cost of 1 week trip to italy

How Much Does a Trip to Italy Cost? 2024 Budget Worksheet

I have traveled to Italy seven times in recent years and I have also planned about two dozen vacations to Italy for other families. Over the course of years, I have developed a really good sense of the prices of hotel rooms, tours, and transportation in Italy. So when someone asks me how much “does a trip to Italy cost”, I can rattle these numbers off pretty quickly.

Since budgeting is such a HUGE part of planning a trip, I thought I would lay it out for you and break down the average Italy trip budget to make it easy for you to plan — I’ve even included a helpful budget worksheet to get you started. Italy is a popular travel destination and while not as cheap as Ireland or Portugal , it isn’t as expensive as London or Paris . (See this post if you need help creating a family travel budget !)

How Much Does a Trip to Italy Cost?

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. All opinions are my own.

Before we jump into figuring out how much a trip to Italy costs, let’s first dive into a few budgeting and travel tips to keep in mind when planning a trip to Italy:

• Summer is not only the most expensive time to visit, but given recent European heat waves in late June and July, it will be HOT so make sure you are looking at accommodations that offer air conditioning;
• Honeymoon destinations like the Amalfi Coast ( Positano , Capri , Ravello , etc.) or the Cinque Terre are going to be especially busy in the summer and family-friendly accommodations are hard to find;
• If traveling in the high season, plan on booking accommodations at least six months in advance for the best selection;
• Villas/houses in the Tuscan countryside tend to rent for one-week minimum in the summer and rentals go from Saturday to Saturday so you need to plan your itinerary accordingly. You can always stay in hotels or smaller agriturismos that don’t have a minimum night stay requirement, but those will cost a bit more;
• If you want to stay in the Italian countryside on a budget, look for places in Umbria (near smaller cities such as Orvieto or Assisi ), Emilia Romagna (near Bologna , Parma , or Verona ), or Piedmont in the North, instead of Tuscany to get a similar feel at a cheaper price point;
• Main Italian cities like Rome , Florence , Venice , and Milan are more expensive to stay in versus the countryside so consider limiting your time in cities and doing day trips to save money (see my tips for driving in Italy ). Of these, Venice is especially expensive.

Not sure how to plan a trip to Italy? Get a detailed 10-day Italy Itinerary with 40 pages of day-by-day schedules, instructions, and maps.

Italy Budget Assumptions

For this example budget, I have based these expenses on a family of four. This sample family consists of two adults and two children between the ages of 6-11 and lives near a major airport hub in the USA. When planning your own trip budget, make adjustments as needed to suit your specific travel companions and travel style.

I’m going to assume that this family is traveling in the summer months since that is when most families visit Italy. This example family isn’t strictly budget travelers, but they are comfortable with three to four-star accommodations. Of course, traveling in the shoulder season would save money, but most families don’t have the flexibility or the budget for luxury hotels.

I’m also going to base this on a 12-day trip, with four nights in Rome and one week in Tuscany , which is a great first trip to Italy with kids this age. If you plan on visiting Venice, the Amalfi Coast, the Dolomites, Lake Como, or the Cinque Terre, expect to spend even more on accommodations and food.

The budget for a trip to Italy is made up of the following elements:

• Hotel/Accommodations

Transportation

• Souvenirs/Miscellaneous

I’ve seen Italy trip budgets out there that talk about traveling to Italy for $50-75 a day, per person, but I don’t think that is what a typical family vacation is going to look like. For my family, and others that I have worked with, we want our accommodations to be a little bit more comfortable, private, and centrally located. Families don’t always have the option of doing things on a shoestring budget (nor do they want to!).

Plus, the trip is much more enjoyable and memorable if you can splurge on things like a gondola ride or a private, kid-friendly guide that can engage children in sights like the Colosseum or Vatican Museums, vs. just paying for an entrance ticket.

So while this budget may sound a lot higher than others that you will find online, I also think it is much more realistic. Like everything when it comes to family travel, I’ve tried to strike a balance between budget and enjoyment.

Before we get into the details, the bottom line is that a 12 day trip to Italy for a family of four in the summer months will cost about $17,340, or $361 per person, per day.

Airfare to Italy

Airfare in the summer can get pricey with direct flights averaging somewhere around $1700 per person on ITA Airways (the Italian replacement for Alitalia.) If you wait too long to book your airfare, it can easily get up there in price. To find the cheapest airfare, I would recommend purchasing tickets six months before your departure date (Cyber Monday after Thanksgiving is a good time to purchase airfare) and signing up for a service like Going that sends you alerts when destinations you are watching go on sale.

Generally, you will find better deals if you travel in and out to Rome on a round-trip ticket and if you can travel midweek versus the weekend. To save money, consider booking on a budget airline and connecting in Europe as you can usually find those for under $1000.

Of course, what we always try to do is save up our travel points that we earn on our credit card and use those to wipe out the cost of at least one or two of the airfares. If you want to find the best way to accumulate points and miles through credit card spending and sign up bonuses, I’d suggest downloading the  Travel Freely app  to track your credit cards and learn how to earn points.

Total airfare cost: $6,800 ($1700 per person)

Accommodations

Accommodations can be pricey, especially in Rome and other major cities in Italy. Keep in mind that very few hotels can accommodate a family of four in one hotel room. This can often mean you will need two rooms or a pricey suite. I’ve found that it is usually cheaper to get two smaller rooms than to get a large enough suite to accommodate a family.

In Rome, a four-star hotel will run you about $650 per night, per room if you want to stay in the historic city center. If you are traveling in the summer, you will probably also want a Rome hotel with a pool to cool off in the afternoon. Five-star hotels will run over $1500 per night and the super luxe can easily be $2000+ per room.

However, if you want to prioritize budget over luxury, there are economical mid-range hotel options that DON’T require you to stay far from the city center or in a shady part of town. Simple boutique hotels like the family-run Daphne Inn in Rome have a family room that will sleep four for under $400 per night, and it includes breakfast!

Of course, you can also do what we did and go the vrbo apartment rental route. We found a three-bedroom, two-bath apartment with a view of the Colosseum for $150-350 per night.

Find more places to stay in Rome:

Some other hotels that offer a family room or suite at an affordable price include:

• Hotel Albergo del Senato near the Pantheon
• Hotel Santa Maria in charming Trastevere
• Hotel Ponte Sisto in the historic center

Total Rome accommodations: $1,800 ($450 x 4 nights)

The price of accommodations can range wildly in Tuscany too. There are five-star resorts like Belmond’s Castello di Casole where you will spend well over $3000 per night. There are also plenty of budget-oriented, self-catering options like agriturismos or villa rentals .

With an agriturismo, you will have a self-catering apartment on a working farm. Generally, there is a shared pool and they may even offer things like breakfast or an on-site cooking class. Kids usually love this type of accommodation because it is authentic and there is room to play and sometimes farm animals roaming around. Not every property has a pool so if this is important to you, be sure to read the descriptions carefully.

Just keep in mind that agriturismos and many vacation rentals in Tuscany require a seven-night, Saturday-to-Saturday night stay. So if you fly into Italy on a Saturday morning, you would drive right from the airport into Tuscany and then finish your vacation in Rome.

A popular and very conveniently located agriturismo is Al Gelso Bianco . The furnishings are simple but the warm welcome from this family-run farm does everything to make you comfortable. Here an apartment for four can go as low as $1500-3500 for a week in high season.

When selecting an agriturismo, be sure to look into if room air conditioners or fans are available, as those are not typically found in these traditional farmhouses. Also, learn what dining options are available. Does the stay include breakfast or is it entirely self-catered? If there is dinner available, does it need to be organized in advance? This is often the case because the meals are cooked by the owners and ingredients need to be purchased that day. Not many agriturismos offer a full-service restaurant, but some that focus more on the hotel portion of the property may have limited services.

Find places to stay in Tuscany:

Total Tuscany accommodations: $2,500

If you are spending a week in Tuscany, you are going to need a car. I recommend using Auto Europe to find the best rates across vendors. You should also book early as prices fluctuate and will continue to rise the closer you get to departure. Ideally, book by the end of January, especially if you want an automatic as the inventory is quite limited since most Europeans drive a manual transmission.

Just keep in mind that you are going to pay a premium for an automatic transmission and you may want to size up to make sure there is room for your luggage as European cars have small trunks. In my experience, an automatic station wagon that will nicely fit a family of four without being too big to manage the Tuscan hills, will cost about $600-$1500 for a weeklong rental depending on if you drop it off at the same airport or at another one. It may be tempting to rent a van or SUV, but you may regret it later when driving through small Tuscan towns or on narrow roads. Instead, encourage everyone to pack light and bring smaller luggage.

Since you don’t want to drive in Rome, I would recommend arriving on Saturday morning, picking up your rental at the FCO airport, and driving to your accommodations in Tuscany. Then, on the following Saturday, drop your rental back off at the Rome airport and then catch a cab or arrange a car service into the city (I use Welcome Pickups ) and then back out on your departure. A car service to/from the airport will run approximately $65-80 and a cab is closer to $50 but it may be more cramped for your family.

You can also take a train from the airport to the Termini station in Rome, but I wouldn’t really recommend staying in that neighborhood so you will probably need to get a cab from there anyway. You could also take a regional train from Rome to Florence and get a rental car there. Train travel in Italy is pretty easy (just make sure you validate your train ticket before you board!) but when you are staying in the countryside, you are going to need a car.

When pumping gas in Italy, make sure you know if the car is diesel or unleaded. I’ve seen some disasters after people put regular gas into a diesel car! See my other tips for driving in Italy .

Total transportation: $1000

Tours and Activities

If you are traveling with kids, I highly recommend private tours. Whenever you take a group tour, you never know who is going to be part of your group and how that may disrupt your experience. There are so many family-friendly options, including some really fun and unique ways to explore Rome with kids. Private tours will usually run around $450 for a family of four.

If you want to save money, you can book a small group tour. Companies like LivTours offer small groups of no more than six people and Walks of Italy’s small groups are less than 12.

In Rome, I would highly recommend tours for the following attractions:

• An intro to Rome walking tour with gelato
• Colosseum tour for kids
• Vatican Museum / Sistine Chapel or a Vatican private tour for kids

If the budget allows, I would add tours for the following:

• Catacombs and Roman underground
• Food tour with Devour Tours (for older kids/teens)

Luckily, when you are in Tuscany it is easy to spend the week taking day trips to visit towns like Lucca, Pisa, Siena , San Gimignano, Montepulciano, Montalcino , and Pienza . However, you may want to think about a family-friendly wine or food/cheese tour with a company like Tuscan Organic Tours or a bike tour with On the Road in Chianti .

However, at a minimum, you will want to take a day trip into Florence and take a tour of the city highlights or get skip-the-line tickets to the Accademia and/or Uffizi, as well as pre-book timed entry tickets to climb the Duomo .

Total tours: $2,000 (4 x $450 + tickets)

The price of food can vary, but if you stay away from the highly touristic areas (this means walking a block or two away from any main attraction), there are plenty of affordable and delicious options. Keep in mind that a trattoria or an osteria is less formal and less expensive than a ristorante. You can also usually purchase pizza or panini and take them to go for picnics or inexpensive, casual meals.

Also, if you order your coffee and pastry at a bar and eat inside, it will be much cheaper than ordering table service and sitting outside on a piazza. That said, sometimes it is worth the price, especially when eating Tartufo and people-watching in Piazza Navona.

We tend to overspend on food, but that said, I would still plan on budgeting at least $170 for the family a day on food if you are happy with pizza and pasta. Foodies looking for fine dining experiences should budget a bit more. The good news about staying at an agriturismo is that you will likely have access to a kitchen and can prepare some meals at your lodging. This is always a great money saver and allows you to then splurge on those days when you are visiting cities or towns.

Total food: $2040

Souvenirs & Miscellaneous Expenses

While we would rather spend our travel budget on experiences versus things, there are some items that make perfect souvenirs from an Italy trip. These include wooden toys, leather goods, purses/bags, painted ceramics, blown glass, lace and linens, wine, and olive oil.

You will also want to set aside some budget for the little things including tips for your tour guides, parking (remember to bring coins in Tuscany!), gas, and taxis. I generally use a rule of thumb of $50 per day.

Total Miscellaneous: $500

Travel Insurance

I would recommend protecting your trip with travel insurance. Pricing varies depending on your level of coverage, ages, trip costs, and more. However, I would use $600-1,000 as a rough estimate (kids under 17 are usually free.)

If you follow this modest budget, your total trip to Italy cost would come to a grand total of…

Average total Family trip to Italy cost: $17,340

The bottom line is that a 12-day trip to Italy costs about $1,445 per day for a family of four . Keep in mind that there are ways to do this for less including using points for airfare or connecting with a budget airline, staying in vacation rentals, taking small group tours or self-guided exploration, cooking your own meals, and limiting your extra spending.

Of course, if you have champagne tastes, you can easily triple this cost with luxury accommodations, private transportation, and fine dining. We try to land somewhere in the middle between budget and super-luxe and that is what this budget is based on.

Download your Italy Budget Worksheet

Keep track of your expenses as you plan your trip with this downloadable Italy trip planning budget worksheet. Download the PDF worksheet .

VISITING ITALY? YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN…

• Get tips for  driving in Italy
• Get itineraries for  Rome ,  Florence ,  Venice ,  Verona , Bologna ,  Parma , and  Milan
• See tips and things to do in  Ravello ,  Cinque Terre ,   Assisi

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Tamara Gruber is the Founder and Publisher of We3Travel. A former marketing executive and travel advisor, Tamara is an award-winning travel writer and recognized expert in family travel. Tamara is a member of SATW and the Adventure Travel Trade Association, and serves on the Board of the Family Travel Association. She is also the publisher of YourTimetoFly.com and the co-host of the Vacation Mavens travel podcast.

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Publish Date: November 29, 2023

9 thoughts on “How Much Does a Trip to Italy Cost? 2024 Budget Worksheet”

It breaks my heart that some people might see this and decide Italy is too expensive for a family trip, and then go to Disney instead and spend $6000 for a week. Airfare to Europe from the USA has never been cheaper, Airbnb/Homeaway is definitely the way to go with a family (and you can do much better than $250/nt) plus with a kitchen you save on eating out (added bonus is you feel like a local!). Car is unnecessary if you are going to mainly be in cities (and if you want, you can do a daytrip from Florence to Lucca, Pisa, or Siena by train, and get the view without the nausea-inducing twists and turns of the road, or else rent a car in Florence for JUST a day or two). Kids under 18 are free in all state museums in Italy (and often discounts in other places). Yes, it’s worth it in some museums to spring for the reserved tickets so you can skip the line (Uffizi in Florence and Vatican museums), but you do NOT need a tour for each and every place you visit. Get off the beaten path, head south (much cheaper–except for Capri and Positano, the two places Americans flock to!), and get creative. Less is more when it comes to traveling with kids. It can be less stressful, and certainly more economical, to base yourself in one or two places, and not travel around getting a different hotel every night. Finally, don’t try to see everything–you just can’t! But you can always go back! I have traveled to Italy, along with my four kids, several times, and we have never paid nearly as much as the prices quoted in this article. Stick to a few (less touristed) places, do some research beforehand, enlist the kids’ help in planning, be flexible, and you don’t need to spend more than you would on a Disneyworld vacation!

I love this!! Thank you so much 🙂 I am planning a trip for 2023 when I turn 30 and my twin sisters turn 18. I was so overwhelmed thinking of how to financially plan for the trip but this article was PERFECT! I decided to start my savings goals for 10k. I broke it down for 3 years – 365 days/year X 3 years = 1,095 days. Then, 10,000/1,095 = $9.132/day. I rounded it up to $10/day to be safe 🙂 SO SO SO EXCITED to start this savings journey. I used to app Albert (absolutely love this app), to automatically save $70/week for me. Thank you again for the article!!

That’s such a great way to think about it. There are few places in the world I love more than Italy so I’m sure it will be worth it.

So helpful as we plan our family vacation next summer to Tuscany.Even though we had already started the number crunching, the inclusion of your estimates and additional tips are great. Thanks so much !

I’m so glad to hear that it helped!

“Total airfare cost: $4,000 (assuming you use a budget airline)”

You are kidding right? Where you from? I got ticket from sweden to rome with ryanair 190€ there and back for 4 people. And hotels approx 100€/night are expensive. I got ours 50€/night. You got some other italy or what? These prices are insane 😀

Unfortunately $1000 per person from the US to Italy in the summer is pretty standard with a connection, prices are even higher if you fly direct. Off season offers better rates but I envy your options.

Thank you so much for writing this article. I was looking for something to give me guidance as we want to take our family of 4 to Italy for my daughters high school graduation present because she has dreamed of going to Italy since she was 5. This is truly perfect to help me. Thank you

I’m so glad it was helpful to you! Italy is an amazing destination. I’m actually headed back next week. Be sure to check the blog for other articles for tour reviews, restaurant recommendations, itinerary ideas, etc.

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How Much Does A Trip to Italy Cost in 2024: Detailed Budget Breakdown

Written By: The Planet D

Italy , Travel Planning

Updated On: June 11, 2024

Italy is one of our favorite destinations in Europe. After visiting the country multiple times over the years we always get the same questions – is Italy expensive? How much does the average trip to Italy cost? Italy is a brilliant destination to travel to, whether you are a solo traveler or a family looking for a special holiday. But it is safe to say that the actual costs of visiting Italy vary depending on your travel style.

Table of Contents

How Much Does It Cost to Visit Italy?

In this guide, we’ll break down the average trip to Italy cost and show you how, where possible, you make it more cost-effective.

Italy is often associated with luxury – stunning villas, fine dining, archaeology, and the arts. But that doesn’t mean you can’t tailor your trip to Italy to suit different budgets. Is Italy expensive? After all our trips to the different regions of Italy we are going to fill you in on how much a trip to Italy costs.

When we have visited Italy, we always rent a car. We love having the freedom to go off the beaten path and to stop whenever we like. You can check car rental comparisons here.

Airfare is the first bridge you’ll likely come to when booking a trip to Italy. The good news is that Italy has regular flights to all its major cities, so finding a round-trip ticket is neither problematic nor massively expensive if you visit from a nearby destination. The average budget traveler can find the best deals and cheap flights to Italy. This is simply because flight demand isn’t high – there are so many options when flying to Italy. The country has a staggering 77 airports and hosts dozens of airlines. One thing is for sure: you will always find flights to Italian cities, and the average price is low, so it won’t be one of your main trip costs.

Of course, airfare prices do vary depending on your departure date and destination. As a general rule, flights to Italy from Europe are the cheapest. Flights from the US to Italy are slightly more expensive due to budget-spiking transatlantic crossings and fewer charters. However, that doesn’t mean you are doomed for cheap flights.

The cheapest times of year to fly to Italy are out of season and in shoulder seasons. The shoulder seasons are March to May and September to October. The official ‘off-season’ is over winter, from November to February. You can also save money on flights by booking in advance, using VPNs to adjust your network, and using airline loyalty programs. There’s always a way to maximize budgeting opportunities. Another essential thing to consider for those flying from the US is value for money.

Can you take advantage of cheaper European flights by taking a longer holiday period? This way, you might spend more flying to Italy, but once there, you could add a few extra destinations cheaply. For instance, taking flights for as little as $15 to Germany, Greece, or Turkey.

• Return Flight Cost from Europe: $60 to 200
• Return Flight Cost from US: $400 to 7000

Accommodation in Italy Costs

Your next significant cost after airfare is accommodation. Accommodation is a double-edged sword when calculating your trip to Italy cost. In fact, looking at the price tag of a luxury Italy trip is likely what has got you questioning, ‘Is Italy expensive?’. The reality is that Italy does luxury, and it does it well. Like the south of France, Italy has a reputation for Riviera beauty and luxury hotels that attract A-list celebrities.

You can indeed find hotel rooms that cost tens of thousands a night. Of course, the flip side is also true; you can comfortably backpack it in a hostel dormitory for as little as $40 a night. There are a few factors to consider, so let’s take a closer look so you know what sways it so much.

Choosing Accommodation in Italy

The biggest decider in Italian accommodation is whether you want budget, mid-range, or luxury accommodation. With budget accommodation, you can choose dormitory-style accommodation, or B&B-style stays.

Most hotels offer a mid-range experience, with moderate prices and occasional luxuries like swimming pools that can hone your Italy itinerary and experience. Luxury hotels come in two categories: average luxury and celebrity-style luxury. You can pick up five-star hotel stays for €250 per night, but equally, some five-star hotels charge upwards of €1,000 per night – the real decider is location, hotel brand, and your hotel room choice. For the most part, most travelers pick the middle road with mid-range hotels, which average around €100 a night.

What to Consider When Booking a Trip to Italy

When considering what goes into accommodation pricing, consider location and time of year. Summer is the peak season, so you should avoid summer in Italy if you prioritize saving money. If you want a more affordable hotel room, look at shoulder season travel, where you find the same room up to 50% cheaper.

Location also plays a massive role in your trip budget. For instance, an entire apartment in an Italian city center versus a secluded VRBO property or hotel in the Tuscan countryside can vary greatly in price. If you can get out of touristy areas, like Rome city center or Venice, accommodation prices naturally fall.

Vacation rentals are also a great idea to save money, especially if you are flexible on location – rolling hills don’t always come at a sky-high price. If you are willing to stay remotely and in vacation rentals, it can save money on your Italy trip.

• Budget Hotels: $40-80 per night
• Mid-Range Hotels: $100 per night
• Luxury Hotels: $250 per night
• Vacation Rentals: $50 upwards per night

Transportation Cost

Transportation in Italy can be a make or break when calculating an Italy travel budget. The country is brilliantly connected by public transportation, with a train travel trend carried by low ticket prices and high-speed connections. If you want to save money, train travel is the way forward as long as you book in advance.

Booking up to a month in advance can give you access to fantastic train travel deals – great for budget travelers. Just be sure you purchase tickets for train travel, as Italy has notorious laws on fining fare hoppers. Trust us: skipping fares in Italy is not the way to go for budget travel.

Italy also has ferry and bus services, which are used far less frequently than the train travel routes. The ferries are most popular in areas like Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast, where many coastal towns are less accessible by road. You can typically book tickets in advance for ferries or take local, smaller shuttle boats on the day. Buses are simply less popular for comfort reasons.

We love renting cars when traveling in Italy. Check car rental prices here. We have found some great deals that work out to be cheaper than train travel if booked at the right time.

While the bus may be the holy grail for the budget traveler in most countries, in Italy, train travel usually rivals bus prices if you book in advance. And for the same cost, it makes sense that you’d want a faster and more comfortable journey. Buses are the budget option for last-minute public transport journeys – usually $2 per ticket for inner-city travel or around $35 for long-distance buses.

Finally, one of the most popular ways to get around Italy is by car rental. Car rentals   can  be really effective. If you are travelling in a group, for instance, as a family or group of friends. This can quickly rack up public transport costs and make spending an upfront fee (usually between $10 and $30 a day) more effective on a car rental plus any additional fuel costs.

If you plan on taking many day trips or staying remotely, a rental car can be a lifesaver. Remember any additional parking costs you might incur at your accommodation, and know that Italy has many toll roads.

If you stay in a city center where you can find most things within walking distance, you won’t need a car rental. You can always book private transfers from the airport if you travel at unsociable hours or head to the metro station or train station for a day trip.

• Transport Budget: $30 per day with a car rental

You can’t visit Italy without a solid food budget, and that’s from no fault of its own. Italy has one of the world’s most famous – and arguably delicious – cuisines. We’ve already got  an entire guide  dedicated to the top dishes you should try when you holiday in Italy. If you are in the stages of forming your Italy itinerary, just know food will undoubtedly make up a significant proportion of it. So, with all that said, what does a trip to Italy cost when discussing a food budget?

The average restaurant meal in a major city center is around $70 per person; this is more like $20-30 per person outside of popular areas. Takeaway dishes cost around $10-15. It is important to remember that the coperto (aka the extra cost for sitting down) is added onto most bills in centrally located restaurants and calculated per person.

It is customary to tip around 10%. However, the Italian tipping culture is much more relaxed than the tipping culture in the US. When questioning ‘Is Italy expensive?’, you need to consider whether, and if so, when and where you will eat out. We’d suggest dining out at least once just for the Italian food experience. However, a compromise for a week in Italy might be two sit-down meals, a food tour, and then takeaway or street food for lunch and cooking other meals at your accommodation.

Food is the number one reason people choose Italy, so try to set aside a generous budget. Think of it as cultural immersion or an investment in activities. Everyone deserves to experience fine dining on the Amalfi Coast with air conditioning and stunning ocean views – just set aside around $100 to comfortably budget. And if you can, find accommodation with kitchen facilities to cook your own meals and save money.

• Food Budget: $20 a day without sit-down restaurants or $100 a day with sit-down restaurants

Tours and Activities

Finally, what about tours and activities? It goes without saying that part of what makes Italy so fabulous is its array of things to do.

There are Roman ruins to tour, sunset cruises, and museum tours – and that’s not to mention the abovementioned food tours. Your trip to Italy cost will be massively dictated by your entertainment choices, but it shouldn’t be any other way. Adding to your Italy trip cost with lifelong memories is worthwhile. Just keep in mind your tour and activity expectations when planning a budget: will you tour the Amalfi Coast on your trip to Italy, or are you backpacking in Rome?

One thing to know about Italy is that it does luxury and ‘exclusive experiences’ really well. You need to evaluate what is on your to-do list. Is a gondola ride in Venice catching your eye, or are you looking at budget day trip destinations and museum entry fees? There’s no denying that a gondola ride is one of the  best things to do in Venice , but if you want to splurge on special experiences, you will have to budget more.

We’d recommend narrowing down your ‘exclusive experiences’ to a select few if you want to keep to a reasonable budget. You can then bulk up your itinerary with low-cost and free tours and activities. For instance, the Vatican Museums, Colosseum, or a boat trip. You can also plan tourist attractions like stopping to see the Trevi Fountain, which costs nothing.

Independent Travel or Group Tour in Italy

When it comes to your itinerary in Italy, you have the option to book guided experiences and the option to travel solo. Traveling solo can cut your upfront costs, while guided experiences provide peace of mind. For instance, a day trip from Milan to Lake Como costs as little as $4 by public transportation ,  yet around $100 for a  guided tour.

You could cut costs by taking the day trip or save stress and time by spending extra money on a guided day trip. As a side note, if you visit attractions rather than destinations, many attractions in Italy have options for self-guided audio tours when you actually enter. We’d recommend downloading audio tours if you are visiting solo as you’ll will gain a much better appreciation of the monuments you are visiting/

When considering guided tours, an important consideration is whether they are private. A group tour versus private tours vary massively in cost. So, if you’d like to save money but still have a guided experience, we’d suggest shopping for group tours. Keep in mind a single supplement for solo traveler visitors, though, which applies for both group and private excursions – frustrating, we know. You should always check specific policies per tour company.

• Tours and Activities Budget: $300 per week

Overall Trip Cost

With all that in mind, what is the total trip to Italy cost? What exactly should you budget? You see tons of average price statistics floating around and various Italy vacation packages, so it is essential to have a concrete number reflecting the ‘real’ cost of a holiday in Italy.

We’ve broken down the ‘big’ Italy budget into all the factors (airfare, food, tours, etc.), so let’s quickly review them before we give you our final figures.

Regarding flights, budget around $1000 return from Europe in shoulder seasons and $1500 from the US. You can find flights priced above and below these rates, but as a general rule, these are the average prices to expect.

Accommodations

Accommodation prices in Italy is pretty simple: the more stars, the more expensive the hotel. And the more central the location, the higher the fees. Budget approximately $60 per night for a central budget hotel, $100 for a mid range, and $250 for a luxury. Vacation rentals are anything upwards of $50 per night.

For the vast majority of people who go for mid-range hotels, $700 – $1000 is a reasonable rate to budget and expect for a week’s accommodation in Italy.

Transportation

Transportation is tough to calculate because it massively depends on where you are staying. If you are staying in the city center, you should budget as little as $40 for a whole week on public transportation. You can walk to all the main tourist attractions, which costs nothing. Even if you go on a day trip or catch a local bus or tram, public transport should cost as little as $2-30. A $40 weekly transportation budget should allow you to take a day trip, use public transport for airport transfers, and get around occasionally by inner-city transport to take a break from walking.

If you hire a car, this price will increase. If you hire a car, budget around $30 daily for rental car fees, petrol, and parking. In a week, this totes up to $210.

For food, it does depend on your travel style. You can easily spend $20 a day on food if you just purchase takeaway or street food style meals for lunch and cook your own meals for breakfast and dinner. Whereas, if you want to eat out for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you should budget $100 daily. To get the best of both worlds, we’d suggest a weekly budget of $300 or $400 if you want to try fancy cocktails and aperitifs. This should allow two days of dining out and five days of cooking meals and getting takeaway lunches.

For tours and activities, you should budget approximately $300 per week. This budget considers one guided tour of up to $100, one luxury experience of around $80, plus up to six standard $20 entry rates for tourist attractions. With $300, it is safe to say that you are comfortably within budget to enjoy a couple of significant bucket list experiences and get an excellent insight into the tourist attraction scene. You’ll be able to have at least two tourist attractions a day.

• Per-Day Budget: $240 if you fly from Europe and rent a car, and $295 if you fly from the US and rent a car
• Total Italy Trip Cost: $1660 if you fly from Europe and rent a car, and $2060 if you fly from the US and rent a car

Money Saving Tips

It is all well and good knowing the average trip to Italy cost. But what about learning how to reduce the average cost of an Italy trip? An average price is just that – an average. That doesn’t mean that you can’t reduce it further and make some serious reductions. Even a tiny compromise, like taking public transport, not private transfers, can significantly reduce the cost of visiting Italy.

This section will reveal the top tips and tricks for lowering Italy’s budget. Here’s how to save money on your trip to Italy.

1. Avoid Sit Down Restaurants or Cook at Home

A huge factor in your trip to Italy cost is sit-down restaurants. This might seem oddly specific, but it is a famously price-boosting thing in Italy. You instantly get charged more when you sit down at a city center restaurant. There’s even a name for this: the coperto. The coperto is a flat rate cover charge that is calculated on a per-person basis. But this is where it gets even more expensive – it is the same whether you order a drink and bread or a four-course meal. This means that if you want to sit down, you’ll have to pay an extra cost, even if you dined on a budget.

Not all restaurants and cafes have a coperto. However, a safe rule of thumb is that if you are in a ‘competitive’ area, like the center of Rome or Venice, you should expect an additional charge for sitting down. The coperto acts as insurance for the restaurant or café business, meaning no matter how much you spend, they will be compensated for not having an empty table for a different guest. It would help if you always aimed to buy takeaway food or street food in these busy areas. Or if you are desperate to dine sitting down, then head out of the city center and into quieter suburbs.

Similarly, you can save money by cooking at your accommodation. Self-catered accommodation with your only kitchen is a real travel hack for cutting costs and avoiding things like the coperto.

2. Travel in Shoulder Seasons

You don’t need us to tell you that traveling at different times of year bags you different prices. The peak season is notoriously bad for budget, no matter where you go. Peak season just means the time when the destination is deemed ‘most impressive’ by mass tourism. This is summer for Italy since it is primarily a beach holiday and al fresco dining destination. June to August is the peak season for Italy, when you will be competing amongst other tourists for everything from tickets to accommodation, and local vendors and business owners hike up the prices to meet the rise in demand.

If you want to play your Italy budgeting tactically, you could book to visit in winter. Contrary to popular belief, the country gets cold, especially in northern Italy. You can expect an average temperature of between – 5 degrees Celsius and 15 degrees Celsius, with southern Italy warmer than the north and its mountainous regions. This idea is excellent if you don’t care about beach days and want to celebrate Christmas or New Year’s in Italy. It is also the perfect time to visit museums and galleries, which are much more enjoyable without overheating.

However, you don’t need to go as extreme on budgeting as that if you still want beach days and warm weather of low to mid-twenties. The best way to budget while sticking as close to peak season is with shoulder seasons. March to May and September until October are the optimum seasons to experience Italy well and cheaply. These months have cheaper accommodations and tours, pleasant temperatures, and fewer crowds.

3. Take Local Transportation

Visiting Italy can get expensive if you constantly spend on private transfers and even a car rental- especially concerning petrol, toll roads, and parking fees. One really effective way to save money is with local transportation. Italy has a fabulous train system, with a train station in all major cities and most significant towns. In fact, tickets can be as little as $9 for a regional journey. Booking train tickets in advance can be a brilliant way to take day trips or an alternative to road-tripping or flying between cities.

Italy also has a fantastic ferry system and buses. You will be able to navigate the country by public transport. On the other hand, private transfers and taxis can get expensive. For instance, when booked in advance, a train ticket from Milan to Rome costs as little as $35. Milan to Rome by rental car costs a minimum of $104 for fuel. A private transfer from Milan to Rome costs as much as $190 one way.

Ironically, public transport is also often much quicker. Milan to Rome takes just over 3 hours by train, yet 5.5 hours by car. Snag the better deal and get there faster. Taking local transportation is one of the best ways to cut costs when visiting Italy.

4. Avoid Major Cities and Tourist Hotspots – Off the Beaten Path

This one might sting, but if you  really  want to save money on your Italy trip, avoid major cities and tourist hotspots. These cities and hotspots are like vampires for your Italy budget. Everything from food to accommodation and even water bottles get hiked up in price in these places.

If you aren’t too fussy about where you stay, think outside the box and get creative. Head off the tourist track, and you’ll find much more reasonable rates. And you’ll be pioneering more authentic and sustainable travel – a moral boost and a budgeting tip.

There is a small ‘but’ to this top tip. You can always stay outside of a major city. This way, you can take advantage of local transport and cheap rail prices for day trips into the city. You can benefit from the city’s tourist attractions without spending extra on accommodation and food.

5. Know Your Discounts

Lastly, you should know your discounts when trying to lower your trip to Italy. Simple things like a student ID or pensioner card can prove you are eligible for discounts. You should always carry some form of ID if you qualify for discounts, and similarly, do your research before entering an attraction or venue where you think you could be eligible. You could even learn a basic phrase in Italian that you can use to respectfully enquire about discounts. One example of an attraction you can save on with a student ID is the Vatican museums, which knock off approximately 7 euros ($7.42) if you display a student card. Every little helps, right?

Researching discounts and rates before you go is also a healthy practice when sticking to a budget and a great rule to live by if you are a budget traveler. Many museums have free days or cheaper times, while bars and restaurants might have happy hours. And you can adjust your visit to attractions and venues to get better deals. It is a win-win.

Trip to Italy Cost: FAQs

So, now you have an overview of a general trip to Italy cost, what do you think: is Italy expensive? As you can see, the average cost of a trip to Italy does vary depending on factors like travel style, when you travel, and where you go in Italy. Lots of small choices can massively impact your overall Italy budget.

Are you ready for some FAQs? These answers will give you the snapshot information you need to transform your trip for the better. Consider this section the cherry on top of your Italy budget planning.

How much is a trip to Italy for 7 days?

If you fly from Europe and rent a car, it costs approximately $1660 to travel to Italy for 7 days. If you fly from the US and rent a car, it costs around $2060.

Is Italy very expensive to visit?

Italy can be expensive if you opt for luxury hotels, private tours, fine dining, and popular peak-season areas. This is entirely down to travel style, though, and you can easily do Italy on a budget if you cook your own food, backpack, and take public transport. Small compromises and budgeting decisions go a long way in Italy.

What is the cheapest month to go to Italy?

The cheapest months to visit Italy are over winter, with November as the absolute cheapest. Most people visit Italy in the summer and use March to May and September to October as the slightly more affordable, yet still warm, shoulder season. If you visit between November and February, you can find the absolute cheapest prices to visit Italy.

How much does it cost to go to Italy for a weekend?

Visiting Italy for the weekend costs around $550 if you fly from Europe and $950 from the US. This budget factors in public transport costs, a budget of $100 for tourist attractions, flights, and mid-range accommodation in a city center location.

To Conclude

Now you have as accurate as possible an idea of what your trip to Italy will cost, you can answer the question for yourself: is Italy expensive? You can use some of our top tips to save money when visiting Italy. You don’t have to visit Italy for a luxury trip, although if you do, you will undoubtedly go to the right place. Italy is incredible – no matter your budget. With the right attitude, you can find some fantastic accommodation choices, tours, food, and flight deals. Read next: Is Greece Expensive to Visit

There are so many amazing  things to do  – including sailing on Lake Como, visiting remains of Roman cities and amphitheaters where gladiators fought, and just kicking back with cocktails on stunning beaches that a trip to Italy is a must for any travel lover. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Italy today.

Looking for more inspiration? Just check out these  facts about Italy to make you smile.  Or get some inspiration on  hiking in the beautiful Cinque Terre  region, which should already be on your bucket list.

Plan Your Next Trip To Italy With These Resources

• Best Things to Do in Piedmont, Italy
• 15 Most Beautiful Cities in Italy for Travelers
• 16 Best Things to Do in Lake Como, Italy
• 14 Remarkable Towns in Tuscany, Italy
• 28 Best Things To Do in Milan
• 23 Best Things To Do In Sicily, Italy in 2024
• The Ultimate One Day in Rome Itinerary: How To Maximize Your Visit

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals.

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor.

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Safety Wing - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

You May Also Like

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

Where to Stay in Venice, Italy in 2024: 5 Best Areas for First-Time Visitors

23 Best Things to Do In Sicily, Italy in 2024

About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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1 thought on “How Much Does A Trip to Italy Cost in 2024: Detailed Budget Breakdown”

Thanks guys for sharing this some many useful tips and cost of ITALY also superb attractions, sceneries too guys.

Lists by Lukiih 🍀

Practical travel guides with less fluff

• 💰 My 2024 Italy Trip Cost: A Budget Breakdown

Italy, a country famous for Renaissance masterpieces and gelato, can be visited with a  budget of $75 to $150 a day.

My trip to Italy cost a total of $2,651 . In this post, I share:

• 💰 Expected travel costs
• 💡 Budgeting tips
• 💵 How much cash to bring
• ✈️ My trip’s costs by category
• 📍 My trip’s costs by destination
• ✌️ A trip to Italy cost for two people

Planning a trip? Here’s what to know about Italy .

• Is Italy Expensive?
• How Much Is a Trip?
• About My Trip
• Cost Breakdown
• Daily Budget: $131
• Flight: $564
• Accommodation: $868
• Transportation: $265
• Entertainment: $392
• Florence: $608
• Venice: $255
• Cinque Terre: $420
• Milan: $285
• Lake Como: $62
• Modena & Parma: $209
• Withdrawing Cash
• How Much Cash To Bring
• Cash-Only Places
• Tipping Etiquette

Lists By Lukiih is readers-supported. When you buy with my affiliate link, I may earn a small commission. Thanks!

Is Italy Expensive To Travel To?

Italy is a semi-affordable destination to visit in Europe. Travel costs, such as housing, food, and attractions, vary significantly between regions. While major cities can be pricey, Italy also offers fresh food for cheap, reasonable train ticket prices, and a wide range of accommodations for different budgets.

Compared to other popular European destinations, Italy is less budget-friendly than Portugal, Germany, and Spain, but it’s generally more affordable than the UK, Iceland, and Switzerland.

💰 Trip Daily Budget for Countries in Europe

For comparison, I visited these countries in Europe within a year of visiting Italy, and here’s how much I spent per day at each one:

See all my daily budget for each destination I’ve visited .

How Much Is a Trip to Italy?

This section covers estimated trip costs depending on your travel style. I share my actual travel expenses further below.

🎒 Budget Traveler – Italy Trip Cost

A budget traveler can expect to spend approximately $75 per day or $525 for one week of travel in Italy, excluding flights. Two budget travelers visiting Italy can expect to spend about $120 daily.

Here’s what a budget traveler’s cost breakdown can look like:

Traveling Italy on a Budget

To travel to Italy on a budget, here are some things you’ll need to do:

• 🏠 Accommodation – Forgo staying in a private room and instead stay at dorm-style hostels for about $35 per night in cities like Rome and Florence . Aim to find housing in less central areas.
• 🚆 Transportation – Take the budget bus, FlixBus, which can be $10 to $15 cheaper than public transportation. However, the bus takes much longer and is more inconvenient than Italy’s trains.
• 🍝 Food – Buy food at a grocery store and eat simple meals (like pizza), which will save you more than $100 a week compared to dining out for every meal in Italy.
• Buy the most basic ticket at attractions and be prepared to wait in long lines. For example, the Colosseum’s basic ticket requires waiting in the security line and doesn’t allow access to all parts of the amphitheater.
• Skip expensive attractions like riding a gondola in Venice (which starts at $87 for a 30-minute ride if you don’t split it with anyone else) or taking an all-day wine tour (which usually starts at $40 for a half-day tour).
• Take advantage of free walking tours in major cities to see top attractions from the outside.
• ☀️ Travel Season  – Travel to Italy during the low season, which coincides with the winter months (November to February). There will be fewer tourists, and accommodation prices can drop by more than 25% during this time, so you’ll get the best deals then.

💰 Mid-Range Budget Traveler – Italy Trip Cost

A mid-range budget traveler like myself can expect to spend approximately $150 per day or $1,050 for one week of travel in Italy, excluding flights. Two mid-range budget travelers visiting Italy can expect to spend about $270 per day.

I break down my trip expenses by travel category below.

About My Italy Trip

To give context to the expenses below, here’s what you need to know about my trip:

• Rome + Vatican City : 2 days
• Milan : 2 day
• Florence : 5 days
• Venice : 2 days
• Cinque Terre : 2 days
• Lake Como : 1 day
• Modena : 1 day
• Parma : 1 day
• ☀️ High season – I went to Italy in May, which is considered the start of the high season.

Italy’s peak season runs from May to September when the weather is pleasant.

• ✌️  Group travel – I traveled with one to two other friends at all times, so we were able to split some costs, such as housing. My travel reflects what a trip to Italy would look like for two people.
• 💰 Mid-range budget – I consider myself a mid-range budget traveler, and these expenses reflect that. I don’t aim to travel on a budget, but I’m thoughtful about how and where I spend.
• 🍀 Self-funded – My trips are self-funded, so I paid for everything listed below. None of my excursions or experiences are sponsored.
• 💵 US dollars – All costs listed in this post are per person and in US dollars, converted from Italy’s local currency, the euro.

The exchange rate was $1 USD = €0.92 at the time of writing.

Total Cost for an Italy Trip: $2,651

My two-week trip to Italy cost a total of $2,651, including flights. I traveled with at least one other person at all times, so my budget was slightly lower than if I had traveled solo.

See the highlights of my trip in this  Italy itinerary .

💰 Cost Breakdown for Italy

Here’s a quick overview of my expenses by travel category:

🗓️ Daily Budget in Italy: $131

My Italy trip cost $131 per day , excluding my round-trip flights from and to the United States.

A mid-range budget traveler can expect to spend $150 per day in Italy. This generally means staying at mid-range hotels for about $90 a night, eating at primarily $ to $$ restaurants, taking Italy’s convenient trains, and booking group tours for some of the top attractions.

✈️ Flight Cost to Italy: $564

My round-trip flight from the East Coast of the United States to Milan Malpensa Airport was $564 .

A direct, round-trip flight between the US and Italy that costs under $400 is considered cheap; international flights typically cost over $500.

🏠 Accommodation Costs in Italy: $868

My average cost of accommodation in Italy was $54 per day . I was able to split accommodations with one to two other people at all times.

Here are the accommodations I stayed at and how much I paid for each:

Budgeting Tips for Accommodations in Italy

Here are my budgeting tips and things to note regarding accommodations in Italy:

• Try to split accommodations with someone – Italy has expensive accommodations. Housing is where I saved the most by always traveling with another person.
• Low and high seasons have nontrivial price differences – A mid-range hotel room in tourist areas in Italy starts at around $70 per night, and you’ll likely have to pay closer to $100 per night during the high season.
• Stay in non-central areas – For cheaper accommodations in popular cities like Rome, Milan, and Florence, you’ll need to stay farther away from the city center. For example, staying in Venice’s less popular Cannaregio district will be significantly cheaper than staying in the San Polo or San Marco districts.
• Italy has no shortage of luxury hotels – Italy offers many high-end hotels with stunning views over the ocean, lake, or canal. Expect to pay more than $2,000 for a night at one of these luxury hotels.

🍝 Food Cost in Italy: $556

My average cost of food in Italy was $35 per day.

Food costs in Italy vary widely; you can eat on a budget or extravagantly. A mid-range budget traveler can expect to spend about  $40 per day  on food in Italy. This includes getting coffee, eating a snack, and eating at $ to $$ restaurants.

Cheapest Meals in Italy

Here are the most affordable meals I ate during my trip:

Most Expensive Meals in Italy

Here are the most expensive meals I ate during my trip:

Be warned that you can end up with expensive, mediocre pasta in tourist restaurants if you don’t do a bit of restaurant research and make reservations. A way to enjoy quality food in Italy is to go on highly-rated food tours , especially in big, overwhelming cities like Rome.

🚆 Transportation Cost in Italy: $265

My average cost of transportation in Italy was $17 per day. I averaged $19 per train ride while traveling between cities.

Here are the transportation methods I took and how much I paid for each:

Budgeting Tips for Trains in Italy

Here are my budgeting tips and things to note regarding trains in Italy:

• The best way to get around Italy is by train travel – Italy has a well-maintained train system primarily operated by Trenitalia that will conveniently get you to many places around the country.
• Train tickets are reasonably priced – An average ticket will cost between $10 and $40, depending on the distance traveled and whether you’re taking a high-speed train.
• High-speed trains serve major cities throughout Italy and run on their own train tracks. I took several of these trains and typically paid between $30 and $50.
• Regional trains are much slower but can reach almost any part of the country. A ticket on a regional train starts at $10.

🍷 Entertainment Cost in Italy: $392

My average cost for entertainment in Italy was $25 per day. This total includes a 5% to 10% tip at certain places.

Most of Italy’s major attractions charge a basic entrance fee of $20 to $30 . This cost significantly increases once you pay for a tour guide or skip-the-line tickets.

Here are all the activities and attractions I paid for and how much each cost:

One of the highlights of my trip was hiking around the stunning Cinque Terre .

Cost Breakdown by Destination in Italy

Below are my trip expense breakdowns for Rome, Florence, Venice, Cinque Terre, Milan, Lake Como, Modena, and Parma . Many of these major locations are often featured in first-timers’ travel itineraries.

🎨 Rome Trip’s Total Cost: $428

During my two-day trip to Rome, averaged  $214 in daily travel expenses.

I stayed at a mid-range budget hotel and split it with a friend. I also paid for a guided tour of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City and the Colosseum , which significantly increased my appreciation for both.

Rome is the most visited city in Italy. It’s home to some of the country’s most famous attractions, like the Sistine Chapel, Colosseum, and Vatican Museums, so expect to spend over $20 on entrance fees here. Other top attractions, like Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, are free.

🍦 Florence Trip’s Total Cost: $608

During my five-day trip to Florence, averaged  $122 in daily travel expenses.

I stayed at an Airbnb and a mid-range budget hotel in the center of Florence and split the cost with another person. I also booked a Tuscany wine-tasting tour , a small-group pasta-making class , and basic entrance tickets to the Uffizi Gallery and the Boboli Gardens.

Check out great things to do in Florence .

Florence is a very walkable city, so you likely won’t spend much on transportation. It’s known for day tours and trips outside the city, so you might spend a lot on entertainment when visiting.

🛶 Venice Trip’s Total Cost: $255

During my two-day trip to Venice, I averaged  $127 in daily travel expenses.

I stayed at an Airbnb where I shared the living space with the host and paid for a gondola ride. Venice is one of the most touristy places you’ll visit in Italy, so expect costs to be high.

See how to spend a day in Venice .

Venice’s iconic gondola rides start at €90 (roughly $98) for a 30-minute ride if you’re not splitting with others (the government regulates the price, so you won’t be able to negotiate). You need to pay in cash, so bring some euros with you.

⛰️ Cinque Terre Trip’s Total Cost: $420

During my two-day trip to Cinque Terre, I averaged $120 in daily travel expenses.

I visited Cinque Terre mainly to hike through the stunning villages , which doesn’t cost much. Having traveled to several tourist cities in Italy, I found the food to be the most expensive in Cinque Terre.

Cinque Terre is a budget-friendly version of Amalfi Coast in southern Italy. The average price of accommodation, restaurants, and attractions is slightly lower in Cinque Terre as Amalfi Coast is considered a luxury destination.

👗 Milan Trip’s Total Cost: $285

During my two-day trip to Milan, I averaged  $143 in daily travel expenses.

I stayed at a hostel-style Airbnb, paid to enter Milan’s Duomo, and did a few free activities, such as exploring the Navigli district.

In Milan, expect to spend a lot on accommodation and shopping if you’re interested in buying clothes from the world’s fashion capital.

🌷 Lake Como Trip’s Total Cost: $62

I did a day trip to Lake Como from Milan. Despite the rainy weather, it was a beautiful day trip easily accessible via Italy’s trains.

Read more on how to do a day trip to Lake Como .

When traveling to Lake Como, you’ll need to account for the roughly $5 one-way ferry rides between each town and the $14 round-trip train tickets to and from Milan.

🍝 Modena & Parma Trip’s Total Cost: $209

During my two-day trip to Modena and Parma, averaged  $105 in daily travel expenses.

I stayed in Modena and did a day trip to Parma. Parma is a small town known as the origin site for Parmigiano Reggiano, the upgraded and regulation version of Parmesan, and Prosciutto di Parma.

Modena and Parma are known to have some of the best restaurants in the world , so I traveled there primarily for the food and to experience a slightly less tourist area of Italy. This Parma travel guide compares Bologna, Modena, and Parma.

Do You Need Cash in Italy?

Like many European countries, Italy has a good credit card infrastructure. However, many places still rely on cash transactions, so make sure to  bring some cash.

Below are tips on bringing and using cash in Italy.

💶 1. Withdraw cash in euros.

Italy’s local currency is the euro (€), and the  US dollar is not widely accepted.

Avoid Euronet ATMs when withdrawing cash in Italy. Throughout Europe, Euronet ATMs consistently have high fees and use terrible exchange rates, so unless you’re in desperate need of cash, I would avoid them.

🏧 2. Carry about $15 to $20 worth of cash per day to Italy.

On a typical day, a mid-range budget traveler in Italy will need  at least $15 in cash  to cover food, transportation, and attractions. A daily cash expense breakdown can look like this:

• $5 at cafes
• $5 for tipping and small entrance fees
• $5 for miscellaneous spending

On my Italy trip, I spent a total of $118 (about $7 per day) in cash . Here’s a breakdown of how I used my cash:

*Some accommodations in certain cities, like Cinque Terre, have city tax fees that must be paid in cash.

I keep my cash in my crossbody bag , but if you want extra protection against pickpocketing , carry it in a hidden money belt instead.

💵 3. Certain places in Italy are cash-only.

While credit cards are commonly used in Italy, I still had to use cash several times   during my two-week trip. Here are some of the places that were cash-only in Italy:

• Cafes – Small cafes that mainly serve coffee and pastries are sometimes cash-only.
• Small attractions – Several of Italy’s small attractions with entrance fees that are less than $5 will typically only take cash.
• Gondola rides – You typically hand cash to gondoliers after going on a ride.
• Tours – Tipping is not mandatory, but it’s optional.
• Accommodation city taxes – Some Airbnbs in certain cities, like Cinque Terre, have city tax fees that must be paid in cash.

💰 4. Tipping is not expected in Italy.

Tipping is  often appreciated  in Italy, but it’s optional. Tips are generally only done for exceptional service.

• Bars and cafes – Many locals round up their total cost at bars and cafes, and that will suffice as a tip. Otherwise, tipping is not expected.
• Restaurants – Some people tip a small amount to cover the bread and oil, which are usually served as appetizers at restaurants. Still, a tip is generally not expected if a cover charge is already added to the bill.
• Tours – Tipping tour guides are more common in Italy, and a 5% to 10% tip is standard.

See other essential travel tips for Italy before visiting.

Italy Trip Planner 2024

To make your travel preparation easier, download the trip planner below. It has destination-specific travel information, itinerary, map, and packing list.

My trip planners are built on Notion, which I use for all my travel planning. I genuinely love this tool and creating an account is free .

Thoughts? Questions? Leave a comment below .

Italy Travel Guides

• 🇮🇹 Planning A Trip to Italy: 11 Practical Things To Know
• 🍝 7-10 Days in Northern Italy: 2 Efficient Itineraries
• 🎭 Venice Day Trip: 8 Great Things To Do + 1-Day Itinerary
• 👨‍🎨 3 Amazing Days in Florence: Itinerary With Hidden Gems
• ⛰️ Hiking Cinque Terre: Firsthand Review & Tips
• 🚣‍♂️ Gondola Ride in Venice: Firsthand Review & Tips
• 🌷 Lake Como Day Trip: Firsthand Review & Tips
• 🧀 Parma Day Trip in Italy: Firsthand Review & Tips

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Cost of a Trip to Italy & the Cheapest Time to Visit Italy

The average price of a 7-day trip to Italy is $1,170 for a solo traveler, $1,859 for a couple, and $2,034 for a family of 4 . Italy hotels range from $50 to $232 per night with an average of $80, while most vacation rentals will cost $150 to $420 per night for the entire home. Average worldwide flight costs to Italy (from all airports) are between $673 and $1,036 per person for economy flights and $2,113 to $3,253 for first class. Depending on activities, we recommend budgeting $37 to $76 per person per day for transportation and enjoying local restaurants.

See below for average , budget , and luxury trip costs. You can also look up flight costs from your airport for more tailored flight pricing.

The Cheapest Times to Visit Italy

On average, these will be the cheapest dates to fly to Italy and stay in a Italy hotel:

• January 1st to April 1st
• September 10th to December 16th

The absolute cheapest time to take a vacation in Italy is usually late January and early February .

Average Italy Trip Costs

Average solo traveler.

The average cost for one person to visit Italy for a week is $1,011-$2,061 ($144-$294 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $37 to $76 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $374 to $971 for economy

Lodging : $63 to $80 per night for one 2 or 3-star hotel room

or $76 to $93 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Average Couple’s Trip

The average cost for a couple to visit Italy for a week is $1,644-$3,570 ($235-$510 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $74 to $153 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $748 to $1,941 for economy

Average Family Vacation

The average cost for 4 people to visit Italy for a week is $3,229-$6,977 ($461-$997 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $149 to $305 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,496 to $3,882 for economy

Lodging : $126 to $160 per night for two 2 or 3-star hotel rooms

or $115 to $140 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Traveling Cheap to Italy

How cheap can you make a vacation to Italy? The cheapest trip to Italy is about $109 per person per day for travelers willing to take standby flights, deal with inconvenience, and otherwise limit travel expenses. About 1% of rentals are available in the $0 to $100 range for an entire place, and vacation rentals can be booked for as low as $16 per night. These inexpensive rentals must be booked as early as possible and may not be in the most desirable areas. 1-star hotels are more likely to be available, with rooms starting at around $43.

Even cheaper trips are possible depending on where you live and whether you can drive. Check the cheapest times to fly for more saving ideas.

Budget Solo Traveler

The lowest cost for one person to visit Italy for a week is $765-$1,734 ($109-$248 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $19 to $37 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Lodging : $43 to $50 per night for one 1-star hotel room

or $54 to $84 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Budget Couple’s Trip

The lowest cost for a couple to visit Italy for a week is $1,265-$2,963 ($181-$423 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $37 to $74 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Budget Family Vacation

The lowest cost for 4 people to visit Italy for a week is $2,494-$5,675 ($356-$811 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $74 to $149 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Lodging : $86 to $100 per night for two 1-star hotel rooms

or $80 to $125 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Overall it is very possible to travel to Italy cheaply.

The Cost of a Luxury Italy Trip

There is no true ceiling on the cost of a luxury trip, so our estimates are based on what most people do in Italy.

Luxury Solo Traveler

The high-end price for one person to visit Italy for a week is $2,107-$8,540 ($301-$1,220 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $75 to $153 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $934 to $2,417 for first class

Lodging : $108 to $232 per night for one 4 or 5-star hotel room

or $421 to $842 per night for a preferred vacation rental

Luxury Couple’s Trip

The high-end price for a couple to visit Italy for a week is $3,560-$12,021 ($509-$1,717 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $149 to $305 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,869 to $4,834 for first class

Luxury Family Vacation

The high-end price for 4 people to visit Italy for a week is $7,126-$21,517 ($1,018-$3,074 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $299 to $611 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $3,737 to $9,668 for first class

Lodging : $216 to $464 per night for two 4 or 5-star hotel rooms

or $632 to $1,262 per night for a preferred vacation rental

Italy Hotel Prices

The cost of staying in Italy is slightly lower than the average city. On average hotels are less expensive than vacation rentals. Luxury vacation rentals are more expensive in Italy due to very high property costs. The graphs below show how much cost can vary depending on the type of experience you’re looking for.

Italy Lodging Cost by Star Status

The average price for the class of hotel is on the (y) axis. The hotel class (out of 5 stars) is on the (x) axis.

Prices are based on Italy hotel averages and may not reflect current prices. In some cases, we extrapolate prices to estimate costs, and hotels with your desired star rating may not be available.

Vacation Rental Prices

The percent of vacation rentals in the price range is on the left (y) axis. Price range is on the bottom (x) axis.

There are a healthy amount of vacation rentals serving all budgets in Italy.

Flight Costs to Italy

Averaging flights around the world, prices go from a high of $1,036 average in mid December to a low of $673 in late January and early February. Median flight price is $688. These prices are based on millions of flights. For Italy our data includes thousands of originating airports, and hundreds of airlines. The area has more variance in price compared with other locations.

Average Flight Cost by Season

Average flight cost by day of week.

The cheapest day to fly in is typically Tuesday, and the cheapest day to fly back is usually Tuesday. Click here to see data for the cost of flights from your airport. In Italy, the difference between the cheapest and the most expensive week is about $363, so you can easily save about 54% simply by using our free flight guides and booking in advance.

Daily Expenses Budget

Daily vacation expenses vary more based on what you’re interested in doing. A fine dining restaurant with drinks around Italy can easily cost $279 per person or more, while a standard nice meal might be about $19 per person. Private tours can cost $558 per day, but self-guided tours to see the outdoor sights can be free. Costs vary wildly, so recommendations are made based on the cost of living and averages we see for this type of vacation.

Other Italy Guides

Travel costs nearby.

• Pienza, Italy
• Montepulciano, Italy
• Chianciano Terme, Italy
• Torrita di Siena, Italy
• Sarteano, Italy
• Castiglione d’Orcia, Italy
• Castiglione dOrcia, Italy
• Radicofani, Italy
• Trequanda, Italy
• San Quirico d’Orcia, Italy

Travel Costs in Popular Places

• San Diego, CA, US
• Byron Bay, NW, AU
• Sandton, South Africa

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

12 Ways To Spend 1 Week in Italy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

READ : Florence Art Bucket List

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

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

READ : A Nutshell History of Venice

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

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

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

READ : Tips for Visiting Pisa

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. One Week in Tuscany Idyll

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

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

I’ve discussed Florence and Siena above.

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

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

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

Here’s how to spend one week in Tuscany:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

READ : History of Ancient Rome

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

READ: Must see sites along Venice’s Grand Canal

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

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

More time in Italy?

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

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

Check out these city travel guides:

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

4. One Week Rome City Break + Day Trips

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here’s how to spend 1 week in Rome:

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

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

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

5. One Week in Venice + Day Trips

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here’s how to spend one week in Venice:

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

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

Need more information about this area of Italy?

Check out these Venice travel guides and resources:

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

6. One Week Italian Lake District Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. One Week Dolomites Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The nearest airport is Venice Treviso and Venice Marco Polo.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Need more information for this one week Italy itinerary?

Check out these guides:

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

9. One Week in Northern Italy: Venice to Milan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. One Week in Rome + Umbria

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11. One Week Milan to Rome Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• 1 day in Siena itinerary

12. One Week In Sicily Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you so much these ar very helpful!!

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

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

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

ITALY It’s Beautiful city in Europe

Ha! Yes it is.

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

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

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

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

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Last Updated on April 14, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

Is Italy Expensive? An Italy Trip Cost Guide for 2024

Last Updated on December 12, 2023

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Italy is a country that inspires thousands of people across the globe to travel here each year. But is Italy expensive to visit? And how much will an Italy trip cost?

Renowned the world over for its fascinating history, beautiful landscapes, amazing cuisine, and hospitable people, it is also essential to be aware of average prices in Italy before you travel.

You’ll likely find Italy to be less expensive than many other European countries. On average, you can expect a trip to Italy to cost roughly €70-305 per person per day (around $75-328 USD).

However, these prices will be heavily influenced by how you choose to spend your money across accommodation, transportation, food, activities, and entertainment and what region of the country you are visiting.

Table of Contents

Accommodation Prices

The first thing you need to consider in your Italy travel budget is the cost of accommodation as this is likely going be the biggest portion of your overall trip cost.

Because the whole country is so popular amongst travellers, there are several different accommodation options to choose from pretty much anywhere you wish to go. These range from backpacker hostels to rural B&Bs to boutique hotels to large international hotel chains.

The most budget-friendly option for accommodation would be to get a dorm bed at a hostel. There is usually at least one hostel in most major Italian cities, however, the prices actually don’t really differ all that much depending on where you are.

On the whole, you can expect the price of a bed in a hostel to start somewhere around €25-30 for the cheapest option. If you are in Venice or Rome, this might mean a bed in a 15+ person dorm, but in smaller cities, you can expect to pay the same for a dorm with a smaller capacity.

Another fantastic budget option, especially for those travelling as a couple or with a friend, is to opt for a private room on Airbnb.

Along with being a great way to see how locals live in the city you’re visiting, Airbnb tends to be significantly less expensive than a traditional hotel. A private room can also work out to be less expensive per person than a bed in a hostel dorm if you’re not travelling solo.

Though you can generally expect prices to be higher in bigger cities that have a higher cost of living, like Venice , Florence, or Rome, on average a price for a private room on Airbnb costs about €50-60 per night. If you split this between two people, this can be an extremely cost-effective accommodation option in Italy.

If you’re interested in renting an entire, one-bedroom apartment in a major urban area then expect prices to start at around €60-90 per night. Once again, expect to pay more in Rome and keep in mind that prices can be higher in Milan , Florence and Venice.

Seasonality has a lot to do with prices, as well. For instance, the Amalfi Coast is going to have a lot higher accommodation costs in the summer months.

If neither hostels nor Airbnb appeals to you as accommodation options, you can find some decent budget and mid-range hotels that won’t take a huge proportion out of your total Italy trip cost.

A good thing to keep in mind is that it is almost always less expensive to stay in a locally run establishment than a well-known chain. Expect a mid-range hotel room to start at around €70-100 per night.

Keep in mind that this can vary drastically depending on where you are in the country and the season, as well. For instance, if you’re travelling on the Amalfi Coast, you can safely assume that these prices could double.

If you’re looking for a higher-end or luxury stay in Italy, expect, on average, prices to start at around €300-350 and to go up from there. Prices will be more expensive in places like Venice, Lake Como , the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre than they will be in lesser-visited areas.

Overall, if you’re smart about your choices, accommodation in Italy doesn’t have to break the bank.

Transportation Prices

The second biggest thing that needs to be considered in your total trip cost are the transportation prices in Italy.

Unless you’re planning on only visiting one place and walking absolutely everywhere (make sure to pack good shoes if so!) while you’re in Italy, then you’re going to be spending at least some money on both local and intercity transport.

In the big cities like Rome or Naples , there are multiple public transport options — buses, trams, and metro — and you will probably end up taking a few of them, as places and sites are spread out from one another.

If you want to cover a lot of ground while visiting this city and plan on using the public transport network frequently (ie, more than once or twice per day) then it can oftentimes work out to be more cost-effective to buy a daily travel card rather than purchasing individual, single-journey tickets.

In other, smaller cities such as Modena , public transport is often just limited to the bus. If the city is walkable, which is most cities besides the bigger ones, then it is rarely necessary to buy more than one or two bus tickets that will get you to and from the train station. Expect single tickets to be around €2, though it can definitely vary from locality to locality.

The other thing you need to consider when it comes to transport in Italy are longer journeys, ie. intercity trains and buses. These can range in price significantly depending on the distance you plan on travelling and the type of train you are travelling on.

If you know of your general Italy itinerary beforehand, then take the time to research the travel options available to you as there can be many different ways to get from point A to point B.

To give you a general idea, the high-speed intercity trains tend to cost a bit more than the regional, commuter trains.

While taking one of the high-speed options can be great if you’re travelling long distances, it’s not needed if you’re only travelling a short distance in the same or neighbouring region. A high-speed train is about three times the price of a regional train and the journey time will not be much longer.

Depending on how long you’ve planned for your Italy itinerary, it may work out to be a better bet to take the high-speed train and pay a bit more so as to properly maximise your time in your destinations. If you have a number of weeks that you’re planning to spend in Italy, longer train journeys may not matter as much.

Another tip that can help you save a fair amount on your total trip to Italy cost is to book your longer train journeys in advance. It is much less expensive to do this rather than to purchase tickets on the day.

While we’re always advocates of not over-planning and letting the wind take you where it will, it can sometimes save you a good amount of money to have a few things planned ahead of time. We suggest booking on Omio to find deals on train tickets in Italy.

If you’re planning on taking a number of trains during your time in Italy, then a train pass can be good value. If you’re from outside of Europe, you can view Eurail Italy Passes here . Alternatively, if you’re from the EU, you can view Interrail Italy Passes here .

If you want to get a bit off the beaten path in Italy and explore on your own terms, renting a car is an excellent option. Prices for a hire car can vary, but you’re looking at a price starting at about €25-30 per day for a basic car without any additional insurance. Note that prices are often lower for a manual transmission.

If you do rent a car, you need to also factor in the cost of petrol and likely parking into your daily costs. The average fuel price in Italy is about €1.80 per litre in December of 2023. Prices for parking can vary depending on where you are and which kind of place you are parking in. Toll road pricing can also vary and it depends on the road and the distance you’re travelling.

If you want to find great deals for renting a car, we recommend using  Rentalcars.com . This is particularly important if travelling to places with limited public transport options such as Lake Garda or Lake Como or if you’re spending time exploring Sicily the Puglia region.

On average, plan to spend about €10-30 per person per day on transportation taking all of the above-mentioned things into account.

Food Prices

So let’s talk about the cost of one of the main things that attract thousands to visit Italy: food. Food in Italy is delicious, diverse and, surprisingly, doesn’t have to be that expensive. Sure, it is possible to splash out a small fortune on a high-end meal but in my experience, this is more of an exception rather than the rule.

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to only eat kebabs or cook your own meals in order to eat on a budget while in Italy. Sure, if you’re really trying to pinch pennies and make your budget stretch as far as possible, then it can be beneficial to cook some of your meals from time to time. However, eating out at a decent restaurant actually isn’t all that expensive.

The biggest tip that I can give when it comes to saving money while dining out in Italy is to always avoid tourist-centric restaurants. This means not eating at places a stone’s throw from big attractions and sites, and avoiding places that have a photo-laden menu published outside with every type of food under the sun.

Learn about the foods that are typical for the region of Italy that you are travelling in and if a restaurant doesn’t have many of them on the menu, it generally means that locals don’t eat there.

If you walk just a few streets over from the main tourist centre, you will probably find about a 10-15% decrease in the prices on menus. This is because these restaurants are meant for locals who don’t typically hang out around the Colosseum every day. Eat in these places — you will not only save money but the food will almost always be better.

Food in Italy can be affordable and you can eat exceptionally well on only a small budget, but like elsewhere, prices can vary by region. For instance, it’s much cheaper to eat out in Sicily than it is dine at an equivalent restaurant in Venice.

Keeping that in mind, plan for a main meal at a restaurant to average around €15. And if you’re eating out with another person, each getting a main dish, sharing an appetiser and splitting a half-litre of house wine, expect this to average about €30-40 for the entire bill, depending on where you are.

All in all, plan to budget around €20-40 per person per day on food. On the low end, this allows one restaurant meal out and on the upper end, a couple of meals out each day at a mid-range establishment.

Activity Prices

Now that we’ve covered the basic costs of the most necessary things on your Italy vacation, let’s talk about how much daily activities are going to set you back. Well, like most anything else, this really depends on what it is you plan to do.

If you’re travelling to Italy in order to take advantage of all of the fantastic history, art and culture there is in this country, then you’re most likely going to be visiting a lot of museums.

Museum entry prices can vary depending on if they are state-run or privately funded. But it’s generally safe to assume that a museum visit will set you back somewhere around €5-15.

When it comes to entry into any museum or historical site, be aware if you qualify for any discounts as well. Almost everywhere in Italy offer significant (up to 50%) discounts if you have a valid student ID and you also won’t have to pay as much if you are under the age of 26 or over the age of 65. Do your research beforehand to see if you qualify for these.

Also, if you plan to visit several historical sites and museums in any given city, it can often work out to be more cost-effective to purchase the city’s tourism card rather than pay the full price of every individual site you want to visit. Take the time to work out the sums before you go to see if it’s worth it for you.

If you’re curious about going on any food tours or wine tastings, it’s normally always cheaper to look for individual places to visit independently rather than paying for an organised tour.

Also, it can be a better bang for your buck to seek out smaller, locally-run businesses rather than bigger corporations. For instance, we went on a balsamic vinegar tour in Modena that was completely free. We just contacted the acetaia  directly.

However, if you’d like to go on something like an organised food tour of Palermo or even a day tour to Capri from Naples, you’re going to have to pay a bit more for this. Expect tours to land around €40-100 per person depending on where it is and what is offered.

If you are on an extreme budget, then you actually don’t need to spend anything on daily activities. Italian cities just beg to be wandered through and explored and this doesn’t cost a dime!

All in all, however, expect to spend an average of about €10-30 per person per day to account for museum entry or the occasional tour.

Entertainment Prices

The last thing you need to consider in your total Italy trip cost is the price of entertainment. How much money you spend on this really depends on your habits.

If you’re looking to grab a coffee at a classic Italian cafe, you’re not going to have to pay a lot for the privilege. On average, something like a macchiato or a cappuccino will be under €2. It’s worth keeping in mind that it’s often cheaper to drink your coffee standing at the bar rather than being served at a table, though this practice does vary by region.

While there are certainly places to party into the wee hours of the night in almost every Italian city, it can be expensive to drink a lot and it also isn’t what Italians typically do every day. If you do, however, enjoy the occasional cocktail or glass of wine in the evening, you are in luck.

Italians have an excellent happy hour culture, called  aperitivo . During the few hours before one would typically go out for dinner, usually between around 6 PM-8 PM, cafes and bars will typically offer discounted wine and cocktails that come with either snacks or access to a buffet of charcuterie, cheese, bread, olives, etc.

You can normally get a drink along with a few snacks (the amount really depends on the establishment) for a good price – usually between €5-12 depending on where you are.

These kinds of things are especially prevalent in cities that have a large student population, like Bologna, but can be found throughout the country and we’ve experienced this culture everywhere from Bergamo to Palermo. This can be a great way to save money while still enjoying the drinking culture of Italy.

All in all, however, you can expect the average cost of a pint of local draft beer in Italy to land somewhere around €4-5 depending on where you are. A glass of wine will start around the same. If you’re after a basic cocktail like an Aperol spritz or a gin and tonic, expect to pay around €5-10 for this. Again, it really depends on the region or city you’re in and who the bar is catering to.

Italy Trip Cost Estimator

With the above aspects taken into consideration, this is the average daily amount you should expect to spend per person on your trip to Italy.

This is assuming that you stay in budget to mid-range accommodation, travel long distances every three or four days, cook some meals or take advantage of included breakfasts, don’t eat at high-end restaurants every night and are splitting costs like accommodation and potential car hire between two people.

Accommodation:  €25-175 / night

Transportation:  €10-40 / day

Food:  €20-40 / day

Activities:  €10-30 / day

Entertainment:  €5-20 / day

All in all, you can expect your average total cost of a trip to Italy to set you back roughly €70-305 per person per day. Obviously, this can also be cut down or increased depending on your travel habits and preferences. It also doesn’t include any pre-trip expenses such as a prepaid SIM for Italy.

Finally, make sure that you factor in the cost of a travel insurance policy. World Nomads   offers flexible and simple travel insurance policies with coverage for more than 150 activities that you can buy or extend while on the road.

Travelling to Italy doesn’t have to cost you a lot of money. While the country does have a reputation for being expensive, if you are smart about where and how you spend, it is completely possible to have a fun and fulfilling trip to Italy while on a budget.

Are you planning a trip to Italy? Have any questions about the prices? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Bologna Itinerary

8 Best Areas to Stay in Rome for Tourists

The Ultimate 1, 2 or 3 Days in Catania Itinerary

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

Thank you again for your informative information…. My wife & I did travel to Italy this pass May 2023 for 3-wks to Florence, Venice, Bellagio & Milan, loved the different cities & sights & had a wonderful time…We are traveling back to Italy this May for 2-wks…Flying into Naples, having a driver pick us up & drive to Amalfi for 1-wk. & while there explore Positano, Sorrento & Capri, then taking a flight from Naples to Genoa, having a driver pick us up & drive to Portofino for 1-wk. & explore the 5-towns of Cinque Terre as well….Love Italy…Wishing you a happy, healthy & safe traveling 2024…

Thanks for sharing your insights, Elliot! Happy New Year 🙂

My wife and I are beginnig to plan our 50th wedding anniverary in 2025. We plan to travel to Italy for this experience. Paris was our 25th. This was very helpful start for us. Thanks

Happy you found this helpful!

Hi, a girlfriend and I are going to Rome for 2 weeks in April. I have travelled Europe using Airbnb and driving in a very low key but fun way. My husband has had Parkinson for 15 years and can longer do long hall flights and I only have minders for him for 3 weeks. So I chose Rome, have never been there. Booked a room for us on Airbnb and have a map and lots of ideas and good walking shoes. Will report back on our return.

How was your travel to Italy can you help in letting me know the cost of stay in an Air BNB Did you find it costly and how much did you pay I am a family of 4 with wife and 2 kids plan to travel and stay in such places Thanks for your help Alex

Very helpful! Thanks Maggie. I’m travelling to Italy in late August till the end of October 2023 and was wondering if it’s worthwhile getting the Eurail Pass. I’ll check out the train prices online to see what the best option is. Your articles are very helpfull for a first time, solo traveller to Italy… thank you.

My sister and I and our two adult daughters are planning a trip to Italy in June. This was very helpful information. Thank you!

Wishing you very best and a safe travel share some thoughts on travel and stay for us as we 4 of a family are also planning to travel this December Thanks

My son and I are going on a school trip in summer 2024. Basic travel and services are included, minus tips and it includes 2 meals per day. Can you help recommend a budget for us and what the best way to travel with our money might be? Thanks!

very helpful thanks I will be going October 2022 and I had so much questions and you really helped me

Very informative! I will be cruising to the Mediterranean this summer and this is very good information!

Happy this could help! Hope you have a great trip 🙂

Wonderful read. So very helpful thank you.

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🧮 Italy Travel Budget Calculator

Italy travel budget calculator.

This calculator estimates your travel budget based on the number of days you plan to stay, your accommodation and meal preferences, and the number of cities you plan to visit. For accommodation and meals, 'Budget' is estimated at $50 and $20 per day respectively, 'Mid-Range' at $100 and $40, and 'Luxury' at $200 and $80. Inter-city travel is estimated at $100 per city.

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What Does a Trip to Italy Cost (On Any Budget)?

Italy is one of our favorite countries to travel in and write about, and one of the most common questions we get about it is also one of the hardest to answer: how much does a trip to Italy cost?

The short answer is anywhere from basically nothing to the GDP of a small country… but that doesn’t provide a lot of useful context, right?

The estimates we’ve put together here stem from nearly a cumulative year spent traveling in Italy over the last several years.

We usually travel as a couple but have also visited the country on multi-generational family trips and with friends.

We’ve traveled to 11 of Italy’s 20 regions, spent a month each “living” in 3 cities (Florence, Bologna, Rome), and don’t expect our travels there to slow down anytime soon.

We’ve traveled at most price points in the country, and while each trip is unique, we think this guide will give you a solid basis of how much a trip to Italy will cost for you.

Table of Contents

How We Structured These Italy Budget Tips

Budget trip to italy cost: $50-70/day, mid-range trip to italy cost: $70-100/day, luxury trip to italy cost: the limit does not exist., getting to italy on a budget, how to save money on your trip to italy.

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

All of these estimates for the cost of a trip to Italy are given in USD, assume that you are traveling for 3 weeks or less, and assume that you are spending at least half your time in tourist hotspots like Rome and Venice .

They are also an estimate for one person.

If you’re traveling with other people and are able to split the costs of things like accommodations, you will likely be able to lower these numbers further.

A budget trip to Italy does require some sacrifices on comfort, but not as many as you might think: Italy can be surprisingly affordable.

This is a rough sketch of what a budget trip to Italy will cost and feel like.

Keep in mind that this is a budget trip in the sense of a traveler who is visiting Italy as a standalone destination or as part of a defined trip.

Shoestring backpackers who would like to cut costs by camping, hitchhiking, avoiding all paid attractions, etc, will, of course, be able to get by on less, but that is not how we would recommend seeing Italy!

Accommodation

At this budget, you’ll likely stay in hostel dorms or private rooms on Airbnb (as opposed to renting a whole apartment).

You’ll be able to stay in well-reviewed properties but may have to sacrifice a bit on location and stay further from the center of cities.

Transportation

Bus companies like Flixbus and perhaps the occasional budget airline flight will be your most common methods of transportation between destinations.

Regional train tickets may fit into your budget occasionally, but you’ll typically need to avoid the expensive high-speed rail lines and therefore it will take longer to reach each destination.

If you’re traveling to Italy on a budget, you’ll want to shop for your own groceries at least half the time.

Luckily, this isn’t a chore in Italy: freshly made pasta, bread, pesto, and more are all reasonably affordable.

Local bottles of wine in grocery stores start around 4-6 Euros each.

You can supplement your food with affordable options like takeaway pasta, pizza, and sandwiches, and splurge on the occasional lunch special to enjoy restaurant meals in Italy.

Tours & Attractions

A budget traveler in Italy will likely need to skip some pricey tourist attractions (and either resign themselves to waking up early to avoid long lines or simply wait in them–guided tours that allow you to skip lines will likely be over budget).

However, you can work some attractions into your budget.

Notable highlights that you may want to see like the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Statue of David, Uffizi Gallery, Pompeii, etc, tend to cost between 10-20 Euros for a basic ticket, but that will include significant time sacrifices by waiting in sometimes multi-hour lines.

Climbing towers for various viewpoints usually cost less than 10 Euros in Italy.

Some luxuries, like riding in a gondola in Venice (around 80 Euros/gondola), will likely need to be skipped.

We generally consider the bulk of our travels in Italy to be mid-range.

At this price point, you’ll be able to visit most attractions you would like to see, splurge on a guided visit or two (perhaps in the Vatican Museums), add a food tour or cooking class, and eat more restaurant meals.

However, you’ll still need to keep an eye on your Italy budget daily to avoid accidentally overspending.

At a mid-range price point, budget hotels near the center of cities or slightly more upscale hotels outside the center of cities are options.

You can also opt to rent an entire apartment on Airbnb in most destinations.

If you’d like, you can mostly avoid bus travel in Italy on a midrange budget, though high-speed rail travel will likely still be out of the question unless you book far in advance.

Regional trains and budget air travel will be your best bet for getting around Italy, and public transportation will still be optimal in cities.

If you’d like to visit part of Italy via road trip, a midrange budget will allow you to rent a car for a small part of your trip, though you may need to cut a different tour or experience elsewhere.

However, we recommend avoiding renting a car while in a city (nothing ruins an Italian travel budget quite like receiving a ticket in the mail months after returning home) and limiting the time you have it to the bare minimum.

Remember that if you rent a car in Italy, you’ll need to have an International Driving Permit to do so!

Midrange travelers can eat out more than budget travelers in Italy, but it will still be best to cook some meals if possible (perhaps 30%), and to eat the biggest meal of the day at lunch when many restaurants offer daily lunch specials.

If you’re a foodie, this budget may also allow room for a food tour or cooking class while in Italy.

Prioritization is the name of the game when it comes to balancing the cost of traveling in Italy with a midrange budget.

You’ll be able to add some guided tours to your explorations, and will be able to visit just about any attraction that you want (but perhaps not all of them).

If you have your heart set on a particular luxury experience–say, a gondola ride in Venice or a day spent sailing around Capri –you’ll likely need to cut expenses elsewhere to make it work on this budget.

Luxury accommodation in Italy can be truly magnificent.

Think upscale hotels (sometimes housed in historic palaces!) located right on the Arno River in Florence, overlooking the Spanish Steps in Rome, and along the Grand Canal in Venice.

At this price point, you can also consider renting out country villas in places like Tuscany, though bear in mind that many properties have a minimum rental period of one week.

Without budget restrictions, high-speed train travel will likely be the preferred method of traveling around the country: it’s very efficient, very fast, and much less cumbersome than dealing with flying.

You’ll also have the freedom to rent a car as often as you like, however, we still recommend only renting one for the time spent outside cities.

Dealing with limited parking, many restricted driving areas, and hefty ticket prices (that you often won’t receive or know about until weeks after the fact) makes renting a car while staying in Italian cities more trouble than it’s worth.

Private transfers are generally unnecessary in Italy, however, if it fits into what you want your luxury trip to Italy to cost, they can be considered at this price point.

Italy is dotted with Michelin Star restaurants and luxury dining experiences, and a luxury budget will allow for these meals at least some nights.

If upscale dining is important to you, bear in mind that you’ll want to make reservations as far in advance as possible at the most popular spots.

Taking a trip to Italy without concerns about cost allows for some truly epic experiences.

Think about early-morning tours of the Vatican Museums before it opens for the day, visiting various monuments after-hours, taking a private gondola ride in Venice, setting off on private wine tours through Tuscany with your own driver, and chartering private boats along the coast!

How much a trip to Italy costs before arriving on the ground varies dramatically depending on where you are coming from, of course–but where you arrive can significantly change how much your trip to Italy costs.

If you’re coming from Europe, be sure to check budget airline flights to and from Rome, Pisa, Bologna, Milan, and Venice in the north/central regions, and Bari and Palermo in the south–these destinations tend to have quite a few low-cost flights available.

Regardless of where you are coming from, be sure to compare the cost (including the cost of on-the-ground travel and time consumed by logistics during your trip to Italy) of a roundtrip ticket as opposed to two one-way tickets that will allow you to avoid backtracking–say, flying into Rome and out of Venice.

Consider sticking to a smaller geographic region.

Most first-time visitors to Italy will want to visit Rome, Florence, Venice, and a piece of the coast if they have time–and there’s nothing wrong with that, it’s a fabulous itinerary that we recommend ourselves.

However, if you are concerned about the cost of a trip to Italy, consider sticking to a smaller region.

Rome, Naples /Pompeii, and the Amalfi Coast require very little in-country travel and make for a stunning trip.

A Tuscany-focused trip , perhaps with a side trip to Cinque Terre in Liguria, offers a unique option as well. If your heart is set on Venice, perhaps head to Verona or Milan after that, instead of further south.

Plan your route in advance.

As tempting as it is to let spontaneity guide you from city to city, if you want to keep the cost of a trip to Italy down, planning ahead is definitely the way to go.

Plane tickets and high-speed rail tickets can rise in price as the departure date gets closer, and booking lodging ahead of time will often allow you to find competitive deals in better locations than a last-minute booking.

The exception to booking lodging in advance, though, is if you’re traveling in the offseason.

If you’re visiting at a point that you’re reasonably confident most hotels won’t be sold out (but also won’t be closed–I wouldn’t try this in Riomaggiore in February), you can sometimes get fabulous last minute deals on hotels by booking 2-3 days in advance.

That is a gamble, however–the safest bet is to plan ahead, especially if you’re traveling Italy on a budget.

Don’t forget about buses and planes.

Both Flixbus and Ryanair have a solid presence in Italy and are great alternate transportation options to consider when train travel looks too expensive.

The further south you go, the cheaper Italy is.

Bottom line: your cash will stretch much further in Puglia, Sicily , or Campania than in Lombardy, Veneto, or Trento-Alto Adige.

If you want to plan a low-cost trip to Italy and don’t mind missing the most famous sights in favor of lesser-known but still incredible ones, consider sticking to the lower half of the boot–the further south the better.

Decide which tourist attractions are unmissable ahead of time, and budget for those.

If you book a trip to Italy knowing that your visit will feel incomplete without, say, a chance to see the Sistine Chapel or a cooking class in Tuscany, go ahead and add that to your budget in advance.

That way, you will visit knowing exactly how much that experience will cost during your trip to Italy, and exactly how much scrimping you’ll need to do in other areas to make it happen.

Wake up early.

Italy’s most popular sights and attractions can have prohibitively long lines that will make all but the most patient humans go screaming for the skip-the-line scalpers (even knowing that the people selling guided visits and immediate access in-person charge far more than online deals you can purchase in advance).

If you want to avoid either giving in to the temptation of spending extra or simply wasting hours of your trip to Italy waiting in line, there’s a simple workaround: wake up early, and be in line before the attractions even open.

Budget carefully for food.

Food is such a big part of the experience of a trip to Italy, cost of your trip aside.

Whether you’re traveling on the tightest budget or the most luxurious one, experiencing Italian cuisine is likely high on your list of priorities.

We recommend tracking your daily spending carefully on food–individual purchases, say for a scoop of gelato or an espresso at the bar, can feel quite small but add up fast, particularly if your spending is limited.

If you have access to a kitchen, absolutely take advantage of it.

Heading to a market and purchasing fresh pasta, pesto, cheese, bread, and wine and then cooking at home will cost a fraction of what the same meal would in a restaurant, and is a fabulous experience to have regardless of your Italy budget.

Research restaurants in advance.

When you do eat in restaurants, do so carefully.

You may think that every restaurant in Italy would be fabulous, but that is definitely not the case. 

There are a lot of duds out there, especially near tourist attractions (shocker).

Dining out in Italy can be enormously improved by simply doing some basic restaurant research ahead of time–this can be as easy as typing “good Italian restaurants near me” into Google and seeing what comes up that is well-reviewed and within your price range.

It’s not full-proof, sure, but it raises your odds considerably from simply picking somewhere you happen to walk by.

Go somewhere you’ve never heard of.

Italy is absolutely chock full of insanely beautiful places that offer gorgeous architecture, delicious food, compelling history, and stunning nature… and yet, most of them don’t get seen, because we all have a tendency to visit the same places over and over again.

Sure, some of that is inevitable–there’s only one Rome, there’s only one Venice–but while Capri is gorgeous, very few non-Italian tourists make it out to Sardinia. While Lake Como is magnificent, Italy is full of beautiful lakes .

If you’d like to cut down your trip to Italy cost, consider taking off to a point on the map that makes geographic sense with your itinerary, but you’re not already familiar with.

You might be surprised at what you find (and how few other visitors that you have to share the view with).

Make lunch your big meal of the day, and beware of bread.

Many Italian restaurants run specials at lunch, offering a 2-3 course meal, often with wine, for a set price.

If you want to regularly eat out in Italy, this is the way to do it!

The same restaurants charge much more for dinner portions, but we’ve never been anything but stuffed after lunch in Italy.

Also: beware of the bread placed on your table.

In some parts of Italy (we’ve heard it’s most popular in Lazio, but we’ve run into this in Tuscany too), the bread placed on the table is not included, and if you eat it, you will be charged (usually a Euro or two per person).

This absolutely isn’t the case in all restaurants, though, so be sure to clarify before digging in!

Consider traveling in the offseason.

Particularly if you’re wanting to visit cities in Italy on a budget, Italy makes a great offseason destination.

Winter is mild in much of the country, and the Colosseum looks about the same regardless of whether or not you’re bundled up in a coat to see it.

Fall is our personal favorite time to visit Italy, and we think late October is the perfect sweet spot for avoiding the worst of the crowds and hopefully still having some beautiful weather to enjoy for most days of your trip.

Your trip to Italy cost will definitely be highest during the summer months, especially if you hope to visit the coasts and/or the most popular spots!

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About Kate Storm

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

16 thoughts on “What Does a Trip to Italy Cost (On Any Budget)?”

Hi kate and husband. Will be in Rome March 10-13 Florence 13-16 Venice 16-18 Paris 7-9 Long awaited trip with friend who cared for dying mother! Now is our time. My 3rd to Paris and first to Italy. So excited and thankful for stumbling on your post. Thank you both for all your dedication and time in sharing your love of country. I am 62 and from Wisconsin Mona; 67 and same; currently residing in Mississippi Be well, Maureen

Thank you so much, Maureen! So glad you found our site helpful. Hope that you guys have an amazing trip to Italy and Paris!

Great info here. We are planning a September 2021 trip to Rome Florence Cinque Terra and then Venice in 14 days. Have I set it up wrong given you say getting to CT from Florence is arduously long by train. Then back via train over to Venice. Should I rework the itinerary, the fly in/out of the country is Rome so that is our first stop, 3 days then last night out by airport(traveling from Venice) may fly down from there. Sorry it’s long winded.

It’s arduously long for a day trip, but if you’re spending a night or two, it’s not a big deal to get to Florence to Cinque Terre by train. We have more details on what to expect traveling between the two here: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/florence-to-cinque-terre/

Cinque Terre to Venice by train is a long day but it’s doable, we’ve done it before ourselves.

Hope that helps!

Buonasera Kate,

I’d like to know your feeling if the following Freecerosa route would blow a hole into a $133/day over 3 weeks. I’m shooting for mid range. Fly into Milan/Como 2-3 days Florence 4 days Rome 3 days Amalfi 2 days Palermo/Cefalu 3 days Naples 1 day Rome 4 days Basically I tracing college wandering. I’m B-2 so I can negotiate things

Hi Bryce! It’s hard to tell specifically (especially this year, since everything is so up in the air), but I’d say your route is going to be pretty tough on that budget, especially aiming for mid-range travel.

The daily costs in each place (place to stay, food, attractions) will be fine, especially if you’re willing to skip a couple of expensive things, but the train/bus/plane costs of getting from destination to destination will really eat into your budget.

I’d recommend cutting a few stops, including saving Sicily for another trip for logistical reasons.

Additionally, a few of your stops–Como and Amalfi in particular–are pretty pricey. I’d consider how badly you want to see them vs spending more time in other spots.

My partner and I are wanting to plan a trip to Italy next year. It will be our first time there and would love to go around our birthdays in may but latest August. Sicily is definitely a option and add two or three more places to visit. Any advice for planning would be great. Looking for 2-3 week stay

Hi Merilena! Sounds like a fantastic trip.

We have several posts that might help you plan. I recommend taking a look at our Sicily itinerary: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/10-day-sicily-road-trip-itinerary/

If you want to combine Sicily with a few other places, this post has some ideas: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/7-days-in-italy-in-a-week/

If you’re flying from place to place, a classic spot like Rome, Florence, or Venice could be a fun trip when combined with Sicily.

what company will you recommend for transfers from airport to hotel or hotel to train stations?

There are different companies all over Italy, so it depends. For airport transfers, I’d recommend booking through Get Your Guide, they have several options.

For moving from your hotel to the train station, I’d recommend asking your hotel to call a taxi for you, and confirm the price with them. 🙂

Hi Kate, Jeremy

My partner and I will be going to Italy this month for my birthday and will be arriving in Venice. It’s a 6 day trip and would like advice on how and where to start. My key places are : Rome Possible Florence Milan Amalfi coast for my birthday. Some tours to include more destinations and activities

Please advise some possible great 6-day itineraries that could work and also if renting a car would be best for some destinations.

Thank you, Olivia

I’m not a travel agent, so don’t provide individual itineraries, but I’m always happy to point people in the right direction. 🙂

With only 6 days, I’d recommend cutting down your itinerary to Rome and the Amalfi Coast, with a possible day trip to Florence from Rome if you want to squeeze it in.

If you’re a confident driver, having a car on the Amalfi Coast can help, as there’s no train service there and the buses can be crowded. Alternatively, you could hire a taxi or driver. The driving on the Amalfi Coast is not for the faint of heart!

You won’t need a car in Rome or Florence.

Hope that helps, and Happy Birthday!

Love this post so much! For the luxury Italy trip, what could be an example of how much to expect to spend say for 2 people for a couple weeks or so? I know you said it’s endless but just curious!

That depends a lot on what luxury means to you–it can vary so wildly from person to person. You can stay in a 5-star hotel in Rome for 300 a night during the slow season… or you can rent a penthouse suite in the height of summer or head to an island and rent out a whole palazzo for thousands.

Your biggest expenses (excluding flights) will likely be your hotels, followed by activities (which again–do you define luxury as a private wine-tasting tour for the day or a private boat ride around Capri followed by a night in a palazzo?) and transportation (1st class trains can be defined as a luxury, so can private flights).

If you work out what you expect to spend in those categories, you’ll have a better idea of how to craft your specific budget.

Hi Kate, Using much of your expertise for our upcoming trip to Rome and Florence (7 days in each). Planning on a taxi from airport to hotel. Is this a good idea? I read where you recommended a transfer through GetYourGuide (I think). Traveling April 11-25. Thank you for all of your great information!

Hi Catherine,

It’s definitely not a bad idea! Transfers from the airports to city centers in Italy are one of those things where there’s really no right or wrong answer, just the one that best fits your budget and preference for convenience.

In order of convenience (especially for a first trip to Italy), a private transfer will generally be simplest, followed by a (less expensive) group transfer in something like a van, followed by public transportation. Of course, that order tends to go from most expensive to least expensive too!

The biggest benefit of a taxi or private transfer is that they can generally get you closer to your hotel in one fell swoop than taking the train will.

Keep in mind that Florence’s city center is pretty devoid of cars–if you’re hoping to limit your walking and aren’t sure which is fastest, you might see if your particular hotel has any specific arrival recommendations. Florence is also a small city, though, so you’re more likely to be staying within a reasonable walk of the train station there than in Rome!

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The Cost of Travel in Italy: My Detailed Budget Breakdown

When a person brings up Italy, some things that immediately spring to mind include delicious pizza, rich historical monuments like the Colosseum, and charming seaside villages like the Cinque Terre. Italy is truly one of the best countries you can visit on the planet.

I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Italy countless times over my decade as a travel writer, making my way from bustling Milan to romantic Venice to delicious Bologna; even spending time in a teeny-tiny village (permanent population: 2) on the banks of Lake Como.

You could spend months traveling in Italy and still not get to see it all. Every place you visit in Italy, you’ll feel like you’re in a different country; that’s how special it is. Just envision famous archaeological sites like Pompeii, flavourful gnocchi, fascinating coffee culture, and unmatched diversity.

You can visit Italy any time of the year, and it will hold the charm it’s known for. The weather varies from region to region during the winter, but once the summer comes, you’re in for a scorcher, so it’s best to bring your sunscreen. 

Traveling to Italy in the off-season is a great idea. If you have the opportunity, of course. The weather is nice, not too hot, and prices are lower as fewer people are traveling. 

Italy is a foodie’s paradise. Every city you visit has a unique cuisine, and chefs will have their own way of mastering the standard Italian dishes. There’s no way you’ll find arancini balls as good as the ones in Sicily or better cicchetti than in Venice.

Getting around Italy has never been so easy. It has an efficient train system that can take you from Milan to Rome in just three and a half hours, and buses that will take you from big cities, like Naples, to cute towns, like Sorrento, in under two hours. The options are endless.

Italians love their wine. It’s a massive part of their culture. There’s no way you could visit without sampling some of the good stuff for yourself. Tuscany is arguably one of the most famous regions in Italy for its wine. There are endless tours available where you can visit lush vineyards and wineries to see where the magic happens. 

In this post, I’m going to give you a full rundown of the cost of traveling in Italy. While the country isn’t as cheap as others on the continent, it’s not extremely expensive, and you get value for what you pay for. Some cities are more affordable than others, e.g., Naples is a lot cheaper than Venice. 

I like to set aside around 50 euros per day for travel expenses when traveling anywhere in Europe and, to be honest, I didn’t even spend that half of the time in Italy – unless I was splurging on a day trip. You can easily get by on that while still enjoying yourself.

Now, it’s time to look at how much it costs to travel in Italy. Grab yourself a pen and paper and a cup of coffee, and let’s get started.

The Cost of Accommodation in Italy

Accommodation for every budget can be found in Italy, whether you’re looking for a cheap guesthouse for $30 a night in Puglia or a fancy hotel in Turn for €150 a night. Personally, I think you get your money’s worth with accommodation in Italy. 

Guesthouses are more readily available than hotels in Italy. They’re a cheaper alternative, and Italian hosts are very hospitable, and they’ll go above and beyond to ensure you’re enjoying your stay. Most of the time, I stayed in guesthouses and tried to find good deals where breakfast was included, so I could fill myself up before the action packed day ahead of exploring. 

You don’t have to stay in a guesthouse. There’s a wide range of accommodation available in Italy. I’m going to cover all of them, beginning with the cheapest options.

How To Save Money on Accommodation in Italy

Even if you have little money to spend on accommodation, you can still travel to Italy. Here are a couple of ways to find somewhere to stay for free.

Have you ever heard of Couchsurfing ? It’s an incredible platform that connects travelers with locals. All you have to do is search the city you’re visiting and see who would be open to letting you stay with them. 

It’s a great way of learning a whole new culture and gives you an insight into how people live their lives. It doesn’t cost anything at all and allows you to make new friends on your travels.

Are you interested in volunteering? WWOOFING gives you access to a range of global volunteering opportunities in fields such as ecological farming, sustainable projects, and educational and cultural exchanges. There are quite a few exciting options on their website, like an agroforestry traineeship that could give you a lot of experience in a new field.

Another great way of bagging yourself a free stay in Italy is by house sitting . Sign up to the website and check out if anyone in the place you’re visiting needs somebody to look after their home while you’re there. If you’re an animal lover, this is a win-win situation; plus, some of the houses these people own are extravagant, so you could possibly be living it up in a castle for a week — all for free!

Hostels in Italy

Maybe you don’t want to commit to anything and want to travel around Italy at your own pace for a relatively low price. Well, then, hostels are an excellent option for you. 

There are a lot of high-quality hostels in Italy for you to choose from. The hostel scene is quite prominent around the country, so you will have plenty of options. Have a look at the best-rated hostels in Italy.

• The contemporary Babila Hostel & Bistrot in Milan is famed for its quirky designs. It’s only a 10-minute walk from the famous Milan Cathedral. A bed in an 8-person dorm costs €40 a night, and private rooms cost €170 a night. It may be on the expensive side, but it’s one of the fancier hostels in the city.
• One of the coolest hostels you can stay in when visiting Venice is the Anda Venice Hostel. Equipped with quirky furnishings and top-of-the-range amenities, you will love this place. A bed in a 9-person dorm costs €29 a night, and a private room is €108 a night. The city center is just a ten-minute train ride away, and the station is within walking distance, so you’re in a great location.
• Located in Florence’s historic center is Hostel Archi Rossi. The sun terrace is perfect for relaxing after a long day of sightseeing and chatting with other travelers. A bed in a six-person dorm is priced at €30 per night, and if you’d like to stay in a private room, it costs €90.
• The YellowSquare Hostel in Rome has some of the friendliest staff you’ll ever come across, making your stay more enjoyable. It’s a colorful accommodation and has quite a nice vibe to it. A bed in a six-person dorm will cost you €46 per night, and a private room costs €125 per night.
• When you visit Naples, be sure to check out the Tric Trac Hostel. Every visitor gets a complimentary Italian breakfast every morning, which is excellent for the budget. A bed in a 12-person dorm will only cost you €29 per night. There are no private room options available at this hostel, unfortunately.

As you can see, hostels aren’t the cheapest in Italy, but they do provide a lot for their guests. You’ll spend between €29 and €46 on a bed a night when in Italy and between €90 and €170 for a private double room.

The average cost of a bed in a hostel per night in Italy is €29.

Where to Stay When Traveling in Italy

Are you someone who prefers your space? Highly rated guesthouses and hotels are everywhere in Italy. Deals on accommodation are always waiting out there, waiting to be snapped up. One piece of advice I will give you about booking accommodation in Italy is to do it in advance. 

I’m a fan of booking things last minute, but you can’t do that when traveling in Italy because it’s such a popular destination. Everything sells out fast, so get booking as soon as you know when you’re going to go on vacation.

When searching for a place to stay, I always use Booking.com . There’s an endless list of accommodations on their website. Instead of scrolling through the “top picks section”, change the filter to “top reviewed”, where you’ll find options where people enjoyed their stay rather than places that pay Booking.com to be bumped up the ranks.

Keep reading to see my recommendations on places to stay in Italy.

Pop Luxury Experience – (€138 a night for a one-bedroom apartment) – This one-bedroom air-conditioned apartment offers guests a stylish and comfortable place to stay close to the world-famous San Siro Stadium. 

The owners of this property go above and beyond to give you an experience like no other with complimentary drinks, a PlayStation 4 games console, and an iPad for you to play with. 

B&B HORTUS – (€144 a night for a double room with disability access) – Come enjoy a slice of heaven at this B&B featuring an adorable garden and a free breakfast buffet every morning. Hosts Janina and Ewa, are always there to help you with any questions you have about the city and the best places to go for a bite to eat. 

The Venice Santa Lucia Train Station, Scuola Grande di San Rocco, and Frari Basilica are all close by to keep you occupied during your stay. After one night here, you’ll wish you had booked for longer.

Terra Artis Guest House – (€146 a night for a deluxe double room) – No wonder this guest house is so highly rated. Recently refurbished and offering guests a refreshing space to unwind after pacing the streets of Florence. 

San Marco Church is only a 600-meter walk away, and the main center is just 1.2 kilometers away. Each room is beautifully decorated with fabulous furnishings and has a flat-screen TV, a mini bar, a fridge, and a kettle, so you’ll feel right at home. 

Easyrome Guest House – (€129 a night for a double room) – This wonderful guesthouse is right in the heart of Rome. The rooms are immaculate, and it’s a quiet area, so it’s great to catch up on some rest. 

Complimentary wine and water are provided every day by the generous host Enrico. Everything you need is nearby, and if you’d like to take a trip across the city, Castro Pretorio Metro Station is just 350 meters away.

Annunziata Bed and Breakfast – (€120 a night for a double room with a balcony) – It doesn’t get much better in Naples than with this boutique B&B. Picture yourself waking up in the mornings with your morning coffee overlooking the Naples city center, with the rugged mountains in the background from your balcony. 

The free breakfast is very filling, containing lots of mouth-watering Italian delights. Regarding location, the property is right in the middle of the action, with the San Carlo Theatre and Naples National Archeological Museum easily reachable by foot.

The average cost of a mid-range hotel per night is €120.

The Cost Of Transportation In Italy

During my time in Italy, I mostly used trains and buses to get around. The transportation infrastructure in Italy is very efficient and clean, and companies operate multiple journeys on all routes throughout the day, which gives you a lot of flexibility when choosing when and where to go.

Italy is quite a big country, so domestic flights could be a good option if you have a long journey and only a certain amount of time. Ryanair, Wizz Air, and EasyJet offer many routes daily between various major Italian cities. For example, you can fly from Milan to Naples for as little as 19 euros one way with Wizz Air. If you were to go by train, it would take 5 hours and 18 minutes and cost 31 euros.

Taking buses between cities in Italy will save you money. There are quite a few companies available, but I mainly used Flixbus. Their prices were the cheapest. I loved their onboard amenities, such as sockets for charging your phone and free Wi-Fi, which came in handy for watching Netflix during long journeys. 

Make sure you compare the prices with Omio, a reliable transport application that sells tickets, which I highly recommend you use. Sometimes bus companies can up the cost of their tickets if they know they will sell out. This especially happens during the summer.

I’ve put together a price list for popular bus routes that you’ll find helpful for your trip:

• Milan to Rome with Flixbus – €11.99
• Milan to Venice with Flixbus – €7.99
• Rome to Florence with Flixbus – €4.99
• Rome to Naples with Flixbus – €2.90
• Rome to Venice with Flixbus – €6.90
• Naples to Sorrento with Flixbus – €4.90

Note: Prices are subject to change during high tourism seasons.

Only two cities in Italy have Uber available, Rome and Milan. When you use Uber in these cities, you’ll only have the option of using Uber Black, Uber Lux, and Uber Van, so it’s quite limited. I used Uber once when I was in Milan to get to the train station for my trip to Venice. 

One person canceled on me, and the second came to collect me. The ride cost about 13 euros for a ten-minute drive. I found it cheaper than taxis, so if you can, use it.

I tried to use a taxi once during my trip. The drivers were quoting me crazy prices when I was in Milan, so I refused to go with them. After that, I asked my hosts to organize transfers for me which worked out cheaper. When flying out of Naples, my hotel in Sorrento arranged a transfer for me. It costs 40 euros for an hour’s drive at 6 am, which I found to be quite reasonable.

When traveling internally within a city, the best way to get around is by using public buses or metros if the city has one. Rome has the best internal transport system with three metro lines, public buses operating every couple of minutes, and hop-on hop-off tourist buses. 

When you’re there, avail yourself of the 72-hour transport ticket, including airport journeys, for 18 euros. Some places you’ll visit in Italy won’t be as developed. If that’s the case, you’ll need to use public buses. It can be difficult at times with the language barrier. 

I recommend you get a SIM card as soon as you arrive and use Google Maps to get you around. The mobile application displays live times for buses, trains, and metros for your route and directs you to each departure point and stops you need to get off at.

Intercity trains are hugely popular in Italy. Wait until you see some of the train stations; they’re almost like airport terminals. Rome’s Termini Station is a classic example. I took trains when I could over buses because they were much faster, and that’s what you need when you’re on a schedule. 

You can book your train tickets online beforehand. I did this through Omio because it gives you company options. Some companies operate high-speed trains, so their tickets will always be a bit more expensive than others. Trenitalia and Italo are the two most popular train companies in the country. 

They’re both comfortable, offer Wi-Fi, have food services onboard, and provide a good bit of legroom. Trenitalia is always a couple of euros cheaper than Italo but compare the prices on their websites to Omio before booking.

See how much you should expect to pay for these popular train journeys:

• Milan to Rome with Trenitalia – €30
• Milan to Venice with Trenitalia – €15
• Rome to Florence with Trenitalia – €13
• Rome to Naples with Trenitalia – €10
• Rome to Venice with Trenitalia – €17

Many people hire a car when they go to Italy on holiday because it gives you access to enchanting towns that don’t have any public transport and are a little less touristy. Car rental prices are reasonable in Italy. If you’re planning on doing a lot of traveling, I would consider it. See below for how much it costs in each major city.

• AcaRent – Milan – 2 days – €59.60
• Viaggiare – Venice – 2 days – €67.98
• Surprice Car Rental – Florence – 2 days – €83.81
• Surprice Car Rental – Rome – 2 days – €52.21
• Ace – Naples – 2 days – €64.25 

Are you thinking of checking out some of the Italian islands? Ferries are readily available to Capri, Sardinia, and Sicily. You have a couple of companies to choose from when taking a ferry in Italy; Caremar and Alilauro offer a significant number of routes each day. I used Caremar to get to Capri and found them to be fast and safe, which is all you want. Each of these operates from various ports around the country, and their prices vary. Let’s consider how much you should pay for some journeys.

• Naples to Sorrento with Alilauro – €16.50
• Sorrento to Capri with Caremar – €21.43
• Genoa to Porto Torres (Sardinia) with Tirrenia – €39.97
• Villa San Giovanni to Messina (Sicily) with Caronte and Tourist – €3.30

The average cost of transport per day in Italy is €11.

The Cost of Food in Italy

What everyone really comes to Italy for is the appetizing food. Honestly, no words can describe how good Italian food is when you actually get the chance to taste it in Italy. Not a single country’s cuisine gets even close to being as good as Italy’s. 

Your first few days, you’ll probably stick to the dishes you know, like pizza, bolognese, etc., but I recommend you get a bit adventurous and sample some plates you’ve never even heard of. Trust me. You won’t be disappointed.

The food in Italy is less expensive than you think. Once you’re not eating outside major tourist attractions like the Colosseum or in St.Mark’s Square, you’ll be fine. Plus, the food in those places isn’t even that good half of the time. There’s always a lovely little restaurant waiting to be discovered down a quaint alleyway in every city you visit.

Below, I have listed all the delicious food I ate on my trip and how much you should roughly pay for each dish.

Breakfast Prices in Italy

Frittata – I ate Frittata wherever I could get it. It’s similar to an omelet, but I preferred them. They’re made with egg, bacon, cheese, and vegetables. You can get your hands on one of these for as little as six euros, and they’re so good. 

Croissant and coffee – No matter where you are in Italy, there will always be somewhere serving croissant and coffee deals. Some establishments will sell them for as little as 2.50. It’s nice when you’re not too hungry and just need a bit of fuel. The coffee culture in Italy is pretty interesting. In the mornings, you’ll see bustling coffee shops with no seats inside and dozens of people crammed into a bar-like setting just drinking coffee and chatting away. 

More typical breakfast prices in Italy: 

• A sandwich from a corner shop – €4 to €5 
• A pastry from a bakery – €1 to €2

Lunch Prices in Italy

Panzerotto – A fried savory dough turnover like a calzone filled with mozzarella and tomato sauce. They’re often sold at bakery stalls for between €1.50 to €3.

Panino – Like a panini, only it’s served with Italian bread. Often you’ll see them sold at coffee shops, and they’ll have a couple of types with different fillings, e.g., ham and cheese or pepperoni and lettuce.

More typical lunch prices in Italy: 

• Fruit from a supermarket – €1 to €2
• Bread and cheese from an alimentari – €2 to €3
• Piadino (an Italian flatbread) – €2 to €4

Dinner Prices in Italy

I could spend all day writing about dinner in Italy, so I’m going to keep this simple and give you prices for the standard dishes.

Pizza – Come on, who doesn’t love pizza? You can find a margarita pizza for 6 to 7 in some places. If you manage to visit Naples, the home of pizza, you can find some for as little as €3.50. The best pizza I had in my life was there at a restaurant called Gino e Toto Sorbillo.

Spaghetti pasta arrabbiata – Do you like spicy pasta? Anyone who does will already know what arrabbiata is. The sauce is made from garlic, peppers, and tomatoes. I was lucky to try this scrummy dish in a small eatery in Venice, away from all the tourist sights, and it only cost €6.

Spaghetti carbonara – A dish that originates from Rome, made with eggs, cheese, pork, black pepper, and spaghetti. Again, like a lot of pasta dishes, you can get them from €6 in some places if you’re lucky.

More typical dinner prices in Italy: 

• Fettuccine alfredo in a fancy restaurant – €15
• Lasagne – €7+
• Risotto alla Milanese – €16 +
• Gnocchi – €6

You could spend a lot of money on Italian food. It depends on where you’re eating. I made it my mission to eat at more local restaurants because that was the advice I was given by friends before I arrived. I’m glad I did because these places gave me some of the best meals I have ever had.

When it comes to alcohol, it can be affordable. A bottle of wine to split with your partner costs around €13 to €14 in a restaurant, and local beer like Peroni and Birra Moretti costs between €3 to €4 a bottle. 

Since you’re in Italy, you must try a shot of Limoncello, an Italian lemon liquor typically served as a digestivo after your meal. A shot will only set you back €2, but sometimes, you’ll be given one for free if you’ve splashed some cash on your meal.

Food Budgets for Different Types of Travelers

Anyone on a tight budget might prefer to source ingredients and cook in their Airbnb. This option is cheaper than buying every meal in a restaurant, but I suggest eating out when you can because food is a big part of the Italian experience. 

If you were to cook all of your meals in an apartment, you could get by on €10 a day. I found supermarkets to be inexpensive. I often purchase some bread and cheese on the go, which costs about €1.50.

If you’re not fond of a glass of wine or beer in the evenings after a long day, you should budget between €18 and €25 a day. You could spend less or more depending on your eating habits.

Some of the luxurious restaurants in Italy are incredible. Imagine indulging in some linguine all’astice while watching the sun down by Lake Como. If you’re a fan of these types of meals and plan on spending a considerable amount on fancy restaurants, expect to spend at least €100 a day on food.

The average cost of food per day in Italy is €18.

The Cost of Activities in Italy 

I saw so many amazing sights in Italy, from the Pantheon in Rome to the Ponte Vecchio in Florence. There’s no way I could have seen it all. I would’ve needed months to see and do everything. 

My advice is to map out your must-do attractions and then determine what others you can squeeze in along the way. If you try to cram too much, you’ll end up exhausted and run out of energy halfway through your trip.

See my breakdown with costs below:

Duomo Di Milano – €16.50 per person, including rooftop ticket. The Milan Cathedral is an impressive landmark known for its exquisite architectural designs, stained glass windows with pictures depicting scenes from the bible, and marble staircases. Don’t leave without climbing to the structure’s ceiling, where you can catch a fantastic view of the city.

Take a gondola ride in Venice – €64.50 for a small group of five people. Embark on an enchanting private 45-minute gondola boat trip through Venice’s world-famous canals. Float through the Canal Grande with your own sailor. 

Mine was informative, even with his basic understanding of language; he was able to tell me lots of great facts. Enjoy the views with your significant other, discovering the city’s hidden gems, which can only be found on a gondola.

Check out the Statue of David in Florence – €19.50 for a timed entrance ticket. The 5.17 meter-high Statue of David stands tall in the Accademia Gallery in Florence. You’ll be surprised at how much bigger it is in person than in pictures. 

Besides the statue, the gallery itself is fascinating, displaying Michaelangelo’s best pieces of work like ‘the Prisoners’ and ‘St. Matthew.’ Each ticket has a time slot to ensure the museum doesn’t get too full. So I recommend purchasing your ticket beforehand to avoid disappointment. Buying tickets at the entrance is possible, but I wouldn’t risk it.

Visit the Vatican in Rome – €29 for an early morning tour with a dome climb. Step back in time and experience St. Peter’s Basilica. Wander through St Peter’s Square early in the morning before crowds flood the area. Learn about the Vatican’s history and the influence it has on Italian society still to this day from an experienced tour guide. 

I booked my tickets with Get Your Guide because they have their separate entrance line at the Vatican. This way, you won’t have to line up for hours trying to get in. I visited in July, and the crowds were insane, so I was lucky I bought my ticket with Get Your Guide beforehand.

Walk through one of the seven wonders of the world, The Colosseum – €22 for Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill Entry Tickets. Learn about ancient Rome and admire what’s left of the Roman Empire’s structures. Skip the line ahead of everyone else with your fast-track access. 

Pave the way with the downloadable map you get when you make a booking, so you find all the sights you want to see. The ticket includes access to the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. 

All of the attractions are in the same area, but you’ll have to leave the exit gate of the Colosseum to access the others. I got confused when I was there, so I just asked a staff member, and they guided me in the right direction.

Explore the Catacombs in Naples – €11 for an entrance ticket. Take a trip underground, where you can find monumental basilicas and ancient frescoes that date back over 1000 years ago. You’ll be shocked to see that all this is hiding beneath the surface. 

Learn about the tragedy of Pompeii – €52.25 for a private tour with an archaeologist . Join a professional archaeologist as they take you through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pompeii. Wander around the preserved city that witnessed a tragic volcanic eruption in 79 AD. 

If you’re a history buff like myself, you’re going to want to go on a private tour to hear all about the stories and nitty gritty bits of information that you wouldn’t learn about alone. It’s an eye-opening experience and well worth paying the extra money. Plus, it’s not every day you get the chance to have a one to one with an archaeologist and ask them any question you like.

Other must-have experiences in Italy: 

• Take a wine tour in Tuscany
• See Lake Garda and Verona on a day trip from Milan
• Hike through the Dolomites
• Visit Sassi Di Matera
• Check out the Leaning Tower of Pisa

The average cost of activities per day in Italy is €20.

There you have it. I have listed all your possible expenses for when you travel to Italy. Now it’s time to show you how much you should expect to spend per day overall.

• Accommodation: €29 a night for a budget traveler + €120 for a mid-range traveler
• Transportation: €11 per day
• Food: €10 per day for a budget traveler + €18 for a mid-range traveler
• Activities: €20 per day

Total expenses for each day – €70 (budget traveler) or €169 (mid-range traveler).

If you travel with somebody, your spending will likely be a bit lower because you can split the costs with them. Italy is an outstanding country that you’re going to love. Try not to do too much and explore fewer places in more depth.

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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• Travel Planning Guide

Travel Budget for Rome Visit Rome on a Budget or Travel in Style

• Rome Hotel Prices
• Best Hotels for One Night in Rome
• Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in Rome
• Best Hotels for First Time Visitors in Rome
• Best Hotels for a Weekend Getaway in Rome
• Best Cheap Hotels in Rome
• Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Rome
• Best Beach Hotels in Rome
• Best Business Hotels in Rome
• Best Luxury Hotels in Rome
• Best Adults Only Hotels in Rome
• Best Party Hotels in Rome
• Best Hotels for One Week in Rome
• Best Romantic Hotels for Couples in Rome
• Is Rome Expensive?
• How much does a trip to Rome cost?
• How to Buy Tickets to the Colosseum in Rome, Italy
• Things to See and Do in Rome - With Ticket Prices and Information
• The Best Day Trips from Rome
• The Ultimate Travel Planning Guide to Rome
• Is Rome Worth Visiting?
• The Best Cooking Classes in Rome
• The Best Cheap Roman Forum Tours in Rome
• The Best Cheap Walking Tours in Rome
• Cheap and Easy Cruise Port Transfers in Rome
• The Best Airport Transfers in Rome
• Cheap Tours and Activities in Rome, Italy
• The Best Cheap Vatican Tours in Rome, Italy (Skip the Line)
• Italy Costs
• Northern Italy
• Central Italy
• Southern Italy
• Cinque Terre
• How much does it cost to travel to Rome? (Average Daily Cost)
• Rome trip costs: one week, two weeks, one month

Is Rome expensive to visit?

• How much do I need for a trip to Rome?
• Accommodation, Food, Entertainment, and Transportation Costs
• Travel Guide

How much does it cost to travel to Rome?

You should plan to spend around $183 (€170) per day on your vacation in Rome. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

• $51 (€47) on meals
• $23 (€21) on local transportation
• $191 (€177) on hotels

A one week trip to Rome for two people costs, on average, $2,555 (€2,376) . This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

• Travel Style: All Budget (Cheap) Mid-Range Luxury (High-End)
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day $ 183 € 170
• One Week Per person $ 1,278 € 1,188
• 2 Weeks Per person $ 2,555 € 2,376
• One Month Per person $ 5,476 € 5,091
• One Week For a couple $ 2,555 € 2,376
• 2 Weeks For a couple $ 5,111 € 4,751
• One Month For a couple $ 10,952 € 10,181

How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Rome cost?

A one week trip to Rome usually costs around $1,278 (€1,188) for one person and $2,555 (€2,376) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Rome on average costs around $2,555 (€2,376) for one person and $5,111 (€4,751) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Rome will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Rome on average costs around $5,476 (€5,091) for one person and $10,952 (€10,181) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.

Independent Travel

Traveling Independently to Rome has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.

All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.

Prices in Rome are reasonable and comparable to your average travel destination. Hotels, food, and sightseeing are generally within normal price ranges.

Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Rome is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Glasgow or Puerto del Carmen.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Rome Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Rome?

The average Rome trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Rome travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.

Accommodation Budget in Rome

Average daily costs.

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Rome is $95 (€89). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Rome is $191 (€177). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.

• Accommodation 1 Hotel or hostel for one person $ 95 € 89
• Accommodation 1 Typical double-occupancy room $ 191 € 177

Hotel Prices in Rome

Looking for a hotel in Rome? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Actual Hotel Prices The average hotel room price in Rome based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $99. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Recommended Properties

• Town House Spagna Budget Hotel - Kayak $ 117
• Aurora al Colosseo Luxury Hotel - Kayak $ 208

Transportation Budget in Rome

The cost of a taxi ride in Rome is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $23 (€21) per person, per day, on local transportation in Rome.

• Transportation 1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. $ 23 € 21

Recommended Services

• Transfer from Civitavecchia cruise port to Rome or FCO Viator $ 131
• Rome Hotel to Airport Private Transfer Viator $ 208

Flights to Rome

Rental cars in rome, what did other people spend on transportation in rome.

Typical prices for Transportation in Rome are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Rome, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Metro Ride (for Two) € 2.00
• Train to the Airport € 15
• Taxi to Airport € 45
• Bicycle Rental (Full Day) € 10

Food Budget in Rome

While meal prices in Rome can vary, the average cost of food in Rome is $51 (€47) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Rome should cost around $20 (€19) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Rome is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.

• Food 2 Meals for one day $ 51 € 47

Recommended

• Pasta and Tiramisù Cooking Workshop in the Heart of Rome Viator $ 60
• Tivoli Day Trip: Villa D’Este & Cooking Class Viator $ 275

What did other people spend on Food in Rome?

Typical prices for Food in Rome are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Rome, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Casual Lunch (for Two) € 14
• 4 Ice Cream Sandwiches € 2.99
• Cafe e doce € 4.00
• Pizza (Fast Food) € 2.65
• Sitdown Lunch (for Two) € 32
• Cheese and bread € 10
• Espresso € 2.00
• Dinner € 58

Entertainment Budget in Rome

Entertainment and activities in Rome typically cost an average of $39 (€36) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

• Entertainment 1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc. $ 39 € 36

The Go City Rome Pass offers great discounts on attractions in Rome. With the Go City Explorer pass, you can choose to visit specific sights and attractions at a discount. Or, you can visit as many included attractions as you like with a multi-day All-Inclusive Pass. The average visitor saves 30% off of the regular admission prices.

Recommended Activities

• Private Tour - City Center Viator $ 109
• Private Walking Tour of the Squares and Fountains in Rome Viator $ 184

What did other people spend on Entertainment in Rome?

Typical prices for Entertainment in Rome are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Rome, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Rome Museum Vaticano (for 2) € 69
• Coliseum Tickets (for Two) € 33
• Roma Pass € 30
• Hop on Hop Off Bus (All Day) € 20
• Segway Tour € 75

Tips and Handouts Budget in Rome

The average cost for Tips and Handouts in Rome is $32 (€29) per day. The usual amount for a tip in Rome is 5% - 15% .

• Tips and Handouts 1 For guides or service providers $ 32 € 29

Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps Budget in Rome

Unfortunately, bad things can happen on a trip. Well, you've just got to deal with it! The average price for a scam, robbery, or mishap in Rome is $7.40 (€6.88), as reported by travelers.

• Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps 1 $ 7.40 € 6.88

Alcohol Budget in Rome

The average person spends about $20 (€18) on alcoholic beverages in Rome per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

• Alcohol 2 Drinks for one day $ 20 € 18
• Private Frascati Day Trip With Lunch & Wine Tasting in a Vineyard Viator $ 299
• Food & Wine Tasting Tour in ROME Viator $ 106

What did other people spend on Alcohol in Rome?

Typical prices for Alcohol in Rome are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Rome, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Bottle of Wine € 6.50
• Pint of Beer € 6.34
• Beer € 10

Water Budget in Rome

On average, people spend $3.64 (€3.38) on bottled water in Rome per day. The public water in Rome is considered safe to drink.

• Water 2 Bottled water for one day $ 3.64 € 3.38

Expert Advice from Local Travelers

We're asking our community members and registered users to contribute their experiences about Rome.

Why would you recommend Rome to budget travelers? Or, why not?

The history is overwhelming here! I think it's not just about the major attractions like the Colosseum or the Trevi fountain, but actually about the neighborhoods with beautiful old buildings on every street. Just take some time to explore.

This is a backpacker mecca and you'll find tons of hostels and plenty of activities that cater to backpackers and young travelers on a budget.

What makes Rome a budget-friendly destination? Or not?

When we're on a really tight budget we stay in the neighborhood around the train station. It's got the cheapest hostels and restaurants, and it's convenient when you're just passing through.

Whenever we visit Italy we pass through Rome. It's a big city, so there's a huge hotel selection that ranges from budget hostels to high end hotels. There are also a diversity of restaurants to choose from.

Are you an experienced traveler? Help other travelers! Answer a quick question about your past travels. + Add Comment

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Rome on a budget.

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Travelling Italy on a Budget For 1 Week! How Much I Spent!

Categories Cost of Travel , Europe , Italy

I visited Italy for the first time on a 1 week backpacking Italy itinerary visiting Pisa, Florence, Milan & Venice . I’d never known if Italy could be travelled on a budget seen as its such a popular Western European Country however I was pleasantly surprised to find out that Italy can be travelled fairly cheaply!

Below I have detailed what I spent in one week in Italy on my 1 week Italy budget, along with the average cost of accommodation in Italy, plus the cost of food and transport in Italy so you can plan your trip to Italy and know that you can travel to Italy on a budget!

1 Week Italy Budget

Related Post:  Backpacking Italy – How Much Does It Cost & How To Do It On A Budget!

During my time in Italy I spent roughly  €500.00  in one week in Italy on a budget in total which consisted of 6 nights accommodation  in hostels at a fairly popular time of the year (September), 3 trains, 3 meals a day, a few wines and a fair bit of ice cream and personally, I was quite happy with this!

To help you budget for your trip to Italy here’s what I found to be average costs for things:

Italy Costs

Cost of transport in italy:.

Train booked on the day- Pisa to Florence- €8.40

Pre-booked Train from Florence to Milan- €25.00

Pre-booked Train from Milan to Venice- €25.00

Bus from Venice Island to Treviso Airport €12.00

Tip: Use The Train Line to book trains as far in advance as possible to get a cheaper price. Try not to leave booking trains to the last minute in Italy.

2 Day Boat Pass in Venice- €30.00

Cost of Hostel Accommodation in Italy:

Accommodation in hostels in a 4-6 bed female dorm room- average €27.00 a night.

Venice was the most expensive, then Milan and Florence , with Pisa being the cheapest.

Tip: I use Booking.com to book all of my accommodation as they offer budget options like hostels and well-priced hotels! Have a look on Booking.com here to see what you can find in Italy.

Tip: Hostels make a trip so much cheaper and helped make sure I didn’t spend too much in Italy.

If you are backpacking Italy be sure to check out backpacking Italy post with even more details on how to travel Italy on a budget!

Cost of Food and Drink in Italy:

Whole Pizza- €8.00-12.00

Ice Cream- €2.50

Glass of Wine- €4.00

Small Panini- €3.00

Slice of Pizza- €3.00

Coffee- €2.50

3-course meal in Milan for 2 people- 1x starter, 2x main course, 2x desserts, 1x bottle of wine- €90.00

Budget Tours in Italy:

Free Walking Tours are the best thing to do if you’re travelling to Italy, they aren’t free as you need to tip at the end if you enjoyed it but they are very cheap and a great way to see a new city and learn about it with a fun and local guide when you’re spending 1 week in Italy on a budget.

If you want to enter some of the most popular sights in Italy I’d recommend buying a ticket in advance to save money. You can also book good value, budget-friendly tours like they below:

How I Travelled around Italy on a Budget:

Note that these prices are based on meals in slightly cheaper cafes and restaurants which is why they are the prices they are, of course, if you go for more upmarket places these things will cost you a lot more.

I found it pretty easy to find food that was inexpensive and still really yummy (because of course, that IS what Italy is all about).

There are plenty of hostel’s in Italy and the rates do vary on the City so keep this in mind, Pisa is a lot cheaper than Venice for example.

I personally didn’t pay for many attractions as I was happy walking around by myself and doing free things in Italy and I didn’t feel that I missed out on anything (especially the queues!).

September was a really great time to go as the weather was still lovely and warm but a lot of the summer holiday tourists had gone meaning transport and accommodation was cheaper!

I booked my accommodation and trains only a week before leaving but if I had booked them further in advance I believe I could have got them cheaper!

I hope this makes you realise that you can spend a week in Italy on a budget!

• For more details on what I did in Italy, here are my blog posts!
• Backpacking Italy on a Budget!
• The Best Way to see Venice and Escape the Crowds!
• ALL MY ITALY POSTS

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farang pattaya

Sunday 2nd of July 2017

Awesome blog! I like it a lot! Thanks and keep up the great work!

How Much Does a Trip to Italy Cost: Ultimate 2024 Guide

How Much Does a Trip to Italy Cost? A trip to Italy can be a lot of fun, but it can also be expensive.

If you’re willing to get creative, you might be able to find some good deals and travel cheap. One way is by renting a house or apartment, which can often be cheaper than traditional hotels.

This is only one of the endless tips to save money when traveling, and the cost of going to Italy is another factor to keep in mind. Cheap Italy vacations aren’t always an option, especially when traveling during the high season.

You see, planning a vacation budget certainly isn’t easy, that’s why you should read this complete guide about how much does a trip to Italy costs in 2024 and how you can save money on your travel expenses and vacation package.

Table of Contents ⬇️

How Much Does a Trip to Italy Cost – Overview

Let’s start this guide with the essentials you should know when planning a trip to Italy,

Cheapest Months to Travel to Italy

The most affordable months to visit Italy and book a hotel are from January to February . However, the weather is usually cold and it won’t always be a pleasant experience.

Alternatively, I suggest traveling from February to April and from September to December . on average, the cost of accommodation and domestic flights significantly decreases.

It’s worth noting that the prices in Italy for tourists decrease in the wintertime and after the peak season, from September onward, so you’ll definitely spend less on accommodation.

Is Italy Expensive to Visit?

Italy is not exactly easy on the wallet. With the Euro being so strong, you may find that the U.S. Dollar, or your local currency, isn’t worth as much in Italy. On the other hand, Italy wouldn’t be as expensive if you’re coming from the Eurozone.

All things considered – day tours, food, drinks, and transportation, you should count at least $100 per day per person if you’re on a budget and willing to sacrifice restaurants for local stores. You see, day tours can be expensive, as well as accommodations.

To save some money, I’d recommend coming to Italy from November to April, as it’s the low season, and you’ll definitely save some cash on hotels and transportation compared to the summer months.

How Much Does it Cost to Get to Italy?

If you’re traveling from another European country, plane trips to Italy cost around $100 round-trip with EasyJet or Ryanair, which are cheap getaways to Italy.

From the United States or Canada, a round-trip flight ticket will cost you $600 on average. You can find cheap trips to Italy from the states online using Skyscanner or Agoda, to name only a couple.

On the other hand, if you’re coming from neighboring countries (Switzerland, France, Slovenia, Austria), you can get a bus with FlixBus for as little as 5 Euros. This is the most convenient alternative to flying, and it will definitely save you some money.

Note that Italy is a pretty big country, and your destination will also impact your budget. For instance, if you fly from London, it will probably cost you more to travel to Matera rather than Florence, for example.

Needless to say, this will impact your budget for a month in Florence or other parts of the country.

All in all, when planning your  Italy itinerary , you should budget at least a few hundred dollars for the flight.

How Much to Plan for a One-week Holiday in Italy?

Without including the flights,  $130 per day for a couple  should be enough to cover your 7 day trip to Italy cost.

On the other hand, planning about  $150 per day as a solo traveler  is reasonable – so $1050 including hotels rooms, private tours, and train travel.

Of course, your specific budget may vary depending on your travel style and spending habits, but this should give you a general idea of what to expect. For instance, a gondola ride in Venice will cost you $80 alone, and the Amalfi Coast will cost you much more than a day in Bologna.

It also depends on how long you’ll spend in each city. Spending 48 hours in Venice or Florence will cost you more than staying in Bologna or La Spezia, to name only a couple of cities.

So don’t expect a luxury Italy trip for only $100 to $150 per day; however, I’m sure you can have a fantastic time with this amount.

For 12 days in Italy cost, I recommend planning between $1500 and $1800, including hotels, food, day tours, and everything else. You can find affordable Italy vacation deals for a little more than that, but making your own itinerary is always cooler.

How Much Does a Trip to Italy Cost – Full Breakdown

Traveling to Italy is a dream for many people. Whether you plan on spending months exploring or just a few days backpacking around Italy , there are some things you need to know about the cost of traveling.

Let’s go deep into the topic and cover all the areas you must consider when planning your couple or family trip to Italy, from the hotels in historic towns to booking your group tour and the tourist attractions you can’t miss.

Hotels on Your Italy Trip

When planning a trip to Italy, one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make is where to stay. There are many different types of hotels available and prices vary depending on the area – let’s say that you choose a medium-range hotel price for the shoulder season – it will cost you between $70 and $100 per night.

But let me elaborate and go through the details of each popular travel destination.

Hotels in Rome

Rome is a popular tourist destination, and with good reason – it’s home to some of the most beautiful sights in the world. Hotels in Rome can be expensive with the perfect properties for a luxury trip or cheaper hotel rooms for those traveling on a budget.

Firstly, like in other major cities, try to avoid staying in the city center. The closer you are to the popular landmarks, the more you’ll pay for your room. For instance, expect to pay about $150 per night for a hotel room near the Colosseum.

A more budget-friendly option is to stay in one of the suburbs, such as Trastevere or Testaccio. These areas are cheaper, you can find an entire apartment rather than hotel rooms, and have a great local atmosphere.

When it comes to choosing a hotel, there are a lot of options to choose from. The average cost of mid-range hotels in Rome is around $100 per night, but you can find deals for as little as $50 if you’re willing to compromise a little on quality.

Rome is a great city to visit any time of year, but it can be particularly busy during the summer months. If you’re looking to save money, consider traveling in the spring or fall. Whatever time of year you choose to go, make sure you book your hotel quickly – properties in Rome can fill up quickly, especially during peak season!

Hotels in Venice

In Venice, there is a lot of variety regarding average cost and the quality of facilities. To start with, one of the best hotel areas in Venice is near the Rialto Bridge, where most gondola ride drivers are located.

When staying in Venice, you’ll find a wide variety of hotels, from budget-friendly options to more luxurious establishments. Additionally, many of the restaurants, attractions, and opportunities to jump on a gondola ride are within walking distance, making it a convenient location to stay in. The average cost for a hotel in this area is around $250 per night.

The Cannaregio district is a great alternative if you are looking for a more affordable option. This area is slightly further away from the main tourist areas, but it still has plenty to offer in terms of sights and restaurants. You can find hotels here for as little as $70 per night.

Lastly, if you want to spend less but not sacrifice the quality, you may look into the hotels in Mestre, where I stayed on my trip to Italy. Mestre is only a few minutes away from Venice by train travel and you can find great hotels for less than $100 a night.

Overall, Venice offers a wide variety of hotels to choose from, and no matter what your budget is, you will be able to find something that fits your needs. Just be sure to book well in advance, as the city tends to fill up quickly during peak tourist season.

Hotels in Florence

There are many hotels in Florence, and the cost varies depending on the area of the city and the level of luxury. The best areas to stay are close to the Duomo or the Oltrarno district. In terms of facilities, most hotels and vacation rentals have air conditioning, and televisions, and breakfast is generally included in the price, which is great to save money on your trip budget.

In terms of average cost, a room in a four-star hotel in the city center will run you between $150 to $200 per night. If you are looking for a more affordable option, there are many three-star hotels around that will cost you as low as $100.

Alternatively, the outskirts of Florence are cheaper and you can find great properties for around $80 per night. Keep in mind that prices tend to be higher during the peak season (May-September).

Hotels in Matera

Matera is a wonderful city to explore and you should know the average cost of a night’s stay when planning your Italy trip cost.

There are many different hotels in Matera, and the cost can vary depending on the quality of the accommodation. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay around $100 per night for a 3-star hotel room.

However, if you plan to stay in the historic center near the Sassi, be prepared to spend more, from $150 onward.

All of the hotels in Matera offer a range of facilities, including Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and breakfast to save some money on your trip budget. I’m sure you’ll have an amazing trip when adding Matera to your Southern Italy trip!

Tours and Activities – Italy Trip Budget

There’s no question that a trip to Italy and its major cities is on just about everyone’s bucket list. With its stunning coastline, picturesque villages, and delicious food, it’s easy to see why. But what are the best places to visit in Italy? And what is the average price of a private tour?

Well, let’s start with the basics. In Florence, one of the most beautiful Italian cities, you can’t miss the Uffizi Gallery, one of the most iconic museums in the world. Make sure to also check out  Michelangelo’s David statue  and the Ponte Vecchio bridge. The average price of a small group tour or a food tour in Florence will cost you between $30 and $50 per person.

On the other hand, a  group tour around Tuscany  will cost you about $65 per person – pricier, but it will easily be the highlight of your Italy itinerary.

In Rome, you can wander through the  Colosseum and Roman Forum , visit the Sistine Chapel, and climb to the top of St. Peter’s Basilica. What I love about visiting Rome is its strategic location in Italy and you can jump on a train to either Northern Italy or  Southern Italy to Pompei .

In Matera, on the other hand, you can explore the ancient cave dwellings that have been inhabited for centuries for a reasonable price and that will certainly save you some money on your total Italy trip cost.

And finally, in  Cinque Terre , you can walk along the jaw-droppingly beautiful coastline, stopping at villages like Riomaggiore and Vernazza.

Food and Drinks

A full sit-down meal for one person may cost anywhere from $10 to $20, depending on the restaurant and food. On the other hand, a two-person dinner at a mid-range venue with drinks will generally set you back around $70 to $80.

According to  Numbeo , the average cost of a meal in an inexpensive restaurant is 15EUR, or $17, and a meal in a mid-range restaurant is 60EUR, or $65, for 2 people, which is a pretty realistic figure.

All in all, the cost of eating out in Florence isn’t excessive and you can find great restaurants for a decent price.

Local Transportation in Italy

Getting around in Italy is as easy as hopping on a train, taking a ferry, or even catching a ride with friends. To give you an idea, a bus trip from Venice to Florence will cost you around $20 per person with FlixBus.

On the other hand, trains are affordable and are very convenient. For example, a train from Rome to Milan will cost you between $80 and $100 per person.

Lastly, renting a car in Italy will cost you from $50 to $90 per day for a medium-sized vehicle. While it’s a bit pricier than public transportation, it’s the best way for traveling Italy.

Is it Worth Getting the Rail Pass in Italy?

If you plan to take local transportation to get from one place to another, the Italian Rail pass will save decrease your transport costs and add a layer of convenience.

Generally speaking, the main train station in cities like Rome and Florence is located downtown, allowing you to travel conveniently.

Random Expenses On Your Trip to Italy Cost

When traveling to Italy, one thing to consider in the trip costs is the random expenses like unexpected events and souvenirs. Also, you’ll probably go shopping when visiting cities like Florence or Milan.

Even if you aren’t usually much of a shopper, save a little money just in case. They have fresh olive oil and limoncello bottles, which make excellent souvenirs.

Venetian masks, Murano Glass, and high-end leather are all great presents to take on your trip. I’d set aside at least $100 for shopping purposes alone. You may use it to prepare either gelato or Aperol Spritz on the patios, regardless of whether or not you go shopping.

How to Save Money on a Trip to Italy?

One of the questions that budget travelers often ask is how to travel cheaply in Italy.

Naturally, the most obvious answer to avoid any extra cost is to find cheap flights to Italy. But there’s so much more to consider, let me tell you more about it.

To lower your food expenses when visiting Italy, go outside the tourist areas in big cities like Venice and Florence and, instead, go to local restaurants or grocery stores. Preparing your own meals from time to time will save you lots of money!

Alternatively, booking affordable Italy vacation packages is a great way to save some cash.

Also, drinking at night at bars is cool but that will definitely add to your budget trip to Italy. As an alternative, booking a food tour in the evening will save you some money while making you entertained!

Apart from that, to avoid having to pay more for tickets, purchase your train tickets ahead of time. If you want to save money on your upcoming holiday trip to Italy, consider booking early and traveling during the low season.

And if you’re looking for Italy backpacking tours, then you can easily stay in hostels to save some cash.

More Italy Travel Guides

• 10 Best Day Trips from Florence
• Florence to Pisa Tour Complete Guide
• Best Time to Visit Matera in Southern Italy

Final Thoughts – How Much for a Trip to Italy

This was everything you needed to know about the trip to Italy cost. Obviously, Europe isn’t the cheapest place on Earth but I’m sure you can save money pretty easily by choosing cheaper vacation rentals and paying attention to your Italy costs.

Also, join a day trip from time to time to experience everything Italy has to offer but consider public transportation every so often. Whether you want to reduce your travel costs or enjoy life in luxury hotels, Italy has something for everyone and for all budgets!

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Italy Trip Costs: Budget Estimates in All Aspects (2024)

The cost of traveling in Italy is relatively affordable compared with many other European destinations.

This article will give you more details on Italy travel costs, covering international airfares, transportation within Italy, meals, hotels, attractions, activities, and more.

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How much is an italy tour.

• Costs for International Flights
• Costs for Accommodation
• Costs for Transportation
• Costs for Meals
• Costs for Attractions
• Most expensive time in Italy: June to August
• Cheapest time in Italy: November to March
• Prices during the off-season are about 30% to 50% lower than in the peak season.

Our cost assumptions are mainly based on a family with one or two children, or a couple wanting comfortable accommodation, unique experiences, and private transfers.

A private tour could be a good choice for balancing your expenses with the quality of the trip. Our professional travel consultant would manage the logistics and travel arrangements to enable you to focus on enjoying the trip itself.

Plus, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you would discover interesting details and anecdotes about the places you explore. In particular, there are many historical buildings and museums in Italy, and with a professional and lively explanation, you would have a deeper understanding of Italian culture and customs.

In general, such a private Italy tour would cost about 400 – 500 USD per day per person. A 1-week Italy tour would cost about 11,000–14,000 USD for a family of four (kids under 10 could travel with a 30–50% discount) or 6,000–7,000 USD for a couple. (This doesn't include the costs of international flights.)

It would include the costs for a private car service, private guide service, train/flight tickets within Italy, 4-star hotels, tickets for attractions, and full-day itineraries.

You can get a price reference on our 7-Day Rome, Florence, and Venice Tour . 

The estimated price we have given is only for reference. If you want a more specific budget, please contact us . Our travel advisor would give you more details based on your itinerary, travel time, and group size.

Costs for International Flights to Italy

If you are flying direct from America to Rome, you may need about 600–700 USD for an economy seat in the off-season. The high season (June to August) would double the costs, costing about 1,200–1,400 USD.

If you choose a connecting flight instead of a direct flight, the price could be cut in half. (Airfare prices vary considerably. The information provided here serves as a reference only. For more accurate cost estimates, we recommend checking the official website of the airline.)

If you are flying from London to Rome, the airfare costs about 40–50 euros. There would be more flight options.

When planning travel during peak seasons, we recommend booking your trip to Italy at least 3 months in advance to secure more flight options and better prices.

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Costs for Accommodation in Italy

Generally speaking, a 4-star hotel offers a comfortable accommodation experience with a good location. A fine 4-star hotel may cost about 200 USD per night. Many 5-star hotels start from 400 USD per night. Some luxury hotels could even reach over 1,000 USD per night, with private gardens and unique collections displayed.

For the needs of family accommodation, you could choose to book double rooms with extra beds or to book family rooms. As travel agents, we partner with many hotels to provide competitive pricing. Additionally, we have carefully selected high-quality hotels to suit your requirements, whether you prefer adult-only or family-friendly options.

In Tuscany, the region with Florence as capital, you could experience a manor or castle resort. They are usually in the quiet countryside, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

If you want a leisurely and peaceful vacation, you could spend a day or two there. They offer many activities to experience rural life in Italy, such as going cycling or truffle picking.

Hotel prices fluctuate with the change in tourism seasons. During the off-peak season, a hotel that costs $200 per night might escalate to $400 per night in the peak season. Booking in advance allows for better prices. It's generally recommended to make reservations 3 months in advance.

Costs for Transportation within Italy

Trains are the main type of transportation connecting major cities. The price of a train ticket for a 1½-hour ride from Rome to Florence is typically between 25 and 70 USD (regular to premium seat price). The prices of train tickets are not fixed. The earlier you book, the better the prices.

For families traveling with ample luggage, opting for a private transfer between cities is advisable. That way, you could alleviate the hassle of managing both your luggage and your children simultaneously.

Sightseeing in most cities is done via walking tours. However, if you plan to visit countryside or seaside towns, you may need to use a car service.

Costs for Meals in Italy

In Italy, a basic meal, such as pizza or pasta, typically ranges from 5 to 15 USD per person. For a finer dinner experience, expect to spend about 30 to 60 USD per person. Restaurants boasting one Michelin star generally fall within the range of 50 to 130 USD per person.

Costs for Attractions and Activities in Italy

Tickets for major attractions and museums in Italy range from 12 to 25 USD. Some experiences, such as cooking classes or food tours, could cost more compared to simply visiting attractions.

The first Sunday of every month offers free entry to museums and archaeological parks in Italy, including famous attractions, such as the Colosseum and Uffizi Gallery. Huge crowds may be expected at these sites on free visiting days.

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Plan Your Dream Trip to Italy on a Budget | Useful Tips and Advice

by Trip.com

February 20, 2023

The cost of a trip to Italy can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, including the time of year you visit, the length of your stay, and the level of luxury you desire. Flights can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, while accommodations can range from budget hostels to luxury hotels. However, with some careful planning and budgeting, it is possible to have an enjoyable and affordable trip to this beautiful country. Discover the hidden gems of Italy's countryside!

How much does it cost for flights when travelling to Itay?

Flight prices to Italy can vary depending on various factors such as your departure location, time of year, and the airline you choose. Generally, flights from the United States to Italy can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,500 or more for a round-trip ticket . The cost may also depend on how far in advance you book your flight and whether you choose to fly direct or with layovers. It's a good idea to compare prices from different airlines and booking websites to find the best deal!

Cheap Flights from San Francisco to Rome

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How much does it cost for hotels when travelling to Itay ?

The St. Regis Rome

The cost of hotels in Italy can vary depending on the type of accommodation you choose and the location you stay in. Generally, budget hotels or hostels can start at around 30-50 euros per night, while mid-range hotels can cost between 80-150 euros per night . Luxury hotels or resorts can cost several hundred euros per night or even more.

The cost may also vary depending on the time of year you visit Italy. High season, which is typically from June to August, can be more expensive, while visiting in the low season (October to April) can offer lower prices. It's a good idea to research and compare different hotels or accommodations before booking to find the best price and location for your travel plans

Best Hotels in Rome

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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.

How much does it cost for souvenirs when travelling to Itay ?

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

How much does it cost for transportation when travelling to Itay ?

• In cities like Rome or Milan, a single ticket for public transportation can cost around 1-2 euros, while a day pass can cost around 7-8 euros. Taxis are more expensive, with the starting fare around 3-6 euros and additional charges for distance and time.
• If you plan to rent a car , prices can vary depending on the rental company, location, and time of year. Generally, renting a car in Italy can cost around 20-30 euros per day for a basic economy car, while luxury or larger vehicles can cost more.
• Private transfers , like hiring a driver or using a private shuttle service, can be more expensive than public transportation, with prices varying depending on the distance and level of luxury.

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.

How much does it cost for sightseeing when travelling to Itay ?

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.

Howmuch does it cost for WiFi & communication when travelling to Itay ?

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.

How much does it cost for passport when travelling to Itay ?

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.

• For U.S. citizens, a new passport book costs $145 for adults (age 16 and older) and $115 for minors (under age 16). Additionally, there is a $35 execution fee for first-time applicants, and an additional $60 expedited service fee if you need the passport within 4-6 weeks.
• If you already have a passport but need to renew it, the cost is $110 for adults and $80 for minors , plus the $35 execution fee if you apply in person.

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.

How much does it cost for insurance when travelling to Itay ?

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.

How much does it cost for 2 nights & 3 days when travelling to Itay ?

• As a rough estimate, a budget traveler might spend around 100-150 euros per day , or 300-450 euros total, for a 2-night, 3-day trip to Italy, excluding flights. This would include basic accommodation, inexpensive meals, public transportation or walking, and low-cost sightseeing options.
• A mid-range traveler might spend around 150-250 euros per day , or 450-750 euros total, for a 2-night, 3-day trip to Italy. This would include comfortable accommodation, local transportation, meals at mid-range restaurants, and some paid sightseeing activities.
• A luxury traveler might spend 250 euros or more per day , or 750 euros or more total, for a 2-night, 3-day trip to Italy. This would include high-end accommodation, private transportation, fine dining, and exclusive sightseeing experiences.

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

How much does it cost for family, couples or single when travelling to Itay ?

Amalfi Coast

• Family: A family of four with two adults and two children can expect to spend around 200-400 euros per day, or 600-1200 euros for a 3-day trip to Italy. This would include accommodations suitable for a family, family-friendly activities, and meals at mid-range restaurants.
• Couples: A couple traveling to Italy can expect to spend around 100-250 euros per day, or 300-750 euros for a 3-day trip. This would include accommodations such as romantic hotels or bed and breakfasts, meals at nice restaurants, and couples-oriented activities such as wine tasting or visiting art museums.
• Single traveler: A solo traveler can expect to spend around 50-150 euros per day, or 150-450 euros for a 3-day trip to Italy. This would include budget accommodations, meals at inexpensive restaurants or street food, and free or low-cost sightseeing options.

Methods to save money when travelling to Itay

• Travel during the low season: Traveling during the shoulder or low season can help you save a lot of money on flights, accommodations, and attractions. This is typically from November to March.
• Stay in budget accommodations: Instead of staying in luxury hotels, consider staying in budget-friendly accommodations such as hostels, bed and breakfasts, or vacation rentals. This can help you save a lot of money on lodging expenses.
• Use public transportation: Taking public transportation instead of taxis or private cars can help you save money on transportation costs. Italy has an extensive public transportation network that includes buses, trains, and subways.
• Eat like a local: Eating at local trattorias or street food stalls instead of expensive restaurants can help you save money on food expenses. You can also buy groceries and cook your own meals if your accommodation has a kitchen.
• Visit free attractions: There are many free attractions in Italy such as piazzas, churches, and museums. Check out the free or discounted admission days at museums and galleries.
• Buy tickets in advance: Purchasing tickets to attractions, tours, and events in advance can help you save money on admission fees.
• Walk or bike instead of taking taxis: Walking or biking around the city can be a fun and cost-effective way to explore. Many cities in Italy also have bike sharing programs.
• Avoid peak tourist areas: Staying away from popular tourist spots can help you save money on food and lodging expenses. Try exploring lesser-known neighborhoods and local markets.

Tips for travelling to Itay

• Plan ahead: Italy is a popular tourist destination and many attractions require advance booking. Make sure to plan your itinerary in advance and book any tours or tickets you need to avoid missing out.
• Respect local customs: Italians place a lot of importance on dress codes, punctuality, and table manners. It's important to dress appropriately and be respectful of local customs and traditions.
• Learn some basic Italian: Learning some basic Italian phrases can go a long way in Italy. It will help you communicate with locals and show that you are making an effort to understand the local culture.
• Be mindful of pickpockets: Pickpocketing is a common problem in many parts of Italy, especially in tourist areas. Make sure to keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.
• Enjoy the food and wine: Italy is known for its incredible cuisine and wine. Be sure to indulge in local dishes and wines and take advantage of the many food and wine tours available.
• Be prepared for the crowds: Italy is a popular tourist destination and many attractions can get very crowded, especially during peak season. Be prepared to wait in lines and try to visit popular attractions early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the crowds.
• Take public transportation: Public transportation is a great way to get around Italy and it's generally reliable and affordable. You can also take advantage of regional trains and buses to explore more of the country.
• Be respectful of historical sites and monuments: Italy is home to many historical sites and monuments that are thousands of years old. Be sure to respect these sites and monuments by not climbing on them or touching them in any way.

How much does a trip to Italy cost for a week?

The cost of a trip to Italy for a week will vary depending on your travel style and preferences. A budget traveler can expect to spend around 800-1000 euros, while a mid-range traveler can expect to spend around 1500-2000 euros. Luxury travelers can expect to spend upwards of 3000 euros.

How much should I budget for food and drinks in Italy?

The cost of food and drinks in Italy will vary depending on the city and the type of restaurant you choose. Budget travelers can expect to spend around 10-15 euros per meal, while mid-range travelers can expect to spend around 20-30 euros per meal. Luxury travelers can expect to spend upwards of 50-100 euros per meal.

How much money should I bring to Italy for souvenirs and shopping?

The amount of money you should bring for souvenirs and shopping will depend on your personal preferences and budget. However, a budget of 50-100 euros per day should be sufficient for most travelers.

How much does transportation cost in Italy?

The cost of transportation in Italy will vary depending on the mode of transport and the distance traveled. A single bus or metro ride will cost around 1.50-2 euros, while a train ride can cost anywhere from 10-50 euros depending on the distance and type of train.

How much does it cost to visit popular tourist attractions in Italy?

The cost of visiting popular tourist attractions in Italy will vary depending on the attraction. For example, a ticket to the Colosseum in Rome costs around 16 euros, while a ticket to the Vatican Museums costs around 20 euros. Other attractions, such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa or the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, may cost anywhere from 10-25 euros per person.

Budget for visiting Italy

• 1. How much does it cost for flights when travelling to Itay?
• 2. How much does it cost for hotels when travelling to Itay?
• 3. How much does it cost for food when travelling to Itay?
• 4. How much does it cost for souvenirs when travelling to Itay?
• 5. How much does it cost for transportation when travelling to Itay?
• 6. How much does it cost for sightseeing when travelling to Itay?
• 7. Howmuch does it cost for WiFi & communication when travelling to Itay?
• 8. How much does it cost for passport when travelling to Itay?
• 9. How much does it cost for insurance when travelling to Itay?
• 10. How much does it cost for 2 nights & 3 days when travelling to Itay?
• 11. How much does it cost for family, couples or single when travelling to Itay?
• 12. Methods to save money when travelling to Itay
• 13. Tips for travelling to Itay

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How to plan an Italy trip

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

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

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

Article contents

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

When to go to italy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

How much will it cost?

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

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

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

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

Expert Assistance

Need some help planning your trip?

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

Step 2 – Do some preliminary research and preparation

Where to research your trip to italy.

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

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

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

Italy travel planners

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

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

DISCOVER: Our Digital travel guides and planners .

Group tour itineraries

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

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

Private tours

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

Passports and visas

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

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

Citizens of the European Union can travel with photo identification.

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

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

READ: Can you travel to Italy plus current situation .

Step 3 – Confirm your itinerary

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

Where to go

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

Most popular cities

Most popular regions.

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

Itinerary suggestions

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

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

Suggested itineraries

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

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

Alternative 10 day itinerary suggestions

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

Group Tours

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

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

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

When should you start booking your trip?

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

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

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

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

Step 4 – Book your flights, inbound travel & insurance

Flights to italy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Inbound rail from within Europe

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

Bus travel to Italy

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

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

Organize travel insurance

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

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

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

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

Step 5 – Book accommodation and transport

Accommodation.

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

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

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

How much will accommodation cost?

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

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

Best accommodation sites

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

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

Other sites we use and recommend

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

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

Further reading:

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

READ: Our Italy accommodation guide .

Transport while in Italy

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

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

Train travel in Italy

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

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

READ: Our Complete guide to train travel in Italy .

Recommended train booking sites – Omio and The Trainline

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

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

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

High speed train intercity travel times on popular routes

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

Car rental in Italy

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

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

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

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

READ: Our guide to Renting a car in Italy .

Internal flights

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

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

READ: Our guide to all transportation in Italy .

Step 6 – Book Attractions, tours and activities

Major attractions.

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

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

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

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

READ: Our full review of Get Your Guide .

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

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

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

• Take Walks have a longstanding reputation for excellent service, groups under 20 people and guaranteed departures. So if you are the only person booked on a tour it will still go ahead. We recently enjoyed our Colosseum at night tour and day trip to Tuscany with them
• Liv Tours – family run Italian company offering true small group tours of 6 people or less. All of their tours use expert guides who will help you fall in love with Italian history, culture, and food. Tours include a popular golf cart tour of Rome’s highlights and their fascinating Women’s history tours
• With Locals offer great value private tours. You choose from a series of set itineraries and guides in cities across Italy. There are tours focused on history, food, culture and other themes or they can be customized them for your group. We tried their 10 Tastes of Naples recently and it was lots of fun. They also have great options for families
• Eating Europe – food tour specialists who will ensure you discover the best local dishes

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

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

Activities and experiences

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

Recommended experiences

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

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

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

Step 7 – Get ready for departure

Organize your money and credit card.

The local currency in Italy is the € Euro.

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

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

Book airport transfers

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

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

Rome – transfers from Fiumicino airport

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

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

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

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

READ: Our full article on Rome airport transfers .

Venice transfers

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

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

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

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

READ: Our full article on Venice airport transfers> .

Florence transfers from Florence airport

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

Florence transfers from Pisa airport

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

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

Amalfi Coast or Sorrento transfers from Naples airport or train station

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

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

Plan how to access the internet

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

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

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

Paid internet options

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

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

Packing for your Italy trip

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

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

Note – We have a complete packing guide coming soon.

LISTEN: to packing strategies in this podcast episode .

Must have items for your trip

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

READ: Our Complete packing guide for Italy .

Get started and plan your Italy trip now!

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

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

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

Deal alert: Fly premium economy to Italy from various US cities from $840 round-trip

If you've been waiting for a good sale on premium economy travel to Italy, now's your time. Several airlines are now offering discounts — in some cases, as much as 50% — on premium economy tickets to iconic Italian destinations such as Florence, Milan, Rome and Venice.

Paying for premium economy usually means you'll get to enjoy perks like extra legroom and free checked luggage — a great way to kick off your Italian vacation. And thankfully, the discounted fares in this sale involve a variety of cities across the U.S. (not just major East Coast travel hubs like Boston, New York and Washington, D.C.) and include places such as Minneapolis, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle.

Availability and total costs vary widely by route. Some fares, specifically for routes involving two stops each way, are even lower than the ones highlighted below. Discounted prices are available for travel slated between June 2024 and May 2025. Select fares include holidays, and most flights in this deal have layovers.

Deal basics

Airlines : Air Canada, American Airlines, British Airways, Condor, Iberia, ITA Airways, Scandinavian Airlines and United Airlines

Routes : From Atlanta, Baltimore, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco and other U.S. cities to Florence, Milan, Naples, Rome, Venice and Turin in Italy

How to book : Browse Google Flights, then book directly with the airline

Travel dates : Mainly between June 2024 and May 2025 for premium economy fares

This deal was originally sent out by the deal alert company Going. Sign up for Going to get up to 90% off select flights via its Premium membership , which users can try for free for 14 days and then $69 per year. You can also upgrade to the Elite tier for $199 per year for access to all the Premium deals, plus premium economy, business-class and first-class alerts.

You can also sign up for a free trial through this link .

Sample flights

Italian destinations in this sale include:

• Florence's Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR)
• Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)
• Naples International Airport (NAP)
• Rome Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO)
• Turin's Torino Airport (TRN)
• Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)

U.S. airports in this deal include:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
• Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
• Miami International Airport (MIA)
• Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
• New York City's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
• New York City's LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
• Dulles International Airport (IAD), near Washington, D.C.
• Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

We found round-trip premium economy tickets on Scandinavian Airlines in October out of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Milan for just $1,121.

Premium economy seats to Rome from Baltimore and Washington, D.C., are also available at a great price. This Condor and Lufthansa itinerary from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport to Rome in August is currently going for $1,090 round-trip. That's a fantastic price for this route.

There are even better prices for flights from Boston to Rome. This late-August, round-trip itinerary on Condor and Lufthansa from Boston Logan International Airport to Rome Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport is priced at $840 — a rock-bottom rate for this route in premium economy.

If you live in the Twin Cities, you can book premium economy seats on Condor and Air Dolomiti to Florence for $940 round-trip in early September.

Related: 6 reasons to visit Florence, Italy

Iberia is selling early-January, premium economy seats from John F. Kennedy International Airport to Venice's Marco Polo Airport for less than $1,000 round-trip.

SAS has round-trip premium economy seats from San Francisco to Milan in the fall notched at less than $1,300.

Maximize your purchase

When you book this deal or any flights, be sure to use a credit card that earns bonus points on airfare purchases, such as:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : 2 points per dollar spent on travel
• American Express® Gold Card : 3 points per dollar spent on airfare when booked directly with the airline or through amextravel.com
• The Platinum Card® from American Express : 5 points per dollar spent on airfare when booked directly with the airline or through American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 of these purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar)
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® : 3 points per dollar spent on travel

Bottom line

When you're searching Google Flights, don't forget to click the drop-down box at the top of the search tool and select "premium economy." It will save you time, as sale prices can be volatile and fast-moving.

Related reading:

• Here are the best current credit card welcome offers
• 7 things to understand about credit before applying for a new card
• How to apply for a credit card
• What is APR on a credit card?
• How to check your credit score for free

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Four Seasons’ Private Jet Trips Will Take You to Asia, Africa, and Beyond in 2026

The six 2026 itineraries range from 13 to 21 days and cost between $159,000 and $229,000 per person., rachel cormack.

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It’s never too early to start planning a vacation. Just ask Four Seasons .

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“Our goal is to create connections with travelers of this generation and the next, fostering a legacy of transformative experiences that extend far beyond the journey,” Marc Speichert, executive vice president and chief commercial officer of Four Seasons, said in a statement.

The 2026 itineraries range from 13 to 21 days and cost between $159,000 and $229,000 per person. To start planning your trip, visit the Four Seasons website or email the team at [email protected].

Rachel Cormack is a digital editor at Robb Report. She cut her teeth writing for HuffPost, Concrete Playground, and several other online publications in Australia, before moving to New York at the…

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