trip plan to italy

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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.

Article contents

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

Most popular regions.

On our site, you can also browse Italy’s lesser-known cities and regions on the destinations page or visit our article on hidden gems in Italy for inspiration.

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 .

Further reading:

• Where to stay in Rome – a district by district guide to the best areas to stay
• Best places to stay in Florence – neighborhoods and areas best suited to your trip
• Where to stay in Venice – a neighborhood and area guide
• Where to stay in Milan – best areas, places and hotels

READ: Our Italy accommodation guide .

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

Can you travel to italy – latest travel information [april 2024], visiting italy in may – reasons to go and what to expect, episode #216: 10 reasons we love italy’s umbria region, visiting italy in april – reasons to go and what to expect, episode #215: discover regional italy without a car, episode #210: travel smart to italy – your guide to new regulations and important dates, how to use your cellphone in italy, venice tourist tax – latest information on the new access pass for venice, planning a trip to italy.

We love travel in Italy and sharing our knowledge. Read our Italy trip planning guide or join our FREE Italy travel planning community . Our 115,000+ 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.

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Fearlessly Italy

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

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

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

How many days in Italy is enough?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Research the best time to travel to italy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Check if you need a visa

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

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

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

Find the best flights to Italy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Decide when to rent a car in Italy

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

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

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

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

Click here to see prices, cars, and deals.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tailor your own Italy itinerary

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

Here are some examples of itineraries:

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

Check out our tailored Rome itineraries and travel services!

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

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

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

Set your budget: average cost of a trip to Italy

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

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

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

Find the right accommodation in Italy

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

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

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

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

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

Book your tours and tickets ahead

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

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

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

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

Find where to eat

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

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

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

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

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

Where to find WiFi and Sim Card in Italy

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

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

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

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

Learn some Italian phrases

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

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

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

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

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

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

Look for the best guidebooks for planning a trip to Italy

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

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

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

Peruse the best Italy tour packages

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

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

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

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

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

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Planning a Trip to Italy: Your Easy 11-Step Checklist

Once you’ve decided to visit Italy, especially for the first time, it’s easy to catch yourself daydreaming daily about sparking blue seas, delicious wine, rolling hills, and ancient cities (and I definitely still do this on a near-constant basis), but successfully planning a trip to Italy requires some not-so-daydream-like steps as well!

From booking transportation to deciding exactly where to go, we’ve outlined all the important steps for planning your Italy trip here.

Use this checklist to ensure that you jet off on your Italian vacation without a single worry!

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

Step 1: Check visa requirements.

Based on the geographic readership of this blog, odds are that the vast majority of you will not need a visa to visit Italy for up to 90 days for tourism purposes.

This includes citizens of the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, and of course, anyone from an EU member state.

Italy is part of the Schengen Zone, and therefore, anyone who needs a Schengen Visa to visit the area will need one for Italy.

Of course, while I strongly doubt that this policy will change in the near future, you should always confirm visa requirements through official sources before traveling!

Update: Can we all take a moment to collectively laugh at that last sentence? Now more than ever, be sure to regularly check official regulations and track the details of entry requirements! As of this summer, things in Italy are virtually back to “normal”–but be sure to double-check when booking your trip!

Step 2: Book your trip to Italy!

At this point when planning a trip to Italy, it’s time to make it official and book your tickets to the country!

If you’re flying a long distance or are planning to visit multiple regions in Italy, we recommend being pretty flexible with what airport you fly into in order to get the best flight prices.

Go ahead and check the prices to fly to Rome, Florence, Milan, Venice, and Naples for intercontinental flights.

For shorter flights within Europe, those flying on budget airlines should also check Bologna and Pisa, as well as Bari , Palermo , and Catania if you’re headed south.

Also, be open to the idea of flying into one city and out of another!

While this can sometimes be much pricier, other times it’s surprisingly affordable and allows you to spend less of your trip to Italy doubling back to a city you’ve already visited.

We recommend running the numbers both ways.

Step 3: Choose your Italy itinerary.

This might be both the most fun and most stressful part of planning a trip to Italy: finalizing where exactly you’re going to go!

We have a recommended 2 week Italy itinerary that we suggest for first-timers to the country, as well as our best suggestions for spending a week in Italy , but ultimately, the sky’s the limit!

If you’re looking for the classic Italy experience, a combination of Rome, Florence, Venice, and Cinque Terre makes an amazing first trip.

If you’re more interested in mountain lakes than idyllic coast line, you could swap Cinque Terre for Lake Como .

If you hope to head south from Rome, Naples , the Amalfi Coast , Pompeii , and Capri are all within close distance of each other and make a great addition to a trip or even a standalone vacation.

If you’re hoping for mountains, look at Trentino-Alto Adige– Bolzano and Cortina d’Ampezzo are often the launching pads for exploring the Dolomites .

Beach lovers, consider heading to Sicily , Sardinia, or Puglia.

And, of course, foodies can’t go wrong anywhere in Italy–but the regions of Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna in central Italy are sure to captivate your tastebuds.

Interested in roadtripping? Italy is home to some fantastic road trips, though not every area is suited for it.

Here is our guide to the best road trips in Italy , and our suggested Tuscany road trip itinerary !

Step 4: Finalize your Italy travel budget.

Now that you know exactly when your trip to Italy is happening and where you are going, it’s time to finalize your Italy travel budget!

We recommend taking the total amount you hope to spend in Italy, subtracting any splurges or major expenses you know are coming (a pricey tour, some clothes shopping, etc), and then dividing the remaining amount by the number of days you’ll be traveling in Italy (we detail this strategy more thoroughly in our travel budgeting guide ).

Presto–you have your daily Italy budget, aka the number you should try to stay under each day when you add up the amount you spend on food, activities, and intra-city transportation.

Step 5: Book some activities in advance.

Here’s the fun part of planning a trip to Italy: booking those iconic experiences you’ve always dreamed of!

While there are plenty of magnificent things to do in Italy that require little to no advance planning, many of Italy’s most iconic attractions are definitely better experienced by planning ahead to take a tour and/or buy a skip-the-line ticket.

We go into far more detail about this on our guides and itineraries for each specific location, but here’s a quick rundown of some of the major sights you’ll want to book ahead of time.

The Colosseum

The vatican museums, florence + tuscany, uffizi gallery, galleria dell’accademia, duomo climb.

Doge’s Palace + Basilica

Shared gondola ride, pompeii guided tour.

Step 6: Book accommodation.

Next step in planning a trip to Italy: deciding where to sleep!

We offer specific hotel suggestions in our itineraries for each location that we have written about, but here’s the bottom line: in Italy’s major cities like Rome and Venice, it’s fairly easy to find somewhere to stay, so don’t stress about booking months ahead of time unless you have a particular property in mind.

In smaller towns, though–think those along the Amalfi Coast or in Cinque Terre, for example–properties tend to book up a lot faster, and you’ll want to book as far in advance as possible.

We use Booking.com to book hotels and sometimes apartment stays in Italy, and if that doesn’t work out, check out Airbnb for longer apartment stays.

Step 7: Figure out your inter-city transportation.

Now that you know exactly where you want to go, figuring out how to get from destination to destination in Italy–and most importantly, how long it will take and how much it will cost–is the next step in planning an Italy trip.

Note that if you hope to rent a car in the country, you’ll need to obtain an international driving permit before arriving (and double-check that your insurance covers driving in Italy, or purchase a policy that does!).

If you’re planning to take any high-speed trains in Italy, keep in mind that the prices increase as your dates get closer, so book ahead as soon as you’re ready to commit! We use the Trenitalia app to book almost all of our train tickets in Italy.

For regional (aka slow) trains, prices are set and you can just purchase them on the day of travel.

For more on getting around Italy, check out the transportation section of our suggested Italy itinerary.

Step 8: Learn a little Italian.

If you’re staying firmly on the tourist trail on your trip to Italy, you won’t necessarily need to speak any Italian to travel there.

… But you will almost certainly encounter some monolingual Italians, and either way, it will definitely enhance your experience in the country to know a tiny bit of Italian.

We personally don’t choose to carry phrase books with us while traveling, but if you like to, Rick Steves’ Italian Phrase Book gets wonderful reviews.

Here are a few phrases to add to your vocabulary when planning a trip to Italy:

Basic Italian Phrases to Learn When Planning a Trip to Italy

Buongiorno. — Good morning.

Buona sera. — Good evening.

Ciao. — Hello/goodbye. (More casual than above.)

Per favore. — Please. (When requesting or accepting something.)

Grazie. — Thank you.

Prego. — You’re welcome, or please. (When offering something–as in, “Please, have a seat.”)

Non capisco. — I don’t understand.

Parla inglese? — Do you speak English?

Il conto. — The check. (In a restaurant.)

Step 9: Make a packing list (and shop!).

Packing can often be one of the most unexpectedly stressful parts of getting ready for a trip abroad, and Italy is no exception!

You can check out our full suggested Italy packing list here , and our detailed suggestions on what to wear in Rome here (which work for quite a bit of Italy!).

Be sure not to stress too much about packing for Italy, though–just about anything you could possibly forget will be available there too!

Here are a few essentials to be sure to add to your Italy packing list:

Comfortable Day Bag  — We currently use  Pacsafe’s sleek anti-theft backpack  and love it, but if you don’t want to shell out the cash for this trip, that’s totally understandable.

Just aim for something comfortable to wear, not flashy, and medium-sized–we used a  Northface Jester backpack  for years and loved it as well.

Money Belt  — This is up to you: we no longer use one, but if you’re more comfortable having your passports on your person in Italy, you can consider bringing one.

Step 10: Purchase travel insurance.

Don’t forget to purchase travel insurance before jetting off to Italy! While Italy is a perfectly safe country to travel in, traveling in general opens you up to vulnerabilities that you simply don’t have at home: if you miss a plane or train, have your luggage get lost, get pickpocketed, or worse, get injured, you’ll be glad that you have insurance.

Given how inexpensive travel insurance is when purchased in advance (especially as compared to the price of plane tickets to Italy!), it’s well worth the investment.

Check travel insurance policy inclusions and prices for your trip here .

Step 11: Make your arrival plan.

The final step of planning a trip to Italy is as simple as it is important: make an arrival plan.

When you arrive in Italy, you’re undoubtedly going to be exhausted, overwhelmed, and probably a bit jetlagged, too!

No matter how many times we arrive in a new country, it never stops being a tiny bit stressful, simply because there are a lot of variables at play in the first few hours of arriving somewhere new.

Make life easier on yourself by thinking ahead: when working on your trip to Italy plan, figure out your exact steps of what will happen after the plane lands.

That means exactly how far away your hotel is, how you’ll get there from the airport (train, bus, rental car, taxi?), and if you’ll be traveling by taxi, what a reasonable price is and/or if there’s a set fare from the airport to the city center (in Italy, there often is).

Though it’s not strictly necessary, if you’d like to make arriving in Italy extra-easy for yourself, consider treating yourself to an airport transfer when you arrive!

Shuttle Bus from Fiumicino Airport to Roma Termini

(Bear in mind that while this is actually cheaper than taking the Leonardo Express train independently, it does also take longer to get to Rome!)

Private Transfer from Fiumicino Airport to Rome

Private transfer from florence airport to florence, shuttle bus from marco polo airport to venice, shared water taxi from marco polo airport to venice.

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

11 thoughts on “Planning a Trip to Italy: Your Easy 11-Step Checklist”

This super helpful. Thank you so much!

Thrilled to hear it, thanks Tomeekha!

I am so thankful I found you, Kate! I plan to use your valuable wisdom in planning an extension to a food & wine tour that I booked in 2021. This existing tour ends in Rome. I want to plan a 3-4 night extension along the Amalfi Coast. Congratulations to you, Jeremy & Ranger for living your passion!! I admire your confidence! Best wishes!

Thank you so much, Tammy! I hope you have a wonderful trip and love the Amalfi Coast! 🙂

Wow- amazingly helpful -thank you so very much!!

Happy to help! Hope you guys have a great trip to Italy 🙂

I appreciate your details and encouragement. My husband and I are visiting Sicily for 10 days then off to Cinque Terre for 7 days. I especially appreciate your tips about practicing your landing plan upon arrival Good idea. Also I will be trying the google translate to interpret menus and such things. Thank you

Thanks so much, Cheryl! Sounds like you guys have an incredible trip planned. Enjoy Italy!

Hi Kate, Thank you for the information. It is extremely insightful. Am planning to visit itlay this june with my daughter. We are traveling to attend a family friend’s birthday celebration in Tuscany. My plan thus was to head to Rome first and have planned a 6 days stay, post which we head to Tuscany via train for 5 days. As we have both visited Florence wanted your recommendation on where to next before we head back. Based on your blogs Venice is a must though there are not enough flights out of there so will have to head back to rome to take a flight. Suggestions appreciated.

Sounds like a beautiful trip!

I could easily name a fifty places within a train ride of Florence to add to your trip, but so much will depend on your tastes!

Any of the major cities–including Venice–will allow you to get back to Rome for your return flight fairly easily, so you should be able to structure your itinerary fairly easily there.

Just a few options in addition to Venice, with links to our guides…

Bologna: one of Italy’s best foodie cities and the capital of Emilia-Romagna. It’s a stunner! ( https://www.ourescapeclause.com/things-to-do-in-bologna/ )

Parma: Less visited than Bologna but beautiful and relaxing, Parma is the origin of parmigiano-reggiano and has an incredible cathedral. ( https://www.ourescapeclause.com/best-things-to-do-in-parma-italy/ )

Lucca: A quieter Tuscan city than Florence, Lucca is walled, and also makes a great base for day trips in Tuscany and even Liguria. ( https://www.ourescapeclause.com/things-to-do-in-lucca-italy/ )

Verona: The city of Romeo and Juliet, Verona is set on a river and is crisp, beautiful, and interesting! ( https://www.ourescapeclause.com/things-to-do-in-verona/ )

Bolzano: Located in far northern Italy, Bolzano has one of the most unique museums in Europe and is perfect for accessing the Dolomites. ( https://www.ourescapeclause.com/things-to-do-in-bolzano-italy/ )

That’s truly just a handful of an endless array of options, but you can’t go wrong with any of them!

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How to plan a trip to Italy – a step by step guide

This article may contain compensated links. See our full disclosure here

Welcome! My name is Katy and ever since I first visited 20 years ago I have been plotting my next trip to Italy. From its historic cities to the mountains, lakes and coast, I fell in love with this beautiful country and want to help you do the same.

Planning a trip to Italy is one of my favorite things to do (I’ve been there more than 25 times!) so we created this guide to help you plan and book your trip with ease. We hope you find our step by step guide on how to plan a trip to Italy useful. 

What's in this article

When to go to Italy

Passports and visas, itineraries and planning, travel booking timelines, accommodation in italy, tickets, tours and attractions, airport and ground transfers, money and budget, internet access, travel insurance, packing for your trip, travel with kids in italy, italy trip planning done.

The best time to visit Italy is when it suits you and your schedule. However, you should be aware of a few seasonal variations:

• Italy is one of the world’s most popular destinations and is very busy (and more expensive) at peak periods – from May to September
• Summers can be very hot (especially in the south) and winters cold with ski resorts open in the northern alpine regions
• August is the busiest month with Italians and people from all over Europe on vacation. Coastal and lake areas are very busy with visitors
• Easter is a major holiday in Italy – expect demand for rail travel and accommodation to increase

For this reason we like to visit Italy in the shoulder months – April/May and September/October when the weather is sunny and mild, crowds are manageable and you can find great value flight and accommodation deals.

How to get there

Flying direct (or with a single stop) to Italy from most places in the world is easy. Most visitors fly into Rome Fiumicino [Leonardo da Vinci](FCO) international airport but you can also easily fly into Milan Malpensa  (MXP) or Venice Marco Polo  (VCE) airports from major hubs around the world.

There are many other airports throughout the country that can be accessed within Italy and Europe.

FREE ITALY TRIP PLANNING CHECKLIST:  CLICK HERE TO GET YOURS. NOW

Best flight deals to Italy

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

• Skyscanner – portal where you can view cheapest days and routes to fly and set alerts for price drops
• CheapoAir – uncovers the best deals on first class flights around the world
• Google flights – great for checking schedules and airline routes

To find the best deals, set up alerts on Skyscanner for the month you wish to travel and wait for price drops. Be prepared to be a little flexible on dates and stopovers. It is often cheaper to fly into Milan rather than Rome but that is most useful for northern Italy itineraries.

Tip – always use an incognito browser window to search for flight deals. Prices are amended up for users known to be searching for specific dates and times

Arriving by train from other cities in Europe

If you are traveling within Europe, train travel is easy with links to major Italian cities – Milan, Rome, Florence and Venice – from other capitals in Europe. Read our guide to train travel in Italy or Seat 61 is another great resource for planning train travel within Europe.

Bus travel to Italy

If you’re on a tight budget and traveling within Europe, then you might want to consider coming to Italy by bus. Low cost operator Flixbus covers 1,200 destinations in 26 countries.

Train and bus bookings

Omio is a useful site for booking a combination of train, bus and air travel within Europe

READ:  Best booking sites for travel to Italy

Citizens of the United States, Australia, Canada and New Zealand can enter Italy and stay up to 90 days without a visa within an 180 day period. You must have 6 months validity on your passport.

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

European Union and UK citizens can travel with photo identification. 

Please note – this information is subject to change and it is always best to check with your local foreign office for the latest advice on travel to Italy.

• United States – click here
• Australia – click here
• United Kingdom – click here
• Canada – click here

Where to go

Probably the hardest decision you need to make is which places you would like to visit. This is a very difficult task for many of us and it is a challenge for me to this day.

The most popular places to visit in Italy are listed below.

• Major cities – Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan and Naples
• Tuscany – large region known for hilltop towns, wineries and beautiful countryside
• Cinque Terre – 5 spectacular villages that hug the sides of cliffs on the Italian Riviera
• Amalfi Coast – picturesque coastal region near Naples – Sorrento, Positano, Capri
• Northern Italian lakes – scenic lakes close to alpine mountain ranges

As a general rule, for a 3-5 day trip choose one destination – a city or area. If you have a week to 10 days then 1-3 places in either the north OR south of Italy. For a 2 week trip you could cover 3-4 places and see both north and south.

Try not to pack too much in. It’s easy to underestimate transit times and getting in and out of airports and train stations.

Suggested itineraries

Planning your Italy itinerary is one of the most important job in the trip planning process. For their first trip to Italy, many people will choose to start their journey in Rome and visit Florence and Venice. This 10 day Italy itinerary covers that route and includes detailed instructions on how to make the most of your time in Italy. 

Alternative 10 day itineraries

• Rome + Amalfi Coast – Rome [4 nights], Amalfi Coast/Naples/Pompeii/Capri [5 nights]
• Rome + Florence and Tuscany – Rome [4 nights], Florence [3 nights], Siena [2 nights]
• Venice, Milan, Lake Como + Florence  – Venice [3 nights], Milan [1 night], Lake Como [2 nights], Florence [2 nights]
• READ: Sample Northern and Southern Italy itineraries
• Sicily – deserves 2 weeks! – click for highlights and hidden gems

City itineraries

Rome – a 5 day itinerary that can be adapted for more or less days – click here to read Florence – suggestions for 1,2 and 3 days in the Renaissance city – click to read Venice  – things to do and itineraries for 1,2 or 3 days in the lagoon city – read here Milan – explore Milan, fashion forward, fun and the most modern of all the Italian cities – click to read

Recommended group package tours in Italy

Package tours of Italy can be a fantastic way to avoid the stress of planning your own trip. They are also great if you would like some company along the way. Here is a quick summary of popular tours in Italy by well known brands. 

One of the most popular tour companies on the planet, Trafalgar has a broad range of itineraries to choose from in Italy. Appealing to the 50+ age group, travel is mainly by coach and you can expect an emphasis on culture and history. Trafalgar has worked hard to include local experiences such as wine tastings and unique stays into its itineraries as well as time to discover destinations at leisure.

Tour group sizes are between 40-45 passengers and the general standard of hotels is 4 star.

Top Italy tours by  Trafalgar

• Best of Italy – 13 day itinerary visiting Rome, Sorrento, Florence, Venice and more – more information
• Great Italian cities – classic itinerary covering Rome, Florence and Venice in 10 days – click for details
• Best of the Italian lakes – Como, Maggiore, Garda – which will be your favorite? – click here for details

Intrepid Travel

We like the tours offered by Intrepid Travel because they strike the balance between showing you highlights of a destination and allowing time for exploration on your own. Their premium brand Peregrine has some interesting hiking tours of the Cinque Terre and Amalfi Coast.

Group sizes average around 10 so you get personal attention when you need it. We also love that Intrepid has a commitment to responsible travel and leads the way in promoting animal welfare.

Top tours of Italy by Intrepid and Peregrine

• Best of Italy – 15 days covering Rome, Florence, Venice, Cinque Terre and more – click here for details
• Cinque Terre walking tour – 8 days walking the spectacular coastal villages – more information
• Italy real food adventure – 8 days of feasting in Venice, Tuscany and Rome – more details

Even as independent travelers we like to browse Tourradar – a market place for tours where you can browse hundreds of package tours by different operators, and by date. Then filter by your interests and age group and read detailed reviews.

There are various levels of support offered from fully organized tours to independent self drive or train itineraries.

BROWSE: All Italy tours on Tourradar

Top tours in Italy found on Tourradar

• Highlights of Italy – 8 day train tour through Milan, Venice, Florence, Pisa, Rome – click for more info
• 3 Nights Venice, 2 Nights Florence & 5 Nights Rome – a self guided tour – click here for details
• Self guided walking tour of Tuscany – 8 days of fresh air, wine and views – click here for details

Recommended guidebooks

We plan trips using a wide variety of sources. If you can, choose an Italy travel guide that is relevant for the region you are visiting as they are usually more detailed and useful. 

Our favourite general guidebooks for Italy are:

Lonely Planet – Our favorite practical guide, Lonely Planet, regularly updates guides for Italy | Florence and Tuscany | Venice and the Veneto | Naples, Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast | Italian Lakes | Sicily | Southern Italy

Rick Steves – America’s foremost authority on travel in Europe produces excellent practical guides and itineraries for Italy | Rome | Florence | Venice | Cinque Terre

DK Eyewitness Guides – we love the illustrations and cultural and historical insight in these guides. They are perfect for those of us who respond best to visual cues.

When should you book your travel, accommodation and tours in Italy?

As soon as possible is the straightforward answer when it comes to popular hotels, accommodation and tours especially for peak times in July and August. If you can, try to book 6-12 months in advance for popular areas such as the Amalfi Coast in summer.

Flight bookings will depend on where you are flying from. For long haul flights the best deals are generally found 6-12 months in advance while deals pop up regularly for travel within Europe.

Rail bookings can be made up to 4 months in advance on high speed intercity and standard intercity trains.

FREE ITALY TRIP PLANNING CHECKLIST:  CLICK HERE TO GET YOURS NOW

Choosing where to stay is an important part of planning your itinerary. Italy is well set up for tourists and you can expect the usual range of hotels and bed and breakfast accommodation as well as apartments and villas.

If you plan to spend any time in the country, consider staying at an agriturismo or farm stay – offered by Italian farmers who earn additional income by providing rooms and meals. This accommodation is very popular in Italy and ranges from budget to luxurious.

We’ve stayed in agriturismi (plural) with swimming pools, hammams and wine cellars and always try to build them into our itinerary. An added bonus is that the food served is farm fresh and generally excellent.

Accommodation costs

Here is a rough guide to help you plan your accommodation budget. Prices are average for a double room though this will vary with prices higher in popular areas at peak times

Upscale / Luxury – €200+ [USD $230+] per night Midrange / Boutique – €110-250 [USD $125-285] per night Budget / B&B – €60-120 [USD $70-140] per night Ultra budget / Hostel or shared room in AirBnB – €20-35 [USD $25-40] per night

Best accommodation sites

Our favorite site for booking lodging is Booking.com because it has a huge range of options from hotels and resorts to bed and breakfast, apartments and farm stay accommodation.

You can easily compare prices and amenities and take advantage of their generous cancelation policies to find the right accommodation for you. We’ve also found their concierge service helpful and get better deals because we use them regularly.

Other sites we use and recommend

• Plum Guide – visits and reviews the best Airbnb properties and provides detailed information on each one. Get 5% off with code – UNTOLD5
• VRBO – the best site for long stay villas and apartments – click here to browse VRBO
• AirBnB – for longer stays in apartments and villas – first time users can claim free credit here
• Tripadvisor – mainly to read reviews but you can sometimes find good deals on there too

Our guides on where to stay in Italy

We created these guides with specific recommendations of where to stay in the major tourist areas in Italy in response to questions from our readers and in our Italy Travel Planning Facebook Group .

• Florence – district and accommodation guide > click here
• Milan – district and accommodation guide > click here
• Amalfi Coast – towns and accommodation guide > click here
• Rome – accommodation near the Pantheon > click here ; near the Colosseum > click here and in Trastevere > click here ; accommodation near the Vatican City > click here
• Venice – coming soon

We also created a guide on how to find the right accommodation for your trip that includes a printable checklist > click here to access the article.

How to get around Italy

As a general rule, if you are traveling between cities and major towns then the best way to travel around Italy is by train. If you want to explore the countryside and small villages you will need to rent a car.

When you are mapping out distances to travel between destinations use Google maps or Rome2Rio is another useful site.

Train travel in Italy

The train system in Italy is modern and efficient with fast speed services linking the major cities and regional trains connecting smaller towns and villages. Two major train networks operate throughout Italy – Italo and TrenItalia .

Advance bookings are advised for high speed intercity services where seats are allocated. You can save money booking in advance if you purchase non-flexible tickets. You can book directly with these operators or an easier way is with:

Omio and Trainline compare train times and prices across both Trenitalia and Italo schedules and keep your ticket details on their handy app

SEARCH: rail tickets on Omio

High speed train intercity travel times on popular routes

• Rome to Florence – 1 hour 30 minutes
• Rome to Naples – 1 hour 15 minutes
• Rome to Milan – 3 hours
• Rome to Venice – 4 hours
• Florence to Venice – 2 hours
• Florence to Milan – 2 hours

READ: Guide to buying train tickets in Italy

Driving in Italy

With a bit of forward planning and common sense, renting a car and exploring the back roads of Italy is easy. We wrote a full guide to driving in Italy but here are our top tips:

• You are required to carry an International Drivers Permit – these can be arranged in your home country at minimal cost
• Standard transmission on cars is manual or stick shift. If you want to rent an automatic car expect to pay extra, if you can find one available
• Rent the smallest car you can to fit you and your luggage – roads are often narrow and you don’t want to get stuck!
• Heavy fines apply if you enter ZTL zones – historic districts where driving is not allowed

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

SEARCH: car rental in Italy with Car Rental by Booking.com .

Internal flights

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

Check on Skyscanner or Google Flights for routes and prices. Remember to set alerts for those routes you want to fly and book early for flights in the summer months.

We source and book tickets and tours via GetYourGuide  and  Viator .  They are tour and ticket aggregators so there is lots to choose from. I like the fact you can read reviews, book everything in the one place and keep your tickets and vouchers on their apps too. You can also pay in your own currency and with international credit cards which can be a challenge when using Italian websites.

We prefer GetYourGuide – you can read our review of GetYourGuide to find out why here

Tickets for major attractions

Rome, Florence and Venice are some of the busiest cities for tourists in the world thanks to their famous attractions – the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Uffizi Gallery and Doge’s Palace.

We have given you the official booking sites and an alternative for approved ticket partners should you have trouble using the official site – unfortunately that happens a lot! The direct sites are usually cheaper but the partner sites are generally more user friendly.

• Colosseum – official ticket site OR buy Colosseum tickets on Get Your Guide
• Vatican Museums – official ticket site OR buy Vatican Museum tickets on Get Your Guide
• Omnia pass – Colosseum + Vatican + one other museum + hop on, hop off bus – click here for details
• Uffizi Gallery – official ticket site OR buy Uffizi tickets on Get Your Guide
• ‘David’ statue [Accademia Gallery] – official ticket site OR buy Accademia tickets on Get Your Guide
• Doge’s Palace – official ticket site OR buy Doge’s palace tickets on Get Your Guide
• San Marco basilica – official skip the line tickets OR buy a tour of San Marco including tickets on Get Your Guide
• ‘Last Supper’ painting – official ticket site OR buy Last Supper tickets on Get Your Guide
• Duomo rooftop – official ticket site OR buy Duomo tickets on Get Your Guide

Day tours in Italy

We love doing guided tours . Not those huge group ones where you follow the flag waving guide around in a herd trying to keep up. No, we especially like small group and food tours where you learn and discover all about the culture and history of the places we visit. Plus it’s so much more fun than reading plaques and you get to ask questions.

So make sure to build in a couple of tours when you are planning a trip to Italy.

Our favorite small group tour companies are Take Walks (formerly Walks of Italy) and Liv 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 
• We highly recommend the fun team at Liv Tours .  They offer interesting very small group (6 people or less) and private tours throughout Italy including late and early entry to the Colosseum and Vatican. Get 5% off their tours with code – UNTOLDITALY

Other Recommended Day Tours by destination

• Rome in day – tour includes Vatican and Colosseum – great if you have limited time > click for details
• Colosseum virtual reality tour – brings the arena to life with 3D effects and sound > more information
• Rome by night – discover the beauty of the Eternal City after dark on this 2 hour tour > click for details
• Vespa tour – pretend you’re Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday on this vintage vespa tour > more details  

READ: Our guide to the best day tours in Rome

• Uffizi Gallery + Palazzo Vecchio – 3 hour combined tour of the city’s must see sights > more information
• Florence Dome Climb – climb the famous dome for spectacular views of Florence > more details
• A day in Tuscany – full day tour to San Gimignano and Siena from Florence > click for more info

READ: Our guide to the best day trips from Florence

• Doge’s Palace and Basilica tour – 2 hour tour of the major attractions in Venice > more information
• Burano, Murano and Torcello – half day outer islands of the lagoon escorted tour > click for details
• Street food tour – discover Venetian cicchetti and visit the famous Rialto market > click for details

Naples, Sorrento and Amalfi Coast

• Boat trip from Sorrento to Capri – one of the highlights of my life! Full day tour > click for details
• Pompeii and Amalfi Coast tour from Naples – full day tour if you are short on time > more info
• Amalfi Coast – small group tour to Positano, Amalfi and Ravello from Sorrento > more information

READ: How to take a boat tour to magical Capri

Recommended experiences in Italy

Sightseeing, soaking up the atmosphere and visiting major monuments (plus eating!) will take up most of your time on your trip to Italy. However, if you have a little more time, we recommend seeking out unique Italian experiences that are sure to be the highlight of your trip.

Food festivals are so much fun. We stumbled on a sagra (food festival) near Lake Como and had a great time tasting all the local dishes. On another trip we managed to be in Florence during the finale of the  Gelato Festival (how did that happen I wonder?) and were able to taste some incredible flavours.

You can check this site for information on food festival dates in Italy.

Wine tastings and tours are popular activities in Tuscany and there is a great selection to choose from on Viator – click here to view  

If you want to recreate the delicious dishes you tasted on your trip, why not take a cooking class . We learned so much from our class and market tour in Florence and enjoy making fresh pasta at home. 

>> Click the links to browse cooking classes in Rome , Florence and Amalfi Coast

For those who love football or soccer there could be no greater thrill than watching a football match in an Italian stadium. You’ll need to book tickets well in advance and we found the best site to do just that – click here to book Italian Serie A tickets.

No matter where you fly into Italy you will need to transfer from the airport to your accommodation and vice versa. Most of the airports are a fair way out from the city center – and in the case of Venice, in the middle of a lagoon! So preplanning your arrival is advised.

You can compare different transfer services on Suntransfers – a company that specializes in transfer options from major airports. They have options to suit all budgets and prices for coach, mini bus, private car and limo services. Welcome Pickups is a similar option with great service we use regularly.

Rome – transfers from Fiumicino airport

Taxis are fine, there is a set rate into Rome of €50 and the ride takes around 45 minutes. Or, if you’re like me, and need some comfort when you arrive you can pre-book a transfer on Suntransfers or Welcome Pickups

This would also be the best option if you are traveling with more than 2 people and have several items of luggage.

A popular way to get into Rome is the Leonardo Express train – a non-stop service between Fiumicino and Rome Termini (the main station). Trains depart every half hour from 6:23 to 23:23, and the trip takes 32 minutes. The cost is €14. Unless you are saying close by you will then need to get a taxi to your accommodation.

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

READ: Rome airport transfers : How to get from the airport to the city center in Rome

Venice transfers

The water bus company Alilaguna runs regular shuttles (every 15 -30 minutes in peak season) to and from the islands on the lagoon and the airport stopping at San Marco and Rialto (main stops). The fare is €15 one way or €27 return and the journey takes 1½ hours – you can book online here  

For a glamorous arrival hire a private boat transfer or shared transfer in a water taxi – journey times and prices increase depending on number of people and exclusivity. A direct private transfer to the airport takes around 45 minutes.

• Private transfer – around €200 for 6 people – book here  
• Shared water taxi transfer – around €32 per person – book here  

You can also take a taxi or express airport bus to Piazzale Roma and then take a vaporetto (ferry) or walk your hotel/accommodation. A one way trip on the ferry costs €10 per person and is valid for 60 minutes.

The taxi will cost around €30 and the bus will cost around €10 and take around half an hour – for advance bus bookings (recommended in summer) go here  

 READ: Venice airport transfers: How to get to and from Venice from the airport

Florence transfers from Florence airport

Florence airport is very close to the city center and a 15 minute taxi ride or 20 minute tram ride away. There is also an airport bus that takes around 20 minutes – more information

Florence transfers from Pisa airport

Many people fly to Pisa to reach Florence as it is a larger airport. If you arrive during the day take the PisaMover train to Pisa Centrale train station – journey time 5 minutes. Then take a train to Florence. The last train departs at 21.30

On our last visit we arranged a transfer with Suntransfers as we arrived too late for the last train. There is also a coach transfer option.

Amalfi Coast transfers from Naples airport or train station

We recommend hiring a driver. The train, ferry and bus via Sorrento can take 4 hours while a car service is around 1.5 hours. You can compare different services on Suntransfers – a site specializing in ground transportation. 

You may find sites or groups where specific drivers are recommended. I do NOT recommend booking a driver this way for safety reasons – how do you know that the person recommending the driver is reputable, let alone the driver? And also for practical reasons – small operators may not have capacity or availability.

 READ: How to get from Naples to Sorrento

The local currency in Italy is the € Euro.

There is no need to carry too much cash when you are in Italy. Credit and debit cards VISA and Mastercard are widely accepted while American Express is not as popular.

Be aware of foreign currency charges and ATM withdrawal fees applied to your account when you are abroad. You may want to review the cards you are taking with you prior to your trip. We always take two – one as a back up for emergencies. 

Expected costs

Apart from major transport, accommodation and activity costs (eg custom tours and experiences) expect to spend around €30 – 50 per person per day on food and snacks. We allocate another €50 per adult for tours, tickets, day travel and other items. This is a generous budget and it is possible to travel much more cheaply in Italy.

Note – a tourist tax is collected at hotels and accommodation throughout Italy. The rate depends on the city, class of hotel and number of nights you are staying.

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

Italy has high speed internet and there are many options to stay connected depending on your needs. If you use minimal data and are happy using offline maps and guides then you should be able to get by using wifi at your accommodation. It would be unusual to find accommodation that did not offer wifi. You still need to check though.

Do not expect wifi connections to be available in restaurants and cafes – in Italy restaurants are for eating.

Make sure to turn off international data roaming before your trip to avoid unpleasant surprises when you return.

If you have an unlocked phone you can purchase a tourist SIM before your depart or when you arrive that has enough data for map navigation and research – will not extend to streaming movies or any other heavy upload or download activity. I haven’t used it myself but this local SIM from Italian provider TIM comes highly recommended. 

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

Portable wifi device

If, like me, you need to be online and connected throughout the day, you should consider renting or buying a portable wifi device like the Skyroam Solis . It connects to the local network in Italy and many countries around the world. You then buy day passes for $US 9 per day that give you unlimited data.

I’ve been testing out Skyroam and it offers fast speeds – at least 4G. You can connect up to 5 devices and it also acts as a battery charger. The battery itself lasts a day.

You just need to set it up before you depart on your trip and learn how to use it as it is not as straightforward as I would like. Even so, I like having my usual SIM in my phone and the data running separately.

Learn more about Skyroam Solis plus get 10% off with my code – UNTOLDM

It is a very good idea to purch travel insurance for Italy. Even if your home country has a health care agreement in place with the Italian government. These agreements do not cover emergency repatriation or trip cancelation so make sure you are covered well before you depart. 

READ: more information about travel insurance for your trip to Italy

What to pack will depend on the season and places you visit in Italy. We created a full packing guide with printable checklist that you can access on this page . It covers everything from seasonal capsule outfits to tech items and beauty need.

Absolute must have items for your trip

• Collapsible water bottle – stay hydrated and fill up at free water fountains all over Italy
• Camera – for your vacation snaps – I use an Olympus Pen – it’s lightweight and takes great photos
• Packing cubes – these make packing and unpacking so easy.I love them!
• Power cube – don’t bring lots of bulky converters. This one has 3 USB ports
• Battery pack – keep your phone and/or camera charged
• Converter – you will need one!

We think Italy is one of the best places in the world to travel with kids. Children are welcomed and enjoyed wherever you go. There are not too many challenges that you would not experience at home.

Probably the hardest thing we find is that we fend off many kind offers of sweets and treats on a daily basis from well meaning grandmas/nonnas on our trips. There is a limit to how much chocolate a 4 year old can eat!

Restaurants will feed your kids first so you can enjoy your meal later. It’s such a brilliant move, I have no idea why this doesn’t happen in most countries. At any venue you can always order a plain pasta with red sauce beloved by children world wide.

Kids travel at greatly reduced prices on Italian trains. Children under 4 ride free, no ticket required. Those under 15 can travel on the child rate on national trains and the child fare applies to children under 12 on regional trains.

If you are visiting museums and attractions such as the Vatican Museums and Uffizi Gallery we recommend hiring a guide that specializes in bringing these places alive for kids.

Our twins have been all over Italy with us. Their favorite city to visit is Venice – you can read our popular guide to Venice with kids here .

We hope you now feel confident to plan your Italy trip and are counting down the days until you leave. If you haven’t already done so we’d love you to join our Italy Travel Planning Facebook group where you can ask lots of questions and get advice on your planned itinerary.

We also have a regular newsletter with inspiration, tips and deals for your trip to Italy. You can sign up here  and we’ll send you our FREE Italy trip planning checklist .

Disclaimer –  Untold Morsels assists our readers with carefully chosen product and services recommendations that help make travel easier and more fun. If you click through and make a purchase on many of these items we may earn a commission. All opinions are our own – please read our  disclosure  page for more information.

The creator, writer and photographer behind Untold Morsels , Katy has been travelling and tasting the world since she was a teenager.

Now the proud mum of twins, she hopes they grow up to share her passions of great food, wine and travel. Favourite destination: Italy

7 Days in Italy: 12 Amazing One Week Itineraries for Italy

Need some destination inspiration for a trip to Italy? Here’s my guide to spending one week in Italy, with 12 sample itineraries.

One week in Italy might not seem like much time. But, with some advance planning and ambition, you can definitely have a bucket list adventure.

There’s nowhere more romantic (or popular) than Italy. The word “Italy” conjures visions of crumbling Roman ruins, rolling cypress-studded landscapes, and secret canals.

Italy is rich in history, culture, and food. Italy’s beautiful towns boast some of the world’s best churches , palaces, museums, and historic landmarks .

I’ve been to Italy many times. Italy always blows my socks off (except maybe in the uber crowded high season). I love it and am already making a return trip next month.

There’s so many things to do and see in Italy and so little time, at least for most of us. How to choose between the myriad options?

To help you get started prioritizing and give you some destination inspiration, I’ve picked my top 11 itineraries for spending one perfect week in Italy.

Some of these itineraries include Italy’s most popular cities and sites. Others give you more off the beaten path options and hidden gems in Italy.

You can pick a sample itinerary to match your own interests — whether you want a glamorous city, historical and cultural options, outdoor scenery, or beaches.

You can also combine itineraries for a 2 week (or longer) stay in Italy. And I suggest possible combinations.

Of course, you can always adjust and tweak these itineraries to suit your needs. When you’ve settled on an itinerary (or two), be sure to read my must know tips for visiting Italy .

12 Ways To Spend 1 Week in Italy

I’m a rather obsessed itinerary planner and I can personally vouch for these particular one week in Italy itineraries.

For each 1 week in Italy itinerary, I also give you options for extending your trip, if you want to expand a 7 day itinerary into a 10 day itinerary for Italy or combine these sample open week itineraries.

There are essentially two ways to structure a 1 week in Italy trip.

You can move around 2-3 times for a fast paced trip that checks off Italy bucket list items. Or, you choose a single base or region for a week and take day trips from there.

These sample 7 day Italy itineraries offer both options. I’d be excited to take any of these trips again.

I’ve written more than 100 blog posts about Italy. I’ve linked some of them to the relevant Italy itinerary to help you along.

Here are my picks for the best ways to spend one week in Italy:

• 1 Week Italian Renaissance Tour
• 1 Week in Tuscany
• 1 Week in Italy’s Major Cities
• 1 Week in Rome + Day Trips
• 1 Week in Venice + Day Trips
• 1 Week in the Italian Lake District Itinerary
• 1 Week Dolomites Itinerary
• 1 Week in Rome + Amalfi Coast
• 1 Week in Northern Italy Venice to Milan
• 1 Week in Rome + Umbria
• 1 Week Milan to Rome
• 1 Week in Sicily

1. One Week Italian Renaissance Tour: Florence, Tuscany, and Venice

Tuscany has some of the world’s best cathedrals, art galleries, museums. It’s celebrated for its Medieval and Renaissance art.

Tuscany is even regarded as the birthplace of one of mankind’s greatest adventures, the Italian Renaissance.

Florence is an overwhelmingly beautiful city, the “Cradle of the Renaissance.” With the best Medieval and Renaissance art in Europe, Florence is a veritable art lovers paradise.

Florence has some of Europe’s best museums — the Uffizi Gallery , the Bargello Museum , and the Galleria dell’Accademia . And some of Italy’s most opulent palaces — the Pitti Palace and Palazzo Vecchio .

If you want to see these lovelies, you need to book them in advance. Here’s my guide to what attractions you need to pre-book in Florence .

READ : Florence Art Bucket List

Venice had its own Renaissance, distinct from Renaissance hotspots like Florence. Venice’s artists produced images that were less religious, more libertine, and more creative.

Venetian artists painted female nudes and erotic scenes, without the censure other artists like Michelangelo received.

READ : A Nutshell History of Venice

Siena is one of the best cities to visit in Tuscany for its rustic beauty, tasty food, and luscious chianti. Siena Cathedral is one of Europe’s most beautiful churches. Click here to book a ticket.

The greatest artists of the Renaissance contributed master works to the cathedral, including Donatello, Pinturicchio, Duccio, Ghiberti, Pisano, and Michelangelo .

Pisa and Lucca are also great for Renaissance art and architecture. You’ll want to discover the monuments on the magnificent UNESCO-listed Field of Miracles , which is so much more than just the famous Leaning Tower . Lucca is a town of a 100 churches.

READ : Tips for Visiting Pisa

In Arezzo, you can see Piero della Francesca’s greatest masterpiece . It’s the Legend of the Cross frescos in the Cappella Maggiore of the Church of San Francesco.

Padua is home to one of Italy’s must see wonders, the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua. Wallpapered with exquisite frescos by Giotto, the chapel is one of the world’s greatest art works.

It’s currently a candidate for the UNESCO list of world heritage sites.

Here’s how to spend one week in Italy immersing yourself in the Italian Renaissance:

• Day 1 : Arrive in and explore Florence
• Day 2 : Explore Florence
• Day 3 : Day trip to Siena
• Day 4 : Day trip to Pisa and Lucca or to Arrezo
• Day 5 : Drive to and explore Venice
• Day 6 : Explore Venice
• Day 7 : Day trip to Padua

For this itinerary, you’ll only have two bases: Florence (4 nights) and Venice (3 nights).

If you have more time in Italy, itinerary # 9 has the perfect one week itinerary for taking a road trip from Venice to Milan . If you want a nature break, you could head to the Dolomites with itinerary #7.

Need more information about this one week Italian Renaissance road trip? Check out these Tuscany and Venice travel guides for specific details.

• Best Art in Tuscany
• 10 Day Itinerary for Tuscany
• 3 day itinerary for Florence
• Best museums in Florence
• Hidden gems in Florence
• Michelangelo Trail in Florence
• Piero della Francesco Trail in Italy
• Andrea del Verrocchio’s Art in Florence
• 1 Day Itinerary for Siena
• Must See Sites in Pisa
• 2 Day Itinerary for Venice
• Guide To Padua’s Scrovegni Chapel

2. One Week in Tuscany Idyll

There’s nowhere more romantic in Italy than the stunning region of Tuscany. Tuscany is like a painting.

With its cypress-lined roads, golden wheat fields, and medieval hilltop towns, Tuscany offers the quintessential Italian village experience, complete with fine wine and delectable food.

I’ve discussed Florence and Siena above.

But this Tuscany itinerary also takes you to some of Italy’s most beautiful small towns — Arezzo, Cortona, San Gimignano, Lucca, and Pisa.

In these quaint towns, you’ll find showstopper public squares, stunning churches, and cobbled lanes.

San Gimignano is the romantic glamor girl of Tuscany. Nicknamed the “Medieval Manhattan,” San Gimignano is famous for its “Bella Torres” or “Beautiful Towers.” 

Here’s how to spend one week in Tuscany:

• Day 1 : Arrive and explore Florence
• Day 3 : Day trip to Arrezo or Cortona
• Day 4 : Drive to and explore Siena
• Day 5 : Day trip to San Gimignano
• Day 6 : Drive to Lucca and explore
• Day 7 : Day trip To Pisa from Lucca

For this 1 week in Tuscany itinerary, your overnight bases will be Florence (3 nights), Siena (2 nights), and Lucca (2 nights). If you want more details on this itinerary, check out my comprehensive one week in Tuscany itinerary .

More time in Italy? If you want to extend your Tuscany road trip and move at a more leisurely pace, check out my 10 day itinerary for Tuscany .

It covers all the destinations on this shorter 1 week Tuscany itinerary, and more, with much more detail.

Or, head south to Umbria and follow itinerary #10. If you’re ready for a city break, head to Rome and follow itinerary #4.

Need more information on Tuscany? Check out these other articles:

• Must see sites in Florence
• Best day trips from Florence
• Guide to the Medici Palaces
• Guide to the Uffizi Gallery
• Best things to do in San Gimignano

3. One Week in Italy’s Major Cities | Greatest Hits

Are you a city person? If you want to explore Italy’s greatest hits, this fun one week itinerary takes you to the “big three” — Rome, Florence, and Venice.

Endlessly inspiring and ethereal, Rome is the magical mecca of carbs and ancient architecture. It’s a grand showcase of Western civilization, full of Imperial pomp and circumstance.

Rome has spent centuries accumulating layers of beauty, history, and romance — just waiting for its admirers to arrive.

READ : History of Ancient Rome

Begin with the Imperial tour of Rome, which includes the iconic Colosseum , Palatine Hill , and the Roman Forum . Be sure to book skip the line tickets in advance!

Then, take a stroll through the historic center of Rome . There, you’ll find the stunning Piazza Navona the Pantheon , beautiful churches, and the Trevi Fountain.

Next, move on to visiting the Vatican Museums , the unparalleled world class museums in Rome , and Rome’s opulent palaces .

To see the Vatican you MUST book a skip the line ticket or wait hours in line. You can check out my guide to Vatican tours to see which appeal.

I’ve already discussed Florence above. Your last major city stop, Venice, is the most unique city in the world. I’ve written a one day in Venice itinerary that you can follow.

It’s an almost physical and mystical experience when you see Venice for the first time. The glimmering watery streets are right is front of you.

Venice defies logic; it’s a city that almost shouldn’t exist. Venice is a mind boggling maze of canals, lacy palaces, and artistic treasures.

READ: Must see sites along Venice’s Grand Canal

Here’s how to spend one week in Italy’s major cities:

• Day 1 : Arrive and explore Rome
• Day 2 : Explore Rome
• Day 3 : Drive or high speed train to Florence
• Day 4 : Explore Florence
• Day 5 : Day trip to Siena or to Pisa & Lucca
• Day 6 : Drive or high speed train To Venice
• Day 7 : Explore Venice

More time in Italy?

From Venice you can follow itinerary #9 and road trip from Venice to Milan. Alternatively, you can head to the Italian Lake District (itinerary #6) or the Dolomites (itinerary #7).

Need more information about this one week city-based Italy itinerary?

Check out these city travel guides:

• 3 day itinerary for Rome
• Hidden gems in Rome
• Best museums in Rome
• Archaeological sites in Rome
• Guide to the Borghese Gallery
• Masterpieces of the Vatican
• Rome’s secret palace museums
• 2 day itinerary for Venice

4. One Week Rome City Break + Day Trips

One of my favorite vacations in Italy was just spending 8 days in Rome. I didn’t move my base from the beautiful Trastevere neighborhood.

I just explored Rome at slower pace and took plenty of easy day trips. You don’t need a car. You can book a day tour or just hop on the train.

I’ve discussed Rome above. But on this Rome itinerary , you’ll also visit some of beautiful towns near Rome.

Tivoli is a charming small town just a half hour from Rome. It’s home to two amazing UNESCO sites: Hadrian’s Villa (Roman ruins) and Ville d’Este (a Renaissance mansion with incredible gardens and fountains).

You should definitely book a day trip tour to see them.

Pompeii is Italy’s most famous archaeological site, a living museum. In 79 A.D., Mount Vesuvius erupted and buried the city in 60 feet of ash. The city was entombed and preserved for many centuries.

Beginning in 1748, archaeologists began painstakingly excavating the ruins. The ruins are a remarkable evocation of everyday Roman life, which you can see on a guided tour from Rome to get all the history.

Charming Orvieto, the capitol of Umbria, is an easy day trip from Rome. It’s set high above a volcanic outcropping and chock full of medieval buildings.

Nothing much has changed in this rustic fairytale town in 500 years. Orvieto’s piece de resistance is its magnificent cathedral.

Here’s how to spend 1 week in Rome:

• Day 1 : Explore Rome
• Day 3 : Explore Rome and Vatican City
• Day 4 : Day Trip To Tivoli
• Day 5 : Day Trip to Pompeii
• Day 6 : Day Trip to Orvieto
• Day 7 : Explore more of Rome and/or half day trip to Ostia Antica

Want more information about this trip? Here are some of my other articles:

• 3 Day Rome Itinerary
• Hidden Gems in Rome
• Guide to the Vatican Pinacoteca
• Guide to Rome’s Palace Museums
• Historic Landmarks in Italy

5. One Week in Venice + Day Trips

Another one week itinerary where you don’t have to move bases is just to stay in Venice. You can enjoy the city at your leisure and take day trips from there by car, train, or ferry.

You could also base yourself in Verona the entire time and day trip to Venice and other destinations. Verona is less crowded and less expensive than Venice.

Venice is one of the world’s most beautiful and captivating cities, a natural movie set. No other place looks quite like it. Venice is a medieval city built on water that shouldn’t exist in real life. It’s a mind boggling maze of architectural and artistic treasures.

There are so many thing to do and see in Venice. You can take a gondola rid e , ogle the opulent palaces , take in some world class museums, or stroll the stunning floating city .

From Venice, you have so many day trip options. You can tour the Venetian lagoon islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello .

You can day trip to Padua to admire Giotto’s groundbreaking frescos at the Scrovegni Chapel. If you want less crowded canals, head to nearby Treviso. Treviso is an elegant little canal town, only a 30 minute train ride from Venice.

Fair Verona is for romantics and medievalists. It’s a pretty Italian town full of red and peach colored medieval buildings and Roman ruins.

Verona was made famous by Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet . Once you’ve made the obligatory pilgrimmage to Juliet’s Balcony, you’ll also want to tour the doughty Roman Arena in the Piazza Bra.

Ravenna was once the epicenter of the Western World, when the Byzantine Empire made Ravenna its capitol.

The Byzantine rulers blanketed Ravenna’s churches with gorgeous mosaics. This artistic legacy rivals Venice or Istanbul, making Ravenna a UNESCO site worth visiting .

Here’s how to spend one week in Venice:

• Day 1 : Explore Venice
• Day 2 : Explore Venice
• Day 3 : Day trip to Venetian lagoon islands
• Day 4 : Day trip to Padua
• Day 5 : Day trip to Verona
• Day 6 : Day Trip to Ravenna
• Day 7 : Day Trip to Bologna or another day in Venice

More time in Italy? Head to the Dolomites with itinerary #6 or road trip to Milan with itinerary #9.

Need more information about this area of Italy?

Check out these Venice travel guides and resources:

• 1 day itinerary for Venice
• Top Attractions in Ve nice
• History of Venice in a nutshell
• Guide to the Peggy Guggenheim Museum
• Guide to the Galleria Accademia
• Guide to the Scrovegni Chapel
• 7 day itinerary Venice to Milan
• Guide to the mosaics of Ravenna

6. One Week Italian Lake District Itinerary

Northern Italy is home to the seductively beautiful Lake District, set in the shadow of the Alps. Though just an hour north of Milan, this area feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of Italy’s second city.

In this romantic region, 19th century villas are covered in vines and set amid stunted palm trees. It’s a bliss-y area made for nature lovers.

You have several lakes to choose from and they all have their charms —Lake Como, Lake Garda, and Lake Maggiore.

Lake Como offering a heady mix of scenery, opulent palazzi, and relaxing vistas. Lake Maggiore doesn’t have quite the panache of Lake Como, but still has a faded elegance.

Lake Orta is smaller and less developed, a hidden gem of quietude without the crowds. It’s a favorite escape of the Milanese, who’ve nicknamed it Cinderella.

Here’s a breakdown of how to spend one week in the Italian Lake District:

• Day 1 : Arrive in and explore Milan
• Day 2 : Explore Lake Como, base in Varenna
• Day 3 : Explore Lake Como, ferry to Bellagio
• Day 4 : Explore Lake Maggiore, base in Stresa
• Day 5 : Explore Lake Maggiore
• Day 6 : Explore Lake Orta, stay in Villa Crespi
• Day 7. Explore Lake Orta

From the Lake District, head east to Venice. Here’s my two day itinerary for Venice .

Alternatively, head back to Milan and follow itinerary #11, which takes you on an amazing road trip from Milan to Rome.

Want more information about this itinerary? Check out these Milan travel guides:

• 1 day itinerary for Milan
• Top attractions in Milan
• Leonardo da Vinci trail in Milan
• Guide to the Brera Museum
• How to see Leonardo’s Last Supper Fresco
• Top art to see in Milan

7. One Week Dolomites Itinerary

Italy’s dramatic rocky rooftop is the Dolomites. This region of Italy offers some of the best mountain thrills in Europe.

The Dolomites feature flower speckled meadows, turquoise lakes, jagged gray cliffs, and spectacular driving routes.

Here, the region doesn’t even seem like Italy. It’s more Austrian and German in a felt-hat-with-feathers way. You can tour by car or go on a hiking tour .

The city of Bolzano is the gateway to the Dolomites. There’s yogurt and yodeling for breakfast. The Dolomites are especially beautiful in the fall.

And more hiking than you can imagine. Probably the most stunning hike is Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hike.

• Day 1 : Arrive and explore Trento
• Day 2 : Day trip to Rovereto and Lago di Tenno
• Day 3 : Drive to Bressanone, stop at Lago di Carezzo en route
• Day 4 : Day trip to Secede
• Day 5 : Drive to Lago di Braies, overnight in Misurina
• Day 6 : Explore Lake Misurina
• Day 7 : Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hike

This Dolomites itinerary has three bases: Trento (2 nights), Bressanone (2 nights), and Misurina (3 nights).

The nearest airport is Venice Treviso and Venice Marco Polo.

If you want to visit Venice before the Dolomites, here’s my two day itinerary for Venice . After leaving Venice, you’ll head to Trento, a very underrated city in Italy. Trento is frescoed and surrounded by mountains.

More time in Italy? Head to the Italian Lake District. Lake Garda is about 3 hours away. See itinerary #6.

8. One Week in Rome (or Naples) and the Amalfi Coast

This 1 week in Italy itinerary begins in Rome. From Rome, it’s over 3 hours to the drool-worthy Amalfi Coast. If you’ve been to Rome and would rather skip the drive or train ride, you can spend you first two days in Naples instead.

Like Rome, Naples is a big city that can be chaotic. But Naples’ historic center is rich and will give you a taste of the quintessentially Neapolitan lifestyle.

Naples’ finest attractions are its treasure chest Archaeological Museum and the Capodimonte Museum .

With its stunning scenery, hill towns, and historic ruins, the Amalfi Coast is one of the world’s most scenic rides.

From Sorrento to Salerno, the vistas will leave your mouth gaping and your camera’s memory card full. Villas cling to cliffs and sandy coves beckon below.

Over the centuries, the spectacular scenery has been a siren call for the rich and famous, luring Roman emperor Tiberius, Richard Wagner, Sophia Loren, Gore Vidal, and others to the Amalfi Coast’s special brand of la dolce vita .

Wedged on a ledge over the sea, the serene cliff top town of Sorrento makes a perfect springboard for visiting the Amalfi Coast.

From Sorrento, you can book day trips to Pompeii , Positano , Capri , and even Naples.

There’s a saying that Positano “bites deep,” it’s so dreamy. Positano is the star of the Amalfi Coast. Strolling the town comes complete with sherbet colored cliffside homes, stunning beaches, and tiny cobbled lanes.

Rugged mountainous Capri is one of the world’s most glamorous island. Capri was made famous as the vacation hideaway of Roman Emperors Augustus and Tiberius.

Today, it’s crowded. But even with the crowds, it’s drop dead gorgeous, set on a glittering blue sea and you should definitely book a guided boat tour to see it .

Pompeii is an ancient Roman town, which was stopped in its tracks by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Once buried under ash, the well preserved ruins of Pompeii offer you the best look anywhere at what life in Rome was like 2,000 years ago.

Here’s how to spend one week in Rome and the Amalfi Coast:

• Day 3 : Explore Rome
• Day 4 : Day Trip to Tivoli (Hadian’s Villa & Villa d’Este)
• Day 5 : Train or drive to Sorrento, explore Sorento
• Day 6 : Day Trip to Positano
• Day 7 : Day Trip to Pompeii or Capri

Need more information for this one week Italy itinerary?

Check out these guides:

• 5 day itinerary for Rome
• Guide to Palatine Hill
• Guide to the Roman Forum
• Guide to the Colosseum
• Guide to Hadrian’s Villa
• Guide to Villa d’Este
• Guide to the Amalfi Coast

9. One Week in Northern Italy: Venice to Milan

This one week road trip from Venice to Milan in northern Italy is a popular tourist route.

It’s only a 3 hour drive from Venice to Milan.

But this route is dense with amazing must see medieval villages, ornate palazzos, Roman ruins, and secret hidden gems of the Renaissance. There’s plenty of great destinations to explore along the way.

This northern Italy road trip begins in Venice, the starting point for your road trip.

It assumes you’ve explored the heady attractions of the world’s most romantic floating city, and are embarking to explore more of Italy.

From Venice, you can explore Verona , a town for romantics, and visit Mantua , a town for Renaissance lovers. You’ll also stop in Brescia and Bergamo before landing in Milan.

Here’s how to spend one week on a road trip from Venice to Milan:

• Day 1 : Leave Venice, stop in Padua and Vicenza, overnight in Verona
• Day 2 : Explore Verona, overnight in Verona
• Day 3 : From Verona, day trip to Mantua
• Day 4 : Drive to Brescia, stopping in Sirmione on the way, overnight in Brescia
• Day 5 : Explore Brescia, overnight in Brescia
• Day 6 : Drive to Bergamo, explore Bergamo, overnight in Milan
• Day 7 : Explore Milan

Need more information for this one week Italy itinerary? Check out these guides:

• Guide To the Must See Sites of Mantua
• Guide To Mantua’s Te Palace
• Most Beautiful Towns in Italy
• 1 Day itinerary for Milan
• Best Art in Milan

10. One Week in Rome + Umbria

I’ve covered Rome above and you’ll be there two days on this particular one week Italy itinerary.

Beautiful Umbria is quite similar To Tuscany. It’s just as sublimely picturesque, but less crowded. You can enjoy Italy’s scenic medieval hill towns and countryside.

Charming Orvieto is one of Italy’s most striking hill towns. Less than 90 minutes from Rome, Orvieto sits majestically atop a big chunk of volcanic stone amid cypress-dotted plains.

As I mentioned above, Orvieto’s walking highlights are its colorful-inside-and-out cathedral and pretty cobbled old town.

The stunning hill town of Assisi is a destination for art lovers. Because Assisi was the home and final resting place of St. Francis, it’s also a pilgrimage destination that you’ll want to tour . In fact, the 13th century Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi is one of Italy’s best known churches.

The tiny towns of Umbria — Spello, Spoleto, Perugia, and Gubbio — are utterly charming. This is where you’ll really get a taste of real Umbrian culture.

Here’s how to spend one week exploring Rome and Umbria:

• Day 3 : Drive to Orvieto, stop en route in Civita di Bagnoregio
• Day 4 : Explore Orvieto
• Day 5 : Drive to Assisi and explore, overnight in Assisi
• Day 6 : Day trip to Spello and Spoleto
• Day 7 : Day trip to Perugia and/or Gubbio

In this one week Italy route, you’ll start in Rome. For a base, you’ll be in Rome (2 nights) Orvieto (2 nights), and Assisi (3 nights). For more details, check out my comprehensive one week in Umbria itinerary .

More time? Head north to Tuscany with itinerary #2.

11. One Week Milan to Rome Itinerary

The journey from Milan to Rome is a popular tourist route. It’s only a 6 hour drive from Milan to Rome.

But this well-traveled road trip route is dense with amazing must see medieval villages, ornate palazzos, Roman ruins, and sublime treasures of the Renaissance.

You start with Italy’s exciting northern capital of Milan and end in Rome, Italy’s ancient southern capital of Rome. Along the way, you’ll visit some of Italy’s most beautiful towns in northern Italy. You’ll experience a near overdose of art, from Ancient Rome to treasures of the Renaissance in Florence.

With this itinerary, you’ll get to visit Bologna. Nicknamed La Grassa , or the Big Fat, for its delicious food, Bologna just oozes medieval charm. And you should definitely take a food tour in Bologna .

Bologna is a bit of a hidden gem in Italy. But it shouldn’t be. Bologna is a historic city filled with striking architecture, beautiful piazzas, a swathe of palaces and towers, and gourmet restaurants. Eat, eat, and eat more!

Situated atop three hills, Siena is Italy’s ultimate rustic hill town.

Its thriving historic center , with movie set lanes cascading every which way, offers Italy’s best medieval city experience.

Here’s how you can spend one week on a road trip from Milan to Rome .

• Day 1 : Explore Milan
• Day 2 : Pick up car drive to Bologna and explore
• Day 3 : Drive to Florence and explore
• Day 4 : Explore Florence and optional half day trip to Pisa
• Day 5 : Stop in Siena en route Rome
• Day 6 : Explore Rome
• Day 7 : Explore Rome

In this busy 7 day Milan to Rome travel itinerary, you’ll have three bases: Milan (1 night), Bologna (1 night), Florence (2 nights), and Rome (3 nights).

More time in Italy? Spend more time in Bologna, one of Italy’s most underrated cities.

Or, head to the Amalfi Coast with itinerary #8.

Need more information for this Milan to Rome road trip? Check out these travel guides and resources:

• 1 day in Siena itinerary

12. One Week In Sicily Itinerary

Want to head to the beautiful island of Sicily? I was just there for 2 weeks and it’s divine.

Sicily is rich in history, culture, and food. It’s one of Italy’s most exotic regions, pure passion set amid wild beauty. You can enjoy diverse landscapes — rocky volcanic coastlines, pristine beaches, and clifftop villages.

Sicily will also dazzle you with ancient ruins, UNESCO sites, artistic treasures, Baroque architecture, and Italy’s most exotic street markets. 

One week in Sicily isn’t enough time to experience the island fully. Given the distances to be traveled, imperfect roads, and plethora of attractions, you should probably stick to one part of the island.

I’ve written 5 sample itineraries for spending 1 week in Sicily by geography or theme:

• Eastern Sicily Itinerary
• Western Sicily Itinerary
• Northern Sicily Itinerary
• Sampler Sicily Itinerary
• Archaeological Sicily Itinerary

These one week Italy itineraries take you to Sicily’s premiere destinations — the exciting capital of Palermo, the mosaicked churches of Monreale and Cefalu, the clifftop town of Taormina, the sensation old world town of Syracuse, and the late Baroque towns of the Val di Noto.

For details and destination inspiration, check out my 1 week in Sicily itineraries . Or, check out some of my detailed travel guides covering the must visit sites and towns in Sicily:

• 2 days in Palermo itinerary
• 2 days in Syracuse itinerary
• 2 days in Trapani itinerary
• 1 day in Catania itinerary
• 1 day in Taormina itinerary
• Guide to the Valley of the Temples
• Guide to Villa Romana del Casale
• Guide to Monreale Cathedral
• Guide to the Norman Palace and Palatine Chapel

I hope you’ve enjoyed my one week Italy itineraries. If so, pin it for later.

12 thoughts on “7 Days in Italy: 12 Amazing One Week Itineraries for Italy”

I loved the itineraries…now I’m even more overwhelmed! My daughter and I want to spend 30 days in Italy (including Sicily). Any info on where to stay (location/safety)?

I feel like Italy is pretty safe, if you take the usual precautions of staying in good neighborhoods and not being out late at night. 30 days in Italy? That’s amazing. Sicily is definitely on my bucket list.

Thank you so much these are great ideas for first time travellers!

We fly into rome and leave rome after a week what would you suggest for one week, would love to see venace Florence or Milan!

I really wanted to see the different towns through Italy without having it to rushed happy to use the trains but accomodation wise I would have no idea where to book each night!

Thank you so much these ar very helpful!!

You’re welcome! You could actually use Rome as your home base for the entire week and day trip to other places either by high speed train or guided tour. Here’s my guide to the best day trips from Rome: https://www.thegeographicalcure.com/post/day-trips-from-rome . Or you could split your time between Rome and Florence. Florence is much closer than Milan or Venice. I have lots of articles on all those cities.

Great info thank you! Looking for a Rome – Venice – Amalfi itinerary…. Any suggestions or is it possible in a week? Thanks CD

You can do it, but you’ll be rushed. I’d probably start in Venice and only spend one day there if you only have 7 days in Italy. I do have a 1 day and 2 day itinerary for Venice and a 3 days in Rome itinerary.

ITALY It’s Beautiful city in Europe

Ha! Yes it is.

By far these iterinaries were great. Were heading to Europe for 3 weeks. Were going back to Rome for 2 or 3 days then explore northern part of Italy. We would like to spend 6 days or so then would like to see Switzerland then France. Any suggestions on these places. We are traveling with our 13 year old daughter. Thank you in advance Dennis

Thank you Dennis! I hope you have a fantastic time in Europe. If you use the search function on my blog page, you will find loads of itineraries for Rome and must see sites, museums, and ruins. I also have many articles on France. I haven’t been to Switzerland in a couple decades, so nothing on that country unfortunately.

Hi We are flying into Naples in September and headed to the Amalfi Coast. We have 7 nights and need to be in Venice on the 8th day. I know this will be a rushed tripped. I would love to include Bologna.Any suggestions on an itinerary?

Here are my sample itineraries for spending 5 days on the Amalfi Coast. https://www.thegeographicalcure.com/post/5-days-in-the-amalfi-coast-itineraries . You could take the high speed train from Naples to Bologna, spend a day there, and then head to Venice.

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Last Updated on April 14, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

Plan Your Trip to Italy: 10 Top Itineraries

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Jan 31, 2022

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

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

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

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

1. Venice, Florence & Rome by Train

2. the hill towns of tuscany by car, 3. milan to venice by train, 4. florence, prato, pistoia, lucca & pisa by train or bus, 5. driving tour of sicily, 6. the italian riviera by train and boat, 7. lake garda & the dolomite road driving tour, 8. driving tour through emilia-romagna from bologna to florence, 9. driving tour of sardinia, 10. driving tour of the aosta valley.

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

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

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

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

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Venice

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Volterra

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

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

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

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

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

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Milan

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

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

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

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

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

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Florence

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Sicily

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Bologna

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

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

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

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

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

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Sardinia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

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

More on Italy

The Ultimate Italy Road Trip Itineraries: Routes, Sights, Guides, Maps And More

From the stunning scenery of Lake Como and the culture, art and beauty of Florence and Rome, to the epic views along the Amalfi Coast and traditional Italian towns of Puglia, this Italy road trip has it all!

Road tripping past vineyards, dramatic coastlines and historic cities sounds like a pretty perfect holiday doesn’t it? When it comes to European holidays, Italy is always one of my top recommendations. I love the views, the buzz, the people. And don’t get me started on the food – I mean, delicious Italian cuisine for brekky, lunch and dinner? That’s enough of a reason to visit in itself! 

Whether you’re interested in art, architecture, history, food or fashion, a trip to Italy will no doubt appeal. Spend leisurely days floating beneath the Rialto Bridge in Venice on a gondola, window shopping in Milan’s boutiques, standing where gladiators once fought in the Roman Colosseum or staying in a traditional Trulli house in Puglia.

And the best part about an Italy road trip? The freedom! You don’t have to stick to the obvious routes. While I’ve created an Italy itinerary on the maps below, I’d encourage veering off course from time to time. That’s when you’ll find the hidden gems, the towns the tourists don’t know about, and no doubt some delicious Italian food too.

It’s also worth remembering that some of the interior parts of the country are as pretty as the coasts, with vineyards, sunflower fields and gorgeous hilltop towns. Going on a road trip means you’re pretty much guaranteed to see some of the most beautiful landscapes in Italy too.

So, rather than create one epic Italian road trip, I’ve divided it into a northern Italy road trip and a southern Italy road trip. That way you can just pick one and break the country up into manageable chunks. Got a while? Join the two up and continue down the coast from Rome to Milan.

Click through to take a look at each itinerary, and figure out which one is right for you…

The Ultimate Italy Road Trip Itinerary

From driving along the Amalfi Coast and enjoying traditional pasta in Puglia, to enjoying lake views in northern Italy and the incredible canals of Venice, it's time to plan the ultimate Italy road trip! 

The Ultimate Northern Italy Road Trip: Routes, Sights, Guides, Maps And More

From the stunning scenery of Lake Como, dramatic coastlines of Cinque Terre and the canals of Venice, to the culture, art and beauty of Milan, Florence and Rome, it’s time to plan the ultimate northern Italy road trip!

The Ultimate Southern Italy Road Trip: Routes, Sights, Guides, Maps And More

From the vibrant city of Naples and the awe inspiring views of the Amalfi Coast, to the traditional Italian towns of Puglia and Sicily’s beaches, volcanoes and cuisine, it’s time to plan the ultimate southern Italy road trip!

When Is The Best Time To Visit Italy?

Italy has a Mediterranean climate and is a lovely destination to visit all year round.

Temperatures vary by region, but as a quick example, you can expect average temperatures of around 0°C in around Cortina (a ski resort in the mountains) in January, and as high as 37°C in July in cities such as Milan and Venice. Temperatures in the south remain mild in winter, making destinations like Puglia and Sicily great options for a winter holiday.

If you’re wondering when is the best time to visit Italy, I’d suggest planning a trip between April and June, or in September or October, just after the peak summer season.

The weather tends to be consistent in these months, but isn’t too hot. Plus, as you’re missing peak season, you should benefit from lower prices and fewer people.

What to pack for your road trip

If you’re wondering what to pack for your trip, this guide to road trip essentials has you covered. From portable chargers to ways to stay entertained on long journeys, it’ll help you create your road trip packing list.

I hope you’ve enjoyed checking out my Italy road trip itineraries! Let me know where you decide to go and what your highlights are…

Enjoyed this post? Pin it for later… 

Chloe Gunning

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

2 thoughts on “The Ultimate Italy Road Trip Itineraries: Routes, Sights, Guides, Maps And More”

I am obsessed with Italy! I really want to visit Milan and Lake Como so I think that will be my next trip! xoxo Jess

Hey Jess – that’s a great route to take and super easy! I’ve just got back from Trentino which is also stunning!

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Dolomites Guide

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Italy Guide: Planning Your Trip

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

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

Planning Your Trip

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

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

Things to Do in Italy

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

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

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

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

What to Eat and Drink

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay

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

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

Getting There

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

Culture and Customs

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

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

Money Saving Tips

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

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

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

Italian National Tourist Board . "More Information."

The Top 23 Things to Do in Italy

The 15 Best Destinations in Italy

Your Trip to Florence: The Complete Guide

Top 6 Tourist Attractions in Italy

Your Trip to the Amalfi Coast: The Complete Guide

48 Hours in Florence: The Ultimate Itinerary

Siena Guide: Planning Your Trip

Tuscany Guide: Planning Your Trip

The 14 Best Day Trips from Rome

The 25 Top Attractions in Rome, Italy

Your Trip to Rome: The Complete Guide

How to Travel From Rome to the Amalfi Coast by Train, Bus, and Car

Capri Italy Guide: Planning Your Visit

The Most Romantic Places in Italy

Your Trip to Milan: The Complete Guide

Venice, Italy Guide: Planning Your Trip

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9 tips for beginners visiting Italy for the first time

Planning your first vacation to Italy ? Not only is this beautiful country one of the top culinary destinations in the world, but it's also home to some seriously iconic tourist attractions to boot. With over 55 UNESCO World Heritage sites, three active volcanoes and over 1,500 lakes, you'll never get bored. And if you are, well, there's always pizza!

When organizing a vacation to Italy, there are a few things you should know in order to have a safe and enjoyable getaway. First-time travelers take note: these are some of the things you consider for your Italian adventure.

1. Figure out what kind of trip you want to have

Italy's got it all: 4,600 miles of coastline lined with hundreds of gorgeous beaches , numerous tourist attractions, lively cities, charming villages and sprawling vineyards. From low-cost to luxury, Italy has accommodation, restaurants and activities to fit every budget, whether it's renting a yacht off the coast of Capri, staying in an affordable hostel in Rome or enjoying a Sicilian farmhouse getaway.

Consider your interests, as well as some of the things Italy is famous for, like gastronomy (you could build a trip around dining out or cooking classes), art (Italy has some of the top museums in the world) or exploring a wine region (drive through the hills of Prosecco or Tuscany's wine country).

Related: How to have a budget vacation in Italy

Or, think about destinations. For each week you have of vacation , you can comfortably squeeze in two destinations (maybe more if you're a very active traveler).

• If you love art and tourist attractions, consider Rome and Florence.
• If you love fashion but also want to relax, consider Milan and one of the northern lakes.
• If you want pizza, cityscape and coastal charm, consider Nap les and the Amalfi coast.
• If you want to dig into Italy's food and wine scene, consider a road trip through Tuscany or Piedmont.
• If you love skiing , consider a visit to Milan and the Italian Alps.
• If you're looking for romance, consider exploring Verona and Venice.
• If you need a beach vacation, consider exploring an island like Sardinia or Sicily.
• If you have 10 days or more and want to enjoy the most typical tourist circuit, consider a trip to the big three: Rome, Florence and Venice -- some of the country's most popular spots for visitors.

Note that while you can find various price points around the country for lodging, dining and activities, typically, costs are lower in southern Italy than in northern Italy.

Related: Northern or southern Italy: Which is right for your vacation?

2. Pick the right season

In general, Italy has wonderful weather. Many areas of the country see lots of sunshine and temperatures are mild even in winter, though summers can be steamy. Depending on what you plan to do, make sure to consider the season. Beach visits are best in the summer, though months like May and September see fewer crowds and still have great weather.

Related: These are the best times to visit Italy

Avoid larger, crowded cities like Rome in the heart of summer, unless you're prepared for extreme heat. Harvest season/autumn is the ideal time to visit the wine region, and southern Italy can be mild throughout the winter. Many deals can be found in the low season, but know that winter in the north can be cold and rainy.

If you do go to Italy between March and October, bring sunblock and a hat -- don't underestimate those Mediterranean rays.

3. Do your research when it comes to tourism

Although Covid-19 has put a dampener on tourism, during busier times, attractions like the Vatican may see up to 30,000 visitors per day. That means you may have to wait a long time in line to buy a ticket and enter. Add Rome's scorching sunshine to the mix and you may end up sunburned, exhausted from queuing all day and never get the chance to step foot in the Sistine Chapel.

If visiting big-name tourist attractions is important to you, buy tickets online. Skip-the-line tickets or guided tours may also be worth the price: evaluate your options and decide.

City passes are another alternative. The Milan city pass offers things like discounts on popular attractions, free Milan public transport and a free drink at a local Milanese bar. The Rome tourist card has fast-track entry benefits and free access to the Vatican and the Colosseum. Florence's city pass includes skip-the-line entry to Galleria degli Uffizi and Galleria dell'Accademia, plus tickets for the hop-on, hop-off bus tour.

So, think about what you want to do and see, do the maths and purchase ahead.

4. But don't forget about local spots too

Visiting Italy's most famous attractions should hold a firm spot on your bucket list. That being said, plan to take some time to get off the tourist track a bit. Consider exploring more local neighborhoods or visiting a small village or a less-popular spot like Lake Maggiore instead of Lake Como. Seeing all the big-name hotspots is a must, but experiencing the beauty of true Italian culture and cuisine may be even better.

Related: 5 of Italy's best-hidden gem cities

5. Take the train

The Freeciarossa runs between some of Italy's best destinations. These high-speed trains from company Trenitalia are affordable, fast and comfortable. Traveling up to about 180 miles per hour, trains are one of the best and quickest ways to get from A to B. And, you won't have to deal with learning the Italian rules of the road or the hassle of car rental agencies. Taking the train is easy: You can purchase tickets easily online ahead of time or last minute depending on your travel style. You can visit spots like Milan, Rome , Florence, Venice, Turin and Naples on the Frecciarossa trains.

6. Don't discount the islands

Italy's island culture goes beyond just the beach. And, there are over 450 of them! Sicily has a whole sub-culture of its own, and far-flung spots like the Tremiti islands or the Aeolian islands will ensure you get sufficiently off-the-beaten-path . If it's luxury you desire, Sardinia's Costa Smeralda is a hotspot and nothing looks sexier on an Instagram feed than Capri.

Related: Which of the Italian islands is best for your vacation ?

7. Familiarize yourself with the language and culture

You might get lucky when it comes to a larger city like Rome, where many locals speak English.

Southern Italy or smaller villages are a different story. Luckily, Italians are a friendly bunch and will do their best to communicate with you despite any language barriers. Come prepared with a few key phrases and your favorite translation app downloaded.

Italy is old, and so are its streets. Many are made of cobblestone. While locals (Milan, here's looking at you) may jog by in designer stilettos, you should wear comfortable footwear. Make sure to dress modesty, especially when visiting churches. You won't be allowed into spots like Vatican City if your knees and shoulders aren't covered.

While mealtimes aren't quite as late as Spain's, Italians tend to eat slightly later. Expect lunch around 1:00 p.m., and dinners around 8:30 p.m. or 9:00 p.m.

8. Money-saving tips

While it's normal to make a tourist faux pas or two (especially on your first trip), here are some things you should avoid:

• Tipping at restaurants if it's already included on your bill (many spots add in a 10% service charge).
• Heavily tipping taxi drivers (rounding up to the nearest euro is normal).

Save even more money with the following:

• Take advantage of apertivo hours in northern Italy. These are happy hours that offer free buffet food for a few hours pre-dinner time in the early evening. Order a drink or two to gain access to the snacks.
• Stand at the bar to drink your espresso. Table seating at breakfast has an additional charge, and even more if you want to eat outside.
• Beware of the "coperto." This is a service charge for simply eating at the restaurant , usually a euro or two per person.
• Don't eat or drink in the main city square. These spots are usually overpriced tourist traps.

Related: 7 underrated regions in Italy for food and wine

9. Be alert for travel scams

Watch out for those trying to take advantage of unsuspecting tourists with scams :

• Pickpockets;
• Gladiators: If you take a photo of or with them, they'll expect a tip;
• Taxi scams: Insist the meter be turned on, or make sure you're aware of any flat-rate pricing;
• Unauthorized tour guides or ticket helpers at train stations; and
• Anyone who approaches you with lavender, flowers or a pizza box. Just walk the other way.

Bottom line

Armed with these tips and tricks, planning a trip to Italy will be easy. You can sit back, relax and enjoy all the delights Italy has to offer, knowing that you've picked the right destinations, will skip the line to see those bucket-list tourist attractions, avoid scams and save a little money on meals.

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

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

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

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

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

Get an Easy Italy Itinerary

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

Awesome hotels in Italy

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

Fantastic tours in Italy

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

Renting a Car in Italy?

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

Book a photoshoot

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

1. Northern and Southern Italy are Very Different

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

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

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

2. Consider these Italian Destinations for Your Trip

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

Italian Cities

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

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

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

3. Book Tickets to Popular Tourist Attractions in Advance

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

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

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

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

4. Expect a Tourist Tax on Accommodation When Visiting Italy

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

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

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

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

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

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

Speaking of passports…

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

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

7. Get an International Driving Permit to Drive in Italy

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

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

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

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

8. Avoid Taxis – Most Italian Cities Are Walkable

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read more: How to Travel to Italy on a Budget

11. Bring a Refillable Water Bottle for Drinking Fountains

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

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

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

12. Adapt to Italian Dining and Eating Habits

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

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

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

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

13. Wear Conservative Clothing When Visiting Churches

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

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

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

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

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

Read more: What to pack for Italy in Fall

15. Avoid Common Travel Scams in Big Cities in Italy

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

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

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

16. Public Bathrooms Are Almost Never Free

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

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

17. Follow These Tips for Choosing the Best Gelaterias

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

20. Learn Some Basic Italian Phrases When You Visit Italy

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

• Good morning – Buongiorno
• Goodbye – Arrivederci
• Informal Hi/Bye – Ciao
• Please – Per favore
• Thank you – Grazie
• Excuse me – Mi scusi

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

21. Dine Away from Piazzas and Eat Regional Italian Food

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

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

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

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

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

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

23. Embrace Italian Culture and Dolce Far Niente

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

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

Essential Italy Travel Tips to Know Before Your Vacation

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

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

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

The post 23 Must-Know Italy Travel Tips to Plan Your Dream Trip appeared first on The Family Voyage .

Amalfi Coast itineraries: how to spend your trip in the Amalfi Coast

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Wonderful Time in Italy We were covered from the moment we landed in Rome. The drivers were great, the connections were flawless, and it was well-planned a...

Picture yourself on the sun-drenched cliffs of the Amalfi Coast , sipping limoncello as the azure Mediterranean stretches out before you. This gem of Italy promises a dreamlike escape. Here are our tips for planning your trip, as well as two unique Amalfi coast itineraries meticulously created by our local travel experts . 

Why Visit the Amalfi Coast?

Best places to see in the amalfi coast, how to get there, 7-day amalfi coast itinerary, 5 day amalfi coast itinerary, skip the planning, tailor-made travel itineraries for italy, created by local experts.

8 days  / from 2622 USD

Experience the hit TV show 'The White Lotus' in Sicily

Stay in beautiful Taormina with gorgeous views of Mount Etna and discover Sicily, including famous filming locations. Go on exclusive wine tastings, discover the Greek theater in Taormina with a private guide, visit other Sicilian towns and enjoy the crystal clear water on this week-long trip.

8 days  / from 3258 USD

Enchanting Italian Lakes

Experience the picturesque lakes of Northern Italy, including Lake Garda, Como, Lugano and Maggiore; explore the charming Borromean Islands – former favourites of Ernest Hemingway – and stroll the romantic streets of Verona and Milan. All of this, and much more, with this self-drive trip!

16 days  / from 3258 USD

From Venice to Florence: A Grand Tour of Northern Italy

From the atmospheric canals of Venice and the picturesque coastline of Cinque Terre, to the trendy designer boutiques of Milan and the Renaissance-infused streets of Florence, Northern Italy has plenty to offer. Experience it all with this comprehensive trip.

The Amalfi Coast enchants with its stunning coastal scenery, charming village, rich historic sites, and scenic hiking trails. Not to mention it is well regarded as a culinary paradise featuring fresh seafood and limoncello. 

Amidst lemon groves and artisanal crafts, the region's quaint beaches, local festivals, and laid-back atmosphere create an enchanting destination that beckons travellers worldwide.

Amalfi, Italy © proslgn/Shutterstock

The Amalfi Coast, perched along the rugged shores of southern Italy , boasts an array of remarkable towns, each with its own unique blend of beauty and charm. When creating your Amalfi Coast itinerary, you will want to include as many of these coastal gems as possible.

The namesake town of the coast, Amalfi boasts a rich history, a magnificent cathedral, and a vibrant town centre. Stroll through its narrow streets and enjoy the local shops and cafes. Any Amalfi Coast itinerary is not complete without a visit to Amalfi.

Perched high above the coastline, Ravello offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean. Visit the Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone gardens for their stunning beauty.

Known for its pastel-coloured houses tumbling down the cliffs, Positano is a romantic and photogenic destination. Relax on its beautiful beaches and explore its boutique shops.

Although technically not on the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento serves as a gateway to the region. It's a lovely town with its own charm, offering a variety of amenities and easy access to a nearby attraction

If you're interested in history, a visit to the ancient ruins of Pompeii, which can be reached from the Amalfi Coast, is a must. Explore the remarkably preserved city destroyed by Mount Vesuvius in AD 79.

Sorrento © Shutterstock

Getting to the Amalfi Coast can be done by air, train, or road, depending on your preferences and starting location:

If you're travelling internationally, you can fly into Naples International Airport (NAP), which is the closest major airport to the Amalfi Coast. From there, you can continue your journey to the coast by train, bus, or car.

The nearest train station to the Amalfi Coast is Salerno. You can take a train to Salerno from major Italian cities like Naples, Rome, or Florence. Once in Salerno, you can continue your journey to the Amalfi Coast by bus or ferry.

If you prefer a road trip, you can rent a car and drive to the Amalfi Coast. However, be aware that the coastal roads can be narrow and winding, so driving in this region requires caution. The main access road is the SS163, which runs along the coastline.

Rufalo Villa in Ravello, Amalfi Coast © Shutterstock

This 7-day Amalfi Coast itinerary promises an immersive experience, blending cultural discoveries, natural beauty, and moments of relaxation on the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean. 

Itinerary overview

Kickstart your 7-day odyssey along the Amalfi Coast in the idyllic coastal enclave of Praiano, where panoramic vistas and coastal allure await.

From there, you'll traverse the lemon-scented alleys of Capri, delve into the historical tapestry of Naples, and explore the timeless ruins of Pompeii. The itinerary further unveils the postcard-perfect villages of Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello, promising a comprehensive immersion into the Amalfi Coast's multifaceted charm. Read more.

Day 1: 

• Flight to Naples.
• Check-in and overnight stay in Praiano.

Day 2: 

• Transfer to Capri.
• Participate in a limoncello workshop and receive your own bottle.
• Enjoy a day at leisure on Capri.
• Return to Praiano for an overnight stay.

Day 3: 

• Full-day tour of the Amalfi Coast, starting in Ravello.
• Walk to Amalfi, stopping at scenic viewpoints.
• Visit the Paper Mill Museum.
• Lunch in a lemon garden.
• Explore Amalfi's cobbled alleys and visit the cathedral.
• Dinner at leisure in Praiano.
• Overnight stay in Praiano.

Day 4: 

• Transfer to Naples for a historic tour.
• Visit San Gennaro Cathedral and Santa Chiara Convent gardens.
• Transfer to Sorrento for an overnight stay.

Day 5: 

• Private tour of Pompeii in the morning.
• Afternoon at leisure in Sorrento.
• Overnight stay in Sorrento.

Day 6: 

• Full-day road trip along the stunning Amalfi Coast.
• Stops in Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello.
• Return to Sorrento for an overnight stay.

Day 7: 

• Enjoy a day at leisure in Sorrento.
• Explore the town, relax at the beach, or go shopping.

Day 8: 

• Transfer and depart from Naples

How about initiating this journey ? Our customized service takes care of all the planning and booking, leaving you worry-free.

Statue of Apollo, Pompeii © BlackMac/Shutterstock

Experience the beauty, history, and flavours of Southern Italy with this 5-day Amalfi Coast itinerary . With even just five days, you will find that a lot can be discovered in this beautiful region. 

From the bustling streets of Naples to the ancient ruins of Pompeii, the rugged landscapes of Mount Vesuvius, and the enchanting coastal towns of Positano and Capri, this trip will make the most of your five days. 

Itinerary overview:

This 5-day Amalfi Coast itinerary starts with the culinary delights of Naples. From there, discover wine and history at Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius before taking a scenic drive along the coast. 

Day 4 includes a beautiful boat trip to Capri. Finally, end your trip by taking a guided hike along the Path of the Gods before departing. Read more.

• Arrive in Naples
• Check in and settle into your accommodation.
• Naples Street Food Tour to sample the city's culinary delights.
• Join a small group tour of Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius.
• Explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii
• Hike to the crater of Mount Vesuvius for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
• Enjoy an exclusive lunch and wine-tasting 
• Transfer to the picturesque town of Positano on the Amalfi Coast.
• Check in to your Positano accommodation.
• Enjoy free time to explore Positano, its charming streets, and beautiful beaches.
• Take a scenic Amalfi Coast drive with stops for pictures to capture the stunning coastal views.
• Embark on a boat trip to the enchanting island of Capri.
• Explore Capri's beautiful coastline, visit the famous Blue Grotto (if available), and enjoy some leisure time on the island.
• Return to Positano in the evening.
• Go on a guided hike along the famous Path of the Gods, which offers breathtaking vistas.
• Depart from Naples to your next destination

Giardini di Augusto in Capri, Italy © Natalia Macheda/Shutterstock

Our team of local experts is at your service to plan remarkable journeys to the Amalfi Coast. Contact us whenever you're ready to travel, and we'll craft a customized itinerary for you. You can modify it until you're entirely satisfied with every aspect of your booking. Feel free to peruse our pre-designed Italy itineraries for inspiration, and keep in mind that we can adapt any of them to meet your unique requirements.

The Rough Guides to Italy and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Travel advice for Italy

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

• Eating and drinking in Italy
• How to get to Italy
• Getting around Italy: Transportation Tips
• Shopping tips for Italy
• Sports and Outdoor activities in Italy
• Travel Tips Italy for planning and on the go
• Best time to visit Italy
• How to spend 7 days In Italy - 8 unique itineraries
• The Best 10-Day Italy Travel Itinerary
• How To Spend 14 Days In Italy - 5 Unique Itineraries
• How to get from Rome to Florence

Find even more inspiration here

• Amalfi Coast

written by Dre Roelandt

updated 18.04.2024

Dre Roelandt is originally from the United States but lives and works in Berlin, Germany. Dre is a freelance writer and artist with a passion for travelling. They are an in-house Content Editor at Rough Guides.

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Copy My Trip: A grand rail tour of Italy from Rome to Venice

Apr 19, 2024 • 7 min read

Rolling through the Italian countryside on a restored 1960s train? A once-in-a-lifetime experience © Sina Hotels

Lonely Planet associate editor Ann Douglas Lott recently traveled through Italy aboard a vintage train, regional trains and bus. Here, she shares some tips and insights for anyone planning a similar trip.

When I told people I had a trip planned to Italy , the joy with which they talked about their own travels there was endless – the dreamy landscapes, the fascinating ruins, the life-changing slice of pizza they had, how their daily cup of coffee just hasn't compared since – but I knew I wouldn't truly understand that joy until I experienced it for myself.

Yes, I was recently a first-timer in one of the planet's most-visited destinations, so my expectations were exceedingly lofty. The plan was a grand rail (and occasional bus) tour stopping in Rome , Perugia , Florence and Venice – all in just one week. Initially, the pressure to cram in as much as I could that week was at the front of my mind, but thanks to the Italian art of slow living, I learned to appreciate pacing myself as I journeyed (and ate) my way through this incredible country.

Also a first-timer in Italy? Here's what you should know

Where did you stay? What was the vibe?

Four fabulous destinations meant four fabulous, centrally-located hotels to match. I was invited to stay at a different five-star Sina hotel in each city: the 150-year-old Bernini Bristol in Rome, the hilltop Sina Brufani in Perugia, the classy Villa Medici in Florence and the canal-side Centurion Palace in Venice.

The brand has been owned and operated by the same family for over 60 years, so that classic Italian charm is undeniable. I also just adore a hotel that  feels  like the destination it's in, so details like the Brufani's elegant, classical decor and the Villa Medici's grand, early 19th-century lobby enhanced the whole experience. While considered luxury hotels, don't dismiss these if you like to stick to a tighter travel budget ; nightly rates at these properties cover a broad spectrum, typically depending on the popularity of the destination. Perugia, for example, would suit a budget traveler more than Florence (Perugia was my favorite stop – more on that later).

Some highlights: 

• Sipping Aperol spritzes on the hotel's panoramic rooftop at sunset in Rome
• The Perugia hotel's pool with a glass bottom that peers into an ancient ruin, plus the view of Umbria's rolling hills from my room
• The vintage keys and private garden with its own pool at the Florence hotel
• Enjoying views of the Grand Canal from the Venice property's front porch

Favorite activity from the trip?

Let's talk about the ultimate train ride. It's always a good idea to roll through the Italian countryside, but on a beautifully restored 1960s masterpiece? That's a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Arlecchino is the stuff of Wes Anderson films, with its roomy, brightly colored velvet seats, massive windows, vintage bar car and a chic, retro viewing cabin at either end of the train. Departing from Rome, we crawled through Lazio and into the Umbrian countryside, between green hills, through mountain tunnels and past lovely medieval towns like Assisi .

I count myself lucky to have scored a seat on this journey to Perugia – the Arlecchino doesn't run daily like the Trenitalia lines. But the operator of this line, Fondazione FS Italiene , runs similar journeys throughout the country almost daily, so you can still experience the magic of riding on a vintage Italian train. Tickets can be booked on the website , where you can also learn about each of their historic lines. Prices vary depending on the journey, but most hover around €50 per adult. If you prefer a speedier ride and choose to go the Trenitalia route, staggering views are guaranteed no matter which service you board.

Plan your own rail adventure through Italy with our tips for getting around

Best thing you ate?

The aforementioned life-changing slice of pizza? It was a mozzarella and guanciale slice from Zizzi Pizza in Rome. But the best thing I ate was a ridiculously fresh sandwich from I' Bacaro De Bischeri in Venice: warm focaccia, prosciutto, arugula, caramelized onions and burrata.

Honorable mention: the amaretto mousse and tiramisu from Osteria Al Bacareto in Venice, ham and parmesan fettuccine from Harry's Bar The Garden in Florence (conveniently located inside the Villa Medici hotel) and a simple bite of burrata – so fresh it was still warm – in Perugia. Oh, and the whole gelato spread at Gelateria Nico in Venice, though I'm partial to stracciatella  (chocolate chip).

Want more Italian restaurant recs? Here's where you should eat in Florence right now

What was the most touristy thing you did? 

When in Venice, book a glass factory tour! Our hotel arranged for a water taxi to deliver us to Murano for a factory and gallery tour of Schiavon Art Team's headquarters, one of the island's many glassblowers. The taxi ride across the lagoon was a glamorous experience in itself – a private, classy wooden boat with leather seats – but you can also take a vaporetto to Murano for a fraction of the cost.

We entered a vast gallery of vibrant glass chandeliers, plants, abstract faces and even a mural of the Avengers (they can do it all). But the highlight was observing the glass masters at work – a team of five almost dancing to keep the glass hot while also perfecting the movements and timing of sculpting the given subject, in this case, a beautiful blue marlin. I could've sat there all day, but the canals were calling.

What was the most under-the-radar activity you enjoyed?

If you need a place to stop between Rome and Florence, this is it. Umbria is everything you love about Italy without the crowds (except during Perugia's annual chocolate and jazz festivals in March and July, respectively), and the one night I spent in Perugia's medieval center wasn't nearly long enough.

While there was still daylight, I toured the underground fortress Rocca Paolina . You can enter the fortress via escalator from a small park called Giardini Carducci , which happens to be a fabulous spot to watch the sunset over the rolling hills of Umbria's countryside. The next morning, head to Sandri for a coffee and pastry – this is Perugia's most famous cafe. It's been a family-run business since 1860, and multiple locals told me it sells the best pastries around.

Did you bring home a souvenir?

Oh, did I shop. Here's the haul: in Florence, I snagged a pair of red and pink velvet Mary Janes at Bramada . It was a love-at-first-sight-through-the-window kind of moment. The rest of my shopping was in Venice: a marble-covered notebook of watercolor paper from Il Papiro (and regular notebooks for my family), a Murano glass charm necklace from The M Venezia (just €20–25 each) and a vintage red scarf with illustrations of Capri from Vintageria for just €5 – perhaps a sign that Capri should be my next Italian destination?

Pick up more souvenirs at these local shops in Rome and Florence

Best tip for someone who wants to plan the same trip?

The timing of this trip was simply marvelous: March shoulder season, specifically the week before Easter. The weather was decently warm as highs hovered around 15°C (60°F), the sun was mostly shining, and the Easter crowds hadn't yet made their way to the more popular cities. I packed a short, thin coat for the cooler nights and occasional wind.

Also, when you book a regional train ticket (aka, not the stylish Arlecchino), you have to validate it before you board your train. Otherwise, you'll face a hefty fine when ticket inspectors come to scan your ticket on board. Look for one of the green machines at the head of the platform, and insert your ticket to get it stamped. This isn't required on high-speed trains, though – those tickets are valid for a specific train service and seat.

Ann Douglas traveled to Italy on the invitation of Sina Hotels. Lonely Planet does not accept freebies in exchange for positive coverage. 

Save our complete guide to Italy:

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More From Forbes

How to plan the best solo female trip to milan, italy.

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Milan is a smart, safe, and stylish destination for solo female travel in Italy.

Based on post-pandemic tourism data compiled by Italy’s tourist board , planning vacations to the the beloved Mediterranean country has never been more popular. While cities like Rome and Venice will always remain bucket list destinations, what should you do if you’re a solo female traveler looking for an Italian city that’s less crowded, safe, and just as beguiling?

Consider Milan. Italy's second-largest city has long been dismissed as the country’s design and fashion capital, but in reality, there’s far more to Milan’s appeal than Salone del Mobile and Miuccia Prada. From historic attractions to fantastic food, the city is an underrated gem. Plus, getting around is a breeze thanks to inexpensive public transportation, including Milano Centrale—which has several hundred domestic trains departing daily so you can explore even more of Italy.

Here, a handy guide on how to plan a safe and unforgettable solo female trip to Milan.

Where to Stay

Hotel NH Collection Milano CityLife pays homage to the church it occupies, 1934's Chiesa del Cristo ... [+] Re.

Anchored by three architectural masterpieces from Zaha Hadid Architects, Daniel Libeskind, and Arata Isozaki, CityLife is a mixed-use development that’s home to stylish shops, enticing restaurants, and as of 2022, one of Milan’s buzziest new hotels, Hotel NH Collection Milano CityLife . Spread across two structures including Chiesa del Cristo Re, a 1934 neoclassical-style church, the 185-key hotel offers a stay that’s removed enough from Milan’s city center to ensure peace and quiet, but close enough to access by foot.

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Hotel NH Collection Milano CityLife's exterior lounge and reception area

The gleaming all-white structure’s original facade, arches, and soaring columns were carefully restored to nod to Chiesa del Cristo Re’s previous life. The design ethos flows indoors to the main lobby, where seven-meter-high bronze elements resembling organ pipes make the mundane act of checking in a grand one.

Religion, however, isn’t the only source of inspiration for Hotel NH Collection Milano CityLife. The city’s fashion legacy is woven into the property’s signature restaurant and lounge Tailors. Lovely for an aperitivo—which in true Italian style arrive with salty nibbles like Taralli and potato chips—a sophisticated dinner of housemade duck ragu paccheri drizzled with Vacche Rosse Parmigiano Reggiano bechamel, or the daily breakfast spread, Tailors celebrates craftsmanship in the kitchen. When the sun’s out, zip up to the roof, where one of only two hotel rooftop pools in Milan and chic al fresco bar await.

NH Collection Milano Citylife has ten duplex suites outfitted with private terraces and hot tubs.

Though the guest rooms skew snug (as do many European hotels), they’re smartly laid out. On top of that: the low-slung beds are dreamy; the branded NH bathroom amenities incorporate sustainable packaging and formulas; and the ceiling-to-floor windows bathe the space in natural light for a more open feel. In the mood to splurge? Then reserve one of the hotel’s ten duplex suites . Cloaked in calming earth tones, they sport one-of-a-kind configurations and come with private terraces and hot tubs.

Federico Vaccari leads personalized tours of his hometown Milan in a beautiful restored vintage ... [+] Fiat 500.

If you’ve been to Milan before, and want to discover a lesser-known side of the city, book a private tour with Federico Vaccari . Over the course of three hours, Vaccari will scoot you around in a beautiful restored vintage Fiat 500 and reveal spots travelers rarely get to see, like Via Abramo Lincoln’s candy-colored houses. Since the car can only carry two passengers, it’s especially well-suited for solo female travelers.

For first-timers: no visit would be complete without seeing the Duomo, Milan's most famous cathedral, and enjoying expansive city views from the rooftop. Teatro alla Scala and Santa Maria delle Grazie, home of Leonardo Da Vinci's famous Last Supper painting, are other cultural landmarks worth scoping out. For retail therapy, head to Milan’s legendary fashion district Milan's Quadrilatero and Via della Spiga. Reserved for pedestrians, this glamorous strip showcases Italy’s biggest fashion houses such as Prada and Moschino. (Bring your passport to enjoy tax-free shopping.)

Where to Eat

A traditional Puglian snack of fried dough stuffed with cheese and tomatoes, Panzerotti is one of ... [+] Milan's most popular street snacks.

Despite being frequently overshadowed by Naples, Rome, and Bologna, Milan is a worthy dining destination in its own right. As of 2023, it’s home to 17 Michelin-starred restaurants like Rome, which run the gamut from Enrico Bartolini ’s innovating tasting menus to IYO , where modern Japanese fare with European flourishes take center stage.

Bice remains a city stalwart for classic Tuscan fare (Ossobuco alla Milanese, Ribollita) and Federico Delrosso’s timeless design, while Peck has attracted discriminating palates since 1883 with an extensive (and immaculately presented) selection of gourmet meats, prepared foods, cheese, sweets, and wines. Ciacco turns out high-quality, small-batch gelato in classic and experimental flavors like the Robiola-infused “Almost Cheesecake.” For a quick bite to go, Panzo has you covered with made-to-order panzerotti, a traditional Puglian snack of fried dough stuffed with melty cheese and tomatoes.

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These Americans bought abandoned homes in Italy for as little as $1 and spent thousands renovating: Was it worth it?

Picture this: A house with extensive mold, water damage, termites and a collapsed roof in a tiny town where you don't speak the language. Not exactly a prime real estate opportunity, right?

For Rubia Daniels, though, the dilapidated building in Sicily also served as an exciting chance to build the home of her dreams — and it cost her almost nothing to get started.

Daniels, 50, of Berkeley, Calif., is one of hundreds of people who've taken advantage of an offer that made news around the world: a home in Italy for 1 euro. 

In the late 2010s, towns around Italy started going viral for selling off crumbling properties for 1 euro, or roughly $1.05. The goal? To attract foreign investors to buy up the houses, rehab them and get dwindling population numbers back up.

Of course, there was a catch. In some towns, the 1-euro purchase was symbolic and just the start of more expenses down the line. In others, bids start at 1 euro but can go much higher.

There was also a big stipulation: Once buyers got their properties, they had to complete their renovations within a certain timeframe, usually three years. Costs could easily climb into the tens of thousands of euros. 

Each town handles its own 1-euro program, so we don't know exactly how many homes have been sold across Italy since the concept took off. But experts estimate the campaigns have brought in thousands of visitors who've bought cheap houses across the country.

How much does it really cost to buy and renovate a 1-euro home in Italy? And is taking on a major housing project across the world worth the money and the stress? CNBC Make It went to Sicily to talk to people who've gone through the process to find out.

Transforming an historic town, 1 euro at a time

The 1-euro campaign was first proposed in 2008 by TV personality Vittorio Sgarbi , then the mayor of Salemi in southern Sicily, where homes were destroyed in a 1968 earthquake.

The idea has since spread to dozens of municipalities across the country.

One of the most well-known towns with a 1-euro scheme is Mussomeli, a roughly 2-hour drive south of Sicily's capital city of Palermo. In Mussomeli, more than 100 homes have been sold for 1 euro, as well as roughly 200 so-called premium houses, which start around 5,000 euros and require fewer repairs.

Toti Nigrelli, Mussomeli's deputy mayor who oversees the program, credits the town's success to a user-friendly website that lays out exactly how interested homebuyers can schedule a tour and get started. Tens of thousands of requests came in "immediately" after the site launched in 2017, he says. The town made its first 1-euro sale to a Belgian visitor within two weeks.

Daniels is one of a handful of American homeowners there.

She first learned about the program from her husband, who'd read about it online. Daniels, an avid traveler who works in construction, was hooked. She booked her hotel and flight out to Sicily to see if the opportunity was too good to be true.

Days into her trip in spring 2019, Daniels called her husband. They were now the proud owners of not one or two but three separate 1-euro properties in Mussomeli, she told him.

Because she works in construction, Daniels says she didn't just see endless amounts of work in front of her. Instead, she visualized the final result of three dream projects: a vacation home, a restaurant and a wellness center.

Once Daniels landed on her properties, she got a rundown of what the dream would actually cost. The houses were sold for 1 euro each but also incurred a 500-euro realtors fee and 2,800-euro deed. That added up to a total of 3,301 euros, or roughly $3,500, for each building. 

She felt up to the challenge. Daniels went home to pack her tools and returned that summer with her husband, brother-in-law and five suitcases full of renovation supplies.

So far, she's focused on fixing up her vacation home and initially estimated renovations to cost $20,000. Those renovation plans include a new kitchen, marble finishes, restored stone walls and a fireplace in the bathroom. Years later, she's spent $35,000 and hopes to stay under $40,000. It's a lot of work, but the process still feels as exciting as it did on day one, she says.

Daniels is building the house of her dreams, "which I wouldn't be able to do back in California because the cost would be much higher," she says. Daniels plans to visit her Mussomeli home for vacations and split her time between California and Sicily in retirement. 

Daniels is such a fan of the 1-euro initiative that she's encouraged friends and family to take the leap. On one recent visit to Mussomeli, Daniels brought along two fellow Californians, Alfredo Ramirez and his mother, Elena, to tour the houses.

Alfredo, 35, was struck by the price difference: The amount of space he could get for 16,000 euros in Mussomeli might run him over $330,000 in Petaluma, Calif., where he lives and works in customer service.

'4 million moments of frustration,' but no regrets

About an hour's drive from Mussomeli is the town of Sambuca di Sicilia. In 2019, it went viral for auctioning off old homes with bids starting at 1 euro. 

There, Meredith Tabbone, 44, of Chicago, bought and renovated a 1-euro house of her own.

At the time, Tabbone was looking into getting dual citizenship in Italy, where part of her family was from before they immigrated to the U.S.

A friend told her about the Sicilian home project. "I thought it was too good to be true," Tabbone says, "but I checked when I saw the name Sambuca and took a look, and it was the same village that my great-grandfather came from in 1902 to the United States."

On one of the final days of the auction, Tabbone placed her bid of 5,555 euros for a property, sight unseen.

"A lot of people warned me that it could be a scam [and that] I could end up losing a lot of money," she recalls. In May, she got the email that her bid won. She paid what she owed, plus some taxes and fees, bringing the home sale up to 5,900 euros, or roughly $6,200.

From the moment that I sent in the bid and checked my email every day and found out that I won, all the way through this process, there have been 4 million moments of frustration, exhaustion, contemplation of how to move forward. Meredith Tabbone 1-euro homeowner from Chicago

Tabbone flew to see her new home for the first time in June 2019. She then bought the building next door through a private sale with the owner for 22,000 euros, or just over $23,000. 

The additional purchase meant more space to build her dream vacation home. It also meant much higher renovation costs. What started as a 40,000-euro budget to renovate 620 square feet grew to 140,000 euros to cover 2,700 square feet.

Over the next four years, Tabbone visited Sambuca for weeks at a time to oversee a local crew for the extensive overhaul: They knocked down walls to join the properties; leveled the flooring across 18 small rooms; reinforced the structure against earthquakes; added two large terraces; and opened up the kitchen, dining and living rooms. 

All in, she spent about 425,000 euros on renovations, or roughly $446,000.

"From the moment that I sent in the bid and checked my email every day and found out that I won, all the way through this process, there have been 4 million moments of frustration, exhaustion, contemplation of how to move forward," Tabbone says.

That being said, "I never felt like this wasn't the right place for me to be, and that this wasn't the right project for me to work on or community to live in," she says. "I've learned so much about my family, which has been really special for me because my father passed away when I was a senior in high school."

When unexpected challenges derail the plan

Not all renovation plans work out. That was the case for Danny McCubbin, 59, who's originally from Australia and was living in London when he heard about Mussomeli's 1-euro program.

In spring 2019, he made his first visit and toured 28 houses before buying his property.

His vision was different from most: McCubbin wasn't looking for a home to live in, but rather a space to launch a food-rescue charity, building upon his 17 years working on food-based campaigns for Jamie Oliver in London. He was inspired by his observation that lots of elderly people and families were not getting fresh food in Mussomeli.

The pandemic delayed his plans to rehab a 1-euro house for the project. The home experienced extensive water damage while he was stuck in London for 10 months. By the time he returned, his 15,000-euro quote for renovations doubled.

He decided to sell his house back to the real estate agency for 1 euro and found a different space to rent in the town square. His charity, The Good Kitchen, now operates from the space next door, where rent and utilities run 400 euros a month.

McCubbin says he doesn't regret a thing: He's grateful the scheme helped him establish his Italian residency and brought him to Mussomeli. 

Locals are glad he stayed, too: Each week, volunteers at The Good Kitchen work to rescue surplus food from nearby markets and deliver grocery packages to local families in need. They also host a weekly lunch for community members.

"My dream is that one day we will be able to provide jobs, especially for young people in the town," he says.

A flood of foreign capital, jobs, tourism and newcomers

Mussomeli's 1-euro campaign has already had a positive impact by bringing more foreign investment, tourism and jobs, says Nigrelli, the town's deputy mayor.

Mussomeli had roughly 16,000 residents in the 1950s, he explains, but populations declined through the '80s as young people left for university and better career opportunities in northern Italy. Today, roughly 9,900 people remain in town. 

Like many small towns in Sicily, Mussomeli doesn't have a major university. As a result, many jobs that stay in town are concentrated in construction, agriculture and the trades. The compounding effect has left the region with a large youth unemployment problem: Roughly 32% of young Sicilians from age 15 to 29 are unemployed — one of the highest rates in Italy.

Even when young people return to Mussomeli, they can find the small town limiting. Federica Prezioso, 37, moved away to study in Palermo, Milan and London. She returned to work as a teacher and raise children, but says it's hard to see her friends move away over time.

She's in favor of schemes like the 1-euro home program. Large-scale renovations mean more jobs for carpenters, plumbers, electricians and other construction workers. The project even brought a wave of Argentinian doctors who moved there and resolved a shortage of health-care workers.

Even if prospective homebuyers or curious tourists don't settle on a property to purchase, the increase in foot traffic has led to a boost for local restaurants, hotels and retail stores. Mussomeli's tourism sector increased by 3,000% within the first year of launching the 1-euro home program, according to Nigrelli.

In the last seven years, Mussomeli has sold off nearly all of its 1-euro homes, another marker of success. Roughly a dozen houses are left, says Natalie Milazzo, a local real estate agent. 

Meanwhile, there are over 100 premium houses currently on the market, Milazzo says. Many of them are being sold by families who've moved away or inherited multiple properties and see an influx of interested foreigners as an opportunity to make a profit.

With more foreign home investors and visitors come higher real estate costs. As the demand for previously worthless homes has increased, Nigrelli says, the price of homes for sale and for rent have risen by up to 100%.

This could become a problem for incoming homebuyers purchasing old properties and renting places to stay during renovations. On the other hand, Nigrelli estimates roughly 90% of Mussomeli residents already own their homes, so rising real estate prices have a smaller immediate impact on locals.

Looking ahead: 'The respect of the old town is the most important thing'

In 2021, a group of young professionals in Cammarata, Sicily, started a nonprofit called StreetTo, which works with the city to advertise 1-euro and cheap houses to foreigners. So far, the program has attracted a handful of young people and couples who move to the town to work remotely, says volunteer Martina Giracello, 31.

Houses that aren't being sold for 1 euro range between 5,000 to 25,000 euros, or $5,250 to $26,250. StreetTo volunteers say they list houses at a sustainable pace to avoid gentrification and out-of-control housing prices.

"The respect of the old town is the most important thing," Giracello says.

Gianluca Militello, 38, says volunteering with StreetTo is one of the main ways young people like him can improve their futures in Cammarata: "We want to be surrounded by people who can bring something to our own lives."

"It's also personal," he adds.

Back in Mussomeli, Nigrelli says local officials across Sicily have asked him for guidance to bring 1-euro programs to their town. One recent partnership: Getting a campaign up and running in Caltanissetta , an hour's drive east.

Daniels and Tabbone, the American homebuyers in Mussomeli and Sambuca, say their 1-euro journeys have been worth it.

Their small Sicilian towns offer a low cost of living. A nice meal out might be 10 euros or less, while a round-trip flight within Europe or to Africa might run you just 45 euros, Tabbone says.

Another big draw: the Sicilian approach to leisure, including a daily lunch and nap break from noon to 4 p.m. when most of the town shuts down.

Tabbone, who runs her own business as a financial advisor, says the slower pace of life abroad makes her want to "have the focus of my life be about just personal fulfillment in general," rather than work.

A mentality that prioritizes leisure and socializing makes for a lower-stress life, Daniels says. "People here, they consume a lot of alcohol, nicotine, carbs, and they live longer than most places," she points out. "I believe it's because the level of stress is so low and [the fact that] the community is so active that that gives them longevity."

Daniels feels strongly that historic renovation programs are beneficial in part because they're sustainable. Around the world, "we have destroyed so much of the environment building things instead of using what exists," she says.

Tabbone is glad to have the chance to connect with her family history and considers the Sambuca project a "huge success" for bringing attention to the village. 

She's wary of fielding questions from foreigners like herself who want to buy an old home and turn it into an investment property. "I'm very grateful that I do not know anybody doing that, because I do not want this to be a village of Airbnbs," she says.

Tabbone says she will never sell her Sambuca home despite getting many offers. "I have a cousin, [and] I've already told her she can use the house if I pass away before her. After that, it's going to be donated to the village."

"A lot of people refer to this as a revival of this town," Tabbone adds. "I like to think of it more as a renaissance."

Conversions from euros to USD were done using the OANDA conversion rate of 1 euro to 1.05 USD on Oct 18, 2023. All amounts are rounded to the nearest dollar.

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