travel guide in italy

Italia. Open to meraviglia.

Landscapes of Aosta Valley

Sailing holidays or mini day cruises: Italy viewed from the sea is even more beautiful

Bibione, the Sports Lovers' Beach

Sardinia, where canyoning goes from mountains to the sea

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

• UNESCO sites
• Thermal baths

Food and wine

The best Italian factory tours from one city to another

Mountain holidays, places to go for unique experiences for children

The sky in a room: 10 hotels where you can sleep under the stars and rediscover yourself

Seven marvellous archipelagos of Italy to revitalize yourself!

Cilento, between unspoilt beaches, wild nature and charming hamlets

Thermal baths in Valtellina: a land of absolute well-being

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

The 15 Italian UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage excellences

Artistic masterpieces and gastronomic marvels in Modena

The Dolomites: the most beautiful architectural work in the world

Alberobello, the Trulli capital, a fairy tale experience

Emilia-Romagna

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

Cycling around nature and historic hamlets in Abruzzo

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

Seaside Villages

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

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

3 of the best wellness itineraries in Emilia Romagna

A wellness weekend at the Euganean Spas

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

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

Montecatini Terme, historical thermal centre in Tuscany

Terme di Caramanico, a haven of wellness and relaxation

Restaurants

The piadina: queen of Romagna

Pizza, gnocchi, walnuts and lemons: flavours along the Sorrento Peninsula

Wine Routes set amidst hills and lakes at the feet of the Dolomites

Mountain flavors: the typical products of the Aosta Valley

Journey through taste, the discovery of Italian pasta, between history and curiosity

Venice Marathon

Alba’s International White Truffle Fair

Medieval Festival

Arezzo Antiques Fair

MICAM Milano 2024

2024 MONZA FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX

Golden Gala

Longines Global Champions Tour

Varese City Run

Catania Book Festival

Cous Cous Fest

Cremona's nougat festival

Romaeuropa Festival

The unique feast of Santa Rosa in Viterbo 

Vigneti aperti 2024

The Palio of Asti

Discover italy.

Aosta Valley

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

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

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

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

South Tyrol

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

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

Friuli-Venezia Giulia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The source of inspiration for your Italian adventures

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

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

Diving: close contact with the Big Blue

Emilia Romagna, experience the land of flavours

Rediscover your Italian roots

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

Create your ideal journey.

Art and culture

Relax and wellness

Spirituality

Shopping & Markets

Cycling Tourism

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Chances are, once you’ve experienced the joys of travelling in Italy, you might never want to visit anywhere else. Its cultural legacy is awe-inspiring, with remnants of the Roman Empire manifest at (pretty much) every turn. Then there’s the diverse landscapes, and the fabulous food - all underpinned by an unmistakeable character of living life to the full.

Travel Facts about Italy

Where to go in italy - regions and areas, top attractions - what to see in italy, best things to do in italy, when is the best time to visit italy.

• How to get to Italy

How to get around Italy

Where to stay in italy, food in italy you need to try, culture and festivals in italy, nightlife in italy, plan your trip to italy, things you need to know before going to italy, typical cost and money saving tips for italy, what to pack for a trip to italy, is italy safe for travel, what you should avoid in italy, useful resources for your travel to italy, travel ideas for italy, created by local experts.

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

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

Enchanting Italian Lakes

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

From Venice to Florence: A Grand Tour of Northern Italy

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

Florence: A Trip Back In Time

Florence. A mere mention of the name conjures up grand images of Renaissance romance, awe-inspiring art and astonishing architecture. Come and see for yourself.

Eternal Rome for the Weekend

Welcome to this whirlwind tour of Rome, also known as the Eternal City. Rome is one of the most photogenic cities on earth, so make sure you pack your camera.

Wine and food in Tuscany

Stay at a beautiful hotel in San Gimignano, a medieval hill town half way between Florence and Siena. Tuscany is known for its wines and food and that's what you'll be exploring on this itinerary - several wine and food pairings await. All hand-picked by your local travel specialist.

All the information here is from The Rough Guide to Italy , our in-depth Italy travel guide - check it out for your all your Italy travel needs.

• Language: Italian, with a whopping 34 dialects.
• Population: just under 60 million, with around three million residing in Rome, the capital.
• Politics: Italy has been a democratic republic since 1946, when the monarchy was abolished by popular referendum.
• Heritage: Italy is home to a staggering 55 UNESCO World Heritage sites, 50 cultural and five natural. Tuscany alone has more classified historical monuments than any other country in the world.
• Food and drink: the average Italian eats 23 kilos of pasta annually, and the nation drinks an astounding 14 billion cups of coffee every year.

For more Italy travel tips, read our facts about travelling in Italy article .

Every trip to Italy is unique and that's why it's essential to stay protected. With our go-to travel insurance provider, Heymondo , you get great value and 24/7 support wherever you are.

Figuring out where to go when you visit Italy is no mean feat. From ancient hilltop towns to modern bustling cities, dramatic mountain landscapes to sweeping coastal scenery, each pocket of Italy delivers something different.

Rome , Italy’s capital, is the one city in the country that owes allegiance neither to the north or the south. It’s quite unlike any other city, and in terms of historic sights it outstrips everywhere else by some way.

Rough Guides tip: Explore our detailed guide on  how to get around Rome to feel more confident during your Rome holidays.

Rome from above aerial view of the Roman Forum and the Colosseum © Calin Stan/Shutterstock

Piemonte and Lombardy

The northwest regions of Piemonte and Lombardy make up the country’s most cosmopolitan region, and the two main centres, Turin and Milan , are its wealthiest cities. In the north, the presence of the Alps makes skiing and hiking prime activities, while Lombardy’s lakes and mountains are time-honoured tourist territory.

Liguria , the small coastal province to the south, has long been known as the “Italian Riviera” and is accordingly crowded with sun-seekers for much of the summer. Its capital, Genoa , is a vibrant port town with a long seafaring tradition.

The Veneto and Friuli Giulia

The Dolomites stretch into the northeastern regions of the Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia , but the main focus here is Venice . This unique city is every bit as beautiful as its reputation suggests.

Emilia-Romagna

Emilia-Romagna ’s coast is popular among Italians, and Rimini is Italy’s brashest (and trendiest) seaside resort. Then there’s the ancient centres of Ravenna , Ferrara , Parma and regional capital, Bologna , one of Italy’s liveliest cities, and traditionally its gastronomic and academic capital.

Central Italy represents perhaps the most commonly perceived image of the country. Tuscany , with its classic rolling countryside and the art-packed towns of Florence , Pisa and Siena , is one of Italy’s most visited regions.

Neighbouring Umbria is similar in all but its tourist numbers, though it gets busier every year, as visitors flock to towns like Perugia and Assisi .

Campania ’s capital, Naples , is a unique, unforgettable city, the spiritual heart of the Italian south, and close to some of Italy’s finest ancient sites in Pompeii and Herculaneum, not to mention the country’s most spectacular stretch of coast around Amalfi.

Considering Naples for your trip? Check out our list of the best places to stay in Naples .

Puglia , the “heel” of Italy, has underrated pleasures, notably the landscape of its Gargano peninsula, the souk-like qualities of its capital, Bari , and the Baroque glories of Lecce in the far south.

The island of Sicily is a place apart, with a wide mixture of attractions ranging from some of the finest preserved Hellenistic treasures in Europe, to a couple of Italy’s most appealing beach resorts in Taormina and Cefalu, not to mention some gorgeous upland scenery.

The stage of Taormina's Greek Theater with the Etna in the background, Taormina, Sicily © K. Roy Zerloch/Shutterstock

Sardinia feels far removed from the mainland, especially in its relatively undiscovered interior, although you may be content just to laze on its beaches, which are among Italy’s best.

Planning a trip to Sardinia? Don't miss the opportunity to choose a place to stay that fits your needs .

Discover more places in Italy

• Friuli-Venezia Giulia Travel Guide
• Le Marche Travel Guide
• Liguria Travel Guide
• Lombardy and the Lakes Travel Guide
• Piemonte and Valle d’Aosta Travel Guide
• Puglia, Italy
• Rome Travel Guide
• Sardinia, Italy: What To Do, Weather & More
• Sicily Travel Guide
• Trentino-Alto Adige Travel Guide
• Tuscany, Italy
• Umbria Travel Guide
• The Veneto Travel Guide
• Venice Travel Guide

Picking landmarks and attractions in Italy everyone should see in a lifetime is a nigh impossible task, but we’ve taken a stab at selecting some of the best places to travel in Italy; sights that will enhance every Italy trip experience.

• The Colosseum is perhaps Rome’s most awe-inspiring ancient monument, an enormous structure that despite the depredations of nearly two thousand years of earthquakes, fires, riots and wars, remains relatively intact.
• Venice’s magnificent Piazza San Marco houses the Basilica di San Marco, Italy’s most lavish cathedral.
• Hemmed in by lush hillsides and dramatic mountains, Lake Como’s captivating landscape is best enjoyed by zigzagging between shores by boat.
• When in Florence , it’s impossible not to gravitate straight towards the square at its hears, Piazza del Duomo, beckoned by the iconic form of the cathedral’s extraordinary dome.
• Romain remains at Pompeii and Herculaneum - these two sites, buried by the volcanic debris of Vesuvius in AD 79, afford an unparalleled glimpse into ancient Roman daily life and architecture.
• The Amalfi coast - this rugged stretch of coastline has to rank as one of Italy’s most breath-taking routes. Secluded coves and picturesque towns punctuate the scenic journey.

Discover more great places to see in our ultimate list of things not to miss in Italy .

Grand Canal, Venice, Italy © Apple Kullathida/Shutterstock

History and culture

Rome alone has enough historic attractions to warrant dozens of visits (and that’s no exaggeration). Discover more about the Eternal City’s ravishing ruins and architectural treasures, from the Colosseum and the Roman Forum , to the Spanish Steps and the Vatican .

Florence is an exquisite city of exquisite art, the jewel in its elegant crown Italy’s finest art gallery, the Uffizi, home to Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus” and Caravaggio’s “Medusa”, to name but a few of its masterworks. Though meandering Venice’s winding alleys and canals feels like you’re exploring a museum (such is the city’s beauty and uniquely curated vibe), the Accademia museum is an absolute must-visit for art-lovers.

Water-sports

The extensive Italian coast offers plenty of opportunities for sailing and windsurfing. Scuba diving is popular in Sicily and off most of the smaller islands. Water-sports aren’t just restricted to the coast - they can be found in places such as lakes Como and Garda in the north, and Trasimeno and Bolsena further south towards Rome, while river canoeing, canyoning and rafting are popular in the mountain areas of the north of the country. Discover more about sports and outdoor pursuits - our Italy guide to all things active.

Of course, Italy’s coast isn’t all about high energy pursuits. Its beaches are stunning places to soak up the sun; people watch and pose; eat, drink and generally be very merry. Discover the best beaches in Italy , spanning secluded coves, lively seafronts, and dramatic cliff-backed harbours.

Skiing and snowboarding

With the Alps on the doorstep, it’s easy to spend a weekend skiing or snowboarding from Milan, Turin or Venice. Some of the most popular ski resorts are Sestriere and Bardonecchia in Piemonte, and Val di Fassa in the stunning Dolomite mountains. Find out about the best winter resorts for skiing .

Hiking and biking

All these mountain resorts are equally ideal as bases for summer hiking and climbing. The dramatic, spiky landscape of the Dolomites , for example, is perfect hiking country, with its trails often subject to snow, ice and scorching sun in the same day - this is Italy travel at its most epic. For less strenuous treks, the rolling hills of Tuscany and Umbria make perfect walking and mountain-bike country - consider booking a tour in the company of an Italy travel guide who has local hiking or biking know-how.

Varenna old town in Como lake © Boris Stroujko/Shutterstock

Italy is a truly year-round destination, so the answer to the question “what’s the best month to go to Italy?” will depend on what you want from your Italy travel experience. 

Generally speaking, though, the best time to travel to Italy is spring ( April , May and June ) or autumn ( September and October ). emperatures are warm and you’ll skirt the stifling heat of the summer months - top Italy travel advice if you want to avoid the crowds, too.

Visiting Italy in November , December , January , February and March is doable, but keep in mind that it can be cold. Especially in the north.

Find out more about the best time to visit Italy .

The best way to travel to Italy is to fly. Regular direct flights serve most of Italy from the UK, and you can fly direct from various cities in the US to Rome and Milan. Alternatively, if you travel to Italy by train, you’ll limit your carbon footprint and get to see incredible scenery too. An Interrail (European residents) or Eurail pass (non-European residents) is good value if you plan to make stops en route.

Read on for the best ways to get to Italy .

If you’re wondering how to travel around Italy, the extensive rail system is inexpensive, pretty reliable and quick, apart from regional trains, which tend to be slow and don’t necessarily extend to everywhere you might want to go, though regional buses cover the corners the trains don’t reach. For trips to the islands, you can hop on a ferry or hydrofoil, and the northern lakes region operates frequent ferries outside the winter months.

Learn more about transportation and how to get around Italy .

When you visit Italy, an immeasurable variety of accommodation awaits - boutique hotels, youth hostels, self-catering villas, family-run B&Bs, rural farmhouses, mountain monasteries. While rarely particularly cheap, standards are reliable and accommodation is well regulated. Bear in mind, though, that while accommodation is plentiful, you’ll need to book ahead to bag your ideal bunk down spot in popular resorts and major cities.

Discover how to find the best accommodations in Italy .

One of the joys of travel to Italy is sampling the variety of quality food and drink. Italian cuisine is region specific - the northwest brings a French influence, with its rich butter and cream sauces, while Umbria specialises in salamis, hams, and black truffles, and the southern diet features Mediterranean vegetables. Naples is considered to be the home of the humble pizza, all along the coast seafood dominates, and pasta is prevalent pretty much everywhere. When it comes to drink, Italians take their coffee seriously, and Italian wine is world-renowned, with Tuscany producing classic Chianti, and Veneto’s Prosecco an effervescent delight.

Read more about local food and drink in Italy .

Florence cityscape © Bob Hilscher/Shutterstock

If you travel to Italy, chances are you’ll come across a festival of one kind or another. The Italians love a party, and there are thousands of festivals throughout the year. Religious processions are widespread, Good Friday being particularly well celebrated, and carnival (the big party before the sobriety of Lent). Then there are traditional events, such as the Palio horse race in Siena , food festivals, often celebrating regional cuisine, as well as arts festivals, often taking place against a backdrop of Roman or medieval architecture.

Read more about public holidays in Italy .

The resort area of Rimini is arguably the clubbing capital of Italy, mainly concentrated on the seafront itself, and in the fashionable enclave of Misano Monte (15km south of Rimini and about 5km inland). Also home to legendary nightclubs, cosmopolitan fashion powerhouse Milan does things a little differently. Milanos like to start their evenings early, with an extended “Happy Hour” that begins around six with an aperitivo - a pre-dinner drink that typically lasts until 9pm.

Though not short of night clubs, Roman nightlife is more focussed on al fresco food-based activities. Bustling, bohemian Trastevere comes up trumps for hearty homecooked food and, while Naples lays claim to inventing it, Roman pizza is something to write home about.

The saying goes that Rome wasn’t built in a day, so you shouldn’t expect to see more than a fraction of the city’s attractions in a short visit. That said, if you’re looking for ideas for a few days in Italy, a (preferably long) weekend in Rome will deliver in magnificent style. The same goes for city breaks in Venice, Florence and Milan, and lesser-visited Bologna and Genoa.

As for ideas for a week (or more) in Italy, you might consider touring the Italian Lakes , or soaking up southern Italy , taking in Naples, Pompeii, Vesuvius, the island of Capri , and Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast. Alternatively, exploring the island of Sicily makes for an idyllic longer break.

For more inspiration see some of the Italy itineraries from our Italy travel guide and local travel experts.

• Dining do’s and don’ts - always wish your table mates “Buon appetito!” before eating, never start to eat until everyone is seated, and always serve others before yourself.
• Be mindful that tucking into takeaway treats on the move isn’t always welcome (or legal). Florence, for example, has banned eating on the streets around All’ Antico Vinaio, on account of the mess incurred by the popularity of the areas’s takeaway eateries.
• Be respectful (quiet, and observe any rules around photography) when visiting churches and other religious sites.
• Say “Permesso” when you need to pass someone on the street, as you’d say “excuse me” in English.

Positano, italy. Amalfi Coast © iacomino FRiMAGES/Shutterstock

Practical travel tips for Italy

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

• Eating and drinking in Italy
• Getting around Italy: Transportation Tips
• Shopping tips for Italy
• Sports and Outdoor activities in Italy
• Travel Tips Italy for planning and on the go
• Best time to visit Italy
• How to spend 7 days In Italy - 8 unique itineraries
• The Best 10-Day Italy Travel Itinerary
• How To Spend 14 Days In Italy - 5 Unique Itineraries
• How to get from Rome to Florence
• Electricity - the supply is 220V, though anything requiring 240V will work, and plugs either have two or three round pins.
• Italy’s currency is the euro (Italians pronounce it “eh-uro”).
• Banks give the best exchange rate. Banking hours are normally Monday to Friday mornings from 8.30am until 1.30pm, and for an hour in the afternoon (usually 2.30–4pm).
• Most towns and villages have at least one ATM.
• Opening hours - most shops and businesses open Monday to Saturday from 8am until 1pm, and from about 4pm until 7pm, with additional closures on Saturday afternoons, though an increasing number remain open all day. Traditionally, everything except bars and restaurants closes on Sunday, though in large cities and tourist areas, Sunday shopping is more common.

For advice about practical matters when travelling in Italy, check the travel advice for Italy .

In general, you’ll find the south of Italy less expensive than the north. As a broad guide, expect to pay most in Venice, Milan, Florence and Bologna, less in Rome, while in Naples and Sicily prices drop quite a lot. As an indication, you should be able to survive on a budget of about €50–60 per day if you stay in a hostel, have lunchtime snacks and a cheap evening meal. If you stay in a mid-range hotel and eat out twice a day, you’ll spend closer to €130–140 per day. Transport and food are relatively inexpensive, and room rates are in line with much of the rest of Europe, but bear in mind that in July and August, when Italians take their holidays, hotel prices can escalate.

• Comfortable shoes - yes, even if you’re strutting around fashionable Milan. Exploring Italy on foot is fabulous fun, so you won’t want to be hindered by inappropriate footwear.
• That said, Italians are known for their style, so even if you’re setting off for a beach or adventure holiday, you’ll want to pack something smart for the evenings.
• Travelling from outside mainland Europe? Bring multi-plug adapter.
• While English is widely spoken, pack an Italian phrasebook . Attempting to speak little lingo is polite, plus it could come in handy in remote rural regions.
• Italian summers are hot, hot, hot - don’t forget the sunscreen.

Italy is relatively safe for visitors, though you can reduce the chance of petty theft by taking sensible precautions - don’t flash anything valuable, and make sure bags can’t be snatched. You’re most at risk in busy areas, where pickpockets and scippatori or “snatchers” on scooters are most likely to operate.

Read more on travel safety in Italy , and for up to date information about safety and travel requirements for Italy, check government guidelines. UK nationals should heed Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice , while travellers from the US should check governmental travel advisory guidelines for Italy .

Statue of Apollo, Pompeii © BlackMac/Shutterstock

• Don’t sit down for a coffee if you’re going to down it in one - the cost of a coffee drunk at a table can be double that of drinking it at the counter.
• Don’t ask for a cappuccino as lunchtime approaches - in Italy, the frothy stuff is only supped with breakfast.
• Common sense this one, but steer clear of restaurants that try to usher folks inside. Italy has an abundance of excellent eateries - you don’t need to pay over the odds at joints that hustle for business.
• Avoid depending on debit and credit cards. Lots of gelateria, street food vendors and trinket stalls only take cash - you wouldn’t want to miss out on that ice cream of a lifetime by being beholden to cards.
• Check out The Rough Guide to Italy - our exhaustive, in-depth Italy travel guide that covers everything you need to know before you go, and while you’re on the road.
• You can pick up regional Rough Guides to Italy too, and city guides. Explore the full range .
• Our expert-curated (fully customisable) Italy itineraries are packed with inspiration.
• Given that enjoying Italy’s food, glorious, food is an essential Italy travel experience, taking a food tour is a great way to sample authentic cuisine, whether you’re in Rome , Naples , or Venice .

Top image: Amalfi coast, Italy © proslgn/Shutterstock

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updated 06.06.2024

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Italy Travel Guide

Last Updated: June 3, 2024

Italy is one of Europe’s most iconic and popular destinations. Home to incredible food, fabulous wine, tons of ancient ruins, undying romance, and picturesque landscapes, it should come as no surprise that this is one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the world.

I’ve been visiting since 2006 and I never tire of it.

The vineyards in Tuscany, history in Florence , ancient streets of Rome , gorgeous views and hills Cinque Terre , romantic canals in Venice — I love it all.

Italy is best experienced slowly so pace yourself. Soak in the atmosphere and way of life as you explore. Italians move slowly and enjoy la dolce vita and so should you! Relax, take in the scenery, enjoy a cappuccino or a glass of wine. The slower you go, the better you’ll be able to appreciate the charms and nuance of this iconic southern European gem.

This travel guide to Italy can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time here.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Italy

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in italy.

1. Explore Venice

While crowded, Venice is an astounding place to visit. I love the city’s iconic architecture and picturesque canals. Don’t miss the Piazza San Marco, Doge’s Palace, Rialto Bridge, the Basilica San Marco, and the city’s countless museums. Moreover, be sure to head to the old Jewish Ghetto for hip bars and cheap drinks (the English word ghetto comes from this area of Venice). Venice is also home to several world-class festivals. In late winter, the epic Carnival takes place here and, in August, the prestigious Venice Film Festival takes over the nearby island of Lido. If you have time, be sure to explore the neighboring islands on a day tour. They are charming in their own right.

2. Wander Rome

Rome has so much to see and do that you’ll need to make several trips to even scratch the surface. Besides obvious highlights like the Colosseum, Forum, Palatine Hill, and Trevi Fountain, make sure you explore the Trastevere neighborhood. It’s my favorite area in Rome and feels almost like a village inside a big city. Trastevere offers delicious food, funky bars, and ancient winding streets. I love the family pizzerias and cafes here for people-watching and the gelato. Vatican City, the smallest independent city-state in the world, is nestled within the heart of Rome and is home to the Pope, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and many fantastic museums. You can fill an endless amount of time here so don’t try to rush your visit!

3. Tour Pompeii

Located a 20-40-minute train ride from Naples , Pompeii is an ancient city that was destroyed by a volcano, preserving it in a blanket of ash still frozen in time. Walk around the Roman city as it stood the day that Mount Vesuvius exploded in 79 CE, moving in and out of homes, villas, baths, and businesses where pots and vases still lay. What really struck me was entering the houses and seeing that the fountains and most of the beautiful frescoes are still intact. Admission is 22 EUR while a guided tour with a professional archeologist is 55 EUR. It’s a huge site and will take a full day to visit in depth.

4. Hike the Cinque Terre

The Cinque Terre consists of five colorful coastal villages on the west coast of Italy, backed by steep vineyards and mountains. These small towns are by no means undiscovered by tourists but still absolutely beautiful and teeming with great shops and cafes. Each village has its own unique charm and personality so be sure to visit all of them. I absolutely love the fun hikes in the stunning hills high above the sea between the villages that range in difficulty. The Cinque Terre express train makes it super easy to pop around to the different villages if you don’t want to hike between the towns. Trail #7 is my favorite.

5. Relax on the Amalfi Coast

Other things to see and do in italy, 1. party at the venice carnival.

Carnival is ten days of masquerade madness every February leading up to Mardi Gras. The tradition goes back centuries, starting in the 12th century and reaching the height of popularity in the 18th century. Today, it’s one of the biggest festivals in Italy, with millions of people attending every year. Though it’s too crowded for my taste, the iconic and diverse masks are a central part of the festivities and every year there is a contest for the most beautiful mask. If you want to splash out, you can even attend a traditional masquerade ball! Just be sure to book your accommodation early as the city fills up months in advance.

2. Explore Milan

Milan is the fashion capital of Italy. Spend some time taking in the glamor but don’t spend more than a day or two here unless you’re looking to splash out. While you’re here, don’t miss the beautiful Milan Cathedral, which boasts 3,500 statues, 135 spires, and five bronze doors. Sforzesco Castle, a 15th-century castle that houses Michelangelo’s last sculpture, is also worth a visit. There’s also Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper , located inside Santa Maria delle Grazie church (which is itself a UNESCO World Heritage Site) as well as Leonardo’s Horse, one of the largest equine statues in the world. To get away from the crowds, spend some time relaxing in Parco Sempione, Milan’s most famous city park. It’s a vast oasis of green space and perfect for a picnic when the weather is nice.

3. See the Leaning Tower in Pisa

The entire city of Pisa is focused on taking photos of this famed tower. Started in 1173 and finished in 1399, it’s the bell tower of Pisa’s cathedral, located next door. Although it was meant to be perfectly vertical, the tower started leaning during construction due to the weight of the building on an unstable foundation. Most people come for the tower, but I find the entire complex to be stunning! The white marble buildings of the Baptistry and the Duomo are equally impressive but don’t get the same attention as the tower. They’re worth a visit. Admission to the top is 20 EUR or 27 EUR for a ticket that includes all the monuments in the complex. DiscoveryPisa runs a guided tour of all three sites for 40 EUR if you want a more in-depth experience.

4. Visit Siena

Everyone who visits Siena walks away loving it. Located in Tuscany, it’s one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Italy and boasts a labyrinth of lanes gathered around the arena of Piazza del Campo. Spend a few days admiring this charming city and exploring one of Italy’s most popular and famous regions. The main draw to the city is the stunning Siena Cathedral, which was constructed with white and black marble and is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the country (the interior is massive and ornately decorated and lined by huge columns). Be sure to also visit the Torre del Mangia, a narrow 14th-century tower that offers stunning views of the area, as well as the 14th-century Fonte Gaia fountain, which is decorated by centuries-old marble panels.

5. Wander Naples

Naples , made famous as the birthplace of pizza, is a gritty city home to a wealth of historical treasures. There’s the medieval Naples Cathedral, the 18th-century Villa Comunale Park, and nearby Naples , Pompeii , one of the most amazing and important sites to visit in the country. The Archaeological Museum of Naples is also worth a visit, and if you enjoy hiking you can climb up the iconic Mount Vesuvius. Naples is the gateway to the south so you’re very likely to come here if you’re crisscrossing the country. Its location near Pompeii, Capri, and Sorrento makes it the perfect starting point for exploring the region. Best of all, it’s a foodie city like no other; I ate my weight in pizza during my visit!

6. Explore Florence

There’s no real need to explain why one should visit Florence — the city speaks for itself. Everything people say about it is true: great food, amazing museums, ancient buildings, small streets, awesome gelato. The city has it all. Be sure to visit The Uffizi, which holds the world’s most important collection of Renaissance art (including the The Birth of Venus and La Primavera by Botticelli, Bacchus by Caravaggio, and Doni Tondo by Michelangelo). The famous David statue is also in Florence, housed in the Galleria dell’Accademia. It’s one of the most impressive sculptures in the world and at 5.17 meters (17 feet) tall, it’s a lot bigger and more detailed than you think it would be! While here, make sure you take a few wine tours throughout the region to get a feel for the verdant countryside. Don’t miss the view from the highest point in the Piazzale Michelangelo. It was my favorite and well worth the hike to get there.

7. Drive around “the Heel”

Few travelers ever visit the southern heel of the Italian “boot.” But, if you have time, it’s worth the trip. This is where most of the fruits and vegetables in Italy come from so a trip down here will give you the best glimpse into rustic Italian life far from the maddening crowds of Rome and Italy’s other tourist hotspots. Don’t miss the picturesque Polignano a Mare, with its rugged cliffs and white-washed houses. Gallipoli, with its labyrinth of narrow lanes and historic port, is also worth visiting. There are tons of amazing beaches in this part of the country too, including Marina di Pescoluse (Salento), Cala Porto (Polignano a Mare), and Torre Guaceto (Brindisi).

8. Eat your way around Sicily

There’s Italian culture and then there’s Sicily. Sicily has its own unique cooking style, traditions, and customs. It’s unlike the rest of Italy. Be sure to spend some time in Taormina and Palermo (the capital of Sicily). The UNESCO Valley of the Temples is also in Sicily, a national park home to incredible Greek ruins that are over 2,000 years old. Don’t miss the stunning Mount Etna , an active volcano that you can ski on it in the winter or take a tour of the top in the summer.

9. Stroll through Sorrento

Sorrento is a small city in southwestern Italy surrounded by a dreamy landscape of rolling hills, deep valleys, and the Lattari Mountains. There’s not a lot to do in the town itself but Sorrento makes an ideal starting point for numerous excursions to nearby cities and islands around the famous Amalfi Coast, like Capri and Ischia. I especially love driving along the winding coastal roads overlooking the sea. Don’t miss a visit to the nearby Blue Grotto .

10. Attend Settimana Santa (Holy Week)

This is the last week of Lent, known as Holy Week. During this time, there are several processions throughout Italy, drawing crowds of thousands. Throughout the week, there are various gatherings in Puglia, Abruzzo, and Sicily but the major event occurs on Easter Sunday and is led by the Pope himself. It’s an amazing time to visit, but expect huge crowds and for accommodation to sell out months in advance.

11. Visit Alberobello

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is an interesting and picturesque little town just south of Bari (a port city on the Adriatic Sea) known for its unusual white cone-shaped houses (they’re super peculiar). It’s well worth a visit between the months of November and April (to avoid the flocks of tourists) as there are a couple of museums to peruse, in addition to some great restaurants, bars, and markets.

12. Tour the Vatican Museums

Founded in the early 16th century, it is a complex of museums spanning over 12 acres. There are so many priceless highlights, including Michelangelo’s works in the Sistine Chapel. You could easily spend hours here so don’t rush your visit. Consider getting a guide to make the museum come to life and give you some context and history of what you are seeing. Admission is 20 EUR and skip-the-line guided tours with Get Your Guide start around 40 EUR.

13. See Chiesa di Sant’Efisio

When you find yourself in Cagliari on Sardinia, wander over to the Stampace quarter to see this church. Dedicated to the patron Saint Ephisius, this is the most important church in the city. The original building dates to the 13th century, though it was rebuilt and expanded in the 16th century and then again in the 18th century, this time in the Baroque style. Admission is free.

14. Take a cooking class

Italy is a dream destination for foodies and the best way to learn about this amazing cuisine is to take a cooking class . You’ll get to visit a local market, learn about the history of some of the country’s best dishes, and then learn how to make them yourself so you can impress friends and family back home. You can find cooking classes all over the country. They are very common. Prices vary depending on what city you take a class in, but most cost at least 40 EUR and last a few hours.

15. Take a walking tour

Walks of Italy offers incredible, detailed tours all around the country. They are my favorite tour company in the country. And they are relatively inexpensive and you definitely get your money’s worth. If you are big into history, culture, or architecture these tours are for you. You’ll walk away with a much richer understanding of the country. Don’t miss them.

For information on specific cities in Italy, check out these city guides:

• Cinque Terre Travel Guide
• Florence Travel Guide
• Milan Travel Guide
• Naples Travel Guide
• Pisa Travel Guide
• Rome Travel Guide
• Sorrento Travel Guide
• Venice Travel Guide

Italy Travel Costs

Hostel prices – Hostel dorms average 30-70 EUR per night for rooms with 6-8 beds. Private rooms are usually between 100-140 EUR per night. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels also have self-catering facilities and include breakfast. During the summer months, expect prices to double. In Rome and Florence, prices throughout the year are about 20% higher than anywhere else.

For those traveling with a tent, campgrounds are available around the country, usually costing between 15-40 EUR per night for a basic plot for two people.

Budget hotel prices – A night in a two-star budget hotel ranges between 70-125 EUR per night. Expect basic amenities like free Wi-Fi, TV, AC, and occasionally free breakfast. Prices are on the higher end in cities like Rome and Venice and also double during the summer.

On Airbnb, private rooms start around 45-90 EUR, while entire apartments usually start around 70-150 EUR. Expect prices on the higher end in hotspots like Rome and Venice. Prices can also double (or triple) when not booked in advance. Additionally, expect even higher prices in the busy summer months.

Food – Italian cuisine is beloved around the world, though every region in Italy offers its own distinct flavor. Tomatoes, pasta, olives, and olive oil form the backbone of most dishes, with meat, fish and various cheeses rounding out the menu. Gelato and pizza, of course, are also super popular. Some traditional dishes include bigoli in salsa (pasta in anchovy sauce), risotto al nero di seppia (risotto with cuttlefish ink), gnocchi alla Sorrentina (potato gnocchi), cassoeula (a meat and cabbage stew), and tagliatelle funghi porcini e tartufo (pasta with mushrooms and truffles).

A casual restaurant meal of pizza or pasta usually costs 15-25 EUR. In tourist hot spots, add 5-10 EUR to that.

Quick eats like pizza by the slice, paninis, and light snacks cost between 3-8 EUR. Snacks like croissants are less than 2 EUR.

Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 10-12 EUR for a combo meal while Chinese, Thai, or Indian food is 10-12 EUR for a main dish. Dessert is usually around 4-8 EUR for something like tiramisu.

Your average restaurant meal costs around 30 EUR with a drink. Most main dishes cost around 15-20 EUR while a pizza is around 10-15 EUR. For higher-end meals, expect to spend about 70 EUR for a three-course meal with a drink.

Beer costs around 4-5 EUR while a glass of wine costs 4-8 EUR. For non-alcoholic drinks, a latte or cappuccino is around 1.50 EUR and bottled water is 1 EUR.

If you plan on cooking your own groceries, expect to spend 50-65 EUR per week. This gets you basic staples like pasta, rice, seasonal produce, and some meat or fish.

Backpacking Italy Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Italy, my suggested budget is 65 EUR per day. This assumes you’re staying in a hostel, cooking all your meals, limiting your drinking, taking public transportation to get around, and sticking to mostly free activities like hiking, free walking tours, and the beaches. If you plan on drinking a lot, add at least 15 EUR to your daily budget.

On a mid-range budget of 140 EUR per day, you can stay in an Airbnb or budget hotel, eat out for a couple of meals, enjoy a few drinks, take the occasional taxi, and do more paid activities like touring the Colosseum or exploring Pompeii.

On an upscale budget of 255 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a budget hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink as much as you want, rent a car, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This isn’t a real luxury budget but it’s a budget that affords you the ability to do anything you want. If you want real luxury, you’ll need to read a different blog for that!

Italy Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Italy is one of the most expensive Eurozone countries. It’s very easy to break the bank in Italy, owing to all the historic sites, expensive accommodation, and delicious but pricey restaurants. You’re going to be spending a lot on a visit here. However, there are still lots of ways to reduce your expenses. Here are some tips to help you save money in Italy:

• Skip the bread – Many restaurants offer you bread when you sit down — but they don’t mention that it’s not free. If you’re on a budget, decline the bread and save a few Euros each dining experience.
• Picnic – Head to the store or one of the many markets in the country and grab food for a picnic. It’s cheaper than eating out and you can lounge in one of the many parks to watch the day go by. Food markets are a good place to try things, get fresh cheese and cold cuts, pasta, and snacks like ‘arancini,’ a super-filling rice ball stuffed with meat or cheese.
• Drink the tap water – When out at a restaurant, ask for tap water or you will automatically get expensive bottled water included on your bill. Since the tap water is safe to drink, bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.
• Buy wine at the store – You can buy a great bottle of wine for 6-10 EUR at the store. It’s a lot cheaper than drinking at the bar. Take it outdoors and sit around and enjoy the day/evening or skip expensive nightlife and go out for a long dinner and just drink it at the hostel. Just make sure you have a travel corkscrew on you if you’re going to sit outside somewhere!
• Take the bus – Budget bus companies like Flixbus can take you across the country for cheap. It isn’t glamorous, but with tickets starting at 6 EUR you really can’t complain! (And it’s cheaper than the train.) Taking the bus in town inside big cities instead of taking taxis everywhere or renting a car will save you lots of money.
• Redeem hotel points – If you sign up for hotel credit cards, you can use those points when you travel. It’s always nice to have free accommodations and most cards offer at least 1-2 nights free when you sign up, which can save you a lot. Use this post can to get started with the basics so you can start earning points now and have some built up for your trip.
• Take a free walking tour – Most cities in Italy offer free walking tours that cover all the main highlights. It’s the best budget-friendly way to explore and also a great way to meet other travelers if you’re alone. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Stay with a local – Accommodation is expensive in Italy, even in the hostels. Use Couchsurfing to stay with locals who have extra beds or couches for free. It’s the best way to save money and meet people. Just be sure to send your requests early (especially in the summer). Also, it’s a good idea to research the area you’re staying in first so you’re not so far away from the city center (or city!) that you need to spend a lot of time/money getting into town to see the sites.
• Get a city tourist card – Many tourism offices offer tourist cards that provide free or discounted entry to the main attractions. Some even include restaurant discounts and free transportation. If you plan on sightseeing a lot, these cards can cut your costs drastically. Check the local tourism board in each city for info when you arrive.
• Rideshare – If you’re flexible in your schedule, use the ridesharing service BlaBlaCar to catch rides with locals between cities. I used this service and not only did I save money, I got to meet interesting people and learn more about life in Italy. This is a good option to book a few days in advance. Just make sure to pick someone who has good ratings because newer drivers can have a tendency to be unreliable or cancel at the last minute.

Where to Stay in Italy

There’s a lot of hostels and hotels in Italy to choose from. Check out my city guides for a more complete list of favorites but, below, are some of my top recommended hostels and budget hotels in Italy:

• Loly Boutique Hotel (Rome)
• The Beehive (Rome)
• Hotel Montecarlo (Venice)
• Generator (Venice)
• Hostel of the Sun (Naples)
• Ulisse Deluxe (Sorrento)
• Hotel Bologna (Pisa)
• Hostel Pisa Tower (Pisa)

How to Get Around Italy

Public transportation – Public transportation is available in all the major cities in Italy (many of which have comprehensive metro systems). Tickets usually cost between 1-2 EUR for a single journey. Some cities also have day passes that offer unlimited travel. In Rome, you can purchase a one-day pass for unlimited travel for 7 EUR. A three-day pass costs 18 EUR, for example. While public transportation is generally reliable, traffic can be a nightmare — especially in Rome.

Train – The best way to get around Italy is via their extensive train network. Prices are affordable too, with most trips costing just 10-30 EUR. Rome to Florence takes just 90 minutes (on the fast train) with tickets starting at 25 EUR. Rome to Venice takes around 4 hours with tickets starting around 45 EUR. Rome to Naples is just over one hour and costs around 20 EUR.

Italo and Trenitalia are the two main rail systems. Tickets on Trenitalia are often a standard price, while Italo’s ticket prices fluctuate more widely.

To find routes and prices for trains around Italy (and Europe), use Trainline .

Bus – The bus is slower than the train but cheaper, with prices on FlixBus starting as low as 6 EUR. This isn’t the most convenient or fastest way to travel, but the buses are comfortable and good for short and medium journeys. Most buses come with outlets and free Wi-Fi too.

The 4-hour trip from Rome to Florence costs around 3-12 EUR, while a longer trip like Venice to Naples takes 10-15 hours and costs just 7-26 EUR.

Flying – If you’re pressed for time and are looking to jump from one city to the next, a budget airline might be the way to go. Prices can be incredibly low on airlines like Ryanair.

That said, when you factor in the time spent at airports, you’re likely not going to save much time when compared to high-speed trains. Also, keep in mind that you’ll have to pay to check your baggage on these cheap flights and you usually need to print your boarding pass out too (or pay a fee).

Ferry – If you want to visit some of Italy’s amazing islands, you’ll have to book a ferry. Ferries are frequent and you don’t need to book too far in advance, but during peak season it’s a good idea to book at least a few weeks ahead. You can use FerryHopper to find routes and prices. The popular one-hour ferry from Naples to Capri starts from 27 EUR.

Car rental – Car rentals are generally quite affordable here, usually starting around 25-35 EUR per day for a multi-day rental. Just make sure you have an International Driving Permit (IDP) as it’s required before you rent a car. Also, keep in mind that Italian drivers can be on the aggressive side so drive cautiously. For the best rental car deals, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Italy

There’s no wrong time to visit Italy. Historically, the peak season has been July and August, but post-COVID cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice are busy pretty much year-round.

There’s a huge variation in climate across the country. Temperatures can soar as high as 36°C (98°F) during the summer in the southern part of the country, and popular cities like Rome, Venice, and Florence experience a huge influx of visitors. I’d try to avoid visiting these cities in the summer if you can as it’s just too crowded, too hot, and prices increase during this time as well. However, if you want to visit the Alps in the northern part of the country, near Milan, summer is when the weather is best. Temperatures are around 24°C (76°F), but you’ll have to deal with the crowds.

Personally, I think the best time to visit Italy is during the shoulder season (March-May and September-October). It’s still warm in the south but the crowds have thinned and prices are lower. This is a particularly great time to hang out in the Mediterranean. Expect daily highs around 22°C (72°F). It’s still nice in the northern part of the country too. Average temperatures are around 14°C (57°F), so you’ll want layers for the cool mornings and evenings. If you want to get into the higher elevations, plan on colder temperatures and the possibility of snow.

Winter is from November to February. It gets cold, and tourist crowds thin out considerably. Temperatures vary quite a bit from north to south, with it sometimes dropping to 2°C (36°F) in Milan and 4°C (39°F) in Rome. In the south, near Sorrento and Naples, average temperatures are closer to 12°C (54°F) and you won’t have to worry about snow. On the other hand, November to December is fantastic — you’ll find Christmas markets and festivals galore!

How to Stay Safe in Italy

Italy is a safe country to travel as violent crime against tourists is very rare. However, scams and pickpocketing are incredibly common, especially around high-traffic tourist sites in places like Rome and Venice. Always keep your valuables secure and out of sight on public transportation and when out and about. The biggest things to watch out for are pickpockets on public transportation and in crowds. Don’t leave your bag open or put your mobile phone in loose jacket pockets on the tram or subway.

Be wary of people selling discounted tickets on the street. Chances are they are fake so always buy tickets from reputable sellers only. If you take a taxi somewhere, make sure the driver uses the meter so you don’t get ripped off.

You can read about other common travel scams to avoid here.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe in Italy. However, the standard safety precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). Catcalling is not uncommon in Italy. Also, on public transport be mindful of groping on public transport. For specific tips, check out one of the many solo female travel blogs on the country as they will have better advice for you.

If you rent a car, make sure you drive carefully and also have extra insurance. The roads in much of the country are very winding and narrow and drivers here are on the aggressive side.

Natural disasters here are uncommon, but since there are several active volcanoes in the country they can occur. Venice is also prone to flooding, so always be mindful of the weather while you’re here and heed any warnings or advisories.

If you experience an emergency, dial 113 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Italy Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• Walks of Italy – This walking tour company provides inside access to attractions and places you can’t get elsewhere. Their guides rock and they have some of the best and most insightful tours in all of Italy.
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Italy Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Italy and continue planning your trip:

The Best Walking Tours in Bologna

The 6 Best Hotels in Florence

Where to Stay in Florence: The Best Neighborhoods For Your Visit

Where to Stay in Milan: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 6 Best Hotels in Milan

The Best Walking Tours in Florence

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Once the best known resort in Liguria, San Remo retains a great deal of its belle epoque charm

Beautiful coast and pretty villages...

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Find hundreds of fascinating places in all regions of Italy

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The stunning city of Noto has UNESCO World Heritage status for its beautiful baroque architecture.

Syracuse has UNESCO World Heritage status because of the importance of its historical centre.

An impressive castle, UNESCO listed Baroque buildings and beaches all attract visitors to Scicli.

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Salerno is a busy town with a cathedral near the Amalfi coast in southern Campania

Cernobbio is an attractive small town to the south-west end of Lake Como in Lombardy

Italy travel guide: explore Italy and hundreds of popular destinations

Italy is perhaps the most culturally rich country in Europe, and a visit offers one of the most attractive and varied experiences in Europe, perhaps the world.

It is the combination of historically remarkable landmarks and towns, small medieval villages untouched by modern life, and the great diversity of landscapes that make Italy such an interesting destination - but don't forget to spend time absorbing the Italian way of life during your visit.

Amalfi / Capri / Lucca

From the capital Rome and the extraordinary ancient monuments (the Ancient Roman empire, older Etruscan sites, the Nuraghe monuments of Sardinia...) to the high Alpine mountains, from the dramatic coastlines of the islands of Sardinia and Sicily to the beauty of the Amalfi Coast and the hill villages of Umbria and the Marches, there are a myriad of discoveries to be made in many regions of Italy - some already well-trodden by visitors, others less well known.

Find the best places to visit in Italy in our regional travel guides:

North-east italy.

• Trentino-Alto Adige (capital: Trento)
• Friuli-Venezia Guilia (capital: Trieste)
• Venice & Veneto (capital: Venice)

North-west Italy

• Aosta valley (capital: Aosta)
• Liguria (capital: Genoa)
• Lombardy (capital: Milan)
• Piedmont (capital: Turin)

Central Italy

• Emilia-Romagna (capital: Bologna)
• Tuscany (capital: Florence)
• Marche (capital: Ancona)
• Umbria (capital: Perugia)
• Rome & Lazio (capital: Rome)
• Abruzzo (capital: l'Aquila)

Southern Italy

• Molise (capital: Campobasso)
• Campania (capital: Naples)
• Apulia (capital: Bari)
• Basilicata (capital: Potenza)
• Calabria (capital: Catenzaro)

The two principal islands of taly are Sicily and Sardinia

The promenade in the early evening, or sitting in front of a cafe as vespas whizz past carrying teenagers to romantic encounters, are an equally important aspect of Italy. Similarly the culinary heritage of Italy is an important part of your trip, with many delicious regional specialties to enjoy as you travel around (when possible we have included recommendations for local food and wine to enjoy for the places in Italy reviewed in this travel guide).

Bologna / Maremma

To start finding places to visit in Italy simply choose a region (from the main menu) or, if your geography is a litle rusty, use our map of Italy . See also the ' most beautiful villages of Italy ' and the towns and villages that have received the Italian Orange Flag award for sustainable tourism.

One suggestion when you are planning your trip: before rushing headlong to see the 'major' sites of Tuscany or Lake Garda, or the beaches of Sardinia, take a look at some of the less visited regions of Italy - many have a great deal to discover even if the tour buses haven't yet discovered them!

Burano / Matterhorn

You may also like to see our features that look at the history of Italy through the history of its towns and settlements, and are a fascinating addition to your travel planning - see history of Italy or visit the individual travel guides for the Italian towns.

Europe This Way

Italy This Way is part of the Europe This Way group - visit Europe This Way for more travel sites and destinations across Europe including France and England.

See the French version of the Guide to Italy

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Basilica of sant'antonino in sorrento: a visitors guide, villa rufolo, ravello: a visitor guide, amalfi cathedral: a visitor guide.

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Italy Travel Guide

Your ultimate italy travel guide, with tips, ideas on things to do, and best things to see in italy. great for first-time and returning travelers..

Located in southern Europe, Italy is a Mediterranean country bordered by three seas (Adriatic, Tyrrhenian, and Ionian).

Known as the birthplace of Western culture, Italy is a stunning country affectionately referred to as the  Bel Paese (the beautiful country) .

A country full of history and beauty, it is a must-see for travelers.

From Unesco World Heritage Sites like the ruined city of Pompeii to coastal beauties like the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre, Italy is a great place for those who want to experience something different.

Add in great Italian cuisine and it makes a perfect vacation.

Get inspired to visit Italy and plan your dream trip with our Italy travel guide .

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Table of Contents

Fast Facts About Italy

• Currency:  The official currency is the euro and 1 euro is equal to 1.12 USD.
• Power:  Power voltage is 220V at 50 Hz.
• Entry:  To enter, you will need a U.S. passport valid for at least 6 months after your departure date.
• Getting Around : The best way to get around is by public transport or renting a car but beware, Italians are hairy drivers!
• Sales tax:  The value-added rate (VAT) rate is 20%. 
• Best Sim Cards:  TIM, Vodafone, WindTre, and Iliad are the main mobile providers. A prepaid SIM card can be purchased through any of them.
• The Capital City of Italy is Rome  – See the  Best Things to do in Rome

Things to See and Do in Italy

• Off the Beaten Path  – step outside of Rome and explore the many villages that surround Italy’s capital.
• Hike Mount Etna:  Take your adventure to a new level by climbing Italy’s highest Volcano.
• Learn How to Make Traditional Balsamic Vinegar   – sold for up to $100 US for 100 ml, learn all about the ins and outs of making this delicious Italian vinegar.
• Meet David on a Walking Tour of Florence  – get introduced to the beauty of Florence and be catapulted to the front of the line to see the famous statue of Michelangelo’s David
• Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa  – Pisa may be crowded with tourists, but this is one sight you do not want to miss.
• Explore Romagna  – not only is Romagna home to Pavarotti, Enzo Ferrari, Ferrucio Lamborghini but it is also the gastronomical capital of the country.
• Explore the Vatican Museums : When in Rome you can’t miss Vatican City and these museums. Even if you are not a history buff you will be blown away by the beauty of this part of Rome.
• Explore the Italian Riviera : From hiking the famous Cinque Terre trail to relaxing on Sestri Levante beach, this is what Italian luxury is like. A visit to the Italian riviera is a perfect way to spend a week in Italy.

Italy Travel Guides

• Best Things to do in Rome
• Best things to do in Venice
• Best Things to do in Florence
• The Best Things to do in Amalfi Coast
• 15 Reasons to visit Emilia Romagna
• Best Things to do in Bologna

Accommodation

Budget: You can find a number of budget hotels in Italy for around 30-40 euros per night. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and breakfast, private rooms, and great city locations. 

Mid Range: For mid-range hotels, expect to pay between 50-80 euros per night. Enjoy private air-conditioned rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, a hotel restaurant and bar, and free Wi-Fi.

High End: Upscale hotels will range from 150-1,220 euros per night.

Take in the best with top-of-the-line hospitality, elegant rooms and suites, spa services, indoor and outdoor pools, multiple fine dining restaurants, fitness centers with personal trainers, private balconies, and more.

If you intend to visit Italy for food you won’t be disappointed.

Italian cuisine is famous for pasta, tomatoes, cheese, fish, and meat.

While many might think that spaghetti and meatballs are the traditional dish of Italy, this is not true, and in fact, is rarely eaten in Italy (except for tourist places).

The national dish is Ragu alla Bolognese Sauce (meat-based sauce served in tortellini, gnocchi, or tagliatelle pasta). Other favorites include pizza, lasagna, and bottarga (cured fish roe).

There are a number of restaurants where you can try authentic Italian cuisine, as well as cafes.

Try a cappuccino for about 1.34 euros (but remember, if you want to follow tradition, it is custom not to drink one after 10 or 11 AM).

In total, expect to pay about 10-20 euros per meal for most restaurants, or 50 euros per meal for three-course restaurants.

The Best Ways To Get Around Italy

Getting to Italy: The Leonardo de Vinci-Fiumicino Airport is one of the busiest airports to fly into and is 20 miles from the city center.

The Malpensa International Airport is great when going to Milan and is a 20-40 minute train ride to the city of Milan.

Transportation: Trains are a fast way to get around. You can find trains both for regional trips as well as between cities. High-velocity trains are a speedy and fairly inexpensive way to travel throughout Italy.

Go from Rome to Florence in 2 hours, for example, and pay just 25 euros.

Buses : Italy has a number of buses for shorter trips, as well as metro services in larger cities like Rome and Milan. Tickets start at 1-2 euros.

Make sure to purchase your tickets before boarding or you can get a fine up to 100 euros.

Taxis:   Taxis are an alternative way to get around. You can hail one down or call for a taxi, though note that if you call, the meter starts running once you call.

A typical price for a taxi is about 15 euros, depending on the distance .

Car Rental :   To rent a car, you must be at least 21 years old and have a U.S. license as well as an International Driver’s License. It is advised that you know the rules of the road before driving in Italy.

Prices start at around 55 euros per day. But you can find great deals for car rentals too so look around.

When to go to Italy

The best time to visit Italy is from April to June and September to October.

July and August are usually quite crowded, and hotel rates are at their peak, whereas spring and early autumn have lower prices and the temperatures are neither too hold or too cold for outdoor and sightseeing activities.

If you are spending most of your time in the north then I would definitley say the best time to visit would be during the fall and winter. You have fewer crowds but great mountain activities like skiing.

Where to Stay in Italy

Hotel Italia: A traveler favorite, stay at this great hotel in Rome. Just 9 minutes from multiple airports and minutes away from numerous attractions (including the famous Trevi Fountain), this is the place to stay.

Acca Palace : Stay at this four-star modern hotel in Milan. Sleep in private suites with a balcony and a minibar and enjoy amenities like room service, dry cleaning and laundry services, the hotel’s restaurant and bar, free high-speed Wi-Fi, and transportation to the airport.

San Gallo Palace—Florence: Just 30 minutes from the Florence airport and minutes from attractions like the Florence Cathedral and the Uffizi Gallery, this hotel puts you in the heart of everything.

Italy Accommodation Guides

• Where to Stay in Rome
• Where to Stay in Venice
• Where to Stay in Florence
• A Luxury Tuscan village
• 15 Best Italian Coastal Villages

What to Pack for Italy

Similar to many European countries, the climate of Italy is highly diverse depending on where you plan on traveling.

If you are spending your time on the Amalfi coast you will be packing differently than if you are up in the Italian Dolomites.

Considerable differences in temperatures between the north and south are more prominent during the winter months.

Winters are cold and damp in the north and milder in the South.

However, most of Italy has hot dry summers with July being the hottest month of the year.

• Toiletries –  beauty items and toiletries can be expensive in Italy if you want to save some money than pack some extra in your bag.
• Blend in  – Italians love to dress up, so why not pack some basic classic items that you can mix and match throughout your trip. Try to avoid baseball caps and white sneakers.
• Wedges  – Italy is known for its cobblestone streets. If you want to pack a fancy pair of heels for a classy night out on the town than stick with wedges over stilettos. Wedges allow you to walk smoothly over the cobblestone.
• Layers  – this is especially important for those traveling throughout Italy during the winter months. The general rule of thumb is to pack at least four layers: a base layer,  long sleeve shirts, a fleece (mid-layer) and a top layer such as a windbreaker. Don’t forget a warm pair of gloves, a thick scarf, and a hat!

Italy Travel Guide: Best Booking Resources

Whenever we travel to Europe we make sure to start with these companies.

We have tried a lot of different ones over the years and all of these have consistently proven to be the best when it comes to offering great prices as well as great customer service. 

We have used every one of these personally and continue to do so.

Booking.com : This is our go-to site when comparing prices for accommodation. It is usually and has the cheapest prices, especially in Europe and we love their interface. Not to mention you get free cancellation and you are guaranteed the best price.

Trip Advisor : What we like about Trip Advisor is that we can look at all the reviews and then book our accommodation. TripAdvisor is where we go when we want to compare prices with multiple accommodation providers.

Air BnB: Airbnb is the main search engine we use when we are looking for a home or apartment rental. It can sometimes be cheaper than hotels and it is the best way to stay in areas that offer a more local feel.

Hostelworld: With one of the largest databases of hostels in the world, Hostelworld is the go-to site when you are looking for budget accommodation.

Skyscanner: This is the first place we check for flights. It consistently comes back with the cheapest and best options. It allows us to compare a lot of airlines to get the best price.

Rome 2 Rio: If you want to see how to get somewhere by plane, train, bus, ferry, or car Rome2Rio lays it all out for you as well as related costs. I love how they show it all to you on a Google Map and it works offline.

Get Your Guide: For all your day trip and city guide needs, we use Get Your Guide. It has the world’s largest collection of things to do with more than 30,000 activities in 7500 destinations.

World Nomads Insurance: When traveling to Italy you should always have travel insurance. We have found the best bang for your buck is by far World Nomads.

Italy Travel Guide: Related Articles

One Day in Milan Itinerary: The Ultimate Guide for First-Timers

Where to Stay in Florence: Your Area And Neighbourhood Guide (2024)

Where to Stay in Rome: Our Favourite Places And Neighbourhoods (2024)

Italy is the seat of modern civilization, with an unrivaled storehouse of Renaissance art and home to some of the world’s most popular foods. Whether you go for the art, the food and wine, or the ancient history (or all of the above), you’ll find so much more—from the hustle of Naples’ streets to the gently rolling hills of Umbria to the coastal delicacies of Liguria.

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Photo by Michelle Heimerman

When’s the best time to go to Italy?

A summer spent wandering Italy can keep all those carb pounds in check because the temperatures in most of the country reaches into the 80’s. But since Italians take most of August off for their own vacations, lots of places are closed and the vitality of the country is transferred to the beaches. So, head to the peninsula in the spring or fall. Both are peak culinary seasons with a riot of vegetables appearing from April into June and the wonder of mushrooms and the wine harvest from September well into November.

How to get around Italy

The country’s main airports are in Milan and Rome. Over the past few years, airlines like Norwegian and Turkish Air have run outrageous deals if you fly through their hubs so if you can find a short hop into Italy from Oslo or Istanbul, it may be well worth the discount. Also look for airlines like SAS, KLM, and Swiss.

Italy has a very well developed and fairly reliable rail system that will get you to most towns of note without much delay but the rise of budget airlines means that flying between cities can be just as cheap. But if you want to tour the countryside you’ll still need a rental car.

Food and drink to try in Italy

Italy is a legendary culinary destination for a reason. There are plenty of tourist traps but the whole country is swimming in great wine, an exploding craft brewing scene, and a variety of creative culinary feats—with a focus on quality ingredients. In Italy you’ll find a culture that takes food seriously; don’t miss your opportunity to partake in specialties as well known as Parmesan cheese and Chianti wine or the local specialties of every small town and region. Slow Food has an excellent set of guides and seeing the distinctive snail logo in shop and restaurant windows is a positive cue.

Culture in Italy

Rome is the obvious starting point for culture vultures because it’s drenched in ancient, medieval, papal, and modern history. But Italy also has a tremendous musical footprint that comes alive most vividly in opera. Milan and Venice contain two of the greatest opera houses in the world in La Scala and La Fenice, respectively. Most cities of note, like Bologna and Palermo, contain dynamic opera houses which thrive on repertory and contemporary experiments.

Check out Siena’s summer Palio, a medieval horse race around the city’s central piazza. It’s full of pomp and fanfare—but go prepared, not an ounce of it is sanitized; jockeys are regularly injured, horses even more so. A similar race is held annually in Asti. In Venice, the annual carnival is enticing fun, with all those masks and Baroque plays. And the Venice Biennale, every two years, is a must-see for contemporary art lovers. Don’t forget that Italy is mad for soccer, so if you’re there during the regular season (roughly September through May), seek out a game to experience all the passion and fraternity. It’s even better when events like the European Cup or World Cup are being played; every bar or café will be full of fans.

Local travel tips for Italy

Major cultural institutions like the Uffizi and Borghese Gallery require reserved tickets. Make sure to buy tickets to major institutions well in advance. August is one big national holiday, when the entire country decamps for the beach, mountains, or foreign vacations. It can be fun to play in the sand with Italians but if you want to experience the country in all its glory, plan to avoid that month.

Guide Editor

Max Garrone

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 also reach Italy 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.

Cruises have their own routes and stop in many ports of the Mediterranean allowing you to visit different cities. For example, since Turkey and Greece are very close, they are often in the same cruises with some Italian ports. So you can enjoy some Athens sightseeing or a 1 day Santorini itinerary and then hop back on the ship and head to Naples or Civitavecchia (Rome).

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 also connect Italy 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. Both 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 the requirements are 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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The 15 best places to visit in Italy, from Venice to the Cinque Terre

Nov 19, 2023 • 11 min read

Rome should be the centerpiece of your trip if you’re going to Italy for the first time © Kathrin Ziegler / Getty Images

Home to some of the greatest artworks, historical monuments and food on the planet, and with the kind of varied landscapes that you often have to cross continents to see, Italy elates, inspires and moves its visitors like few other countries.

From its art- and architecture-stuffed cities to its astonishing diversity of natural landscapes – dramatic coastlines, serene lakes, pristine mountains, and those famous rolling hills – picking just a handful of destinations to visit in this wonderful country is no easy task.

So how do you decide where to go? It all depends on what you’re looking for in your Italian odyssey, whether that’s history, art, beaches, hiking or even food. No matter your passion, our list of 15 must-see places in Italy should be your starting point.

Best for history

Once caput mundi (capital of the world), Rome was legendarily spawned by a wolf-suckled boy, developed into a vast empire, rooted itself as the home of the Catholic church, and is now the repository of more than two millennia of art and architecture.

Rome should definitely be the centerpiece of your trip if you’re going to Italy for the first time, but there's simply too much to see in one visit, from the Pantheon and the Colosseum to Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel and countless works by Caravaggio. So do as countless others have done before you: toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain and promise to return.

Planning tip: There’s an overwhelming amount to see here, and with limited public transport in the city center, your choice of hotel can be crucial. Map out the sights you’re most interested in before you book – if you want to be at the Vatican at opening time, for example, don't stay near the Colosseum.

Read more: Italians reveal their under-the-radar vacation spots in Italy

Best for a Renaissance fix

From Botticelli’s Venus , emerging coyly from the water in the Uffizi Gallery , to the mind-boggling dome of its cathedral, Florence is a feast for the eyes. This was, of course, the seat of the Renaissance, and there are knock-out names at every turn – Michelangelo in the Accademia, Donatello in the Bargello, Leonardo and Raphael in the Uffizi. 

Further afield in  Tuscany – Italy's most romanticized region – is an undulating landscape of sinuous cypress trees, olive groves and coveted regional treasures. Glory in the Gothic majesty of Siena and the Manhattan-esque skyline of medieval San Gimignano before exploring the vineyards of Italy's most famous wine region, Chianti , and the rolling, cypress-studded hills of the Val d’Orcia.

Planning tip: You’re best off without a car if you’re sticking to major towns and cities since Tuscany has a good rail network. But if you want to explore the countryside, you’ll definitely need a car. 

3. The Dolomites

Best for dramatic mountains

Scour the globe, and you'll find plenty of taller, bigger and more geologically volatile mountains, but few can match the romance of the pink-hued granite Dolomites .

Maybe it's their harsh, jagged summits, the vibrant skirts of spring wildflowers, or the rich cache of Ladin legends. Then again, it could just be the magnetic draw of money, style and glamor at Italy's most fabled ski resort, Cortina d'Ampezzo , or the linguistic curiosity of picture-postcard mountain village Sappada . Whatever the reason, this tiny pocket of northern Italy takes seductiveness to dizzying heights.

4. Amalfi Coast

Best for classic beauty

Italy's most celebrated coastline is a gripping strip: coastal mountains plunge into the piercing blue sea in a prime-time vertical scene of precipitous crags, sun-bleached villages and cliffs rearing up behind. Between sea and sky, mountaintop hiking trails deliver Tyrrhenian panoramas fit for a god.

While some may argue that the peninsula's most beautiful coast is Liguria's Cinque Terre or Calabria's Costa Viola, it is the Amalfi Coast that has seduced and inspired countless greats, from Tennessee Williams and DH Lawrence to Elizabeth Taylor, Virginia Woolf and Jackie Kennedy. Of course, its staggeringly romantic looks also make it one of the best places in Italy for couples.

Planning tip: Yes, driving along the Amalfi Coast is one of the world’s most famous road trips, but often it feels like everyone else on the planet has the same idea as you. Traffic can be nose-to-tail, and parking is effectively nonexistent. Instead, take the ferry between towns or travel by public transport .

Best for stepping back in time

Frozen in its death throes, the time-warped ruins of Pompeii hurtle you 2000 years into the past. Wander through chariot-grooved Roman streets, lavishly frescoed villas and bathhouses, food stores and markets, theaters, and even an ancient brothel.

Then, in the eerie stillness, your eye on ominous Mt Vesuvius, ponder Pliny the Younger's terrifying account of the town's final hours: “Darkness came on again, again ashes, thick and heavy. We got up repeatedly to shake these off; otherwise, we would have been buried and crushed by the weight.”

Planning tip: If you have time, the other major city destroyed by the eruption, Herculaneum, is also worth a visit. Much smaller than Pompeii, its buildings are better preserved, and the location – surrounded by its modern descendant, Ercolano – makes the site even more piquant. Like Pompeii, it’s easily reached on the Circumvesuviana train.

6. Emilia-Romagna

Best for foodies

In a region as overwhelmingly foodie as Emilia-Romagna , it's only natural that its capital, Bologna , is dubbed “La Grassa” (the fat one). Many belt-busting Italian classics hail from here, including mortadella, tortellini and tagliatelle al ragù. Shop in the deli-packed Quadrilatero district – home to food stalls since medieval times – then hop on the train for an afternoon in Modena for world-famous aged balsamic vinegar.

Leave room for Parma , hometown of parmigiano reggiano cheese and the incomparable prosciutto di Parma. Wherever you plunge your fork, toast with a glass or three of Emilia-Romagna's renowned Lambrusco – a world away from the sickly sweet wine that was exported in the past.

7. Lago di Como

Best for a slice of luxury

If it's good enough for the Clooneys and vacationing Obamas, it's good enough for mere mortals. Nestled in the shadow of the Rhaetian Alps, dazzling Lago di Como is Lombardy's most spectacular lake. Its lavish Liberty-style villas are home to movie moguls, fashion royalty, and literal royalty, while the lake's siren calls include gardens at Villas Melzi d'Eril , Carlotta , and Balbianello that blush pink with camellias, azaleas and rhododendrons in April and May.

The city of Como itself is a hotbed of arresting architecture, from the Gothic cathedral to Palazzo Terragni – built by the Fascists as their party headquarters, it’s a classic example of Italian 1930s Rationalism and a striking reminder of the atrocities committed by the regime.  

Planning tip: Como is like the Amalfi Coast – the roads are clogged, and parking is a huge problem. Instead of driving, use public transport; there’s an excellent ferry and bus network, as well as a train line along the eastern edge of the lake.

8. Sardinia

Best for beaches and coastline

The English language cannot accurately describe the varied blue, green and – in the deepest shadows – purple colors of Sardinia’s seas. While models, ministers and perma-tanned celebrities wine, dine and sail along the glossy Costa Smeralda , much of the island – the Med’s second largest after Sicily – remains a wild, raw playground.

Explore its rugged coastal beauty, from the tumbledown boulders of Santa Teresa di Gallura and the wind-chiseled cliff face of the Golfo di Orosei to the windswept beauty of the Costa Verde's dune-backed beaches.

But spend time inland too, and you’ll find some of Europe’s finest prehistoric remains: mysterious nuraghi (megalithic buildings), burial sites so grand they’re known as “giants’ tombs,” and the mountain villages of Barbagia, where locals still practice centuries-old traditions.

Best for sheer italianità

Pompeii, pizza and a whole lot of panache – Naples is a city like no other. Layered like lasagna, each strip of history on top of the last, this is a place where (underground) you can walk along ancient Greek and Roman roads, while at street level there are sumptuous churches, baroque palaces and Maradona – Maradona everywhere .

Outside the city, Vesuvius looms over the time capsules of Pompeii and Herculaneum, while in town, living in the shadow of a volcano gives life a sense of urgency. All that makes for a place like nowhere else .

Planning tip: Naples becomes less chaotic from the water. Taking the ferry isn’t only an option if you’re going to islands like Ischia and Procida – you can also take a boat from the city to Sorrento , Positano and the Amalfi Coast.

Best for a fairytale city

“Unique” is an overused word, but in the case of Venice , there’s no better description. This really is a dreamscape of intricately carved palazzos, gilded churches and world-class museums, all floating on water and crisscrossed by quiet canals.

Avoid the temptation to do a quick drop-in visit to see the main sights – the real Venice is in the silent canals and narrow alleyways, which cast a spell on all who move through them. Tick off the Rialto Bridge and Piazza San Marco , but then stay on to experience this most precious, and precarious, of cities.

Local tip: This is not the place to run a tight schedule. Leave time to wander the alleys , look inside the churches and artisan shops you pass, and hop on a vaporetto that’ll chug through the islands of the lagoon.

11. Parco Nazionale del Gran Paradiso

Best for hiking

If you're pining for a mind-clearing retreat, lace up your hiking boots and explore over 500km (310 miles) of marked trails and mule tracks traversing “Grand Paradise.”

Part of the Graian Alps and one of Italy's very first national parks, Gran Paradiso's pure, pristine spread encompasses 57 glaciers and alpine pastures awash with wild pansies, gentians and alpenroses, not to mention a healthy population of Alpine ibex, for whose protection the park was originally established. At 4061m (13,323ft), the eponymous Gran Paradiso is the park's only peak, accessed from tranquil Cogne.

12. Mount Etna

Best for thrill seekers

Known to the Greeks as the “column that holds up the sky,”  Mt Etna is not only Europe's largest volcano, it's one of the world's most active. The ancients believed the giant Tifone (Typhoon) lived in its crater and lit the sky with spectacular pyrotechnics; today they simply call it idda , or “her.”

At 3326m (10,912ft), she literally towers above Sicily's Ionian Coast . Tackle the climb on foot, on a guided 4WD tour, or stick to the lower slopes, where you’ll find some of Italy’s most exciting wines being grown in the uber-fertile volcanic soil. Sicily is one of the nicest places in Italy to visit, thanks to its extraordinary wealth of history and architecture, its jaw-dropping coastline and, of course, the ever-welcoming Sicilians.

13. Cinque Terre and the Liguria coast

Best for classic coastline

Liguria’s remote Cinque Terre area is coastal Italy at its most spectacular. Five seaside villages wedged between cliffs, encircled by a national park and connected by clifftop footpaths, this is a place where humanity has lived in symbiosis with nature for thousands of years. People have chiseled terraces into the steep cliffs and grown wine here since Roman times; until the 20th century, the locals got about by sea or footpath.

The villages themselves are gorgeous, but spare some time for a hike along the Sentiero Azzurro, the most popular of the paths connecting them. Cinque Terre may be the best known, but Liguria’s coastline is one showstopper coastal village after another – additional highlights include Portofino , Portovenere and Santa Margherita Ligure .  

Planning tip: This is another area where it’s not worth driving – there are ferry services, but our favorite option is the train, which runs along the coast and stops at each of the villages.

14. Valle d’Itria

Best for picture-perfect villages

They look like hobbit houses – small conical-roofed cottages, often stitched together to form a bigger home but always fairytale pretty, whatever the size. Puglia, the heel of Italy’s boot, is famous for its trulli, but you won’t find them all over the region.

Head south of Bari, in from the coast and up onto the high karst plateau, and you’ll find the Valle d’Itria , where the green fields around towns like Cisternino and Locorotondo are dotted with trulli. Alberobello is the center of it all – the centro storico of the town is nothing but streets of them. This is one of the prettiest parts of Italy – truly.

Best for a real city break

Italy’s fashion capital  often gets a bad rap – too international, too organized, not chaotic enough. Don’t believe it. Where else can you go from a Gothic-style cathedral, started in the 14th century, to masterpieces by Leonardo (his Last Supper fresco in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie is a showstopper, but so is the Sala delle Asse in the Castello Sforzesco , which he painted as a trompe l’oeil forest bower)?

Milan's restaurants pull together the best food from the Italian peninsula, it’s home to one of Italy’s rare cocktail scenes, and its fashion houses are transforming the city’s modern art scene with venues like Fondazione Prada , an old distillery now housing works by the likes of Jeff Koons and Damien Hirst, as well as putting on top-notch temporary exhibitions.

Planning tip: Milan doesn’t really have high and low seasons like the rest of Italy does; instead, its hotel rates rocket up and down depending on whether there’s a major event in town. Avoid Design and Fashion Weeks if you're traveling on a budget .

This article was first published Jun 3, 2021 and updated Nov 19, 2023.

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The only italy travel guide you’ll ever need.

This is the best Italy travel guide to help you plan your trip with ease and ensure you see the best that Italy has to offer, safely and efficiently! 

This post contains affiliate links

Why Go To Italy

There are many reasons to visit Italy. I feel like I shouldn’t really have to explain myself. I mean, have you ever had gelato ? Top reason! Ok, not really, but it’s pretty high up there for me.

Italy is a country that I just keep going back to. I don’t necessarily plan it that way, but it just seems to happen! There is just so much to see and do in this wonderful country that it feels like a different trip to Italy every time I visit.

Italy is such a large country, full of many different people, history, cultures, and landscapes, that has given us so much historically, artistically, musically, and more. There’s a reason that Italy is called the birthplace of the Renaissance.

The museums in Italy are some of the best in the world, boasting the most famous artistic pieces known to man.

Add all that culture (and gelato) to the fact that Italy has nearly 5,000 miles of coastline and gorgeous beaches, visiting Italy is a no-brainer!

Here are just a few reasons we love visiting Italy:

• World class museums
• Amazing Food
• Beautiful Scenery
• Historical Importance
• Friendly People
• Affordable Prices
• Gelato (need I say more)

Obviously, there are so many more reasons to visit Italy, but this should be enough to entice you! It’s an amazing place that you must see, but it’s good to know all you can before you go. This Italy travel guide will help you find all the information you need for your trip.

If you’d like more information about planning your trip, join our Italy Travel Planning Facebook Group

Here are some fun facts about Italy

• Pasta has been around since the 4th Century BCE
• The fork was made popular in Italy
• All 3 of Europe’s volcanos are located in Italy
• Marco Polo and Christopher Columbus were both from Italy
• The country of Italy is only 153 years old
• Pizza was invented in Italy
• The Vatican is the smallest country in the world
• There are 50 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Italy
• Italy has almost 5,000 miles of coastline
• Around 3,000 Euros are thrown into the Trevi fountain each day. It’s given to charity.

The Best Books About Italy to Get You Inspired

I’m a huge reader and love reading almost as much as I love traveling! I have read so many books about Italy that have inspired me to visit and enjoy all that is has to offer. These are the books that have inspired me:

From Sand and Ash

This is one of those novels that really sticks with you. It’s set in Rome during WWII and follows the lives of Christians and Jews as the Catholic church works to save and hide Jews inside churches and convents. It was a fascinating story and there are so few WWII books set in Italy, so I loved hearing this perspective.

Love & Gelato

So this is definitely a YA book, but the story is sweet (no pun intended) and it has a good message. It’s set in Florence and the Tuscan countryside and is about a girl who moves from America into her new life after her mother dies.

Beneath a Scarlet Sky

I don’t think I’ve ever read a more fascinating book based on reality! The whole time I was reading it, I kept thinking “no way, this can’t be real,” but it was. It’s the true story of an Italian man during WWII who helped smuggle Jews across the Alps and into Switzerland. He was also a driver for a leader in the Nazi party and worked as a spy.

Eat, Pray, Love

This is really such a classic that will make you want to travel anywhere, but her time in Italy seemed especially precious!

Four Seasons in Rome

This is a great book set in Rome (obviously) and is a memoir by Anthony Doerr, the author of “All the Light We Cannot See” (a novel set in France). Anthony shares about his year in Rome with his wife and twin babies. If you’re traveling to Rome with kids, this is a must read!

Inferno 

All of Dan Brown’s books make me want to travel, but Inferno is set in Florence and is particularly fascinating.  I learned a lot about the art and history of Florence from this book.

Angels & Demons

Another great Dan Brown book, this time set in Rome, will teach you about art out in plain sight in the city of Rome. It mentions many fountains and sculptures that you may have previously just walked by.  

If you want to see a list off 100 inspirational books that will make you want to travel the world, read here.

I love browsing the internet for advice on how to travel in Italy, but sometimes a tangible book can be a beautiful thing. Here are my favorite Italy travel books:

Rick Steves Italy 2019

I’ve always been a big fan of Rick Steves. Especially since he specializes in all things Europe and keeps his guides up to date! His Italy guide is top notch and once you know where you’re going in Italy you can look into his more specific guides.

Lonely Planet Italy Travel Guide

Lonely Planet books are always a safe bet! The information is good,  accurate, and kept up to date.

Getting to Italy

It’s a great time to visit Italy right now. With so many cheap flights to Italy, it’s much more affordable!  A flight that would have cost you a thousand dollars 3 years ago now costs under $500! I keep telling everyone I know, if you’ve wanted to go to Italy, but couldn’t afford it, the time is now!

The cheapest time to fly to Italy will be during the offseason like January and February, but you can still find killer deals to Italy during the rest of the year. I flew from San Francisco to Rome for $400 in August last year. I recently found a flight from New York to Rome for $200. If you want to hear my best tips and tricks about finding dirt cheap flights read this.

When is the Best Time to Visit Italy

The best time to go to Italy, in my opinion, is when the flights are the cheapest ! That’s just how I operate! But in all honesty, I think the best time to travel to Italy is during the shoulder season.

If you don’t know what shoulder season is, it’s the months before and after peak season which, for most destinations in the Northern Hemisphere, will be September to October and April to May . This is generally the best time of year to go to Italy for several reasons.

What Month has the Best Weather in Italy?

I think the best time of year to visit Italy also really depends on where you go in Italy. As mentioned before, Italy’s climate is as diverse as it’s culture.

If you’re going to the Dolomites in January you will have a very different experience than if you go to Sicily in January. Winter in Italy can be very different depending on where you go.

Summer in Italy will generally be hot, especially in cities like Venice, Florence, and Rome. Summer in Italy might be a great choice for the Dolomites, or the northern lakes of Italy like Lake Como, Lake Garda, and Lake Maggiore where the mountain climates are more temperate and you have access to swimming and boating!

I find Italy in September really nice all over the country. You still have the warmth that you imagine Italy always has and all the tourist attractions are still open, but the crowds are much lighter thanks to traditional school schedules!

Spring in Italy is beautiful with blossoming wisteria abounding, but you are guaranteed to have less predictable weather, which usually means more rain and also spring break crowds.

When is the best time to visit Italy for Budget Travel?

I would say that for budget travelers, the best time to visit Italy is during the winter months, January and February in particular. Flights will be cheaper, hotels and Airbnb will be cheaper, and transportation will be cheaper.

But keep in mind this may not be the warm gelato-eating, sundress-wearing, beach-going kind of trip you may have dreamed of. So keep an eye out for good flights, and try to compromise with your time and money.

The short answer is that there is no best month to travel to Italy. Every time of year has something different to offer. Do your best to plan for affordable flights and lodging while picking a time that works for your schedule and your dream trip.

If you’re looking for ways to save money for travel, read this. And if you want to learn how to save up to afford your dream trip, read this.

How Much is a Trip to Italy Going to Cost Me?

If you’re traveling to Italy on a budget, it’s important to remember that traveling can really cost as much or as little as you want it to. That’s the beauty of this country. There is something for everyone, including something for everyone’s budgets!

How much to budget for a trip to Italy?

• Flights: $300-600 depending on the time of year and your location
• Lodging: $50-$200/night depending on your budget
• Transportation: $200-$400 for the entire trip depending on the length
• Food: $20-$100/day depending on your taste, standards, and size of your group
• Gelato: $20/day (oh wait, that’s just me! But gelato costs between 2-5 euros depending on where you are, so plan accordingly and bring cash.)

What to Pack for Italy

If you’re wondering What to wear in Italy, don’t stress. Packing for Italy is pretty simple, especially if you’re going in the warmer months. I recommend packing a few sundresses, pants, a light jacket, and very good walking shoes. Don’t forget to pack your Italy power adapter, as you’ll find two different types of plugs in Italy.

Here’s a basic list of what to pack for Italy, but if you want a more in-depth list, you can see what we packed for our Italy backpacking trip here.

Italy Power Adapter

You’ll want to be sure you have a good international adapter, but I also like having a specific Italy power adapter because many old Italian homes will have two separate kinds of outlets and I’ve found that the international adapter doesn’t work as well in the old Italian ones.

Walking Shoes

If there’s one thing you can count on in Italy, it’s that you’ll be doing a lot of walking. And you’ll certainly need to if you plan on eating gelato every day! Italy is covered in hills and cobblestone streets, which make it so beautiful, but also rather difficult to walk through at times. You’ll want to be sure to have some good walking shoes.

If you’re visiting Italy in the summer, these sandals are amazing! I’ve had them for a few years now and they are comfortable to walk in for miles, but also cute enough to be worn with a sundress at church.

And if you’re visiting Italy in the winter or if you’ll be doing some hiking, these are the most amazing boots ever! I’ve had them for years and the best part is that they have a lifetime warranty from Eddie Bauer. I’ve walked through the souls of these boots after a few years and traded them in for new ones. They’re super comfortable and totally waterproof!

You’ll need a good daypack if you’re carrying camera equipment and water around on all your activities in Italy. We love this Osprey daypack.

I’m still so baffled that these beauties ever went out of style! They are great for traveling and for allowing you to be hands-free, which is so important if you’ve got little kids to look after! It also puts the weight of your bag on your hips instead of your back and shoulders which will already be overworked from hauling your luggage all over Italy.

I love having a big fanny pack with everything I need accessible in front of me.

But I also love this smaller one for excursions that require less stuff!

Portable WiFi

You’ll need some good WiFi when you go to Italy so that you can get around easily with your maps and stay in touch with your travel group. We love using Skyroam ! You can use the code WANDERLUSTCREW for a special discount.

Portable Phone Charger

I cannot go anywhere without my portable phone charger! I love the myCharge line because the cords are all built in! I just bought one that has USBC connections so I can even charge my laptop with it!

I’m in love with Sony mirrorless cameras. They are so much lighter and smaller than DSLRs, but provide the same quality. The Sony a6000 is a great starter mirrorless camera!

Staying Safe in Italy

Italy is generally a safe country. It’s always wise to be aware of any scams or high pickpocketing areas, and you must always be on your guard, especially when traveling solo or with kids. Be sure to read my 50 tips for traveling Europe like a pro.

Where to Stay in Italy

There are hotels, Bed & Breakfasts, and home rentals all over Italy and they are all pretty affordable. We’ve stayed in some seriously amazing places in Italy!

We stayed in Lake Como for two months in a  huge gorgeous house with a view of the lake   for $1,200 USD/month. I stayed in a beautiful  Airbnb on a lemon grove with an ocean view   in Sorrento where our host made us a homemade breakfast every morning including hand made fig tarts that I still dream about!

Our personal favorite way to stay in Italy, especially as a family, is with Airbnb. We’ve saved thousands of dollars by using Airbnb. If you’ve never tried it, you should!  Here is a $40 coupon for your first stay.

Read this guide to using Airbnb before you even start looking for where to stay in Italy.

We’ve also had good luck with hotels in Italy. We stayed at an amazing hotel in Rom e right on the Piazza Navona where the bed lifted up to reveal a spa-sized bathtub with jets for under $100 USD/night. Another of our favorite hotels was one that opened up to a magnificent view of the Colosseum. There is something for everyone in Italy.

You can find some of our favorite hotels in Italy here.

The Best Places to Visit in Italy – Where should I go?

Italy is a huge country by European standards. It’s around the same size as the state of California. It’s tough to know where to go in Italy: the ancient ruins of Rome, the museums of Florence, the canals of Venice, or maybe something a little more unique and remote.

The options are endless and you can really have any kind of Italy vacation depending on your preference. Choosing where to go in Italy is tough, but   this list of the best places to visit in Italy should help.

These are some of the best cities to visit in Italy and some of my personal favorites:

Rome is also a great place for families. With all of the museums and ancient ruins all over town it’s a great opportunity for kids to learn some history while having a gelato! Read my  guide to Rome for families here.

Rome is also a great jumping off point for anywhere else in Italy. Most affordable flights will take you to Rome, so even if you only have a short time there, read about what to do with one day in Rome.

Cinque Terre

Getting Around Italy

Once you’ve purchased your flights to Italy and booked your lodging in Italy it’s time to start planning your transportation between your Italy destinations. There are many ways to get around Italy including cars, trains, bikes, planes, and even boats.

Train Travel in Italy

One of the big reasons I keep coming back to Italy is that train travel in Italy is so affordable and fairly easy to use if you know what you’re doing. Don’t go to Italy without reading my guide to train travel in Italy! I truly think this is the best way to travel in Italy!

Driving in Italy

Driving in Italy is not like driving in the United States. It’s not the worst place I’ve ever driven, but they definitely have their own set of rules. Just be very cautious and aware of other drivers, and get the full insurance on your rental car through the rental company or through your credit card company if they offer that.

I’ve rented cars in many foreign countries and have never had to show an international drivers permit until I tried to rent once in Milan.   It has not happened to me again since, but it’s good to read the fine print when you book a rental car, or you can just go into AAA and pick up an international driving permit for around $20. You don’t need to take a test or anything.  

The Best Things to do in Italy

Now that you’ve decided on your destinations, accommodations, and how you’ll get around, it’s time to think about what to do in Italy! The options are nearly endless, but I’m going to list my favorite activities in Italy:

• Take a train ride
• Ride on a Vespa
• Take a Cooking Class
• Spend time on the beach
• Eat gelato every day (read my guide to finding the best Gelato in Italy here )
• Try all the food
• Speak some Italian
• Explore ancient ruins
• Take a gondola ride
• Take a hike

Italy Itineraries

If you’re not sure where to go and would like some Italy vacation ideas, I’ve put together some of the best Italy itinerary options . Sometimes the best way to see Italy is with a set itinerary that means you don’t have to put too much effort into the planning.

I hope this has helped answer some of your questions about visiting Italy and I hope you’re feeling more ready to start planning your own trip. Whatever you choose to do and wherever you choose to go, you are going to love this amazing country! If you need help planning your trip to Italy, please feel free to reach out! I do free trip planning and would love to help you! You can email me or get in touch on Facebook or Instagram

If you loved this, please pin it!

Wanderlust Crew

3 thoughts on “ the only italy travel guide you’ll ever need ”.

I would like some literature about Italy sent to myhouse

Hi Sarah, my itineraries are only available as digital downloads right now. There are essential links that you will need on the guides so this is why they aren’t available on paper, sorry. Let me know if you have any questions. You can email me [email protected]

I LOVE Italy and can’t wait to go back! Go away Covid! Your photos and page are awesome. Check out some of my Italy pics and trips at simplyjolayne.com.

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Italy Travel Guide

Looking for an in-depth Italy travel guide ?

Then you’re in the right place!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Top Italy Destinations

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

Slowing Down In Paradise In Perugia, Italy

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

One Perfect Day On The Italian Island Of Ischia

Tips About Italy

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

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

How To Have An Epic Road Trip Through Italy

Traveling Italy Solo: The Ultimate Guide

Tuscany Travel Guide

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

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

A Carnivore’s Heaven In Tuscany, Italy

Learning The Art Of Cooking With Olive Oil In Tuscany

Piazza del Vino: A New Concept For Tuscany

A Delicious & Tipsy Journey Through Tuscany, Italy

Florence Travel Guide

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

Learning The Art Of Fresco In Florence, Italy

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

Cinque Terre Travel Guide

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

Making Friends Over Food In Riomaggiore, Italy

How To Go Beyond The Guidebook In Cinque Terre, Italy

Rome Travel Guide

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

Italy, Travel: Exploring Rome Beyond The Ruins

Exploring The Hidden Treasures Of Rome, Italy

The Ultimate Rome Solo Travel Guide

20 Best Weekend Trips From Rome

Best Italy Tours

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

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

Renting A Car In Italy

Need a rental car for your Italy trip?

Use Discover Cars to quickly compare your car rental options.

Italy Train Travel

Getting around Italy by train, bus, or ferry?

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

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

They even offer flight and car deals!

Italy Hotels

Click here to browse the best Italy travel hotels!

Prefer self-contained stays?

Click here to check out unique local rentals!

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

Italy Travel Insurance

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

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

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

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

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

Italy Travel Guide FAQ

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

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

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

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

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

Q: What are some travel tips for Italy?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Q: Is it safe to travel in Italy?

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

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

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

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

Q: How many days do you need in Italy?

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

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

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

Q: When is the best time to visit Italy?

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

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

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

Q: How long can a tourist stay in Italy?

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

Q: Do I need an Italy travel visa?

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

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

Q: Where is Italy?

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

Q: Are credit cards accepted in Italy?

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

Q: Can you drink the tap water in Italy?

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

Q: What is the local currency in Italy?

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

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Top 10 trips to Italy

When you start planning a trip to Italy, you may imagine yourself wandering the cobblestoned streets of Florence, deciphering the ancient ruins of Rome, or drifting along the canals of Venice. But, as our specialists will share with you, there are a myriad of additional experiences on offer in Italy that can fully immerse you into this sensorially enriching country.

Your Italy trip may include kayaking along the Amalfi coast, being guests on a private boat around Sardinia’s La Maddalena islands, staying in one of Matera’s cave hotels, or accompanying a volcanologist across the volatile landscape of Mount Etna.

Whatever your passions, our specialists can help you plan your own bespoke adventure. Below are some suggested Italy tour ideas to help inspire your own trip to Italy .

Pick your trip

• Venice, Florence & Rome
• Northern Italy & the Lakes
• Tuscany & Umbria
• Puglia & Matera
• Southern Italy & Amalfi Coast
• Italy’s great outdoors
• Lakes & mountains of Italy
• Naples & the island of Ischia

1. Italy’s art cities: Venice, Florence & Rome

Italy embodies and inspires artistic mastery. Under the bluest of skies, you’ll see swifts swooping around the domes, bell towers, and ramparts of soaring architectural marvels, while masterpieces adorn the walls, ceilings, doors, and loggias of every palazzo. Venice, Florence and Rome are the ultimate triumvirate of Italy’s art cities and you can easily combine exploring all three cities in a two-week trip to Italy.

Where the trip could take you:

You can fly into Venice and out of Rome or vice versa, with Florence a two-hour midway point from each. You’ll use the train network to jump between the three, and private Venetian water taxis or personal drivers will transport you between each station and hotel.

Experiences you can have:

On an art-focused trip, expert guides will introduce you to some of the world's most important monuments and works of art, while giving you contextual background to the cities as you walk through them. From Roman to medieval, Renaissance to Baroque, you’ll be given a tour of Italy that allows you to track the country’s trailblazing role in the history of art.

Your guides will know the best time to explore the treasures of each city with you. From early mornings at the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel or discovering the artwork of Florence, to private evening introductions to Rome’s highlights such as the Trevi Fountain and Piazza del Popollo.

Crucially, you’ll get whizzed around queues and into exclusive behind-the-scenes areas — from hidden chambers in the Venetian Doge’s Palace to queue-jumping entry to the Colosseum in Rome.

2. Cultural trip to Northern Italy & the Lakes

The north of Italy is a land of serene lakes, mist-topped mountains, ornate palaces, waterside towns, and the capital of couture, Milan . On this trip, you’ll explore its highlights, including viewing Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper , following the footsteps of Shakespeare’s love-struck Romeo and Juliet in Verona , and exploring the Borromean Islands of Lake Como by boat.

Flying in and out of Milan, a personal driver will take you between Bergamo, Lake Maggiore, Lake Como, and Verona. At Lake Como, private boats will lead you to the Borromean Islands, Villa Balbianello, and Bellagio. While the towns of Varenna, Tremezzo, and Menaggio are easy to visit using public ferries.

Milan is the cultural hub of this region, and a privately guided walking tour shows you its highlights in detail, including The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci, the ornate shopping arcade of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the gleaming Duomo di Milano, and La Scala opera house.

Tranquil and elegant, the gentle waters of the Italian Lakes are surrounded by ornate villas, picturesque waterside towns, and the ever-present backdrop of the Dolomite mountains. You can board a private boat at Lake Como to tour the palaces and gardens of the Borromean Islands.

The Italian lakes have been the backdrop for numerous iconic films and your guide will take you by private boat to visit the lakeside retreat of Villa Balbianello, the setting of the 2006 James Bond film, Casino Royale . After which, you’ll head to the ‘pearl of the lake’, Bellagio, to wander its cobblestoned streets.

3. Tuscany & Umbria’s scenic landscapes

Hills painted golden with cereal crops, row upon row of heavily laden vines, and winding roads lined with Cyprus trees… The landscapes of Tuscany and Umbria are among the most celebrated in the world. You can set the pace with a self-drive tour and dip into immersive guided experiences along the way.

Linking flights into Florence and out of Rome, you can drive out to the hills of Chianti, meandering your way through the Val d’Orcia to Montepulciano. From here you can pass south to Pienza and cross into Umbria, heading for the town of Perugia before a visit to Assisi and Orvieto. Here, you may choose to visit Bagnoregio before heading south to Rome.

You can slow your pace by exploring on foot or by bike in both Tuscany and Umbria. On foot, you can choose to have a private guided hike through the hills of the Val d’Orcia, or walking tours of Florence, Assisi, or Perugia. By bike, you can cycle around the hill towns surrounding Greve in Chianti, or take a gentle e-bike tour to the isolated hilltop community of Bagnoregio.

Wine and cheese are gastronomic highlights of the region, and you can sample both in atmospheric surroundings here. From cycling the vineyards of the Chianti hills, to sipping your way through a wine-tasting session within a 12th-century abbey, you’ll leave with a deep understanding of the Chianti terroir. In the Val d’Orcia, we can arrange for you to visit to a family-owned cheese maker’s farm, with a hands-on demonstration of cheese production followed by a sampling lunch.

4. Highlights of Puglia & Matera

Cone-shaped stone houses, twisted olive groves, towns carved out of tufa, and a coastline of sheltered coves are highlights of this south Italian region. You can visit an olive-oil farm, indulge in some local gastronomic delicacies, and explore some of the region’s unusual stays with an immersive introductory visit.

Between the two airports of Bari and Brindisi, there are a multitude of destination highlights for you to choose between, all easily accessible with a private driver. From the caves and alleyways of Matera to the conical houses of Alberobello , the Baroque town of Lecce or the 13th-century frescoes of Galatina. Additionally, Fasano and Otranto are good bases for coastal adventures.

The Pugliese people are proud of their distinct cuisine, so you can delve into its heritage with tasting tours in Bari and Lecce, as well as on drives along roads lined with olive groves between Castel del Monte and Ostuni.

You could also choose to stay in a hotel built entirely within the Sassi caves of Matera, or in traditional Pugliese trulli buildings, with their archetypal pointed roof tops.

For a visual treat, you can follow a guided cycling tour around the Baroque landmarks of Lecce. Or, opt for a privately guided walking tour to fully appreciate the whitewashed beauty of Ostuni, the 17th-century architecture of Galatina, or the conical roof tops of Alberobello with their decorative and symbolic markings.

5. Southern Italy & the Amalfi Coast

The home of taste-bud enticing street food, narrow alleyways with high-slung, criss-crossing washing lines, and a lively social scene, Naples is the heart of Southern Italy and a vibrant inclusion in a tour of Italy. You may choose to explore the omnipresent Mount Vesuvius, and the towns it buried at Pompeii and Herculaneum, indulge yourself in chic Capri, or unwind beside the dramatic Amalfi Coast .

Naples will form the beginning and end of any trip to this region, via its international airport. Beyond the city, private cars with drivers and accompanying guides can take you between highlights, including Sorrento, Pompeii, Herculaneum, Amalfi, and Positano. For a slice of luxury, take a private boat to the island of Capri.

Steeped in haunting historical remnants, Pompeii and Herculaneum offer an insight into everyday life over two thousand years ago. Walking both sites in the company of a guide will provide you with expert perspectives on the archaeological findings, and bring to life the relics surrounding you.

For a culinary focus on the region, you may choose to explore Naples under the guidance of a local gastronome, who can lead you to some of the best food spots among the maze of narrow alleyways. If you want to learn the culinary tricks for yourself, we can arrange an individual cooking class in a local family home, where you’ll learn the secrets behind typical Southern Italian meals.

6. Sicily heritage tour

From the diversity of its landscapes to the myriad of different influences on its architecture, dialect, and cuisine, Sicily is culturally distinct from the rest of Italy. You can choose to climb the volatile Mount Etna, taste wine cultivated on volcanic soil, stroll around the ancient Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, or indulge in the chocolate capital of Modica.

Sicily has two international airports at Palermo and Catania, so it’s easy to experience the island’s highlights between the two. We can arrange for a private driver to take you from place to place. We like starting in Palermo and heading south to Agrigento, then east to Ragusa and Modica, on to Syracuse and Taormina, before finishing with a trip up Mount Etna.

Peppered with archaeological remains and architectural treasures, you can easily spend an entire trip to Sicily awestruck by relics of the past. We can unlock these sites for you, with a private guide who will accompany you around Palermo, the Roman mosaics of Villa Romana del Casale, the classical Greek temples at Agrigento, and the Teatro Greco — core of the ancient Greek city of Syracuse.

You’ll find any trip on the eastern side of Sicily is dominated by the omnipresent Mount Etna, the most active volcano in Europe. Taking a guided tour up to its multiple craters with a volcanologist gets you as close as is safely possible to its alien landscape of steaming vents, hot stones, and black volcanic dust.

7. Culture & coast in Sardinia

Land of soaring peaks, outlandish rock formations, luxurious yachts, and crystalline waters, Sardinia has been a European playground for generations. But it was also an important Bronze Age settlement and has a traditional farming culture with a reputation for producing delectable cheese. The island is easy to self-drive, and we can arrange an array of experiences that allow you to connect with its people along the way.

Flying into Cagliari, you’ll find yourself right in the heart of this island’s glamorous capital city. The roads are of high quality here, and self-drive tours are the best way to cherry-pick your own highlights. They may include the Bronze Age remains at Su Nuraxi di Barumini or the multihued streets of Oliena, before heading north to the luxurious Costa Smeralda.

Punctuating your self-drive trip with private guided tours gives you the best chance to really understand the sights on this island. You may choose to have a private walking tour of the old town of Cagliari, or be lead through the Su Nuraxi di Barumini archaeological site by an expert in Bronze Age history. For some down-time, you can sit back and relax as a qualified skipper sails you out over the translucent waters that surround the island.

Cheese tasting is a quintessential experience on Sardinia. For a behind-the-scenes look, you could spend time with a flock of sheep and goats in the company of their shepherd. There, you’ll learn the traditional culture behind cheesemaking, giving you a far more profound understanding of each variety’s nuances.

8. Italy’s great outdoors

Not simply a country of architectural marvels, fabulous food, and notable galleries, Italy’s landscapes cry out to be explored. From kayaking the caves of Sorrento to hiking the Path of the Gods on the Amalfi Coast and learning the art of truffle hunting in Tuscany , we can find activities to match all of your interests on an outdoor based Italy trip.

The choice of routes is almost endless. It may be that you want to start in the north of Italy, flying into Milan before heading to Lake Como, where you can use exclusive boats and public ferries to explore. Trains can whisk you down to Tuscany to venture through the Chianti region or onto Naples, where private drivers will take you to Positano and the Amalfi Coast. Kayaks are the perfect way to gently paddle between caves here before heading back to Naples for your international flight.

We can arrange for private guides to accompany you on many different walking tours. From exploring picturesque towns such as Bellagio on the edge of Lake Como, or the hilltop sanctuaries of San Gimignano and Siena in Tuscany, to rural trails that take advantage of the sweeping scenery, like the Path of the Gods, high up above the Amalfi Coast.

If food is your passion, you may choose to spend the morning walking through the woodlands of Tuscany with a local truffle expert and his dog, as they search for these illusive treasures buried in the ground.

For a remote adventure, the secluded beaches and hidden caves of the Bay of Ieranto on the Sorrento Peninsular lie at the heat of the marine protected area of Punta Campanella and we can arrange for you to have a guided kayak tour around these pristine waters.

9. Lakes & mountains of Northern Italy

While many trips to Italy focus on the highlights of the culture-rich towns and cities, those seeking more remote treasures might enjoy heading north into the lake district that borders the alpine hinterland of the Dolomite Mountains . From a walking tour of Verona to hiking up Val di Genova to the Nardis waterfall, or relaxing on the shores of Lake Garda , you can choose a rural respite that meets your interests.

Verona’s international airport is the gateway to a trip exploring the mountains of Northern Italy. From there, we can arrange a private driver to take you up into the Dolomites and transfer you between destinations for your whole trip. Once in the lake district, Lake Garda’s Sirmione, Bardolino, and Garda are all easily accessible by local ferry.

Not just a starting point, Verona is also a destination city in its own right, and you can explore it on a walking tour that takes in the frescoes of Basilica di Santa Anastasia. You may also wish to sample some of the region’s highly regarded amarone wine here, or visit the house inspired by Shakespeare’s Juliet.

With fresh mountain streams, flower-laden meadows, and soaring mountain backdrops, the walking trail at Val di Genova is well known for its numerous waterfalls that cascade into the Sarca River. We can arrange for guides to go with you or recommend the best routes to explore it on your own.

At Lake Garda, you can enjoy a wine tasting tour of a boutique vineyard, a guided visit to Vittoriale degli Italiani, once owned by the poet Gabriele D’Annunzio, or a trip to the historic town of Sirmione.

10. Naples & the island of Ischia

If you have read Elena Ferrante’s trilogy, the Neapolitan Novels , you’ll have a good sense of the island of Ischia , just off the coast of Naples . It has long been a respite destination for Neapolitans and is slowly becoming more popular with inquisitive visitors from further afield. Combining the heady, cultural excitement of Naples with the calm, thermal beauty of Ischia will give you a well-balanced trip in the south of Italy.

Flying in and out of Naples International Airport, you’ll spend some time in the city before taking the ferry to Ischia for some relaxation. You’ll have a private driver for your time in Naples and on the island.

Naples is a hive of energy, best explored on foot, from its narrow alleyways to its bustling piazzas. You can enjoy a private guided walking tour of the city to help find your sense of direction among the labyrinthine streets. We can also arrange a guide to accompany you through the Naples Archaeological Museum, where you can examine original relics from Pompeii.

While on Ischia, you may want to soak in one of the island’s bubbling, curative thermal pools. They’re fed by the volcanic fault line linked to nearby Vesuvius, and we can lead you to the best of its many restorative springs.

The island is also a renowned hiking destination, and we can recommend trails that climb over volcanic rock, across verdant vineyards, and through remote chestnut woodlands to viewpoints high above the shimmering coastline.

Read more about trips to Italy

Italy's art cities: Venice, Florence & Rome

10 days from $6,935pp

Lakes & mountains of Italy

10 days from $9,625pp

Classic Italy tour: Rome, Venice, Florence & Tuscany

13 days from $13,085pp

Start thinking about your experience. These itineraries are simply suggestions for how you could enjoy some of the same experiences as our specialists. They're just for inspiration, because your trip will be created around your particular tastes.

Further reading

• Italy’s art cities: Venice, Florence and Rome
• A guide to the regions of Italy
• Food highlights of Italy
• Luxury vacations in Italy
• Best family vacations in Italy

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Lake Como or Lake Garda: which Italian idyll should you visit?

Two dreamy lakeside destinations, so many reasons to visit...

Choosing between Lake Como or Lake Garda is certainly not an easy to decision to make. Each has unique draws, yet both share the natural splendour and appealing lakeside lifestyle that have made this region of Italy a European bucket list destination.

The largest of Italy 's lakes, Lake Garda is located in northeast Italy, spanning the three regions of Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige. For those travelling by air, Verona is the closest airport, located around 22km from the south coast of Lake Garda – where you'll find resorts including Peschiera and Sirmione – a journey easily taken by car, bus or train.

EXPLORE LAKE GARDA WITH GH

A little further afield, Milan's Linate airport and the timeless city of Venice are also located conveniently close to Lake Garda (with fast trains from the latter taking only just over an hour), so it makes a great choice for anyone looking to go on a multi-destination Italian tour. Good Housekeeping 's eight-day Lake Garda, Venice and Verona trip lets you do just that in luxurious, not to mention effortless, style. And with Lake Garda's proximity to the Dolomites , you can also take a trip to Italy's beautiful mountains during your stay.

EXPLORE THE DOLOMITES WITH GH

In the region of Lombardy, Lake Como is known for its convenient proximity to Milan – around 25 miles north of the city. It's easy to reach the shores of Como from central Milan in around an hour and a half by car or under an hour by train. Driving from either of the city's airports – Linate or Malpensa – is equally speedy, as you'll find out on GH 's eight-day tour of Northern Italy's glorious gardens .

EXPLORE LAKE COMO WITH GH

When it comes to deciding between Lake Como or Lake Garda, you might ask yourself whether you want to spend your trip exploring charming towns, gazing at historic villas, cruising around on boat tours and relaxing on beaches. If the answer is yes, Lake Como might be the place for you. From Varenna to Bellagio and Como itself, there is seemingly no end of quaint towns to explore on the shores of this stunning lake.

Of course, they are also wonderful viewed from the water itself, as are the ornate villas and palazzos that stand majestically on the shore. Luckily, there are plenty of boat trip options to allow for this, from group tours to sleek private rivas (for a full dose of dolce vita glamour). On GH 's tour , you'll discover the beauty of the Borromean Islands on a boat.

From Roman ruins to amusement parks, there's something for every traveller in Lake Garda. Starting in the norther end of the lake, which sits in Trentino, you can go windsurfing in Torbole, see the Varone waterfall and hike to Punta Larici for astonishing views – this is a truly action-packed area full of variety.

Over on the eastern side of Lake Garda, things slow down a little; here, you can visit Malcesine, a pretty and colourful town filled with narrow lanes. But it's Sirmione on the western side of the lake that is perhaps most popular, with an intriguing medieval city centre and striking castle.

Anyone asking themselves Lake Como or Lake Garda might be helped by considering what time of year they want to travel. Both lakes offer lovely warm weather in the summer months, with the advantage of proximity to water meaning swimming is almost always possible. Lake Como is generally the most crowded in July and August, so visiting in May, June or September might be preferable for those seeking peace and privacy.

Lake Garda tends to be less busy than Lake Como in the summer months, though it does get quite windy at other times during the year. If you're visiting in autumn or winter, you will want to pack some warm layers, especially if you plan on hiking or cycling, as it can get cool when temperatures drop.

Gorgeous gardens

Of course, for anyone keen on horticulture, spring is an incredible time to visit Lake Como or Lake Garda. The latter is home to huge parks and public gardens that bloom with life each year; highlights for those seeking floral displays include the gardens at Riva and Parco Giardino Sigurta , while Parco Faunistico is home to more than 200 animals from across the world. If you're not sure where to start, GH 's eight-day Lake Garda trip includes a full-day tour of the glorious landscapes.

Lake Como is also rightfully regarded for its incredible gardens, from the formal landscaped beauty of the Borromean Islands to the grand, sprawling gardens that unfurl around the ornate palazzos that line the lake's shores. GH 's garden tour allows you to get the very best of this, including stops at the spectacular gardens of Villa Carlotta , the historic sights of Isola Bella and the invaluable insights of horticulturist Christine Walkden.

Wining and dining

Whether it's Lake Como or Lake Garda, fresh local produce is always on the menu – with a particular focus on, and flair for, lake fish caught the very same day as you eat it. In Garda, you might try bigoli, a traditional Venetian egg pasta, prepared with fresh sardines caught from the lake, or risotto with tench, a tender lake fish, or the rich plum hue of Amarone della Valpolicella.

Similarly, in Como, traditional dishes include creamy risotto served with perch fish from the lake, or whitebait-like alborelle , fried and served simply with a sprinkle of salt and a squeeze of lemon. Both destinations have a range of restaurants, from charming and authentic osterias to more upscale fine dining spots – the best of which offer lake views, naturally.

Good Housekeeping's eight-day Italian Lakes holiday takes in Lakes Como, Orta and Maggiore.

FIND OUT MORE

To explore Lake Garda, try our Lakes Garda and Molveno holiday, where you'll visit the Dolomites, too.

Or try our Lake Garda tour combined with Venice and Verona, with a 15 per cent discount.

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