesome: These gardens are those of a famous royal palace in Verona!
Cost: Entrance fee is €8,50 ($10)
Food Recommendation: Enjoy a laid back and fun meal at the Café Carducci! The setting is vintage, and so are the wines. We suggest having a wine and cheese sitting with a light meal.

The Giusti Gardens are professionally designed and landscaped to capture the essence of the Italian Renaissance, and the style in which it does so is magnificent! The gardens are some of the very finest in Verona, providing a stunning contrast to the waves of architecture that is most present in the city!

The Gardens Of Giardino Giusti in Verona

You will walk along and find yourself feeling like royalty as you enjoy the eight different squares, and each section has its own unique design and theme with a central fountain or sculpted centerpiece! Maintaining a high-class standard, it is easy to see the care and attention put into every inch of this garden.

Rich flowers, bright colors and indigenous bushes decorate these gardens – and you can even find yourself in an iconic hedge maze!

Note that unless you have driven between cities like a stunt driver, the gardens may be closed by the time you arrive. Or, you may be running out of daylight and wanting to get straight to the Canal’s and Lido.

I’ve got a list of epic hostels in Verona if you need a last minute stay!

Day 2/Stop 4 – The Grand Canal in Venice

Why it’s awesome: The Grand Canal is huge, and along the expansive waterways are some of the most outrageously beautiful places in Italy!
Cost: Entrance is free, and the gondola hire is €4,30 ($5)
Food Recommendation: The Restaurant Terrazza Danieli is an upmarket rooftop restaurant on The Grand Canal that has views overlooking the city! The restaurant serves classic Venetian cuisine, and one of the best bets for a tasty meal is the traditional pasta.

What should one know about the Grand Canal? Perhaps, that it the greatest avenue in the world! It may be a little strange considering it is an entire street that is made out of the water, but it is lined with some of the greatest and most beautiful buildings on earth! Riding along the Grand Canal is a truly enchanting adventure.

This used to be “the” prestigious place to live back in Venice’s heyday, and it is still one of the most aristocratic addresses on the block! All the merchants that have really ‘made it’ in the world of business have had a shop on the Grand Canal at some stage. On a humorous note, most of the beautiful buildings along the canal originate from this contest had by the Venetian rich to outdo the neighbor’s place next-door – how little things have changed today!

Whimsical and glamorous, the Grand Canal with have you falling in love with the enigmatic nature of Venice!

Insider Tip: Palaces in Venice were literally built to be seen from the water so keep your eyes peeled!

Day 2/Stop 5 – Lido Beachfront in Venice

Why it’s awesome: This beach stretch is famously the best in Italy!
Cost: Entrance fee is €22 ($24) for non-residents
Food Recommendation: There is such a vibe at the Essentiale Restaurant & Lounge Bar at Hotel Villa Laguna that it can’t be missed! Enjoy 5-star style and fantastically decadent traditional food cooked by world-class chefs. Spot famous Italian actors and musicians whilst having one unforgettable culinary experience!

Lido has some of the very best beaches in Italy, and has a sandbar that elongates over 7 miles long that sits in the Venice Lagoon and the Adriatic Sea! This stretch of beach has the well-earned nickname of “Island of Gold”, due to the stunning golden-brown sands and magnificent shores.

The loveliest beaches are in front of Lido’s historically grand hotels, they are lined with thatched beach huts or sporting elegant white cabanas. The beaches are open from May through September for travelers to bask in the Italian sun and enjoy the atmosphere!

In all probability, the sun will have set by the time you arrive. Hopefully, there will be a full moon casting a serene reflection over the water. This is an amazing and remarkably scenic way to end your 2 days in Italy.

You will be tired out by this point so make sure you book one of the best hostels in Venice to ensure a good nights rest.

Generator Rome

One of the very best hostels in Italy is the Generator Rome. Discovery historical and ancient backstreets, and find yourself close to hubs that offer street culture, art, and amazing food!

Outdoor Terrace

The Montecassino | The Cinque Terre in Liguria | The Colosseum in Rome | The Roman Forum | The Chianti Wine Route in Tuscany

Our Italy trip planner will give you plenty of fun ways to spend your next few days! Visit ancient sites and historical landmarks all whilst traveling the beauty of this country and learning more about what Italy’s heritage is all about. Come with us on this adventure!

The Montecassino

The Montecassino was first built in 529 AD and attracts lots of tourists worldwide due to the significant historical background of the Abbey.
The surrounding gardens are vast and full of indigenous Italian wildflowers!
The entrance to this magnificent site is entirely free, but the monks do accept donations to the monastery.

Italy’s steep and rocky hills are home to a rebuilt Monte Cassino Abbey, and it is one of the most popular abbeys in the world! Despite being destroyed during World War II, it has been remade and kept its original structure. This is a unique site that is filled with lots of history from the days of worship and meditation. It is still in use as a religious venue for Christian monks, and it is breathtaking!

The remaining ashes of Saint Benedict, as well as his twin sister Saint Scholastica, are preserved and kept in bronze urns. The urns are found under the basilica’s high altar, and you can also admire other relics that are on display in the Chapel of Relics.

If you venture under the church, you will see a16th century crypt, adorned with an endless amount of fine art mosaics, as well as the tomb of St Benedict and his sister.

Monte Cassino used to be the wealthiest known monastery and is filled with old relics from St. Benedict. To see these old paintings, frescoes, and mosaics, you can go into the abbey’s museum. This adventure is full of new knowledge and stunning religious artifacts!

The Cinque Terre in Liguria

Cinque Terre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has also been designed as a national park. Italy has a bunch of national parks to visit .
The Cinque Terre is nestled in Liguria, and the ‘Five Lands’ is made up of five prominent villages that are located at the top of the rugged cliffs. overlooking the famous Italian Riviera.
€105 ($119) is the average cost of traveling this famous coastline.

Cinque Terre’s villages are all overlooking the famous Italian Riviera, so no matter which of these villages you are in, at any given time you will be astounded by the landscapes!

This popular string of centuries-old seaside villages has 5 distinct towns that each have their own uniquely charming sites – Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore, and Monterosso.

These humble villages are overflowing with marvelous vineyards, vibrantly colored houses, steep terraces, abundant fishing harbors and plenty of local seafood specials. Most of the food here will be served with Liguria’s famous sauce, pesto.

The romantic area of Cinque Terra is sprawled between La Spezia and Levanto. It offers olive groves, azure sea views along the long coastline and a bevy of traditional restaurants.

If you want to have a hike, then The Sentiero Azzurro cliffside trail is the best! This hiking trail connects all of the villages and provides some of the most amazing sweeping sea vistas!

The Colosseum in Rome

Pre-book tickets before you come. Lines are very long and sometimes it can take half a day just to get in.
This site is one of the biggest attractions, and when you see how the building still stands and preserves so much of Ancient Rome’s splendor, you will understand why!
Entrance fee is €12 ($13,50)

You simply can’t visit the ancient city of Rome and not visit this most well known and very famous attraction! The mighty colosseum retains a remarkable stature and captures what it was like in Rome during the empire’s day. Walking amongst the wreckage, you can almost feel yourself time traveling to see the gladiators readying themselves for a fight to the death, as the hierarchy watched and eager fans cheered!

This colossal amphitheater was once able to host 50 000 spectators and has now become one of the most important historical relics in the world! The Colosseum still retains a hell of a lot of grandeur, and you can get a very good idea of what it must have looked like in its prime.

This site is both entertaining and reflective, as we realize how far humanity has come from such barbaric times (we now have X Factor….) . The ruins are beautiful, and seeing these broken down structures under the clear skies of Rome is perfection.

Want to learn more about this wonderful country? Head over to our backpacking Italy travel guide for more details all things Italian!

The Roman Forum

The Roman Forum is one of Italy’s biggest attractions and lies between the Capitoline and the Palatine hills of Rome.
The Forum was the center of the whole Roman Empire!
Entrance fee is €2 ($2,24)

The Roman Forum is an essential part of any Rome itinerary . It is so big that it can be seen from most terraces in the wider city and enchants everyone who visits with its tall pillars, aged domes and amazingly well-kept structures with infinite detail and depth.

The ruins of The Roman Forum are made up of breathtakingly impressive temples, arches, and houses. This expansive labyrinth of history is home to both The Temple of Saturn and The Via Sia. Walking in the footsteps of Julius Caesar, in these remains you can still feel the power from Italy’s most prominent and ancient empire!

A guided tour of the Roman Forum offers you an authentic chance to gain insight into the politics, beliefs, and lives of the Ancient Romans themselves, helping you to understand so much more about this lost civilization!

The Chianti Wine Route in Tuscany

Chianti is the most famous wine estate in Italy and churns some of the best plonk in the world!
Touring this route offers you a very unique view of the landscapes and villages that you won’t find on other wine routes or tours.
The route is free to drive or walk through.

The Chianti road connects Florence to Siena, and is probably the most beautiful driving route in Italy! It passes through acres and acres of pristine arable land which has produced some of the best wine ever!

Just like it’s wines, Chianti has become more beautiful with time! This route will take you through enchanting old villages, rolling green hills and flowing streams. Stop off to have a wine tasting, or simply even have a picnic in one of the many beautiful spots along the way.

Italy is a strong contributor to the world of wine and this is one of its prime, wine regions . Winelovers simply cannot go to Italy without exploring the magnificently beautiful and expansive vineyards!

You’ll also find plenty of Italian yoga retreats in this part of Italy.

Here of some of the best Italian trips for you to enjoy on your journey that will add heaps of zest and fun to your days! Whether you’re spending the weekend in Italy or more than 3 days in Italy, we’ve got your back with these amazing tours.

Capri Boat Trip To Visit The Blue Grotto

This adventure is a true must for those wanting to experience all of the magic that Italy’s waterways have to share! The mystical Blue Grotto is an ancient sea cave just off the coast of Capri Island, and the effect that the sunlight has on the cave water is mesmerizing!

The ocean water turns a bright luminescent blue color, and while you are touring through the cave you will not only feel the calmness and fantasy-like essence, but you will also feel as if you are floating on an electric blue wave that lights up the whole underwater cavity! The cave is a true gem, and boating through is a once in a lifetime experience!

Rome: Pompeii Sightseeing Trip

Pompei was famously suddenly and totally destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 79AD. On this group excursion, you will explore these artistic and historical sites, ranging from old bathtubs, halls, and marble statues! Exploring Pompei’s history is eerrie and fascinating.

The buildings are surprisingly well-preserved for their age, showing how ingenious Roman architecture was. These ruins are beautiful and have remained standing even after a huge volcanic eruption destroyed most of the castles and temples. Some parts of Pompeii still remain covered in volcanic ash, making these ruins a massive archeological landmark!

Tuscany: Canyoning Adventure Day Trip

This is a fun day trip that is sure to curb your undying craving for adventure! On this energising excursion, you will have a full day of wet and wild canoeing on the beautifully scenic countryside of Tuscany!

As you navigate the way, you will be immersed in gorgeous waterfalls, and slide down completely natural water slides. Maneuvering on the sometimes tricky Tuscan waterways, you will have a great day learning how to conquer the waves. The whole way is full of gorgeous Renaissance buildings, colorful vegetation, birdlife and views that will make your soul soar!

Naples and Amalfi Coast Full Day Tour from Rome

Having the opportunity to see one stunning place is magnificent enough, but on this tour, you will get to see two in only one day!!

Dirty Naples shows another side to Italy’s charecter and yet never fails to charm visitors.

To make your day even more unforgettable, you will be traveling past the exquisite coast of Amalfi . This coastline is lined with colorful old-school villas, fishing villages, stunning cliffs, and rocky shorelines.

Ischia Day Trip with Lunch from Naples

On this day trip from Naples, you will be provided with one otherworldly kind of adventure! Travel from Naples to one of the most beautiful islands in Italy , and lunch with your travel companions. This volcanic island is surrounded by the Mediterranean sea, with ocean views that stretch as far as the eye can see!

The waters are known for being mineral-rich and enjoyably warm for you to have a dip and swim with fish. There are also volcanic natural spas for you to treat yourself to on this alluring island.

From the beach of Ischia, you can walk along a stone bridge to the medieval Aragonese Castle. Nearby, you will find the 18th-century Palazzo dell’Orologio that houses the Sea Museum, where you can learn more about the area of Ischia and its fishing tradition.

Italy is very safe for travellers and violent crime is rare. However, you do need to take some precautions. Italy is generally safe , we will help prepare you for your visit so that you can keep yourself and your important things safe when in Italy!

Rome, in particular, is known for petty theft and pickpocketing as are other major tourist destinations.

Never travel with your bag out in the open or with an unlocked backpack. Keep your bag in front of you and keep it zipped. For extra precautions, get a handbag with a wire strap, so that it cannot easily be cut and run away with.

In the Metro subways watch for young children who may be working as pickpockes and bag thieves. Stay aware of people wanting to bump or get too close to you, and watch where their hands are going. Pickpocketing happens in the busy lines and within big tourist groups.

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Italy

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Find out what people want to know when planning their Italy itinerary.

How many days do you need for a full Italy itinerary?

If you’re keen to explore as much of the country as possible, then you’ll need about 2-3 weeks in Italy.

What should you include on a 10 day Italy itinerary?

Make sure to check out these iconic attractions: – The Pantheon & Colosseum, Rome – Siena Cathedral, Siena – The Leaning Tower, Pisa – Grand Canal, Venice

Where should you stay for a honeymoon in Italy?

Positano is our pick for the most romantic place to stay in Italy, while Florence and Venice are also popular options.

What is the best way to travel around Italy?

Train travel is the cheapest and easiest way to travel around Italy. Renting a car would provide more flexibility, while flying can be the quickest option and is often great value!

This complete travel guide will ensure that your days in Italy are well spent! We have covered the best trips for your Italy vacation, where to find the most mouth-watering traditional cuisine, and more! This beautiful country is a favorite, so be prepared to fall in love with the history, culture, and people as you explore endless magic!

This Italy travel itinerary will have you enjoying the best parts of Italy, and soaking up your time in this country to the fullest! Backpacking through Italy can be inexpensive , and truly one of the best adventures you will ever go on. We sing Italy’s praises loud and clear!

Made it this far? You get 15% OFF to book a place to stay ! Offer valid exclusively for Broke Backpackers 😉

Share or save this post

Exploring Italy has always been a dream of mine, and with an Italy tourist visa, it finally became a reality! From the Colosseum in Rome to the canals of Venice, every moment was unforgettable

Trip Planner for Italy | Everything You Need to Know

Are you dreaming of a vacation that combines rich history, stunning landscapes, delectable cuisine, and vibrant culture? Look no further than Italy. This European gem, which is one of the best countries to visit in Europe, offers an unparalleled mix of experiences for every traveler. In this comprehensive Italy Travel Guide, we’ll walk you through the best things to do and the must-visit destinations in Italy, helping you plan an unforgettable trip. We’ll even you suggest some of the best multi day itinerary for Italy, that you can use for your trip to Italy.

Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, an art lover, or simply seeking adventure, Italy has something for everyone.

Rich History and Culture

Culinary delights, scenic landscapes, art and architecture, 1. determine your interests, 2. best time to visit italy, 3. choose your destinations, 4. plan your itinerary, 5. accommodations and transportation, 6. embrace local italian cuisine, 7. learn basic italian phrases, 8. embrace the art and culture, 9. italy tours and guided experiences, 3. florence, 5. amalfi coast, 3. palermo, sicily, 3-day italy itinerary | highlights of rome, 5-day italy itinerary | rome and florence, 7-day italy itinerary | rome, florence, and venice, 10-day italy itinerary – option 1 | rome, florence, venice, and tuscany, 10-day italy itinerary – option 2 | rome, florence, venice, and naples, 14-day italy itinerary – option 1 | rome, florence, venice, tuscany, amalfi coast and sicily, 14-day italy itinerary – option 2 | rome, florence, venice, bologna, naples, amalfi coast, sicily, 14-day italy itinerary – option 3 | rome, florence, venice, bologna, naples, palermo, share this:, trip planning for italy – the best italy travel guide.

Italy consistently ranks as one of the best European countries to visit , and for good reason. It’s a land where ancient ruins coexist with modern fashion, where the cuisine is as diverse as the landscapes, and where each region offers its unique charm. Here’s why Italy should be at the top of your travel list:

Italy boasts an incredible history that has shaped the world for millennia. From the mighty Roman Empire to the Renaissance period, evidence of Italy’s historical significance can be seen in its architecture, art, and monuments. Don’t miss adding the iconic Colosseum in Rome, the artistic treasures of Florence, and the well-preserved ruins of Pompeii, on your Italy trip plan.

Italian cuisine is celebrated worldwide, and there’s no better place to savour it than in its place of origin. Indulge in mouthwatering pasta dishes, authentic pizzas, and gelato on the streets of Naples or Bologna. Don’t forget to pair your meal with a glass of local wine; Italy is famous for its vineyards.

Italy’s natural beauty is awe-inspiring. The stunning Amalfi Coast, with its dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters, is a top destination for beach lovers. For a more adventurous experience, head to the Dolomites for hiking or the Tuscan countryside for picturesque rolling hills.

Art aficionados will be in heaven in Italy. Visit Florence’s Uffizi Gallery to see works by Michelangelo and Botticelli, or explore the Vatican Museums in Rome to admire the masterpieces of the Renaissance. The architectural marvels of Venice, with its canals and bridges, are a sight to behold, and should definitely find a place on your trip plan for Italy.

Now that you’re convinced of Italy’s allure, let’s dive into planning your epic Italy vacation.

PS – This is a long blog post and features a comprehensive Italy Travel Guide , that will help you properly plan for your trip to Italy. So, if you are short on time, make sure to SAVE this post for later reading, or you can simply PIN it for future reference .

Italy Travel Guide | Best Italy Trip Planner

PS – Useful Travel Resources that will help you plan better for your Trip to Italy –

Book your Italy train tickets at Omio or Trainline
Book your Rental Car in Italy on Discover Cars and RentalCars.com
Book the best Italy Tours at GetYourGuide or Viator
Book the best Culinary / Food Experiences in Italy on EatWith
Book your Accommodation in Italy on Agoda or Booking.com
Book your flights at the cheapest rates on Kiwi.com
Get an eSIM by Airalo to stay connected and Save on Roaming Fees
Sign up for a Priority Pass before flying to Italy, to enjoy premium Airport Lounge Access.
Sign up for a Travel Insurance to enjoy a hassle free vacation in Italy.

Plan Your Trip to Italy

Before creating an itinerary, identify your interests and preferences. Are you a history enthusiast? An art lover? A nature explorer? Knowing what excites you will help plan your trip to Italy accordingly.

Italy is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit Italy largely depends on your tolerance for crowds and weather. Spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) offer pleasant weather and fewer tourists. Summer (June to August) is peak season, with warm weather but larger crowds. Winter (November to February) is less crowded but cooler, ideal for budget travellers.

Italy offers a plethora of destinations, each with its unique charm. Here are some must-visit places in Italy:

Rome : The capital city boasts historic sites like the Colosseum and the Vatican, as well as trendy neighbourhoods and world-class shopping.
Florence : The birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is a treasure trove of art and culture.
Venice : Known for its canals, romantic gondola rides, and exquisite architecture.
Naples : A vibrant city known for its delicious street food and proximity to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast.
Sicily : Explore this beautiful island for its rich history, stunning beaches, and mouthwatering cuisine.

Create a rough travel itinerary for your trip to Italy, to ensure you cover your desired destinations and activities. Allocate sufficient time to each place and consider travel times between cities. Keeping things flexible, on your Italy trip plan, allows for spontaneity and unexpected discoveries.

Book accommodations in advance, especially during peak seasons. Italy offers a wide range of options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels and charming boutique B&Bs. Book your accommodation in Italy, via Agoda or Booking.com to get the best deals. For transportation, trains are an efficient way to travel between cities, while local buses or walking are convenient for exploring within cities. Trains for your trip to Italy, can be booked online on Trainline and Omio.

Pizza, Pasta, Gelato – What’s Not to love about Italian food?

Italy is a culinary paradise, known for its delicious and diverse regional dishes, and dining in Italy is an experience in itself. When visiting Italy, be sure to try these local dishes that are a true reflection of Italian gastronomy.

Pizza Margherita (Naples):

Naples is the birthplace of pizza, and you must savor a classic Margherita pizza. It’s topped with tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil leaves, olive oil, and a pinch of salt.

Pasta Carbonara (Rome):

Carbonara is a Roman pasta dish made with spaghetti, eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, pancetta or guanciale (cured pork jowl), and black pepper. It’s creamy and incredibly flavorful.

Lasagna (Emilia-Romagna):

Emilia-Romagna is renowned for its pasta dishes, and lasagna is a standout. Layers of wide pasta sheets, Bolognese sauce, béchamel, and Parmesan cheese are baked to perfection.

Risotto alla Milanese (Milan):

Milanese risotto is a creamy saffron-infused rice dish, often served with osso buco (braised veal shanks). It’s a comforting and flavorful Northern Italian specialty.

Ossobuco (Milan):

Ossobuco is a Milanese specialty featuring braised veal shanks cooked in white wine, broth, and gremolata (lemon, garlic, and parsley). It’s traditionally served with saffron risotto.

Pasta alle Vongole (Naples):

This dish consists of spaghetti or linguine cooked with fresh clams, garlic, white wine, olive oil, and parsley. It’s a delightful seafood pasta that captures the flavors of the Mediterranean.

Pesto Genovese (Genoa):

Pesto is a fragrant sauce made from fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. It’s typically served with trofie or trenette pasta in Genoa.

Truffle Risotto (Piedmont):

Piedmont is famous for its truffles, and truffle risotto is a luxurious dish made with Arborio rice, truffle paste or shavings, white wine, and butter. It’s a gastronomic delight.

Cannoli (Sicily):

Sicily is known for its sweet treats, and cannoli are a must-try. These crispy pastry tubes are filled with sweet ricotta cheese and often adorned with candied fruits and pistachios.

Gelato (Throughout Italy):

Gelato is Italy’s version of ice cream but with a richer, creamier texture. Try various flavors like pistachio, hazelnut, and tiramisu at local gelaterias.

Tiramisu (Veneto):

Tiramisu is a popular Italian dessert made with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese, cocoa powder, and sometimes a hint of liquor.

Panettone (Milan):

A sweet bread studded with candied fruits and raisins, panettone is a traditional Italian Christmas treat. It’s often enjoyed with a glass of prosecco.

Arancini (Sicily):

These Sicilian rice balls are typically stuffed with ragù (meat sauce), mozzarella, and peas, coated in breadcrumbs, and fried to golden perfection.

Cacio e Pepe (Rome):

A simple yet flavorful Roman pasta dish made with spaghetti, Pecorino Romano cheese, black pepper, and a touch of pasta water to create a creamy sauce.

Gnocchi (Throughout Italy):

Gnocchi are soft potato dumplings served with various sauces. Try them with a rich tomato sauce or a creamy Gorgonzola sauce.

Remember that Italy’s regional cuisine is incredibly diverse, and each region has its own specialties. So, explore and savour the local flavours by, booking the best culinary experiences in Italy , visiting local markets, and trying out some of the Best Street Foods of Europe , wherever your travels take you within Italy.

Buon appetito!

While many Italians speak English, learning a few basic Italian phrases can enhance your experience and help you navigate more easily.

Here are some essential phrases to get you started:

Hello – Ciao (chow)
Good morning – Buongiorno (bwon-jor-noh)
Good evening – Buonasera (bwon-a-say-ra)
Good night – Buonanotte (bwon-a-not-te)
Please – Per favore (pair fah-voh-re)
Thank you – Grazie (grah-tzee-eh)
You’re welcome – Prego (pray-go)
Yes – Sì (see)
No – No (noh)
Excuse me / Sorry – Scusa (scoo-zah) or Mi dispiace (mee dees-pee-ah-che)
Do you speak English? – Parli inglese? (par-lee een-gleh-zeh?)
I don’t understand – Non capisco (non kah-pees-koh)
How much is this? – Quanto costa questo? (kwahn-toh koh-stah kway-stoh?)
Where is…? – Dov’è…? (doh-veh)
I need help – Ho bisogno di aiuto (oh bee-so-nyoh dee ah-yoo-toh)
My name is… – Mi chiamo… (mee kyah-moh)
What’s your name? – Come ti chiami? (koh-meh tee kyah-mee?)
I’m lost – Sono perso/persa (soh-noh pehr-soh/pehr-sah)
I’m a tourist – Sono un turista (soh-noh oon too-ree-stah)
Can you help me? – Puoi aiutarmi? (pwoy ah-yoo-tar-mee?)

These phrases should help you navigate everyday situations and interact with locals during your trip to Italy. Italians appreciate when visitors make an effort to speak their language, even if it’s just a few basic phrases, so don’t hesitate to give it a try.

Photo by Calvin Craig on Unsplash

Immerse yourself in Italy’s rich cultural heritage as Italy is a treasure trove for Art lovers and history enthusiasts. Attend a traditional opera in Verona, participate in a pasta-making class in Bologna, or witness a colourful local festival.

Consider joining guided tours or experiences to make the most of your trip. Whether it’s a wine tour in Tuscany, a gondola ride in Venice, or a guided visit to the Vatican, these tours can provide valuable insights and skip-the-line access to popular attractions. To save almost 50% of the usual cost, we recommend that you book your Italy Guided Tours and Experiences on GetYourGuide or Viator.

Best European Cities to Visit in Italy

Photo by Caleb Miller on Unsplash

As the capital of Italy, Rome is a city where ancient history and modern life coexist. Rome is not only one of the best cities to visit in Italy, but it’s also one of the top cities to visit in Europe. Must-visit attractions include the Colosseum, Vatican City, the Roman Forum, and the Trevi Fountain, which can be easily covered on a Hop on Hop Off Rome Big Bus Tour . A unique way of exploring Rome is by joining any of these Rome Golf Cart Tours , which apart from covering all the best places to visit in Rome, are a unique way of experiencing Rome. To make the most of your trip to Italy, plan at least three – four days to explore the city thoroughly, as recommended in this 4 Day Rome Itinerary as well. To get free access to 40+ Rome attractions and save upto 50% cost get the Go City Rome Pass.

Best Things to do in Rome

Visit the Colosseum: Explore this iconic ancient amphitheater, where gladiators once battled, and learn about the history of ancient Rome.
Tour the Vatican City: Explore St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel to admire the art and architecture of this religious and cultural hub.
Wander through the Roman Forum: Stroll through the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum, which was the center of political, religious, and social life in ancient Rome.
Toss a Coin at the Trevi Fountain: Follow the tradition of throwing a coin over your left shoulder into the fountain to ensure your return to Rome.
Indulge in Roman Cuisine: Enjoy authentic Roman dishes like pasta carbonara and cacio e pepe at local trattorias.

Check out The Best Guided Trips and Tours in Rome on GetYourGuide

Check out The Best Guided Trips and Tours in Rome on Viator

Photo by Federico Beccari on Unsplash

Known as the “City of Canals,” Venice is famous for its romantic gondola rides along the Grand Canal, the stunning St. Mark’s Basilica, and the unique architecture of its historic buildings. It is one of the Best Cities in Italy, that should be there on your Italy Itinerary.

Best Things to do in Venice

Take a Gondola Ride: Experience the romantic charm of Venice by taking a traditional gondola ride along its picturesque canals.
Visit St. Mark’s Square: Explore St. Mark’s Basilica, the Campanile (bell tower), and the Doge’s Palace, all located in this iconic square.
Discover the Grand Canal: Hop on a Vaporetto (water bus) and cruise along the Grand Canal to admire the stunning architecture of Venice.
Explore the Venice Islands: Take day trips to Murano, Burano, and Torcello to see glass-blowing artisans, colorful houses, and historic sites.
Get Lost in Venice: Wander through the narrow, winding streets, bridges, and alleyways of Venice to discover hidden gems.

Check out The Best Guided Trips and Tours in Venice on GetYourGuide

Check out The Best Guided Trips and Tours in Venice on Viator

Photo by Ali Nuredini on Unsplash

Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, is a haven for art and culture lovers. Visit the Uffizi Gallery, the Florence Cathedral, and the Ponte Vecchio, which are some of the best places to visit in Florence in 1 day .

Best Things to do in Florence

Visit the Uffizi Gallery: Explore one of the world’s greatest art museums, home to masterpieces by artists like Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci.
Admire the Florence Cathedral: Climb to the top of the Florence Cathedral’s dome for panoramic views of the city.
Stroll Across the Ponte Vecchio: Walk across the famous “Old Bridge” lined with jewelry shops and admire the Arno River views.
Explore the Boboli Gardens: Relax in these beautiful Renaissance gardens behind the Pitti Palace, offering a peaceful escape from the city.
Try a Florentine Steak: Savour a thick, juicy Florentine T-bone steak at a local trattoria.

Check out The Best Guided Trips and Tours in Florence on GetYourGuide

Check out The Best Guided Trips and Tours in Florence on Viator

Photo by Daryan Shamkhali on Unsplash

Milan is Italy’s fashion and design capital. Explore the Milan Cathedral, shop in the fashionable boutiques of the Quadrilatero della Moda, and visit the renowned Last Supper painting by Leonardo da Vinci. Along with Milan, you can also add a day trip or 2 to the famous Lake Como, on your trip plan for Italy.

Best Things to do in Milan

Visit the Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano): Marvel at the stunning Gothic architecture of this iconic cathedral and take an elevator ride to the rooftop for panoramic views.
Shop on Via Montenapoleone: Explore the Quadrilatero della Moda for high-end shopping in designer boutiques.
See Leonardo’s Last Supper: Book tickets in advance to view Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece at the Santa Maria delle Grazie church.
Visit the Brera Art Gallery: Discover an impressive collection of Italian Renaissance art in this historic gallery.
Experience La Scala Opera House: Attend a performance or take a guided tour of one of the world’s most famous opera houses.

Check out The Best Guided Trips and Tours in Milan on GetYourGuide

Check out The Best Guided Trips and Tours in Milan on Viator

Photo by Sander Crombach on Unsplash

The Amalfi Coast is home to one of the Best Road Trips in Italy , and offers breathtaking coastal views, charming towns like Positano and Amalfi, and excellent hiking opportunities along the Path of the Gods. It’s perfect for a romantic escape.

Best Things to do in Amalfi Coast

Drive the Amalfi Coast Road: Rated as one of the Most Scenic Road Trips in Europe , take a scenic drive along the winding coastal road to enjoy breathtaking views of cliffs and the Mediterranean Sea.
Visit Positano: Explore this charming coastal town with its colourful buildings, boutique shops, and beautiful beaches.
Hike the Path of the Gods: Embark on a hiking adventure along this picturesque trail for panoramic views of the coastline.
Tour Ravello: Visit the town of Ravello, known for its stunning gardens and the Villa Rufolo.
Relax on the Beaches: Spend some leisurely time at the beautiful beaches of the Amalfi Coast, such as Spiaggia Grande in Positano or Marina Grande in Amalfi.

Check out The Best Guided Trips and Tours in Amalfi Coast on GetYourGuide

Check out The Best Guided Trips and Tours in Amalfi Coast on Viator

Cheapest European Cities to Visit in Italy

While Italy offers luxurious experiences, it’s also possible to explore the country on a budget. Here are some of the relatively cheap places to visit in Italy, where you can stick to your budget, if you properly plan for your trip to Italy. The rough costs mentioned, will help you budget your trip to these beautiful cities in Italy, even better.

Photo by Sam van Bussel on Unsplash

Naples, the birthplace of pizza, is one of the cheapest cites in Europe and in Italy with affordable accommodation and delicious street food.

Best Things to do in Naples

Explore Pompeii: Visit the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, which was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Entrance fees are around €16-€18 per person.
Sample Neapolitan Pizza: Naples is the birthplace of pizza, so be sure to indulge in a delicious and affordable pizza from a local pizzeria for around €5-€10.
Wander the Historic Center: Stroll through the narrow streets of the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, admiring the vibrant atmosphere and local life.
Visit Naples Archaeological Museum: Explore a vast collection of archaeological treasures, including artefacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum, with entrance fees around €8-€15.
Hike Mount Vesuvius: For adventure seekers, a hike up Mount Vesuvius offers incredible views of the Bay of Naples, with ticket prices around €10-€12.

Check out The Best Guided Trips and Tours in Naples on GetYourGuide

Check out The Best Guided Trips and Tours in Naples on Viator

Photo by Petr Slováček on Unsplash

Bologna is known for its culinary delights, and you can find reasonably priced trattorias serving traditional Italian dishes.

Best Things to do in Bologna

Climb Asinelli Tower: Ascend the Asinelli Tower for panoramic views of Bologna. Tickets cost approximately €5-€6.
Visit Piazza Maggiore: Explore the heart of Bologna, Piazza Maggiore, surrounded by historic buildings and cafes, and take in the vibrant atmosphere.
Try Tagliatelle al Ragu: Savor a plate of the famous Bolognese pasta, tagliatelle al ragu, at a local trattoria for around €10-€15.
Discover the Archiginnasio of Bologna: Visit the historic university building, Archiginnasio of Bologna, and its stunning anatomical theater for an entrance fee of about €3-€5.
Explore Santo Stefano Basilica: Visit the complex of seven interlinked churches, known as Santo Stefano, to see its unique architecture and history, usually for free.

Check out The Best Guided Trips and Tours in Bologna on GetYourGuide

Check out The Best Guided Trips and Tours in Bolgna on Viator

Photo by Henrique Ferreira on Unsplash

Sicily, with its stunning landscapes and unique culture, is more affordable than mainland Italy. Palermo, the capital of Sicily, offers budget-friendly options for accommodations and dining, and this One Day Palermo Guide , has all the information you need to explore Palermo on a budget.

Best Things to do in Palermo, Sicily

Visit Palermo Cathedral: Explore the impressive Palermo Cathedral and its mix of architectural styles for an entrance fee of around €2-€5.
Explore the Ballarò Market: Immerse yourself in Sicilian culture by wandering through the vibrant and bustling Ballarò Market.
Indulge in Street Food: Try affordable Sicilian street food, such as arancini (rice balls) and panelle (chickpea fritters), for around €2-€5 per item.
Relax at Mondello Beach: Spend a day at the beautiful Mondello Beach, a short bus ride from Palermo, with free access to the public beach.
Visit the Norman Palace: Explore the Norman Palace and its Palatine Chapel, which showcase a blend of architectural styles, with entrance fees around €8-€12.

Check out The Best Guided Trips and Tours in Palermo on GetYourGuide

Check out The Best Guided Trips and Tours in Palermo on Viator

Recommended Travel Itineraries for your Trip to Italy

If you are wondering how many days trip should you plan for Italy, we’ve got you sorted. Check out our Best 3 day, 5 day, 7 day, and 14 day Italian Travel Itineraries, covering the best places to visit in Italy.

Day 1: Rome

Morning: Explore the Colosseum and Roman Forum.
Afternoon: Visit the Palatine Hill and Capitoline Hill.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local trattoria in the historic centre.

Day 2: Rome

Morning: Tour Vatican City, including St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums.
Afternoon: Visit the Pantheon and Piazza Navona.
Evening: Stroll through the charming streets of Trastevere and dine at a traditional Roman osteria.

Day 3: Rome

Morning: Explore the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain.
Afternoon: Visit the Borghese Gallery and Gardens.
Evening: Depart for your next destination or enjoy a final Italian meal.

Day 1-3: Rome (Follow the 3-day Italy trip itinerary above)

Day 4: Florence

Morning: Travel to Florence by train.
Afternoon: Explore the Florence Cathedral (Duomo), Baptistery, and Giotto’s Bell Tower.
Evening: Enjoy a Florentine steak dinner.

Day 5: Florence

Morning: Visit the Uffizi Gallery.
Afternoon: Explore the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s David.
Evening: Stroll across the Ponte Vecchio and savour gelato.

Day 1-5: Rome and Florence (Follow the 5-day Italy travel itinerary above)

Day 6: Venice

Morning: Travel to Venice by train.
Afternoon: Explore St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica, and the Doge’s Palace.
Evening: Take a romantic gondola ride through Venice’s canals.

Day 7: Venice

Morning: Visit the Rialto Bridge and the Grand Canal.
Afternoon: Explore the colourful islands of Murano and Burano.
Evening: Depart or enjoy a farewell seafood dinner.

3 Day Italy Travel Itinerary | Trip to Rome | Italy Trip Planner

Pin this Italy Trip Planner and SAVE it for future reference !

Day 1-7: Rome, Florence, and Venice (Follow the 7-day Italy trip itinerary above)

Day 8: Tuscany

Morning: Rent a car and drive to the Tuscan countryside.
Afternoon: Visit vineyards in Chianti for wine tasting.
Evening: Check into a charming agriturismo (farmhouse accommodation).

Day 9: Tuscany

Morning: Explore the medieval town of Siena and its stunning cathedral.
Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely drive through the Val d’Orcia region, known for its rolling hills and picturesque landscapes.
Evening: Return to your agriturismo for a homemade Tuscan dinner.

Day 10: Tuscany

Morning: Visit the hilltop town of San Gimignano.
Afternoon: Explore the town of Pisa, known for the Leaning Tower.
Evening: Return to Florence for a final night.

Day 1-7: Rome, Florence, and Venice (Follow the 7-day Italy travel itinerary above)

Day 8: Naples

Morning: Take a high-speed train to Naples.
Afternoon: Explore Naples’ historic centre, including Spaccanapoli, and try the famous Neapolitan pizza.
Evening: Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade of Via Caracciolo.

Day 9: Naples

Morning: Visit the Naples National Archaeological Museum.
Afternoon: Explore the historic district of Quartieri Spagnoli and visit Castel dell’Ovo.
Evening: Savour traditional Neapolitan dishes at a local trattoria.

Day 10: Naples

Morning: Take a day trip to the ancient Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, both buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
Afternoon: Return to Naples for a final evening before departing or continuing your journey.

Day 1-10: Rome, Florence, Venice, and Tuscany/Naples (Follow the 10-day Italy trip itinerary above)

Day 11: Amalfi Coast

Morning: If you are already in Naples, start your Road Trip to Amalfi Coast, which is one of the Best and Most Scenic Road Trips in Europe , or if you are coming from Tuscany, Fly to Naples and drive to the Amalfi Coast.
Afternoon: Explore Positano and enjoy the stunning coastal views.
Evening: Stay in a charming coastal town like Amalfi or Ravello.

Day 12: Amalfi Coast

Explore the beautiful towns of Amalfi and Ravello.
Relax on the beach and savour fresh seafood dishes.

Day 13: Sicily

Morning: Fly to Catania, Sicily.
Afternoon: Visit the historic city of Syracuse, known for its ancient ruins.
Evening: Enjoy Sicilian cuisine in Ortigia.

Day 14: Sicily

Explore Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano.
Visit the charming town of Taormina with its ancient Greek theater.
Depart from Catania for your journey home.

Day 8: Bologna

Morning: Travel to Bologna by train.
Afternoon: Explore Bologna’s historic centre, visit the Two Towers, and savour the local specialty, tagliatelle al ragù (Bolognese sauce).
Evening: Enjoy a relaxed evening in Bologna’s charming streets.

Day 9: Bologna

Morning: Visit the Archiginnasio, home to the world’s oldest university.
Afternoon: Explore the Basilica of San Petronio and stroll through the food market at Mercato di Mezzo.
Evening: Savour more local cuisine and perhaps some gelato.

Day 11-14: Amalfi Coast, and Sicily (Follow the 10-day Italy trip itinerary above)

Day 1-10: Rome, Florence, Venice, Bologna, Naples (Follow the 14-day Italy travel itinerary above until Day 10)

Day 11: Palermo, Sicily

Morning: Fly to Palermo, the capital of Sicily.
Afternoon: Explore Palermo’s historic streets, visit the Palermo Cathedral, and enjoy Sicilian street food at the Mercato Ballarò.
Evening: Check into your Palermo accommodation.

Day 12: Palermo, Sicily

Morning: Visit the stunning Norman Palace and Palatine Chapel.
Afternoon: Explore the historic district of Kalsa and visit the Modern Art Gallery.
Evening: Savor a traditional Sicilian dinner with seafood and pasta dishes.

Day 13: Palermo, Sicily

Morning: Take a day trip to the ancient Greek ruins of Segesta and the charming town of Erice.
Afternoon: Return to Palermo for some leisure time or additional exploration.
Evening: Enjoy your last evening in Sicily.

Day 14: Departure from Palermo

Depending on your departure time, you may have some free time for shopping or a final Sicilian meal before heading to the airport.

10 Day Trip to Italy | Travel Itinerary and Guide | #Italy Trip Planner | Best Things to do in Italy

These Best Italy trip itineraries, shared in this Italy Travel Guide should give you a good starting point to plan for your trip to Italy, but feel free to adjust them to your interests and pace. Italy offers a diverse range of experiences, and each region has its unique charm and attractions.

Italy is a destination that has it all – history, culture, art, cuisine, and natural beauty. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or on a romantic getaway, Italy’s diverse offerings will leave you with cherished memories. So, pack your bags, plan your trip to Italy, and get ready to explore one of the best vacation spots in the world, using one of the best Italy Itinerary, shared in this Italy Trip Planner.

Visit Italy and experience the magic of this extraordinary country, from the enchanting cities to the scenic countryside.

Italy is waiting to welcome you with open arms, so start planning for your trip to Italy, with the help of this Italy Travel Guide.

Also, if you like reading the content I create and curate, I will be really thankful if you could take a moment to

LIKE | COMMENT | SHARE and SUBSCRIBE

Also, if you’re on Facebook, I would love to have you as a part of

the Eat Travel Live Repeat Travel Community

Subscribe via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to theETLRblog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Email Address

Kale by LyraThemes.com.

Privacy Overview

Switzerland
The Netherlands
National Parks
Affording Travel
Photography
Responsible Travel
Worldschool
Wanderlust Guides
Travel Planning
Work with Us

Europe , Italy , Travel

The only italy travel guide you’ll ever need.

This is the best Italy travel guide to help you plan your trip with ease and ensure you see the best that Italy has to offer, safely and efficiently!

This post contains affiliate links

Why Go To Italy

There are many reasons to visit Italy. I feel like I shouldn’t really have to explain myself. I mean, have you ever had gelato ? Top reason! Ok, not really, but it’s pretty high up there for me.

Italy is a country that I just keep going back to. I don’t necessarily plan it that way, but it just seems to happen! There is just so much to see and do in this wonderful country that it feels like a different trip to Italy every time I visit.

Italy is such a large country, full of many different people, history, cultures, and landscapes, that has given us so much historically, artistically, musically, and more. There’s a reason that Italy is called the birthplace of the Renaissance.

The museums in Italy are some of the best in the world, boasting the most famous artistic pieces known to man.

Add all that culture (and gelato) to the fact that Italy has nearly 5,000 miles of coastline and gorgeous beaches, visiting Italy is a no-brainer!

Here are just a few reasons we love visiting Italy:

World class museums
Amazing Food
Beautiful Scenery
Historical Importance
Friendly People
Affordable Prices
Gelato (need I say more)

Obviously, there are so many more reasons to visit Italy, but this should be enough to entice you! It’s an amazing place that you must see, but it’s good to know all you can before you go. This Italy travel guide will help you find all the information you need for your trip.

If you’d like more information about planning your trip, join our Italy Travel Planning Facebook Group

Here are some fun facts about Italy

Pasta has been around since the 4th Century BCE
The fork was made popular in Italy
All 3 of Europe’s volcanos are located in Italy
Marco Polo and Christopher Columbus were both from Italy
The country of Italy is only 153 years old
Pizza was invented in Italy
The Vatican is the smallest country in the world
There are 50 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Italy
Italy has almost 5,000 miles of coastline
Around 3,000 Euros are thrown into the Trevi fountain each day. It’s given to charity.

The Best Books About Italy to Get You Inspired

I’m a huge reader and love reading almost as much as I love traveling! I have read so many books about Italy that have inspired me to visit and enjoy all that is has to offer. These are the books that have inspired me:

From Sand and Ash

This is one of those novels that really sticks with you. It’s set in Rome during WWII and follows the lives of Christians and Jews as the Catholic church works to save and hide Jews inside churches and convents. It was a fascinating story and there are so few WWII books set in Italy, so I loved hearing this perspective.

Love & Gelato

So this is definitely a YA book, but the story is sweet (no pun intended) and it has a good message. It’s set in Florence and the Tuscan countryside and is about a girl who moves from America into her new life after her mother dies.

Beneath a Scarlet Sky

I don’t think I’ve ever read a more fascinating book based on reality! The whole time I was reading it, I kept thinking “no way, this can’t be real,” but it was. It’s the true story of an Italian man during WWII who helped smuggle Jews across the Alps and into Switzerland. He was also a driver for a leader in the Nazi party and worked as a spy.

Eat, Pray, Love

This is really such a classic that will make you want to travel anywhere, but her time in Italy seemed especially precious!

Four Seasons in Rome

This is a great book set in Rome (obviously) and is a memoir by Anthony Doerr, the author of “All the Light We Cannot See” (a novel set in France). Anthony shares about his year in Rome with his wife and twin babies. If you’re traveling to Rome with kids, this is a must read!

Inferno

All of Dan Brown’s books make me want to travel, but Inferno is set in Florence and is particularly fascinating. I learned a lot about the art and history of Florence from this book.

Angels & Demons

Another great Dan Brown book, this time set in Rome, will teach you about art out in plain sight in the city of Rome. It mentions many fountains and sculptures that you may have previously just walked by.

If you want to see a list off 100 inspirational books that will make you want to travel the world, read here.

I love browsing the internet for advice on how to travel in Italy, but sometimes a tangible book can be a beautiful thing. Here are my favorite Italy travel books:

Rick Steves Italy 2019

I’ve always been a big fan of Rick Steves. Especially since he specializes in all things Europe and keeps his guides up to date! His Italy guide is top notch and once you know where you’re going in Italy you can look into his more specific guides.

Lonely Planet Italy Travel Guide

Lonely Planet books are always a safe bet! The information is good, accurate, and kept up to date.

Getting to Italy

It’s a great time to visit Italy right now. With so many cheap flights to Italy, it’s much more affordable! A flight that would have cost you a thousand dollars 3 years ago now costs under $500! I keep telling everyone I know, if you’ve wanted to go to Italy, but couldn’t afford it, the time is now!

The cheapest time to fly to Italy will be during the offseason like January and February, but you can still find killer deals to Italy during the rest of the year. I flew from San Francisco to Rome for $400 in August last year. I recently found a flight from New York to Rome for $200. If you want to hear my best tips and tricks about finding dirt cheap flights read this.

When is the Best Time to Visit Italy

The best time to go to Italy, in my opinion, is when the flights are the cheapest ! That’s just how I operate! But in all honesty, I think the best time to travel to Italy is during the shoulder season.

If you don’t know what shoulder season is, it’s the months before and after peak season which, for most destinations in the Northern Hemisphere, will be September to October and April to May . This is generally the best time of year to go to Italy for several reasons.

What Month has the Best Weather in Italy?

I think the best time of year to visit Italy also really depends on where you go in Italy. As mentioned before, Italy’s climate is as diverse as it’s culture.

If you’re going to the Dolomites in January you will have a very different experience than if you go to Sicily in January. Winter in Italy can be very different depending on where you go.

Summer in Italy will generally be hot, especially in cities like Venice, Florence, and Rome. Summer in Italy might be a great choice for the Dolomites, or the northern lakes of Italy like Lake Como, Lake Garda, and Lake Maggiore where the mountain climates are more temperate and you have access to swimming and boating!

I find Italy in September really nice all over the country. You still have the warmth that you imagine Italy always has and all the tourist attractions are still open, but the crowds are much lighter thanks to traditional school schedules!

Spring in Italy is beautiful with blossoming wisteria abounding, but you are guaranteed to have less predictable weather, which usually means more rain and also spring break crowds.

When is the best time to visit Italy for Budget Travel?

I would say that for budget travelers, the best time to visit Italy is during the winter months, January and February in particular. Flights will be cheaper, hotels and Airbnb will be cheaper, and transportation will be cheaper.

But keep in mind this may not be the warm gelato-eating, sundress-wearing, beach-going kind of trip you may have dreamed of. So keep an eye out for good flights, and try to compromise with your time and money.

The short answer is that there is no best month to travel to Italy. Every time of year has something different to offer. Do your best to plan for affordable flights and lodging while picking a time that works for your schedule and your dream trip.

If you’re looking for ways to save money for travel, read this. And if you want to learn how to save up to afford your dream trip, read this.

How Much is a Trip to Italy Going to Cost Me?

If you’re traveling to Italy on a budget, it’s important to remember that traveling can really cost as much or as little as you want it to. That’s the beauty of this country. There is something for everyone, including something for everyone’s budgets!

How much to budget for a trip to Italy?

Flights: $300-600 depending on the time of year and your location
Lodging: $50-$200/night depending on your budget
Transportation: $200-$400 for the entire trip depending on the length
Food: $20-$100/day depending on your taste, standards, and size of your group
Gelato: $20/day (oh wait, that’s just me! But gelato costs between 2-5 euros depending on where you are, so plan accordingly and bring cash.)

What to Pack for Italy

If you’re wondering What to wear in Italy, don’t stress. Packing for Italy is pretty simple, especially if you’re going in the warmer months. I recommend packing a few sundresses, pants, a light jacket, and very good walking shoes. Don’t forget to pack your Italy power adapter, as you’ll find two different types of plugs in Italy.

Here’s a basic list of what to pack for Italy, but if you want a more in-depth list, you can see what we packed for our Italy backpacking trip here.

Italy Power Adapter

You’ll want to be sure you have a good international adapter, but I also like having a specific Italy power adapter because many old Italian homes will have two separate kinds of outlets and I’ve found that the international adapter doesn’t work as well in the old Italian ones.

Walking Shoes

If there’s one thing you can count on in Italy, it’s that you’ll be doing a lot of walking. And you’ll certainly need to if you plan on eating gelato every day! Italy is covered in hills and cobblestone streets, which make it so beautiful, but also rather difficult to walk through at times. You’ll want to be sure to have some good walking shoes.

If you’re visiting Italy in the summer, these sandals are amazing! I’ve had them for a few years now and they are comfortable to walk in for miles, but also cute enough to be worn with a sundress at church.

And if you’re visiting Italy in the winter or if you’ll be doing some hiking, these are the most amazing boots ever! I’ve had them for years and the best part is that they have a lifetime warranty from Eddie Bauer. I’ve walked through the souls of these boots after a few years and traded them in for new ones. They’re super comfortable and totally waterproof!

You’ll need a good daypack if you’re carrying camera equipment and water around on all your activities in Italy. We love this Osprey daypack.

I’m still so baffled that these beauties ever went out of style! They are great for traveling and for allowing you to be hands-free, which is so important if you’ve got little kids to look after! It also puts the weight of your bag on your hips instead of your back and shoulders which will already be overworked from hauling your luggage all over Italy.

I love having a big fanny pack with everything I need accessible in front of me.

But I also love this smaller one for excursions that require less stuff!

Portable WiFi

You’ll need some good WiFi when you go to Italy so that you can get around easily with your maps and stay in touch with your travel group. We love using Skyroam ! You can use the code WANDERLUSTCREW for a special discount.

Portable Phone Charger

I cannot go anywhere without my portable phone charger! I love the myCharge line because the cords are all built in! I just bought one that has USBC connections so I can even charge my laptop with it!

I’m in love with Sony mirrorless cameras. They are so much lighter and smaller than DSLRs, but provide the same quality. The Sony a6000 is a great starter mirrorless camera!

Staying Safe in Italy

Italy is generally a safe country. It’s always wise to be aware of any scams or high pickpocketing areas, and you must always be on your guard, especially when traveling solo or with kids. Be sure to read my 50 tips for traveling Europe like a pro.

Where to Stay in Italy

There are hotels, Bed & Breakfasts, and home rentals all over Italy and they are all pretty affordable. We’ve stayed in some seriously amazing places in Italy!

We stayed in Lake Como for two months in a huge gorgeous house with a view of the lake for $1,200 USD/month. I stayed in a beautiful Airbnb on a lemon grove with an ocean view in Sorrento where our host made us a homemade breakfast every morning including hand made fig tarts that I still dream about!

Our personal favorite way to stay in Italy, especially as a family, is with Airbnb. We’ve saved thousands of dollars by using Airbnb. If you’ve never tried it, you should! Here is a $40 coupon for your first stay.

Read this guide to using Airbnb before you even start looking for where to stay in Italy.

We’ve also had good luck with hotels in Italy. We stayed at an amazing hotel in Rom e right on the Piazza Navona where the bed lifted up to reveal a spa-sized bathtub with jets for under $100 USD/night. Another of our favorite hotels was one that opened up to a magnificent view of the Colosseum. There is something for everyone in Italy.

You can find some of our favorite hotels in Italy here.

The Best Places to Visit in Italy – Where should I go?

Italy is a huge country by European standards. It’s around the same size as the state of California. It’s tough to know where to go in Italy: the ancient ruins of Rome, the museums of Florence, the canals of Venice, or maybe something a little more unique and remote.

The options are endless and you can really have any kind of Italy vacation depending on your preference. Choosing where to go in Italy is tough, but this list of the best places to visit in Italy should help.

These are some of the best cities to visit in Italy and some of my personal favorites:

Rome is also a great place for families. With all of the museums and ancient ruins all over town it’s a great opportunity for kids to learn some history while having a gelato! Read my guide to Rome for families here.

Rome is also a great jumping off point for anywhere else in Italy. Most affordable flights will take you to Rome, so even if you only have a short time there, read about what to do with one day in Rome.

Cinque Terre

Getting Around Italy

Once you’ve purchased your flights to Italy and booked your lodging in Italy it’s time to start planning your transportation between your Italy destinations. There are many ways to get around Italy including cars, trains, bikes, planes, and even boats.

Train Travel in Italy

One of the big reasons I keep coming back to Italy is that train travel in Italy is so affordable and fairly easy to use if you know what you’re doing. Don’t go to Italy without reading my guide to train travel in Italy! I truly think this is the best way to travel in Italy!

Driving in Italy

Driving in Italy is not like driving in the United States. It’s not the worst place I’ve ever driven, but they definitely have their own set of rules. Just be very cautious and aware of other drivers, and get the full insurance on your rental car through the rental company or through your credit card company if they offer that.

I’ve rented cars in many foreign countries and have never had to show an international drivers permit until I tried to rent once in Milan. It has not happened to me again since, but it’s good to read the fine print when you book a rental car, or you can just go into AAA and pick up an international driving permit for around $20. You don’t need to take a test or anything.

The Best Things to do in Italy

Now that you’ve decided on your destinations, accommodations, and how you’ll get around, it’s time to think about what to do in Italy! The options are nearly endless, but I’m going to list my favorite activities in Italy:

Take a train ride
Ride on a Vespa
Take a Cooking Class
Spend time on the beach
Eat gelato every day (read my guide to finding the best Gelato in Italy here )
Try all the food
Speak some Italian
Explore ancient ruins
Take a gondola ride
Take a hike

Italy Itineraries

If you’re not sure where to go and would like some Italy vacation ideas, I’ve put together some of the best Italy itinerary options . Sometimes the best way to see Italy is with a set itinerary that means you don’t have to put too much effort into the planning.

I hope this has helped answer some of your questions about visiting Italy and I hope you’re feeling more ready to start planning your own trip. Whatever you choose to do and wherever you choose to go, you are going to love this amazing country! If you need help planning your trip to Italy, please feel free to reach out! I do free trip planning and would love to help you! You can email me or get in touch on Facebook or Instagram

If you loved this, please pin it!

Wanderlust Crew

3 thoughts on “ the only italy travel guide you’ll ever need ”.

I would like some literature about Italy sent to myhouse

Hi Sarah, my itineraries are only available as digital downloads right now. There are essential links that you will need on the guides so this is why they aren’t available on paper, sorry. Let me know if you have any questions. You can email me [email protected]

I LOVE Italy and can’t wait to go back! Go away Covid! Your photos and page are awesome. Check out some of my Italy pics and trips at simplyjolayne.com.

33 Italy Travel Tips That Will Save You Time, Money and Disappointment

Avoid tourist traps and have authentic experiences with these top italy travel tips.

With over 50 UNESCO world heritage sites, 3 active volcanoes, over 1500 lakes, excellent food, top-notch wines and the smallest restaurant in the world (that’s right: it can only seat two people!), Italy is one of the most popular destinations for travellers around the world. Despite being a relatively small country, Italy really has something for everyone: gorgeous beaches, stunning cities, archaeological sites, art, countryside and mountains.

It’s not uncommon to experience so-called culture shocks , which are nothing more than cultural diversities, customs or local peculiarities that can cause visitors to feel in over their heads. Sometimes this can lead to scams, paying too much, and general disappointment or confusion.

There’s so much to know about Italy and consider before planning a trip, but don’t worry: whether you’re a first-timer or a returning visitor, here’s everything you need to know before travelling to Italy!

In this guide, you’ll find 33 Italy travel tips and hacks divided into categories which will help you make the most of your time and avoid possible challenges you’ll run into while visiting Italy. Knowing these things will ensure you have a safe and enjoyable stay on each one of your trips. Want more tips? Get my complete guide to 101 Italy travel tips here.

Tips for getting around, travelling and transport in Italy

Pack light. Steps, inclines, cobblestones, narrow hotel staircases: getting around Italian cities can be a struggle with lots of suitcases and heavy luggage. Whatever your travel style, choose appropriate bags to make sure your arrival and your stay go smoothly. If you’re visiting places like Venice , you will also need to be able to carry your luggage on waterbuses and up flights of stairs as lifts/elevators are very rare.
Wear comfortable shoes. For the same reason mentioned above, you’ll make your life a lot easier by wearing comfortable shoes when you’re out and about. If you plan to visit Venice, don’t forget you might need a pair of stivali di gomma , rubber boots, when high water occurs in lower-lying parts of the city such as sound Piazza San Marco.
Validate your train ticket. If you’re travelling by train in Italy, make sure you validate your ticket before getting on the train. Italy doesn’t have turnstiles at its train stations, it is up to you to validate your ticket in the machines (usually green or yellow) located near the entrance to each platform. Hefty fines apply to those travelling with an unvalidated ticket! Emergency tip: If you can’t find a machine, it doesn’t work, or you’re in a hurry, the next best thing you can try is to write on the ticket the time it was last used. This might just be enough to convince a ticket conductor on board that you intended to do the right thing.
Book high-speed trains in advance. High-speed trains in Italy are called “frecce”, like Freciarossa, Frecciabianca, Frecciargento . Bookings usually open 120 days before your trip. It’s always a good idea to buy tickets in advance to ensure you get a cheaper price. You can get your tickets on the Trenitalia website which is the official Italian rail network ticket provider. There is also Italo , the official private seller of the Italian high-speed train company.
Beware of transportation strikes. One word sciopero (pronounced: shoh-peh-roh ) this is the Italian word for strike and a must-know term. Strikes have become part of daily life in Italy so don’t be shocked if there’s a strike of some sort that may affect your travel plans. Be prepared and pay attention to signs, especially in train stations. Usually, strikes are announced ahead of time so you have the chance to think of a plan B or C.
Be aware of parking lines. Before parking your car, always check the colour of the lines. White means it’s a free or time-restricted free parking (in this case you need to display a disco orario , that is, a parking disc or clock disc showing the time at which the vehicle was parked). Yellow parking lines mean that the space is reserved for residents in that area or street and it’s forbidden to park there unless you have a permit. Areas marked with blue lines mean you need to pay to park. This normally applies on weekdays and Saturdays but not on Sundays and public holidays, but it’s always better to check the signs. Just like for the motorways, bring some coins, as some parking machines do not accept cards.
Only use official taxis. All taxis in Italy are white with official markings. Standard prices are listed inside the taxi and on the door. Remember to check these to avoid being scammed. I’ve seen this happen a lot in Rome. Often at airports, you will see people trying to convince unassuming tourists to get a ride with them. Unless the car is white and a marked taxi, don’t risk it.

Food and drink tips

No cappuccino after breakfast. Ordering a cappuccino together with your meal for lunch or dinner is definitely frowned upon in Italy! Italians normally have a cappuccino (or milk or caffellatte ) for breakfast, which often comes with sweet (and not savory) food such as biscuits, pastries, croissants or cereals. This is why you typically don’t order un cappuccino or any other beverage containing milk after 11 am. It’s quite common though to have an espresso , a macchiato (black coffee with a few drops of milk) or a corretto (black coffee with a tiny bit of grappa or other liquor) after a meal. Check out my guide on how to order food and drink in Italian.
Ask for the bill. In Italy, when dining in a restaurant, you need to ask for il conto (the bill) or go to the cash register to pay. It’s considered rude for the waiter to give you the bill before you’ve asked for it as they just don’t want to rush you. Mealtime is precious in Italy :)
Drink from water fountains. Water fountains are found in many Italian cities. In Rome, these are called “nasoni” (literally, “big noses”) and provide fresh, cool water. So there’s no need to pay for bottled water. These aqueducts have been supplying Rome with its water for thousands of years! If it’s good enough for the emperors it’s good enough for me :) Bring an empty bottle and fill it up as you explore the city.

Tips for Eating out in Italy

Dinner is eaten late. Italians typically eat late, from 9 pm, especially in southern Italy. A restaurant serving dinner around 5-7 pm is catering to tourists and therefore the quality of food is often lower. Normally, good restaurants don’t open before 7 pm, unless they’re establishments that also serve aperitivo , a drink (alcoholic or not) that comes with crisps and other nibbles. This can be a good solution to “calm” your hunger while waiting for dinnertime or to stimulate your appetite.
Italy doesn’t have a tipping culture. No one will judge you if you don’t tip the waiter/waitress. Although, in highly touristic areas it’s become kind of usual and some might even expect it, especially if the service was attentive and punctual, the food tasty and the overall experience pleasant. Italians will only ever leave up to 1-2 euros per person. Learn the dos and don’ts when it comes to tipping in Italy with my complete guide.
Learn how to express your dietary requirements. Even though in touristic cities people may understand or speak some English, don’t always take it for granted. Learning how to order your meal , your favourite dish and how to express any dietary requirements (e.g. I’m vegetarian, I’m gluten intolerant, I’m allergic to peanuts) in Italian is essential and will ensure that your lunch or dinner runs smoothly.
Don’t ask for tap water. Even though it’s common in many countries to ask for tap water in restaurants, you will get a disapproving look in Italy. It’s just not common in Italy so if you want to drink water it will be bottled. Just specify if you want it naturale (still) or frizzante/gassata (sparkling).

Italy Sightseeing tips

Some businesses take a break during the day. In Italian cities, very rarely you’ll find a 24/7 store, let alone in small towns. While in some large shops it has become more common to have an orario continuato (non-stop working hours), generally every Italian store or venue closes right after lunch (12 pm or 1 pm) and then reopens at 3 pm or 4 pm, after the riposino (nap, rest), which is the equivalent of the Spanish siesta . Monday is usually a day off for shops, mini-markets, restaurants, hairdressers and beauty salons. Make a note of business hours, just in case.
Check public holidays. Public holidays can affect your travel plans and the ability to visit attractions. The most important ones to know are: 1st (New Year’s Day) and 6th (Epiphany) January, Easter and Easter Monday, 2nd June (Republic Day), 15th August ( Ferragosto ), 1st November (All Saints), 8th (Immaculate Conception), 25th (Christmas) 26th (Saint Stephen/Boxing Day) December. Individual cities also have local festivities. Check the opening hours of each individual attraction if travelling during these times.
Avoid queues. Book private tours and skip the line tickets in advance for major attractions to avoid disappointment. It’ll be a huge time saver! My favourite go-to service for finding the best-guided tours is Viator .
Dress appropriately when visiting religious places. You will need to cover your shoulders and your knees before going into religious buildings, like churches and cathedrals or you could be turned away. Avoid carrying large backpacks as they will be denied entry or you will have to use the cloak.

Italy Safety tips

Beware of pickpockets. Pickpockets can be terrible in some tourist areas and especially on the buses, metros and trains. Avoid the number 64 and 40 bus in Rome when travelling to the Vatican from Termini station. These lines are notorious.
Never leave your credit card out of your sight. Don’t let your credit card unsupervised when paying for anything. I’ve heard stories of waiters taking their card to swipe using a machine “out the back” of the restaurant. Thirty minutes later, the card had been cloned and they had apparently bought 3,000 Euros worth of jewellery, paid for a taxi, purchased 500 Euro worth of sports equipment and 200 Euros of groceries all over Italy in a span of an hour.
Always have your ID with you. In Italy, it is required by law to carry your personal ID with you. You may be asked to show it if stopped by police officers on duty.
Learn Italian emergency numbers. Should you have an emergency while in Italy, you can call 112 (European Emergency number) for general emergencies, 113 for polizia (National Police), 115 for firefighters and 118 for health emergencies.
Learn some basic Italian. Even though Italy is a highly touristic country, don’t expect everyone to understand or speak English. It’s a good idea to learn some basic Italian phrases for everyday situations but also in case of emergency – God forbid!

Know where to find public toilets. To access public toilets in Italy you will often need to pay a euro or two. However, the law requires bars and restaurants to give access to their facilities for free. Common practice is to make a small purchase or to take a quick espresso drunk at the counter. Local city apps, like Veritas in Venice , will help you find public restrooms.
Bring a plug adaptor. Check the voltage before using your appliances (remember that most hotels provide things like hair dryers anyway) and make sure you have the right adaptor for Europe and Italy. For Italy, there are three plug types, types C, F and L. Plug type C has two round pins, plug type F has two round pins with two earth clips on either side and plug type L has three round pins in a row. Italy’s supply voltage is 230V and 50Hz.

Italy Accommodation tips

You need to pay city tax. Each person must pay city tax or tourist tax. This is not included in your bill and must be paid separately once you arrive at your accommodation. This fee is set per person per night, it must be paid in cash and is usually around 2 euros. Visiting Rome? From the Spanish Steps to the Pantheon , don’t miss my guide to the best hostels and neighbourhoods in Rome. For more tips, don’t miss my guide on the best time to travel to Italy.
Don’t expect air conditioning everywhere. Double-check that your hotel or car rental has air conditioning, as this is not standard and usually it’s not available unless specified. When there is air-conditioning, expect it to be weak. If you are used to the US air-con standard, you will notice that Italian air-conditioned spaces feel significantly warmer than those back home.

Types of establishments in Italy

Use plastic gloves when handling baked goods, fruit and vegetables at the supermarket. It’s a common thing in Italy to wear plastic gloves which are found near the scales. Once you pick your items, you’ll also have to weigh them yourself, enter the product code, print the sticker, and put it on the plastic bag. This can’t be done at the checkout and you’ll be sent back.
Learn about Italian farmacie . Pharmacies in Italy are run by real pharmacists (and not just shop assistants), who give medical advice and strictly sell pharmaceutical products and health articles. Even things like aspirin are kept behind the counter. The business hours of pharmacies are typically 8 am to 8 pm and they generally have a lunch break from 1 pm to 4 pm. However, in case of an emergency, there is always a pharmacy open. You can find the address and phone number of the farmacia di turno (pharmacy on duty) written on all pharmacy doors. Pharmacies are marked by large green crosses lit by LED lights.
Go to the tabaccherie . Tabaccherie are newsagents that sell almost anything from cigarettes and tobacco to magazines and newspapers, candy/sweets, snacks and local transport tickets. They can easily be identified by their signage: a large white “T” on a black or blue background.

Travelling with children in Italy

Most restaurants don’t have a kid’s menu. Kids menus are not very common in Italy but this doesn’t mean a restaurant is not child-friendly. You can easily ask for a simple pasta dish or a mezza porzione (smaller portion) of whatever is on the menu, they will be happy to do that.
Car seat for children. Not all rental companies have the full equipment for children. If you’re travelling with a baby who needs a rear-facing car seat, consider bringing your own car seat and make sure it complies with the EU safety standards.

Want more Italy travel tips? Get my complete guide which features 101 Italy Travel Tips that will save you more time, more money and disappointment .

I wish you many wonderful and memorable trips to come. Buon viaggio! (Have a wonderful trip)

Don’t be treated like a tourist. Learn Italian with my 80/20 method

Travelling to Italy? Don’t be treated like a tourist! Live your best travel experiences and learn Italian for less than the cost of eating at a tourist trap restaurant or a taxi driver who has “taken you for a ride”. I’ve made it easy for you to master the Italian language so you can create lifelong memories as you mingle with locals , get local tips , avoid tourist traps , and make new friends . Who knows, you may even be invited over for afternoon tea by a lovely Sicilian family like I was! Read all about how speaking Italian changed my life and check out my online Italian video course here.

Here’s what my students are saying:

Testimonial - How to Learn Italian for Travel FAST! - Roma Small

I really enjoyed the Intrepid Italian course, it certainly exceeded my expectations. The learning methodology is great, and easy to follow and found that I progressed much faster in the last 4 weeks than I ever did on my own or using other language apps. Grazie mille Michele, I can’t wait until I can put my new skills into action!- Roma Small

Click here for instant access!

Don’t miss my Italy travel guides

Best Time to Visit Italy // PLUS Tips to Avoid Crowds and SAVE $$$
29 Amazing Day Trips from Rome By Train, Car & Guided Tour
21 Unique Things to Do in Venice You Should Try at Least Once
Where to Stay in Rome | Best Hotels and Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Rome
20 Top Hotels Near the Pantheon in Rome for Every Budget
12 BEST Things to do in Burano, Italy (Tips from a Local Guide)
Top 7 Authentic Tours and Experiences in Rome [Run by Locals]
Domus Aurea: Why You Should Visit Rome’s Secret Hidden Palace
Rome Tips and Tricks: 27 Things You Should Know Before You Go to Rome
Top 10 Absolute Best Views of Rome That Will Blow Your Mind
Self-Guided Trastevere Walking Tour: Where to See Rome’s Most Beautiful Streets
26 Absolute Best Things to do in Verona, Italy
Lakes, Mountains & Castles: 21 Best Things to do in Trento, Italy
36 Wonderful Things to do in Umbria, Italy (PLUS Map of Umbria)
Italy Fun Facts: 126 Unique Things You Didn’t Know About Italy

Like it? Pin it for later!

Over to you!

Have you visited Italy before? What other tips would you add to this list? Let me know using thecomments section below or join me on social media to start a conversation.

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this post.

Like what you see? Subscribe using the form below to have all of my posts delivered directly to your email.

Michele creates language learning guides and courses for travel. What separates her from other instructors is her ability to explain complex grammar in a no-nonsense, straightforward manner using her unique 80/20 method. Get her free guide 9 reasons you’re not fluent…YET & how to fix it! Planning a trip? Learn the local language with her 80/20 method for less than the cost of eating at a tourist trap restaurant Start learning today!

21 Unique Things to Do in Venice, Italy (A NON-Touristic Guide)

Ca’ bonfadini historic experience review: a unique stay in a 16th-century palace in venice, leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Best things to do in Florence - Piazzle Michelangelo

If you don't know where you are , how do you know where you're going? Find out how well you know Italian grammar today!

Italy Travel Guide

Last Updated: June 3, 2024

A beautiful view overlooking the city of Florence, Italy, with its stunning red roofs and mountains in the background

Italy is one of Europe’s most iconic and popular destinations. Home to incredible food, fabulous wine, tons of ancient ruins, undying romance, and picturesque landscapes, it should come as no surprise that this is one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the world.

I’ve been visiting since 2006 and I never tire of it.

The vineyards in Tuscany, history in Florence , ancient streets of Rome , gorgeous views and hills Cinque Terre , romantic canals in Venice — I love it all.

Italy is best experienced slowly so pace yourself. Soak in the atmosphere and way of life as you explore. Italians move slowly and enjoy la dolce vita and so should you! Relax, take in the scenery, enjoy a cappuccino or a glass of wine. The slower you go, the better you’ll be able to appreciate the charms and nuance of this iconic southern European gem.

This travel guide to Italy can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time here.

Things to See and Do
Typical Costs
Suggested Budget
Money-Saving Tips
Where to Stay
How to Get Around
How to Stay Safe
Best Places to Book Your Trip
Related Blogs on Italy

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in italy.

View over colorful town in the Cinque Terre along the coast in Italy.

1. Explore Venice

While crowded, Venice is an astounding place to visit. I love the city’s iconic architecture and picturesque canals. Don’t miss the Piazza San Marco, Doge’s Palace, Rialto Bridge, the Basilica San Marco, and the city’s countless museums. Moreover, be sure to head to the old Jewish Ghetto for hip bars and cheap drinks (the English word ghetto comes from this area of Venice). Venice is also home to several world-class festivals. In late winter, the epic Carnival takes place here and, in August, the prestigious Venice Film Festival takes over the nearby island of Lido. If you have time, be sure to explore the neighboring islands on a day tour. They are charming in their own right.

2. Wander Rome

Rome has so much to see and do that you’ll need to make several trips to even scratch the surface. Besides obvious highlights like the Colosseum, Forum, Palatine Hill, and Trevi Fountain, make sure you explore the Trastevere neighborhood. It’s my favorite area in Rome and feels almost like a village inside a big city. Trastevere offers delicious food, funky bars, and ancient winding streets. I love the family pizzerias and cafes here for people-watching and the gelato. Vatican City, the smallest independent city-state in the world, is nestled within the heart of Rome and is home to the Pope, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and many fantastic museums. You can fill an endless amount of time here so don’t try to rush your visit!

3. Tour Pompeii

Located a 20-40-minute train ride from Naples , Pompeii is an ancient city that was destroyed by a volcano, preserving it in a blanket of ash still frozen in time. Walk around the Roman city as it stood the day that Mount Vesuvius exploded in 79 CE, moving in and out of homes, villas, baths, and businesses where pots and vases still lay. What really struck me was entering the houses and seeing that the fountains and most of the beautiful frescoes are still intact. Admission is 22 EUR while a guided tour with a professional archeologist is 55 EUR. It’s a huge site and will take a full day to visit in depth.

4. Hike the Cinque Terre

The Cinque Terre consists of five colorful coastal villages on the west coast of Italy, backed by steep vineyards and mountains. These small towns are by no means undiscovered by tourists but still absolutely beautiful and teeming with great shops and cafes. Each village has its own unique charm and personality so be sure to visit all of them. I absolutely love the fun hikes in the stunning hills high above the sea between the villages that range in difficulty. The Cinque Terre express train makes it super easy to pop around to the different villages if you don’t want to hike between the towns. Trail #7 is my favorite.

5. Relax on the Amalfi Coast

Other things to see and do in italy, 1. party at the venice carnival.

Carnival is ten days of masquerade madness every February leading up to Mardi Gras. The tradition goes back centuries, starting in the 12th century and reaching the height of popularity in the 18th century. Today, it’s one of the biggest festivals in Italy, with millions of people attending every year. Though it’s too crowded for my taste, the iconic and diverse masks are a central part of the festivities and every year there is a contest for the most beautiful mask. If you want to splash out, you can even attend a traditional masquerade ball! Just be sure to book your accommodation early as the city fills up months in advance.

2. Explore Milan

Milan is the fashion capital of Italy. Spend some time taking in the glamor but don’t spend more than a day or two here unless you’re looking to splash out. While you’re here, don’t miss the beautiful Milan Cathedral, which boasts 3,500 statues, 135 spires, and five bronze doors. Sforzesco Castle, a 15th-century castle that houses Michelangelo’s last sculpture, is also worth a visit. There’s also Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper , located inside Santa Maria delle Grazie church (which is itself a UNESCO World Heritage Site) as well as Leonardo’s Horse, one of the largest equine statues in the world. To get away from the crowds, spend some time relaxing in Parco Sempione, Milan’s most famous city park. It’s a vast oasis of green space and perfect for a picnic when the weather is nice.

3. See the Leaning Tower in Pisa

The entire city of Pisa is focused on taking photos of this famed tower. Started in 1173 and finished in 1399, it’s the bell tower of Pisa’s cathedral, located next door. Although it was meant to be perfectly vertical, the tower started leaning during construction due to the weight of the building on an unstable foundation. Most people come for the tower, but I find the entire complex to be stunning! The white marble buildings of the Baptistry and the Duomo are equally impressive but don’t get the same attention as the tower. They’re worth a visit. Admission to the top is 20 EUR or 27 EUR for a ticket that includes all the monuments in the complex. DiscoveryPisa runs a guided tour of all three sites for 40 EUR if you want a more in-depth experience.

4. Visit Siena

Everyone who visits Siena walks away loving it. Located in Tuscany, it’s one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Italy and boasts a labyrinth of lanes gathered around the arena of Piazza del Campo. Spend a few days admiring this charming city and exploring one of Italy’s most popular and famous regions. The main draw to the city is the stunning Siena Cathedral, which was constructed with white and black marble and is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the country (the interior is massive and ornately decorated and lined by huge columns). Be sure to also visit the Torre del Mangia, a narrow 14th-century tower that offers stunning views of the area, as well as the 14th-century Fonte Gaia fountain, which is decorated by centuries-old marble panels.

5. Wander Naples

Naples , made famous as the birthplace of pizza, is a gritty city home to a wealth of historical treasures. There’s the medieval Naples Cathedral, the 18th-century Villa Comunale Park, and nearby Naples , Pompeii , one of the most amazing and important sites to visit in the country. The Archaeological Museum of Naples is also worth a visit, and if you enjoy hiking you can climb up the iconic Mount Vesuvius. Naples is the gateway to the south so you’re very likely to come here if you’re crisscrossing the country. Its location near Pompeii, Capri, and Sorrento makes it the perfect starting point for exploring the region. Best of all, it’s a foodie city like no other; I ate my weight in pizza during my visit!

6. Explore Florence

There’s no real need to explain why one should visit Florence — the city speaks for itself. Everything people say about it is true: great food, amazing museums, ancient buildings, small streets, awesome gelato. The city has it all. Be sure to visit The Uffizi, which holds the world’s most important collection of Renaissance art (including the The Birth of Venus and La Primavera by Botticelli, Bacchus by Caravaggio, and Doni Tondo by Michelangelo). The famous David statue is also in Florence, housed in the Galleria dell’Accademia. It’s one of the most impressive sculptures in the world and at 5.17 meters (17 feet) tall, it’s a lot bigger and more detailed than you think it would be! While here, make sure you take a few wine tours throughout the region to get a feel for the verdant countryside. Don’t miss the view from the highest point in the Piazzale Michelangelo. It was my favorite and well worth the hike to get there.

7. Drive around “the Heel”

Few travelers ever visit the southern heel of the Italian “boot.” But, if you have time, it’s worth the trip. This is where most of the fruits and vegetables in Italy come from so a trip down here will give you the best glimpse into rustic Italian life far from the maddening crowds of Rome and Italy’s other tourist hotspots. Don’t miss the picturesque Polignano a Mare, with its rugged cliffs and white-washed houses. Gallipoli, with its labyrinth of narrow lanes and historic port, is also worth visiting. There are tons of amazing beaches in this part of the country too, including Marina di Pescoluse (Salento), Cala Porto (Polignano a Mare), and Torre Guaceto (Brindisi).

8. Eat your way around Sicily

There’s Italian culture and then there’s Sicily. Sicily has its own unique cooking style, traditions, and customs. It’s unlike the rest of Italy. Be sure to spend some time in Taormina and Palermo (the capital of Sicily). The UNESCO Valley of the Temples is also in Sicily, a national park home to incredible Greek ruins that are over 2,000 years old. Don’t miss the stunning Mount Etna , an active volcano that you can ski on it in the winter or take a tour of the top in the summer.

9. Stroll through Sorrento

Sorrento is a small city in southwestern Italy surrounded by a dreamy landscape of rolling hills, deep valleys, and the Lattari Mountains. There’s not a lot to do in the town itself but Sorrento makes an ideal starting point for numerous excursions to nearby cities and islands around the famous Amalfi Coast, like Capri and Ischia. I especially love driving along the winding coastal roads overlooking the sea. Don’t miss a visit to the nearby Blue Grotto .

10. Attend Settimana Santa (Holy Week)

This is the last week of Lent, known as Holy Week. During this time, there are several processions throughout Italy, drawing crowds of thousands. Throughout the week, there are various gatherings in Puglia, Abruzzo, and Sicily but the major event occurs on Easter Sunday and is led by the Pope himself. It’s an amazing time to visit, but expect huge crowds and for accommodation to sell out months in advance.

11. Visit Alberobello

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is an interesting and picturesque little town just south of Bari (a port city on the Adriatic Sea) known for its unusual white cone-shaped houses (they’re super peculiar). It’s well worth a visit between the months of November and April (to avoid the flocks of tourists) as there are a couple of museums to peruse, in addition to some great restaurants, bars, and markets.

12. Tour the Vatican Museums

Founded in the early 16th century, it is a complex of museums spanning over 12 acres. There are so many priceless highlights, including Michelangelo’s works in the Sistine Chapel. You could easily spend hours here so don’t rush your visit. Consider getting a guide to make the museum come to life and give you some context and history of what you are seeing. Admission is 20 EUR and skip-the-line guided tours with Get Your Guide start around 40 EUR.

13. See Chiesa di Sant’Efisio

When you find yourself in Cagliari on Sardinia, wander over to the Stampace quarter to see this church. Dedicated to the patron Saint Ephisius, this is the most important church in the city. The original building dates to the 13th century, though it was rebuilt and expanded in the 16th century and then again in the 18th century, this time in the Baroque style. Admission is free.

14. Take a cooking class

Italy is a dream destination for foodies and the best way to learn about this amazing cuisine is to take a cooking class . You’ll get to visit a local market, learn about the history of some of the country’s best dishes, and then learn how to make them yourself so you can impress friends and family back home. You can find cooking classes all over the country. They are very common. Prices vary depending on what city you take a class in, but most cost at least 40 EUR and last a few hours.

15. Take a walking tour

Walks of Italy offers incredible, detailed tours all around the country. They are my favorite tour company in the country. And they are relatively inexpensive and you definitely get your money’s worth. If you are big into history, culture, or architecture these tours are for you. You’ll walk away with a much richer understanding of the country. Don’t miss them.

For information on specific cities in Italy, check out these city guides:

Cinque Terre Travel Guide
Florence Travel Guide
Milan Travel Guide
Naples Travel Guide
Pisa Travel Guide
Rome Travel Guide
Sorrento Travel Guide
Venice Travel Guide

Italy Travel Costs

Colorful buildings along the canal in Burano, an island near Venice, Italy.

Hostel prices – Hostel dorms average 30-70 EUR per night for rooms with 6-8 beds. Private rooms are usually between 100-140 EUR per night. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels also have self-catering facilities and include breakfast. During the summer months, expect prices to double. In Rome and Florence, prices throughout the year are about 20% higher than anywhere else.

For those traveling with a tent, campgrounds are available around the country, usually costing between 15-40 EUR per night for a basic plot for two people.

Budget hotel prices – A night in a two-star budget hotel ranges between 70-125 EUR per night. Expect basic amenities like free Wi-Fi, TV, AC, and occasionally free breakfast. Prices are on the higher end in cities like Rome and Venice and also double during the summer.

On Airbnb, private rooms start around 45-90 EUR, while entire apartments usually start around 70-150 EUR. Expect prices on the higher end in hotspots like Rome and Venice. Prices can also double (or triple) when not booked in advance. Additionally, expect even higher prices in the busy summer months.

Food – Italian cuisine is beloved around the world, though every region in Italy offers its own distinct flavor. Tomatoes, pasta, olives, and olive oil form the backbone of most dishes, with meat, fish and various cheeses rounding out the menu. Gelato and pizza, of course, are also super popular. Some traditional dishes include bigoli in salsa (pasta in anchovy sauce), risotto al nero di seppia (risotto with cuttlefish ink), gnocchi alla Sorrentina (potato gnocchi), cassoeula (a meat and cabbage stew), and tagliatelle funghi porcini e tartufo (pasta with mushrooms and truffles).

A casual restaurant meal of pizza or pasta usually costs 15-25 EUR. In tourist hot spots, add 5-10 EUR to that.

Quick eats like pizza by the slice, paninis, and light snacks cost between 3-8 EUR. Snacks like croissants are less than 2 EUR.

Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 10-12 EUR for a combo meal while Chinese, Thai, or Indian food is 10-12 EUR for a main dish. Dessert is usually around 4-8 EUR for something like tiramisu.

Your average restaurant meal costs around 30 EUR with a drink. Most main dishes cost around 15-20 EUR while a pizza is around 10-15 EUR. For higher-end meals, expect to spend about 70 EUR for a three-course meal with a drink.

Beer costs around 4-5 EUR while a glass of wine costs 4-8 EUR. For non-alcoholic drinks, a latte or cappuccino is around 1.50 EUR and bottled water is 1 EUR.

If you plan on cooking your own groceries, expect to spend 50-65 EUR per week. This gets you basic staples like pasta, rice, seasonal produce, and some meat or fish.

Backpacking Italy Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Italy, my suggested budget is 65 EUR per day. This assumes you’re staying in a hostel, cooking all your meals, limiting your drinking, taking public transportation to get around, and sticking to mostly free activities like hiking, free walking tours, and the beaches. If you plan on drinking a lot, add at least 15 EUR to your daily budget.

On a mid-range budget of 140 EUR per day, you can stay in an Airbnb or budget hotel, eat out for a couple of meals, enjoy a few drinks, take the occasional taxi, and do more paid activities like touring the Colosseum or exploring Pompeii.

On an upscale budget of 255 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a budget hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink as much as you want, rent a car, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This isn’t a real luxury budget but it’s a budget that affords you the ability to do anything you want. If you want real luxury, you’ll need to read a different blog for that!

Italy Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Italy is one of the most expensive Eurozone countries. It’s very easy to break the bank in Italy, owing to all the historic sites, expensive accommodation, and delicious but pricey restaurants. You’re going to be spending a lot on a visit here. However, there are still lots of ways to reduce your expenses. Here are some tips to help you save money in Italy:

Skip the bread – Many restaurants offer you bread when you sit down — but they don’t mention that it’s not free. If you’re on a budget, decline the bread and save a few Euros each dining experience.
Picnic – Head to the store or one of the many markets in the country and grab food for a picnic. It’s cheaper than eating out and you can lounge in one of the many parks to watch the day go by. Food markets are a good place to try things, get fresh cheese and cold cuts, pasta, and snacks like ‘arancini,’ a super-filling rice ball stuffed with meat or cheese.
Drink the tap water – When out at a restaurant, ask for tap water or you will automatically get expensive bottled water included on your bill. Since the tap water is safe to drink, bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.
Buy wine at the store – You can buy a great bottle of wine for 6-10 EUR at the store. It’s a lot cheaper than drinking at the bar. Take it outdoors and sit around and enjoy the day/evening or skip expensive nightlife and go out for a long dinner and just drink it at the hostel. Just make sure you have a travel corkscrew on you if you’re going to sit outside somewhere!
Take the bus – Budget bus companies like Flixbus can take you across the country for cheap. It isn’t glamorous, but with tickets starting at 6 EUR you really can’t complain! (And it’s cheaper than the train.) Taking the bus in town inside big cities instead of taking taxis everywhere or renting a car will save you lots of money.
Redeem hotel points – If you sign up for hotel credit cards, you can use those points when you travel. It’s always nice to have free accommodations and most cards offer at least 1-2 nights free when you sign up, which can save you a lot. Use this post can to get started with the basics so you can start earning points now and have some built up for your trip.
Take a free walking tour – Most cities in Italy offer free walking tours that cover all the main highlights. It’s the best budget-friendly way to explore and also a great way to meet other travelers if you’re alone. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
Stay with a local – Accommodation is expensive in Italy, even in the hostels. Use Couchsurfing to stay with locals who have extra beds or couches for free. It’s the best way to save money and meet people. Just be sure to send your requests early (especially in the summer). Also, it’s a good idea to research the area you’re staying in first so you’re not so far away from the city center (or city!) that you need to spend a lot of time/money getting into town to see the sites.
Get a city tourist card – Many tourism offices offer tourist cards that provide free or discounted entry to the main attractions. Some even include restaurant discounts and free transportation. If you plan on sightseeing a lot, these cards can cut your costs drastically. Check the local tourism board in each city for info when you arrive.
Rideshare – If you’re flexible in your schedule, use the ridesharing service BlaBlaCar to catch rides with locals between cities. I used this service and not only did I save money, I got to meet interesting people and learn more about life in Italy. This is a good option to book a few days in advance. Just make sure to pick someone who has good ratings because newer drivers can have a tendency to be unreliable or cancel at the last minute.

Where to Stay in Italy

There’s a lot of hostels and hotels in Italy to choose from. Check out my city guides for a more complete list of favorites but, below, are some of my top recommended hostels and budget hotels in Italy:

Loly Boutique Hotel (Rome)
The Beehive (Rome)
Hotel Montecarlo (Venice)
Generator (Venice)
Hostel of the Sun (Naples)
Ulisse Deluxe (Sorrento)
Hotel Bologna (Pisa)
Hostel Pisa Tower (Pisa)

How to Get Around Italy

Public transportation – Public transportation is available in all the major cities in Italy (many of which have comprehensive metro systems). Tickets usually cost between 1-2 EUR for a single journey. Some cities also have day passes that offer unlimited travel. In Rome, you can purchase a one-day pass for unlimited travel for 7 EUR. A three-day pass costs 18 EUR, for example. While public transportation is generally reliable, traffic can be a nightmare — especially in Rome.

Train – The best way to get around Italy is via their extensive train network. Prices are affordable too, with most trips costing just 10-30 EUR. Rome to Florence takes just 90 minutes (on the fast train) with tickets starting at 25 EUR. Rome to Venice takes around 4 hours with tickets starting around 45 EUR. Rome to Naples is just over one hour and costs around 20 EUR.

Italo and Trenitalia are the two main rail systems. Tickets on Trenitalia are often a standard price, while Italo’s ticket prices fluctuate more widely.

To find routes and prices for trains around Italy (and Europe), use Trainline .

Bus – The bus is slower than the train but cheaper, with prices on FlixBus starting as low as 6 EUR. This isn’t the most convenient or fastest way to travel, but the buses are comfortable and good for short and medium journeys. Most buses come with outlets and free Wi-Fi too.

The 4-hour trip from Rome to Florence costs around 3-12 EUR, while a longer trip like Venice to Naples takes 10-15 hours and costs just 7-26 EUR.

Flying – If you’re pressed for time and are looking to jump from one city to the next, a budget airline might be the way to go. Prices can be incredibly low on airlines like Ryanair.

That said, when you factor in the time spent at airports, you’re likely not going to save much time when compared to high-speed trains. Also, keep in mind that you’ll have to pay to check your baggage on these cheap flights and you usually need to print your boarding pass out too (or pay a fee).

Ferry – If you want to visit some of Italy’s amazing islands, you’ll have to book a ferry. Ferries are frequent and you don’t need to book too far in advance, but during peak season it’s a good idea to book at least a few weeks ahead. You can use FerryHopper to find routes and prices. The popular one-hour ferry from Naples to Capri starts from 27 EUR.

Car rental – Car rentals are generally quite affordable here, usually starting around 25-35 EUR per day for a multi-day rental. Just make sure you have an International Driving Permit (IDP) as it’s required before you rent a car. Also, keep in mind that Italian drivers can be on the aggressive side so drive cautiously. For the best rental car deals, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Italy

There’s no wrong time to visit Italy. Historically, the peak season has been July and August, but post-COVID cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice are busy pretty much year-round.

There’s a huge variation in climate across the country. Temperatures can soar as high as 36°C (98°F) during the summer in the southern part of the country, and popular cities like Rome, Venice, and Florence experience a huge influx of visitors. I’d try to avoid visiting these cities in the summer if you can as it’s just too crowded, too hot, and prices increase during this time as well. However, if you want to visit the Alps in the northern part of the country, near Milan, summer is when the weather is best. Temperatures are around 24°C (76°F), but you’ll have to deal with the crowds.

Personally, I think the best time to visit Italy is during the shoulder season (March-May and September-October). It’s still warm in the south but the crowds have thinned and prices are lower. This is a particularly great time to hang out in the Mediterranean. Expect daily highs around 22°C (72°F). It’s still nice in the northern part of the country too. Average temperatures are around 14°C (57°F), so you’ll want layers for the cool mornings and evenings. If you want to get into the higher elevations, plan on colder temperatures and the possibility of snow.

Winter is from November to February. It gets cold, and tourist crowds thin out considerably. Temperatures vary quite a bit from north to south, with it sometimes dropping to 2°C (36°F) in Milan and 4°C (39°F) in Rome. In the south, near Sorrento and Naples, average temperatures are closer to 12°C (54°F) and you won’t have to worry about snow. On the other hand, November to December is fantastic — you’ll find Christmas markets and festivals galore!

How to Stay Safe in Italy

Italy is a safe country to travel as violent crime against tourists is very rare. However, scams and pickpocketing are incredibly common, especially around high-traffic tourist sites in places like Rome and Venice. Always keep your valuables secure and out of sight on public transportation and when out and about. The biggest things to watch out for are pickpockets on public transportation and in crowds. Don’t leave your bag open or put your mobile phone in loose jacket pockets on the tram or subway.

Be wary of people selling discounted tickets on the street. Chances are they are fake so always buy tickets from reputable sellers only. If you take a taxi somewhere, make sure the driver uses the meter so you don’t get ripped off.

You can read about other common travel scams to avoid here.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe in Italy. However, the standard safety precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). Catcalling is not uncommon in Italy. Also, on public transport be mindful of groping on public transport. For specific tips, check out one of the many solo female travel blogs on the country as they will have better advice for you.

If you rent a car, make sure you drive carefully and also have extra insurance. The roads in much of the country are very winding and narrow and drivers here are on the aggressive side.

Natural disasters here are uncommon, but since there are several active volcanoes in the country they can occur. Venice is also prone to flooding, so always be mindful of the weather while you’re here and heed any warnings or advisories.

If you experience an emergency, dial 113 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Italy Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
Walks of Italy – This walking tour company provides inside access to attractions and places you can’t get elsewhere. Their guides rock and they have some of the best and most insightful tours in all of Italy.
BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Italy Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Italy and continue planning your trip:

The Best Walking Tours in Bologna

The 6 Best Hotels in Florence

Where to Stay in Florence: The Best Neighborhoods For Your Visit

Where to Stay in Milan: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 6 Best Hotels in Milan

The Best Walking Tours in Florence

Get your free travel starter kit.

Enter your email and get planning cheatsheets including a step by step checklist, packing list, tips cheat sheet, and more so you can plan like a pro!

Where To Stay
Transportation
Booking Resources
Related Blogs

Complete Italy Travel Blog: To Help You Plan Your First Trip in 2024

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED LINKS. FIND MORE INFO IN MY DISCLAIMER.

Italy is one of our favorite countries to visit. It is a must-see country and it also makes for a perfect destination for those visiting Europe for the first time.

Boasting a rich cultural heritage and picturesque landscapes, Italy is easily a favorite among solo travelers, families, and kids alike. After all, who can resist the Tuscan wine lands, the Arno River in Florence, the historic beauty of Rome, and of course, lots of pasta and wine?

Even an entire month can fall short if you plan to get lost in the beautiful streets of Italy, exploring every nook and corner. But we understand if you don’t have a lot of time on hand.

That’s when our complete Italy travel guide will come in handy to help you decide when and where to visit so that you can quickly and easily plan your vacation to Italy.

So, without further ado, let’s get going… First, let’s have a chat about the best time to visit Italy. Timing can have a big impact on your enjoyment factor.

If you wish to browse our posts quickly, you can also scroll to the bottom of this guide to find heaps of helpful Italy blog posts.

What Is The Best Month To Visit Italy?

Thanks to the diverse topography, culture, and lifestyle of the people in Italy, the country makes the perfect holiday spot all year round.

However, our favorite time to visit Italy is during the off-season months of spring and fall/autumn, as the heat is bearable, and flights and accommodations are quite affordable.

If I DO HAVE to choose one single month to designate as the best month to visit Italy, then I will pick September. The crowds would have subsided by then but you would still have some beautiful weather.

But let’s break down travel in Italy according to season to help you choose the best time for your trip to Italy.

1. Summer: June to August

Summer in Italy brings a lot of tourists from all over the world, perhaps because of the party season! With soaring temperatures, the rates also grow exponentially, so if you’re on a tight budget, you might want to avoid this time of the year when traveling to Italy.

However, if you want to become one with the locals and experience the lively summer festivals, book your air tickets in advance to grab some affordable deals. Interestingly, June 2 marks Festa Della Repubblica, a national holiday in Italy, so be prepared for some fun and frolic under the sun on this day.

You could also participate in Ferragosto and catch some fireworks on August 15. But keep in mind that during this month, most locals head to the countryside and coastal areas, so you might miss the crowd.

If you don’t like crowds, then we suggest you avoid traveling during these months and instead pick the shoulder season to explore Italy.

2. Fall/Autumn: September to November

Bidding farewell to the scorching summer sun, fall/autumn brings a breath of fresh air to Italy. Now is the time when the temperature feels just right. Whether you want to bask in some sun or enjoy a hearty bowl of pasta-e-Fagioli- this season is perfect for any activity.

While September may have hot, sunny afternoons, the weather begins to ease down in October. Unfortunately, the cooler weather also means that you won’t be able to experience a ferry ride as most of the services shut down during this time.

Despite the bummer, you can indulge in some Italian delicacies at wine festivals called Sagres. Here, you can find local foods, chestnuts, chocolates, and truffles. And if you’re lucky, you may witness a grape harvest, too!

3. Winter: December to February

The winter chill brings in a relaxed mood among Italians as local attractions are less crowded. This means you can roam around the streets, eat at cafes, and visit popular museums as much as you’d like. Plus, theaters and operas hold frequent events during this season, so it’s the perfect time for someone who loves a little drama!

As December starts, you’ll notice Christmas markets popping up all over the country. We recommend ringing in the jolly season with a skiing session with friends and family.

Also, note that travel expenses will be at a minimum during winter. So, if you’re planning a budget trip to Italy, winter is the best time.

4. Spring: March to May

5 Places to visit with kids in Italy - Sicily

Springtime is another affordable season for travelers in Italy. However, that doesn’t mean that it’s not worth traveling this time as the season paints the country with vibrant flowers and lush green trees.

Again, you’ll witness tons of local markets serving seasonal delicacies during this time. You may even be able to pick some juicy grapes and wild strawberries if you visit the hilly regions in Rome.

How Many Days In Italy Is Enough?

The answer to this depends on the number of destinations you wish to visit. Hence, if it is your first time in Italy, we recommend staying for a fortnight at least.

This way, you’ll get enough time to explore and enjoy the essence of each destination.

As a general rule of thumb, we typically plan for at least:

3 – 4 Nights in big cities
2 – 3 Nights in smaller towns
Day trips to villages

For a two-week itinerary, we would probably recommend 2 bigger cities and 1 – 2 smaller towns. For example, you could do Florence, Venice, and Cinque Terre.

Where Should I Travel In Italy For The First Time?

Now, if it’s your first time in Italy you wouldn’t want to spend too much time, money, and effort on commuting. So, we suggest sticking to one main region and exploring it; we’ve explained the various regions of Italy below, along with the most popular cities in each.

You could also start off your research by checking out our post on the 25 most beautiful cities to visit in Italy , or if you love everything colorful, you might like our post on the most colorful places in Italy to visit.

Personal Recommendation: If you find the whole list overwhelming, my personal recommendation of the best places to vacation in Italy for your very first trip is Rome, Venice, and Florence with either the Cinque Terre Towns or the Amalfi Coast. I hope that helps!

Otherwise here is a list of the best Italy vacation regions to visit.

1. Northern Italy

Some of the best destinations in Italy are located right here in Northern Italy, which is why I recommend it as my first pick for first-timers.

There’s so much to do and see in this region that, honestly, one trip does not suffice! Whilst you can read all about the 15 best places to visit in Northern Italy here, we also wanted to list our absolute top favorites below.

Top destinations to visit in Northern Italy:

Rome
Venice , and
Cinque Terre

Thankfully, Northern Italy is the most developed part of the country, so transportation will be convenient. You can easily hop on one of the high-speed trains and get from point A to B in no time at all. You can grab a 10-day Italy-by-train itinerary here if that is your preferred way to travel.

As there are airports in Rome, Milan, and Venice, we recommend making any of the three your home base. You could also easily fly into Rome, move on to Venice, and then fly out of Milan.

You could start off by exploring the perfect amalgamation of the past and the present in Rome. Think art museums, historical monuments, and nightclubs!

If possible, try getting around Milan in a metro in a single day by visiting the Castello Sforzesco, Duomo di Milano, Terrazza Aperol, and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. And since Milan is known for being home to various luxury fashion brands, why not spoil yourself at Via Montenapoleone?

Northern Italy is one of my absolute favorites as it is much cleaner than Southern Italy which is a bit more ummmm … rough around the edges.

Whilst Tuscany is in the North, I’ve added it by itself as the next point, because there are so many beautiful places to visit that you could easily just focus on Tuscany for your first visit to Italy.

best cities in tuscany - Florence with Kids

Popular among couples (although great for families too!), Tuscany is your one-stop destination for all things love and romance! With vast wheat fields, lush meadows, and cypress-lined roads- the region looks like it’s straight out of a medieval romance movie.

There are so many beautiful places to visit in Tuscany. You can either browse our full list of the best places to visit in Tuscany here or simply add a few of the top destinations from our shorter list below.

If you choose to explore this Italian area, we suggest checking out:

Pisa,
Florence ,
San Gimignano , and

You can choose a base (we based ourselves in Lucca) and then explore smaller Tuscan hamlets on day trips as well. If you are traveling with kids, you will also find our Tuscany with kids guide really helpful.

3. Southern Italy

What to see in Matera Southern Italy with Kids

Boasting stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, southern Italy is at its best during springtime. And if you’ve got more time in hand, you could stay a little longer and check out the beaches in summer.

Southern Italy is a little more rough around the edges in comparison to Northern Italy, you will find more rubbish along the roads, the roads a little more full of potholes. But we loved this region none the less, and you can find some truly special places here.

Find our full list of the best places to visit in Southern Italy or browse through our shorter list of the top destinations below.

The most popular destinations are undoubtedly:

Pompeii ,
Amalfi Coast ,
Matera , and
Sardinia.

In Southern Italy, you will also find Naples which many consider to be the pizza capital of the world that has the best Italian pizzas .

A pro tip here would be to get your hands on fast-track entrance tickets while visiting archeological sites to skip the line.

Being the largest Mediterranean island, your time in Sicily is going to be power-packed with gorgeous scenes, unforgettable adventures, and scrumptious seafood.

In our opinion, the best mode of transportation to explore this exotic island is a car, more so because public transportation is often delayed.

Again, Sicily is huge, so one week wouldn’t suffice. However, if you plan ahead, you could make the most of a short trip by renting a car for more flexibility in your itinerary.

You can find our full list of 11 places to visit in Sicily here, or simply browse our list of our favorite places below.

The most popular places in the region include:

Taormina ,
Mount Etna,
Cefalu ,
Aeolian Islands , and

You can find our Sicily road trip here – a great way to skip out on all the research we had to do in order to put our plan together. Or you might prefer to grab our 10 days in Sicily itinerary here.

Known as the heel of Italy, this southeast region is not as popular among tourists, but we’d like to change that mindset! In fact, it would make a great first-time visit to Italy if you want to experience the best of the country with half the crowd.

With cities like Alberobello, Ostuni, Polignano a Mare, and Lecce, Italy’s best-kept secret deserves to be noticed by travelers worldwide.

We especially recommend staying in trulli in Alberobello for a unique once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Not sure which places to include for your trip to Puglia? Here is our list of where to go in Puglia for a trip of a lifetime!

Now that you have managed to narrow down where to travel in Italy, it is time to start planning the trip.

How to Plan a Vacation to Italy

Okay, this is the moment! It is time to start putting together your plan

1. Decide where to go and how long to go for

Most of the time, we all have to start off with the time we have available for this trip. How long can you go away for? Once we know this, we can figure out how many destinations we can manage to visit on the trip.

As a broad guideline, we recommend 3-4 nights for bigger cities and 2-3 nights for smaller towns.

Now it is time to figure out where you want to go. Use our resource section above on where to travel to Italy for the first time. What would you love to see? Which destinations are on your bucket list?

Make a list of them all, and organize them into regions so you know which destinations are easy to visit together in one trip. Then make your decision on where you will be able to go for this trip.

If you plan on traveling long-term to different countries in Europe be sure to check out this post on the 10 best countries in Europe for long-term travel !

2. Decide where you will fly in and out of

Now that you know where you will be going, figure out where you will be flying in and out. You could choose to fly in and out of one destination such as Rome or Milan, or fly into one destination and out of another, for example, you might like to fly into Rome, then travel to Venice, and fly out of Milan.

And then it is time to secure those flight tickets. Here is a list of some of the coolest travel accessories to help you survive your long-haul flight!

Flights to Italy: We personally book our flights on Cheapo Air, we find that they are often the cheapest (even in comparison to Skyscanner). Click to check on prices for your flights .

Check out our post on the best flights to Italy to make sure you choose the best airline when booking flights.

3. Book your travel insurance

We never travel without travel insurance with Safety Wing. We have claimed on our travel insurance more than once, claims that would have cost us A LOT out of our own pockets. Don’t skimp out on insurance!!

Travel Insurance: Safety Wing offers incredible plans and is one of the few insurance companies that allow you to grab insurance when you are already traveling! Click to check on their plans and prices .

4. Book your accommodation

Now that you know which date you will be landing in Italy, you can start booking your accommodation for the trip.

Accommodation in Italy: We always start our accommodation research with Booking.com. We find that Booking.com offers a fabulous range of accommodation, from luxurious resorts to home rentals (and we often find the prices for these rentals are cheaper when compared to sites like Airbnb). Click here to start your research for accommodation .

5. How will you get around?

Lastly, think about how to want to get from point A to point B. You might prefer to simply hop on a high-speed train (if that option is available for your destinations). Or you might prefer to travel more lightly, stopping along the way at cute towns with a car rental.

Car Rental in Italy: The best car rental company in Europe is Auto Europe. Auto Europe is a car rental booking service that quickly compares car rental prices across all the major brands like Hertz, Avis, and Europcar. Click to see prices for car rentals .
Train Tickets: We love to purchase our train tickets through Omio. Click here to purchase your train tickets .

6. Plan your itinerary

Next, it is time to start planning what you will be doing in each destination. You can easily do that by searching through our list of blog posts below. This is the fun part that I love most.

And lastly, familiarize yourself with the basics that you should know before traveling to Italy. You will find a list of all the basics below.

Italy Travel Basics: What You Need to Know!

Let’s have a look at what you can expect when you travel to Italy.

Language : The main language spoken in Italy is Italian.

Whilst you will find English being spoken in many cities, it will be hard to find English speaking Italians in smaller towns and villages.

Currency : The currency in Italy is the Euro.

Airports : There are many international airports in Italy. The busiest of which is probably Rome, Naples, Florence, Milan and Venice.

To save time on your holiday, make sure you choose to fly in and out of the airport that is located closest to your holiday destinations.

Visa Required : Most tourists traveling to Italy will not need a visa (if your stay is 90 days or less), however, it is important to note that Italy is part of the Schengen agreements, so if you are traveling from one of 26 states that are part of the agreement, then you can use your Schengen Visa to travel to and stay in Italy for up to 90 days.

International Driver’s License Accepted? You will need to acquire an international driver’s license to drive around Italy.

It is a good idea to have both the International as well as your normal driver’s license on you at all times as we found that they often ask for the foreign license.

Is it Safe? Italy is a safe country to visit. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing are common at busy tourist sights and attractions.

It is also recommended to be aware of trains for petty crimes as well. It is always a good idea to have a sling backpack for travel so that you can keep your belongings close to you (extra bonus points if they have anti-theft features).

WiFi Availability : Free WiFi in Italy is readily available at cafes, restaurants, and hotels.

For those who prefer to be connected 24/7, you can easily grab a holiday SIM card before leaving the airport or train station. Here is a complete guide to buying a SIM card for Italy .

Credit Cards and ATMs : You can easily find ATMs that accept foreign bank cards. You will also find that you can use your credit card in most shops, restaurants, and tour operators.

Personally, we do always have some Euros on us though, so that we can use that to pay for smaller things such as metro tickets and toll roads with cash if needed.

Plugs: You will most likely need special plugs for Italy. The plugs in Italy are Type C, F, and L. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50Hz.

We love buying plugs that are suitable for many countries, it makes it so much more versatile. Here is a universal adapter that I can highly recommend.

Italy Travel Videos

We have loads of fun videos of our travels to Italy on our YouTube channel.

Click play and don’t forget to subscribe ! (You can see more videos on our YouTube Playlist)

Italy Travel Blog Posts

We visited many places on our Italy travels; we rented a car and enjoyed traveling from one area to the next.

If you are thinking about traveling to Italy with kids, check our Italy with kids guide for helpful info and tips.

Find all our helpful Italy travel blog posts below. And lastly, if we don’t cover any of the destinations you wish to visit, you can also find more info on destinations on the Italy site here .

Best Hidden Gems in Italy that are Off The Beaten Path

Best Hidden Gems in Italy – That You’ve Probably Never Heard Of!

After spending an unforgettable three months traveling around Italy, we’ve uncovered the best non-touristy places in Italy that often escape the typical tourist radar. Our … CONTINUE READING

Top 100 Tourist Attractions in Italy To Add To Your Bucket List!

Embarking on an Italian adventure like no other, we spent three months traversing Italy to bring you the crème de la crème of tourist attractions. … CONTINUE READING

12 Natural Wonders in Italy That Will Leave You Speechless!

As a family, we dedicated three unforgettable months to meandering through Italy, from its sun-kissed southern shores to the alpine kisses of the north. Italy’s … CONTINUE READING

5 Most Beautiful Islands Near Naples That Will Steal Your Heart!

Embarking on a three-month Italian escapade, we loved visiting some of the islands near Naples. The islands off of Naples provide a perfect blend of … CONTINUE READING

A Taste of Italia: What Food is Italy Known For?

Immersing ourselves in the heart of Italy for three unforgettable months, we embarked on a culinary journey that tantalized our taste buds and deepened our … CONTINUE READING

15 Famous Landmarks in Italy Every Traveler Should Experience

Italy, a country synonymous with culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes, is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks. Whether you marvel at ancient … CONTINUE READING

100 Bucket List Experiences In Italy That You Can’t Miss

Italy, a country synonymous with art, history, and cuisine, offers an endless canvas of experiences for every type of traveler. From the rolling hills of … CONTINUE READING

12 Best Islands in Italy That Will Make You Want to Stay Forever

Want to discover the best Italian islands that promise an unforgettable Mediterranean getaway? We’ve got you covered! Italy, a country synonymous with rich history, stunning … CONTINUE READING

10 Best Italian Riviera Towns that you Should See!

Nestled along the sparkling coastline, the best Italian Riviera towns are a testament to Italy’s timeless charm and vibrant beauty. The Cinque Terre towns are … CONTINUE READING

How to sese the five Cinque Terre Towns in Italy - Cinque Terre with Kids

How to See the Colorful 5 Cinque Terre Towns in Liguria, Italy

Also known as the Italian Riviera, the Cinque Terre is one of the most picture-perfect destinations in Italy! The area consists of five charming little … CONTINUE READING

BEST CITIES IN SOUTHERN ITALY: Alberobello with Kids

15 Best Places To Visit In Southern Italy (Cities, Towns & Islands)!

Have you been wondering which places to visit in Southern Italy? I’ve got you covered! Southern Italy is a paradise for travelers. Its ancient cities, … CONTINUE READING

colorful houses in Italy on Procida Island

15 Most Colorful Places in Italy To Add to Your Bucket List!

Italy, with its rich history, stunning architecture, and mouthwatering cuisine, is a dream destination for many. However, few realize that many colorful cities and towns … CONTINUE READING

Rome in Two Days - Vatican and Basilica of Saint Peters

The Best of Rome in 2 Days Itinerary For First-Timers

Rome, the Eternal City, is one of the most beautiful and historic places in the world! Something is bound to take your breath away around … CONTINUE READING

Visiting Capri Island On A Blue Star Boat Tour From Positano (Our Review)

Capri Island will impress with luxurious, enchanting, picturesque natural beauty and deep-rooted history. This rocky Mediterranean island features brilliant views over turquoise waters set in … CONTINUE READING

10 Best Things to Do in Venice, Italy (For First-Timers)

Venice, one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, captivates visitors with its lovely canals, historic architecture, and timeless charm. Our trip to Venice was … CONTINUE READING

Civita di Bagnoregio Italy | One of the Top Day Trips from Rome

The ‘City of the Dead’, a nickname for Civita di Bagnoregio, a name that sounds incredibly morbid and even slightly frightening. A name that … CONTINUE READING

7 Best Pompeii Day Trips from Rome (Guided Tours in 2024)

Have you been wondering about the 2024 best Pompeii day trip from Rome? I’ve got you covered! Pompeii, the UNESCO World Heritage site, requires no … CONTINUE READING

15 Best Italian Pizzas That You Will Love!

Have you been wondering about what are the best Italian pizzas? I’ve got you covered! Italian pizza is much loved around the world for its … CONTINUE READING

Best Area to Stay in Florence for First-Time Visitors – A Local’s Guide

If you are coming to Florence Italy for the first time you may find yourself overwhelmed by all your choices in terms of activities, sites, … CONTINUE READING

Best Positano Hotels - Hotel Maricanto - View

20 Best Hotels in Positano With Stunning Views

Are you searching for the best hotels in Positano with balconies and picturesque views of this amazing Amalfi Coast town? We’ve got you covered! Positano … CONTINUE READING

Best Time of the Year to Visit Lake Como for Flowers

The Best Time To Visit Lake Como (And When Not To Visit)

If you’re looking for a picturesque destination in Italy, Lake Como should be at the top of your list. It is truly one of our … CONTINUE READING

Grand Hotel Tritone - Best Praiano Hotels - View

15 Best Hotels in Praiano, Italy for a Perfect Holiday!

Are you looking for luxury, boutique, or a budget places to stay in Praiano? Here’s our list of the 10 best hotels in Praiano, Italy! Praiano … CONTINUE READING

Top Rated Amalfi Town Hotels - Hotel Santa Caterina - View

15 Best Hotels in Amalfi Town, Italy for an Unforgettable Vacation

Are you looking for where to stay in the Amalfi Town for your well deserved Amalfi Coast Vacation? Our list of the top 15 Amalfi … CONTINUE READING

15 Best Airlines to Fly to Italy in 2024 (Ranked)

Looking for the best airlines to fly to Italy? We got you covered. How can we determine the top airlines for flying to Italy? Our … CONTINUE READING

Maison La Minervetta - Best Sorrento Hotels - Room with View

Top 15 Best Hotels in Sorrento, Italy with Amazing Views

Looking for luxury and budget best hotels in Sorrento Italy? Check out our detailed reviews of the top 15 hotels in Sorrento here. Sorrento is … CONTINUE READING

best cities in Europe Florence with Kids

11 of the Best Things to do in Florence with Kids

Florence is and has always been one of the highlights of any Italian holiday! This spectacular city is unique with its’ Renaissance beauty, beaming culture, … CONTINUE READING

best places to visit in tuscany - Florence with kids

15 Best Florence Cooking Classes (Make Pizza, Gelato & More!)

Have you been wondering about the best Florence cooking classes? I’ve got you covered! Florence, also known as Firenze in Italian, is renowned for its … CONTINUE READING

15 Best Tuscany Wine Tours From Florence in 2024

Have you been wondering about which Tuscany wine tour from Florence you should book? I’ve got you covered! Tuscany is one of the most beautiful … CONTINUE READING

Belmond Hotel Splendido - Best Hotel in Portofino Italy - Room

Top 10 Best Hotels In Portofino, Italy for an Unforgettable Holiday!

Are you looking for the best hotels in Portofino Italy? Then you came to the right place! Portofino is a fishing village nestled against the … CONTINUE READING

Top Hotels in Rome for Family - Hotel Shangri-La Roma - Room

15 Best Hotels in Rome for Families in 2024: Where to Stay in Rome

Going to amazing destinations such as Rome is easy. Finding suitable family hotels at those destinations can be hard! To make your planning stress-free, we … CONTINUE READING

Milan Duomo, Italy, Best Food tours in Milan Italy

12 Best Food Tours in Milan – From Street Food to Gourmet

Are you looking for the best food tour in Milan? We have you covered! We all know that Italy is known for its incredible cuisine, … CONTINUE READING

Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, best Lake Como luxury hotels

15 Best Lake Como Luxury Hotels (For The Perfect Holiday)

Italy is a country blessed with stunning scenery. There’s no denying that. And if there is one place that epitomizes the beauty and allure of … CONTINUE READING

Best day trips from Lake Como to cities like Florence

20 Best Day Trips From Lake Como, Italy (2024 Guide)

The sparkling waters of Lake Como, in Northern Italy, provide a magnificent backdrop to the perfect Italian getaway. From its picturesque lakeside towns, opulent villas, … CONTINUE READING

12 Best Lake Como Boat Tours (Small-Group, Private, or Sailing)

Lake Como is one of the most beloved destinations in North Italy. The place to be for a luxurious vacation, Lake Como is surrounded by … CONTINUE READING

Renting a Car in Lake Como Italy: What You Need to Know in 2024

Are you a traveler looking for a Como car rental in Northern Italy? Look no further! We spent 3 months traveling around Italy with our … CONTINUE READING

View of lake garda in italy for a comparison post about whether you should visit lake Garda or lake como

Which Is Best – Lake Garda vs Lake Como?

Deciding between Lake Garda and Lake Como can be dizzying for travelers, making it difficult to settle on the ideal lake to visit in Italy. … CONTINUE READING

10 Best Towns In Lake Como (Which To See & Where To Stay)

In the northwest corner of Italy, lazing peacefully at the foot of the Swiss Alps lies the vast and beautiful Lake Como. The Y-shaped lake … CONTINUE READING

Traveling to Italy With a Baby or Toddler (What To Know!)

Are you planning on traveling to Italy with your baby or toddler? If so, you’re probably feeling overwhelmed by all the things you need to … CONTINUE READING

Lake Como tours from milan to see varenna

8 Best Lake Como Tours From Milan (Private, Small-Group & More)

Lake Como, in the foothills of the Italian Alps in northern Italy, is a destination that has been capturing the hearts of travelers for years. … CONTINUE READING

17 Best Cities & Places To Visit Near Milan By Train, Car, Or Tour

Milan is known as the shopping capital of Italy due to it being host to many of the most infamous design houses in the fashion … CONTINUE READING

15 Best Places to Visit in Puglia, Italy | Not to be Missed!

Heading to the south of Italy and looking for the best places to visit in Puglia? This southern Italian region makes up the ‘heel’ of … CONTINUE READING

The Most Beautiful Cities in Italy Revealed!

Italy is probably one of the most beautiful places in Europe to visit. It boasts a rich cultural heritage and picturesque landscapes and is a … CONTINUE READING

5 Best Places To Visit In Italy For Families

Italy is a country that has enormous history, great architecture, beautiful art of all kinds, fantastic cuisine, and beautiful places to visit. There are various … CONTINUE READING

The Secret is Out! The Best Amalfi Coast Beaches Uncovered!

Want to walk in the footsteps of the rich and famous and chill out at the best beaches Amalfi Coast has on offer? The rough … CONTINUE READING

Sicily Road Trip for an Ultimate Family Adventure

Sicily is one of the most memorable regions of Italy. This large Mediterranean island can be found in the south of the country, right off … CONTINUE READING

10 Days in Sicily With Kids | Ultimate Sicily Itinerary

Just off the toe of Italy’s boot, rests Sicily. This large Mediterranean island is rich in ancient architecture, well-preserved ruins, and stunning views. It’s a … CONTINUE READING

9 Best Places To Visit In Puglia For Families (+ Where To Stay)

Exploring Southern Italy by car is a great way to see all that the country has to offer while spending time with your family. A … CONTINUE READING

Views over Limone sul Garda - Lake Garda with Kids

The Best Places to Visit in Northern Italy

We love northern Italy. We are head over heels for towns steeped in history, amazing gelato, and breathtaking scenery. We’ve compiled a list of 15 … CONTINUE READING

Tuscany Road Trip Ideas for an Ultimate Family Adventure

The cities in Tuscany are all joined by twisty, winding roads that run along the glorious countryside. Although you can easily travel to each Tuscan … CONTINUE READING

Manarola with Kids, Cinque Terre in Italy

The Complete Guide On Traveling To Italy With Kids

We’re probably not alone in saying this, but a trip to Italy is what we all dream of. It’s a place that you should experience … CONTINUE READING

What To Do In Ostuni (+ How Many Days To Stay For)

Ostuni, also known as the White City, is one of the greatest jewels of the Puglia region. Built on top of a hill, Ostuni rises … CONTINUE READING

Cefalu, Sicily Travel Guide (Where To Stay + What To Do)

When planning a holiday to Sicily, you just have to spend some time visiting the small towns. While Palermo has its excitement and charms, the … CONTINUE READING

5 Things To Do In Lucca, Italy & Where To Stay

Lucca is an incredible Tuscan city, renowned for its Roman and Medieval architecture. Beautifully preserved and surrounded by mountains, it’s a dream destination for laid-back … CONTINUE READING

Best Places to Visit in Sicily with Kids

11 Best Places To Visit In Sicily For A Holiday

If you are planning a trip to Italy, you should definitely consider adding Sicily to your itinerary. This island off the country’s southern coast offers … CONTINUE READING

Aeolian Islands, Sicily: A Complete Guide to Italy’s Island Paradise

Just north of Sicily in the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Aeolian Islands are a unique Italian paradise. The seven islands that make up this area were … CONTINUE READING

Top 10 Things to Do in Taormina | Activites, Tours, and Day-Trips

Taormina is a beautiful town in southern Italy on the east coast of Sicily. Perched on a hill overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, it’s set in … CONTINUE READING

10 Top Things To Do In Trapani, Sicily (+ Popular Day Trips)

Located along the coast in northwest Sicily, Trapani is a gem worth visiting. This lively port town is steeped in visible history and Sicilian culture. … CONTINUE READING

Marina Corricella on Procida Island, Italy, view from the top, boats and colourful buildings

Your Complete Procida Island Travel Guide [What to Do & Where to Stay]

If you’re looking for somewhere a little less traveled than Naples, Procida is the perfect spot. This charming Italian town is colorful and full of … CONTINUE READING

How To See The Best Of Rome In A Weekend (An Itinerary)

The glorious Eternal City is called Rome. A city so incredibly rich in history, from the glutinous Romans and the almighty gladiators to the deep … CONTINUE READING

10 Most Romantic Things To Do In Venice In 2 Days

Gorgeous rustic canals and picture-perfect walkway bridges. Romantic little cafes are scattered along stunning lanes. The colors of the buildings and the textures that make … CONTINUE READING

10 Best Things To Do in Matera (+ Best Places to Stay)

Matera is an ancient town in Italy, famous for its vast cave networks, and it has been inhabited since the Paleolithic era. In Italian, these … CONTINUE READING

Best Things to Do in Orvieto, Italy: Travel Guide

Orvieto is known as one of the most unforgettable towns in central Italy, and for good reason. With an endless supply of fascinating landmarks, incredible … CONTINUE READING

Best Things To Do In Volterra, Tuscany (+ How To Get There)

If you only have time to visit one quaint, historical Italian town then it simply must be Volterra. Tuscany is loved as an area that … CONTINUE READING

The Best Time To Go To Tuscany (Best Month & Best Season)

Tuscany is a region in Italy that is known for its rolling hilly landscapes that stretch as far as the eyes can see. It is … CONTINUE READING

best towns in Tuscany Italy - Tuscany with Kids

10 Best Places to Visit in Tuscany (Add These to Your Itinerary)

Tuscany, Italy is one of those incredible places where you feel like it emerged from an oil painting and appeared on the sun-kissed landscape. With … CONTINUE READING

Bellagio Como Travel Guide [What to do and Where to Stay]

Bellagio is one of the most elegant towns in Italy! Located on Lake Como, this town is known for its cobbled lanes, magnificent villas, and … CONTINUE READING

Top things to do in San Gimignano Tuscany Italy

Top Things to do in San Gimignano, Italy

San Gimignano is a small Italian town perched on the top of a Tuscan hill, and surrounded by 13th-century walls. A visit to the quaint … CONTINUE READING

How to get to Amalfi Coast from Naples - Ferry Naples to Amalfi

How to Get to Amalfi Coast from Rome and Naples

The gorgeous Amalfi Coast definitely belongs on any Italian itinerary. With chalky fishing villages and shimmering blue alcoves, the Amalfi Coast looks like it was … CONTINUE READING

Things to do in Limone sul Garda and where to stay in Limone

Limone Sul Garda Travel Guide [What To Do And Where To Stay]

A lovely little town in Italy, Limone Sul Garda is perched on the hillside above Lake Garda. It’s a hidden gem, one of the best … CONTINUE READING

Where to Stay in Amalfi Coast: Which Town To Base Yourself In

It can be slightly tricky figuring out where to stay in Amalfi Coast, Italy. There are so many gorgeous towns to choose from. Whether you … CONTINUE READING

3 Days in Rome – The Ultimate Rome Itinerary

Are you looking for the perfect 3 Days in Rome itinerary? This is the ultimate list of the must-see in Rome on your three days … CONTINUE READING

Most Romantic Places in Tuscany To Add To Your Bucket List!

Located in a corner of the Italian sub-continent, Tuscany is dubbed as one of the most romantic places in the world. The warm and serene mornings, … CONTINUE READING

7 Unique Things To Do In The Amalfi Coast To Tick Off Your Bucket List

Not only does the Amalfi Coast offer jaw-droppingly beautiful scenery, but the region also offers totally unique bucket list experiences that you most definitely should … CONTINUE READING

Top 5 Destinations to Visit in Northern Italy with Kids!

Northern Italy is famous all across the world for its exquisite natural beauty, having been blessed with beautiful beaches, snow-capped mountain peaks up in the … CONTINUE READING

Guide to the Best Beaches in Positano, Italy

Are you looking for the best beaches in Positano? We’ve got the insider scoop every traveler wants. As one of the most picturesque and decorated … CONTINUE READING

11 Best Things To Do In Positano (+ How To Get There)

A postcard-perfect colorful vertical town set in the shelter of mountains. Boasting a brilliant contrast of an array of vibrant colors against the dramatic blue … CONTINUE READING

Ultimate List of Things to do in Tuscany with Kids!

Most people say that Tuscany is the real Italy. But what makes it so amazing? The sun-drenched landscapes, the medieval castles, the beautiful coastline, authentic … CONTINUE READING

7 Proven Tips To Help You Survive Driving the Amalfi Coast!

Driving the Amalfi Coast, located in Southern Italy, is on almost everyone’s bucket list, well at least those who crave for scenic thrills coupled with … CONTINUE READING

What To Do In Pompeii (Plus Info On Where To Stay)

A little girl; in Grade 4; lost in the history of volcanoes, and more specifically Mt Vesuvius, as I tried to complete a History assignment. With … CONTINUE READING

Monticchiello Italy | A Charming and Super Sweet Tuscany Village

It’s a pure joy and delight to loose yourself in Tuscany. A region where cypress trees follows you along the little Tuscan roads. Where rolling … CONTINUE READING

Assisi in Northern Italy Europe, old town in the distance on the hill

The Ultimate Guide for when you Visit Assisi, Italy!

We fell in love with Assisi, Italy. We only spent one night there whilst road tripping from Rome to Tuscany to Venice. One night was … CONTINUE READING

10 Top Things To Do In Rome With Kids

Rome is truly an astonishing city, a cross between the high rises of a modern society with the scatter of ruins from a historic era. … CONTINUE READING

Best Amalfi Coast Towns to visit on an Spectacular Amalfi Coast Road Trip

Wish I could tell you that this is our cute Italian car that we enjoyed on our Amalfi Coast road trip in Italy. It definitely … CONTINUE READING

Top tips and Recommendations for your Vacation to Italy

I think a trip to Italy has been on my bucket list ever since I watched Under the Tuscan Sun (2003); featuring beautiful scenery of … CONTINUE READING

About Us | Contact Us | Work with Us | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer

* Disclaimer: Wanderluststorytellers.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and other Amazon sites.

Language selection

Français fr

Minister Ng meets Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

From: Global Affairs Canada

July 17, 2024 – Reggio Calabria, Italy – Global Affairs Canada

Yesterday, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, met with Antonio Tajani, Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, on the margins of the G7 Ministerial Meeting on Trade.

Minister Ng expressed Canada’s appreciation of Italy’s 2024 G7 presidency and welcomed the strong outcomes of the G7 Summit in Apulia, which will foster global economic growth that will benefit all citizens and future generations. Looking forward to Canada’s 2025 presidency, the Minister noted Canada’s continued commitment to working with G7 partners on common priorities, such as building economies that benefit everyone.

The ministers discussed implementation of the Italy-Canada Road Map for Enhanced Cooperation, launched by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on the margins of the G7 Summit. The road map outlines areas for deeper engagement between Canada and Italy, including in energy security and clean transition, trade and investment, research and innovation. The ministers also discussed the importance of partnerships to maintaining an open and fair international trading system.

Finally, Minister Ng spoke of the concrete examples she has heard about of Italian and Canadian businesses growing their trade thanks to the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement.

Associated links

Minister Ng to promote trade and investment in Greece and Italy and attend G7 Ministerial Meeting on Trade
Italy–Canada Road Map for Enhanced Cooperation
Minister Ng advances WTO priorities with G7 partners at trade ministers’ meeting
Canada-Italy relations
Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement
Canada and the G7
Doing business in Italy

Huzaif Qaisar Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development 343-575-8816 [email protected]

Media Relations Office Global Affairs Canada [email protected] Follow us on X (Twitter): @CanadaTrade Like us on Facebook: Canada’s international trade - Global Affairs Canada

Page details

IMAGES

Italy Travel Guide: Italy Tourist Attractions, Things to Do and See in
Italy Travel Guide
How easy is it to travel to Italy from Canada?
Amazon.com: Italy Travel Guide: Best of Italy
Italy Travel Guide: Tuscany
Vacations and Trips from Canada to Italy

VIDEO

Discover Italy's Top 10 Must-Visit Gems!
Ultimate Italy Travel Guide: Top Destinations
Top 10 Must Visit Places in Italy Ultimate Travel Guide
Top 5 MUST SEE Tourist Destinations in Italy (2024)
Canada The Ultimate Travel Guide! 2024 #facts #travelguide2024 #travel
Unlocking Italy: Inspiring 10-Day Itinerary Ideas for First-Time Travelers

COMMENTS

Travel advice and advisories for Italy
Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada. Schengen area. Italy is a Schengen area country. Canadian citizens do not need a visa for travel to countries within the Schengen area. However, visa-free travel only applies to stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
How to plan an Italy trip
Follow our guide and you'll be on your way to planning your own trip or choosing the right tour for you and your travel companions. Step 1 - Decide when you want to go and your budget. Step 2 - Do some preliminary research and preparation. Step 3 - Confirm your itinerary.
Our Ultimate Italy Travel Guide
This is our ultimate guide to Italy, a resource compiling all of our recommendations and tips, whether Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, Tuscany, Lake Como, the Amalfi Coast, or Sicily are on your ...
Skyscanner's ultimate guide to touring Italy
Skyscanner's ultimate guide to touring Italy. Vacationing in Italy is a dream. Discover enchanting seaside towns and historical relics, restorative pasta dishes, and the glittering Italian lakes. From gazing at the frescoed ceilings of the Sistine Chapel to climbing the Leaning Tower of Pisa. From exploring the lyrical landscapes of Tuscany ...
Discover Italy: Official Tourism Website
Listed among Italy's Most Beautiful Villages, Frosolone is a small paradise surrounded by nature, perched among the central Apennines in the heart of Molise. About 900 metres above sea level, it is enveloped and embraced by vibrant greenery: a pristine, untouched environment home to ancient trees, ponds and lakes, white rocks and shelters.
Italy Bucket List
Lights, camera…. Italy: Visit famous film locations, from James Bond zipping around Venice to Rome's Trevi Fountain in Fellini's classic La Dolce Vita. 5. Forza Italia: Italians sure love soccer. See it for yourself and catch a game at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium in Milan (home of AC Milan) or Rome's Olympic Stadium. 6.
Italy Travel Guide: The Ultimate 2-week Road Trip
Costs of Traveling in Italy. Travel on a budget in Italy, from $570 − $630 USD weekly per person, mid-range $1220 − $2800 USD, and high-end from $2660 − $4090 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here.
Planning a Trip to Italy: Travel Guide and Tips
Italy travel requirements. Before you get too excited about planning your Italy trip, make sure you have the right documentation.. To visit Italy, you need a passport with at least six months' validity from your arrival date. USA and Canadian passport holders can stay in the country for 90 glorious gelato-filled days without a visa.
Italy Tour Packages & Italy Travel Guide
1 Country. Discover the Italians' favorite holiday haunts on this irresistible Italian Lakes trip. Linger over a sweet gelato on the shores of Lake Maggiore, sample authentic balsamic vinegar in Modena, then ease into the easy-going local way of life in enchanting lakeside villages. FROM. $2,997.
Italy Travel Guide
Best Italy Tours. Explore local culture with an Italy tour guide through these unique excursions: Skip-The-Line Rome Colosseum Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine with 45′ Guided Tour. Ancient Rome City Tour. Cooking Class and Lunch at a Tuscan Farmhouse with Local Market Tour from Florence.
Visit Italy: Best of Italy Tourism
As the birthplace of pizza, gelato and pasta, Italy is perhaps best known for its mouthwatering food, though it also has much more to experience. Wander through ancient cities filled with historical ruins and relax at glamorous coastal resorts. Among Italy's biggest tourist hotspots are Venice, Rome and Florence, each offering iconic sights ...
The Ultimate Italy Travel Guide • The Blonde Abroad
Plugs: The plugs in Italy are Type C, F, and L. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter (make sure it has surge protection) and using a converter for hairdryers and hot tools. Safety: While Italy is generally a safe destination for solo female travelers, the one thing you need to ...
10 Days in Italy: A Complete Itinerary for First Timers
How to Plan an Incredible 10 Day Italy Itinerary. Here's what the itinerary you're going to find below looks like written out. Day 0: Arrive in Rome Day 1: Rome Day 2: Rome Day 3: Rome Day 4: Train to Florence + Explore Florence Day 5: Florence Day 6: Day Trip to Bologna Day 7: Day Trip to Siena Day 8: Train to Venice (early morning) Day 9: Venice Day 10: Venice + Fly Home
Best Italy Tours & Vacations 2024/2025
Hiking in the Dolomites. Dylan · Traveled June 2024. This tour is 100% the best way to explore the Dolomites. Dobbiaco is such a beautiful base for the week and each of the 5 hikes offers something unique and spectacular. Matteo was a pleasure to have as a tour leader and his love for the region made the week all the more special.
ITALY Itinerary • MUST READ! (2024 Guide)
The Roman Forum is one of Italy's biggest attractions and lies between the Capitoline and the Palatine hills of Rome. The Forum was the center of the whole Roman Empire! Entrance fee is €2 ($2,24) The Roman Forum is an essential part of any Rome itinerary.
Italy Travel Guide, News and Information
Italy is home to world-famous architecture, the cradle of arts, fabulous wine, and incredible food. This Italy travel guide will tell you everything you need to know about this country in the south of Europe, including where to stay and when to visit.
Italy Travel Guide
10-Day Italy Itinerary - Option 1 | Rome, Florence, Venice, and Tuscany. Day 1-7: Rome, Florence, and Venice (Follow the 7-day Italy trip itinerary above) Day 8: Tuscany. Morning: Rent a car and drive to the Tuscan countryside. Afternoon: Visit vineyards in Chianti for wine tasting.
The Only Italy Travel Guide You'll Ever Need
The country of Italy is only 153 years old. Pizza was invented in Italy. The Vatican is the smallest country in the world. There are 50 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Italy. Italy has almost 5,000 miles of coastline. Around 3,000 Euros are thrown into the Trevi fountain each day. It's given to charity.
Italy
Cars. Toronto, Ontario, Canada (YYZ) 20 Jul. 27 Jul. Economy. 2 Guest s ( 1 room ) Make way for an Italy holiday! With Air Canada Vacations, book hotels in Italy Find deals on Italy tour packages & flights from Canada Plan your trip to Italy today.
33 Italy Travel Tips That Will Save You Time ...
For more tips, don't miss my guide on the best time to travel to Italy. Don't expect air conditioning everywhere. Double-check that your hotel or car rental has air conditioning, as this is not standard and usually it's not available unless specified. When there is air-conditioning, expect it to be weak.
Italy Budget Travel Guide (Updated 2024)
Italy Travel Guide. Last Updated: June 3, 2024. Italy is one of Europe's most iconic and popular destinations. Home to incredible food, fabulous wine, tons of ancient ruins, undying romance, and picturesque landscapes, it should come as no surprise that this is one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the world.
Complete Italy Travel Blog: To Help You Plan Your First Trip in 2024
As a general rule of thumb, we typically plan for at least: 3 - 4 Nights in big cities. 2 - 3 Nights in smaller towns. Day trips to villages. For a two-week itinerary, we would probably recommend 2 bigger cities and 1 - 2 smaller towns. For example, you could do Florence, Venice, and Cinque Terre.
Minister Ng meets Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and ...
July 17, 2024 - Reggio Calabria, Italy - Global Affairs Canada. Yesterday, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, met with Antonio Tajani, Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, on the margins of the G7 Ministerial Meeting on Trade.

Language selection

Italy travel advice

On this page

Petty crime

On the road

On public transportation

Home break-ins

Spiked food and drinks

Victims of crime

Useful links

Credit card and ATM fraud

Demonstrations and strikes

Swimming and water activities

Mountain activities

Road safety

Public transportation

Regular Canadian passport

Passport for official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

Other travel documents

Other entry requirements

Declaration of presence

Yellow fever

Relevant Travel Health Notices

Routine vaccines

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

Safe food and water precautions

Insect bite prevention

Animal precautions

Person-to-person infections

Medical services and facilities

Keep in Mind...

Transfer to a Canadian prison

Public behaviour

Counterfeit merchandise

Natural objects and flora

Photography

Identification

Dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

Limited traffic zones and low-emission zones

Seasonal and regional regulations

Storms and flooding

Seismic activity

Local services

Consular assistance

Risk Levels

Exercise a high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

How to plan an Italy trip

Step 1 – Decide when you want to go and your budget

How much will it cost?

Expert Assistance

Step 2 – Do some preliminary research and preparation

Passports and visas

Step 3 – Confirm your itinerary

Where to go

Most popular cities

Itinerary suggestions

Suggested itineraries

Alternative 10 day itinerary suggestions

Group Tours

When should you start booking your trip?

Step 4 – Book your flights, inbound travel & insurance

Inbound rail from within Europe

Bus travel to Italy

Organize travel insurance

Step 5 – Book accommodation and transport

How much will accommodation cost?

Transport while in Italy

Train travel in Italy

Recommended train booking sites – Omio and The Trainline

Car rental in Italy

Internal flights

Step 6 – Book Attractions, tours and activities

Activities and experiences

Step 7 – Get ready for departure

Book airport transfers

Rome – transfers from Fiumicino airport