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How to plan a trip to Italy

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written by Joanne Owen

updated 05.02.2024

​Radiating vitality from its natty north to its stylish southern heel, there are plenty of reasons Italy attracts a remarkable range of traveller types. Given its fabulous food, sun-soaked coastline, picture-perfect panoramas, and all those extraordinary ancient sites, it’s no wonder Italy sparks a desire to return. But how do you plan a perfect trip to Italy? There’s simply too much to see — and fall in love with — during a single trip, and planning a stay in Italy can be overwhelming.

Step 1 – Best time to go and budget

Step 2 - decide where to go in italy, step 3 - pre-book accommodation and attractions, step 4 – get ready for departure, step 5 - plan your italy itinerary, step 6 - leave time to seize the day, take a trip designed by local travel experts.

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

• Best time to visit Italy

When it comes to visiting Italy timing is everything. The best time to visit largely depends on your preferences and what you hope to experience. If you seek pleasant weather, manageable crowds, and cost-effective travel, spring ( April and May ) and fall ( September and October ) are the best times to visit Italy . Since these are known as the shoulder months, you're likely to enjoy a milder climate, fewer tourists, and more affordable accommodations. Conversely, peak season, from June to August , sees a spike in temperature, crowded tourist spots, and higher prices. However, there are a few key times to avoid, such as Easter Week and around Christmas when Italy becomes very busy and prices soar.

Remember though, the best time to visit Italy is when it suits your schedule and your interests  

How much will it cost?

When it comes to costs, it varies greatly depending on where you go, when you go, how you travel, and your personal preferences. Here are some average costs to guide your budgeting process.

• Lodging : A budget hotel for two people ranges from $50 to $150. For a mid-range hotel, expect $150-$350. Luxury hotels can start at $350 and go up from there.
• Food : Estimate around $25-$50 per person for city tours and add in your meals, you're looking at approximately $75-$100 per person/per day.
• Travel : For intercity travel, train fares vary from $15 to $60 depending on distance.
• Attractions : Prices for tourist spots can vary, but averaged out, expect to spend around $15-$25/day on entrance fees to museums, historical sites, etc.

Remember, these are just averages. You could spend less if you're traveling off-peak, cooking your own meals, or staying in more budget accommodations . You could also spend more if you're splurging on gourmet meals, staying in luxury hotels, or traveling extensively between cities.

Remember, similar to the best time to visit, the cost also depends on your personal preferences and style of travel

Riomaggiore of Cinque Terre, Italy © Shutterstock

That’s why we’ve created this guide to planning a trip to Italy - to help you make the most of your time in this perennial stunner. These simple steps will help you decide where and when to go, and where to stay. Crucially, we’ll also show you how you’ll stay connected while you’re away.

Best cities to visit

When it comes to cities in Italy, the options are boundless, each offering its own unique charm, history, cultures, and cuisines. Here are a few you might want to consider:

• Rome : Known as the 'Eternal City'. Rome's attractions include the iconic Colosseum , Palatino, Roman Forum , and Pantheon. Don't forget to toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return to Rome. For a real taste of Rome, visit Trastevere neighbourhood, known for its bohemian flare and delectable food.
• Venice : One of the most picturesque cities in the world, Venice is renowned for its charming canals, historic monuments, and ornate architecture. A gondola ride through its narrow canals or a walk through its labyrinth of winding streets is a must.
• Florence : Birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is an art lover's paradise. Be sure to visit the Uffizi Gallery and Florence's famous Duomo. The city is also known for its leather markets and rich cuisine.
• Naples : For the pizza lovers, Naples, the birthplace of pizza, is a must-visit. Excursions to the ancient cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, and down the scenic Amalfi Coast , are also highlights of the region.

Remember, this is just a taste of all that Italy. The country is littered with charming towns and bustling cities each holding its own unique attractions.

Best areas to visit

While Italy's cities are charming and packed with history, the northern regions of the country also offer stunning landscapes, charming towns, and unique experiences.

• Tuscany : Known for its stunning landscapes, art, history, and viticulture. Visit medieval towns like Siena, Pisa, and San Gimignano, and be sure to tour the vineyards for some of the best wine tastings you'll ever experience!
• Amalfi Coast : One of Italy's most breathtaking coastal regions. It's famous for its colorful towns like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello, which are precariously perched on cliffs overlooking the sea.
• Cinque Terre : A string of five centuries-old seaside villages on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline. Its hiking trails and stunning views are a real treat for the eyes.
• Lake Como : Luxury, beauty, and tranquility all come together in Lake Como. The lake is surrounded by mountains and dotted with beautiful villas and resort villages.

These regions offer a unique experience, you can enjoy an urban experience in the morning and immerse yourself in the beautiful countryside or relax by a lake in the afternoon. Each region has its own distinct flavor and culture worth experiencing.

View of Montalcino town, Tuscany, Italy © Shutterstock

Best wine yards to visit

Italy, renowned for its world-class vineyards, offers a plethora of options for wine connoisseurs and novices alike. Here are some of the best regions to explore:

• Tuscany : Tuscany is home to some of the world's most notable wine regions. Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano are primarily made with Sangiovese grape whereas the Vernaccia grape is the basis of the white Vernaccia di San Gimignano. 
• Sicily : Sicily's Marsala wines are world-famous. The region's hot climate, fertile soil, and hilly terrain offer perfect conditions for producing a variety of wines.
• Veneto : Known for its Prosecco and Soave wines. The region offers splendid views over terraced vineyards, unique to the region.
• Barbagia, Sardinia : For a truly authentic experience, consider exploring the vineyards of Sardinia, the island's climate and rugged terrain make for some distinctive wines. 

When at these wineries, don't forget to pair the wines with some local cheeses and indulge in wine tours . Each vineyard has its unique methods of cultivation, fermentation, and aging wines that provide you an insight into the intricate and fascinating process of winemaking.

Best lakes to visit

Italy is famous for its picturesque lakes with awe-inspiring landscapes. Here are the ones worth a visit, including the breathtaking Dolomites.

• Lake Como : Surrounded by mountains and studded with charming villages and villas, Lake Como is a must-visit for its beauty and tranquillity. Celebrity spotting (such as George Clooney!) is also a fun activity on Como.
• Lake Garda : Italy's largest lake, Lake Garda, is home to charming medieval towns, thermal bath towns, vineyards, and the family-friendly Gardaland amusement park. The lake has a more rustic feel compared to Como. 
• Lake Maggiore : Visit the stunning Isole Borromee with their ornate palaces and lavish gardens. Also, it's less crowded than Como and Garda, making it a peaceful retreat. 

While each lake has its own unique charm, they all offer activities such as swimming, boating, and hiking along with exceptional hospitality. Choose a lakeside villa or hotel for maximum views and comfort.

Varenna old town in Como lake © Boris Stroujko/Shutterstock

Major attractions

Italy bursts with world-renowned historical sites and cultural landmarks. While you might not cover it all, ensure your Italy itinerary includes these major ones:

• Colosseum (Rome) : The iconic symbol of Imperial Rome, it's one of the best-preserved monuments of the Ancient world and provides an unparalleled insight into the life and times of ancient Rome.
• Vatican Museums (Vatican City) : Housing an extensive collection of art, sculpture, and cultural artifacts, the Vatican Museums are a triumph of human imagination and creativity. Also, visit the Sistine Chapel to marvel at Michelangelo's masterpiece ceiling.
• Pompeii (Naples) : Visit the ancient city of Pompeii, frozen in time since the catastrophic Vesuvius eruption of AD 79.
• Leaning Tower of Pisa ( Pisa ) : The famous leaning bell tower is a marvel of medieval engineering popularly known for its unintended tilt.
• The Venice Canals (Venice) : A gondola ride through these famous canals is an essential experience when visiting Venice.

Your experience isn't confined to these major landmarks. Italy is rich with cultural and historical splendors and even a short stroll down any street might lead you to a smaller, yet remarkable gem. [Insert images of the listed attractions].

Remember to pre-book your entrance tickets where possible to bypass lengthy lines and ensure a smooth visit.

Accommodation

Accommodation forms a crucial part of your travel planning. Italy offers a wide range of options from high-rise luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels, and authentic agriturismo farm-stays. The choice depends on your budget, preferred location, and the kind of experience you seek.

• City Hotels : Major cities such as Rome, Florence, and Venice offer a multitude of options in various budgets. Websites like Booking.com are excellent for comparing rates and amenities, as well as for finding deals on hotels, bed and breakfasts, and apartments [Add screenshot of Booking.com interface].
• Bed and Breakfasts/Hostels : A comfortable and cost-effective choice, especially for solo travelers or those on a tight budget. Be ready for a homely, quaint experience and a chance to mingle with other travelers.
• Agriturismo or Farm Stays : Offered by Italian farmers as a way to supplement their income, these are very popular in Italy and range from budget to luxury. Besides providing accommodations, some also offer meals made from fresh farm produce. A unique way to enjoy Italy’s countryside [Insert image of an agriturismo].
• Apartments/Vacation Rentals : Ideal for family trips or a larger group of travelers. Websites like Airbnb and Plum Guide offer an extensive list, often cheaper than hotels and give you the freedom to cook your own meals if you wish [Add screenshot of Airbnb interface].

Remember to always check reviews before booking and take advantage of the flexible cancellation policies offered by many services. At some popular tourist locations, bookings can fill up quickly, so it’s wise to reserve your accommodation well in advance.

Check the best hotels in Italy here .

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

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Italy tours

Italy's rich history and diverse landscapes make it a dream destination for (day) tours. They provide an excellent way to learn about the culture and history of the places you are visiting. Here are our top picks:

• Food tours : Delve into Italy's culinary delights with a food tour. Savor traditional dishes and learn about regional cuisines. These tours often include visits to local markets, cooking demonstrations, and tastings at renowned eateries.
• Senior tours : Tailored for comfort and accessibility, senior tours in Italy offer a blend of leisure and cultural immersion. These tours prioritize ease of travel, with guided visits to historical sites and scenic landscapes, ensuring a fulfilling experience without physical strain.
• Train tours : Experience the scenic beauty of Italy from the comfort of a train. These tours combine the romance of rail travel with the convenience of guided visits to iconic cities and hidden gems, all while traversing Italy's picturesque countryside.
• Wine tours : Explore Italy's renowned vineyards on a wine tour. Learn about wine-making traditions, visit esteemed wineries, and taste world-class wines. These tours often include guided tastings and insights into local viticulture, perfect for enthusiasts and novices alike.

Consider building a couple of these tours when planning your trip to Italy . Remember, tours using guidebooks fill up quickly during peak tourist seasons, so it's wise to book in advance. Of course, self-guided tours using our guide books or apps are another good option for those who prefer a self-paced experience.

Activities and experiences

Immersing yourself in Italian culture is part of the attraction. Here are some recommended experiences that vary from culinary tours to exploring the countryside:

• Road tripping: Explore Italy's diverse regions with a road trip adventure. Journey along the Amalfi Coast for stunning coastal views or through Tuscany’s vineyard-covered hills. Road trips offer the freedom to discover Italy’s hidden gems and picturesque landscapes at your own pace.
• Art and architecture exploration: Immerse yourself in Italy’s rich artistic heritage. Wander through world-famous museums, gaze at Renaissance masterpieces, and delve into ancient Roman ruins. This activity offers a deep dive into Italy's profound cultural and historical impact.
• Cycling adventures: Cycle through Italy’s scenic countryside, quaint villages, and along beautiful coastlines. Suitable for all skill levels, cycling adventures are an active way to engage with Italy’s landscapes and local culture.
• Boat excursions: Experience Italy from its captivating waterways. Glide in a Venetian gondola or cruise around the islands of Capri and Sicily. Boat excursions provide a unique perspective of Italy’s coastal beauty and maritime charm.
• Hiking: Traverse Italy's varied terrains on foot. Hike through the majestic Dolomites, the scenic trails of Cinque Terre, or historic pilgrimage routes. Hiking offers a perfect combination of natural splendor and cultural discovery.

Remember that while it's essential to have a well-planned travel itinerary, also leave room for spontaneity. This could be as simple as enjoying a cup of espresso in a quiet corner café or an unexpected detour into a local market. These unplanned moments often turn out to be the highlights of your trip.

View over the famous Village of Limone sul Garda, Italy © Shutterstock

Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower in Florence © Shutterstock

Get a credit card and budgetize

Getting a credit card that offers travel rewards can be highly beneficial for your trip to Italy. Look for cards with no foreign transaction fees, and good cash back or points systems. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Italy, while American Express and Diners Club may not be as popular.

In terms of budgeting, set up a daily budget covering all essential aspects like food, accommodation, travel, and activities. Decide what you want to splurge on and where to save. If you're on a tight budget, cooking your own meals and choosing more budget-friendly accommodation can help significantly reduce expenses.

Also, be aware of foreign currency charges and ATM withdrawal fees in Italy. Consider getting a foreign currency card like the Wise Mastercard where you can convert Euros easily and cheaply from your US, Australian or Canadian dollar accounts.

Lastly, ensure you keep some funds aside for unexpected expenses. Planning a budget beforehand ensures your trip runs smoothly, and you can enjoy your dream Italian vacation without the stress of unexpected costs.

Look for airport transfers

Arranging airport transfers in advance can save you time and stress upon arrival in Italy. Most Italian airports are located quite a distance from the city center, and public transportation might not always be convenient, especially if you're carrying heavy luggage or traveling in a group.

Consider car rental deals or comparing different transfer services like Suntransfers or Welcome Pickups . They offer several options from budget to luxury that suit different needs, including coach, mini bus, private cars, and limo services. The service ensures that someone will be waiting for you at arrivals, and will take you directly to your accommodation in the quickest and easiest way.

For example, to transfer from Rome’s Fiumicino airport into the city center, taxis offer a set rate of €$50 and the ride takes around 45 minutes. Or, if you're a group traveling with multiple items of luggage, a pre-booked transfer can be a better option

Stay connected

Once you've figured out your transportation and lodging for your trip to Italy, don't overlook another essential aspect: staying connected while abroad — conveniently and without spending a fortune.

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

For starters, it'll make navigation a breeze and keep you connected with people back home. You'll likely also want to share live updates and photos of your journey. To do this, you need immediate data access.

You're probably already aware of these advantages, but may be concerned about the cost — nobody wants to spend excessively to stay connected while traveling. Fortunately, with an international SIM card or eSIM from SIMCorner , a trusted partner of Rough Guides, you don’t have to worry about high costs.

Thanks to partnerships with top telecom providers worldwide, SIMCorner offers products for every type of traveler, especially those heading to Italy.

For those tired of hidden fees and reluctant to commit long-term, SIMCorner's data plans and services are contract-free. This means you can use your SIM card or eSIM as needed, and put it on hold when not in use. It's that simple.

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

How many days do you need in Italy?

The ideal length of a trip to Italy greatly depends on your travel desires and time constraints. For a decent first visit, aim for at least 7 to 10 days, which will let you cover the country's major cities such as Rome , Florence, and Venice with a day or two for exploring smaller towns.

If you're happy to move fast though, Italy's highlights could be covered on a 10-day whirlwind tour. This would give you a couple of days in Venice and Florence, a day each in Bologna, Pisa and Naples, and around three days in Rome.

If your time is limited to only 3-5 days, it's advised to choose one region or city to explore deeply, rather than rush through several destinations.

On the other hand, with a longer stay of around two weeks, you have the opportunity to see both the north and the south, and perhaps even squeeze in a visit to Sicily or Sardinia.

Keep in mind, these durations are just general guidelines. Elongating the stay will allow a deeper connection with the country, its culture, and its people. Your travel duration should cater to your interests, be it history, cuisine, art, or simply relaxation. Remember, Italy is a country filled with endless wonders and even a lifetime might not be enough to explore them all.

How to spend 5 days in Italy

If you only have five days in Italy , you may want to focus your trip on one or two destinations. For example, you could split your trip between Rome and Florence, spending three days in Rome and two in Florence. Here's how:

Day 1-3: Rome Immerse yourself in the history of the Eternal City. Visit the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Also, take a walk through St. Peter's Square, or take a tour of the Vatican Museums. Roam around Trastevere for an authentic Italian dinner.

Day 4-5: Florence Hop on a high-speed train to Florence. Enjoy Renaissance art at Uffizi Gallery, marvel at the view from Piazzale Michelangelo, and visit the Florence Cathedral. Dedicate half a day for a trip to Pisa or a Tuscan wine tour.

Remember, this plan for Italy travel planning offers a taste of Italy's rich culture and history within a short timeframe. Modify it as per your preferences. If you're more interested in slow-paced vacations, consider focusing just on Rome, exploring the city thoroughly, and embracing the local lifestyle.

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

How to spend 7 days in Italy

7 days in Italy is a wonderful amount of time to get a taste of Italy's treasures. For first-time visitors, a common itinerary is the classic trio of Rome, Florence, and Venice.

Day 1-3: Rome Spend the first few days exploring Rome's iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and the Pantheon. Visit the Vatican City, marvelling at Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel.

Day 4-5: Florence Take a train to Florence. Spend a day exploring the city’s art history in Uffizi Gallery, climb the Duomo, and take a sunset stroll across the Ponte Vecchio.

Day 6-7: Venice Board a train to Venice. Visit St. Mark’s Square to see the Doge’s Palace, tour the Bell Tower, or visit the Rialto Market. Don’t forget to take a traditional gondola ride through the canals, for an authentic Venetian affair.

Remember, while it’s a whirlwind tour, this example itinerary offers an introduction to three utterly different and equally enchanting Italian cities. Be flexible with the plan and adjust it according to your interests and energy levels. Travelling should also include enjoying a gelato on a city square, sipping a cup of rich Italian espresso at a streetside café, and taking leisurely strolls soaking in the city’s atmosphere. 

How to spend 10 days in Italy

With 10 days in Italy you have more time to delve deeper into Italy's rich offerings. In addition to the must-see cities of Rome, Venice, and Florence, 10 days provide a sufficient window to explore additional cities, like:

• Rome (3 days) : Start by immersing yourself in the Eternal City's historical grandeur - from the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, to St. Peter's Square and the Vatican.
• Florence (2 days) : Head to the birthplace of the Renaissance, visit the Uffizi Gallery, Florence's iconic Duomo and savor Tuscan delights.
• Pisa (1 day) : Visit the remarkable Leaning Tower of Pisa and explore the surrounding area's historical sights.
• Venice (2 days) : Discover the unique city on water with its famous canals and gondolas. Visit St. Mark's Basilica and Doge’s Palace.
• Milan (2 days) : Conclude in Milan, Italy's fashion capital. Don't miss the Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci and visit the majestic Duomo.

These select destinations give you a comprehensive flavor of Italy’s diverse culture, history, and landscapes. And you'll still have some downtime for savoring the food, wine, and the Italian way of life. [Add corresponding pictures of the city's main attractions here]

Remember, regardless of how detailed your pre-planned itinerary is, leave room for the unexpected to fully experience La Dolce Vita (The Sweet Life)!

How to spend 14 days in Italy

With 14 days in Italy at your disposal, you can cover more ground and enjoy a more relaxed pace. This could allow you to explore beyond the traditional Rome-Florence-Venice triangle, and immerse yourself in Italy's enchanting landscapes, rich history, and vibrant local cultures. Here's a suggested itinerary with train itineraries:

• Rome (4 days) : Spend 4 days soaking in Rome's ancient sites and vibrant café culture.
• Florence (3 days) : Discover this cradle of the Renaissance, its art treasures, and its delightful food scene.
• Cinque Terre (2 days) : Experience the quaint colorful seaside villages perched along the rugged Italian Riviera coast.
• Pisa (1 day) : Visit the iconic Leaning Tower and nearby attractions.
• Venice (2 days) : Explore Venice's romantic canals, historic landmarks, and charming cafes.
• Milan (2 days) : End in Milan to witness its modern side – towering skyscrapers, international fashion scene, and iconic Milan Cathedral.

In this itinerary, along with Italy's cosmopolitan cities you also experience its hidden gems and its rustic, authentic charm. Whether you're strolling Rome's ancient streets or tasting fresh seafood in Cinque Terre, these two weeks will provide a taste of Italy's diversity, history, and irresistible allure.

Remember, a slower schedule can often result in a richer experience. Balance your itinerary with rest and relaxation, and allow time to savour Italy's culinary delights, and just people-watch in beautiful piazzas. Leave room for some spontaneity, and you'll find your travel memories are all the richer! 

You can't plan a trip to Italy, without adding Venice © Shutterstock

Don't overplan

One of the top mistakes people make while planning a trip to Italy is trying to fit in too much. While it's important to have an itinerary , don't fill every minute of your day with activities. Italy is best enjoyed at a slower pace, taking time to stroll through its cobblestone streets, sip an espresso at a sidewalk cafe, or linger over a delicious meal at a local trattoria.

It's also essential to be flexible. Perhaps you discover a picturesque spot perfect for a picnic that wasn't in your original plan, or you come across a charming street market that you would love to explore. Having some wiggle room in your itinerary allows you to seize these unexpected opportunities.

Finally, keep in mind that winding lanes and Google Maps often don’t mix. Allow extra time for getting lost - it’s part of the charm of traveling in Italy! You are on vacation after all, take time to enjoy, relax and let Italy slowly reveal itself to you.

Remember, the goal of the trip is to enjoy and experience Italy, not tick off a list of sites.

Plan some free days

In addition to structured activities and tours, you should always account for a few free days in your itineraries. These can be used for a wide variety of unscripted adventures such as:

• Exploring neighborhoods : Navigate through the winding streets of intriguing districts like Trastevere in Rome or Navigli in Milan.
• Enjoying local cuisine : Delve deeper into Italy's culinary scene. Maybe attend a cooking class or explore local markets to sample regional specialties.
• People watching : There's nothing quite like spending an afternoon relaxing in a beautiful piazza, eating gelato, and watching the world go by. This can easily turn into a highlight of your trip!

These free days give you the chance to dive deep into Italian life and culture, catch your breath, and savor the moments of your journey. They also give you the buffer needed if an attraction was unexpectedly closed or weather was harsh on a day with outdoor activities planned.

Remember, sometimes the most memorable moments emerge when there is no agenda at all!

Vernazza in Cinque Terre ©Shutterstock

Planning your Italy trip? Let our local experts help

Take a trip designed by local travel experts speaks to the heart of an authentic Italian adventure. Here's why choosing a trip curated by local experts elevates your Italian experience:

• Personalized itineraries: Our local travel experts craft itineraries that align with your interests and preferences. Whether you're an art aficionado, a food lover, or an outdoor enthusiast, your trip will be tailored to your passions, ensuring a deeply personal and fulfilling experience.
• Insider knowledge: Local experts possess invaluable insider knowledge. They guide you to hidden gems and authentic experiences that typical tourists might miss. This means dining at off-the-beaten-path trattorias, exploring lesser-known historical sites, and engaging in local traditions.
• Efficient planning: Navigating a foreign country can be daunting. Local experts streamline your trip, handling logistics like transportation, accommodations, and bookings. This efficient planning removes stress, allowing you to focus on enjoying your journey.
• Cultural immersion: A trip designed by locals immerses you in Italian culture. You gain insights into the local way of life, participate in traditional activities, and engage with the community. This cultural immersion fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of Italy.
• Support and safety:** Traveling with the backing of local experts ensures you have support throughout your trip. They provide valuable advice, assist in case of emergencies, and ensure your safety, offering peace of mind as you explore.

In essence, a trip designed by local travel experts transforms your Italian vacation into an unforgettable, authentic, and hassle-free experience, enriching your journey beyond the ordinary.

Travel advice for Italy

To make the most of your Italy trip, here are a few tried-and-tested tips:

• Avoid peak season : Beginner travelers might want to avoid July and August, when Italy tends to get hot, crowded, and expensive.
• Public transportation : Train travel is highly efficient and cost-effective in Italy. Enjoy the scenery and save on car rental and parking fees.
• Water : It's safe to drink tap water in Italy, saving you money on bottled water.
• Tipping : Service charge is generally included in your restaurant bill, so tipping isn’t necessary but appreciated. A tip of one to three Euros or rounding off the bill is common.
• Dress code for churches : When visiting the numerous beautiful churches in Italy, it's appreciated to cover your shoulders and knees.
• Eat like a Local : Trying local food is half the fun of travel. Enjoy hearty Italian meals and make sure to try regional dishes.
• Safety : Italy is generally safe, but pickpocketing remains an issue. As always, it’s important to remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions, particularly in crowded areas.

Remember, travel destinations are about breaking away from the hustle of everyday life, discovering new cultures, cuisines, and people, and creating lasting memories. [Images depicting local food, people at a public transport station, and some safety signs should be spread throughout this section].

Enjoy your trip and say "Ciao" to Italy on our behalf. Buon Viaggio (Safe Travels)!

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

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

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How to Create the Perfect Italy Itinerary for Any Trip

Goddess of Trip Planning || creative commons photo by Sunilbhar

I know how it goes. You start planning a trip to Italy and you get all excited, madly pinning pretty pictures to Pinterest boards and bookmarking a whole bunch of things you want to see or do. Inevitably, you’ll end up with a list as long as your arm, and not nearly enough time to accomplish it all.

That’s when I hear from you.

For as long as I’ve been writing about traveling in Italy, the most common question I get is some version of “would you help me with my Italy itinerary?” Sometimes you’ve got an itinerary basically laid out and you just want someone else’s stamp of approval. Sometimes you’re just starting and are overwhelmed by the options. In any event, while I help everyone who writes to me as much as I can, the truth is that you are the one who’s best equipped to determine what the ideal Italy trip is for you. In order to do that, you just need a few guidelines to get started.

So, in keeping with my overall belief that you’ll get more out of your travel experiences if you do some of the planning yourself , I bring you my tips for how you can create the perfect Italy itinerary – no matter where you think you want to go or for how long.

>> Find out more about why I don’t offer Italy travel planning services

This is what I do when I’m planning my own Italy trips, or trips anywhere, really. I’ve found them to be an excellent basis for creating an itinerary, and once you’ve got the basics down you’ll make more educated decisions when you want to tweak them slightly.

Are you ready to craft your own perfect Italy itinerary, tailored specifically to you? Let’s get started.

Want something to get you thinking? Here’s my perfect two-week Italy itinerary .

Step 1: Get Yourself a Good Map of Italy

Map of Italy

A geography lesson may not be your idea of the first step to an itinerary – especially if you’re going to be taking the trains in Italy and not driving anywhere – but trust me, it helps immensely.

You don’t need an intricately-detailed map with every tiny town or road on it, you just need to be able to see the locations of places you may want to go. In other words, it needs to show more city labels than just Rome, Florence, and Venice.

Online maps can serve this purpose really well, as long as you remember to zoom out far enough now and then to see places in relation to one another.

Step 2: Start a List of the Places You Want to Go in Italy

Make a list || creative commons photo by Brendan DeBrincat

This is probably what you’ve already been doing, and this is the sort of “brainstorming” portion of the exercise – so jot down anything that comes to mind, whether it’s a restaurant you’ve read about or a museum you want to check out or just a list of places based on photos you’ve seen.

We all have that “I absolutely, positively must go there ” feeling about whatever trip we’re planning – sometimes it’s that sort of random inspiration that makes us book plane tickets in the first place. This is the time to make sure all of those things are accounted for. I’d even suggest that you don’t worry about being too terribly realistic yet about how much time you have – you’ll have to get realistic later. Have some fun now.

Step 3: Plot Those Places on Your Map

Aspirational travel goals || creative commons photo by Caitlin Regan

This is when the rubber begins to meet the proverbial road. Take the list you created in step two and find those places on the map you procured in step one. Use push-pins, post-it flags, or Google’s teardrop icons – whatever suits you, so long as it’s removable.

Why bother with this level of detail so early in the planning process? There are two reasons that it makes sense.

• You may be able to see more or less the order your itinerary should take, knowing that you want to avoid back-tracking as much as possible (it’s just a waste of your precious vacation time, in my opinion).
• You may also get a sense of how do-able your dream list is, if you’ve got dots scattered at all corners of the country and only a week or two for your trip.

Step 4: Research Transportation Times

Watching Italy go by from the train || creative commons photo by Rhonda Oglesby

Now that you’ve got your dream list mapped out, you should start to see something of a route forming. This is when you open up the Trenitalia site on your computer and start to get an idea of how long it takes to get around in Italy .

I can almost hear you saying, “But wait, I haven’t even finalized my itinerary yet – how am I supposed to be booking train tickets already?” You’re not booking anything yet, so don’t worry. This isn’t about picking a departure time or reserving seats on the train, this is about being aware of how many hours it takes to get from Point A to Point B in Italy. Just knowing that you’ll start one day in Rome and end it in Venice isn’t enough information – and you’ll understand why when you look at those two cities on your map. The amount of time you spend in transit is withdrawing time from each of the places you’re visiting, and I always find that annoying. I don’t go to Italy just to sit on trains, after all.

So, yes – I believe this is an important step in the process, and I think you’ll thank me later.

Now, don’t worry about dates when you’re looking up train times on the Trenitalia site. You don’t have dates yet, you just need to see how long average train trips take between two points (including train changes, if necessary). Focus primarily on the destinations that seem farthest apart on the map, but keep in mind that some places that seem close are longer-than-you-would-think train trips because they’re not Italy’s high speed trains. Keep track of all these train times, as you’ll use it to help decide whether or not to include places in your itinerary.

Oh, and if you’ll be driving around Italy instead of taking the train, then I like the Via Michelin site for similar information – driving times, distances, and cost (gas and tolls, where applicable).

Step 5: Create a Trip Calendar

Calendar || creative commons photo by Dafne Cholet

Next, you’ll bring in the pesky component of time. How long is your vacation? Whatever the duration of the trip (including the time it takes to get there and back), this is the part where I like to go old-school with a calendar-style grid. I print out a sheet of paper with big boxes, one for each day, and I label the dates with a pen. Then I use pencil to start filling in the days.

And I do a lot of erasing.

(If the calendar-style grid doesn’t work for you, I also know people who put the dates they’re traveling list-style down one side of a page, filling in each day’s activities or destinations to the right. Find a style that works for you. I just think it’s helpful to be able to see the whole thing at once, on one page.)

Those notes you took in step four about transit times? You’ll put that information on the appropriate days on your calendar, so you’ll know how long you’ll be traveling on your travel days (and, consequently, how much time you’ll have that day in your start city and end city, too).

Hmm… It looks like you’ve run out of days on your calendar, but that dream list you made in step two still has stuff on it. Now what?

Step 6: Make Some Tough Decisions

Flipping a coin || creative commons photo by Nicu Buculel

Yeah, I know. Cutting some places out isn’t as fun as step two was. But, unless you’ve got unlimited vacation time, it’s a necessary step.

This is, incidentally, where I hear from many of you. How on earth are you supposed to choose what gets nixed? It’s not easy, and there are also some factors to consider that may help make it a little less painful.

• Make priority lists. Think about how you’ll feel on the plane ride home at the end of this trip you’re planning. Complete this sentence: “I will consider the trip a failure if I have not seen ____.” Choose 2-3 things or places that meet that criteria, and put those at the top of your list. Be honest with yourself about what can be considered second-tier or even third-tier priorities.
• Go back to step one and look at the map again. If you’ve only got a week or two and you’ve got 12 cities from Turin to Palermo on your list, you already know that’s not realistic. Seeing just how far apart those places are (step one), and knowing how long it takes to get from place to place (step four) can help make eliminating some of the places on your dream list much easier.
• Look at weather forecasts. You may have always had your heart set on sunbathing in Positano, but if your vacation time falls in November you’re going to want to make other plans. Italy is a year-round tourist destination, that is true, but some activities and destinations are not ideal year-round. Always take Italy’s weather into consideration during your trip planning.
• Check your calendar against Italy’s holiday calendar. Perhaps you’ve always dreamed of strolling the alleys of Venice, finding its quiet corners. If your trip happens to fall during Venice’s annual Carnevale celebrations , you won’t find any quiet anywhere. Not only that, you’ll find prices on accommodation (if any is to be found) have skyrocketed. So consult not only the Italian weather and your own calendar, but also Italy’s holiday calendar to see what might be going on when you’re there.
• Skip any semi-duplicate destinations. I would never suggest that there are exact copies of, well, anything in Italy… And yet? If you’re looking for ways to cut back on your list of possible destinations, one way to do that is to see if you’ve already got someplace similar on the list. Maybe if Siena is a priority, then you don’t need to also visit Lucca or Cortona. Maybe if the Amalfi Coast is on your must-see list, then you don’t also need to detour to the Cinque Terre. There is something unique and wonderful about every one of those places – I’m not saying they are stand-ins for one another. I am saying that if they offer a similar flavor, then that might be a reason to skip one or the other.
• Flip a coin, pick names from a hat, draw straws… If you really can’t decide, then make something arbitrary your decision-making tool. The thing is, you may find that you really do care in your heart of hearts – that you’re rooting for heads vs. tails, for instance – and that’s the message you weren’t allowing yourself to admit. It could be a gut-check, it could just be a quick way to make decisions. Either way, it may just work for you.

The bottom line here is that Italy has been there for many, many years, and it will still be there after you’ve taken this trip. All of the work you put into creating your dream list in step two? It’ll come in handy when you pick up where you left off and start planning your next Italy trip – maybe even on the flight home.

Step 7: Start Booking Stuff

Tickets to ride || creative commons photo by Pete

Huzzah! You’ve done all the prep-work necessary, and now you can move forward confidently with booking whatever you need for your trip.

You may already have your plane tickets for Italy sorted out, and you may be one of those kinds of travelers who prefers to book lodging as you go (more power to you – I like knowing where I’m going to sleep), but even if that’s true you still probably have train tickets to buy (and don’t forget, train tickets and train reservations aren’t the same thing !) and perhaps some tours to book (city tours, museum tickets that can be purchased in advance, cooking classes or other lessons, etc.).

Whatever I book at this stage, I put the information in the calendar I created in step five. And there’s typically no second-guessing myself at this point, either, because I’ve done all the research listed above and I’m feeling confident about my itinerary choices. I find that it actually makes the booking process a piece of cake.

As an aside, while I use and love the TripIt app for corralling all the details of my travels when I’m on the road, I actually leave a cleaned-up and printed-out copy of the calendar I started in step five with my mom, house-sitter, and anyone else who may need emergency info while I’m gone. So the calendar comes in handy yet again, when you’re all done with the planning.

And if you still have questions at this point, please send them my way – I am always thrilled to hear from you, I really am. Just remember that I am wired to give you as much ownership of your trip as possible, so although I will help you make decisions that make sense for your trip, I’m still going to hope that it’s you making the decisions.

Well, what do you think? Do you have a tried-and-true method of trip planning that’s different from mine?

35 responses to “How to Create the Perfect Italy Itinerary for Any Trip”

I found this article quite interesting since it supplements a lot of what we have already done. My husband and I have reservations to stay in Florence arriving Mid December, spending Christmas there and ending our trip New Years in Venice that weekend. Question…we eliminated going to Cinque Terre due to weather that time of year. We want to visit Tuscany and loving wines we want to travel that region. Going to Siena is top priority as well. Which other city within the time constraints we have would u recommend visiting? Milan, Bologna, Naples? We can still change itinerary but are very interested in seeing Florence…..thoughts? Love the Christmas spirit in Europe!

Thanks for the note, Ida! If you like wine, you can find vineyards just about everywhere – but Tuscany is a famous wine producing region, for sure. It sounds like you’ve got about a week in between Florence and Venice, yes? If you’ll already be spending some of that in Siena, you could certainly spend the rest in Bologna en route toward Venice – it’s a serious food-lover’s city (and region). Verona isn’t far from Venice, either, and is close to the Valpolicella wine region, if you wanted to incorporate another wine-focused area into your trip.

This is one of the best articles I have read in regards to trying to set my Italy itinerary. Myself and my friend will be in Italy from March 21 to March 30. This is my dream trip and I am the planner (she is more go with the flow). I am planning our trip not with a strict hourly schedule but just an idea of what we would like to see each day. Our flights are booked as well as hotels and train tickets between Venice-Florence-Rome (I do not have the times yet). My biggest challenge is trying to decide if we should walk everywhere, when we should take a bus or taxi and if we do that how we go about doing that. I would love to be able to send my sample itinerary to you or someone who could let me know if it looks do able or if I should start cutting some things. I still have time since our trip is not until March 🙂 Thank you

Hi, Michelle, and thanks for the comment! I’m not a travel planner, but I do think if you’re going through the steps I outlined in this article you’ll be fine in terms of your itinerary. The big thing is that so many people forget to consider transit times, so as long as you know how long it will take to get from place to place you won’t be caught off-guard. As for the questions of getting around within a city, that depends on the city. Venice and Florence are easy to explore on foot (the outer islands of Venice by boat, obviously), but in Rome it’s handy to use the buses to cover more ground. Here’s my article about getting around in Rome .

thank you for the information. i agree on the planning stages and drawing it out. question, we are planning 8 days in the italian lake region. spending 2 days in stresa, 3 in varenna and 3 on lake garda visiting family. we land at malpensa and have a car. should we visit stresa first or varenna. Garda is last.

also any suggestions on where to stay. all the options on websites is overwhelming.

Thanks for the note, Liliane. I don’t know that it matters much which place you visit first – again, I’d look at transportation times, how long it takes to drive, and see what route makes the most sense. You might also consult the open hours/days of the things you want to visit in each town, to make sure something isn’t closed on a Monday when that turns out to be your only full day there (that sort of thing). And I’m afraid I don’t have any particular suggestions on where to stay – there are so many options, you’re right! I tend to look for places that aren’t as fancy, but still have a decent location so I can walk to the sights.

We are planning to go to Italy this summer with my kids. My partner and I would like to get married there and are wondering if you have any suggestions? It would be just the 5 of us, and were thinking of Tuscany.

Are you asking for information about getting married in Italy, or simply the travel part? If it’s the latter, then the article on which you’re commenting is truly the best place to start. Here’s my Tuscany guide for additional information.

I have 7 days booked in Florence in April, 2018. It is my second trip there. I have a second week to plan and have already done Rome and Venice. Would consider Milan and Lake Como area or an easy to get to bordering country. I am pretty open to other suggestions. This year we visited Nice and Paris so those are not a consideration this time. I only want areas with public transportation or good day trips.

I love your articles.

Thanks for the nice comment, Joann! Other than public transportation or good day trips, what are you looking for in a destination? Museums? Lots of restaurant options? Places to just relax? City vs. countryside?

Hi Jessica,

Thanks for this post. I’ve been a little stuck with planning an itinerary for my husband and myself for an Italy trip in April/May next year. We land on a Sunday morning and fly out the following Saturday afternoon – so not loads of time. Luckily we’ve both been before and have done all the “Holy Trinity” sites plus Tuscany. Our plan is to get a booking at a certain famous restaurant in Modena but beyond that we don’t know where we should go. I was thinking of staying in Modena and just doing day trips (to Florence, Bologna maybe, Pisa and Venice) but would you recommend spending a couple of nights anywhere else? We’ve never been to Cinque Terre or Milan or Genova or Verona, but I’m not sure if those places warrant overnight stays with such a short trip. We love food, wine and sightseeing, and are particularly keen on exploring interesting cities. Would appreciate any insight or help you could give us. 🙂 Thank you!

If dining at Osteria Francescana is your top priority, get that scheduled first and build the rest of the trip around it, based on when during that week you can get a reservation. Personally, I’d stay in one place and do day trips, but that’s me… Though I say that partly because you’ve been before and are now on the next tier of sightseeing, as it were. Depending on when you get a reservation, if it’s not smack in the middle of that week, you could split your time between two places as home bases from which to explore on day trips. You didn’t say where you’re flying in/out of, but take that into consideration when you think about another place to stay for a few days.

hi, i just found your blog after random searches to help me plan our anniversary (and first!) trip to italy. i have about 17 days or so, and when i travel i really like to get a feel for an area, not go place to place to place to mark off that i’ve been there. that being said, i want to spend actual time in cinque terre, not just a day trip or even an overnight. i want to relax, go to the beach, and enjoy the views. in your opinion, what is too long a time there? i was thinking a day to enjoy each village, while staying in riomaggiore. so actual time in CT would be 5 days. is that insane? i really don’t want to give up and plan an escorted tour that only gives me one day there, but i find this task and this trip so incredibly daunting and headache inducing. some info-May 2018, we are coming from Philadelphia, so i have to see the best place to fly into, and then basically book the whole trip around the availability of places in CT. we will not be renting a car this trip and want to use trains as main mode of transportation. as far as time in other cities, my husband is not as into museums as i am. in the louvre, we saw the big three and that’s it. b/c of this, i think i could have less time in other cities on your two week itinerary b/c we aren’t going to be spending alllll day in museums. thoughts? thank you for any insight. when i stop feeling overwhelmed, i will continue through the rest of this blog. b

Personally, I don’t think I’d stay in the Cinque Terre for five full days, unless you wanted to do lots of hiking (the trail that links the five towns plus all the other hikes in the hills behind them) and visit nearby spots on half-day trips. The CT beaches aren’t great – the only one that’s really good for lounging on is the one in Monterosso, and even that’s not particularly noteworthy – so if beaches are a top priority the CT might not be the right destination. Having said that, the villages are lovely, and taking a few days to meander rather than power-hike through all five in one day (which is totally possible) is a much more relaxing way to visit the area.

I hope that helps, and that the rest of the site helps you feel less overwhelmed! 🙂

thanks so much for your reply, i appreciate your insight! b

Hi – I am just starting to plan a trip in October 2018 and am very much a novice regarding Italy. Your articles have been so helpful! it will probably be a 7-9 day trip, with at least 3 nights in the Tuscany region. Where would you recommend next? We are a food and wine loving group! thanks for any suggestions! Nancy

Thanks for the note, Nancy, and I’m glad the site is proving useful to you. If you’re primarily interested in food and wine, I’d point you toward the Emilia-Romagna and Piedmont regions. Especially in October, harvest season, you’d find both especially delicious, I think. Here’s my article about wine tasting in Italy , too.

Hi there. What a wonderful site. I am planning my honeymoon for Oct 2, 1017 and am overwhelmed. We have never been to Italy. We have our flights booked, fly into Venice and out from Nice, France. So we are a clean slate. We love to walk cute city streets, wine, good food, shopping, sight seeing and nature (not for hikes mind you lol) We are open to traveling by car or train. We are not sure how far south to travel, or if we should stay above the map line hitting Florence as the farthest city to travel to before making our way to France. If you have any time to assist me that would be great. I am finding this trip to plan a bit out of my comfort zone. Thanks so much and greatly appreciate any response.

If you’re more comfortable with an itinerary suggestion as a starting point, Alysha, take a look at my “ perfect two-week Italy itinerary ” as a good starting point. I’ve also got a romantic two-week Italy itinerary suggestion, and – depending on your timeframe – a few options for a one-week Italy trip . I hope those help!

Hi Jessica, great articles and very helpful for international travel novices. My wife and I are planning our ‘kids have finally all grown up and finished school’ trip…..Italy is our place of long term dream. We are looking to go late August into September for 4 weeks in total. Planning for Florence, Rome, Naples and either Milan or Venice. Possibly a week in each location. We are going to soak up the ‘life’ of Italy and also food / culture. Based on this time of year what would your suggested travel itinerary be (i.e. if we land in Rome and depart from there what would be your ‘flow’ of travel for this time of year). Many thanks

The article above is really the best advice I have on planning a route, based on transit times, weather, holidays, and whatnot. I prefer not to backtrack if I don’t have to, so if (for instance) you start in Rome and end up in the north, either Milan or Venice, I’d look into flying out of one of those airports. That helps you maximize your actual time on the ground.

Great many thanks Jessica. Would a week in each location we choose be too much or should we shorten a few of the planned spots a little and look at a few extras?

If you’ve already seen that there are multiple museums or attractions you want to see in each place, then a week will give you time to see them at a relaxed pace. A week also means you’ll have time to take day trips from each place, should you choose.

Jessica, Great travel tips. Celebrating my 50th birthday in Italy next June. First time there. Flying into Rome on a Sat afternoon and leaving Milan the following Sunday. How would you structure our trip through the Holy Trinity in terms of the number of days in each city, potential side trip if possible? Should we do a structured tour or go on our own? Do we need a car? My 2 teenage girls are coming with us.

It sounds like you could use my suggestions for a one-week Italy itinerary to start with. Each one covers the “Holy Trinity,” plus a side trip or two. In each case, I also recommend an “open-jaw” ticket and traveling by train.

I am visiting Italy in February 2018 from Feb 8th to Feb 14th (flying back home from Milan on 15th morning). I did definitely like to visit Venice during the carnival and murano/burano. Also, either CT or Amalfi coast after Rome and Florence. I am not much into museums and would just want to visit Rome and Florence for the touristy spots. I plan to travel through trains. I would not mind cutting out either Rome or Florence out of the itinerary completely. I am more into country-side and picturesque places. It would be great if you could help me with a proper itinerary.

I don’t do travel planning for people, which is why I wrote up the article above – it’s the exact steps I’d go through to plan any trip of my own. If you want to plan your own trip, I’d suggest going through the article above for suggestions on how to do that. If you want someone else to plan your trip, I can refer you to friends who do that for a living.

Hi Jessica. Found you as the first “hit” on Google-“two weeks in Italy”! We have 2 weeks Sept/Oct 2018 and love your itinerary. I would love to see Sardinia! How crazy is that?

It really all depends on whether you think you have enough time to get there and back AND see what you want to see in Sardinia. Going through the steps outlined in this article, I’d concentrate on transportation times and whatever must-see list you’ve got for Sardinia to determine whether it makes sense or not. And, of course, you can always cut out something in my suggested itinerary if Sardinia takes precedence!

Hi Jessica, came across your posts when searching two week trips to Italy, very helpful. Just looking for any suggestions you may have in regards to what we are looking to do. We are not huge history buffs but we enjoy good food, wine, shopping, country settings and taking in nice scenery. We will be in Italy for 2 weeks starting the first of September. We will fly into Venice and will fly out of Rome two weeks later. Thinking of going Venice-Bologna-Florence-Tuscany-Rome. Does this seem reasonable to you? We would day trip from some of the City’s. It would also be nice to visit a cliff side town. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated..Thanks

I think the article on which you’ve commented is really the best place to start to see if your proposed itinerary suits you. It’s hard to tell what you mean when you say “Tuscany,” since it’s not a small region, but if you’ve got a rental car and just want to wander aimlessly then Tuscany is a good place to do that. (The rest of your itinerary is awful for having a car, though.)

Hi Jessica, Thanks for all of the great info! I’ve been researching and stressing until I found your blog and finally felt a bit of peace! However I wanted your opinion about booking hotels in advance. In the states we go on many road trips and always book hotels last minute just to give us more flexibility. Is this a bad idea to do in Italy? We are going in less than a week and I haven’t booked ANY hotels! The reason is I am not certain of how many days to spend in each city. My husband and I are traveling with our 2 children (4&2) for two weeks. We are starting in Paris for 2-3 days and then heading to Cinque Terre, Venice, Florence, Amalfi, and Rome. Realistically, this is probably the only time we will get to visit Italy so I want to explore as much as we can at a comfortable pace for the kids (they are used to long road trips and do great traveling). Anyways, do you think we will be ok with booking hotels as we go or should I book everything now? Any other advice for us based on our plan? Thanks so much in advance!

People certainly go to Italy without reservations booked in advance, so it’s not that it’s a bad idea per se… It’s just that you’ll need to be prepared to spend time looking for accommodation each day. And how tough that is will depend on where you stop for the night. You can book the next stop before you leave the previous one, too, to take a little bit of the guesswork out of it. Personally, I like knowing where I’m going to lie down every night, so I book ahead. But I’m also a hyper-planner, so that M.O. doesn’t work for everyone! 🙂

Hi, My husband and I are flying in and out of Rome. We have 8 full days and two travel days. How would you plan the trip? Head right to Venice after the flight and travel down to Rome? Or spend half to trip in Rome and Florence and take a few side day trips? Thanks for your help….we need it!

I’d go through the steps outlined in the article above! 🙂 Keep in mind that even if I design suggested itineraries as starting in Venice, yours can start anywhere – my overall point is to take into consideration where your inbound and outbound flights are when you’re figuring out your route. Here are some suggested one-week Italy itineraries that may help get you started.

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Fearlessly Italy

The Ultimate Italy Travel Guide – A Local’s Guide To Traveling To Italy

Even though a popular tourist destination, when planning a trip to Italy , there are several things to keep in mind, especially if it’s your first time. Our extensive Italy travel guide will cover the most important steps to organizing the trip and all the useful information that you need to save in order to avoid surprises and know what to do if a problem arises.

From how to get to Italy, to how to get around to a detailed cost breakdown, this is a complete checklist that allows you to start planning right away.

Being a very tourist-friendly country, the planning process is pretty straightforward. But like for every trip out of your comfort zone, careful preparation will make things easier and smoother once you are here.

Apart from the necessary planning tips, our Italy travel guide will cover essential information including the important numbers you need to save, how to get to Italy, how to move around the country, and a detailed cost breakdown.

Table of Contents

Travel Guide To Italy – What To Know Before Planning Your Italy Trip

What do you need to know before traveling to Italy? Apart from basic facts like currency, how to apply for a visa, and deciding whether you should visit Northern Italy or Southern Italy , we suggest you start booking hotels and transportation in advance to find better prices and more places. This is particularly important if you are traveling in the high season.

With our Italy travel guide, we give you the tools to organize a trip on your own. But if you’d rather sit and relax and delegate all things logistics, below you will find also a choice of the best companies for top Italy tours , including Italy bike tours and Italy food tours , both complete packages and day trips.

Italy Facts

• Language: Italian plus German and French in some regions and local dialects that change depending on cities, towns, and small villages.
• Population: Around 60 million according to 2019 stats.
• Size: 331.338 km².
• Government: Republic, EU member, Schengen area.
• Currency: Euro.
• Borders: France, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, San Marino, Vatican.
• Regions: 20.

How To Get To Italy

The most common way to reach Italy is by far by plane. All airlines fly to Italy from all over the world, both flag carriers such as British Airways, Air France, Lufthansa, Etihad, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Air China, Air India, and low-cost airlines such as Wizz Air, RyanAir, EasyJet, Vueling.

Apart from the major international airports of Rome’s Fiumicino and Milan’s Malpensa, there are flights from other European hubs to Italian cities like Florence, Venice, Naples, Cagliari, Alghero and Olbia in Sardinia, Palermo and Catania in Sicily, Bologna and more.

Click here for the prices and to book your flight

You can reach Italy by railway both with day and night trains from several European countries such as Austria, France, Germany, and Switzerland, and with a few changes and also connections to cities in Spain and Eastern Europe.

Recently there has been a revival of night trains as they are seen as a more sustainable way of traveling by many and an alternative to airplanes. After a steady decline in the past decades, now all over Europe, long-distance rides and night trains are becoming a new favorite, like the scenic ride you can enjoy on the Paris to Switzerland train .

Booking a train trip is perfect especially for slow travelers, because you can stop in several places and also enjoy cities originally not on your bucket list.

Click here to check the timetables and book your train

By ferry/cruise

You can reach Italy also by ferry from different countries such as France, Greece and Spain. In the high season, meaning summer and close to Christmas, there certainly are more ferries and cruises, but you can book trips pretty much all year long.

Some of the main ferry companies are Grimaldi, Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV), and Tirrenia. You can reach Genoa from Barcelona with Grandi Navi Veloci, and from several Greek cities, you can reach Venice, Brindisi, Ancona, and Bari with companies like Blue Star Ferries, Superfast Ferries, and Fragline Ferries. Grimaldi and Tirrenia connect Italy also to Tunisi while Marmara Lines to Cesme in Turkey, Virtu Ferries connects Sicily to Malta and Jadrolinija connects Dubrovnik to Bari in Puglia, southern Italy.

Click here to check the prices and book your ferry

Best Time To Visit Italy

Any time is good to visit Italy, where to go in Europe with kids for a dream holiday. Each season has its own perks. Summer is usually hot everywhere, so you might prefer to visit the coast and be close to the sea or a lake, or maybe be in the mountains where the air is fresh. Summer is also the most crowded season, so you will always need to queue to enter major landmarks. Obviously, it’s also the season when the weather is more stable and you will need to pack fewer clothes.

Fall and Spring are lovely seasons to visit the cities as they are not too crowded nor too hot or cold. Bot Fall and Spring can give you some showers, but then the nice weather comes back. Usually, fall is rainier than April or May , which are among the best months to choose if you are booking a walking holiday in Italy .

Winter is the season for skiing, so Valle d’Aosta, Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino Alto Adige are pretty busy. However, in many Italian regions , winter is quite mild and properly dressed, you can visit big cities and small towns without problems.

How To Get An Italian Visa

Italy is in the Schengen area, so if you are doing a European road trip and were granted a visa to another Schengen country, you can also visit Italy. If you are applying just for Italy, you need to check with the Italian embassy or consulate in your country to make sure what are the requirements and what documents you need to submit.

First of all, inquire if you need a visa because not all nationalities do. To find out if you do need a visa and what procedure you need to follow, answer a few easy questions on the Italy Foreign Ministry’s website . I always recommend checking with the local consulate in your country as the time it takes to issue the visa depends a lot on where you are located and also on your nationality.

How long should you stay In Italy?

The duration of your Italy trip really depends on how many holidays you have, how much you want to visit and ultimately, also on your budget.

If it’s your first trip and you really want to visit all the major cities, I suggest no less than ten days. With ten days at your disposal, you would ideally be doing a Venice-Florence-Rome itinerary with no time for day trips. If you spend two weeks in Italy , it’s more likely that you can take some day trips from the main cities or include other places such as Naples or the Cinque Terre, also very touristy.

All a different matter is if it’s not your first time in Italy and you have already visited the main destinations. This way, you can even devote a week to a single region or a few days for a city break, especially if you live in another European country a few hours plane away.

How To Get Around Italy

If you are planning a road trip, you can rent a car wherever you land in Italy. With a navigator that is now included in many rental cars or even your Google Maps app, it will be easy to find your way. Around Italy, from a region/city to another, you will likely enter high-speed highways with a toll. Sardinia is the only region without highways. Although, the navigator will tell you when you are going to a paid highway and sometimes will also give you the option to choose a toll-free route.

Something you need to pay attention to is the ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone) imposed in many cities including Rome and Florence, but also small towns like Bracciano, near Rome. If you are renting a car, make sure you pick your hotel out of the ZTL because fines are pretty high. Some day and some hours, ZTL gates are open, so you can get through, but when they are closed, only authorized vehicles can. Check out the municipality website of each city you are driving to.

To rent a car in Italy, you need to be 23 or 25, depending on the agency, and extra-EU citizens also need an international license, which you can get in your home country.

Click here to rent your car

If you’d rather not drive and visit mainly the biggest cities, traveling by train in Italy is easy and straightforward. The railway network in Italy is pretty widespread, especially going northward. Trains stop in all the big cities, most towns and also many smaller villages. If you are visiting smaller villages, chances are that you will need a car (or a tour) for the surroundings, unless you are interested in the village itself.

Traveling by train is easy also because from one city to the next, you will directly get to the historic center so ready for sightseeing. This will make it also possible to stay less in each place and still visit a lot.

Click here to check timetables and book your train

Another way to travel around Italy is by plane. You can find most cities connected through the flag carrier Alitalia but also other regional airlines such as Meridiana for Sardinia, and low-cost airlines such as Ryanair and EasyJet.

While traveling by railway is easy and can take you to many cities, if you are in the north and want to reach the south, a flight is the fastest way. Or also if you want to travel to Sardinia, you can either choose the ferry or the plane.

There are several flights every day from and to Rome Fiumicino, Milano Malpensa, and Milano Linate, being among the biggest airports. But also airports like Cagliari-Elmas, Olbia-Costa Smeralda, Palermo, Venezia and Bologna are pretty busy.

The tickets are not too expensive and it applies the general rule that by booking in advance you can find better offers and promotions. Sometimes it’s also possible to find last-minute offers and plan some detours from your original itinerary or add more places to visit.

Click here to check the prices and book your flight

This is probably the cheapest option but also a slow and, sometimes, limiting one. There are several extra-urban coaches that connect different cities and different regions. For example, you can book a bus from Rome to Sicily, but it will obviously take much longer than the plane and also the train.

Sita – www.sitabus.it (soprattutto per le tratte da Veneto, Toscana, Campania, Basilicata e Puglia), Arpa – www.arpaonline.it in Abruzzo, Sais – www.saistrasporti.it in Sicilia, Busweb – www.busweb.it, Saj – www.saj.it in Calabria, Marino – www.marinobus.it in Puglia e Basilicata, Arst in Sardegna, Sena – www.sena.it in Toscana, Autostradale – www.autostradale.it in Lombardia, Busitalia in Umbria.

Click here to check timetables and book your bus

To reach the islands you can opt for the ferry instead of the plane. Some of the companies operating the ferry routes to and from Sardinia are Tirrenia, Grimaldi, GNV and Sardinia Ferries, with Tirrenia being the one that operates the whole year.

To reach Sicily, there are also Caronte & Tourist, Liberty Lines and TTTLines. You can reach Sicily from Cagliari, Civitavecchia, Naples, Salerno, Livorno, Reggio Calabria, Genoa.

The Italian ports from where you can board to reach Sardinia Civitavecchia near Rome, Livorno, Genoa, Naples and Palermo.

How Much Does A Holiday In Italy Cost? Expenses Breakdown

Your Italy trip doesn’t have to be expensive. The overall budget depends on many factors, such as the season, the places you want to visit, the type of hotel you want to book and the type of restaurants you want to try.

Ideally, a holiday in Rome would be more expensive than a trip to Sardinia. But this is not always the case. For example, if in Sardinia you are aiming at a 5-star resort in the exclusive Costa Smeralda, your holiday will certainly be more expensive than booking a guest house or an apartment in Rome, even those in the city center.

Here I’m going to do a costs breakdown for a typical trip to Italy of medium budget. Choosing a higher or lower lifestyle, will make your costs go up or down.

Travel Insurance

A very popular travel insurance is World Nomads . Their rates vary depending on the options, how long is the trip, and how many people are traveling. As per some examples, for 10 days in Italy for one 30-year-old traveler, the standard coverage costs about 75$, while for a 2-week Italy trip for a family of three with a mother, father, and 4-year-old toddler, the standard coverage will be around 275$.

Transportation from the airport

This depends on where you land and where you are going from the airport. But since one of the most common airports is Rome’s Fiumicino, you can already take note of some 50/60 euro Roman taxi fare to the city, while from Ciampino is a bit cheaper, around 30 euro. The price from the local airport to Florence is less than 25 euro, while in Milan, from Malpensa airport to the city is almost 100 euro. You can also check Uber services in different Italian cities if they are more convenient than regular taxis.

Obviously, you can opt for public transportation, either train or coach, and it would be much cheaper. From Fiumicino to Roma Termini train station is 14 euro for the direct train called Leonardo Express, while if you want to get off at other minor stations, you can take the train to Ostiense that costs 8 euro and stops in stations such as Trastevere and Ostiense. Check out Omio for timetables and tickets.

Transportation around Italy

The costs of moving around in Italy vary according to your transportation choices. As mentioned above, the cheapest way to move around is by bus, but if you are short in time, this might not be ideal.

Train travel in Italy is not too expensive especially if you plan your trip, and purchase your tickets, in advance. As an example, a train ticket from Rome to Milan is about 80 euros if you buy it a couple of weeks in advance, while it can cost you some 100 euros if you purchase it the days before the journey.

The ticket from Rome to Florence costs around 40/45 euros. Sometimes you can also find offers for 25 euros. If you are interested in taking some day trips from Florence, tickets to Pisa, Siena or Lucca are all less than 10 euros. If you are going south, a trip to Naples from Rome is about 40 euro, and from Naples to reach Pompeii is around 4 euros. Prices change also depending on the season.

Renting a car is not necessarily more expensive but obviously you also need to consider the price of petrol. Check out Discover Cars for rates and promotions.

Depending on the city and on the season, your hotel rates will vary enormously. Booking in advance can make quite the difference and also choosing an apartment instead of a hotel can be much cheaper.

Cities like Florence and Venice are usually more expensive when it comes to accommodation, while smaller towns and lesser-visited regions like Marche or Basilicata offer less costly options.

To mention some examples of what we paid during our trips, in Florence , we booked a guesthouse we didn’t particularly love some half an hour walk from the historic center in May and we paid 62 euros per night for a double room. On our two-day trip to Milan , we booked and enjoyed Delle Nazioni Milan Hotel , very close to the main train station Stazione Centrale, and we paid 122 euros for two nights in June.

In Turin , we booked an apartment for 202 euros for 4 nights and we loved our stay there. Although it wasn’t in the city center, it was easy to reach by tram and the flat was comfortable and equipped with everything we needed.

When it comes to Sardinia, on the other hand, we stayed in Mamoiada, Nuoro province, for the Mamuthones festival and a B&B cost us 80 euro per night, while in Olbia in August, we paid 120 euro per night for a double room comprehensive of baby’s cot.

Apart from the city center of the major tourist destinations, especially Venice, eating in Italy is not too expensive. In average restaurants, a starter, a side dish and the dessert range around 5 to 6 euros, the first course of pasta or rice can be prices between 10 to 18 euros, while the main course is usually between 15 and 25 euros. Wines make the price go up whether you order a bottle or just a glass.

A sandwich ( panino ) in a bar or coffee shop is usually around 2 to 5 euros, a salad maximum of 10 euros. Sometimes you can also buy one of the always more popular Buddha bowls take-away for some 10 euros and have it in your hotel room.

Gelato can cost around 2 to 4 euros depending on how many scoops and what type of cone or cup you choose. High-quality artisan gelato is not more expensive than an industrial ice-cream, but the taste and experience are much different, so make sure you know what and where to buy yours.

What To Visit In Italy

Let’s face it, this is a bit tricky because there are just too many places to visit in Italy. If you have never been, you might want to visit major cities or popular areas. Some of the places to visit in Italy if it’s your first trip:

No need for an introduction here. Italy’s capital and an unmissable destination, there are so many things to do in Rome that even if you stay two weeks only here, you won’t run out of places to see. With something for everyone, in Rome, you can spend the whole day sightseeing and never have enough of it. If you are on a classic Italy tour for first-time visitors, you can easily book a Florence to Rome train to reach the capital in an hour and a half.

Explore its ancient ruins such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Baths of Caracalla, the main sights of the Christendom in the Vatican City , famous landmarks such as Piazza Navona, the Pantheon and the Spanish Steps in the historic center, quaint neighborhoods such as Trastevere, and trendy and former working-class districts filled with colorful murals such as Ostiense and Testaccio. Obviously, don’t forget to try some of Rome’s hearty traditional dishes .

Make sure you read our article on the best places to visit near Rome if you can afford more time in the city!

The birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is a must-see for everyone visiting Italy for the first time. Or even the second and the third. If you are into art and beauty, hardly any city can compete.

Start your Florence tour from the Santa Maria del Fiore complex and carry on to see landmarks such as Michelangelo’s David, the Uffizi Gallery, Santa Maria Novella Basilica, Palazzo Pitti, Boboli Garden and more. All without forgetting to try the traditional dishes in the best Florence restaurants .

If you have limited time and are forced to make a choice, our article will help you decide whether you should visit Rome or Florence !

They call it the most romantic city in Italy. Whether you agree or not, Venice is a must-visit. Stroll around its canals and bridges, take a gondola ride, and try the local food. If you are traveling to Italy in winter, try to see Venice Carnival, it’s a beautiful parade of posing, camera-loving masks.

Some of the places to see in Venice are San Marco Piazza and Basilica, the Doge Palace, the Bridges of Sighs and of Rialto, the Jewish Quarter, and the nearby colorful island of Burano.

Milan is often the city where international flights land so you can easily make it the first leg of your itinerary. If you don’t have much time, you can see Milan in one day , while if you can afford a longer stay, you can explore more of its landmarks, nightlife, and restaurants.

Some of the places you should see, whether you stay one or two days in Milan , are the gorgeous Gothic-style Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, Leonardo Da Vinci’s Last Supper, Castello Sforzesco, and La Scala Opera House.

Naples and the Amalfi Coast

Famous all over the world for its landscape and dolce vita lifestyle, the Amalfi Coast, Costiera Amalfitana in Italian, never fails to impress. With places like Positano, Ravello and the same Amalfi, it attracts thousands of tourists every summer.

If you are in Campania, however, you shouldn’t miss its capital, Naples. Gorgeous and historical city, Naples is also the home town of the pizza and many other delicacies. If you are on a weight loss diet, here you will likely cheat on it.

From Naples, you can also take a day trip to see the spectacular ruins of Pompeii and the town of Sorrento on the Bay of Naples.

Cinque Terre

Always more famous and popular among tourists, the Cinque Terre of the Italian Riviera in the Liguria region is a great destination for hikers and sea lovers. Italian for Five Lands, the Cinque Terre are Vernazza, Monterosso Sul Mare, Riomaggiore, Corniglia, and Manarola.

They are picturesque towns on the Ligurian coast in La Spezia province. You can go from one to the next by hiking or by taking the frequent local train. You can either stay in one of the five towns overnight or make it a day trip from Genoa, the capital of the Liguria region.

The Alps and the Dolomites

If you like the mountain, some of the places you should visit are the Dolomites of Trentino Alto Adige or the Alps of Valle d’Aosta.

Your door to the Dolomites can be the cities of Trento and Bolzano , fantastic destinations to explore and where to spend a few days, or other towns in Trentino Alto Adige such as Bressanone and Merano.

You can reach the Dolomites also from the Veneto and Lombardy regions, while a great place to visit high peaks of the Alps is the scenic Valle d’Aosta region on the border with France. Here, you can hike and ski the gorgeous Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa, Cervino and Gran Paradiso, apart from wandering its quaint towns such as Vens.

The Islands: Sardinia and Sicily

Are you coming in summer and want to hit the beaches? What better places than the Italian islands of Sardinia and Sicily? Both islands boast stunning coastline and beautiful beaches all around. It’s the summer holiday paradise for swimming, sunbathing and breathing some fresh air compared to the inland areas far from the sea.

Both Sicily and Sardinia are not known only for their beaches. There are many towns and villages to see if you are a fan of offbeat travel, such as Cabras, Pula, and Fordongianus in Sardinia, or Taormina and Ragusa in Sicily, to name a few.

Don’t miss our guide to the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia .

What To Eat In Italy

With each region and each city boasting its own recipes, deciding what to eat in Italy really depends on where you are traveling to. From breakfast to lunch to dinner, you can experience the typical Italian dining style and try the most popular and traditional dishes in every area.

So if you are in Rome, enjoy your tonnarelli cacio e pepe, bucatini all’amatriciana or spaghetti alla carbonara. In Naples, try their delicious pizza, in Bologna tortellini or lasagna, in Turin, polenta or bagna cauda and in Florence meat-eaters will sure order the Fiorentina steak at least once in their trip.

Some of Italy’s most famous dishes?

• Pizza . No need for an introduction here. You find it all over Italy and everywhere in different ways and shapes. The round on the plate mainly for dinner, except for tourist areas or some restaurants. By the slice with the most different toppings is pretty much all over Italy and it’s a favorite street food.
• Pasta. This, too, in Italy is everywhere. Short, spaghetti, lasagna, ravioli, tortellini, fettuccine, you name it. Each region has its own shape, way to make it and sauce to season it.
• Stews. Made it using different types of meat from lamb to sheep to beef, and different herbs and seasonings. Also the stews you are likely to find them in every region. They mainly are winter dishes, but in tourist areas, you can find them also in summer.
• Pastries and sweets. Don’t even get me started here. From north to south, if you are on a diet when visiting Italy, you will have a hard time refusing a pastry at every occasion. Croissants, bombe, crostata, cakes, tiramisu, panna cotta, gelato, you name it. From breakfast to all throughout the day, you can close off every meal with a dessert.
• Soups. Made with veggies or meat, they sometimes are used as first courses or as a consommé to open the meal.

Shopping in Italy

Whether you are looking for gifts or for something for yourself to remember your trip by, there are plenty of things to buy in Italy .

While clothes and shoes might be too personal, some of the most favorite gifts to bring home to friends and family are a bottle of good wine, some jewelry, accessories like bags (ask for Pollini or Coccinelle), or a piece of local handicraft which can ceramic, glass, or textile.

Some nice and much-appreciated gifts certainly are to be found in the food department. You won’t get it wrong if you buy artisan chocolate, traditional pastries, good-quality Italian pasta, or a good pasta sauce.

Italy tour packages and city day tours

While our Italy travel guide gives you plenty of tools to organize a trip your own, if you want your holiday to be just relaxing and free from all the planning hassle, here are some tour companies and websites providing great expeditions and day trips.

G Adventures

G Adventures organizes 2-week or 10-day tours to Italy striving to give an in-depth experience of the country and its society. With G Adventures, you can either book a classic tour to all the major destinations or some more location-specific trips.

Intrepid Travel

With small group tours, Intrepid Travel promises “real-life experiences”. Their tours go from 14 to as little as 4 days and cover a different range of places and activities such as a retreat in Veneto, a trip to the south from Rome to the Amalfi Coast

Take Walks – Former Walks of Italy

Take Walks is one of my favorites, I took many tours with them and all delivered plenty. They don’t organize full packages around Italy but only day tours or themed tours lasting a few hours in different cities such as Rome , Florence , Venice , and more.

With Take Walks, you can join different types of tours, from cooking classes to day trips to cultural tours to the most important landmarks of a city.

Get Your Guide

Get Your Guide (GYG) is not exactly a tour company but a website where you can book a tour from many different companies and agencies. This is why you will find a huge variety of experiences as well as ticket sales and taxi transfers.

TourRadar is similar to GYG with the difference that they feature companies offering full-package tours so trips of 2 weeks, ten days, one week, or even a month.

Useful sentences when you travel to Italy

No Italy travel guide is complete without some useful expressions you might need in Italy, especially in non-touristy areas. Here are some to remember:

• Buongiorno – Good morning
• Buonasera – Good evening
• Buonanotte – Goodnight
• Arrivederci – Goodbye
• Grazie – Thank you
• Sì/No – Yes/No
• Ciao – Hi

Check out our guide to greetings in Italian

Daily-use phrases

• Che ora è? – What time 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

Eating/At the restaurant

• Colazione – Breakfast
• Pranzo – Lunch
• Cena – Dinner
• Ristorante – Restaurant
• Forno, fornaio – Bakery
• Pasticceria – Pastry shop
• Sono vegetariano/vegano – I’m vegetarian/vegan
• Non mangio carne – I don’t eat meat
• 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?
• Mancia – Tip
• Posso avere un bicchiere d’acqua per favore? – Can I have a glass of water, please?
• Liscia/Gasata – Still/Sparkling
• Dov’è il bagno? – Where is the toilet?

Don’t miss out guide to the most common Italian words for foods and drinks .

• Che strada devo prendere per raggiungere X? – How do I get to X?
• Dritto – Straight
• Destra – Right
• Sinistra – Left
• Macchina – Car
• Bici, bicicletta – Bike
• Treno – Train
• Aereo – Airplane
• Metro – Metro, subway
• Parcheggio – Parking lot
• Solo andata – Single ticket
• Andata e ritorno – Return ticket
• 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?
• Binario – Platform
• 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
• Non funziona – It’s broken, it doesn’t work
• Polizia/Carabinieri – Police
• Parla inglese? – Can you speak English?
• Mi può aiutare per favore? – Can you help me, please?
• Albergo, hotel – Hotel
• Camera singola/Camera matrimoniale/Camera doppia con due letti – Single room/Double room/Twin room
• Bagaglio, valigia – Luggage, suitcase
• Contanti – Cash
• Bancomat – Debit card
• Carta di credito – Credit card
• Caro, costoso – Expensive
• Economico – Cheap
• Mercato, supermercato, negozio – Market, supermarket, shop
• Edicola – Newsagency, kiosk
• Vorrei, sto cercando – I would like, I’m looking for
• Quando costa? – How much is it?
• Ospedale – Hospital
• Pronto Soccorso – ER
• Farmacia – Pharmacy
• Febbre – Fever
• Vertigini – Dizziness
• Nausea, vomitare – Nausea, vomiting
• Diarrea – Diarrhea
• Dolore – Pain
• Ferita – Injury
• Infiammato – Inflamed/inflammation
• Bruciore di stomaco – Heartburn
• Gastroenterite – Stomach flu
• Medico, dottore – Doctor
• Pediatra – Pediatrician
• Dentista – Dentist

Important numbers to know in Italy

Here are some of the most important Italian emergency numbers :

• Police: 113
• Carabinieri: 112
• Ambulance – Health emergency: 118
• Firefighters: 115
• Street assistance – ACI: 116
• Guardia di Finanza: 117
• Viaggiare informati – information on street traffic: 1518

Do you need to book hotels and restaurants? Learn everything about the days of the week in Italian !

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Itineraries , Planning

Best italy itinerary ideas to copy for your trip to bella italia.

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

Dreaming of Italy but not sure how to build your itinerary? We’ve created these Italy itinerary ideas to get you started. Italy is a favorite destination for many travelers wanting to soak up the la dolce vita atmosphere, stunning scenery and of course try all the delicious food and wine. But, how do you pull together an itinerary that ensures you see the places that interest you the most and have the experiences you’ll remember for a lifetime?

Top Italy itinerarY IDEAS – adjust for your own trip!

After over 30 amazing trips to Italy traveling independently, we’ve learnt a thing or two about how to craft a travel plan. We know what it takes to make sure interests are met and the logistics needed to make sure the trip runs smoothly. While it may seem like you need to plan every last minute, you also need time to enjoy those gelato moments in the piazza.

Use these 10 day Italy itinerary plans as a guide but above all, make sure you add in the details that will make this trip special for you and your travel companions. This way you’ll have memories to cherish forever.

Article contents

Want to see hidden Italy? 

1. The Classic italy itinerary or Grand Tour 

Since the 19th century, visitors to Italy have followed this tried and true route that takes in the major cities and most popular sights. This itinerary is popular for first trips to Italy and will give you a taste of this magnificent country. Starting in Rome and its ancient treasures you work your way north to cultural Florence, with a quick stop in Milan before finishing in the beautiful lagoon city of Venice. For many people, this trip sparks a lifetime of adventures in Italy.

• Best for: First time visitors to Italy who want to see the major highlights
• Places visited: Rome, Florence, Milan , Venice plus day trip to Chianti in Tuscany
• Start/end in: Rome or Venice. Try to arrange flights into one and out of other
• Recommended transport: Train

Day 1 – 3: ROME AND THE VATICAN CITY

• Must see highlights: The Colosseum and ancient sites, admire the cultural treasures of St Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums , throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain , climb the Spanish Steps for views of the city, look up in awe in the Pantheon , pose by the fountains in Piazza Navona
• Where to stay : Read our city accommodation guide for Rome or jump straight to our preferred Airbnbs and hotels near the Vatican City or hotels near the Pantheon (we think it’s the best area to stay)

READ: 3 Day Rome Itinerary – A day by day guide to planning your time in the Eternal City

Travel by train to Florence – Travel time 1.5 hours • Check ticket prices and schedules

Day 4 – 6: FLORENCE & TUSCANY DAY TRIP

On the banks of the River Arno, Florence is a small city with a rich and glorious past. The Renaissance city nurtured the talents of Michelangelo and Galileo and influenced the politics and history of Europe for centuries.

Spend two days in Florence visiting its impressive cathedral (many people like to climb over 450 steps to the top of its dome), and soaking up the art at one of the world’s greatest collections at the Uffizi Gallery. Wander in and out of churches and across the iconic Ponte Vecchio and shop for artisan wares.

• Must see highlights: The Duomo – Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, Uffizi Gallery , stroll across the Ponte Vecchio , admire Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery, take in the sculptures in Piazza della Signoria and the views from Piazzale Michelangelo . 
• Recommended day trip: after all your city exploring, spend a day in the Tuscan countryside visiting the tiny city of Siena and picture perfect village of San Gimignano with a break for lunch at a winery overlooking the hills of Chianti . This Tuscany day trip from Florence will be a highlight of your trip.
• Where to stay: Central Florence is small however there are some better areas to make your base. Read our Florence accommodation guide for details

READ: Train travel in Italy – Complete guide to planning and booking tickets

Travel by train to Milan  – Travel time 2 hours • Check ticket prices and schedules

Day 7: Milan

Italy’s second largest city is a hub of fashion, innovation and design. On this quick stopover you’ll only get a glimpse of this fascinating city where modern life meets history but it’s definitely worth your time. The city’s magnificent gothic Duomo and elegant shopping arcade Galleria Emmanuele II, dominate its historic center but you’ll want to venture further afield to admire Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper painted on the refectory walls of an unassuming church,

• Must see highlights: The Duomo – make sure to visit the rooftop; shop, admire the architecture and people watch in the Galleria Emmanuele II , stand in awe of Da Vinci’s Last Supper (Pro tip – must prebook tickets well in advance), La Scala theater, and the imposing Castello Sforzesco fortress
• Tour suggestion: with only a short time in Milan, make sure to see the highlights and have time to shop and take this half day Best of Milan Tour – includes Last Supper tickets and Duomo rooftop
• Where to stay: For this quick stopover choose a hotel close to Milano Centrale station. Read our Milan accommodation guide for suggestions

Travel by train to Venice  – Travel time 2.5 hours • Check ticket prices and schedules

Day 8 – 10: Venice

There is no city in the world quite like Venice. Built on a lagoon, this city of bridges and mysterious canals once ruled the seas as the world’s mightiest republic. Though hundreds have years have passed since Venetians held significant power, their wealth and influence is on display in the faded palazzi lining the Grand Canal and maginficent treasures of San Marco – the basilica, campinile and Ducal palace. Spend three days in Venice admiring her beauty and getting lost down the side streets and canals.

• Must see highlights: Stand in wonder in Piazza San Marco , visit the Basilica San Marco adorned with jewels and mosaics, take a romantic gondola ride down the side canals,  enjoy the Grand Canal by private boat or even on the vaporetto water bus
• Recommended day trip: if you have half a day or more and the weather looks lovely, take the water bus or this tour to the outer islands of the lagoon. Colorful Burano is bound to charm you.
• Where to stay: Venice is a very small city but you need to choose your accommodation carefully. Go to our Venice accommodation guide for assistance

Traveling for 2 weeks? If you love the idea of colorful houses perched on cliffs overlooking the sea add a side trip to the Cinque Terre for 3 nights (between Florence and Milan) and an extra day to Rome or Venice . You can reach La Spezia for the Cinque Terre easily by train from Florence with a quick stop off to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Do you prefer the countryside and visiting pretty hilltop towns? Use your extra days to spend time in southern Tuscany, Umbria or the undiscovered Le Marche region. For this option, renting a car or joining a tour would be best.

MORE INFO: This itinerary is popular with group tour companies and you can learn about how one of our podcast listeners enjoyed her trip on Untold Italy Ep.88 The Grand Tour

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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

2. Southern Italy and Rome

Does the unparalleled beauty of the Amalfi Coast capture your imagination? If you like the smells and sounds of fresh sea breezes, jaw dropping views and delicious seafood and are a romantic at heart then this itinerary is for you. Fly into Naples and spend time on the Amalfi Coast and Capri, taking advantage of their proximity to Pompeii and the vibrant city of Naples . Then head up to Rome to enjoy the very best of the Eternal City to end your vacation. This itinerary can be done in reverse and flying into and out of either airport works too.

• Best for: Sun seekers, sea lovers and honeymooners
• Places visited: Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, Capri, Pompeii, Naples, Rome
• Start/end in: Naples or Rome. Try to arrange flights into one and out of other
• Recommended transport: Private transfer to Amalfi Coast, local ferries, private driver, train to Rome

Day 1 – 4: Amalfi Coast or Capri

Choose a base on the Amalfi Coast for enjoying the incredible scenery of this world-famous coastline. The major towns of Positano and Amalfi have the most accommodation choices but you may like to try one of the smaller towns such as Praiano for a quieter, more local break. Staying in Capri is also an option. From there you can take the ferry to Positano or Amalfi and avoid the day-tripping crowds on the island.

Spend four days on the Amalfi Coast and you’ll be completely rejuvenated. You can swim in the sea, lounge on the beach, hike the famous Path of the Gods, take in jaw-dropping views and feast on delicious seafood. Or do very little at all. Taking to the water on a private boat tour is our favorite thing to do.

• Must see highlights: Sunset aperitifs, long lunches and browsing boutiques in Positano ,  visit cliff top Ravello to discover exclusive villas with jaw dropping views, explore Amalfi’ s cathedral and small passageways, hike the Path of the Gods , be transfixed by the natural beauty of the isle of Capri (a day trip there is a must do but stay on the island for the best experience).
• Where to stay : There are advantages to staying in any of the Amalfi Coast town, find out which town will suit you best in our guide to the Amalfi Coast towns
• Getting to the Amalfi Coast – whether you arrive into Naples or Rome airport, the most effective way to get to the coast is via private transfer . Public transportation will take 3 times as long and you’ll need to manage luggage across awkward terrain. For Capri take the ferry from Naples or Sorrento.

Travel by ferry or private transfer to Sorrento – Travel times vary • Recommended transfers

Day 5 – 7: Sorrento

Perched at the end of the Sorrentine peninsula, Sorrento is perfectly positioned to make the most of the surrounding Campania region including the historic sights of Pompeii and Herculaneum. From Sorrento, it is an easy trip into Naples, one of Italy’s most exciting cities. At the end of the day you can retire back in the seaside town, soak up the relaxed atmosphere and dine on the freshest seafood.

• Must see highlights: Watch the colorful boats bobbing up and down in Marina Grande , visit the fascinating city of Pompeii destroyed by nearby Mount Vesuvius , discover the local cuisine on a food tour , spend at least a day in Naples eating pizza, visiting the Archaeological Museum and soaking up the exciting atmosphere. Or visit Reggia Caserta – a huge royal palace that is bigger than Versailles
• Where to stay: Sorrento has many accommodation options from family-run hotels to chic boutique establishments. Choose your favorite in our Sorrento guide

Transfer to Naples then travel by train to Rome – Travel time 1.5 hours • Check ticket prices and schedules

Day 8 – 10: Rome

Rome is a welcome addition to any Italian itinerary whether it is your first or fifth visit. You could spend months exploring the city and simply scratch the surface. If it’s your first time visiting the Eternal City, no doubt you’ll want to see the Colosseum and ancient sites, St Peter’s Basilica and Vatican Museums plus the treasures of the historic center – Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona and the Pantheon.

Returning visitors can explore deeper into the city and uncover more of its mysteries. Whether you love ancient history, Renaissance art or simply discovering new neighborhoods and browsing boutiques, you’ll find plenty of activities in Rome . The city is also a great base for a day trip or two before heading home.

• Must-see highlights: The Colosseum and ancient sites, admire the cultural treasures of St Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums , throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain , climb the Spanish Steps for views of the city, look up in awe in the Pantheon , pose by the fountains in Piazza Navona
• Discover Rome : wander the gardens and admire art at Villa Borghese , imagine Romans bathing at the Baths of Caracalla , stroll along the Tiber to the Jewish Quarter for lunch amid ancient ruins, soak up the panoramic views from the Giardino degli Aranci or Terrazza delle Quadrighe
• Recommended day trip: head to the hills and the pretty town of Orvieto overlooking the Umbrian countryside, just 70 minutes by train from Roma Termini station or take a trip to Tuscany for hilltowns, fortresses and vineyards
• Where to stay : Read our city accommodation guide for Rome or jump straight to our preferred Airbnbs and hotels near the Pantheon (we think it’s the best area to stay for first timers) or Trastevere if you want to explore further

Extend this trip

If you have a few more days in your travel budget then you could spend some time in southern Tuscany enjoying the Val D’Orcia. Rent a car from the airport in Rome and drive up to this beautiful region featured in the book and movie of the same name Under the Tuscan Sun  or join our small group tour of Umbria where hilltop towns gaze over olive groves and vineyards or food and wine discovery in Puglia – up and coming region on the Adriatic sea with ancient secrets.

3. Northern lakes, mountains and Venice

Do you feel the call of spectacular alpine ranges and shimmering lakes? Then try this northern Italy itinerary that takes you from the serene beauty of Venice to the natural wonders of the Dolomites mountain ranges.

Start in beautiful Venice and enjoy exploring the canals and culture of this most unique city before heading to the mountains and lakes for hiking, village-hopping and incredible views. This itinerary can be done in reverse and you could also fly into Milan.

• Best for: Nature and adventure lovers who like a side of culture
• When to visit: Avoid March/ April /October/November when the mountain towns take a break between seasons
• Places visited: Venice (or Milan), Lake Garda, Dolomites mountains
• Start/end in: Venice or Milan
• Recommended transport: Rent a car to see small towns and picturesque views

Day 1 – 3: Venice

Arriving in Venice by water taxi is a memory you’ll cherish forever. The palaces of the city look down on you as your boat weaves its way through the traffic on the Grand Canal, presided over by grand palaces and domed churches. Venice is a city of wonders to explore on foot and get lost in its labyrinth of bridges and canals.

• Must see highlights: Stand in wonder in Piazza San Marco , visit the Basilica San Marco adorned with jewels and mosaics, take a romantic gondola ride down the side canals,  enjoy the Grand Canal by private boat or even on the vaporetto water bus, cross the Rialto Bridge and browse the fish market
• Explore Venice: spend half a day in Cannaregio (the Jewish Quarter), visit the Peggy Guggenheim gallery for a modern art fix, stroll the Giardini della Biennale , take in the views from the belltower of San Giorgio Maggiore

Rent car and drive to Bolzano – Take the Great Dolomites Road scenic route via Belluno (SS241) stopping at fairytale lake Lago di Carezza – driving time 3.5 hours • Recommended car rental

Day 4 – 7: Dolomites – Bolzano (or Cortina d’Ampezzo)

Recognized by UNESCO for its outstanding natural beauty, the Dolomites mountain ranges are 18 peaks that rise over 3,000 meters above sea level. Between the peaks and passes you’ll find pretty villages, clear mountain lakes and some of the most incredible views in the world. The mountains provide a natural border with Austria and Switzerland but you’ll find their cuisine and culture greatly influence this region.

Make your base in Bolzano, a lovely alpine city from where you can explore the surrounding area easily by car if your goal is touring and sightseeing. If hiking is a priority then choose Cortina D’Ampezzo from where you can walk the famous Croda da Lago circuit and Cinque Torri .

• Must see highlights: Swoon over magical Lago di Braies  (you can rent a boat or walk around it too!), drive the Passo Gardena (Gardena Pass) famous for hairpin bends and stunning scenery, explore pretty alpine villages – Ortisei, San Cassiano, Siusi; be awestruck by the peaks at Tre cime di Lavaredo and meet Ötzi , a 5,000 year old man frozen in snow, in Bolzano
• Where to stay: Bolzano or Cortina D’Ampezzo – book early to avoid disappointment in peak summer/winter seasons – more ideas

Drive to Sirmione, Lake Garda – Driving time 2 hours with no stops

Day 8 – 10: Lake Garda

Head down from the mountains to the crystal clear waters of Lake Garda. Popular with Europeans, the lake stretches 50 kilometers long and 10 kilometers wide and is dotted with some of the loveliest villages in Italy. Garda has been a destination to relax since Roman times but you can be as busy as you like, enjoying local hikes, visiting villages by ferry or even venturing into nearby Verona. If you’re interested in wine, the Franciacorta wine region borders the lake. This sparkling variety is Italy’s answer to Champagne!

• Must see highlights: Sirmione’s Scaliger castle, visit the ruins of an ancient Roman villa – Grotte di Catulo , ferry hop to lakeside towns – Limone, Malcesine, Riva del Garda, Bardolino; take the cable car to the top Monte Baldo for stunning views, visit Verona – one of the most charming cities in Italy, go wine tasting and feasting at Selva Capuzza  
• Where to stay : Sirmione is a gorgeous town on the lake inside moated fortifications or try an agriturismo like Borgo il Mezzanino

With two weeks in this region of Italy you can explore the lakes region further. We suggest 3 days in Lake Como staying at the pretty town of Varenna or you could make Como your base for easy access to the train for a day trip to Milan or a drive into nearby Switzerland and Lake Lugano. For the ultimate food and wine experience in northern Italy, join us on our Piedmont tours in Spring and Fall for the ultimate indulgence in this picturesque Italian region.

4. Classic plus hidden Italy itinerary ideas

Of course, to see the very best of Italy, combining a trip to classic destinations like Rome and Florence with the lesser-known hidden regions gives you a unique insight into this fascinating land. 

With 10 – 14 days in Italy, you can experience the highlights you’ve always dreamed of. Here are some suggestions for your inspiration. These options are suitable for independent travel (usually by car) or you could join one of our small group tours  where we take care of the logistics and all the magical local experiences for you.

Flying into Rome

• Spend 3 days in Rome, a week in beautiful Umbria (north of Rome and south of Tuscany) before continuing to Florence for 3 days and back to Rome. Our food and wine focused Umbria tours take you to picturesque hilltop towns, family-run wineries, enchanting Assisi and olive groves > more information
• Enjoy some time in Rome before taking the train or driving to Bari , capital of the Puglia region. This beautiful and ancient region is dotted with unique villages known for their conical trulli houses and the gorgeous beaches of the Adriatic coast. Our Puglia small group tours in early and late summer explore the culinary and artisan culture of this up-and-coming region with the details all taken care of – from restaurants to luxury 4 star accommodation > learn more
• Soak up the sights in Rome for a few days before flying to Catania in Sicily. Italy’s largest island is a fascinating blend of history, culture, cuisine and coastal wonders. You’ll need at least a week in Sicily to get a true taste of this vibrant island. Explore by car or join our incredible tour of south eastern Sicily that takes you from the ruins of the Valley of the Temples to the verdant slopes of Mount Etna experiencing the very best Sicilian food and wine along the way > tour details

Flying into Milan or Venice

• Travel to magical Venice and explore the canal city at leisure before stopping at the lakes – Como or Garda – or Garda for a few days including a day in fair Verona. A car would be useful but not essential for this portion. Then head west to Piedmont – food and wine country – known for truffles and Barolo wine. Travel the small villages of the region on your own or join our Spring or Fall Piedmont tours for a gastronomic adventure like no other. We start in royal Turin before heading to the hills for a truffle hunt, pasta making and of course wine tasting  > more information End your northern Italian adventure in marvelous Milano, fashion capital and home to Da Vinci’s Last Supper painting.

READ: Hidden Italy – favorite towns and villages to explore

What is your dream Italy itinerary?

We hope these itineraries have given you some ideas for planning your own trip to Italy. If you are ready to take the next steps and get started on a detailed plan then read our article – planning a trip to Italy .

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• How to Plan a Trip to Italy On Your Own
• Italy Travel Tips

• January 11, 2021 8:52 pm

Planning a trip anywhere in the world can be tricky. But when that trip is to Italy, a country with so much to see and do, it gets even harder. That’s where we come in. To help make it as easy as it possibly can be, we’ve come up with this comprehensive guide to help you plan a trip to Italy on your own.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about planning the perfect trip. This comprehensive guide includes when you should go to Italy, documents or IDs you need, money and budget, a couple of itineraries, how to get tickets, and more. By the time you’re finished reading this, you’ll be on your way to planning your Italian adventure with the confidence to do it yourself. 

So without further adieu, let’s start going and get the trip of your dreams planned in no time!

Planning A Trip To Italy

When To Go To Italy

Italy is such a beautiful country with so much to see and do. You are sure to have an unforgettable experience no matter when you decide to make the trip. But to have the best possible time while there, there are better times than others.

The most important things to keep in mind when planning your dream Italian vacation are the weather and the holidays and events (because of crowds) that you might need to plan around. 

The best times of the year to visit Italy are from April to June and September through October. During these months of the year, you’ll experience pleasantly mild temperatures at all times, breathtaking colors all around you, and you’ll avoid the massive crowds of the high travel season (unless you’re planning your trip around Easter). Let’s take a little deeper look at why these are the best months to travel around Italy .

Nobody wants to plan a trip to Italy only to have it ruined by bad weather once you arrive . And while you can’t plan for everything, you can set yourself for the best chance of having great weather. The two big things in Italy you need to keep in mind are heat and rain.

Try to avoid traveling in late summer (July through August) because the temperatures outside can be relentless during the day. But you’ll also want to avoid traveling too early in the year or too late because the chances of rain are higher in early spring and late fall.

When it comes to crowds, you’ll always have some to deal with depending on where you travel. If you’re going to Rome , for example, there will always be crowds to some extent. But the worst time to travel to Italy due to crowds is through the summer.

With visitors and locals alike enjoying their kids being out of school and the warm weather, it gets packed. Also, certain religious holidays such as Easter and Christmas will be some of the busiest times of the year. 

So if you want to have the best possible trip to Italy, try booking it from April through June or September through October!

Documents (IDs/Passports/Visas)

If you’re traveling to Italy internationally, you might be worried about what type of documents you need to make the trip.  Do I need a visa? Will my passport suffice? Is my photo ID or driver’s license enough identification? 

Although we wish there was a blanket answer covering all bases, it actually differs from country to country, so it can be difficult to figure out exactly what you need. But to help keep it as simple as possible, we’ve compiled some of that information here for you!

European Union and the UK

As a member of the European Union (EU) itself, Italy does not require any extravagant documentation or identification from citizens of other EU countries. Anyone traveling from any of the other countries or states of the EU can go to Italy with nothing more than simple photo identification.

This same rule also applies to travelers from the UK even though they recently exited the EU. So if you’re from the UK or the EU, it’s super easy to travel to Italy!

United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand

For those of you traveling from the United States, Canada, New Zealand, or Australia, you’ll need to have a passport to make the trip. This is true in most cases anyway. The passport travel from these countries to Italy is limited to staying 90 days or less within a 180 day period (or 3 months within 6 months). And you also must have at least six months left on your passport before expiration. 

The Rest of the World

Lastly, if you’re traveling to Italy from any of the other remaining countries or locations in the world, you’ll need to check the requirements of both your country and Italy to see if a visa is required. If it is, there are plenty of online resources that can guide you through the process as well as your local foreign office.

And no matter which of these groups you fall into, make it a habit to always check with your local foreign office anyways because this information can change!

Itineraries And Planning

With so much to see and do in Italy, you’ll never run out of excitement and adventure during your trip. But that can also make it daunting to try to plan your trip and take advantage of as much as you possibly can while you’re in Italy. To help relieve some of this stress, we’ve come up with a couple of itineraries that will give you a perfect trip, depending on how much time you have.

With how much there is to do in Italy, it’s impossible to go over every potential itinerary out there. But we’ve come up with two that will give you an unforgettable trip. Let’s take a quick look at these options.

10 Days in Italy

This itinerary will take you from city to city from south Italy through north Italy all in 10 days. This is the perfect trip to see all of Italy, especially if you enjoy road-tripping! If you have more time, feel free to spend an extra day or two at any of the locations below!

• Day 1: Relax on the Amalfi Coast
• Day 2: Naples and Pompeii
• Days 3 & 4: Sightseeing in Rome
• Days 5 & 6: Driving through Tuscany and staying in Florence
• Days 7 & 8: Seeing the Leaning Tower of Pisa on the way to Cinque Terre
• Days 9 & 10: Heading to Venice and taking a gondola ride through the city

5 Days Along the Amalfi Coast

If you know that you want to spend your trip experiencing the beauty and serenity of the Amalfi Coast , here’s the best way to spend 5 days there:

• Day 1:  Relaxing on the beaches in Positano
• Days 2 & 3: Exploring Amalfi and taking in the views from Ravello
• Days 4 & 5:  Heading to Sorrento and spending a day on the island of Capri

Again, there is  so  much to do in Italy that it’s impossible to plan the perfect trip for everyone here. Just make sure you keep in mind how much time you have on your trip and don’t try to do too much, which is an easy trap to fall into. Enjoy your time and take in all the incredible beauty that Italy has to offer. It’ll be a trip you’ll never forget. 

See Related: Best Time to Visit Venice, Italy

Tickets, Tours, and Attractions

Any trip to Italy will likely include tickets to tours and attractions all over the country. Whether you’re visiting some of the world-famous attractions in Rome or lesser-known attractions elsewhere in the country, tickets to tours and attractions are just part of the trip. So it’s essential to know how to plan ahead while you get ready for your trip. 

First and foremost, for nearly any attraction in Italy, but especially for the most popular ones — the Colosseum, the Vatican, The Last Supper , etc. — always look online ahead of time. If you book your tickets online in advance to many different tours and attractions throughout the country, you’ll get what’s known as “skip the line” tickets. These tickets allow you to skip the long ticket lines at the door and go straight to the attraction you have in mind. 

Considering lines to many popular attractions in Italy can take hours and hours, this is well worth the extra effort to book ahead. To find tickets online for various tours and attractions, we like to use Tiqets or Viator . Both of these sites allow you to search for all sorts of tickets, read reviews about the tours/attractions, and get those coveted skip-the-line tickets. 

See Related: Best Things To Do In Positano

Airport and Ground Transfers

Once you arrive in Italy, you will need to find a way to get from the airport you flew into to your hotel so you can check-in. If you’re planning on booking a car at any point during your trip, consider booking one ahead of time for pickup at the airport, and you can drive yourself straight to your hotel from there. But if not, you’ll want to plan ahead and get your airport transfers ready to go.

Once you know which airport you’re flying into and where you’re staying, it’ll be easy to get a transfer from the airport to your hotel — or even one city to another. Some hotels (especially the upscale ones) will have their own airport shuttle service, but many will not. Taxis are always an option at the bigger airports but expect to pay a handsome fee for their convenience.

To get to your hotel, try using a company like Suntransfers to prebook a transfer from the airport to your hotel. Depending on your budget, you can book anything from coach up to a private limo. If you’re traveling from one city to another, look at the service known as Day Trip. They specialize in ground transfers from place to place.

But as mentioned previously, the easiest way really is to just rent a car for yourself. Costing as little as $6-$10 per day during low season, there’s almost no reason not to!

See Related: Best Things To Do In Parma, Italy

Accommodation In Italy

While you’re planning your trip to Italy, you need to decide where you’re going to be staying and how for many days and nights. All throughout Italy, you’ll find a seemingly endless supply of potential hotels, bed and breakfasts, villas, and more drawing your attention. So it might take a little bit of time and effort to nail it down, but we’re here to help. 

One of the big things to decide on that will help finalize your plans for accommodations is how exactly you’re going to be enjoying your trip. Are you planning on staying in one major city as a sort of hub during your trip, or will you be floating from city to city and town to town and staying in a different place every night? Once you know that, it makes finding your perfect hotel much easier.

Of course, some of the most popular cities to stay in with lots of options include Rome, Florence , and Venice, but don’t forget about the many charming smaller cities and towns throughout the country. Places like Sorrento, Verona , and Lake Como offer great accommodations as well. Depending on which city you stay in and how much luxury you’re looking for, expect to find options ranging anywhere from $25 to $300+ per night.

See Related: Best Small Villas in Italy to Book Today

Money And Budget

Depending on where you’re traveling from, you may need to take the time beforehand and get some money transferred over to Italy’s local currency, the Euro. But we don’t recommend taking too much cash with you just to be safe, as credit and debit cards are easier to use, and many are accepted worldwide.

If you plan on using debit or credit cards while you’re there, we suggest calling your card company before leaving and letting them know what you’re doing and where you’re headed. This is because many of the major banks and card companies out there will either charge for foreign transaction fees or deny your transaction if it randomly detects an international charge.

But if you call them ahead of time and explain to them the situation, they can make sure your card(s) will work and might even waive the fee! If you’re trying to budget for your trip, the first thing to do is start looking at flights to get there. Book early and keep your eyes open for deals to get the best bang for your buck. Besides flights, the hotel, Airbnb, or place you’re staying will likely be a close second. 

Then just make sure you have enough money set aside to pay for food, drinks, snacks, tours, and anything else you and your family will be getting into. If you budget around $50-$75 per person per day, you should have no problem having enough. It’s better to estimate conservatively rather than run out of money! 

Internet Access

In this day and age, traveling with little or no internet access is not nearly as common as it used to be. You likely will want access to mobile data or the internet so that you can look up things to do, use maps, or connect with friends and family back home on social media (even though Italy is so beautiful and there’s so much to do, many people  do  choose to disconnect).

But no matter what your plans or needs are, it’s important to keep this in mind while planning your trip. No matter where you stay in Italy, you will almost always have access to some sort of WiFi from the property you’re staying at, especially if you’re staying somewhere in any of the major cities or areas.

But if they don’t offer WiFi or you need access to it no matter where you are, then consider purchasing a portable WiFi device to use instead.

Basically a mobile hotspot, these devices can connect to local networks and provide you with a WiFi signal wherever you are. So if you have work to get done and need a reliable connection, be sure to grab on and bring it along for the trip.

If you think it’s no big deal and you’ll just use your phone and your mobile data, it is not that easy. To use mobile data in Italy, you’ll need to get a SIM card while there that works with your phone. Getting a SIM card in Italy is a process in and of itself, and once you do the card, it’ll have to work with your device.

This means that your phone cannot be locked to a carrier back in your home country. It needs to be unlocked and able to use a different SIM card.

See Related: Pagan Holidays Adopted by Christianity

Travel Insurance

What if something happens over there while you’re visiting Italy? Maybe you or someone in your family gets sick or injured. Or something happens back home, and you need to head home.

Or there’s a natural disaster as your non-refundable trip is suddenly in jeopardy. It’s something that none of us ever want to consider as even possible, but travel insurance is very important to keep in mind. We recommend SafetyWing for affordable insurance coverage. If you want a custom quote, use TravelInsurance.com to get a tailored quote based on your travel needs.

The short answer to this question is yes. You want to get travel insurance if you’re planning your trip to Italy. Travel insurance can become invaluable for several potential emergencies or issues that arise, as mentioned above, but let’s take a look at a few of the key things that travel insurance is used for:

• Medical and repatriation services
• Trip interruption or cancellation
• Stolen or lost luggage
• Rental cars (damage, theft, insurance, etc.)
• Flight insurance

While all these are undoubtedly important for the insurance to cover, arguably the most important are the medical and repatriation services. This is important because even if your country has a health care agreement with Italy like many major countries do, those agreements do not cover everything. If there is emergency cancellation or unexpected repatriation required, these health care agreements do not cover those costs.

So for the relatively affordable cost of travel insurance, it’s well worth it for the peace of mind while you’re in Italy. If something were to happen, especially some sort of medical emergency, you don’t want to suddenly be in for extensive medical bills and repatriation services back to your home country. That would just be piling on the bad news. So book your travel insurance and hope that it ends up being a “waste” of money since you don’t need it. Like most insurance, it’s better to have and never use it than not to have it and need it. 

See Related: Best Things To Do In Bellagio, Italy

Packing For Your Trip

While packing for your trip will certainly depend on what time of year you’re going, there are a few things you’ll always want to be sure you have when you head to Italy. It can be stressful to think of all of this stuff on your own, so we’ve come up with a checklist of the most important items to make sure you pack. 

As you’re getting your bags ready to go, make sure you have the following:

• Lightweight jacket or blazer  — Although days are usually pretty mild, even in the winter, nights and mornings can get cool. A light jacket is generally more than sufficient.
• Comfortable shoes  — A trip to Italy almost always involved a lot of walking around and exploring. So be sure you have some comfy shoes to wear!
• Camera  — There’s so much to see in Italy, you never know when you’ll want to snap a picture!
• Water bottle  — Italy is usually pretty warm, and you’ll be doing a lot of walking. It’s important to carry a water bottle on you to stay hydrated. 
• Power converter  — Depending on where you’re traveling from (the US, for example), your plugs will not plug directly into the wall outlets. You’ll need a power converter to plugin first, and then plug your devices into the converter. 
• Charging cables  — Make sure you can keep your cameras and phones charged while you’re exploring. 
• Batteries  — Backup batteries just in case you lose a charger or one stops working.
• Hat or sunglasses  — It is the Mediterranean, so no matter when you travel to Italy, there will almost always be bright sunlight during the day. 

While you will need more stuff depending on when you’re traveling, these are pretty much the non-negotiables of traveling to Italy. So use this as a checklist as you’re packing up!

Travel With Kids In Italy

If you are worried about traveling to Italy with kids, don’t be! Italy is one of the best places in the world to travel with children. Not only are the locals in Italy incredibly loving towards and welcoming of children, but they also travel for much cheaper than adults like yourself.

Kids get discounted rates all throughout Italy, whether it’s for transportation, dining, or attractions. So if you were thinking taking your kids would raise the cost of the trip way too much, think again! Not only are kids given discounts all over, Italian restaurants actually specialize in serving families with kids.

This is because they’ve come up with an ingenious way to handle the serving of the meal. While eating at most restaurants, they will serve your children their meal first — basically around the time when you would get an appetizer. This keeps them eating and entertained and allows you to then enjoy your own meal later instead of having to watch them eat at the same time. 

So don’t have any fears about taking your kids along to Italy with you, as Italy is an incredible place for families to visit from all over the world! 

Related Resources

• The Best Things to Do in Naples, Italy
• Best Things To Do In Milan, Italy
• Best Time to Visit Venice, Italy

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Planning a Trip to Italy? Here’s Your 10-day Italy Itinerary

The only thing that’s probably holding you back from traveling to Italy is the daunting task of creating your Italy itinerary. We understand. That’s why we’ve taken the work out of it for you by creating a perfect 10-day Italy itinerary that you can follow or use to plan your own trip.

You’re probably wondering all the typical travel things, like when is the best time to go to Italy , what destinations to visit while you’re there, and how to get around.

It can all be very overwhelming, but don’t worry, our Italy trip planner will clear up all those questions and help you plan the best way to see Italy in 10 days. If you have other questions about Italy, check out this guide with additional tips for traveling in Italy .  Make sure to put these famous foods on your list of things you must try.

You can see a lot in just 10-14 days in Italy without being overwhelmed. It’s not a large country, but there will be a lot of travel to get from place to place. It’s a good thing Italy has a wonderful train system!

If your trip takes you all over Europe, not just to Italy, check out our 2 week itinerary for Europe , which can easily be expanded to one month or more.

Table of Contents

Getting Around in Italy

The best way to get around on your Italy itinerary is to rent a car and drive . I always book through DiscoverCars.com for the best deals. It’s not too difficult driving around in Italy, but you should be prepared for a few things:

• You need an International Driver’s License, which is just a translation of your U.S. or other country license. You can get this at the AAA office, or online.
• Most cars in Italy are manual (stick-shift). You can rent automatics, but there aren’t a lot of them so you have to book in advance.
• The roads are sometimes very narrow and not paved. It’s best to rent a very small car that can easily manuever the roads and parking spots.

Here's more to help you plan

12 Best Cities in Italy: Popular Attractions and Must-See Sights

9 Things to Know When Traveling to Italy

Guide to the Best Wine Regions in Italy

21 of the Best Cities to Visit in Europe

How to Plan a Vacation in Italy

Best time to go to italy.

The first step in planning an Italy vacation is deciding when to go. As with most places, there is a “best” time to go to Italy, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go whenever the mood strikes you.

It really is a year-round travel destination. We’ve been there in all 4 seasons and always have a great time.

If I had to pick one perfect time to go to Italy, it would be late autumn (end of September to November), because it is the height of grape and olive harvest season in Italy, and there’s nothing better than seeing the rolling hillsides covered in ripe bunches of grapes, and the olive trees laden with green fruits.

• Spring (March to May) is a great time to visit, as the temperatures are lower and so is the tourist traffic, which leads to lower prices and shorter lines to get in to popular attractions. May is the rainiest month in Italy, but it’s not enough to ruin your trip.
• In autumn (late September – November), the leaves are changing color and the resulting scenery is nothing short of amazing, plus the harvest is on!
• Summer in Italy gets very hot and humid. It’s also a very busy high season, so you’ll constantly be fighting crowds and you’ll pay more for accommodations. Try to avoid traveling in July and August. Even June can be extremely hot – 100+ degrees F.
• In winter, December to February, there are definitely less tourists, but the weather isn’t prime for that dream Italian vacation.

Getting to Italy

Many top airlines fly to Italy. However, it’s not so easy to find direct flights from the U.S. to Italian cities. The easiest cities to fly into from international destinations are Rome, Bologna, and Milan.

If you don’t mind making a stopover in Frankfurt or Amsterdam, you can fly to just about anywhere you want within Italy. If you want to try to add a free stopover flight on your way to Italy, try it using Skyscanner .

Something to consider, which will help maximize your time in the country, is to fly into one city and out of another, such as flying into Rome and out of Milan. Doing this will save time and money.

Best Places to Visit in Italy

First-time visitors would do best to hit up the most popular sights that are easy to get to via train or a quick domestic flight. Then once you’ve explored the top destinations, you can dig deeper into the more off-the-beaten path locations.

A road trip can be a very rewarding way to see a lot of the country.  Here is a list of places to visit in Italy that you should definitely include in any 10-day Italy itinerary.

If you’re not keen to travel on your own, there are many tour agencies that provide tours to these cities. However, it is very easy to travel around Italy via train, so organizing your own trip is recommended.

How to Spend 10 Days in Italy

If you’re a frequent traveler, you’ll have no problem planning your own Italy travel itinerary and getting around on your own. There is a small language barrier to deal with in some places, but it’s nothing a savvy traveler can’t handle.

In most large cities, the majority of people you will come in contact with will speak English. Now for your 10-day trip to Italy, which includes Rome, Tuscany, Florence, Bologna, and Venice.

Note: Your tour starts on the day after you arrive, unless you fly in quite early, otherwise you won’t have enough time to see everything in Rome. You need 2 full days to do it.

Day 1-2: Rome

Visiting Rome is like stepping back in time.  With so many amazing attractions to see throughout the city, it’s easy to see everything without much fuss. With a good map and a little energy, you can easily walk the entire old city of Rome and see all of the iconic landmarks listed below.

• The Roman Forum: Check out the ruins of the Arch of Titus, the Temple of Vesta and other ruins of a powerful, historical time gone by.
• The Colosseum: You can pay for a guided tour, or just walk around yourself, especially if you’ve done some research ahead of time or have a book along with you.
• Trevi Fountain: This is an absolutely must see, tucked away in a small piazza and crowded with people vying for a chance at a good photo. If you toss a coin into the fountain over your left shoulder using your right hand, you’ll come back to Rome someday.
• The Spanish Steps: Located at the Piazza di Spagna, this steep set of steps climbs up to the Trinita dei Monti church at the top and is surrounded by upscale shopping, tourists lounging on the steps and a wonderful Italian vibe.
• Plaza Navona: You must stop here for photos and for an overpriced drink at one of the cafes, for some of the best people watching in the world.
• The Vatican Museums: If you’re an art and/or architecture lover, you can’t miss a journey through the  ancient Roman sculptures and paintings at the Vatican. You’ll see the Gallery of the Maps, Raphael’s Rooms, the stunning Creation of Adam by Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel , plus St. Peter’s Basilica (if you have time).

Tours & Tickets

You will need tickets for a few of the things on the list. In Rome, I never recommend just walking up to the attraction without tickets, because you could stand in line for hours.

Plan ahead and purchase tickets before you go. The most important ones to secure tickets for are the Colosseum and the Sistine Chapel . 

You can book tickets directly through the attraction’s website, or you can use the links below to book our recommended tours through Viator :

• Skip the Line: Ancient Rome and Colosseum Half-Day Walking Tour – Skip the entrance line to the Colosseum and see the first and second levels with a guide (plus ability to add the underground tour), plus tour of the Roman Forum, the House of the Vestal Virgins and a walk along Via Sacre.
• Faster Than Skip-the-Line: Vatican, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica Tour – “Skip the line” with this tour means using a special entrance to bypass even the fast-track line.
• Rome Food Tour – One of my favorite things about Rome is the food culture. Discover all the great food on a guided food tour. You can read about the tour we took  here .

What to Eat in Rome

Rome has many food specialties, some that differ from other areas of Italy. If you want to get a real immersion in Rome, you must try these specialties:

• Cacio e Pepe – Cacio e Pepe is a very simple pasta dish that literally means “cheese and pepper”.  The pasta noodles are covered in Grana Padano or Parmesan cheese, butter, and ground black pepper.
• Carbonara – Carbonara is made with egg, hard cheese, guanciale, and black pepper.
• Bucatini all’amatriciana – All’amatriciana is a pasta sauce with black pepper, red pepper, guanciale, Pecorino cheese, and tomato.
• Suppli – A fried ball of rice with a filling of tomato sauce and melted mozzarella. You can find really delicious variations at Supplizio.
• Gelato – You will find a gelato stand on nearly every block. Look for ones that aren’t puffed up into a large dome.
• Pizza al Taglio – This pizza is baked in large rectangular pies and cut into squares. You can find it at street food stalls or quick stop shops all over Rome.

Where to Stay in Rome

The best location in Rome depends on what you want to accomplish during your stay, but it’s always best to be centrally located so you can walk to all of the main attractions.

I really like the area around the Spanish Steps. It’s easy to find in case you forget your map or lose your bearings. Two great choices in the affordable luxury range are  The Inn at the Spanish Steps  (with a gorgeous roof-top pool) and  Il Palazzetto .

We also really enjoyed staying at  Nerva Boutique Hotel  in the popular Rione i Monti area.

• Il Plazzetto ⇒ Read reviews on  Trip Advisor  |  Book a stay
• The Inn at the Spanish Steps ⇒ Read reviews on  Trip Advisor  |  Book a stay
• Nerva Boutique Hotel ⇒ Read reviews on  Trip Advisor  |  Book a stay
• Airbnb: Lovely and cosy apartment at Pantheon Square | Book a stay

Transfer from Rome to Siena.

The best way to get from Rome to Siena is either to drive or take the train. It’s a 3-hour journey, no matter how you go. If you have a car, you’ll be able to get around within the region easier, but it’s not absolutely necessary to have a car, if you’re planning to go on pre-arranged day trips.

There isn’t a direct train, but you just make one short change in Chiusi and head to Siena, the most well-connected city in the center of Tuscany.

From here you can get to surrounding towns, like Montepulciano and Greve in Chianti, so it’s the perfect base for tourists, no matter what you want to see.

There are tons of restaurants, cafes, hotels, and wineries right inside Siena to explore, if you don’t want to venture far.

What to See in Siena

• Piazza del Campo – Huge and gorgeous medieval square
• Duomo di Siena – Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral
• Pubblico Palace & Mangia Tower – Gothic-style town hall building and tower
• Fonte Gaia – Lovely historic fountain

If you want to taste some wine in Tuscany, it’s best to get outside of Siena and visit the wineries and vineyards. If you have a car, we recommend checking out our list of the top wineries to visit in Tuscany .

If you’d rather stay within Siena, you can visit one of the enotecas in Siena, like Enoteca Emporio Mediterraneo or Vineria Tirabusciò Siena .

We also highly recommend doing a Tuscany cooking class in Siena.

You don’t need tickets to see any of the things listed above, but if you want to get outside Siena and explore Tuscany without a car, you’ll need to book some tours.

Below are some of the tours we recommend:

• Small-Group Brunello di Montalcino Wine-Tasting Trip from Siena – visit 3 wineries, plus lunch at a family-run winery.
• Hot Air Balloon Flight Over Tuscany from Siena – This 1-hour hot air balloon flight from Siena takes you above Tuscany to get a breathtaking view of the low-rolling hills, some clad in grape vines, others crowned by a rustic ancient villa.
• San Gimignano, Chianti and Montepulciano Tour – Visit San Gimignano, Monteriggioni, and Montalcino on a day trip from Siena, and discover medieval architecture, wine, and stunning views of Tuscany. 

What to Eat in Tuscany

Food and wine are synonymous with Tuscany. You can’t have one with out the other. There are many fantastic dishes, both pasta and not, that you must try.

Many of these you’ll find on almost every traditional menu in Tuscany.

• Ribollita – a vegetable and bread soup
• Fagioli con salsiccia – Baked Cannallini beans with sausage
• Tagliatelle al tartufo – a wide pasta covered in a truffle sauce. Truffles are abundant in Tuscany!
• Tagliatelle al Ragu di Cinghale – Tagliatelle with wild boar ragu
• Pici – a pasta made from flour and water rather than flour and eggs
• Pecorino – Sheep’s milk cheese from Pienza

Where to Stay in Siena 

You won’t find any of the top chain hotels in Siena. The accommodations here are rustic Italian charm. You can expect either a very ornate building, or very minimalist decor.

There are two options – stay inside Siena in a hotel or apartment, or stay just on the outskirts of Siena in a farmhouse stay. If you have a car, I encourage staying outside the city center. 

Grand Hotel Continental Siena  – a Sienese palace steeped in history. The Grand Hotel Continental is part of Starhotels Collezione, Starhotels exceptional luxury hotel group and is the old town’s only 5* hotel and has a privileged position near Siena’s most important attractions. |  Trip Advisor reviews  |  Book here  

Aia Mattonata Relais  – Located in a restored, historic farmhouse outside Siena, overlooking the countryside and the city, and provided with a salted-water, panoramic swimming pool.  |  Trip Advisor reviews  |  Book here

Airbnb: Appartamento Palazzo Casini Piccolomini | Take a look

Transfer to Florence:  If you have a car, the drive will be about 1 hour 15 minutes. 

You can take the 131R train from Siena to Florence in the same amount of time. One of the most beautiful cities in Italy, Florence is known for its art.

The architecturally rich buildings of Florence house some of the world’s most treasured art. So if you’re a museum lover or art history buff, you’ll want to consider how many days to spend in Florence to cover all the top sights .

While 2-3 days is enough for most visitors, to get to all the museums and day trips, you’ll need 5-7.

Spend your time in Florence visiting the sights and museums below. They can be done in this order to make for the most efficient walking route.

• Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore – This vast cathedral towers over the city with its Renaissance dome and Gothic architecture. Entrance is free (tickets needed for the dome).
• Uffizi Gallery – This gallery contains some of the world’s best Renaissance paintings & masterpieces, by the likes of Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.
• Accademia Gallery – This gallery houses some of the most important works of the Renaissance, including works by Leonardo da Vinci, Giotto, Botticelli and Michelangelo’s David statue. Make sure you secure tickets in advance as this is one of the most popular museums in the world.
• Mercato Centrale – This food market is packed with great eating and drinking options. You can peruse the fresh foods and vegetables on the lower floor, then head upstairs to the food court to pick what you want to eat. This is a great place to have lunch.
• Basilica of Santa Croce – A very pretty church, also the final resting place of Michelangelo and Galileo. The memorial to the 19 th century playwright Giovanni Battista Niccolini inside the church is rumored to be the inspiration for the Statue of Liberty. Tickets are 8 Euros and can be purchased here .
• Ponte Vecchio and Palazzo Vecchio – The first is a bridge, the second is the town hall, which is just around the corner from the bridge in Piazza della Signoria. The Piazza is a great place to hang out for a while, because there are sculpture and statues all around, like an open-air art gallery.

You only need to purchase tickets in advance for the Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, and Accademia Gallery. These are where the long lines are in Florence. 

You can book tickets directly through the attraction’s website, or you can use the links below to book our recommended tours through Viator , which are more expensive because they also include a guided tour:

• Best of Florence Walking Tour with Skip-the-Line at Michelangelo’s ‘David’
• Tickets for Uffizi Gallery: Guided Tour + Skip The Line
• The Duomo Complex and Its Hidden Terraces

What to Eat in Florence

One of the most iconic meals you can have in Florence is a Florentine steak, but there are so many other specialties from this area that you should also be on the lookout for.

• Bistecca Fiorentina – a huge T-bone steak that comes from the local Chianina cattle
• Affettati Misti – A very traditional starter in Florence, this is a plate of cold cuts like lardo, finocchiona, sbriciolona, and prosciutto crudo.
• Appa al pomodoro  – a tomato that is thickened with bread and made with tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and basil.
• Penne strascicate – A Bolognese-type sauce made with vegetables, tomatoes, red wine, and olive oil.
• Ravioli gnudi  – Gnocchi made with spinach, ricotta, eggs and parmesan.

Where to Stay in Florence 

There is no shortage of amazing, luxury hotels in Florence. You could easily spend half your budget on a couple of nights here. 

Firenze Number Nine Hotel and Spa  is a smaller boutique hotel in a fantastic location, as is the modern and unique  Hotel Garibaldi Blu  (where we stayed last time we were there).

If you want to splurge, stay at the  Grand Hotel Minerva  – perfect location and it has a gorgeous rooftop pool.

• Firenze Number Nine ⇒ Read reviews on  Trip Advisor  |  Book a stay
• Hotel Garibaldi Blu ⇒ Read reviews on  Trip Advisor  |  Book a stay
• Grand Hotel Minerva  ⇒ Read reviews on  Trip Advisor  |  Book a stay
• Airbnb: Casina BP – historical centre | Take a look

Transfer to Bologna. If you’re driving, it’s about an hour and a half drive to Bologna on the A1. The route has tolls. If you’re taking the train, it’s a quick 35-minute ride on the FR9520 to Bologna Central Station.

For me, Bologna is all about the food . If you love Italian food and want to spend a day learning more about the wonderful DOC products near Bologna, I highly recommend you spend your day in Bologna on this tour .

If you’re not into the food tour, spend your time in Bologna visiting the sights and museums below.

• Piazza Maggiore – this is the center of the action in Bologna and a good place to start exploring.
• Basilica di San Petronio – this gothic basilica is dedicated to the patron saint of the city Saint Petronius. It’s hard to miss, in the center of Piazza Maggiore.
• Fountain of Neptune, Bologna – Next to Piazza Maggiore is the Piazza Neptune, with the monumental fountain of Neptune in the middle.
• Two Towers – One is leaning – Asinelli – and Garisenda. These are great to use as a landmark in city to orient yourself. You can also climb to the top of them for great views.
• Bologna’s porticos – The porticoes, nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, make the architecture of Bologna unique. You can find them all over the city, starting in Piazza Maggiore.
• FICO World Eataly – Just outside the city and easy to reach by train is the Eataly World – a whole warehouse dedicated to food in Italy, with demonstrations, food stalls, and cooking classes. 8-10€ entrance fee.

What to Eat in Bologna

Bologna is home to some really fantastic foods that you don’t typically find elsewhere in Italy – at least in the same form. Tortellino, for instance, is very much a Bologna dish, make with fresh egg pasta. There are also many DOP products made nearby.

• Tortellino – This dish is the star of the show in Bologna. It’s basically tortellini (both big and small), filled with meat and cheese, served in a light broth.
• Tagliatelle al Ragù – Another very popular dish in Bologna, this dish is made with wide egg noodles and slow-cooked meat with tomato, milk, butter, white wine, carrots, celery and onion.
• Parmigiano-Reggiano – This hard, aged cheese is a DOP product that can only be made in Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena and parts of the provinces of Mantua and Bologna.
• Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena – True DOP balsamic must be aged for a minimum of 12 years. Over that time, it ages in a series of five barrels called a battaria.
• DOP Prosciutto – Pancetta, pork cheek, and disossato are all DOP products made only in this region.
• Mortadella – the original sausage from Bologna .

Where to Stay in Bologna

It’s a good idea to stay in the center of the historic district in Bologna, so you’re walking distance to the main attractions.

• Hotel Al Cappello Rosso  –  One of Bologna’s oldest boutique hotels, yet with modern facilities and very unique design, next to Piazza Maggiore ⇒ Read reviews on  Trip Advisor  |  Book a stay
• Grand Hotel Majestic  – Bologna’s oldest hotel. Ornate only beings to describe this opulent hotel. Close walking distance to the main square and the Two Towers ⇒ Read reviews on  Trip Advisor  |  Book a stay
• Airbnb: Bologna Altana Deluxe | Take a look

Transfer to Venice. If you’re driving, it’s a 2-hour drive on the A13 to Venice. The route has tolls. If you’re taking the train, it’s an hour and a half on the FR9414 to Santa Lucia train station in central Venice.

I often think Venice is singlehandedly responsible for Italy’s romantic allure, with its winding waterways and canals, arched bridges and amazing architecture.

Since no cars are allowed in the city, it’s an escape from the normal hustle and bustle of blaring horns and angry traffic snarls. Instead, you wander through the narrow cobblestone streets on foot or glide around the waterways on a gondola.

⇒ See our  infographic guide to visiting Venice .

Here’s what to see in Venice.

• St. Mark’s Square – The most iconic square in Venice , it’s also home to St. Mark’s Basilica and it is a true sight to behold. It’s very touristy, so I wouldn’t recommend eating in the square, but you can always stop for an overpriced drink.
• Doge’s Palace – This Venetian Gothic style palace is now a huge museum with floors worth of incredible things to see.
• Bridge of Sighs   – According to local lore, if you kiss beneath this bridge at sunset, you’ll enjoy eternal love.
• Peggy Guggenheim Collection  features masterpieces by Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and Jackson Pollock.
• Murano and Burano – There’s an island in the Venetian Lagoon called Murano, where glass has been made for more than 700 years. Definitely worth a visit.

You will need tickets for a few of the things on the list. Venice is very crowded, almost year round, so it’s not recommended to arrive without tickets to the main attractions, because you could stand in line for hours. Plan ahead and purchase tickets before you go.

The most important ones to secure tickets for are St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace, plus a trip out to islands, if you want to do that.

You can book tickets directly through the attraction’s website, or you can use the links below:

• Legendary Venice St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace – This tour affords you skip-the-line tickets to both of these popular attractions.
• Murano & Burano Islands Half Day Guided Tour by Private Water Taxi – You can visit these islands by yourself taking the water taxi, but it can be very difficult to get on and off the taxi when there are a lot of people waiting. It’s much easier to do a private tour.
• The 10 Tastings of Venice With Locals: Private Food Tour – Explore food and wine along with facts about Venice.
• Venice Gondola Ride and Serenade – Book ahead to make sure you don’t have to wait in long lines to take the ride you’ve been wanting to take forever.

What to Eat in Venice

Venice is known for their cicchetti bars. Ciccetti are small snacks or side dishes that are served at the bar in between meals, or even replacing a meal when you’re out with friends. Be sure to grab some cicchetti and an Aperol spritz while visiting Venice.

• Aperol or Venetian Spritz – A spritz is made with 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol or Select, 1 part soda, and an orange wedge for garnish.
• Cicchetti – small bites that are typically served in bars alongside a spritz or a small glass of wine.
• Baccala Mantecato – This spread is made from cod, which is soaked and whipped into an airy and light spread that is served on a slice of bread.
• Nero di Seppia – Squid ink pasta
• Sarde in Saor – Fresh sardine fillets marinated in vinegar and served with cooked white onions, and sometimes raisins and pine nuts.

Where to Stay in Venice

The choices of where to stay in Venice are vast, but we can narrow down where to stay in the city to two areas. When you look up hotels on Booking.com, you’re looking at Venice city center.

We narrow that down to the areas around Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Square. Below are the only two places you need to know. The first is an apartment-style rental and the 2nd is a hotel.

• Ai Patrizi di Venezia –  If you’re staying for 3+ nights, I highly recommend this apartment. It’s in the perfect location, is incredibly comfortable and clean, and has a kitchenette. We sometimes prefer an apartment to a hotel so we’re not being bothered by housekeeping. This place is a gem.  |  Read Reviews  or  Book a Stay
• Hotel Londra Palace –  If you’d rather stay in a hotel because you like the extra amenities, then Hotel Londra Palace is a great choice. It’s in a very good location, only 5 min walk from St. Mark’s Square, with free wifi and a restaurant. Some rooms have a balcony and an incredible view.  |  Read Reviews  or  Book a Stay
• Airbnb: Beautiful 2 bedroom very near Rialto Bridge | Take a look

Unfortunately, now it’s time to fly back home. If you booked a multi-city flight, you can return home from the Venice airport. If not, you will have to fly or take the train back to Rome in order to fly back home.

How to Get Around in Italy

The best way to travel around Italy is by train. You can save money on train travel in Italy with a Eurail pass specifically for Italy. The passes allow you to travel for a specific number of days within a month – from three to eight. See all Italy Eurail passes here .

These passes are meant for non-European passengers only. Order it in advance of your trip and it’s delivered right to your door, so you’re ready to travel when you get there.

Some trains require reservations (high-speed and overnight). So be sure to thoroughly check your preferred trains for rules. As long as there is a train linking each of your chosen cities, you’ll be able to easily travel around the country, and in all of the cities listed here the train drops you off right in the center of the city.

Driving in Italy

If you’re planning on renting a car in Italy, make sure you obtain an International Driving License before you go. 

In the United States , you can get one of these at AAA offices as well as from the National Automobile Club, for a small fee. It’s good for 1 year. Italian law requires drivers that don’t have a European Union driving license to show their home country license as well as an International Driving Permit if (or when) they’re pulled over.

The rental car company may not require one to rent, but it’s up to you to have the correct paperwork.

Tipping in Italy

If you’re from the United States, Canada , or another country where tipping is customary, you should be aware that tipping in Italy is not compulsory.

A service charge is often added to the bill, which can be from 10-12%, and it will be noted as a service charge. There can also be fees added for various services, like sitting in on a dining terrace, or getting bread or water for the table.

Be Prepared For Travel Planning is the most important part of any successful trip. Do it the easy way:

🧳 Travel Packing List | ✔️ Why You Need Travel Insurance | ✈️ What to Do Before You Leave Home

• Find and book the best hotel (our favorite booking site is Expedia)
• Research flight options (our favorite tool is Skyscanner )
• Book a tour (we always use Viator to find the best tours)
• Rent a car through Discover Cars (they search the best deals for you!)

There are many ways to experience and enjoy your Italy vacation, now that you know how to plan a trip to Italy. But if the task overwhelms you, rest assured that this 10-day trip to Italy will take you to some of the top places to visit in Italy, and will prepare you for a second visit.

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Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.

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• Travel Resources

Should you plan your own Italy trip or book a tour?

• Browse Italy tours options
• Learn how to plan your own Italy itinerary

And now, yes, here’s my longer answer. I genuinely believe that planning and booking your own trips, no matter where you’re going, results in more rewarding travel experiences. This is partly because you, as the traveler, get to see the process through the whole way, from sowing the seeds right up to harvest. It’s extremely gratifying to do your research to find, say, a secret ticket window in Florence that lets you get reservations to bypass the line in front of the Uffizi – I give you permission to feel a bit smug when it works just like you heard it would. Besides the personal satisfaction of a job well done, however, there is the simple fact that when you’re on an organized tour you don’t have the leeway that’s required for spontaneity. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a few hours of free time each day, but asking serendipity to adhere to a schedule sort of defeats the purpose. Making your own agenda (or making up your mind not to have one) gives you the freedom to explore whatever strikes your fancy. Spend longer in a cafe because you’re having a great conversation with a stranger, seek out a suburban flea market to look for treasures, or take a wrong turn on purpose just to see where it goes. In my own experience, it’s these unexpected detours that have led to some of my most cherished travel memories – and most would have been impossible if I were being shepherded around on a tour. All of this waxing on about the merits of planning your own trip, and I still think “it depends?” Absolutely. Planning your own trip to Italy does require more work than booking a package trip, there’s no getting around that. If you’re one of the many over-worked people who barely has time to do the grocery shopping, let alone research hotels in Venice , you might feel a panic attack coming on at the very thought of figuring out all the details involved in trip planning. Folks, travel is supposed to be fun . The best kinds of trips include challenges, I firmly believe that, but the overall feeling shouldn’t be one of dread, obligation, or discomfort. The bottom line is that you need to listen to your gut – what are you comfortable doing? Do you get excited about planning your own trip, or does the very idea make you want to stay home? The answer to that question will tell you whether you should go DIY or book a tour. Either way, so long as you’re getting out and seeing the world, that’s a good thing. photo by pmorgan67

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.

How to Plan a Trip to Italy on Your Own

Italy travel planning guides and tips, why you should travel to italy.

Do you want to travel to a country filled with incredible views, delicious pasta, the best wines, friendly faces, and charming streets? Well, look no further, because Italy is the place for you! From packing lists to itineraries, Alpacka My Bags has it all in one spot for you. We're here to show you how to plan a trip to Italy on your own! Trust us, you won't regret booking that plane ticket to Italy.

Before you visit Italy...

Reliable Train System | Use Trainline

Currency: Euros

Language: Italian & Regional Dialects

Top Italy Destinations

If you know where you're heading in Italy, or where you want to go, then take a look at our location-specific blogs! Below are detailed travel guides on Rome itineraries, Florence hotel recommendations, and more. Alpacka My Bags is here to teach you how to plan a trip to Italy on your own, so read on and reach out to us if you have any questions!

How to Plan a Trip to Italy on your own

If you plan on booking your own trip to Italy, you can custom tailor your itinerary to fit in the specific places you want to visit. Find the hotels or other accommodations that perfectly suit your travel style.

Create a flexible plan so if you love an area, you can stay longer than you planned. There are many benefits to planning your own trip to Italy, but where do you start?

1 | Pick a Date

The best place to start is picking when to go. Maybe you have a certain week off of work, or maybe there is a specific season you want to visit Italy in.

2 | Pick a Destination

Pick one destination so you can book flights. This might be the only city you want to visit, or maybe it's just your starting point. A great pick is Rome as it's the capital.

3 | Book your Flights

Time to book your flights. I recommend this be the first thing you book so you know exaclty when you'll be in Italy. Shop around for cheap flights using our resources .

4 | Create an Itinerary

This doesn't have to be extremly detailed, but you want to make the most of your time in Italy. You can travel to multiple cities when visiting Italy for a week . Knowing where you want to go will help you book accommodation.

5 | Book Stays

Hotels and Airbnbs book quickly in Italy, it's a popular travel destination! Booking accommodation in advance will allow you to find the best deals and the places that check all of your travel needs.

6 | Pack & Prepare!

Your Italy adventure is nearing! Grab your bags and start packing . Make sure you have your passport (and it's not expiring soon!). Remember to learn some basic Italian phrases , expect different customs , and have fun. Your Italian trip awaits! 

When do you wa nt to go to Italy?

As you begin to plan your trip to Italy, think about when you want to visit. Maybe you have dates already scheduled, but if you don't, what season do you want to visit during and what weather do you want to travel in?

Summer in Italy is relatively hot, often reaching 80 to 90°F in June, July, and August. However, there is little rain this time of year. The south is generally warmer than the north as well. If you want to enjoy the beaches of the Amalfi Coast  or hike in the Dolomites, then summer is a great time to visit Italy.

Fall is much cooler bringing some of the best weather in Italy. Nights can get chilly, but it rarely gets below 50°F. However, there is a higher chance of rain in the fall in Italy, especially in November. 

Winter gets quite cold, bringing more rain and even snow in some areas. This does result in it being the cheapest time to go. Keep in mind that Sicily stays relatively warm so it can get busy in the winter.

When spring comes along, the temperatures rise to the 50s and 60s, and everything begins to grow again. There is still a higher chance of rain, but generally, crowds are small and prices are still low in the spring here.

How long can you stay/should you stay?

You are allowed to stay in Italy for up to 90 days without a visa if you are a U.S. citizen. While a three-month trip around this breathtaking country would be a dream adventure, it's likely not practical.

The longer you can stay in Italy the better as there are so many cities and towns to explore. However, 7 to 10 days in Italy is a great amount of time to stay. It's easy to travel around, so you can visit multiple cities in one trip if you wish.

You can stick to one city and see the most you possibly can in a week, or visit up to three cities with 10 days in Italy. Utilize the trains to travel around easily and conveniently and still be able to see more of Italy. 

What do you want to do in Italy?

When you begin planning your trip to Italy, think about certain activities you want to enjoy while here. Maybe you know you want to visit the best beaches or partake in a pasta cooking class. The options are endless, but if there's a certain activity you want to do in Italy, it can help you narrow down where to go.

Say you want to go hiking, some of the best places to do so are the Dolomites up north or along the coast of Cinque Terre . Or maybe you want to learn about as much history as you can while experiencing it in person; head to Rome  or Florence  for ruins, famous monuments, and incredible museums. 

Where do you want to go?

You can't go wrong when choosing where to visit in Italy. Each city and small town has its own charm; there are views to admire, plenty of foods to try, history to experience, and locals to learn from.

Some of the best places to visit in Italy  are cities like Rome, Pisa, and Florence, or stunning coastal regions like Cinque Terre, the Amalfi Coast, and Sicily. These places are popular for good reason and are great choices for those visiting Italy for the first time .

Budgeting For a Trip to Italy

Italy isn't the cheapest country you can travel to, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune for you to visit. A good rule of thumb is to budget around $85 per person per day. You can easily spend more than this if you wish to plan a luxury vacation, but you can also save money in multiple ways.

When looking for accommodation, sometimes Airbnb is much cheaper than hotels in Italy. Another option is to look for hostels; many of them have private rooms that still cost less than a hotel. 

Save money on food by cooking some of your own meals. If you have a kitchen in your accommodation, you can buy some basic groceries to save money on dining. It's easy to rack up quite a food bill if you eat out for every meal in Italy.

Using public transportation and skipping a car rental will also save you money. The trains in Italy are very reliable and easy to use, and they cost much less than a rental car will. Your budget will also depend on the activities you want to do.

If you're looking to visit many museums, participate in a cooking class, enjoy a food tour, or even mountain bike on Mt Etna  in Sicily, your activity budget will significantly increase. To save money in this area, you can pick one or two things you really want to do in each city and enjoy free sights and activities the rest of the time. 

How to Get Around Italy

One option for getting around Italy is by renting a car, but the good news is you don't need to. You can easily travel around Italy by train to save money, avoid the stress of driving, and still be able to visit multiple places. 

Before you visit Italy, take a look at my complete guide to traveling by train in Italy  so you can make the most of your time in this amazing, must-visit European country!

Planning the Perfect Trip to Italy

Not sure where to start? Browse through our Italy travel guides and tips to get inspiration for your trip! We fell in love with Italy and want to ensure you get the chance to. So start browsing, buy that plane ticket, and look below for more specific Italy travel planning guidance! We're here to help so don't hesitate to reach out with questions. Start browsing and learn how to plan a trip to Italy on your own!

Top 15 Things to Do in Rome for First-Time Visitors

25 Fun Facts About Rome

The Ultimate 7-Day Italy Itinerary

How to Get From Catania to Mt. Etna: Sicily's Stratovolcano

Most Beautiful Cities in Italy: A Photo Diary

How to Learn a New Language by Yourself for Traveling

Top 12 Free Things to Do in Catania, Sicily

21 Things to Know Before Going to Italy

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Planning a Trip To Italy: 9 Big Mistakes To Avoid

January 23, 2023 //  by  Follow Me Away //   8 Comments

There is plenty of information on the web about planning a trip to Italy, but most of it focuses on what you should do.

We even have an Ultimate 10 Day Italy Itinerary that tells you what to do and how to plan.

But this Italy travel guide is different. This is going to tell you what you should AVOID doing when Italy vacation planning.

Planning your trip to Italy last minute?

Make sure to book your hotels and tours in Italy in advance to ensure availability! Here are my top picks for your trip!

Tickets you MUST book in advance:

• Vatican Museums And Sistine Chapel (A MUST in advance)
• Colosseum Entry Tickets (Another MUST! Book online in advance!)
• Michelangelo’s David Tickets (Often sells out in Florence)
• Skip-The-Line Uffizi Gallery Tickets (Buy online to save time!)
• Doge’s Palace Entry Ticket (Very busy, can sell out)
• Milan Cathedral And Rooftop Tickets (Sells out and a must-see!)

Top picks for places to stay in Italy:

• Rome: Hotel Relais Dei Papi (Amazing Vatican location)
• Florence: Relais Pizza Signoria (City center location)
• Venice: Hotel Carlton Grand Canal (Grand Canal views!)
• Dolomites: Parkhotel Laurin (Central location with pool!)
• Cinque Terre: Affittacamere Casa Dane’ (Affordable location)
• Milan: Collini Rooms (Just 10 min from Milan airport!)

Don’t worry, it isn’t all as scary as you may think. Italy is an easy-going country to visit, but there are a few things to keep in mind when planning your Italy itinerary. 

We have been to Italy countless times at this point and have made countless mistakes. This [unfortunately] has given us first-hand knowledge of what you should NOT DO when planning a trip to Italy.

Italy was one of the three countries we visited on our first trip to Europe ever [along with France and Ireland] and we have since been back many times.

From the prettiest islands in Italy to the villages of Cinque Terre , these Italy travel planning tips will help improve your vacation!

Now, here are some tips on how to plan a trip to Italy!

Mistake #1: Spending Too Much Time In Rome

Don’t get us wrong, Rome is an absolutely amazing city to see.

When we were planning a trip to Italy for the first time, we were warned not to spend too much time in the city. Did we listen? Of course not! We spent four days in Rome and it was bordering on too much.

There is a TON to see and do in Rome like all the famous monuments and the Vatican City.

However, some people plan to spend between 5-7 days in Rome and sacrifice seeing some of the other best things to see in Italy!

Spending too much time in Rome is a common mistake people make when planning a trip to Italy.

Rome can feel quite touristy very quickly if you aren’t careful. If you have a shorter amount of time in Italy, we beg you not to spend half of your trip in Rome.

Go for a quick introduction then head out to see the rest of what Italy has to offer. At the very least, take some day trips from Rome .

When working on your Italy trip planner, consider spending between 2-3 days in Rome for a good first-time experience without feeling too rushed.

Whether you are planning your 10 days in Italy , have a bit more time and are spending 2 weeks in Italy , or renting a car and doing an Italy road trip , we do recommend seeing Rome, but not for a super long period of time! 

If you do choose to spend your 1-3 days in Rome, we recommend the below hotels. We also have a complete list of where to stay in Rome by area.

Where To Stay In Rome:

Near Vatican:  Domus Porta Angelica . Check Rates:  Booking.com

Mid-Range:  B&B La Scalinatella . Check Rates:  Booking.com

Upscale:  The Westin Excelsior Rome . Check Rates:  Booking.com

Mistake #2: Trying To Do Too Much In One Trip

Another of the top mistakes in Italy people make is trying to pack in too much during one trip.

Again, how do we know this? Because we did it too and constantly see others doing the same thing.

Italy may look small on the map, but it is actually quite big when you have to explore the whole thing.

There is also so much to see and do. This is why we have been back to Italy so many times! We have never been able to experience all we want in one trip so we have to go back.

When making Italy travel plans, we highly recommend NOT burning out.

By burning out, we mean trying to do way too much in a short amount of time.

We recommend choosing a few things to do and spending longer at those things rather than choosing a lot of things to do and only getting a few hours at each.

Of course, whatever type of trip you want is completely up to you, but slower travel will really let you know more about Italy and it will be much more enjoyable. 

While you are planning your trip to Italy, we recommend choosing your highlights and then going from there.

Choose the places you must see and make those a priority. If they are all spread throughout the country and you have only a short amount of time, you may want to rethink your Italy itinerary.

Sometimes it is better to do the top half or the bottom half of the country if you only have a short time, say, 5 days.

If your main reason to visit Italy is to see fantastic scenery, then make that your priority. Don’t try to fit in the beach, museums, and wineries all in a few days.

This will make you feel burnt out and at the end of the day, you really won’t enjoy the nature you traveled all the way to Italy to see.

Mistake #3: Being Scared To Use/Not Understanding Public Transportation 

Many Americans planning a trip to Italy are very confused about the Italian public transportation system.

We are from Florida and public transport here are some crappy buses that don’t run on time.

The best experience many people in North America get with public transportation is seeing it in a big city such as New York City or Toronto.

This makes people like us not understand what public transportation is all about in Italy. 

When planning a trip to Italy on a budget, public transportation is widely available and affordable!

On our first trip to Italy, we took the train all the way from Rome to PARIS! That is really far in case you didn’t know, and it didn’t cost that much.

We stopped in a few cities along the way but the point was to show you how connected Italy really is. 

Let’s say you fly into Rome. There are affordable public transportation options to get you from the Rome airport into the city center.

When you are in Rome you can either take the bus or the metro [subway] around the city.

When it is time to head to say, Florence/Venice/Naples/wherever, don’t worry! You will catch a local bus/metro to the larger train station.

You will find your train and ride it to your destination. Once you arrive at your destination such as Florence, you will walk out of the station and there will be local public transportation HERE for you too!

Even the smaller towns in Italy have great local transportation options and are very affordable.

When planning a first trip to Italy, keep this in the back of your mind, especially if you live somewhere that doesn’t rely on public transportation for transit.

You will not show up at a train station and then be left with no option to connect you to your hotel or the city center.

Italy isn’t like North America and this country is well-connected!

Mistake #4: Spending Too Much Money On An International Cell Service Plan

Luckily, with Sprint and T-Mobile, we get free international data and text messages so we don’t have to pay for a pricey international plan like others who have AT&T or Verizon.

If you have a phone carrier with an expensive international plan, DO NOT GET IT when traveling to Italy on a budget!

You don’t need it. Spending too much money on a pricey international cell phone plan is one of the biggest mistakes people make when planning a trip to Italy.

We were spared from making this mistake because our plans had it included, but know many people who don’t know this simple trick we are about to share.

We highly recommend getting a LOCAL sim card in Italy.

You can simply take out your sim card from your phone and pop in a local one. This allows you to use local 4G networks just like the local Italians.

We love using sim cards from local countries as they allow you fast, easy, and affordable network connection.

When buying a sim card, you can usually purchase one in the airport or in any downtown metro area. 

The best network for sim cards in Italy is TIM . This sim card costs around $25 for 30 days of usage and comes with 4G speeds and 15GB of data usage.

This is a WONDERFUL deal and oftentimes much cheaper and faster than using your own plan’s international data.

Plans such as Verizon don’t really exist in Italy which will cause your experience to be frustrating and slow.

Plans such as TIM do exist and are the main network used in the country so you can be sure to have an enjoyable and affordable experience.

WORD FROM THE WISE: Make sure that your smartphone is “unlocked” for International SIM card usage.

This involves calling or tweeting your cell carrier to ensure that it is unlocked for SIM additions.

Simply tell them you are traveling abroad and want to get an international SIM and that you need your phone unlocked.

This is one of the easiest tips we have for you when planning a trip to Italy because it makes getting around so much easier.

Mistake #5: Only Traveling To Italy In The Summer

Most people think they can only plan a trip to Italy during the summer.

Why? Because that is when it will be the best weather and when the experience will be most enjoyable.

We are here to tell you that this isn’t exactly true.

You can plan a trip to Italy any time of year, and we highly recommend visiting during the off-season.

During the summer or warmer months, the entire island is crowded with locals off work for holidays and the heat made hotels without air conditioning unbearable.

When visiting Italy in the off-season, we had a fantastic time every single time we visited.

The weather was cool and pleasant, the tourist season was low, prices were cheaper, and we didn’t need AC in the hotel.

We recommend  checking out Skyscanner to find the best and most affordable time of year to visit Italy. Use this tool to discover the best flights for your trip and easily compare rates.

We also suggest booking your Italy itinerary on a travel credit card so you can earn points toward future travel! These are the  travel credit cards we personally use! 

We planned a trip to Italy once in the early spring and the experience was just great. The weather was beyond fantastic and there were hardly any other visitors.

On the other hand, when we visited in mid-June, we were fighting with crowds of tourists and everything was overcrowded and super hot. 

However, if you are planning a trip to Italy and want to head into the Dolomites/Italian Alps, then the winter/spring will not be the best time for the experience.

The mountains will be buried in snow. Perfect if you want to ski, though!

If you want a lighter tourist time to visit the Dolomites in Italy, consider visiting at the end of summer or during early fall.

You will still get the same stunning experience but it won’t be nearly as busy as visiting during peak season.

Just don’t try and visit the Dolomites in early spring and expect them to be free of snow! 

If summer is the only time you have when planning a trip to Italy then please, feel free!

But we just want you know summer isn’t the ONLY time you have to plan your trip.

Italy is essentially a year-round destination. We have had great experiences visiting when the air is cooler and more pleasant outside.

Mistake #6: Completely Writing Off Renting A Car In Italy

Another mistake people make when planning a trip to Italy is completely writing off renting a car.

This is a HUGE MISTAKE for Italy trips because renting a car will provide you with so much freedom. It is the best way to tour Italy!

If a guided tour is more your style then that is totally fine. There are some great tours in Italy that will take you around with ease if you are only in Italy for a few days.

As we mentioned above, Italy has some FANTASTIC public transportation you should 100% use. But great public transportation can only take you so far.

We suggest checking out  AutoEurope.com  to find the best and most affordable rate when renting a car in Italy.

It allows you to compare rates across a variety of popular car rental websites including Hertz, Sixt, Europcar, Alamo, Dollar, Enterprise, and more.

This way, you can see a bunch of different prices without skipping around through a bunch of different websites.

Make sure to check out the larger cities such as Rome and Milan for the best deals on car rentals in Italy! 

We personally love renting a car as often as possible! From Iceland and Peru to Alaska and Ireland, we have rented cars all around the world and love the freedom they provide.

We have often used public transport in Italy and while it is great, you still must stick to a schedule and the buses and trains only take you so far.

We are photographers and hikers and love getting deep into the landscape and renting a car in Italy allows us to do just that.

For example, when we rented a car in Trentino in the Italian Alps/Dolomites, we spent 5-6 hours a day driving up to the tip-top of the mountains, seeing quaint villages, driving past cliff-side vineyards, finding random castle ruins, and more.

A WORD FROM THE WISE: While renting a car in Italy can be affordable, some tolls are steep! We are talking $25 a pop.

If you choose to rent a car, budget at least $200 for tolls, especially if you are driving anywhere out of Milan.

Some parts of Italy have more expensive toll roads while others are much more affordable. 

Of course, we understand that renting a car in Italy isn’t for everyone!

If you are going to Italy for the first time, and you just want to see the highlights such as Rome, Florence, and Venice then you really won’t need a car because the trains and buses are great.

If you are looking for an Italy road trip planner, we have a great itinerary for a road trip in Italy .

Mistake #7: Only Visiting The Tourist Hot Spots And Nowhere Else

We will be the first to say that we LOVE touristy locations. Why? Because they are usually touristy for a reason such as the Vatican in Rome or the canals in Venice.

That being said, a huge mistake people make when planning a trip to Italy is ONLY visiting these touristy locations and nowhere else!

How do we know? Because that is exactly what we did on our first trip to Italy!

Since then, we have been back additional times and have purposefully done a blend of famous and lesser-known spots. This was a much better mix that allowed us to get a feel for “real” Italy.

So, what is touristy in Italy? Cities like Rome/Florence/Milan/Naples/Pisa are tourist hotspots for obvious reasons.

While we would never suggest you plan a trip to Italy without visiting at least one of these cities, we highly recommend getting out and seeing different parts of Italy.

For example, if you are planning on visiting Florence, consider taking a look at this Tuscany Road Trip Itinerary and go visit a sleepy Florentine town.

There are so many amazingly quaint towns just 30-45 minutes away many people planning a trip to Italy miss.

While the large tourist meccas are popular for a reason, we highly recommend taking the time to visit smaller towns or natural places in Italy that not everyone visits.

Even if you choose to skip a HUGE tourist center for a smaller tourist area that is okay as it still takes you to the small towns in Italy you may have missed.

Not seeing the hidden gems of Italy IS indeed a big mistake. You will miss out on some of the best parts of the country! 

Mistake #8: Not Planning a Budget in Advance

Planning a budget is important for any trip, including Italy. Things can really add up and get expensive if you do not have a plan ahead of time.

If you are planning a trip to Italy on a budget, don’t worry. We have a full, comprehensive article that covers the cost of a trip to Italy .

The article breaks everything down based on how much you are willing to spend.

First, keep in mind the big expenses like flights, hotels, and rental cars.

Then, plan a daily budget for food and activities. You can easily save money by grocery shopping and exploring free things to do.

If you know in advance the average cost of meals, transportation, lodging, and activities, you will know what to expect and how to plan your spending.

Whether you are traveling to Italy on a budget or plan on going all out for a honeymoon in Italy , you will still have a fun and memorable time!

Mistake #9: Not Booking Some Activities in Advance

Because Italy is such a big tourist destination, many of the most popular attractions can book up fast.

This includes things like vising the Colosseum in Rome or touring the Duomo in Florence .

Once you have your Italy itinerary set, you should book your top activities ahead of time to secure a spot on the day you want.

Sometimes, you can also save a little money when you book things online in advance.

Consider booking major experiences like wine tastings and day trips beforehand as well.

Having your must-see attractions and things to do booked in advance takes away the stress of getting tickets at the last minute, waiting in line, and possibly missing out on activities.

Below is a list by city of some of the top attractions you should consider booking in advance to make your trip smoother.

Book Here: Vatican: Museums & Sistine Chapel Entrance Ticket

Book Here: Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Entry Tickets

Book Here: Accademia Gallery Priority Entry Ticket

Book Here: Cathedral, Duomo Museum, and Baptistery Tour

Book Here: From Florence: Tuscany Highlights Full-Day Tour

Book Here: Grand Canal by Gondola with Commentary

Book Here: Doge’s Palace Reserved Entry Admission Ticket

Book Here: From Naples: Pompeii Ruins & Mount Vesuvius Day Tour

Packing Tips For Your Trip To Italy

Here are some of our favorite items that you should consider packing for Italy !

These are essential travel items we use and love, and you should make sure to consider them for your travels.

A  concealed travel pouch  may be one of the most important items you bring with you!

This  unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is  lightweight and comes in several colors.

It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind. You can keep your most valuable documents safe and secure next to your body.

If you have a pouch already you may not want to or need to invest in a new one. If it does not come with RFID protection , these  RFID  sleeves  would be handy to prevent identity theft.

This configuration comes with enough passport and credit card sleeves that the entire family would be protected.

They are slim too, so they will easily fit into your current pouch or wallet. These are the kind our family uses not only when traveling but at home as well.

If you have a camera on your packing list, you need to add additional  memory cards  to your list as well.

Unless you are packing a computer for your trip, you will not be able to upload photos and clear your existing memory card.

Purchasing additional memory cards   cost under $20  and take up no space in your luggage. Having a backup can have the potential to save you a lot of heartache if something goes awry!

There is nothing worse than coming across that perfect moment and then finding out you don’t have enough space to capture it on your camera!

Similarly, if you are planning to capture your trip on a smartphone, we beg you to bring some way to back up your memories.

The best way to do this is with a  portable smartphone flash drive . A flash drive is a small storage device that you can connect to your smartphone and then safely and easily download photos onto this device.

If you are planning on taking a lot of pictures with your phone you will definitely want to consider an  external charging battery .

This  Anker high-speed phone charging battery  is the exact one we carry with us on all of our trips . It can be used on a variety of phones, not just an iPhone like we have. And wow is it fast!

We like that it holds its charging capabilities for several uses so we do not have to worry about it while out and about. And if we forget to recharge it at night, it will still be good to go the next day.

My mom was never a fan of  packing cubes  until she tried them out! Now she is sold .  These Bagail packing cubes   are  the exact ones she uses whenever she travels and she travels a lot.

She cannot believe how much more organized she is now! And she will never leave without them anymore.

We never leave home on a trip without our  Bobble filtration bottle.  The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for travel. It will fit nicely in the pocket of a backpack or your purse.

Also when filled with water, it is not too heavy to carry. And the Bobble carbon  filter  ensures fresh clean water whenever and wherever you fill the Bobble. You can find  filter replacements here. 

Perhaps you are traveling a long distance and packing space is a premium. Then this  set of collapsible silicone foldable water bottles  would work well for you.

Would not take up much space in your suitcase at all. And you will be receiving a set of two.

You will want to bring a  backpack or daypack  with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc.

This   foldable water-resistant backpack  would be great. It is very affordable and is available in many color options for you to choose from. The fact that it folds down into a zippered pouch will make it easy to pack.

Perhaps you need a more substantial  backpack  for your international travel.

This antitheft backpack has a charging port, is water-resistant, and can comfortably carry up to a 15.6″ laptop. It comes in a range of colors to choose from and it is inexpensive as well.

We all need to  protect our eyes  from the sun’s harmful UVA/UVB rays. These  unisex polarized sunglasses   come in a lot of lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable too.

If you are fond of the  aviator-style of sunglasses  these polarized aviators may interest you.

We like polarized sunglasses because they remove the glare of the water and help you to see things more clearly.

Don’t forget to bring along a  universal power adapter  if you are traveling abroad. This  worldwide   power plug  is a great example and will charge your phone at the end of your busy days.

And this  world traveler adapter kit   can charge several devices at the same time.

This is what you will need when there are several people traveling in your group. Or if you bring several electronic devices on your trip that require charging at the same time.

We hope this post helped you learn how to plan a vacation to Italy.

Italy is one of the first places that we visited abroad and remains one of our favorite countries without fail.

We can’t wait for you to experience it and we hope that these tips help you when planning your Italy itinerary.

They aren’t meant to scare you, but to make you “think” about a few alternative mindsets as you write your trip planner for Italy! 

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Reader Interactions

March 1, 2019 at 10:54 am

Victoria – I haven’t yet been to Italy but thanks for arming me with some ideas for what NOT to do!

March 4, 2019 at 7:42 am

I loved your article. I agree with you, being a guide of rome and Milan I always suggest my clients and friend to visit also smaller towns using local trains. Also when is possible hire a guide it’s really a way to get to know the place with a friend. Thanks Lara grom

March 29, 2019 at 5:12 am

Completely agreed with everything! I see people make these mistakes all the time and as someone who loves Italy and has visited many times, it always makes me sad to think about how much they are missing out on!

May 3, 2019 at 2:48 am

These are common mistakes anyone who goes to Italy might do. You wrote such an interesting article touching the most common mistakes. One mistake I would add to your list is referring to food, and that is to avoid eating only pizza and pasta, because Italy has so much many other tasty and gorgeous food that you have to try when you visit Italy.

June 27, 2019 at 10:59 pm

Thank you si much for the useful info. I know it takes long to write these kinds of post MSN’s but they are good really appreciated. I’m planning my next trip to Italy and will definitely visit Tuscany.

July 3, 2019 at 5:03 pm

I have been in Italy twice and nothing has ever gone according to plan or schedule which means I have missed Milan, Venice, Florence & Naples, but have seen Rome, Siena, Ravenna, San Marino and a bunch of nameless places along the Swiss border. My daughter saw Assissi under similar circumstances as well. All of it was very worthwhile. But I need to go back!

October 26, 2019 at 11:56 pm

Hello Great suggestions for a trip. What makes the backpack you suggested “anti-theft”?

Thanks William

October 27, 2019 at 3:58 pm

This antitheft backpack has a charging port, is water-resistant and can comfortably carry up to a 15.6″ laptop. It comes in a range of colors to choose from and it is inexpensive as well.

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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

Design Your Own Italy Vacation

Jan 3, 2023

MAKE ITALY YOUR OWN

Description

Your Own Italy is proud to offer unique, tailored vacations throughout Italy for couples, families, and friends. We seek to create unforgettable vacations customized to make your trip unique.

Our clients are travelers who want to be guided during their time in Italy but do not want to be part of a group. Our experience of over 30 years in Italy allows us to personally share with clients the country we have come to know and love.

Here’s what we do:

We work with you to understand what areas of Italy you want to visit, where you want to stay, what you want to see, how busy your itinerary should be, and what your budget is in order to design a customized vacation.

Once the cities and areas to be visited are identified, the next step is to decide on accommodations. Many of our clients opt for 4-star boutique family-owned hotels in historic city centers, others prefer apartment accommodations with kitchens for a more live-like-a-local experience, and some clients prefer a mix-and-match approach. For the luxury traveler, we partner with the best 5-star hotels throughout Italy.

Once you’ve chosen the accommodations, we’ll plan the itinerary. Would you like a private tour every day? Every other day? Would you prefer a private driver or reserved train tickets on high-speed trains? What about hands-on cooking classes, wine tastings, shopping excursions? A week in a villa in Tuscany? Perhaps a private boat tour around Capri? Whether it’s a “see as much as possible” itinerary or a more relaxed “explore some on our own” experience, the result is the same: stress-free travel where all the details are taken care of ahead of time.

Your Own Italy is based in the Washington D.C. area with a branch office in Rome where all operations are conducted. Once you arrive, a staff member will be assigned to you to follow through on your itinerary daily, taking care of all logistics, last-minute requests and questions or issues that may arise. So, although you are traveling independently, our 24/7 concierge staff is at your service! Your Own Italy combines the luxury and choices of private travel with the hassle-free convenience of a tour. It is international travel perfected!

What's Included

• Private driver transfers to and from airports and train stations
• Reserved business class seats on high-speed trains
• Accommodations: selected 4-star boutique hotels or apartments in the historic centers of Rome – 2 nights and Sorrento – 5 nights
• English-speaking local tour guides throughout your vacation
• All skip-the line tickets
• Private Introductory Walking Tour of Rome
• Private Tour of Pompeii with lunch and wine tasting on Mt. Vesuvius
• Private Day Excursion to the towns of Positano, Amalfi and Ravello.
• Private Cooking Class at the Villa Fattoria Terranova
• Private Day Excursion with guide to Capri including a 3-hour Private Boat Tour around the island
• Private Food and Wine Walking Tour in the Trastevere neighborhood
• There is a dress code for churches and basilicas. Shoulders and knees must be covered, shorts, miniskirts, and sleeveless shirts are not permitted. It is recommended that you not take large bags on tours that include churches as storage is not always  available
• Please wear comfortable footwear as the tours on your vacation involve a lot of walking
• The team at Your Own Italy is absolutely flexible and will customize your vacation to suit your personal needs. Are you traveling with children? We will provide the necessary assistance to adjust our packages to ensure that your vacation is truly memorable!
• Contact Your Own Italy for customization options on your vacation
• Refer to our website for details on our Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Policy

Please read our Vacation Package Cancellation Policy by clicking on the following link:   Cancellation Policy here.

Vacation Airfare

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Travel Italy on your own

In Italy, you must see … the inner feeling of every Italian, relax and enjoy life itself, food and beauty, as Victoria does, having visited this country 15 times already. Victoria revealed her secrets: how to travel in Italy on a budget and shared life hacks that can be very useful when traveling in Italy on your own.

– Let’s get acquainted.

– My name is Victoria. I started traveling on my own 8 years ago. By this time, I have visited 22 countries. Of course, I did not study all countries, but individual cities. But at the same time, she visited Italy 15 times, including Sicily – 9 times. I’ve visited more cities here!

– Why do you love Italy?

– There are many reasons for this! Pleasant climate, beauty in every city, beautiful language, delicious food, sympathetic and “lively” people. Each city and region of Italy likes something different and beckons to return sooner or later.

– Life hacks in Italy.

Travel in Italy on your own. Tips:

• When traveling to Italy, take your Mastercard with you, because with Visa money will first be converted into dollars, and only then into euros. And the best way is to use a currency card or go with dollars / euros.
• Every year at the beginning of November, the country hosts Settimana del Barato (barter week) – free accommodation in Italy. During this period, there is the possibility of free accommodation in Italian hotels or b & b in exchange for any service: nanny or gardener services, massage or foreign language courses. And some hotels have such barter almost all year round. You can find such hotels here: settimanadelbaratto.it.
• There are also services where you can find free accommodation in Italy from local residents in exchange for looking after the house or taking pets. www.helpx.net www.housecarers.com www.trustedhousesitters .com www.luxuryhousesitting.com
• Resting in Italy for two, a family or a company, it is profitable to rent an apartment for 30-60 € per day. It is better to book them in advance (1-2 months in advance).
• When to go to Italy? If you want to avoid the heat and the crowds of tourists, it is better to plan your trip in the spring (April-May) or autumn (September-November). For lovers of skiing – end of November-beginning of March.

– Is it true that Italians are very emotional people?

– Yes, it’s true. And the farther south, the more emotionally they wave their arms. On Saturday evenings in the pizzeria, you can expect a lot of noise from people talking at the same time and children running around. By the way, Italians often take their children everywhere and everywhere and let them do almost whatever they want. Get ready for this. And if you hear loud screams and several people are vigorously waving their hands at each other, you do not need to call the police. Most likely people are just talking emotionally.

– When do sales start in Italy and are there really good discounts there?

– Sales in Italy begin immediately after the new year: from early January to February-early March, and summer sales in Italy run from July to late August. Discounts in Italy are really very good, and not like in Russia. Raised the price, then wrote the previous one and wrote a 50% discount.

– Tell us interesting facts about Italy.

Italy is not one whole country, but 20 united regions, each with its own original dishes, traditions and dialect.

Here are some interesting facts about Italy:

• In Italy, you cannot open an umbrella indoors, because Italians believe that it can bring bad luck.
• It is normal for a man to live with his mother until the age of 40.
• Italians don’t shout or swear – that’s how they talk. Especially in the south.

– What does traveling give you?

– Traveling, especially in Italy, energizes me for several months ahead. I love to learn new things and share everything that I learn with my readers. After all, I have an Instagram account @ vetochka.travel and a blog viksitur.livejournal.com.

How to Visit Florence on Your Own

Florence is often cited as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and for a good reason. With its stunning architecture, incredible art, and delicious food, it’s easy to see why so many people flock to this Tuscan city every year. I have been to Florence a total of 4 times, and it is magical.

If you’re thinking of traveling to Florence on your own, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First and foremost, Florence can be quite crowded, particularly during the peak tourist season (May to September). If you’re looking to avoid the masses, consider traveling outside of these months. October through April are typically less crowded, and those months also offer more reasonable prices on accommodations and activities. 

Another thing to keep in mind when traveling to Florence is that it’s a very walkable city. With that said, there are still a few must-see sights that require a bit of traveling by bus or taxi. The Duomo, for example, is located in the center of the city and can be easily reached on foot from most hotels and apartments. However, destinations like the Boboli Gardens and Pitti Palace are located a bit further outside of the city center and require public transportation to reach them.

So let’s chat how to visit Florence on your own!

Here are my top tips for visiting Florence, Italy.

Do people ask if Florence is worth visiting? Absolutely.

Some people may not want to visit Florence several times as I did, but if it’s your first time in Italy, I strongly recommend you visit Rome and Florence. My husband and I have made several road trips from Italy to Florence, which you can read more here:

• The 411 of Driving in Italy
• 4 Tuscan Cities to Visit for Couples
• 7 Romantic Things to do in Tuscany

How Many Days Should You Stay In Florence

I recommend you stay in Florence for a minimum of 3 days, as this will give you a chance to make day trips to other areas in Tuscany. In our past visits, we’ve gone to Siena, Montepulciano, Cinchiano, and San Geminiano. You can also do day trips to places like Lucca and Pisa.

I feel that Florence can be fully explored in one day, but of course, if you have more time, then you won’t be rushed.

Where should you stay in Florence, Italy?

I love staying in the neighborhood called Santo Spirito. It is well located within walking distance of many tour spots. When I stayed near Pitti Palace, I felt that I was too far away. Additionally, I don’t like to stay near the train station because that is further away from the city center as well. I also stayed close to the Duomo, but I barely slept that night as it was near a bar, and they were very loud!

Some stays in Santo Spirito area:

1.5-day itinerary for Florence, Italy

P.S. You can modify this to be a one-day Florence Itinerary only, as well. 

If you arrive in the early afternoon, see if you can check in at your hotel or apartment, at least to leave your luggage. Then you can walk around, admire your area, and get to know it a bit more. Check out the cafes, restaurants, bars and shops.  Next, stop by the local supermarket and get some wine and snacks. If you have some time, head over to Ponte Vecchio for your first stroll on the bridge.

About 1.5 hours before the sun goes down, start heading over to the Piazza Michalaneglo for an amazing sunset and jaw-dropping view of the whole city. You can either take a bus up or walk up. Check out this blog post for more tips.

Now that you’re back, it’s time for either aperitivo or a diner near your hotel. The following day will be a big day, so rest up.

Full day in Florence, Italy 

Good morning. First, wake up and have breakfast near your hotel or Airbnb. Try to sit outside and enjoy the scenery and do some people watching, and then take a walk towards the Ponte Vecchio, which is a must. Here you will admire the views and shop some of the fabulous jewelry brands on the bridge.

Ponte Vecchio

The Ponte Vecchio is one of the most iconic landmarks in Florence, and for a good reason. This historic bridge spans the Arno River and is lined with colorful houses and shops. It’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists alike, and there are plenty of things to do here. Whether you’re admiring the views, doing some shopping, or simply taking a picture, a visit to the Ponte Vecchio is a must when traveling to Florence. 

Interesting note: The story of the Ponte Vecchio is that it was the only bridge that wasn’t destroyed by the Nazis during WW2. The thinking was that they would want to preserve it as a symbol of Italian engineering and architecture.  The Ponte Vecchio’s two neighboring bridges are the Ponte Santa Trinita and the Ponte alle Grazie .

The stores on the bridge are super cool. There are men’s watches there that I have never seen before with intriguing designs.

Luxury shops you’ll find at Ponte Vecchio:

• Silversmiths
• Bronze workers
• Antique dealers

The oldest shop on the bridge is that of the goldsmith Filippo Casoni, which has been there since 1755. Casoni’s great grandson is now the sixth generation of goldsmiths in the family to work from the Ponte Vecchio.

The most expensive brand sold on the bridge is Buccellati.

Buccellati is an Italian luxury jewelry and watchmaking brand founded in 1919 by Mario Buccellati. The brand is best known for its intricate gold designs and exquisite craftsmanship. Today, Buccellati is one of the most prestigious jewelers in the world, with a presence in some of the most exclusive department stores and boutiques around the globe. If you’re traveling to Florence on your own and looking to do some high-end shopping, a visit to Buccellati is a must. Even if you’re not in the market for anything, it’s worth browsing the shop or simply admiring the incredible jewelry on display.

The Ponte Vecchio is also beautiful during sunset but can get more crowded later on, making it hard for that ’gram selfie.

After the stroll, head over to the Uffizi Gallery. It is best that you buy tickets ahead of time. This world-renowned art museum houses some of the most iconic paintings and sculptures from the Renaissance era. If you’re traveling to Florence on your own, a visit to the Uffizi Gallery is a must. Even if you’re not particularly interested in art, it’s still worth browsing the galleries or simply admiring the incredible architecture of the building. 

Just be sure to book your tickets in advance and arrive early, as there are often long lines. And don’t forget to dress appropriately – no shorts, tank tops, or hats allowed! Be sure to plan ahead for time, too. How much time do you need to visit the museum?

– 1-2 hours is enough to see the highlights

– 3-4 hours if you want to take your time and explore everything

Prices – 

– Tickets cost €20 for adults

– €8 for EU citizens ages 18-25

– Free for children under 18 and EU citizens over 65

Now take a stroll towards the amazing food market. It will take you about 12 minutes, and you will pass by the Duomo on your way there. Stop for a selfie, and then you will be back later after lunch.

Mercato Centrale is one of Florence’s must-visit markets. There are so many kinds of food here, from grass-fed burgers to vegan meals to amazing desserts. Definitely arrive hungry. I feel it’s best to try several things and really enjoy your time here. First walk around to see all the food options, then make your pick. I actually opted for the hamburger last time, and it was delicious. Of course, I had some beer as well.

Tips for visiting the Mercato Centrale:

• In the past, it was recommended to bring cash in case there were vendors that didn’t take credit cards. But this summer (2022), Italy just passed a law that all vendors must take credit cards, and no minimum charge is required.
• Bring your own reusable bags if you plan to buy fruit, souvenirs, cheeses, etc.
• Ask for recipe ideas, as the producers love to share
• Ask the vendors for their favorite food on the menu and try something new
• Use the bathroom. You will need to pay to get in unless you have a receipt of an item purchased

Now that your tummy is full, time to walk back to the Duomo area to go inside.

Note: If you plan to go up the Duomo, you may want to hit this up first thing in the morning, as you will need more time. So basically, swap the Uffizi Gallery visit time.

Here’s everything you need to know about visiting the Duomo in Florence:

Construction on the Duomo began in 1296 and was completed in 1436. What is the Duomo made of? The exterior of the Duomo is made of white, pink, and green marble. The interior is decorated with beautiful stained glass windows and intricate sculptures. People love taking photos in front of its big doors.

The first time I went to Florence, in 2003, I had already missed a day of my trip due to bringing the wrong passport to the airport. (I cried for hours that night). So when I finally arrived, I felt I needed to make up time. My old college roommate would be busy until later, so I dropped my bags off at the train station and went straight to the Duomo. I climbed 463 steps to the top of the Duomo – which felt like forever to get up there, but the views were stunning! From the top of the Duomo, you’ll have a 360-degree view of Florence and the surrounding Tuscan hills. It’s truly a breathtaking sight!

General Info about the Duomo:

– Duomo ticket prices: Tickets to enter the Duomo cost 8 euros for adults, 4 euros for students, and children under 6 years old are free. You can also purchase a combo ticket that includes access to the Baptistery, Campanile, and Museum for 18 euros.

– How to get there: The Duomo is located in the heart of Florence, so it’s easy to get to no matter where you’re staying in the city. If you’re taking public transportation, the closest stop is Duomo station.

– What to expect: The Duomo is an impressive sight, both inside and out. Be sure to take some time to admire the exterior before heading inside to see the beautiful ceiling and stained glass windows.

– Insider tips: If you want to avoid the crowds, visit early in the morning or later in the evening. And if you want to get a great view of the city, climb up to the top of the dome!

The Duomo is open daily from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm. The last entry is at 6:30 pm. You can easily spend a few hours in there, depending on what you want to see! 

So, now it’s time for gelato and shopping! There are great luxury stores in Florence, and they are more affordable than in the USA. As I write this blog post, the euro is equal to the dollar, making it even cheaper, and you also get 12% VAT back at the airport. Make sure to request this special receipt when making your purchases.

Our family and I loved shopping at Zara, H&M, and this shoe store called SOFT store of the future.

Then head back to your hotel or apartment so you can get dressed for an amazing dinner at Trattoria dall’Oste! If you love meat, order the bisteca fiorentina, and make sure you have wine and dessert. They serve you some prosecco while you wait, but you must make a reservation. Use one of these apps to reserve

•  Quandoo

Now, take a night stroll and stop by one of the bars or restaurants for a nightcap. I love the bar Volume, as they have different things at night, including comedy shows which can be very funny while drinking wine and not understanding a thing! Or a barber shop band like there was the last time we were there.

The next morning, enjoy another great breakfast and walk around the street shopping. Then it’s time to head out. 

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The 9 best destinations to make your group trip a reality

Apr 26, 2024 • 6 min read

Take a day trip to Florence while exploring Tuscany with your crew © Gabi Bucataru / Stocksy United

Organizing a group trip can be a daunting task. Deciding where to go, what to do and where you'll stay with a group of people  — who all have their own opinions  — can be challenging enough to nearly convince you not to go.

But certain destinations are decidedly worth the hassle. Whether you are traveling with friends or with family, here are nine places that are perfect for your next group adventure. 

Great Barrington, The Berkshires, USA

The Berkshires in Massachusetts is a popular escape for many East Coast city dwellers due to the region's fall foliage and charming towns. Basing yourself in Great Barrington offers a wholesome oasis for any type of big group. Rent a house, preferably on a lake, and sit back and enjoy the long weekend. Great Barrington's quaint main street is worth an afternoon excursion. Flip through vinyl at Rob's Records , find your next favorite side table at The Berkshire Galleries of Great Barrington and round the day off with dinner at Prarie Whale . 

For literature fans, The Berkshires were once home to many writers, including Edith Wharton. Take a day trip to visit her estate,  The Mount , for history, culture and stunning architecture. And when all that relaxing starts to feel dull, break a sweat with a hike to the largest waterfall in Massachusetts, Bash Bish Falls .

Is your group looking for an unforgettable adventure?  Tanzania  offers a wealth of group-centered activities, primarily in the bush. If it's always been your dream to catch a glimpse of the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino), pack your friends or family into a Land Rover and head to the Serengeti . Spend your days cruising through the  Ngorongoro Crater , enjoying cocktails under the stars, and getting a front-row seat to some of Earth's most fascinating creatures. 

Want to leave the planning to a local expert? Check out Elsewhere's Tanzania trips

Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

At its very core, Las Vegas is an adult playground. Whether you come for a bachelor party, girls’ trip or family adventure, there is no shortage of fun. Here, you can catch a water-inspired  Cirque du Soleil  show at the  Bellagio , enjoy a sunset meal in the exclusive seats of the  Eiffel Tower Restaurant , hit  Encore Beach Club  for a rowdy pool party or try your luck at one of the countless poker tables. 

Later, stop by the  Mob Museum  for a look at the nitty-gritty side of the USA. And if you get the urge, tie the knot at the kitschy yet playful  Viva Las Vegas Chapel  – everyone knows the best marriages start with an Elvis serenade. 

Miami, Florida, USA

Playful and glamorous, Miami is a certified group trip destination. Everything about Miami screams, “Grab your friends and have some fun.” Head to  South Beach  if you crave the classic Miami experience, but you don't necessarily have to focus on beaches and nightlife. Leave the golden sand behind for a day and explore Little Havana, eat traditional, mouthwatering Cuban food at  Versailles , and spend an afternoon in the  Art District  of the neighborhood, which features a handful of stellar galleries. 

Head to  Wynwood , where art has taken over the street with mesmerizing murals around every corner. Afterward, catch some live music at  Lagniappe , a sultry club that brings a New Orleans flair to Miami. With art, good food, and seemingly endless nightlife, there are plenty of things to do. 

Chianti, Tuscany, Italy

What could go wrong with a group of friends in wine country? Nothing when it's in Tuscany . Head to  Chianti , the birthplace of one of Italy's most beloved wines, for stunning landscapes and endless tastings. Many vineyards in Tuscany offer exceptional lodging, such as  Castello di Ama , where everything is accessible, the tastings are just a stroll away, and romance is in the air.

And when you have nursed too many hangovers, truffling hunting, pasta making and olive oil tasting are there to step in. If you prefer a less structured environment, rent a villa, relax by the pool, ride bicycles through the vineyards and cook lavish dinners to enjoy in the garden. When the countryside begins to feel a bit slow, head to  Florence  or  Venice  for a little city action before you head home.

Mallorca, Spain

Sometimes the best thing you can do is escape to an island. Mallorca is a destination for all ages, and whether you are craving a trip with friends or looking for a winter getaway with your kids, there's no better place to relax, recover and enjoy a beachy retreat. 

Let the crystal-clear water and soothing ocean breeze wash over you at  Platja des Coll Baix , one of the island's most beloved beaches. Take a steep hike to  Santuari de la Mare de Déu des Puig,  a 14th-century nunnery that sits atop a towering hill, or spend the afternoon exploring some of the island's most mesmerizing caves at  Coves del Drac . With no lack of beaches, sun, and activities, expect to leave rested and glowing.

Whistler, Canada

Is your group ready to hit the slopes? Whistler is an amazing destination that will offer something even for those who prefer to hang out in the chalet. Not only are the courses varied and the hills steep, but the area is beautiful too. The picturesque village, with its alpine-style architecture and towering mountains in the background, is worth marveling at. There's even the chance for a bit of culture while you're here with Whistler's developing art scene. 

Ride the  Peak 2 Peak Gondola , which offers magical views and a quick journey between Whistler and Blackcomb. If you have had enough time in the cold, stop in at  Whistler Brewing Company  for a pint or a tour and tasting at one of BC's oldest microbreweries. Wrap up the trip with a visit to the  Audain Art Museum  for Indigenous and British Columbian artwork.

With its greenery, historic temples and seriously good food, it's no wonder Thailand  makes a fabulous group-trip option for those looking for some adventure. 

Begin your exploration of Thailand by diving head-first into the cuisine. Branch out beyond  pad thai  with a steaming bowl of  khao soi  before eating your way through the rest of Thailand's  delicious dishes . Take a refreshing dip at  Erawan National Park , but beware of the monkeys; they are known to sometimes snatch items from visitors. Take home handmade souvenirs with a visit to  Cicada Market . This night-time shopping experience will give you a taste of the local way of life. Before you depart, take the opportunity to marvel at Thailand's ornate architecture by visiting  Wat Phra Kaew  and  Wat Traimit .

Prague, Czech Republic

Does your group prefer a little more history alongside your adventure? Prague is the answer. Relatively affordable compared to many of its European neighbors, Prague is an excellent option for larger groups looking to keep expenses on the lower end and families wanting to switch it up for their annual vacation.

The architecture of the city is unforgettable. Watch the  Astronomical Clock  hit the hour and enjoy its short but beautiful show before wandering the narrow, lively streets. Cross the iconic  Charles Bridge  and see the city stretch out before you. Head to  St Vitus Cathedral  for its Gothic, eye-catching exterior and the centuries-old treasures that lie inside. Relax within the peaceful  Wallenstein Garden , once fit for a duke. There is simply so much to uncover in this complex city.

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