How to vacation in italy?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Guidebooks

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

Italy travel planners

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

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

Group tour itineraries

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

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

Private tours

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

At this stage of your planning it is a good idea to check the validity of your passport and if you require a visa. Citizens of the United States, Australia, Canada, United Kingdom and New Zealand may enter Italy and stay up to 90 days without a visa within an 180 day period. You must have 6 months validity on your passport when you enter Italy. Go and check this now as it can take several months for new passports to be processed.

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

Citizens of the European Union can travel with photo identification.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It is easy to fly direct (or with a single stop) into Italy from most places in the world. Rome Fiumicino (FCO) international airport is the main hub for air traffic but you can also easily fly into Milan Malpensa (MXP) or Venice Marco Polo (VCE) airports from major hubs around the world.

There are many other airports throughout the country that can be accessed within Italy and Europe. Pisa is useful for trips to Tuscany and the Cinque Terre and you will need to fly into both Sicily and Sardinia.

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

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

Major Italian cities – Milan, Rome, Florence and Venice – have fantastic fast speed train links from other capitals and major cities in Europe. The website  Seat 61 is a great resource for planning train travel within Europe.

If you’re on a tight budget and traveling within Europe, then you might want to consider coming to Italy by bus. Low cost operator Flixbus covers 3,000 destinations in 39 countries.

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

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

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

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

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

Choosing where to stay at each stop is an important part of itinerary planning. Italy has many different options for tourists and you can expect the usual range of hotels and bed and breakfast accommodation as well as apartments and villas.

If you plan to spend any time in the country, consider staying at an agriturismo or farm stay. This is accommodation offered by Italian farmers who earn additional income by providing rooms and meals. Very popular in Italy and Europe, prices ranges from budget to luxurious. You can find agriturismi (plural) with swimming pools, hammams, restaurants and wine cellars. We always try to build them into our itinerary.

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

Upscale / Luxury – €210+ per night Midrange / Boutique – €120-260 per night Budget / B&B – €70-130 per night Ultra budget / Hostel or shared room in AirBnB – €30-45 per night

Best accommodation sites

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

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

Other sites we use and recommend

Further reading:

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

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

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

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

High speed train intercity travel times on popular routes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We have given you the official booking sites and an alternative for approved ticket partners should you have trouble using the official site – unfortunately that happens a lot! The direct sites are usually cheaper but the partner sites are generally more user friendly. Always check the terms and conditions of your purchase, particularly in relation to changes and refunds. GetYourGuide has a very easy cancelation policy which in many cases allows cancelation with refunds up to 24 hours prior to departure.

If you want to learn about the sites you are visiting then we recommend a group day tour. We prefer small group or private tours where you learn about the culture and history of the places you are visiting. It’s so much more fun than reading plaques and you are also able to ask questions.

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

Our favorite small group tour companies are Take Walks (formerly Walks of Italy) and Liv Tours and we prefer With Locals for private tours. Both offer very well designed and engaging tours of the major sights in Italy as well as interesting food and cultural tours.

Further reading:

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

Recommended experiences

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

The local currency in Italy is the € Euro.

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

Be aware of foreign currency charges and ATM withdrawal fees applied to your account when you are abroad. You may want to review the cards you are taking with you prior to your trip. We recommend that you take two – one as a back up for emergencies. And inform your bank before you go. Sometimes they can be overzealous and place a block on your card if they see unusual activity.

Planning your arrival in Italy is recommended. Most of the airports are a fair way out from the city center – and in the case of Venice, in the middle of a lagoon!

Compare different transfer services on Suntransfers – a company that specializes in transfer options from major airports. They have options to suit all budgets and prices for coach, mini bus, private car and limo services.

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

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

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

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

A private boat transfer or shared transfer in a water taxi is the fastest (and most glamorous) way to transfer to your accommodation in Venice. Journey times and prices depend on the number of people in your party and exclusivity. A direct private transfer to the airport takes around 45 minutes.

You can also take a taxi (cost €25) or express airport bus to Piazzale Roma (cost €8) and then take a vaporetto (water bus) or walk your hotel/accommodation. A one way trip on the ferry costs €7 per person and is valid for 60 minutes.

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

Many people fly to Pisa to reach Florence as it is a larger airport. If you arrive during the day take the PisaMover train to Pisa Centrale train station – journey time 5 minutes. Then take a train to Florence. Starts at 6.00 am and the last train departs at midnight and it costs €5.00.

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

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

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

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

Italy has high speed internet and there are many options to stay connected depending on your needs. If you use minimal data and are happy to use offline maps and guides then you should be able to get by using wifi at your hotel or accommodation. Do not expect wifi  to be available in restaurants and cafes because in Italy restaurants are for eating.

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

Paid internet options

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

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

Note – We have a complete packing guide coming soon.

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

Description Italy, a European country with a long Mediterranean coastline, has left a powerful mark on Western culture and cuisine. Its capital, Rome, is home to the Vatican as well as landmark art and ancient ruins. Other major cities include Florence, with Renaissance masterpieces such as Michelangelo’s "David" and Brunelleschi's Duomo; Venice, the city of canals; and Milan, Italy’s fashion capital. ― Google

If you haven't visited Italy yet, you might be wondering exactly how to start planning a trip. Where should you visit in Italy, and how should you travel around the country? Here’s everything you need to know to get the most out of your first trip.

If you have just a week to spend in Italy, start with the country's big three headline acts: Rome, Florence and Venice. Have time to prolong your Italian love affair? With a couple of weeks at your disposal, you can cover more ground and venture farther into the countryside.

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and you certainly can’t see it in one. Instead allow at least two days, preferably three. That’s time to take in the spectacular Colosseum, the 2000-year-old Pantheon, the palace ruins of the Palatino, sacred St. Peter's Basilica and the art-filled Vatican Museums. Trot up the Spanish Steps, toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain, shop in narrow lanes and indulge in prime people watching.

Top things to do in Rome

Two days in Florence sees you cherry-picking the incomparable art in the Uffizi Gallery, delighting in the frescoes in the Duomo and pondering the anatomy of Michelangelo's David at Galleria dell'Accademia. It also allows for shopping on the ultra-chic Via de' Tornabuoni and an aperitivo (pre-dinner drink) or two in locals' favorite Piazza della Signoria.

Check into one of the idyllic rural farmhouses in Chianti and spend time exploring a land where vine trellises snake along rolling hills with Romanesque churches sheltering in their folds. Wineries lie everywhere. At extraordinary Antinori nel Chianti Classico, for example, the high quality of the wine is matched by high-tech architectural innovation. A day trip to gorgeously Gothic Siena sees you marveling at the Italian ability to turn buildings into art.

The 10 best day trips from Florence

To enjoy unique, utterly exquisite Venice, allow a few days. Glide down the Grand Canal by gondola or vaporetto (water bus), tour the grand Palazzo Ducale, gape at the treasure-filled Basilica di San Marco and run out of camera space snapping the extraordinary array of Venetian architecture. There'll also be time to join the locals shopping at Rialto Market, tuck into cicchetti (Venetian tapas) and get a little lost amid the 400 bridges and 150 canals.

The six sestieri: a guide to Venice’s neighborhoods

Gritty and not always pretty, Naples demands to be seen. Come here for an anarchic zest for life, a Unesco-recognized historic core, Greco-Roman artifacts in the Museo Archeologico Nazionale, and the Neapolitan Baroque Certosa e Museo di San Martino. Take a day trip to Pompeii for ruined cityscapes, and to Mt. Vesuvius to gaze into a live volcano and across a wide blue bay.

Italy’s coolest city: why Naples is the place to be right now

For big-city style and legendary landscapes, head to Italy’s northwest. A day in Milan opens up a grand Gothic Duomo (cathedral), Leonardo Da Vinci's Last Supper and world-class opera at Teatro alla Scala. A short train ride away, belle époque Lake Maggiore harbors the beguiling Borromean Islands, specks of rock crowned by ornate palaces and extravagant gardens. Or spend a few days at glamorous Lake Como reveling in lake-lapped cocktail bars, sumptuous villas, vintage speedboat trips and the snowy-mountains-meets-azure-water scenery.

48 hours in Milan

In Cinque Terre, terraced vineyards cling to sheer hills traversed by improbably steep hiking trails, and villages flow down to tiny harbors lined with restaurants and bars. Ferries and a rattling rural train link the five villages. Allow two to four days to hit the walking trails, swim in the sea, soak up the atmosphere and recharge.

Italy’s fabulous five: planning your visit to the Cinque Terre

The diversity of regional cuisine alone is worth traveling to Italy for: Bistecca alla fiorentina (Florence's iconic T-bone steak), creamy Po plains risotto, olive oil and lemon-laced grilled fish on Elba, espresso and sweet treats in Naples' backstreets bars, fresh-from-the-wood-oven pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice) in Rome. As for sampling Brunello, Chianti, Prosecco, Montepulciano and Soave wines in historic cellars and in restaurants just yards from the vines – that’s an experience that lingers for life.

Italy’s best dishes and where to try them

Choose from lakeside campsites, mountain huts, monasteries, hip hostels, family-run hotels, antiques-packed palazzos, secluded villas and remote farmhouses framed by vines and complete with pools. Prices run the gamut too. Book ahead (the earlier the better) in summer (or in winter for ski resorts) and at Easter and Christmas, when rates rise. Local events and festivals also force prices up, while low-season bargaining might bring the bill down. Some places require a minimum stay or half-board in summer.

When is the best time to go to Italy?

Domestic air links, and ferry, train and bus networks are good between main towns and cities in Italy. For unforgettable back-road explorations, rent a car. Roads encompass sweeping autostradas (where tolls are charged), regional roads and strade locali (often unpaved and unmapped).

Italy’s trains range from slow regionale and InterCity (faster, making fewer stops) to the high-tech, high-speed alta velocità services. The latter can cut longer journey times in half, although on shorter routes don't save that much time. Alta velocità prices can be significantly more. If you travel on a faster service without the right ticket, you’re liable for an on-the-spot fine (up to €50). Validate tickets using the yellow machines on train platforms.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where To Stay In Rome:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We highly recommend getting a LOCAL sim card in Italy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Book Here: Vatican: Museums & Sistine Chapel Entrance Ticket

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

Book Here: Accademia Gallery Priority Entry Ticket

Book Here: Cathedral, Duomo Museum, and Baptistery Tour

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

Book Here: Grand Canal by Gondola with Commentary

Book Here: Doge’s Palace Reserved Entry Admission Ticket

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The cost of food in Italy can vary widely depending on the type of food you eat and where you eat it. Generally, street food or fast food options can cost as little as a few euros per meal, while a sit-down meal in a nice restaurant can cost anywhere from 20-50 euros per person or more, depending on the location and level of luxury.

To save money on food, you can consider eating at local markets or street vendors, where you can find affordable and delicious Italian street food like pizza, sandwiches, or pasta. Another option is to cook your own meals by shopping at local grocery stores or markets, which can be a great way to try local ingredients and flavors while staying within your budget. Keep in mind that alcohol and dining in touristy areas can be more expensive than in local areas, so it's always a good idea to compare prices and look for local recommendations to find the best deals.

The cost of souvenirs in Italy can vary widely depending on what you are looking for and where you are shopping. Some popular souvenirs in Italy include handcrafted leather goods, ceramics, wine, olive oil, and food items like pasta and truffles. The price range for souvenirs can be quite broad, with small items like keychains or postcards costing just a few euros, while more elaborate or luxury items like designer handbags or jewelry can cost several hundred or even thousands of euros.

To save money on souvenirs, you can consider shopping at local markets or independent shops rather than touristy areas. Additionally, bargaining may be acceptable in some places, especially at local markets or street vendors. Keep in mind that some souvenirs like food items or wine may be subject to import restrictions or additional fees, so it's a good idea to check with your airline or customs regulations before purchasing

To save money on transportation, you can consider using public transportation or walking for shorter distances, or renting a bike in cities with bike-sharing programs. Additionally, booking transportation in advance or using travel passes can help you save money on transportation costs.

The cost of sightseeing in Italy can vary depending on what you want to see and do. Many popular tourist attractions like museums, historical sites, or art galleries have admission fees, which can range from a few euros to over 20 euros per person. Some of the most popular attractions in Italy, such as the Colosseum in Rome or the Vatican Museums, can be more expensive and may require advanced booking. Other sightseeing options like guided tours or experiences, such as cooking classes or wine tastings, can also vary in cost depending on the type of activity and level of luxury.

To save money on sightseeing, you can consider researching free or low-cost activities in advance, like exploring local parks or street art, visiting churches or temples, or attending free concerts or events. Additionally, some museums or attractions may offer free admission on certain days or times, so it's worth checking in advance. Lastly, consider purchasing a city tourist pass, which can include discounted or free admission to popular attractions, public transportation, or other perks.

The cost of WiFi and communication when traveling to Italy can vary depending on your needs and preferences. Generally, WiFi is available in most hotels, restaurants, cafes, and public areas, and many cities also have free WiFi hotspots available in tourist areas.

Europe 33 Countries eSIM QR Code

If you need constant internet access, you can consider purchasing a SIM card from a local mobile provider, which can cost around 10-20 euros and include a certain amount of data and calls. Alternatively, you can rent a pocket WiFi device or use an international data plan from your home country, although these options may be more expensive. If you plan to make calls or send texts, you can purchase a local SIM card or use services like WhatsApp or Skype, which can be used over WiFi or data and are generally free.

To save money on WiFi and communication, you can consider using free WiFi hotspots or limiting your data usage, or using messaging apps to avoid costly international calling or texting fees. Additionally, some hotels or restaurants may offer complimentary WiFi, so it's worth checking in advance.

If you are a citizen of the United States or other countries, you will need a valid passport to travel to Italy. The cost of a passport can vary depending on your location and how quickly you need it.

It's important to note that these prices are subject to change, so it's worth checking the most up-to-date information on the official website of your country's passport agency. Overall, the cost of a passport is a one-time expense that is valid for several years and is required for all international travel.

The cost of travel insurance when traveling to Italy can vary depending on the type of coverage you need, your age, the length of your trip, and other factors. Basic travel insurance coverage typically includes medical coverage, trip cancellation, and trip interruption, and can cost anywhere from $10-$20 per day for a single traveler. More comprehensive coverage, such as adding coverage for adventure sports or pre-existing medical conditions, can cost more.

If you plan to travel to Italy frequently or for an extended period, you may want to consider purchasing an annual or multi-trip travel insurance policy, which can provide coverage for multiple trips throughout the year at a lower cost per trip.

It's important to read the policy details carefully and understand what is covered and what is not. You may also want to compare policies and prices from multiple insurance providers to find the best coverage at the most affordable price. Overall, the cost of travel insurance can be a small price to pay for the peace of mind and protection it provides, particularly if you have a medical emergency or need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unforeseen circumstances.

Of course, these are just rough estimates, and your actual costs may be higher or lower depending on your individual circumstances and preferences. It's always a good idea to research prices and plan a budget in advance to avoid any surprises

Amalfi Coast

• 1: Be prepared for public transportation.
• 2: Have reasonable expectations for where you can go and what you can see.
• 3: Get off the tourist trail! .
• 4: Know busy times from slow times.
• 5: Learn a little about Italian regions.
• 6: Pack appropriately.
• 8: Pick up some Italian.