travel blogs for italy

Complete Italy Travel Blog: To Help You Plan Your First Trip in 2024

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Italy is one of our favorite countries to visit. It is a must-see country and it also makes for a perfect destination for those visiting Europe for the first time.

Boasting a rich cultural heritage and picturesque landscapes, Italy is easily a favorite among solo travelers, families, and kids alike. After all, who can resist the Tuscan wine lands, the Arno River in Florence, the historic beauty of Rome, and of course, lots of pasta and wine?

Even an entire month can fall short if you plan to get lost in the beautiful streets of Italy, exploring every nook and corner. But we understand if you don’t have a lot of time on hand.

That’s when our complete Italy travel guide will come in handy to help you decide when and where to visit so that you can quickly and easily plan your vacation to Italy.

So, without further ado, let’s get going… First, let’s have a chat about the best time to visit Italy. Timing can have a big impact on your enjoyment factor.

If you wish to browse our posts quickly, you can also scroll to the bottom of this guide to find heaps of helpful Italy blog posts.

What Is The Best Month To Visit Italy?

Thanks to the diverse topography, culture, and lifestyle of the people in Italy, the country makes the perfect holiday spot all year round.

However, our favorite time to visit Italy is during the off-season months of spring and fall/autumn, as the heat is bearable, and flights and accommodations are quite affordable.

If I DO HAVE to choose one single month to designate as the best month to visit Italy, then I will pick September. The crowds would have subsided by then but you would still have some beautiful weather.

But let’s break down travel in Italy according to season to help you choose the best time for your trip to Italy.

1. Summer: June to August

Summer in Italy brings a lot of tourists from all over the world, perhaps because of the party season! With soaring temperatures, the rates also grow exponentially, so if you’re on a tight budget, you might want to avoid this time of the year when traveling to Italy.

However, if you want to become one with the locals and experience the lively summer festivals, book your air tickets in advance to grab some affordable deals. Interestingly, June 2 marks Festa Della Repubblica, a national holiday in Italy, so be prepared for some fun and frolic under the sun on this day.

You could also participate in Ferragosto and catch some fireworks on August 15. But keep in mind that during this month, most locals head to the countryside and coastal areas, so you might miss the crowd.

If you don’t like crowds, then we suggest you avoid traveling during these months and instead pick the shoulder season to explore Italy.

2. Fall/Autumn: September to November

Bidding farewell to the scorching summer sun, fall/autumn brings a breath of fresh air to Italy. Now is the time when the temperature feels just right. Whether you want to bask in some sun or enjoy a hearty bowl of pasta-e-Fagioli- this season is perfect for any activity.

While September may have hot, sunny afternoons, the weather begins to ease down in October. Unfortunately, the cooler weather also means that you won’t be able to experience a ferry ride as most of the services shut down during this time. 

Despite the bummer, you can indulge in some Italian delicacies at wine festivals called Sagres. Here, you can find local foods, chestnuts, chocolates, and truffles. And if you’re lucky, you may witness a grape harvest, too!

3. Winter: December to February

The winter chill brings in a relaxed mood among Italians as local attractions are less crowded. This means you can roam around the streets, eat at cafes, and visit popular museums as much as you’d like. Plus, theaters and operas hold frequent events during this season, so it’s the perfect time for someone who loves a little drama!

As December starts, you’ll notice Christmas markets popping up all over the country. We recommend ringing in the jolly season with a skiing session with friends and family.

Also, note that travel expenses will be at a minimum during winter. So, if you’re planning a budget trip to Italy, winter is the best time.

4. Spring: March to May

Springtime is another affordable season for travelers in Italy. However, that doesn’t mean that it’s not worth traveling this time as the season paints the country with vibrant flowers and lush green trees. 

Again, you’ll witness tons of local markets serving seasonal delicacies during this time. You may even be able to pick some juicy grapes and wild strawberries if you visit the hilly regions in Rome. 

How Many Days In Italy Is Enough?

The answer to this depends on the number of destinations you wish to visit. Hence, if it is your first time in Italy, we recommend staying for a fortnight at least.

This way, you’ll get enough time to explore and enjoy the essence of each destination.

As a general rule of thumb, we typically plan for at least:

• 3 – 4 Nights in big cities
• 2 – 3 Nights in smaller towns
• Day trips to villages

For a two-week itinerary, we would probably recommend 2 bigger cities and 1 – 2 smaller towns. For example, you could do Florence, Venice, and Cinque Terre.

Where Should I Travel In Italy For The First Time?

Now, if it’s your first time in Italy you wouldn’t want to spend too much time, money, and effort on commuting. So, we suggest sticking to one main region and exploring it; we’ve explained the various regions of Italy below, along with the most popular cities in each.

You could also start off your research by checking out our post on the 25 most beautiful cities to visit in Italy .

Personal Recommendation: If you find the whole list overwhelming, my personal recommendation of the best places to vacation in Italy for your very first trip is Rome, Venice, and Florence with either the Cinque Terre Towns or the Amalfi Coast. I hope that helps!

 Otherwise here is a list of the best Italy vacation regions to visit.

1. Northern Italy

Some of the best destinations in Italy are located right here in Northern Italy, which is why I recommend it as my first pick for first-timers.

There’s so much to do and see in this region that, honestly, one trip does not suffice! Whilst you can read all about the 15 best places to visit in Northern Italy here, we also wanted to list our absolute top favorites below.

Top destinations to visit in Northern Italy:

• Rome  
• Venice , and 
• Cinque Terre

Thankfully, Northern Italy is the most developed part of the country, so transportation will be convenient. You can easily hop on one of the high-speed trains and get from point A to B in no time at all. You can grab a 10-day Italy-by-train itinerary here if that is your preferred way to travel.

As there are airports in Rome, Milan, and Venice, we recommend making any of the three your home base. You could also easily fly into Rome, move on to Venice, and then fly out of Milan.

You could start off by exploring the perfect amalgamation of the past and the present in Rome. Think art museums, historical monuments, and nightclubs!

If possible, try getting around Milan in a metro in a single day by visiting the Castello Sforzesco, Duomo di Milano, Terrazza Aperol, and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. And since Milan is known for being home to various luxury fashion brands, why not spoil yourself at Via Montenapoleone? 

Northern Italy is one of my absolute favorites as it is much cleaner than Southern Italy which is a bit more ummmm … rough around the edges.

Whilst Tuscany is in the North, I’ve added it by itself as the next point, because there are so many beautiful places to visit that you could easily just focus on Tuscany for your first visit to Italy.

Popular among couples (although great for families too!), Tuscany is your one-stop destination for all things love and romance! With vast wheat fields, lush meadows, and cypress-lined roads- the region looks like it’s straight out of a medieval romance movie.

There are so many beautiful places to visit in Tuscany. You can either browse our full list of the best places to visit in Tuscany here or simply add a few of the top destinations from our shorter list below.

If you choose to explore this Italian area, we suggest checking out:

• Pisa, 
• Florence , 
• San Gimignano , and 

You can choose a base (we based ourselves in Lucca) and then explore smaller Tuscan hamlets on day trips as well. If you are traveling with kids, you will also find our Tuscany with kids guide really helpful.

3. Southern Italy

Boasting stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, southern Italy is at its best during springtime. And if you’ve got more time in hand, you could stay a little longer and check out the beaches in summer. 

Southern Italy is a little more rough around the edges in comparison to Northern Italy, you will find more rubbish along the roads, the roads a little more full of potholes. But we loved this region none the less, and you can find some truly special places here. 

Find our full list of the best places to visit in Southern Italy or browse through our shorter list of the top destinations below.

The most popular destinations are undoubtedly:

• Pompeii , 
• Amalfi Coast ,
• Matera , and
• Sardinia. 

In Southern Italy, you will also find Naples which many consider to be the pizza capital of the world that has the best Italian pizzas .

A pro tip here would be to get your hands on fast-track entrance tickets while visiting archeological sites to skip the line. 

Being the largest Mediterranean island, your time in Sicily is going to be power-packed with gorgeous scenes, unforgettable adventures, and scrumptious seafood.

In our opinion, the best mode of transportation to explore this exotic island is a car, more so because public transportation is often delayed. 

Again, Sicily is huge, so one week wouldn’t suffice. However, if you plan ahead, you could make the most of a short trip by renting a car for more flexibility in your itinerary.

You can find our full list of 11 places to visit in Sicily here, or simply browse our list of our favorite places below. 

The most popular places in the region include:  

• Taormina , 
• Mount Etna,
• Cefalu , 
• Aeolian Islands , and 

You can find our Sicily road trip here – a great way to skip out on all the research we had to do in order to put our plan together. Or you might prefer to grab our 10 days in Sicily itinerary here.

Known as the heel of Italy, this southeast region is not as popular among tourists, but we’d like to change that mindset! In fact, it would make a great first-time visit to Italy if you want to experience the best of the country with half the crowd. 

With cities like Alberobello, Ostuni, Polignano a Mare, and Lecce, Italy’s best-kept secret deserves to be noticed by travelers worldwide.

We especially recommend staying in trulli in Alberobello for a unique once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Not sure which places to include for your trip to Puglia? Here is our list of where to go in Puglia for a trip of a lifetime!

Now that you have managed to narrow down where to travel in Italy, it is time to start planning the trip.

How to Plan a Vacation to Italy

Okay, this is the moment! It is time to start putting together your plan

1. Decide where to go and how long to go for

Most of the time, we all have to start off with the time we have available for this trip. How long can you go away for? Once we know this, we can figure out how many destinations we can manage to visit on the trip.

As a broad guideline, we recommend 3-4 nights for bigger cities and 2-3 nights for smaller towns. 

Now it is time to figure out where you want to go. Use our resource section above on where to travel to Italy for the first time. What would you love to see? Which destinations are on your bucket list?

Make a list of them all, and organize them into regions so you know which destinations are easy to visit together in one trip. Then make your decision on where you will be able to go for this trip.

If you plan on traveling long-term to different countries in Europe be sure to check out this post on the 10 best countries in Europe for long-term travel !

2. Decide where you will fly in and out of

Now that you know where you will be going, figure out where you will be flying in and out. You could choose to fly in and out of one destination such as Rome or Milan, or fly into one destination and out of another, for example, you might like to fly into Rome, then travel to Venice, and fly out of Milan.

And then it is time to secure those flight tickets. Here is a list of some of the coolest travel accessories to help you survive your long-haul flight!

• Flights to Italy:  We personally book our flights on Cheapo Air, we find that they are often the cheapest (even in comparison to Skyscanner).   Click to check on prices for your flights .

Check out our post on the best flights to Italy to make sure you choose the best airline when booking flights.

3. Book your travel insurance

We never travel without travel insurance with Safety Wing. We have claimed on our travel insurance more than once, claims that would have cost us A LOT out of our own pockets. Don’t skimp out on insurance!! 

• Travel Insurance: Safety Wing offers incredible plans and is one of the few insurance companies that allow you to grab insurance when you are already traveling!   Click to check on their plans and prices .

4. Book your accommodation

Now that you know which date you will be landing in Italy, you can start booking your accommodation for the trip.

• Accommodation in Italy: We always start our accommodation research with Booking.com. We find that Booking.com offers a fabulous range of accommodation, from luxurious resorts to home rentals (and we often find the prices for these rentals are cheaper when compared to sites like Airbnb). Click here to start your research for accommodation . 

5. How will you get around?

Lastly, think about how to want to get from point A to point B. You might prefer to simply hop on a high-speed train (if that option is available for your destinations). Or you might prefer to travel more lightly, stopping along the way at cute towns with a car rental.

• Car Rental in Italy:  The best car rental company in Europe is Auto Europe.   Auto Europe is a car rental booking service that quickly compares car rental prices across all the major brands like Hertz, Avis, and Europcar.   Click to see prices for car rentals .
• Train Tickets: We love to purchase our train tickets through Omio. Click here to purchase your train tickets .

6. Plan your itinerary

Next, it is time to start planning what you will be doing in each destination. You can easily do that by searching through our list of blog posts below. This is the fun part that I love most. 

And lastly, familiarize yourself with the basics that you should know before traveling to Italy. You will find a list of all the basics below.

Italy Travel Basics: What You Need to Know!

Let’s have a look at what you can expect when you travel to Italy.

Language : The main language spoken in Italy is Italian.

Whilst you will find English being spoken in many cities, it will be hard to find English speaking Italians in smaller towns and villages.

Currency : The currency in Italy is the Euro.

Airports : There are many international airports in Italy.  The busiest of which is probably Rome, Naples, Florence, Milan and Venice.

To save time on your holiday, make sure you choose to fly in and out of the airport that is located closest to your holiday destinations.

Visa Required : Most tourists traveling to Italy will not need a visa (if your stay is 90 days or less), however, it is important to note that Italy is part of the Schengen agreements, so if you are traveling from one of 26 states that are part of the agreement, then you can use your Schengen Visa to travel to and stay in Italy for up to 90 days. 

International Driver’s License Accepted? You will need to acquire an international driver’s license to drive around Italy.

It is a good idea to have both the International as well as your normal driver’s license on you at all times as we found that they often ask for the foreign license.

Is it Safe? Italy is a safe country to visit. Petty crimes such as pick­pocketing are common at busy tourist sights and attractions.

It is also recommended to be aware of trains for petty crimes as well. It is always a good idea to have a sling backpack for travel so that you can keep your belongings close to you (extra bonus points if they have anti-theft features). 

WiFi Availability : Free WiFi in Italy is readily available at cafes, restaurants, and hotels.

For those who prefer to be connected 24/7, you can easily grab a holiday SIM card before leaving the airport or train station. Here is a complete guide to buying a SIM card for Italy .

Credit Cards and ATMs : You can easily find ATMs that accept foreign bank cards. You will also find that you can use your credit card in most shops, restaurants, and tour operators.

Personally, we do always have some Euros on us though, so that we can use that to pay for smaller things such as metro tickets and toll roads with cash if needed.

Plugs: You will most likely need special plugs for Italy.   The plugs in Italy are Type C, F, and L. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50Hz.

We love buying plugs that are suitable for many countries, it makes it so much more versatile. Here is a universal adapter that I can highly recommend. 

Italy Travel Videos

We have loads of fun videos of our travels to Italy on our YouTube channel.

Click play and  don’t forget to subscribe ! (You can see more videos on our YouTube Playlist)

Italy Travel Blog Posts

We visited many places on our Italy travels; we rented a car and enjoyed traveling from one area to the next. 

If you are thinking about traveling to Italy with kids, check our Italy with kids guide for helpful info and tips. You can also find more helpful tips on traveling to Italy here. 

Find all our helpful Italy travel blog posts below. And lastly, if we don’t cover any of the destinations you wish to visit, you can also find more info on destinations on the Italy site here .

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Italy Travel Guide: The Ultimate 2-week Road Trip

Italy, the country of pasta & pizza, architecture & history, jaw-dropping sceneries, world-famous cities & medieval little towns, and mouth-watering gelato. That’s right – Italy has it all, and that’s why it is one of the most-traveled destinations in Europe . Multiple visits are needed to see all the country’s highlights. Discover the best of Italy within 2 weeks in this Italy Travel Guide.

Italy Travel Itinerary

All popular cities, like Venice and Rome , are well connected by train, car, or airplane. The best and fastest option is traveling by train, and the best way to see the country is by car, so this Italy travel itinerary is a mix of those.

Also have a look at our 7-day Italy itinerary !

Day 1-3: Rome

Start your trip in the capital of Italy: Rome . Rome has some of the world’s most popular tourist attractions; the Colosseum and Vatican City. Flights to Rome are usually the most affordable, which makes it a great start location.

Where to Stay in Rome

Rome offers accommodation for every kind of budget, including plenty of great hostels ( search all hostels in Rome here ).

Hotels in Rome 😴

Piazza Navona and San Lorenzo are central areas within walking distance of many of the top attractions. However, San Lorenzo is slightly cheaper if you’re traveling on a budget.

Day 4: Tuscany – Best of the Italy Travel Itinerary

Tuscany, with its rolling hills and vineyards, is one of the most picturesque regions in Italy. Escape the city, rent a car in Rome, Italy , and drive 3 hours along Lago Di Bolsena to Saturnia , the thermal area. Spend the afternoon and have dinner in this tiny medieval village called Montemarano.

We recommend to rent a car in Italy through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here .

Day 5: Tuscany ( Siena )

No better way to start your day than by dipping into the natural hot springs in Saturnia. Between 7-8 AM is the best time to visit, and if you stay at this hotel , it is just a 5-minute walk.

Here are all your hotel options in Saturnia.

Hop back into the car and continue your Italy travel itinerary for 3 hours along the most scenic roads toward Siena. Do note that your navigation has to be set to ‘Avoid Highways’. Siena is a beautiful old city with a UNESCO status.

Close off the day by having a delicious Italian dinner at Osteria Permalico . After that, spend the night in charming Siena ( this was our hotel ).

Where to Stay in Siena

If you’re only staying for one night in Siena, stick to the city center (around the Torre del Mangia), so you are close to all the historic landmarks, bars, and restaurants.

Hotels in Siena 😴

Alternatively, if you want to get back on the road early the next day, opt for rural accommodation within easy driving distance of the city.

Day 6: Tuscany (Siena to Florence)

On your last day in Tuscany, roam around Siena for a couple of hours, and visit Piazza Del Campo and the cathedral Duomo di Siena.

Siena’s old city center has a great ambiance. Cars are not allowed inside the old city center. Therefore, the city is a favorite on every Italy travel route. Read more information about where to park your car in our Tuscany Guide .

Read: The best things to do in Siena, Italy

Around noon, continue to your last stop: Florence . Optionally, visit San Gimignano or Volterra and drop off the car in Florence.

Day 7: Florence

Welcome to Florence. Spend the next 24 hours wandering around this ancient city and discover sites like the Duomo of Florence and the ancient bridge Ponte Vecchio.

While you’re in Florence, don’t miss out on a foodie adventure. Hop between cafes and restaurants, trying delicious fresh pasta and finding the best gelato!

Where to Stay in Florence

Florence has plenty of great accommodation options, from cute guesthouses and budget-friendly hostels ( search for your hostel here ) to luxury hotels.

Hotels in Florence 😴

Santa Croce is the best area to stay with loads of small bars and walking distance from all the things to do in Florence.

Day 8-10: Cinque Terre

In the morning, take the train from Florence to Cinque Terre , a 2.5h journey. Cinque Terre is a national park with five incredibly picturesque villages with hiking routes where you want to spend as much time as possible.

Spend two nights in Riomaggiore , Monterosso , or La Spezia, which is right outside the national park. ( Find the best train tickets here )

Read: Everything about Cinque Terre

Where to Stay in Cinque Terre

Accommodations inside Cinque Terre National Park are booked far in advance. Hotels are mostly available in Riomaggiore and Monterosso but expect to pay way over your typical budget per night.

Hotels in Cinque Terre 😴

A more affordable choice is to stay in La Spezia , where hotels start at 35 EUR a night. Alternatively, for the most budget-friendly option, search for a hostel in the area .

Day 11: Cinque Terre to Venice

It’s time to head to Venice , your final stop on your Italy travel itinerary. Take the train from La Spezia to Venice, a 5-hour ride with one transfer in between. The train is super convenient in Italy as some of the best you will see in Europe.

Find the best train tickets here

Day 12-14: Venice

Welcome to the city where everything goes by boats and bridges. Venice is one of the world’s most unique cities and an absolute must-see when you travel to Italy. Spend your last days in Italy strolling along the canals or crossing bridges sipping Italian coffee.

The mornings or late afternoon are the best times to stroll down the narrow streets of Venice as the city center gets busy during midday as the day trippers arrive in the city.

See the best things to do in Venice

Where to Stay in Venice

Stay in the middle of the city but tucked away in a quiet street 5 minutes walking from San Marco Square at Novecento Boutique Hotel .

Hotels in Venice 😴

If you’re on a tight budget, your best option is to stay outside of Venice on the mainland.

Costs of Traveling in Italy

The costs of traveling in Italy depend on where you eat, sleep, and how you get from A to B. These are the average expenses when you follow this Italy travel itinerary, eat at medium-priced restaurants, and travel by train + car.

Travel on a budget in Italy, from $570 − $630 USD weekly per person, mid-range $1220 − $2800 USD, and high-end from $2660 − $4090 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here

• Hotels: $65 − $300 USD Check available hotels
• Hostels: $20 − $40 USD Check available hostels
• Transport: $20 − $30 USD Book public transport
• Car Rental: $50 − $150 USD Book a rental car
• Food: $20 − $80 USD
• Activities: $20 − $45 USD See tickets & tours
• Sim: $1 − $3 USD Get an eSIM or SIM here
• Travel Insurance: $2 − $6 USD Get Travel Insurance

How to Get Around Italy?

Transportation plays an essential part in your Italian experience. Your Italy travel itinerary can be done by train, car, or plane. The fastest and most affordable way to travel in Italy is by train. However, a car gets you to those scenic country roads.

Renting a Car in Italy

For full flexibility and to go off the beaten path, driving a car is a perfect option. All major cities in Italy are well connected by train, but to visit Tuscany or the Dolomites, you need to rent a car. Avoid popular cities by car, as parking costs are sometimes the price of a train ticket.

Italy by Train

Traveling around Italy by train is excellent. They are incredibly fast (up to 350 km/h!), affordable, and much cleaner for the environment compared to an airplane. Book the train tickets a few days in advance to secure your spot on the train.

See tickets and availability for your train trip in Italy

Italy by Airplane

Just like the train, all major cities have international airports with domestic flights that connect cities internally as well as international flights.

However, the train might be a faster option for your trip around Italy, as the extra airport time adds up quickly.

Best Time to Visit Italy

Tourism in Italy is huge because it is one of the most-visited countries worldwide, so it is recommended to avoid the high season.

The best time to go to Italy is in spring, from April to June, and fall, from September and October. Prices are lower, fewer tourists, and comfortable temperatures.

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• Find Hotels via Booking.com
• Find a Rental Car via Sunny Cars
• Find Flights to Italy via Skyscanner
• Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
• Book Tours & Attractions via GetYourGuide
• Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go

9 Best Things to do in Italy

11 best things to do in pisa, italy, valley of the temples, sicily: everything you need to know.

Looking for more travel information? Plan a chat with us for personalised travel advice or get an answer from the Salt in our Hair Travel Community on Facebook.

Hi, just wondering what you guys did with your rental car after Saturnia springs? Wondering if going back to Rome & returning it would be the best option to take the train to Florence. Definitely want to do Rome the first couple of days, Saturnia springs, as well as Elsa trail & Diborrato waterfall in Tuscany, then either Florence or Venice (would love if you could suggest one over the other) and definitely would like to stop in Cinque De Terre for a day or two. Just wondering if returning the car and going by train is best in that case. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you!!

Hi Victoria, time-wise it’s better to rent a car for the part from Rome to Florence and carry on by train from Florence :-) However, it depends on how much the rental company charges you for returning the car at another city. If that’s way too much, you can drive back to Rome and take the train.

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Italy is the country that captures my heart every time I visit. It is one of the main inspirations behind this travel blog.

From its vibrant cities to the gorgeous Italian lakes and coast, the landscapes will get you first. And then there’s the food and culture. There is truly something to enchant everyone.

The country’s famous tourist attractions are popular for good reason but it’s also been my mission to uncover the best kept secrets in Italy – local restaurants, quiet regions and bustling smaller cities.

Italy off the beaten track is very special and I want to help you discover it. Below are all the links to the best information on this site to help with inspiration and planning for your most memorable vacation to Italy. 

Do you have questions about your upcoming trip to Italy? 

Join our   Italy Travel Planning Facebook Group  where you can ask questions about your travels – itinerary suggestions, accommodation and restaurant recommendations and more.

Or to get started straight away, visit our  guide to planning a trip to Italy

Highlights from our Italy travel blog

Practical information for helping you plan your trip to Italy – packing guide, first timers Italy itinerary plus more

• Italy trip planning resources   – sites, travel guides plus more
• Best booking sites for Italy – click here for our favorites
• 101 Italy  travel tips  – from when to go and what to pack
• Italy itinerary –  10 days of highlights   – Rome, Florence, Venice + more
• How to pack  for travel in Italy – includes checklist
• Travel  insurance for Italy   – essential guide
• Transport: our guides to train travel and driving in Italy
• Keeping your belongings safe and avoiding pickpockets
• Tips on internet access and the best apps to download

In our opinion all first trips to Italy should begin in Rome. The Eternal City is full of history, fun and intrigue and it’s worth exploring every corner.

• 5 day Rome itinerary – a how to guide with must sees and dos
• Best  tours in Rome  – Colosseum, Vatican plus more
• Rome:  A food guide – where and what to eat and the best food tours
• Airport transfers – how to get from Rome’s airports to the city

The Renaissance city has many charms but it would be a shame to miss out on the wonders of Tuscany

• Florence guide   and itineraries
• Where to stay in Florence –  accommodation guide
• Beautiful  day trips from Florence  – how to guide plus tours
• A  cooking class and the best gelato in Florence
• Lucca  city guide – lesser known city in Tuscany
• Explore  Pienza  in the south and the northern  Tuscan hills
• Fireflies  in Tuscany

Venice is our favorite city in Italy. There is nowhere quite as magical as the lagoon city, from the quiet campos to the splendor of the Grand Canal

• La Serenissima – our city guide plus Venice   off the beaten path
• A family travel guide to  Venice with kids
• Colorful Burano  – do not miss this outer lagoon island
• Authentic   tastes of Venice   – a food guide
• How to get to Venice from the airport

Want Italy trip planning news?

For more tips and inspiration for your trip to Italy join our mailing list and get a free PDF ebook of our best Italy travel tips

Stunning scenery, incredible food and magical sea breezes. We love the beautiful Amalfi Coast and nearby Capri

• How to choose which  Amalfi Coast   towns to visit
• Our guide to magical Positano !
• The magic of  Capri by boat
• How to get from Naples to Sorrento
• Why you should take a food tour in Sorrento

Italy’s vast mountain lakes are some of the most beautiful in the world. Here are some special places to discover

• The glamor of Lake Como
• Magical  Lake Orta   – our favorite Italian lake
• Beautiful  Brescia   near Lake Garda in Lombardy

Home to the famous Cinque Terre, the Italian Riviera is a stunning region full of pretty towns and seaside fun

• Pretty towns   of the Italian Riviera
• Visiting the Italian  Riviera with kids
• Where to stay in Cinque Terre

Milan may not have the historic charm of other cities in Italy but it makes up for it with a lively food and fashion scene and modern outlook

• Milan guide – must sees, itinerary ideas and day trips
• Where to stay in  Milan   – district and accommodation guide
• Da Vinci’s  Milan  – how the genius lived in and shaped the city
• A day trip to Verona from Milan

Raw beauty,  smouldering volcano, exciting towns and some of the best food you will ever eat. This is Sicily!

• All the reasons to visit  Sicily
• 8 hidden places in Sicily
• The ancient temples of  Agrigento
• The temptation of  Sicilian desserts

Been all over Italy and not sure where to go next? Check out these lesser known places and experiences

• Inspiration for your Italy trip  – unique experiences
• 50 beautiful  Italian towns and villages
• 35 Italian cities   you must visit
• The beautiful  beaches of Calabria
• Turin – Italy’s royal city

Visiting Italy is as much about the delicious food as it is about the landscapes, history and architecture. Here are some of our best Italian food articles

• My favorite   Italian food facts
• Where to find the best pizza in Naples
• Slow  food in Brescia  – the cuisine of Lombardy
• Piedmont food guide
• Italian  food festivals
• All about  gelato

LATEST POSTS ABOUT ITALY

How to avoid pickpockets in italy, best travel apps for italy, best tours in rome [2024 edit] – colosseum, vatican, food tours and more, best place to stay in florence – accommodation and district guide [2024], where to stay in cinque terre: best hotels and accommodation, best places to stay in amalfi coast: towns, villages, hotels and villas [2024], best place to stay in milan – area and hotel guide for 2024, a day trip to verona from milan – how to get there and what to see.

Italy Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Italy and not sure where to start?

On this page, you can find destination guides and travel tips for visiting Italy. From city guides to lesser-known places and itinerary suggestions, our experience-based tips will give you a better idea of what to expect and help you plan your trip.

If you have been to Italy before, then you probably know that this incredible country always leaves you wanting for more. If this is your first time planning a trip to Italy , don’t make the mistake of just visiting Rome, Venice, and Florence and thinking that you saw the best. There is so much more to see and do in Italy! Visiting just a few big cities (no matter how beautiful) doesn’t do this country justice.

Whether you are looking for history, architecture, stunning scenery, quaint little towns or good food – Italy has it all. It’s a perfect country to visit with kids too, as Italians just love the bambini . And the kids will fall for Italian gelatos, pizzas, and pasta…

Italy is one of our all-time favorite destinations in the world . It’s of those countries that you can visit ten times and still have the feeling that you only scratched the surface. It’s one of our favorite countries in Europe, one we gladly return to again and again.

We have been to Italy more times than I can remember . After each trip, we share stories, experiences, and tips on this blog. This is by no means a complete guide to visiting Italy, but an ever-growing collection of travel guides to some of our favorite destinations from our recent trips.

From the top landmarks of Venice to hidden gems of Rome, and from road trip itineraries in Tuscany to the most beautiful hikes in the Italian Dolomites – get inspired to visit Italy and plan your dream trip with our travel tips and advice.

In addition, you can also find all the info that you need for visiting San Marino, a tiny country completely surrounded by Italy. Take a look!

*This page contains affiliate links, which means that we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. More info: Disclosure .

Italy Travel Tips & Destination Guides

• Italy Itinerary (2-week itinerary that covers all the musts – perfect for the first trip)
• Best Places to Visit in Italy
• Most Beautiful Cities in Italy
• Most Beautiful Churches & Cathedrals in Italy
• Cinque Terre vs. Amalfi Coast
• Italian Food by Region

Campania (Naples/ Amalfi Coast/ Capri)

• 10-Day Itinerary for Naples, Amalfi Coast & Capri Island
• Best Things to Do in Naples
• Where to Stay in Naples
• 1 Day in Naples
• Best Day Trips from Naples
• Mount Vesuvius (complete guide on how to visit)

Amalfi Coast:

• Essential Travel Tips for Visiting the Amalfi Coast
• Amalfi Coast Itinerary (Suggestions from 1 to 5 days)
• Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast
• How to Get to the Amalfi Coast from Naples
• Path of the Gods Hike

Capri Island:

• Capri Island: Things To Do & Tips For Your Visit
• Where to Stay in Capri
• How to Visit Capri from Sorrento

Emilia Romagna

• Best Things to Do in Bologna
• Best Things to Do in Rimini
• Bologna & Florence Itinerary
• Emilia Romagna Itinerary (this region is a true hidden gem of Italy)
• Best Things to Do in Ravenna

Lazio (Rome)

Rome – best places & experiences:

• BEST Places to See & Things to Do in Rome
• Colosseum: Tickets, Tours & Levels Explained
• Hidden Gems of Rome (that most tourists never see)
• Best Views and Viewpoints in Rome (most are really easy to visit)
• Rome Underground Sites, Crypts & Catacombs
• Ancient Rome Landmarks (the oldest places to see in Rome)
• Rome Street Food Tour (our favorite!)

Rome itineraries:

• 1 Day in Rome (see all the musts in a day)
• 2 Days in Rome (best places + a few hidden gems)
• Rome 4 Days Itinerary (see all the main landmarks + hidden gems)

Practical information for visiting Rome:

• Tips for Planning Your Trip to Rome
• Rome Airport Transfers
• Where to Eat and How to Find The Best Food in Rome
• Where to Stay in Rome (the VERY BEST area)
• Rome in November (what to expect and seasonal tips)

Liguria (Italian Riviera)

Cinque Terre:

• Complete Guide to Visiting Cinque Terre (Tips for first-time visitors)
• How to See the Best of Cinque Terre in One Day
• Where to Stay in Cinque Terre (Ultimate Guide to 5terre Hotels)

Italian Riviera:

• Most Beautiful Small Coastal Towns of the Italian Riviera
• Portovenere (Hidden Gem near Cinque Terre)

Lombardy (Milan and the Lakes)

• Best Things to Do in Milan
• How to See The Best of Milan in One Day
• Best Things to Do in Lake Como
• Lake Como Travel Tips & Useful Info
• Most Beautiful Towns to Visit in Lake Como
• Villa del Balbianello
• Where to Stay in Lake Como: Best Towns & Hotels
• Most Beautiful Villas and Gardens of Lake Como

Lake Garda:

• Best of Lake Garda – Places You Shouldn’t Miss
• Lake Garda Itinerary (suggestions for any trip duration)

Trentino-South Tyrol & Veneto (Italian Mountains)

• Best Places to Visit in the Dolomites
• Dolomites Itinerary (suggestions for any trip duration from 1 day to a week and more)
• Where to Stay in the Dolomites (2 best areas & tips)
• Most Beautiful Lakes in the Dolomites
• Marmolada, the Queen of the Dolomites
• Lago di Braies – Pragser Wildsee (the most beautiful lake in the Dolomites)
• Lago di Dobbiaco – Toblacher See (a less touristy alternative to Lago di Braies)
• Val Gardena Hotel Guide

Hiking in the Dolomites:

• Most Beautiful Hikes in the Dolomites
• Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hike
• Lago di Sorapis Hike
• Cinque Torri Hike
• Lago di Limides Hike
• Lago Federa Hike
• Best Things To Do in Trentino with Kids (adventure family summer vacation in Italy)
• Val di Fumo Hike (one of the most beautiful mountain valleys in Italy)

Tuscany (Florence & beyond)

• Best Things to Do in Florence
• 1 Day in Florence
• Florence Rooftop Bars & Hotels with Rooftop Terrace
• Florence to Bologna: Travel Info & Itinerary
• Best Things to Do in Siena
• Siena Cathedral

More of Tuscany:

• Most Beautiful Towns of Tuscany
• Best Things to Do in Montepulciano
• Tuscany Itinerary
• How To See Tuscany From One Central Location

Veneto (Venice, Verona & beyond)

• Best Things to Do in Venice
• 1 Day in Venice: Things to Do & Itinerary
• 3 Days in Venice
• Tips for Visiting Doge’s Palace in Venice
• Venice Gondola Ride (Tips for a better experience)
• Venice by Car
• Visiting Venice with a Baby or a Toddler
• Best Things to Do in Verona

While the Republic of San Marino is an independent country, this tiny gem is completely surrounded by Italy. I, therefore, included all our guides to San Marino in this Italian travel guide.

• San Marino Travel Guide (ALL the information you need!)
• Three Towers of San Marino (what to expect & tips for your visit)
• Best Hotels in San Marino

Tours, Skip-the-line Tickets & Day Trips

Many tourist attractions in Italy are so popular that it’s absolutely essential to book skip-the-line tickets in advance. Some tickets, tours, and excursions also sell out fast, especially in high season.

TIP: For our own trips, we book pretty much all our tours and organized activities via GetYourGuide website . It’s our favorite one-stop shop for all tickets and tours because they have the best customer service and the most flexible cancellation policy we have ever seen.

Booking directly with a local company usually means that you can’t easily cancel for free, let alone get a refund in case something goes wrong. For that, it’s always helpful to have a strong intermediary and Get Your Guide is the best one we know.

When to Visit

There is no bad time to visit Italy and all seasons have something special and unique. In general, the best time to visit Italy is from April to October . That’s when the weather is at its best and everything is open everywhere.

However, it can get really hot in the summer months. So if you are visiting in June, July, and August, try to avoid big cities and visit smaller places at the coast or in the mountains.

My own favorite time to be in Italy is spring and autumn. The weather is perfect for sightseeing and there are fewer people. This is one of the best times to travel in Europe !

We also love visiting Italy in the lower season. That’s when you can experience a truly authentic side of this beautiful country. Here you can find some inspiration and information on what it’s really like to visit Italy in November and here for November in Rome .

Accommodation

If you are visiting Italy in high season (Easter + May to September), it’s advisable to book your accommodation well in advance. Best price/quality accommodations are always gone first.

Below, you can find our lodging guides for several destinations:

• Best area to stay in Rome
• Best Cinque Terre hotels
• Where to stay in Lake Como area
• Where to stay in the Dolomites
• Best Val Gardena hotels
• Best San Marino hotels

Booking.com is our first and usually the only resource when booking accommodation for all our trips, also in Italy. They have the best selection of hotels, B&Bs, and privately owned accommodations. Furthermore, they also have the most transparent booking system with the biggest flexibility in terms of cancellations. Nowadays, we book all our holiday accommodations through this website.

If you are visiting Italian cities, do yourself a favor and do not rent a car. You can easily visit all the bigger towns by train (see our Italy itinerary for inspiration).

However, if you are traveling in smaller places, often, having a car is so much easier. So it’s important to plan well and know what kind of trip you want to make.

In general, driving in Italy is comparable to driving in other European countries. Traffic jams and tolls on the highways, busy traffic in towns, and shortage of car parking spaces in the most popular areas in high season… That never stopped us from exploring Italy by car, however. There are so many amazing regions and smaller towns in Italy that would be very difficult to see otherwise.

Here you can find the best deals for car rental . We always book our rental cars through this website and I highly recommend that you take their full insurance option as well.

READ ALSO: How to Plan a Trip to Europe

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Our Travels to Italy

Welcome to Italian Dreams, your ultimate Italy Travel Blog. Join us as we delve into our own personal experiences of the Italian culture and travel. A place that has captured our hearts and minds, inspiring us to return time after time.

At Italian Dreams, we are considered family for simply showing up. Italy brings us happiness and lightens our soul. Our fascination with Italy dates back over 30 years, starting with our first visit as a young 20-year-old eager to explore and experience a country and culture that was once only a dream.

As a first-generation Australian, our love for Italy was influenced by the stories and musings of our parents and grandparents, who shared tales of family, struggle, and hard work, all while showing deep respect for their heritage and distant cousins.

Many of our memories of Italy are deeply rooted in politics, such as witnessing presidential motorcades drive by in Rome, being in Rome after the death of Pope John Paul II, and being in Milan during the Paris attacks. These events have shaped the world and are intricately linked to the Italian way of life – a love for family, a joy for life, and a live-for-the-day mentality. Follow our Italy Travel Blog for the ultimate Italian adventure.

Our Experiences

Read more about our travel experiences in Italy

Read more about our travels in Italy .

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• 2024 TRAVEL UPDATE
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• Beyond Bologna
• Regions of Italy
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• Itineraries
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• Rocket Italian review: 2024 update
• Ultimate Italy Travel Planner
• City Planners
• Essential Guides
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Podcast episodes

Episode #226: discover turin – the local’s guide to must-see sights & experiences.

Listen to “Discover Turin: The Local’s Guide to Must-See Sights and Experiences” on Spreaker. Elegant Turin, the capital of Piedmont in Northern Italy, offers a captivating blend of royal connections, grand boulevards and architecture, and a vibrant café culture. Steeped in history, this city is a treasure trove of majestic buildings with intriguing quirks and […]

3 Day Itinerary for Venice: Explore The Lagoon City

The floating city of Venice is packed with a historical and architectural Renaissance flair that goes unmatched worldwide. And let’s not forget the main attractions like impressive art collections, bustling squares, famous bridges, and beautiful churches that you’ll find dotted across the city. There’s so much to see and do here; that’s why you’ll need […]

Hidden Gems in Florence: 13 Unique Things to Do

Heading to the jewel of the Renaissance and looking for the top hidden gems in Florence? This guide covers some of the lesser-known and secret Florence attractions you don’t want to miss on your next visit. Florence is abundant in beauty. You’ll find it in quiet monasteries, at unassuming street stops, and in grandiose museums […]

Hidden gems in Italy – off the beaten path from north to south

Discover Italy off the beaten track and you can experience a whole new world of culinary, historical, cultural and scenic delights. There’s a well-worn path to Rome, Florence, Venice and the Amalfi and Cinque Terre coasts but venture a little further and you’ll discover another side of Italy. From exploring the sunny southern coastal towns […]

Hidden Gems in Rome: Off the Beaten Path in the Eternal City

There are countless things to do in the Eternal City, but it is the hidden gems in Rome that will make your vacation itinerary utterly unique. Among your visits to icons like the Colosseum and Pantheon, why not go off the beaten track and explore treasures often overlooked by tourists? With 3,000 years of history […]

Transportation in Italy

When you’re planning a trip to Italy, one of the important things you need to decide is how to get around. There are several options for transportation in Italy and in this article, we’ll tell you when to use each one depending on your itinerary, travel style and budget. If you are visiting from the […]

Hidden Gems in Venice: Secrets of the Lagoon City

Venice is well-known for its dreamy canals, gondola rides, intricate buildings, fantastic art, and delicious food. With such great features come a lot of visitors – around 36 million a year. So, it’s no surprise that some tourists may seek out hidden gems in Venice to escape the overwhelming crowds.  But, with an ancient city […]

Itineraries , Planning , Rome

3 days in rome: itinerary ideas for visiting the eternal city.

The Eternal City is one of the most fascinating cities you’ll find anywhere on the planet, and having just 3 days in Rome means that time is pretty tight. The good news is that a 3-day itinerary for Rome is totally doable, but you’ll need to plan your time carefully to make the most of […]

Planning , Podcast episodes

Episode #225: avoiding italy trip planning mistakes – 2024 edition.

Listen to “Top Mistakes to Avoid When Planning Your Italy Trip #2” on Spreaker. Planning a trip to Italy can prove more complex and overwhelming than you might think. The allure of Italy’s diverse attractions – from the ancient ruins of Rome to the scenic Amalfi Coast, draws millions of visitors annually, but the planning […]

Episode #224: Brilliant Bari – Puglia’s bustling capital

Listen to “Brilliant Bari – Puglia’s Bustling Capital” on Spreaker. The city of Bari is a must-see destination on any trip to the Southern Italian region of Puglia. Found nestled along the sun-drenched coastline of Puglia, with its rich and fascinating history, charming old town, and vibrant cultural scene, Bari offers visitors a true taste […]

Italy Travel Blogs

These are all of my travel blogs about italy. .

From exploring Milan’s food scene, to road tripping along the Amalfi Coast and enjoying adventures in the Italian lakes and the Dolomites, find out the best places to travel to in my Italy travel blogs and travel guides.

Happy exploring!

7 Amazing Day Trips From Positano

From looking glam in Sorrento and Capri to exploring the wonders of Pompeii and Naples, these are the best day trips from Positano.

Where to stay in elba, italy – the 15 very best hotels in elba.

From the stunning Hotel Airone Isola d’Elba to the stylish Hotel Hermitage and Hotel Biodola, these are the best hotels in Elba, Italy.

The ultimate italy honeymoon itinerary.

Looking for a two-week Italy honeymoon itinerary that puts romance at the forefront? From exploring Florence and eating your way around Naples, to gondola rides in Venice and boat trips on Lake Como, this route has it all.

20 amazing things to do in lake como in winter.

Travelling to Italy this winter? From festivals and foodie experiences, to snowy activities, there are plenty of things to do in Lake Como in winter.

13 most beautiful towns and villages in tuscany, italy.

From 12th-century UNESCO World Heritage sites to small towns deep in the Tuscan countryside, these are the most beautiful towns in Tuscany.

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Home » Europe » Italy » Itinerary

Italy Itinerary • MUST READ! (2024)

You are about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime to one the world’s most vibrant countries, with an array of attractions and some of the suavest locals in Europe! Every step you take in this fabulous country will be filled with beauty, art, and fresh excitement. Italy is an absolute hub for tourists, and it is easy to see what brings so many people from around the world to this country!

Italy has become known for its luxurious villas, delicious wines, Mediterranean seas, white sand beaches, and genius architecture. There is so much on offer in this country, and so many marvelous places to visit, that it can become difficult to plan your trip to such a country thriving with scenic adventure! It might be easier to ask yourself what not to do, instead of what to do – as every stretch of Italy is inviting and waiting to be explored!

Our Italy trip planner will ease the stress of navigating your way and finding the best spots to enjoy during your travels to this cultural and magnificent part of the world! From ancient temples to luminescent blue seas, you will be spoilt for choice!

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•  Best Time To Visit Italy

Where To Stay In Italy

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When is the best time to visit Italy ? has some of the most welcoming weather in the world! Every season is magnificent for a vacation in Italy , and this is something that makes the country even more beautiful. There are sunny and dry summers that can reach high temperatures, but the cool Mediterranean seashores are just so exquisite, making summer still very enjoyable.

Winters are wet and cool, and the mountain landscapes get lots of snowfall. The Dolomites, as well as the whole of the Alps, become a dream come true to snow-sport lovers. It is the perfect time to visit for one incredibly scenic ski trip!

Some of the best seasons to visit are between April to May, and September to October. During these phases, the sun is out but moderate, making it ideal to chill and sightsee! June to August is the peak visiting season, so prices skyrocket as do the temperatures.

Do check out our Italy packing list which will help you to pack and dress effectively whatever time of year you decide to visit.

Italy’s neighborhoods still encapsulate so much of this country’s rich heritage! There are so many upbeat, scenic, and often romantic cities to stay in when you go to Italy. Every neighborhood has something different to offer, but the most common theme is olden-day buildings, unique structures, friendly people, and lots of funky restaurants!

Choosing where to stay in Italy obviously depends on what exactly you want to see.

Trastevere is found in Rome and is a historical city that has become known for having narrow, cobblestone alleyways, as well as beautiful medieval structures. This neighborhood has a calm atmosphere and is found along the banks of the Tiber River. The streets are full of boutiques, old-fashioned stores, eccentric cafes, and breathtaking architecture! Nightlife in this part of Italy is very vibrant and breaks the more relaxed mood of daytime. Rome is home to some of the best festivals in Italy. One of the best historical things to see whilst venturing Trastevere is the famous basilica churches! Some of the best hostels in Rome are found here.

Piazza Delle Erbe is an extremely charming part of fair Verona! Buildings from the Renaissance line this popular neighborhood, and there are many Greek-God statues to be admired during your visit here. If you want to know where life is happening, then you will find your answer in Piazza Delle Erbe’s Plaza, where there are shops, restaurants, and plenty of stalls! Here you get the unique opportunity to experience a cup of delicious coffee whilst viewing the 13th-century Madonna Verona in the center of this plaza.

Cannaregio is located in ‘the sinking city’ of Venice, and is one of the most populated neighborhoods in the city! Here you can walk through Romanesque-style narrow streets, purchase the best-baked goods, enjoy the markets and check out some of the local churches. As Venice was one of the first Jewish ghettos in Europe, it is fascinating to take some time out to see the Museum of Jewish Art and the Judaica shops!

Check out one of the following neighborhood guides for some of our favorite Italian cities!

Cinque Terre

Amalfi Coast

Best Hostel in Italy – Generator Rome

One of the very best hostels in Italy is the Generator Rome. Discovery historical and ancient backstreets, and find yourself close to hubs that offer street culture, art, and amazing food! The Generator Rome is only a short walking distance to the Roma Termini station, as well as one of the best attractions, The Colosseum. The interior design of this hostel is outstanding and adds a special touch to your stay.

Best Budget Hotel in Italy – Camping Village Jolly

As well as being affordable, this hotel has a swimming pool, and the staff have lots of insider information which they offer at the reception desk. You can buy your fresh groceries at the store on-site, and even lounge for a drink at the bar after a long day or have yourself a tasty ice cream. If you feel peckish at night, then the à la carte restaurant is perfect for you to have an easy dinner!

Best Luxury Hotel in Italy – Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo

Situated amongst some of the most gorgeous mountain landscapes, and also opposite the Greek Theatre, the Belmond is in one of the most perfect places for a lavish trip! Taormina’s Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo has mesmerizing panoramic views of Mount Etna and the Sicilian Coast. 

You can also treat yourself at the spa, and sunbathe at the pool. It features an outdoor pool, and spa. Some of the suites also have magnificent views of the sea! Other suites have a view of the hotel gardens so you can capture the essence of paradise whilst looking out at the magnolias, cypress and palm trees. Everything you can dream of is provided here at this 5-star hotel!

Curious to learn more ? You can find epic accommodations in Taormina neighborhoods . You’re sure to have the best stay!

Using trains is by far the cheapest and most easy way to travel in Italy, and many of the major cities are connected to one another. Italian high-speed trains are operated by both Trenitalia and Italo. These trains link  Turin, Bologna, Florence, Naples, Salerno, Milan, and Rome.

You can also rent a car during your stay. EU driving licences are valid but otherwise, you will need to get your hands on an International Driving Permit, and it’s a good idea to keep your original Driver’s License with you too. If you want to rent a bike instead, then that’s also a good idea and your permit will work for those too!

Considering that Italy is made up of 116,000 square miles, with 20 regions (two of which are islands, Sardinia and Sicily) then flying from either north to south, or south to north is much more time saving and sometimes even cheaper! Air Italy is one of the more affordable flight companies that you can use

When walking around Italy, just be sure to have your camera and comfortable walking shoes. The streets are remarkably scenic, so walking from place to place will be an adventure in itself! This is a really awesome way to enjoy the street stalls and meet locals.

The Sistine Chapel | The Pantheon | The Siena Cathedral | The Leaning Tower of Pisa | The River Arno

OK so this Day 1 itinerary is very ambitious and has been designed for people who are short on time but not on cash. To get this itinerary done you will need to start early and finish late. You will need a personal car to get you from Rome to Sienna to Pisa and will need to pay to skip the line to get to the Sistine Chapel.  To complete it, you will need to keep moving.

Ideally, you would split this over 2 days.

Stop 1 – The Sistine Chapel

• Why it’s awesome: Michelangelo created jaw-dropping paintings on the large ceilings and the tall walls of this Vatican site!
• Cost: Entrance Fee is €15 ($17)
• Food Recommendation: Get yourself a wonderfully crispy pizza from Alice Pizza! You will get value for money and enjoy premium square slices. As the originators of the phenomenon of pizza, no other country does it better.

The world-famous chapel showcases commissioned art pieces from Pope Julius II, and Michelangelo himself painted the vault of the chapel! The creative genius is responsible for most of the in-depth and awe-inspiring paintings that adorn The Sistine Chapel, and he took years upon years to complete them, from 1508 to 1512 to be exact.

Michelangelo presented original and unprecedented art that understandably revolutionized the world of western art from that day forward! These frescoes are extraordinary and capture the soul of Italy’s religious history, whilst beguiling viewers from all over the world! Art critics have declared Michelangelo’s iconic work as being one of the top works in the history of painting.  The massive size of the figures painted on the ceiling and the challenge of applying paint to a curved surface have made these frescos an astounding and exceptional creation!

High Renaissance artwork, a breathtaking chapel, and insurmountable historical lineage all make The Sistine Chapel a treasure trove of brilliant site seeing and a perfect way to begin your unforgettable journey of Italy!

Day 1/Stop 2 – The Pantheon

• Why it’s awesome: The Pantheon shows off Rome’s most incredible and genius interior architecture!
• Cost: Free entrance
• Food Recommendation: Have a lovely and hearty meal at The Pantheon Restaurant, Di Rienzo. Sit and relax whilst enjoying a glass of wine, we suggest ordering the Spaghetti with Clams for an authentic taste of Italian flavor!

Roman architecture has been renowned for its ability to withstand the years while maintaining the original structure, and The Pantheon is a prime example of the brilliance of Roman architecture! This monument has been standing for over two thousand years and, despite its ancient age, it is still standing tall – even though the gilded bronze roof tiles were removed by Pope Gregory III to be used for cannons and to create an altar in St Peter’s Church!

 The Pantheon has also survived a fire in 80 AD and was rebuilt in a way that provides us with an insight into the complex and high technical mastery of Roman builders. The most prevalent feature of The Pantheon is its 43-meter dome, which is a superior accomplishment in Roman interior architecture and is suspended from supports that are hidden inside the walls. Talk about mysterious!

The 9-meter central opening in the dome is The Pantheon’s only light source, creating an ambient atmosphere. The Romans created this structure in a way that both the height and the diameter are the same proportion, creating a sort of architectural harmony in the building.

The gardens have been used as a burial place for the Italian kings and other famous Italians, such as the painter Raphael.

You will be immersed in an endless display of ancient Roman beauty and architectural prestige!

Insider Tip: Be careful of the floors when it’s been raining, as they get very slippery!

If you need some ideas for accommodation in Rome, consider checking out our guide on the best vacation rentals in Italy .

Day 1/Stop 3 – The Siena Cathedral

• Why it’s awesome: The Siena Cathedral is a marvel, built entirely of marble and complete with golden touches!
• Cost: Entrance fee is €5 – €8 ($6-$9)
• Food Recommendation: The Ristorante Numero Unico offers scrumptious meals and scenic settings. Have yourself a meal packed with different flavors, served with a beautiful presentation! The T-bone steak is one of their best and most popular dishes.

  A visit to Siena’s ancient and gothic cathedral is an adventure in itself! Otherwise known as The Duomo di Siena and this temple has become one of religious fervor to the people of Siena. The interior is breathtaking and covered with incredible works of renaissance-themed artwork. From the roof of The Siena Cathedral, you can experience an awe-inspiring view of Siena!

From The Cathedral Square, the Duomo’s presence is imposing and lavishly decorated, dominating the square with its sheer elegance and light!  Made entirely from black, white and pink marble, and decorated with the rich golden decor, The Siena Cathedral is a marvel to behold! This building is one of the most important gothic edifices of Italy, and it took over two hundred years to be fully constructed.

The Siena Cathedral is beautiful inside and out, featuring work of Italy’s most famous and acclaimed artists from that era, such as Nicola and Giovanni Pisano, Donatello, Pinturicchio, Lorenzo Ghiberti, and Bernini. One of the most famous paintings that are showcased here is the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo. This magnificent cathedral is fascinating and by far one of the most impressive features in Siena!

Day 1/Stop 4 – The Leaning Tower of Pisa

• Why it’s awesome: This tower was built by a team of different architects over many years, and still stands even though it continues to tilt!
• Cost: Entrance fee to walk to the top is €18 ($24)
• Food Recommendation: Have a light meal at The Ristoro Pecorino, a quint and local cafe found close by. Their food is delicious and savory. They also happen to serve some of the best-brewed coffee!

The leaning tower of Pisa has gathered attention from the world, and has such an effect that makes this building look like it is defying the very nature of gravity! The ‘leaning’ has been due to the fact that after the first of the three floors was built by the architect Bonanno Pisano in 1178, the tower has begun to bend 5cm to the southeast.

100 years later, another architect by the name Giovanni di Simone began his attempts to compensate for the inclination of the structure. He built four vertical floors, but unexpectedly the bell tower still bent – and so the construction stopped again!

Lastly, came in Tommaso Pisano to complete the work of the bell tower is 1372, despite the continuation of the sideward plummet. A remarkable building expert named Alessandro Gherardesca then made the first restoration of the tower’s foundation and replaced it with marble.

Thanks to all of these creative and innovative thinkers, we now have the tremendous Leaning Tower of Pisa!  This structure is a spectacle and insanely beautiful on the inside, with marble finishes and white pillars. Explore a building that took years to be completed, and continues to stand even though it tilts about 1 cm every year!

Insider Tip: Lines can be crazy, so make sure to book your ticket in advance!

Day 1/Stop 5 – The River Arno

• Why it’s awesome: It is one of the primary and most important rivers in the whole of Italy!
• Food Recommendation: Caffe Dell Oro (Gold Coffee) is an Italian bistro that specializes in traditional Italian cuisine, so you are in for some really diverse and new meals. We suggest going for the seafood options, especially the grilled sea bass. Whatever your stomach feels like, each meal is cooked to perfection!

The River Arno is one of the main rivers in Italy, even the city of Pisa was built around this waterway! The part of the River Arno that runs through Pisa provides a captivatingly beautiful landscape, and is an amazing place to simply walk along at night! Under the stars, watch as the moonlight reflects off the river surface, along with the lights from cafes and cars driving by.

Five absolutely gorgeous bridges cross over the Arno from central Pisa, and both the Lungarno Mediceo and Galileo Galilei are found parallel to the river. The local old-school houses and renaissance-themed architecture create a marvelous backdrop and this part of Pisa is truly picture perfect!

You will remember the magic from this moment forever, there is no better way to end of your first day traveling in Italy!

Insider tip: Learning some basic Italian, such as Ciao for hello and goodbye, will be incredibly helpful during your trip! The locals are some of the most welcoming people in Europe, and they really appreciate it when tourists show that they have attempted the home language.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

The Uffizi Gallery in Florence | San Petronio Basilica in Bologna | The Gardens Of Giardino Giusti in Verona | The Grand Canal in Venice | Lido Beachfront in Venice

The day 2 itinerary is just as hectic as day 1. Whilst these 3 cities are relatively close together, traffic congestion can make the journeys longer than we would like. Again, you will need to start very early , have a private car and skip the line at Uffizi. You will have no time to hang around Bologna and may have to cut the gardens of Giardino Giusti.

Stop 1 – The Uffizi Gallery in Florence

• Why it’s awesome: This gallery hosts the most famous and beautiful artworks all the way from the Middle Ages to the present Modern Day!
• Cost: €6 – €12 ($7 – $13)
• Food Recommendation: Vinaino Fiorenza offers simple, yet gourmet Tuscan style food, specializing in special bread and rolls. The Panzanella is a great dish to have for a breakfast that is jam-packed with different tastes!

 The Uffizi Gallery entirely takes up the first and second floors of a large building constructed between 1560 and 1580, originally designed by Giorgio Vasari. The architecture of the building is art in itself, but when you embark on your adventure inside the gallery you will be lost in a world of fine art and ancient history!

The gallery is famous worldwide for the outstanding collections of ancient sculptures and paintings that it keeps, some that are dated back to the Middle Ages and some from the days we now live.

 There is already so much splendor encapsulated from the paintings, but the gallery also prides itself on its collections of priceless ancient statues and busts that decorate the corridors! The Uffizi Gallery is a must-see landmark attraction in Italy. For an in depth review of Florence, read our Florence travel guide.

As this itinerary is intense, you will need be there by 9am to restrict yourself to seeing the masterpeices only. This can be done in 2 hours so you can out and on the road by midday.

Day 2/Stop 2 – San Petronio Basilica in Bologna

• Why it’s awesome: It is the 10th largest church in the entire world!
• Cost: Entrance is free and it is €2 ($3) to take photos
• Food Recommendation: Botanica Lab Cafe is the first Bistro in Bologna, and is striving to create healthy meals for a healthy body! Enjoy all of their vegan food and shakes. We recommend tasting one of their fresh croissants.

This immense structure stands and presents a domineering presence in the center of the Piazza Maggiore. San Petronio Basilica is dedicated to Saint Petronius, the patron saint of Bologna.

San Petronio Basilica in Bologna, ItalyThis outstandingly beautiful church has a Gothic design, and its most famous features are the sheer enormity of the building and its ancient unfinished front facade. Originally, the church was constructed in 1388 through to 1479, but it has never been truly finished, so the front facade is rather bizarre. The lower half features brilliant colored marble stonework,  in contrast to the top half that remains bare and made of exposed brown brickwork.

The church’s inside atmosphere is truly epic, with large brick columns that are adorned with decoration and seem to stretch on forever!  The San Petronio Basilica’s main altar is magnetic and will draw your attention as you walk down the central aisle in wonderment!

  Insider Tip: On the weekends you can take an escalator trip to the viewing platform!

Day 2/Stop 3 – The Gardens Of Giardino Giusti in Verona

• Why it’s awesome: These gardens are those of a famous royal palace in Verona!
• Cost: Entrance fee is €8,50 ($10)
• Food Recommendation: Enjoy a laid back and fun meal at the Café Carducci! The setting is vintage, and so are the wines. We suggest having a wine and cheese sitting with a light meal.

 The Giusti Gardens are professionally designed and landscaped to capture the essence of the Italian Renaissance, and the style in which it does so is magnificent! The gardens are some of the very finest in Verona, providing a stunning contrast to the waves of architecture that is most present in the city!

You will walk along and find yourself feeling like royalty as you enjoy the eight different squares, and each section has its own unique design and theme with a central fountain or sculpted centerpiece! Maintaining a high-class standard, it is easy to see the care and attention put into every inch of this garden.

Rich flowers, bright colors and indigenous bushes decorate these gardens – and you can even find yourself in an iconic hedge maze!

Note that unless you have driven between cities like a stunt driver, the gardens may be closed by the time you arrive. Or, you may be running out of daylight and wanting to get straight to the Canal’s and Lido.

Day 2/Stop 4 – The Grand Canal in Venice

• Why it’s awesome: The Grand Canal is huge, and along the expansive waterways are some of the most outrageously beautiful places in Italy!
• Cost: Entrance is free, and the gondola hire is €4,30 ($5)
• Food Recommendation: The Restaurant Terrazza Danieli is an upmarket rooftop restaurant on The Grand Canal that has views overlooking the city! The restaurant serves classic Venetian cuisine, and one of the best bets for a tasty meal is the traditional pasta.

What should one know about the Grand Canal? Perhaps, that it the greatest avenue in the world!  It may be a little strange considering it is an entire street that is made out of the water, but it is lined with some of the greatest and most beautiful buildings on earth! Riding along the Grand Canal is a truly enchanting adventure.

This used to be “the”  prestigious place to live back in Venice’s heyday, and it is still one of the most aristocratic addresses on the block! All the merchants that have really ‘made it’ in the world of business have had a shop on the Grand Canal at some stage. On a humorous note, most of the beautiful buildings along the canal originate from this contest had by the Venetian rich to outdo the neighbor’s place next-door – how little things have changed today!

Whimsical and glamorous, the Grand Canal with have you falling in love with the enigmatic nature of Venice!

Insider Tip: Palaces in Venice were literally built to be seen from the water so keep your eyes peeled!

Day 2/Stop 5 – Lido Beachfront in Venice

• Why it’s awesome: This beach stretch is famously the best in Italy!
• Cost: Entrance fee is €22 ($24) for non-residents
• Food Recommendation: There is such a vibe at the Essentiale Restaurant & Lounge Bar at Hotel Villa Laguna that it can’t be missed! Enjoy 5-star style and fantastically decadent traditional food cooked by world-class chefs. Spot famous Italian actors and musicians whilst having one unforgettable culinary experience!

Lido has some of the very best beaches in Italy, and has a sandbar that elongates over 7 miles long that sits in the Venice Lagoon and the Adriatic Sea! This stretch of beach has the well-earned nickname of “Island of Gold”, due to the stunning golden-brown sands and magnificent shores.

The loveliest beaches are in front of Lido’s historically grand hotels, they are lined with thatched beach huts or sporting elegant white cabanas. The beaches are open from May through September for travelers to bask in the Italian sun and enjoy the atmosphere!

In all probability, the sun will have set by the time you arrive. Hopefully, there will be a full moon casting a serene reflection over the water. This is an amazing and remarkably scenic way to end your 2 days in Italy.

You will be tired out by this point so make sure you book one of the best hostels in Venice to ensure a good nights rest.

Generator Rome

One of the very best hostels in Italy is the Generator Rome. Discovery historical and ancient backstreets, and find yourself close to hubs that offer street culture, art, and amazing food!

• Outdoor Terrace

The Montecassino | The Cinque Terre in Liguria | The Colosseum in Rome | The Roman Forum | The Chianti Wine Route in Tuscany

Our Italy trip planner will give you plenty of fun ways to spend your next few days! Visit ancient sites and historical landmarks all whilst traveling the beauty of this country and learning more about what Italy’s heritage is all about. Come with us on this adventure!

The Montecassino

• The Montecassino was first built in 529 AD and attracts lots of tourists worldwide due to the significant historical background of the Abbey.
• The surrounding gardens are vast and full of indigenous Italian wildflowers!
• The entrance to this magnificent site is entirely free, but the monks do accept donations to the monastery.

Italy’s steep and rocky hills are home to a rebuilt Monte Cassino Abbey, and it is one of the most popular abbeys in the world! Despite being destroyed during World War II, it has been remade and kept its original structure. This is a unique site that is filled with lots of history from the days of worship and meditation. It is still in use as a religious venue for Christian monks, and it is breathtaking!

 The remaining ashes of Saint Benedict, as well as his twin sister Saint Scholastica, are preserved and kept in bronze urns. The urns are found under the basilica’s high altar, and you can also admire other relics that are on display in the Chapel of Relics.

If you venture under the church, you will see a16th century crypt, adorned with an endless amount of fine art mosaics, as well as the tomb of St Benedict and his sister.

Monte Cassino used to be the wealthiest known monastery and is filled with old relics from St. Benedict. To see these old paintings, frescoes, and mosaics, you can go into the abbey’s museum. This adventure is full of new knowledge and stunning religious artifacts!

The Cinque Terre in Liguria

• Cinque Terre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has also been designed as a national park. Italy has a bunch of national parks to visit .
• The Cinque Terre is nestled in Liguria, and the ‘Five Lands’ is made up of five prominent villages that are located at the top of the rugged cliffs. overlooking the famous Italian Riviera.
• €105 ($119) is the average cost of traveling this famous coastline.

Cinque Terre’s villages are all overlooking the famous Italian Riviera, so no matter which of these villages you are in, at any given time you will be astounded by the landscapes!

This popular string of centuries-old seaside villages has 5 distinct towns that each have their own uniquely charming sites –  Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore, and Monterosso.  

These humble villages are overflowing with marvelous vineyards, vibrantly colored houses, steep terraces, abundant fishing harbors and plenty of local seafood specials. Most of the food here will be served with Liguria’s famous sauce, pesto.

The romantic area of Cinque Terra is sprawled between La Spezia and Levanto. It offers olive groves, azure sea views along the long coastline and a bevy of traditional restaurants.

If you want to have a hike, then The Sentiero Azzurro cliffside trail is the best! This hiking trail connects all of the villages and provides some of the most amazing sweeping sea vistas!

The Colosseum in Rome

• Pre-book tickets before you come. Lines are very long and sometimes it can take half a day just to get in.
• This site is one of the biggest attractions, and when you see how the building still stands and preserves so much of Ancient Rome’s splendor, you will understand why!
• Entrance fee is €12 ($13,50)

 You simply can’t visit the ancient city of Rome and not visit this most well known and very famous attraction! The mighty colosseum retains a remarkable stature and captures what it was like in Rome during the empire’s day. Walking amongst the wreckage, you can almost feel yourself time traveling to see the gladiators readying themselves for a fight to the death, as the hierarchy watched and eager fans cheered!

This colossal amphitheater was once able to host 50 000 spectators and has now become one of the most important historical relics in the world! The Colosseum still retains a hell of a lot of grandeur, and you can get a very good idea of what it must have looked like in its prime.

This site is both entertaining and reflective, as we realize how far humanity has come from such barbaric times (we now have X Factor….) . The ruins are beautiful, and seeing these broken down structures under the clear skies of Rome is perfection.

Want to learn more about this wonderful country? Head over to our backpacking Italy travel guide for more details all things Italian!

The Roman Forum

• The Roman Forum is one of Italy’s biggest attractions and lies between the Capitoline and the Palatine hills of Rome.
• The Forum was the center of the whole Roman Empire!
• Entrance fee is €2 ($2,24)

The Roman Forum is an essential part of any Rome itinerary . It is so big that it can be seen from most terraces in the wider city and enchants everyone who visits with its tall pillars, aged domes and amazingly well-kept structures with infinite detail and depth.

The ruins of The Roman Forum are made up of breathtakingly impressive temples, arches, and houses. This expansive labyrinth of history is home to both The Temple of Saturn and The Via Sia. Walking in the footsteps of Julius Caesar, in these remains you can still feel the power from Italy’s most prominent and ancient empire!

A guided tour of the Roman Forum offers you an authentic chance to gain insight into the politics, beliefs, and lives of the Ancient Romans themselves, helping you to understand so much more about this lost civilization!

The Chianti Wine Route in Tuscany

• Chianti is the most famous wine estate in Italy and churns some of the best plonk in the world!
• Touring this route offers you a very unique view of the landscapes and villages that you won’t find on other wine routes or tours.
• The route is free to drive or walk through.

 The Chianti road connects Florence to Siena, and is probably the most beautiful driving route in Italy! It passes through acres and acres of pristine arable land which has produced some of the best wine ever!

Just like it’s wines, Chianti has become more beautiful with time! This route will take you through enchanting old villages, rolling green hills and flowing streams. Stop off to have a wine tasting, or simply even have a picnic in one of the many beautiful spots along the way.

Italy is a strong contributor to the world of wine and this is one of its prime, wine regions .  Winelovers simply cannot go to Italy without exploring the magnificently beautiful and expansive vineyards!

You’ll also find plenty of Italian yoga retreats in this part of Italy.

Here of some of the best Italian trips for you to enjoy on your journey that will add heaps of zest and fun to your days! Whether you’re spending the weekend in Italy or more than 3 days in Italy, we’ve got your back with these amazing tours. 

Capri Boat Trip To Visit The Blue Grotto

This adventure is a true must for those wanting to experience all of the magic that Italy’s waterways have to share! The mystical Blue Grotto is an ancient sea cave just off the coast of Capri Island, and the effect that the sunlight has on the cave water is mesmerizing!

 The ocean water turns a bright luminescent blue color, and while you are touring through the cave you will not only feel the calmness and fantasy-like essence, but you will also feel as if you are floating on an electric blue wave that lights up the whole underwater cavity! The cave is a true gem, and boating through is a once in a lifetime experience!

Rome: Pompeii Sightseeing Trip

Pompei was famously suddenly and totally  destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 79AD. On this group excursion, you will explore these artistic and historical sites, ranging from old bathtubs, halls, and marble statues! Exploring  Pompei’s history is eerrie and fascinating.

The buildings are surprisingly well-preserved for their age, showing how ingenious Roman architecture was. These ruins are beautiful and have remained standing even after a huge volcanic eruption destroyed most of the castles and temples. Some parts of Pompeii still remain covered in volcanic ash, making these ruins a massive archeological landmark!

 Tuscany: Canyoning Adventure Day Trip

This is a fun day trip that is sure to curb your undying craving for adventure! On this energising excursion, you will have a full day of wet and wild canoeing on the beautifully scenic countryside of Tuscany!

As you navigate the way, you will be immersed in gorgeous waterfalls, and slide down completely natural water slides. Maneuvering on the sometimes tricky Tuscan waterways, you will have a great day learning how to conquer the waves. The whole way is full of gorgeous Renaissance buildings, colorful vegetation, birdlife and views that will make your soul soar!

 Naples and Amalfi Coast Full Day Tour from Rome

Having the opportunity to see one stunning place is magnificent enough, but on this tour, you will get to see two in only one day!!

Dirty Naples shows another side to Italy’s charecter and yet never fails to charm visitors.

To make your day even more unforgettable, you will be traveling past the exquisite coast of Amalfi . This coastline is lined with colorful old-school villas, fishing villages, stunning cliffs, and rocky shorelines.

 Ischia Day Trip with Lunch from Naples

On this day trip from Naples, you will be provided with one otherworldly kind of adventure! Travel from Naples to one of the most beautiful islands in Italy , and lunch with your travel companions. This volcanic island is surrounded by the Mediterranean sea, with ocean views that stretch as far as the eye can see!

The waters are known for being mineral-rich and enjoyably warm for you to have a dip and swim with fish. There are also volcanic natural spas for you to treat yourself to on this alluring island.

From the beach of Ischia, you can walk along a stone bridge to the medieval Aragonese Castle. Nearby, you will find the 18th-century Palazzo dell’Orologio that houses the Sea Museum, where you can learn more about the area of Ischia and its fishing tradition.

Italy is very safe for travellers and violent crime is rare. However, you do need to take some precautions.  Italy is generally safe , we will help prepare you for your visit so that you can keep yourself and your important things safe when in Italy!  

Rome, in particular, is known for petty theft and pickpocketing as are other major tourist destinations.

Never travel with  your bag out in the open or with an unlocked backpack. Keep your bag in front of you and keep it zipped. For extra precautions, get a handbag with a wire strap, so that it cannot easily be cut and run away with.

In the Metro subways watch for young children who may be working as pickpockes and bag thieves. Stay aware of people wanting to bump or get too close to you, and watch where their hands are going. Pickpocketing happens in the busy lines and within big tourist groups.

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Italy

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Find out what people want to know when planning their Italy itinerary.

How many days do you need for a full Italy itinerary?

If you’re keen to explore as much of the country as possible, then you’ll need about 2-3 weeks in Italy.

What should you include on a 10 day Italy itinerary?

Make sure to check out these iconic attractions: – The Pantheon & Colosseum, Rome – Siena Cathedral, Siena – The Leaning Tower, Pisa – Grand Canal, Venice

Where should you stay for a honeymoon in Italy?

Positano is our pick for the most romantic place to stay in Italy, while Florence and Venice are also popular options.

What is the best way to travel around Italy?

Train travel is the cheapest and easiest way to travel around Italy. Renting a car would provide more flexibility, while flying can be the quickest option and is often great value!

This complete travel guide will ensure that your days in Italy are well spent! We have covered the best trips for your Italy vacation, where to find the most mouth-watering traditional cuisine, and more! This beautiful country is a favorite, so be prepared to fall in love with the history, culture, and people as you explore endless magic!

 This Italy travel itinerary will have you enjoying the best parts of Italy, and soaking up your time in this country to the fullest! Backpacking through Italy can be inexpensive , and truly one of the best adventures you will ever go on. We sing Italy’s praises loud and clear!

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Florence Travel Guide

Last Updated: May 24, 2024

Florence is one of the most famous cities in Italy and a hotspot on the country’s tourist trail. Few people miss it, especially if they are visiting Italy for the first time.

With stunning Renaissance architecture, winding streets, and picturesque white buildings capped with red roofs, Florence is one of my favorite spots in Italy.

If you love art, the number of galleries here will keep you busy for weeks. There are also beautiful Renaissance churches to be explored and you could easily spend hours on foot wandering the manicured pathways at the Boboli Gardens.

The city is also a great jumping-off point for Tuscan winery and food tours. Moreover, Florence is a popular study abroad location so the city also boasts incredible nightlife.

This Florence travel guide can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this classic Italian city.

Table of Contents

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

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Florence

1. Spend a day in the Galleria de Uffizi

The Uffizi holds the world’s most important collection of Renaissance art (including the The Birth of Venus and La Primavera by Botticelli, Bacchus by Caravaggio, and Doni Tondo by Michelangelo). Towards the end of the gallery, there’s also some portraits and Dutch landscape works that are beautiful too. It’s a must-see museum. Be sure to buy tickets in advance to avoid long lines. If you go later in the day, there are fewer crowds. Tickets start at 23 EUR (plus a 4 EUR online booking fee).

2. Climb Il Duomo

One of Florence’s most popular sites is the Duomo (the cathedral). This huge Gothic building was started in 1296 and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site that covers Florence’s historic center. Filippo Brunelleschi, known as the father of Renaissance architecture, engineered the famous dome, which is still the largest brick dome ever constructed. The real highlight is the view from the top where you get a panoramic look at Florence and its iconic red roofs. It’s absolutely beautiful. You’ll need to reserve a time in advance if you want to go on the roof. The cathedral itself is free to visit, but if you want to visit anything else in the complex (such as the dome, bell tower, or museum), you’ll need to purchase one of three passes, with prices ranging from 15-30 EUR. You can also get a skip-the-line ticket with exclusive access .

3. Walk along Ponte Vecchio

The Ponte Vecchio is a medieval bridge built in 1345 as the city’s first bridge across the Arno River. Today, it’s the only surviving historic bridge in Florence, as all the others were destroyed in World War II. The bridge is lined with shops selling gold and silver jewelry. The shops are all small and close together. The red-tiled roofs and yellow stucco mixed with old stonework gives the whole bridge a very medieval feel. It’s closed to vehicular traffic, making it a fun place to stroll around and window shop.

4. See David

Housed in the Galleria dell’Accademia, Michelangelo’s 16th-century David is one of the most impressive sculptures in the world. At 5.17 meters (17 feet) tall, it’s a lot bigger and more detailed than you think it would be. I was completely blown away by it. It truly is a masterful piece of art that is a must-see. Try to go early to avoid the lines. Admission is 16 EUR and skip-the-line tickets (with a guide) cost 77 EUR.

5. Wander the Giardino di Boboli

Commonly known as the Boboli Gardens, the Medicis (an Italian banking family and powerful dynasty; four popes were Medici family members) designed the landscape and architecture here in the Tuscan Renaissance style that later influenced aristocratic and royal gardens throughout Europe. The gardens are absolutely gorgeous, with ancient marble statues and large fountains everywhere, and the scent from the citrus trees completely flooding your senses. It costs 10 EUR to visit (there’s also a combined ticket for the gardens and Pitti Palace for 22 EUR).

Other Things to See and Do in Florence

1. take a walking tour.

Walking tours are a wonderful way to learn about Florence and there are a handful of excellent free tours in the city. They cover all the highlights and are the perfect introduction to the city. It only lasts a few hours. Florence Free Walking Tours runs daily free tours in English. Just be sure to tip!

If you’re looking for a high-quality and detailed tour focusing on the city’s art or history, try Walks of Italy . They’re my favorite walking tour company because their tours offer behind-the-scenes access and are led by informative guides. Tours start at 77 EUR.

2. Visit the baptistery

Consecrated in 1059, the baptistery of John the Baptist is one of Florence’s oldest buildings. The octagonal baptistery that you see today was rebuilt from an earlier building dating back to the 4th-5th century CE. It was here where famous Renaissance figures, including poet Dante Alighieri and members of the Medici family, were baptized. Standout features include the three sets of huge bronze doors and the interior of the dome, which is covered in golden mosaics. Admission is part of one of the Duomo passes, which range from 15-30 EUR depending on which group of monuments you want to see.

3. Visit the Piazzale Michelangelo

Head to the Piazzale Michelangelo on the south side of the Arno River for a great cityscape view. It’s one of my favorite viewpoints in the entire city! You can see the red-tiled dome of the Duomo and the towers rising over the city. It requires a good hike up a hill but it’s worth it and it’s a great way to see the stunning view of the city without paying to climb the Duomo. Florentine architect Giuseppe Poggi designed the space in 1869 specifically to showcase Michaelangelo’s works. There’s a bronze cast of David here, along with bronze casts of some of the artist’s other works. If you aren’t able to or can’t walk up the hill, you can take city buses 12 or 13 to reach the top.

4. Lounge in Liberia Café la Cité

This is a combination bookstore, café, and cultural center. It’s a great spot for some in-depth conversation with locals and a prime atmosphere for getting some work done. They host a lot of weekly events too, such as readings and writing workshops. It’s open late (until midnight most days), when the atmosphere changes into a trendy, book-filled bar with great cocktails. It’s really cool and something more unique to experience than just more museums and old buildings.

5. Admire Palazzo Pitti

Palazzo Pitti was built in 1457 for the Pitti family and was later sold to the Medici family in 1549. As major patrons of the arts, this palace serves as a beautiful ode to the Medici family’s contribution to the cultural advancement of Florence. The exterior is impressive with the decorative arches and stonework columns on the façade. You really get a sense of how impressive this building was during the time period. It hosts an impressive collection of paintings from the 16th and 17th centuries, including works by Filippo Lippi and Botticelli. Admission is 16 EUR (combined admission for Pitti and the Boboli Gardens is 22 EUR).

6. Explore the National Museum of Bargello

The museum, which originally dates to the 13th century, is home to original works by Bandinelli, Donatello, Antonio Rossellino, and other Renaissance masters. It has the largest Italian collection of Renaissance and Gothic sculptures in the country and is just a short walk from the Piazza della Signoria. The exterior is all traditional stonework with delicate arches and a 54-foot clock tower. The crenelated tops give it that medieval feel. The interior courtyard is made from the same red stone and tall archways let in all the natural light. Admission to the museum is 11 EUR. There’s a 4 EUR online booking fee if you book in advance.

7. Visit the Sant’Ambrogio Market

Sant’Ambrogio is one of the oldest districts in the city, and in fact is the oldest market in Florence, having been around since 1873. Although it’s just a 10-minute walk from the Duomo, the market here is completely off the radar. Most tourist just don’t go to it – which is why I like it. It’s not as famous as the Central Market and its atmosphere is much more laidback. While you’re here, try some traditional foods like lampredotto (made from cow’s stomach), cured meats like finocchiona (fennel salami), pecorino sheep’s cheese, and local wines. You’ll also find some excellent Tuscan food at the Trattoria Da Rocco restaurant. The market is open 7am-2pm from Monday-Saturday.

8. Hang out in Piazza Santo Spirito

Piazza Santo Spirito is a public square located in the quiet district of the Oltrarno. In the mornings, the place is bustling with market stalls. Once the sun goes down, locals flock to the bars and restaurants. There’s a nice church to admire at the center of it all as well. It’s a real local place to just hang out and chill with some gelato and people watch.

9. Visit the Stibbert Museum

This is one of Florence’s most interesting and unique museums, though it doesn’t get the same attention as the city’s other museums since it’s tucked away on the outskirts of town. This is the private collection of Frederick Stibbert, who also donated his villa and gardens to the city. There’s some fascinating stuff amongst the collection of 36,000 artifacts, including historic armor from the Middle East and a completely reconstructed army of medieval knights sitting on their horses in the great hall. The main attraction: Napoleon Bonaparte’s cloak from when he was coronated. Admission is 10 EUR.

10. SUP on the Arno River

If you want a unique way to see the Arno River, head out for a stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) session with Toscana SUP. You’ll paddle your way underneath the Ponte Vecchio and then take a break for a glass of Chianti (you’re in Italy, after all!). Tours start from 70 EUR per person for two people and last two hours. If you have a group of three or more, it’s 65 EUR per person. If you want to go solo, it’s 100 EUR.

11. Check out the Biblioteca delle Oblate

This public library is housed in the former Convent of the Oblate and is a popular study spot for students. It’s an important cultural center too, with an entire section dedicated to local history on the first floor. There’s a lovely courtyard with a towering tree and green shrubs dotted around. There are benches so you can sit in the shade on a nice day. When you’re done browsing, go to the rooftop terrace for a coffee at the Caffetteria delle Oblate. There’s a great view of the Duomo from here and it’s never crowded with tourists.

12. Admire Santa Croce

Santa Croce is the largest Franciscan church in Italy and holds the tomb of Michelangelo (there are also funerary monuments to Dante and Leonardo da Vinci here too). The exterior is covered in green and white marble, along with decorative arches and mosaics around the entrance. The interior is stunning with stained glass windows, massive columns, and high ceilings. Surrounding the altar is a rich display of frescos and other impressive artistic pieces. It’s an interesting place to explore if you have already covered the highlights and have extra time in town. There are usually rotating exhibitions here as well. Admission is 8 EUR. Note: The Bardi Chapel is currently under restoration and not open to visitors.

13. Take a vineyard tour

Florence is surrounded by vineyards, many of which can be accessed via day tours. Most tours visit a couple of vineyards and include some samples. Expect to pay at least 50 EUR per person for a half-day trip. If you have your own vehicle, you can arrange your own tour (but you won’t be able to drink). Many vineyards also operate B&Bs or Airbnbs, which makes for a nice getaway if you want to splash out for a night. You can’t come to Tuscany without seeing the vineyards so make this a priority. There are a number of great tours like this one from that will take you through medieval villages and let you experience the wine country for yourself. For 90 EUR, it’s well worth it. If you don’t have a whole day to spend on visiting the wineries, there are options in the city that combine tasting local wines with walking through the gorgeous streets of Florence.

14. Take a food tour

To learn more about the history and culture behind Florence’s cuisine, take a food tour. It’s the best way to eat your way around the city sampling the best eats Florence has to offer while learning what makes the cuisine unique. Devour Tours runs in-depth food tours led by expert local guides that will introduce you to the food culture and its history. If you’re a foodie like me who wants to learn more about the history and culture behind each dish, these tours is for you! Tours from 80 EUR.

Florence Travel Costs

Hostel prices – In peak season, a bed in a hostel dorm with 4-6 beds start at 50-60 EUR per night, while a bed in a dorm with 8-10 beds start around 50 27-40 EUR. Private rooms cost 125-185 EUR per night during peak season.

In off-peak season, 4-6-bed dorms start around 38 EUR while 8-10-bed dorms start at 35 EUR. Prices for private rooms don’t change much in off-peak season.

Free Wi-Fi is standard and a couple of hostels also have self-catering facilities and offer free breakfast.

Budget hotel prices – The majority of hotels are located within a short walking distance of the city’s main attractions. Many hotels in Europe do not have elevators, so plan on climbing stairs if you’re not staying on the main floor. During peak season, budget two-star hotels start at 110 EUR per night for a single room. Double rooms start around 170 EUR. During off-peak season, single rooms start around 90 EUR and double rooms are around 140 EUR. Free Wi-Fi and free breakfast are usually included.

On Airbnb, you can find private rooms for as little as 55-80 EUR per night (though prices are usually double that). You can rent entire homes (usually studio apartments) for closer to 100-125 EUR per night if you book early.

Average cost of food – Italian cuisine is beloved around the world, though every region in Italy offers its own distinct flavor. Tomatoes, pasta, and olives and olive oil form the backbone of most meals, with meat and fish and various cheeses rounding out the menu. In Florence, popular dishes include bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine steak), lampredotto (tripe sandwich), tagliatelle funghi porcini e tartufo (pasta with mushrooms and truffles), and of course gelato.

While eating out in the city is expensive, the good thing about Italy is that you can get pizza and pasta for reasonable prices. For breakfast, there are plenty of cafes around the city where you can get coffee and pastries for less than 10 EUR. If you want something heartier, plan on spending 10-15 EUR. You can find a filling meal at a casual Italian restaurant for 15 EUR. You can get a small personal pizza for about 10 EUR or less.

A mid-range meal with drinks and an appetizer costs around 40 EUR per person at higher end place (think white tablecloths and fancier décor).

You can find cheap sandwich shops all over the city for 5-7 EUR. A fast-food combo (think McDonald’s) costs around 10 EUR. Chinese takeout is around 6-10 EUR for a noodle or rice dish while a meal at a Thai restaurant is around 11-16 EUR. Both are popular cheap eats in the city.

Beer is around 5-6 EUR while a latte/cappuccino costs 1.50 EUR. Bottled water is around 1.50 EUR.

If you plan on cooking your own food, a week’s worth of groceries costs around 45-55 EUR. This gets you basic staples like pasta, seasonal produce, rice, and some meat.

Backpacking Florence Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Florence, my suggested budget is 85 EUR per day. This assumes you’re staying in a hostel, cooking all of your meals, limiting your drinking, taking public transportation to get around, and doing mostly free activities like walking tours and enjoying the parks and plazas. If you plan on drinking, add 5-10 EUR to your daily budget.

On a mid-range budget of 150 EUR per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb, eat out for a few meals, enjoy a couple of drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like visiting the museums and doing a vineyard tour.

On a “luxury” budget of 320 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink as much as you want, rent a car or take more taxis, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

Florence Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Florence is one of the most expensive cities in Italy. A visit here can really set you back, mainly due to all the museum tickets you’ll buy (as well as all the delicious food you’ll eat). Fortunately, there are some ways to save money in Florence. Here are my top tips for cutting your expenses:

• Eat cheap – Eating near Piazza della Signoria or in the square can be very expensive. If you move further away from the busy tourist hubs, you’ll find cheaper places to eat.
• Travel on foot – Public transportation in Florence isn’t quite as necessary as in other European cities because most attractions are within walking distance. Skip the bus and walk if you can. You’ll save a few euros.
• Get the Firenze Card – If you are going to do lots of sightseeing, this card provides free entry to the top museums, tours, and attractions. It costs 85 EUR and is good for three days. Just make sure you add up the cost of the attractions you want to see to make sure the pass is cheaper.
• Get a Duomo Pass – If you don’t want to get a Firenze Card but still want to visit the monuments of Piazza del Duomo, you’ll want to get one of the three passes: Brunelleschi, Giotto, or Ghiberti. These range in price from 15-30 EUR depending on which monuments you want to see and are valid for 3 days.
• Get the Uffizi Passport With the Uffizi Passport you get one admission to the Uffizi, Pitti Palace, Boboli Gardens, and the National Archeological Museum over a five-day period. The pass is 38 EUR which saves more than 10 EUR over paying for each entrance separately.
• Redeem hotel points – Make sure you sign up for hotel credit cards so you can use those points when you travel. Most cards come with at least 1-2 nights free via their welcome bonuses. This can save you a lot of money on your trip. Here’s an article to help you get started with the basics so you can start earning points today and have plenty for your trip.
• Pass on the bread – Some restaurants charge extra for bread or breadsticks set on the table — but they won’t tell you until the bill comes. Decline the bread to save money.
• Buy wine at the store – You can buy a great bottle of wine at the store for just a few euros. It’s a lot cheaper than drinking at the bar.
• Stay with a local – Accommodation is expensive in Florence so use Couchsurfing to find free accommodation. It’s the best way to save money and connect with a local who can share their insider tips and advice.
• Take a free walking tour – This is a great way to learn the history of the city, see the main attractions, and fill in your day without spending a lot of money. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Florence

There are several budget-friendly hostels in Florence. You can use this article to see the best neighborhoods to stay during your visit. Some of my favorite places to stay in the city are:

• Plus Florence
• Archi Rossi Hostel
• Ostello Bello Firenze (15% off and a free welcome drink if you’re a member of HostelPass )
• YellowSquare Florence
• Villa Royal
• Hotel Giapponel
• Classic Hotel
• CHotel Nizza

How to Get Around Florence

Public transportation – Florence, especially the city center, is very walkable. You can get between all the top sights (like the Duomo and the Uffizi) in just a 5-10 minute walk. The furthest you will walk to see just about any attraction is 30 minutes.

That said, if you need public transportation to get around, Florence’s Autolinee Toscane bus system is efficient and reliable. A bus ticket that’s valid for 90 minutes costs 1.70 EUR (or 3 EUR if purchased on the bus, though drivers often run out of tickets). You can get tickets at just about any newsstand or kiosk. You can also buy ten 90-minute tickets for 15.50 EUR.

Bicycle – Florence is mostly flat and ideal for cycling. Rentals start around 15 EUR per day. E-bikes cost 30-45 EUR per day.

Taxi – Taxis aren’t cheap here, so I don’t recommend taking them. The base rate is 3.30 EUR, and then it’s an additional 0.10 EUR per kilometer with a minimum fare of 5 EUR. Skip the taxis if you’re on a budget!

When to Go to Florence

Florence is a year-round destination. The warmest months are July and August, which is also peak season. The average high throughout July and August is 31°C (88°F). Temperatures are slightly cooler in June and September, but these months are also very busy. Be sure to book your accommodations and activities in advance if you’ll be visiting during this time of year. You can also catch the Florence Dance Festival through most of July.

Winter is the coolest time of year, with an average high of 11°C (52°F). This is when you’ll encounter fewer crowds and prices will be at their lowest. If you’re there on January 6th, you can experience the celebration of Epiphany with the locals. It’s a celebration of the three kings arriving in Bethlehem and is the traditional gift giving day for Florence. There’s a parade and people dress up in costumes to reenact the nativity. During February, the city celebrates Carnival with parades, floats, costumes, and a huge puppet dragon.

My favorite months to visit are during the spring and fall when the weather is still nice but the crowds have thinned out. Prices will still be much cheaper than summer as well. From March-May and October-November, temperatures average 7-13°C (46-55°F). It gets a bit rainy during this time, especially in November. Make sure you have a few layers with you.

During the spring, the city celebrates Florentine New Year which falls on the feast of the Annunciation. The city also hosts a major celebration for Easter Sunday. The Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, a celebration of classical music and dance, happens in May.

The fall has plenty of events to enjoy as well. The Festival of Paper Lanterns happens in September and has been happening since the Renaissance. There’s a parade and crowds walk through the streets with their paper lanterns illuminated in the evening.

How to Stay Safe in Florence

Florence is a very safe place to backpack and travel – even if you’re traveling solo or even as a solo female traveler. While violent crime is rare, scams and pick-pocketing are common, especially at major tourist sites. Be vigilant around Piazza del Duomo and Ponte Vecchio and always keep your valuables secure and out of sight.

Don’t buy “skip-the-line” tickets from people on the street as they are usually scamming you and selling you fake tickets. To learn more about scams, you can read my post on common travel scams to avoid here.

It’s also a good idea to avoid wandering around the city alone at night, especially in Santa Maria Novella.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe, however, the standard precautions apply (when out at the bar, always keep an eye on your drink, avoid walking home alone at night if you’ve been drinking, etc.). There are many incredible solo female travel blogs on the web that can give you specific information about a place. They’ll give you tips and advice that I can’t.

If you experience an emergency, dial 113 for assistance.

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

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

Florence Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

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

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

Florence Travel Guide: Related Articles

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

The Best Walking Tours in Bologna

The 6 Best Hotels in Florence

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

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

The 6 Best Hotels in Milan

The Best Walking Tours in Florence

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Puglia travel blog — the fullest puglia travel guide for first-timers.

Puglia is a small region located at the heel of Italy’s boot. Along with the birthplace of Renaissance Tuscany, Puglia is one of the most beautiful destinations of Italy with picturesque towns and villages, the Italy’s most beautiful beaches. It is also famous for the two tree and plant that have become iconic: Olives and grapes at highest quality. Many Puglia specialties come from them. However, not only famous for its olive production and famous premium wines, Puglia also has many more reasons to urge visitors to come. So, is Puglia Italy worth visiting, what to do in Puglia and how to plan a perfect budget trip to Puglia for the first-time? Let’s check out our Puglia travel blog (Puglia blog, Puglia Italy travel blog) with the fullest Puglia travel guide (how to get to Puglia, Puglia guide, Puglia Italy travel guide, Puglia tourist guide) from how to get there, best time to come, where to stay, best places to visit, what to eat and top things to do in Puglia as well as suggested Puglia itinerary to find out the answer!

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When it comes to Italy, surely in your head will immediately appear cliché names like Venice, Rome or Milan. But the boot-shaped country has much more to offer than that. Have you ever heard of the land of Apulia or Puglia, located at the “heel” of the Italian peninsula? To many tourists, this name may not really widely know, but in Italy, Puglia is the most desirable place to visit. Surely, after reading this sharing of Puglia travel blog, you will want to pack your suitcase and explore this wonderful remote land.

Puglia is a “heel” region of the southern peninsular section of Italy and is home to historic towns that are thousands of years old, diverse landscapes, great food, and owns some of the best beaches in the south of the country.

Puglia travel blog: Overview of Puglia

Where is the Puglia region?

As I shared in the article sharing my experience of visiting Bari , Puglia is the geographical region located in the southeasternmost tip of Italy. In the past, along with Venice, Puglia was located on Italy’s sea trade route with Eastern European countries and the Balkans. Today, when economic development is more concentrated in the northern regions, the name Puglia is somewhat less well known, many liken Puglia to the Italian Far East, a name that evokes remoteness and mystery.

Located in Southern Italy and right at the heel of the boot-shaped country, the Puglia region has a true Mediterranean beauty with blue sea water, immense olive groves interspersed with Trulli mushroom houses and pretty little white towns. Therefore, Puglia is a very hot tourist destination in the summer in Italy.

This is also one of my favorite regions in Italy. In total I went to Puglia 2 times. Once 6 years ago only used public transport and mainly sightseeing. As for the August trip this year, I went by car from Rome, mainly going to the beach for 7 days and combining with 3 more days of sightseeing around the region.

Although there are a few villages that I have been to twice, but every time I go, I also like it because it is so beautiful. I highly recommend that you go to Puglia once if you can.

Puglia can be divided into 3 parts: North, Central and South. Puglia’s famous attractions are mostly concentrated in the South and Central, from Bari stretching down to Lecce and divided into 2 areas: Valle d’Itria and Salento.

Puglia travel blog: Valle d’Itria  (Itria Valley)

The Itria Valley, located between the provinces of Bari , Taranto and Brindisi, is characterized by beautiful white villages, irresistible delicious food and especially “trulli”, a very typical conical stone house. That is why this area is also known as the  valley of trulli.

Dotted with trulli houses along both sides of the road are olive trees and the stone walls are arranged ingeniously without the use of any adhesive. In Italian this type of wall is called “muro a secco”.

The most famous villages in Itria Valley are Alberobello, Ostuni and Locorotondo. Because it is located near Bari – the capital of Puglia, so you can combine visiting Bari and Polignano a Mare. There are also Zoosafari and Castellana caves, so it is very suitable for families traveling with children.

The Salento Peninsula is also known as the heel of the Italian boot. Stretching from the southern province of Taranto to the entire province of Lecce. The western Salento is bordered the Ionian Sea and to the east by the Adriatic Sea. The two seas meet and intersect at Santa Maria di Leuca, the southernmost point of the peninsula.

It is because of this very unique topography that Salento has many of the most beautiful beaches in the region. Quite a few beaches are called very beautiful names such as Maldive del Salento, Caraibi del Salento… because of the clear blue water.

In addition to the beaches, Salento also has no shortage of beautiful attractions such as:  Lecce, a city characterized by baroque architecture, or small coastal towns like Otranto, Gallipoli, Santa Maria di Leuca.

Is Puglia italy worth visiting: Why should you visit Puglia?

The north of Puglia is associated with the wine-producing culture, while the south has a strong connection with traditional Roman-Greek culture. Thanks to those factors, it has created a special land, attracting tourists from all over the world. It can be said that in terms of history, poetic aspects, peace or bold Italian culture, there is no land that can overcome Puglia. Here are some reasons why you should visit Puliga.

Rich history and architecture

Puglia was once the gateway to Greece and the East. Therefore, this is the ideal land for those who want to learn about culture and history. The region also retains many ancient vestiges of history, culture, tradition and spirituality.

Coming to Puglia you can satisfy all your curiosity and discovery interests. From ancient history to the Medieval and Baroque eras. From castles along the coast to small art villages. Where craft masterpieces begin, stunning views and old quarters. Here like creating the door to enter different civilizations.

Beautiful limestone houses with conical roofs, called Trulli. Very common here, and dates back to the 15th century. Roman, Greco and Messapian remains are also found side by side here. Lecce city with beautiful baroque architecture and considered as an art treasure.

Friendly, generous locals

Although not many people in Puglia can speak English, they are always smiling and ready to help visitors as much as possible. They can guide you on how to get around, places to visit and absolutely do not disturb or cheat. A little friendly Italian words like “ciao” or “bello”, “gustoso” is definitely not difficult for you but makes them happier when welcoming strangers from far away. Who knows, you might learn how to make pizza from an Italian?

Peaceful countryside

If the streets of Puglia were peaceful, the countryside is also absolute peace. There is nothing more enjoyable than cycling through unnamed small dirt roads, flanked by grape fields or weeds, breathing in the countryside fresh air. Even if you scream, it will only startle the birds.

Slow living pace

Puglia is exactly the place for tourists to live slowly. No one is in a hurry here, of course you have to blend in with that atmosphere. Restaurants, coffee shops, restaurants are almost only heard whispering and many places are closed for lunch break. Sipping a cup of coffee and gazing at the streets is perhaps more than enough to slow down after days of hurrying.

Great cuisine

Food is the reason that you cannot miss when coming to Puglia. This land is developed for agriculture so it is an ideal place for fresh meals from local produce. The food here is not expensive, they are reasonably priced. In particular, your meal cannot be without olives and wine – the prides of the Puglia people.

Dreamy alleys and cobbled streets

Most of the streets in Puglia are a maze, small and super winding alleys but not making visitors feel tired and annoyed. They enjoy wandering the cobbled nooks and crannies to discover a forgotten world.

Other reasons

Puglia is the land with the longest coastline in Italy, along with a tradition of maritime trade, so Apulia has many ancient towns, villages and beautiful Mediterranean-style ports.

Puglia shares the Adriatic Sea with Greece and is not far from North Africa, so the architectural style here is influenced by Eastern Europe and Greece very strongly.

Southern Italy’s warm, sunny climate creates a generous, open-minded and not as touristy as northern Italian cities.

Referring to Apulia, people immediately think of unique cultural heritages such as the ancient town of Alberobello, the white city of Ostuni, the open-air architecture museum of Lecce or the once-resounding Bari capital.

When to visit and how long should you travel to Puglia?

The not good time to avoid traveling to Puglia is 2 weeks in mid-August, because this is extremely crowded with tourists due to the Ferragosto holiday season. If you like the hustle and bustle, no problem. However, the other problems that come with it are: difficulties in finding a beach spot or a seat at restaurant, and the cost of room renting or sun loungers at the beach is also higher.

Except August, it’s ok to come to Puglia every other month. If you want to go to the beach but avoid crowds, you should go around June and July.

The ideal travel time in Puglia in my opinion is 7 days. The more time you have, the better you will experience, because there are indeed plenty of places to go. The first time I went for about 4 or 5 days, but almost only to visit the main places but did not deeply explore. This time going for 10 days, I feel a lot better.

Puglia travel guide: How to get to Puglia?

Taking a plane is the most convenient way to get to Puglia. The region’s two main airports are located in Bari and Brindisi. Cheap airlines like Ryanair or Easyjet all operate flight routes here, so you just have to work hard to find cheap prices on Google Flights, Skyscanner or Kayak. There was a time when I found a ticket with only… €9 from Rome.

If you depart from Rome or southern Italy you can consider taking the train to Bari. But if you come from cities in the North or Central Italy, you should… forget this option, because the time on the train can be nearly half a day.

As I shared in the previous article to visit Bari , you can take the train or plane to Bari, then stay one night and the next day visit other cities in Puglia. Another less common way is to take a bus. One bus company that is mentioned a lot is Onbus but I have not experienced it because I see Puglia as a rather remote area, so the bus ride is quite long and not as comfortable as a train or plane. Unless you are in cities near Bari, use this vehicle.

Puglia Italy travel guide: Getting around Puglia

If possible, you should rent a car or self-drive to Puglia to be more flexible about the itinerary and save time. Self-driving also helps you to visit more closely the Itria valley or beautiful beaches that are difficult to reach by bus.

Taking public transport in Puglia is still fine, because a few years ago when I was a student, I only took buses and trains. However, your travel time and schedule will not be very flexible.

Puglia blog: Getting from Bari to Ostuni, Polignano al Mare and Alberobello

From Bari to other places like Polignano a Mare, Alberobello, Locorotondo, Ostuni, Lecce you can check train timetable and tickets on Omio or  Trenitalia . And from Lecce to the towns and beaches there are buses of STP , especially the summer service called   Salentoinbus  will have more trips.

From Bari to Ostuni you can take the regional train, you can look up the departure time and buy tickets online here . Travel time is about 2 hours 30 minutes.

From Ostuni to Polignano a Mare is the same, but you should note that Polignano a Mare is located in the middle of the road from Bari to Ostuni, so it is common for you to visit Ostuni first and then on the way back to visit Polignano. It takes about 30 minutes by train from Ostuni via Polignano. From Bari to Alberobello also take the train, travel time is 2 hours.

Puglia blog: Where to stay?

If you want to live like a local in Puglia, you have to experience the form of tourism at the farms, also known as Masserie in Italian. Guests will stay in houses with Mediterranean-style gardens with olive trees, rooms painted with white walls with minimalist décor and luxurious swimming pools just like hotels. You can check it out on Agoda or Booking or Airbnb.

In addition, in Alberobello you also have the opportunity to spend the night in trulli mushroom houses, the type of traditional conical stone houses with spires only found in this town.

To avoid moving and changing accommodation too much, you should only choose a maximum of 2 places to book your hotel: One in the Bari and Itria valley, one in the Salento. The distance between attractions in the same area is not far, so you only need to book in one place to be able to easily travel to other places.

In agricultural areas such as the Itria valley there are many masserias, i.e. farms whose dwellings have been converted into hotels or B&Bs.

Bari and Valle d’Itria (Puglia Italy travel blog)

If you travel by public transport, it is best to book a hotel in Bari. If you have a car, you can choose a hotel or B&B in the trulli area like the villages near Fasano.

My family booked 3 nights at B&B Salita delle Pere . The feeling of sleeping in a trulli in the quiet country atmosphere is really relaxing and unforgettable. The breakfast cakes are all handmade by the lady owner, and the cow’s milk is also from her farm. After spending 3 nights here, I feel relaxed after 7 days of jostling with tons of people at the sea. In short, very good value for money.

Some good hotels in Bari you can refer to

• The Nicolaus Hotel ( Agoda , Booking )
• Hi Hotel Bari ( Agoda , Booking )
• Mercure Villa Romanazzi Carducci Bari ( Agoda , Booking )
• Parco Dei Principi Hotel Congress & Spa ( Booking )
• iH Hotels Bari Oriente ( Agoda , Booking )
• Zodiacus ( Agoda , Booking )
• iH Hotels Bari Grande Albergo delle Nazioni ( Agoda , Booking )
• Hotel City Bari ( Agoda , Booking )

Check out more top and best hotels in Bari on Agoda.com or Booking.com .

Lecce is the largest city in the area and has a very busy nightlife, so you should book a hotel here ( Agoda , Booking ). Those who have a car should stay outside the old downtown area with a bit ride or check the hotel’s parking carefully, but finding parking in the center is quite difficult.

Distance from Lecce to other places:

• Lecce – Gallipoli and nearby beaches (Porto Cesareo, Punta Prosciutto, Punta della Suina..): 35-40 minutes.
• Lecce – Otranto and nearby beaches (Torre dell’Orso, Alimini, Baia dei Turchi..): 35-40 minutes.
• Lecce – Santa Maria di Leuca and nearby beaches (Maldive del Salento, Lido Marini..): 1 hour.

Puglia italy travel blog: Where to go, what to do in Puglia?

If you are a history enthusiast, Puglia is the paradise for you to indulge in that pleasure. The city of Bari , the capital of Puglia, is also home to many Baroque mansions. The Old Quarter is located on a peninsula jutting into the sea, mainly built of white limestone. Small alleys, alleys and ancient domes. Standing from any corner of Bari, you can easily see churches and monasteries.

More interested, you can go to Otranto to admire the church of Santa Maria Annunziata – the most important Catholic cathedral of the city. The floor of the church is completely covered with mosaics dating from the 11th century, fully reproducing the images from the Bible. On the right wing of the hall is a place to remember those who died in the massacre by the Turks in 1480. Today, the skulls of the victims are placed in a glass cabinet right at the church pedestal, making many people feel creepy.

The White City of Ostuni

Ostuni is called La Citta Bianca (the white city) because of its white houses. Strolling these streets is one of the relaxing moments. The city is full of cute cafes, ice cream parlor, pastry shops and shops with local products. Pottery shops sell pumo di fiore (ornamental ceramics) with all kinds of colors and sizes. You will see this egg-shaped flower bud all over Puglia, acting as a symbol of prosperity and fertility.

In Ostuni, there is a town that fascinates visitors with its Greek beauty: whitewashed houses, scattered from the plains to the hills. Even hotels in this area are painted white to blend in with the surrounding residential area. The most famous accommodation is La Sommita hotel, built in the 16th century, which was originally a castle of the indigenous people. From here you can look out over the sea and enjoy meals right under the castle dome as a guest. During the day, walking on the labyrinthine streets of the city, don’t forget to stop by the bar to sip some real Puglia wine to be alert enough to find your way home.

Ostuni located on the Adriatic coast, famous for its white paint color of the whole city. If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting the Greek island of Santorini, Ostuni will surely fascinate you. In the past, the trade of Italy and Greece was very active, the Greek community used to live in Puglia and their mark was the characteristic white painted towns. Under the golden sun like honey, the deep blue sky no less the color of the sea in the distance, Ostuni appeared proud but very simple. To exalt that pride white color, houses and streets also seem to be decorated as minimally as possible. Ostuni is still not very crowded, so we feel even more small in the space of the city. We stopped for lunch at the fairy-tale Trattoria Fave e Fogghje restaurant/pub and inhaled the distant scent of Greece across the Adriatic.

Polignano a Mare

The town of Polignano a Mare is one of the beautiful towns in Puglia known for its stunning beach with clear blue water, craggy white buildings and a charming beach, Polignano a Mare is one of the towns. you must visit when visiting Puglia Italy.

Perched on a craggy cliff overlooking the Adriatic Sea, looking even more blue from above, Polignano a Mare is just a small town but steals your soul in a jiffy by lovely streets and houses decorated as if its owners were all poets, or at least artists. This is where Italians come to watch the sea, swimming and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of a Mediterranean afternoon. Polignano is like a short poem, but ecstatically beautiful.

Heading to the square in Polignano al Mare, stop at Il Super Mago del Gelo for a special coffee – their unique concoction with lemon, liqueur and espresso. If not, you can also try others as they also serve traditional coffee, gelato and pastries.

Alberobello

Alberobello is a super cute town in Puglia, home to tiny houses called trulli that have been listed as a UNESCO heritage site. Trulli are small hut-like houses whose cones look like cute mushrooms. Layers of “mushrooms” lining the small slopes of Alberobello attract the footsteps of any visitor. Shops, restaurants or even churches here are also shaped like mushrooms. The secret to a beautiful photo of trulli is to go to the high hill in the afternoon, when the whole cute city is bathed in the extremely romantic sunset.

The houses were built of stone to be easily disassembled to pay less taxes in the 19th century and are now protected by UNESCO law. You can see them scattered throughout the countryside, but you will see these houses one after another in Alberobello.

This is probably a city you must visit once in your life, because it is only one in the world and has become a new highlight of Italian tourism next to the familiar Rome and Venice. Alberobello is world famous for its mushroom-shaped stone houses (conical roofs). This is not a scene from a mythical movie, this is Southern Italy full of surprises for you. Alberobello for me is somewhat less emotional than the two cities above due to quite a lot of tourists. On Alberobello’s holiday, it is packed with tourists because Alberobello is beautiful and unique. You know how, sometimes we have to accept to share beautiful things with many people, not just keep them for ourselves.

Puglia on all three sides is surrounded by the sea, making it really attractive to tourists who love the sea. The sea water here has a beautiful blue color, the color that makes people stare endlessly. You can easily find great beaches for swimming, photography or simply looking at. No need to go too far, the capital Bari can meet the needs of most visitors. Here you can also shop, admire the large-scale shipyards under the blue sky.

The beaches have beach clubs offering loungers, lounges, sunbeds and umbrellas. Costs vary depending on the beach club’s amenities and time of year, but usually around 20 euros for two sun chairs and umbrellas. Most of these places will have a mini-bar and bathroom. Lido Morelli are huts and a casual bar while Coccaro Beach Club offers a more luxurious experience.

If you have time visit the south near Otranto, there is a sinkhole there called Grotto della Poesia. It is like a unique natural swimming pool.

Stay at Masseria or Trulli

You might be surprised at how many accommodation options you have in Puglia. From unforgettable masserias to charming airbnbs with terraces, there is something new for every preference and budget. Almapetra Trulli Resort offers 2-bedroom trulli houses with swimming pools and communal barbecue areas. Starting at around 100 euros a night, it’s a great value option for families.

Or choose Masseria San Francesco for an upscale accommodation with thoughtful interiors, a pool and a lively bar.

Souvenirs:Surely, pretty Alberobello Trulli made of porcelain or stone. Decorative ceramics with Fichi d’India cactus is also a beautiful choice for you.

Puglia travel blog: What to eat?

Puglia has both an agricultural area and a sea, so the cuisine is very rich. Therefore, there is no shortage of specialties from breakfast, street food, to meat and seafood, to suit everyone’s taste.

Delicious food in Puglia

• Pasticciotto: A day in Puglia will start with an energetic breakfast with pasticciotto and almond milk iced coffee. Pasticciotto is a very popular cream-filled cake in the region.
• Puccia:  This is a round and flat bread, very suitable for a quick lunch. In addition, in Puglia, there are many other types of street food such as fried foods (pittule, pitta, panzerotti), or baked goods (rustico, frisa).
• Bombette: This is the most typical dish of the whole region, especially in the Itria valley. Bombette is pork slices rolled with salt, pepper, cheese then grilled in the oven or on a BBQ grill.
• Riso patate e cozze (tiella barese): Including rice, potatoes and mussels cooked together create the perfect taste. This dish is a specialty in Bari, so anyone who comes to Bari should not miss it.
• Orecchiette con broccoli o cime di rapa (orecchiette with broccoli): Orecchiette is a very popular pasta in Puglia. This dish can be found everywhere, but it is best eaten in Bari. In addition to broccoli tops, you can find orecchiettes with ketchup or meat sauce. Food in each region in Italy is different and each city will have its own specialties. Orecchiette is an ear-shaped pasta commonly found in Puglia. There are even variations of this delicious dish throughout the region. Eating a plate of Pasta Orecchiette is a must try experience when visiting this southern region.
• Burrata is a cheese from Puglia, it’s like a bag made of mozzarella with cream and soft cheese inside. You’ll find burrata on the menu, served with a green salad or with pasta. Burrata is delicious and you won’t find it as fresh unless you are in Puglia.
• Olive Oil: With a history of growing olive over 500 years, you can expect the region of Puglia to have an excellent olive oil. There are more than 60 million olive trees in the region that produce about 40% of the entire Italian olive oil production. Olive groves are an integral part of the Puglia landscape and one of the reasons you should travel here.
• Local wine: Primitivo di Manduria and Negroamaro are two of the many dialects you’ll find on menus in restaurants and eateries here. Red wine is really a staple of the Puglian diet and you can’t visit without trying it.

These are just a few of the highlights, but the list is actually quite long. In Salento you can also find very delicious fresh seafood dishes.

Where to eat

Here are a few places I’ve eaten at and enjoyed very much:

• Martinucci coffee/cake shop . This is a very famous pastry chain in Puglia, almost everywhere. Pasticciotto here has a lot of flavors, not too sweet and the cream filling is so tasty.
• Macelleria e Salumeria di Olimpia di Nicola Semeraro (SP216, Lamie di Olimpia BA): This is a butcher with restaurant business near Alberobello and Locorotondo. Bombette here is soft but very tasty. In Puglia it is very common for a butcher to run its own restaurant. So if you want to eat right, you should choose these restaurants to eat bombette or barbecue.
• Gallipoli Seafood Market: At night, the market stalls have tables and chairs selling fresh seafood to enjoy like aperitivo. The atmosphere here is fun and the seafood looks fresh. If you have the opportunity to visit Gallipoli, you should definitely not miss it.
• La Pastasciutta (Via Vito Tamborrino, Ostuni, BR): The restaurant is located in the center of Ostuni, the pasta is delicious and the price is very cheap.

Puglia itinerary 7 days

We usually take at least 3 days and 2 nights to exploring this region. But it is not enough. A suitable Puglia itinerary is 7 days. The attractions in Puglia are mostly small and can be visited during the day. Even, there are many towns that only take 2 hours to explore it all. The travel distance between places is not far, so it is easy to schedule.

Here is the suggested Puglia travel itinerary for 7 days:

• DAY 1 – Arrive in Bari and visit Bari, the capital of the region.
• DAY 2 – Visit Polignano a Mare, a town built on a beautiful seaside cliff.
• DAY 3 – Visit the famous towns of Alberobello and Locorotondo. Alberobello is the most famous trulli town in the region. The evening in Alberobello is also very beautiful and sparkling. So if you are flexible about time, you can go to Locorotondo in the morning and then go to Alberobello in the afternoon.
• DAY 4 – Morning visit to the white city of Ostuni and after lunch depart for Lecce, the city known as the Southern Florence with beautiful Baroque architecture. At night in Lecce is very crowded and bustling, walking at night here is also very fun.
• DAY 5 – Lecce tour (Can be replaced by Gallipoli/Santa Maria di Leuca if day 4 can visit Lecce).
• DAY 6 – Sightseeing in Otranto (can be combined with the nearby beach and then visit in the evening).
• DAY 7 – Depart for Brindisi to catch the flight, ending the journey.

This is just a suggested Puglia travel itinerary with the main purpose of sightseeing. If you want, you can combine a visit to Matera in the nearby Basilicata region.

If you want to go to the beach more, you should add about 2-3 days. My family last went to August, it was very hot, so most of the day we only went to the beach, only went to visit in the evening to cool down. The last 3 days were just walking around the towns in Valle d’Itria.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Bari and Puglia you can refer to

• Private Bari Old City Guided Walking Tour
• Bari City Walk, by Bike or Segway
• Matera Tour from Bari
• Bari Street Food Walking, Bike, or Segway Tour
• Alberobello Walking Tour from Bari
• Castel del Monte Tour from Bari
• Bari City Walking, Bike, or Segway Tour with Pasta Making Experience
• Lecce: Baroque Architecture and Underground Walking Tour
• Polignano a Mare: Speedboat Cruise to Caves with Aperitif
• From Bari: Pasta Experience Walking Tour
• Alberobello: 2-Hour Guided Trulli Tour
• Ostuni: Olive Oil Tasting Tour
• Polignano a Mare: 1.5-Hour Boat Cave Tour
• Alberobello: History Walking Tour with Olive Oil Tasting
• Bari Walking Street Food Tour
• Apulia: Bike Tour through the Treasures of Bari
• Lecce: Walking Tour
• Lecce: Guided Rickshaw Tour
• Bari Rickshaw Street Food Tour
• Bari: Segway Tour & Gelato Tasting
• Bari Walking Tour
• Bari Street Food Tour by Bike
• Bari: Bike-Rickshaw City Tour

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2 Days in Rome Video Guide

Cecilia Rinaldi Last Updated: May 30, 2024

Follow in the footsteps of Sean Finelli as he spends 48 hours in Rome. He will show you his typical activities when visiting the Italian capital and unveil his favorite secret spots, allowing you to model your travel itinerary on his. This includes visits to the Pantheon, Colosseum, and the Forum, along with recommendations on where to eat, where to get the best coffee, and much more.

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The Best And Most Affordable Travel Method In Italy, Per Giada De Laurentiis

W hen visiting Italy, most tourists spend time in more than one region, as a key thing to know about Italian food  and culture is that each area offers something unique and different. But what's the best way to get from one region to another, especially considering that the peninsula's length is over 700 miles? The most convenient and affordable option may be to take the train, says Regan Hofmann, writing for the blog of internationally revered chef and Italian lifestyle expert Giada de Laurentiis. As she is someone who grew up in Rome and has built a wildly successful brand on her passion for her home country, we can trust this recommendation under de Laurentiis' name.  

Train travel, Hofmann says, is "much cheaper than trying to get around on small commuter flights," the latter of which connect larger cities but won't land you in small towns or get you deep into rural areas. Train service, on the other hand, interlinks thousands of municipalities from north to south and east to west all over the country, with most train stations centrally located in their respective towns and cities. This means that at the end of your journey, you can hit the ground running in your destination without having to wait at the airport to collect your bag or hire a taxi to take you to the town center. This can save you gobs of both time and money. 

Read more: Tips For Protecting Your Passport When Traveling Abroad

The How-Tos Of Italian Train Travel

The first thing to do when planning your itinerary is to decide where in Italy to go based on your interests, time, and budget. For a little help with that task, check out these essential Italy travel hacks along with this guide to some of Italy's top foodie destinations  that were recommended by Giada de Laurentiis. If you elect to spend time on islands like Sicily or Sardinia, you're obviously going to have to diversify your means of transportation beyond trains. But if you're staying on the mainland, you can probably do all or most of your intercity travel by train. 

On de Laurentiis' blog, Regan Hofmann suggests purchasing train tickets in advance online through Trenitalia  to secure your spot. Also, for long-distance trips, tickets purchased in advance can be considerably cheaper than the ones you buy at the station on the day of travel. To view the Trenitalia page in English, select "ENG" in the upper right-hand corner of the homepage and then enter your starting and ending cities and travel date. The system will then generate a list of options based on departure time, trip length, number of transfers, and price. You can select the option that best meets your needs, choose the type of fare and class, and then pay for the tickets using a credit card, debit card, or other options like PayPal, Google Pay, or Amazon Pay. 

Additional Train Travel Tips For Italy

Giada de Laurentiis' blog cautions that if you're planning train travel on the day your plane arrives Italy, avoid purchasing online train tickets in advance. This is because if your plane is delayed, you may miss your train and lose the ticket. Another tip is to remember to validate any regional train tickets online or in one of the little time stamp machines you'll see scattered throughout the stations before boarding the train, or else you can incur a hefty fine. Any tickets with a preassigned date, time, and seat number, such as those for fast (frecce) trains, do not require validation. 

A question Italian visitors often have is how to read the digital monitors in the train stations to determine their train's platform (binario) number. First, make sure you're looking at the correct monitor, as there are usually separate monitors for outgoing and incoming trains. Second, de Laurentiis' blog suggests that you use your train number to find the correct binario rather than your destination point, because if that city or town is not the train's final destination, it may not be the one listed on the monitor. Once you find your platform, board the train, and get settled into your seat. Here's one last recommendation: Enjoy the journey! The amazing views you have from the train window may turn out to be among your vacation's most memorable moments. 

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Best Places to Visit in Italy in the Summer: Top Sun-Soaked Destinations

Key Takeaways

• The best places to visit in Italy in the summer cater to a wide range of interests, from coastal relaxation to cultural exploration.
• Iconic cities like Florence and Venice combine with the countryside charm and coastal beauty to define Italy's summer allure.
• Off-the-beaten-path regions complement Italy's famous locales, offering a broader and enriching travel experience .

Italy blossoms spectacularly during the summer months, laying out a tableau of colors and experiences that attract travelers from all corners of the globe.

From the Italian sun-kissed Amalfi Coast with its cliffside villages and sparkling waters to the rustic charm of Tuscany's undulating hills and vineyards, the country offers a diverse array of destinations.

The allure of cashmere-soft sands, azure seas, and a vibrant culinary scene makes areas like Sardinia an irresistible draw for those in search of a quintessential Mediterranean escape .

Beyond the well-trodden paths, the northern lakes such as Garda, Como, and Maggiore present a serene juxtaposition with majestic alpine vistas reflecting off their placid surfaces, while the historic, canal-woven city of Venice promises romance and intrigue.

Visitors to Italy are also drawn to the artistic and architectural treasure trove that is Florence, and to the less explored regional diversities that reveal Italy's multiple layers—each area resonating with its own unique flavor and traditions.

The Italian summer, brimming with life and festivity, offers an immersive cultural experience that goes beyond mere sightseeing.

The Allure of the Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is a stunning testament to Italy's natural beauty and cultural richness, offering visitors a blend of scenic landscapes and historical towns like Positano and Sorrento.

Every summer, its picturesque coast becomes a sought-after destination for its clear seas, dramatic cliffs, and vibrant cultural scene.

The Enchanting Towns of Positano and Sorrento

Positano , nestled on the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, offers breathtaking sea views and beaches that symbolize the Mediterranean lifestyle.

The town's streets are lined with quaint cafes and boutiques, with the locally made leather sandals being a popular purchase among foreign tourists too.

Its maritime heritage is celebrated in summer with festivals and events that reflect the town's cultural heart.

Sorrento , meanwhile, sits at the coast's northeastern end and serves as a gateway to the Amalfi Coast.

Known for its lemons and the famous Limoncello, Sorrento provides a delightful combination of sea views, historic architecture, and a vibrant Piazza Tasso that buzzes with activity into the warm summer nights.

Mediterranean Beauty and Coastal Enjoyment

The Amalfi Coast is not only famed for its cultural charm but also for the natural allure of its Mediterranean landscape.

Ravello perches high above the sea, offering panoramic views of the coastline which many find ideal for sailing and enjoying the summer breeze.

The region's beaches range from pebbled coves to expansive stretches of sand, framed by rugged cliffs and the azure sea.

The coast is a testament to the marriage of natural beauty and human craftsmanship—a true cultural jewel of Italy.

During summer, numerous visitors partake in sailing, sunbathing, and immersing themselves in the coastal enjoyment that the Amalfi Coast so confidently offers.

The Charm of Tuscany's Countryside

Tuscany's countryside offers a picturesque canvas of rolling hills and sprawling vineyards, ideal for an Italian summer vacation infused with cultural festivities and outdoor adventures.

Unveiling the Tuscan Landscape

Tuscany is characterized by its undulating hills, dotted with expansive vineyards and historic sites. In the heart of this region, Siena stands as a magnificent example of medieval architecture , with its famous Piazza del Campo and stunning cathedral.

Meanwhile, the lesser-known but equally impressive town of Montepulciano perches atop a limestone ridge, offering breathtaking views and the renowned Vino Nobile di Montepulciano wine.

Outdoor activities abound in this serene landscape. Travelers can embark on cycling tours that weave through the quaint country roads, connecting them with the natural beauty and local culture.

The countryside is not only a visual delight but also a haven for those seeking an active summer getaway.

Celebrations of Summer: Festivals and Events

Summer in Tuscany is a celebration of life and culture, with festivals and events that reflect the region's rich heritage.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant festivities, such as the historical Palio di Siena , a thrilling horse race that dates back to the 17th century, where the city's districts compete in a passionate display of pageantry.

In addition, the season brings forth a multitude of wine festivals , where one can sample exquisite local wines. Montepulciano becomes the epicenter for oenophiles with events showcasing the area's renowned wine production.

These occasions not only offer a taste of world-class wines but also an opportunity to interact with passionate vintners and fellow wine enthusiasts.

The combination of stunning landscapes and lively summer events makes Tuscany's countryside an unparalleled destination for summer holidays for those looking to immerse themselves in Italian culture and the great outdoors.

The Iconic City of Florence

Florence basks under the Tuscan sun, cementing its reputation as a cultural epicenter, especially vibrant during summer months. Home to a plethora of historic sites and masterpieces of Renaissance art, it beckons visitors to delve into its rich heritage.

Florence: A Cultural Hub in Summer

Florence thrives as a veritable cultural hub during the summer. The city's streets and squares come alive with festivals, open-air markets, and outdoor concerts, offering a dynamic atmosphere that contrasts with the timeless art housed within its walls.

The Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery are key stops for art lovers. They display iconic works such as Botticelli's "The Birth of Venus" and Michelangelo's "David."

Popular museums and churches :

• Uffizi Gallery : Home to priceless artworks, including da Vinci's Annunciation .
• Accademia Gallery : Where Michelangelo's David stands.
• Palazzo Vecchio : Features Roman ruins and offers a climb to the Arnolfo Tower.
• Cappelle Medicee : Holds Michelangelo's sculptures within San Lorenzo Basilica.

Historic Sites and Renaissance Art

Florence's status as the cradle of the Renaissance is evident through its historical landmarks and architecture. The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore , known as the Duomo, with its magnificent dome engineered by Brunelleschi , and the Ponte Vecchio , Florence's oldest bridge, are must-visit sites.

They exemplify the city's historical significance and its contributions to architectural and artistic innovation during the Renaissance.

Notable historic sites :

• Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo) : Recognizable by its red dome.
• Ponte Vecchio : Renowned medieval bridge with shops built along it.
• Palazzo Vecchio : The town hall, overlooking Piazza della Signoria.
• Statue of David : Emblematic Renaissance sculpture by Michelangelo.

Florence's allure in summer lies not only in its world-renowned art collections and historic architecture but also in the vivid cultural experiences it offers. The balance of indoor and outdoor attractions makes it an ideal destination for any itinerary.

Venice: The City on Water

Venice offers a unique blend of cultural festivities and aquatic activities throughout the summer, making it an ideal destination for travelers looking to experience the Italian Riviera.

Venice's Unique Summer Appeal

Summer in Venice showcases the city's charm with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C . This sunny season illuminates the Venetian architecture and the gently lapping waters of its canals.

Visitors can navigate the intricate network of waterways via gondolas or Vaporettos, encompassing the heart of Venetian transportation.

• Water Sports : Enthusiasts can partake in a variety of water sports available in the lagoon, which include rowing and sailing, offering a refreshing escape from the summer heat.
• Venetian Environment : The mild summer climate is conducive to exploring outdoor attractions such as Piazza San Marco and its surrounding landmarks. The extended daylight hours provide ample opportunity for sightseeing and photography.

Festivals and Activities on the Lagoon

The city comes alive with festivals during the summer, which are integral to Venice's identity within the region of Veneto.

• Festivities : Venice biennial Art and Architecture exhibitions are often available during the summer months. Other traditional events include the Festa del Redentore, a festival celebrated with a grand fireworks display over the lagoon.
• Cultural Experiences : Visitors can also experience outdoor concerts and performances, often held in historic locations, providing a memorable blend of art and heritage.
• Sailing : For the adventurous, sailing in the Italian Riviera is a captivating choice, granting a unique perspective of Venice's expansive lagoon and its picturesque islands.

These elements together create a vibrant summer atmosphere, positioning Venice as a premier destination for travelers interested in the cultural and nautical splendor of Italy.

The Lush Sicilian Escape

Sicily offers an enchanting combination of azure waters, rich history, and gastronomic excellence in southern Italy.

In the summer, its diverse attractions and culinary delights become particularly irresistible.

Diverse Attractions of Sicily

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean , is a treasure trove of cultural and natural attractions.

Visitors can explore the imposing Mount Etna , the highest active volcano in Europe, and enjoy a unique climate that creates a haven for summer pursuits.

The island's beaches, ranging from sandy expanses to secluded coves, are perfect for sunbathing, sailing, and water sports.

Notable beaches include the pristine shores of Cefalù and the picturesque Isola Bella near Taormina.

• Mount Etna: An active stratovolcano offering hiking trails and guided tours.
• Sandy Beaches: San Vito Lo Capo, Scala dei Turchi.
• Rocky Coves: Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro.

Don't miss the opportunity to partake in evening sailing excursions that reveal the full splendor of Sicily's summer sunsets.

The Culinary Delights of Sicilian Summer

Summer in Sicily is a feast for the senses, especially when it comes to food and wine.

Traditional dishes are crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a blend of cultural influences.

Sicilian cuisine celebrates the abundance of the Mediterranean Sea with dishes like pasta con le sarde and a variety of seafood antipasti.

• Pasta con le sarde : Pasta with sardines, wild fennel, and pine nuts.
• Arancini : Fried rice balls filled with meat sauce or cheese.

Sicily's fertile lands also produce some of Italy's most acclaimed wines, with summer being the perfect time to visit vineyards for tastings. The local climate contributes to the rich flavors of wines like Nero d'Avola and Grillo.

• Nero d'Avola : A robust red with cherry and plum notes.
• Grillo : A refreshing white known for its aromatic finesse.

Whether by exploring its varied landscapes or indulging in its culinary heritage, Sicily provides an enriching summer escape that appeals to all senses.

The Lakes of Northern Italy

Summer in Northern Italy is synonymous with stunning lakeside views , summer weather, vibrant flora, and a range of outdoor activities.

Lake Como: Summer Allure

Lake Como , set within the Lombardy region, is a summer paradise, charming visitors with its elegant villas and lush gardens.

Visitors often find themselves enchanted by its crystal-clear waters and the dramatic mountains that rise steeply from the lakeshore.

The expansive waterfronts in small towns, like Bellagio beckon for leisurely strolls, while the calm waters are perfect for sailing adventures.

• Activitites: Sailing, Sightseeing, Dining
• Surroundings: Mountains, Historical Villas
• Key Towns: Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio

Exploring the Northern Lakes Region

Beyond Lake Como lies a region dotted with a variety of majestic lakes , each offering unique experiences.

Lake Garda is the largest, embraced by the adjoining regions of Veneto to the east, Lombardy to the west, and Trentino to the north.

Here, the outdoor enthusiast can find their paradise, engaging in hiking , mountain biking, and windsurfing due to the favorable winds.

The lake's surroundings feature a mix of Alpine and Mediterranean landscapes, making it an ideal location for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

• Popular Lakes: Lake Garda, Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta
• Activities: Hiking, Biking, Windsurfing
• Geography: Alps, Olive Groves, Citrus Trees

The lakes of Northern Italy, enveloped by the imposing Alps and the genteel landscapes of regions like Lombardy and Trentino, are a testament to the area's natural diversity and its appeal as a summer destination.

Hidden Gems: The Diverse Regions of Italy

As travelers seek more than the typical tourist spots when they visit Italy, some regions boast incredible locations often overlooked.

Sardinia and Puglia , each with their distinctive allure, offer pristine beaches and rural beauty that create memorable experiences beyond the conventional destinations.

Sardinia's Coastal Paradise

Sardinia is renowned not only for its rich history but also for its exquisite Costa Smeralda , a stretch of sandy beaches and clear waters that are perfect for sailing enthusiasts.

This coastal paradise doesn't attract as big tourist crowds as other Italian beaches, allowing visitors to enjoy a more serene atmosphere.

• Beaches : Sandy beaches dot the coastline, providing numerous opportunities for relaxation and sea-based activities.
• Costa Smeralda : Known for its luxury resorts and yachting, it embodies the upscale side of Sardinia's coastal offerings, perfect for a day trip.
• Sailing : Ideal conditions attract both novice and experienced sailors to the region's marinas and archipelagos.

Rural Charm: The Hidden Gems of Puglia

The region of Puglia , often overshadowed by its more famous Italian counterparts, invites travelers with its unique blend of rural charm and architectural wonders.

Among its myriad attractions, the town of Alberobello is famous for its trulli - distinctive stone huts with conical roofs that are a UNESCO World Heritage site .

• Residents : They maintain a deep connection to their traditions, offering authentic cultural experiences.
• Adriatic Coast : Puglia's coastline along the Adriatic Sea is lined with hidden coves, fishing villages, and panoramic vistas.
• Rural Puglia : Venturing into the countryside, visitors will discover olive groves, vineyards, and ancient farmhouses.

Final Thoughts

As our journey through Italy's summer splendor comes to a close, we reflect on the rich tapestry of experiences that this vibrant season offers.

Italy, in its sun-drenched glory, presents a diverse palette of landscapes, from the azure allure of the Amalfi Coast to the tranquil beauty of Tuscany's rolling hills .

Each destination, be it the serene northern lakes or the historic canals of Venice , tells its own unique story, inviting travelers to write their own amidst the backdrop of Italy's enduring charm.

The summer months beckon with the promise of warm breezes, the taste of fresh, regional delicacies, and the sounds of festive celebrations echoing through ancient streets.

Whether it's sailing on the Mediterranean, exploring the artistic treasures of Florence, or simply indulging in the leisurely pace of coastal life, Italy offers an escape that resonates with the soul.

As the sun sets on another Italian summer , we carry with us memories of golden light reflecting off historic facades, the laughter shared over a glass of Chianti , and the sense of wonder that comes from discovering the hidden corners of this enchanting country.

Italy, in all its summer glory, is not just a destination; it's an experience that continues to captivate and inspire long after the journey has ended .

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top destinations in italy - italy's mediterranean climate for summer travel.

Italy's top five summer vacation destinations include the vibrant city of Sicily, known for its excellent weather, pristine beaches, and historical landmarks.

The northern lakes, such as Lake Garda, Lake Maggiore, and Lake Como, attract visitors with their serene beauty and cooler climates.

Which Italian cities offer the coolest climates during the summer months?

Cities like Bolzano, Cortina d'Ampezzo, and Siena offer cooler climates due to their elevated locations.

The northern regions and Alpine areas provide respite from the summer heat, making them preferable for those who enjoy milder temperatures.

Where are the best spots for young adults to visit in Italy during summer?

Young adults often flock to the Amalfi Coast for its stunning vistas and vibrant nightlife or opt for an Italy summer trip to the Tuscan countryside for music festivals and cultural events.

Coastal cities such as Rimini offer a blend of beach life and historical exploration.

What are the ideal summer holiday locations in Italy for first-time visitors?

First-time visitors should consider Rome for its timeless historical sites, Florence for its Renaissance art and architecture, and Venice for its unique canal-based urban landscape.

These iconic cities provide an excellent overview of Italy's diverse cultural heritage.

What are the notable tourist attractions in Italy that are a must-see in June?

In June, the Italian Republic Day celebrations add to the allure of visiting Rome. The flower blossoms in the countryside, such as the poppies in Tuscany, are in full display.

Coastal regions like Cinque Terre also offer a picturesque setting with its five iconic villages.

In terms of natural beauty, which place should one visit in Italy in the summer?

For natural beauty, Castelluccio di Norcia in the Umbria region is a lesser-known gem that comes alive with vibrant colors in the summer.

The Apennine Mountains surrounding it offer breathtaking beauty. Meanwhile, Sardinia's and Sicily's unspoiled beaches and nature reserves are perfect for nature lovers.

Unforgettable Experiences To Have When Traveling To Italy

• Last updated May 31, 2024
• Difficulty Advanced

• Category Travel

Italy is a country that captures the hearts and imaginations of travelers from all over the world. From the stunning coastlines of the Amalfi Coast to the ancient ruins of Rome, there is no shortage of unforgettable experiences to be had in this enchanting destination. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a food connoisseur, or simply looking to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, Italy offers something for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready to embark on a journey filled with breathtaking landscapes, mouthwatering cuisine, and unforgettable moments that will stay with you long after you've returned home.

What You'll Learn

Cultural experiences and attractions in italy, exploring italy's famous cuisine, navigating transportation in italy, planning your itinerary for a memorable trip.

If you are planning a trip to Italy, you are in for a treat! This beautiful country is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, delicious food, and vibrant culture. To make the most out of your visit, here are some must-do experiences and attractions that should not be missed.

• Explore the Colosseum in Rome: Start your journey in the Eternal City by visiting the iconic Colosseum. This ancient amphitheater attracts millions of visitors each year and is a true marvel of Roman engineering. Take a guided tour to learn about its fascinating history and imagine the gladiatorial events that once took place here.
• Discover the art in Florence: Known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is a haven for art enthusiasts. Visit the Uffizi Gallery to see masterpieces by artists such as Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo. Don't miss the famous statue of David at the Accademia Gallery, created by Michelangelo himself.
• Take a gondola ride in Venice: Venice is a unique city built on water, and one of the best ways to explore it is by taking a gondola ride through the charming canals. Admire the beautiful architecture, glide under picturesque bridges, and soak in the romantic atmosphere of this enchanting city.
• Walk the streets of Pompeii: Step back in time and explore the ancient city of Pompeii, which was buried under ash and preserved for centuries after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Wander through the well-preserved ruins and imagine what life was like in this bustling Roman city.
• Visit the Vatican City: No trip to Italy is complete without a visit to the Vatican City, the smallest independent state in the world. Explore St. Peter's Basilica, one of the largest churches in the world, and marvel at the breathtaking masterpieces in the Vatican Museums, including Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel.
• Sample authentic Italian cuisine: Italy is known for its delicious food, and each region has its own culinary specialties. Try traditional dishes like pizza in Naples, pasta in Bologna, and gelato in Florence. Don't forget to pair your meals with a glass of local wine or a refreshing Aperol Spritz.
• Admire the beauty of the Amalfi Coast: Take a drive along the stunning Amalfi Coast and be captivated by its rugged cliffs, colorful towns, and crystal-clear waters. Stop in charming villages like Positano and Ravello, and soak up the Mediterranean sun on one of the region's picturesque beaches.
• Wander through the streets of Siena: Siena is a medieval gem, known for its well-preserved historic center and its famous Palio horse race. Get lost in its narrow streets, visit the magnificent cathedral, and climb the Torre del Mangia for a panoramic view of the city.
• Explore the ruins of Ancient Rome: In addition to the Colosseum, Rome is home to many other ancient ruins that are worth exploring. Visit the Roman Forum, the heart of ancient Rome, and the impressive Pantheon, a well-preserved temple dedicated to the gods.
• Relax in the Tuscan countryside: Escape the hustle and bustle of the cities and spend some time in the peaceful Tuscan countryside. Rent a car and drive through scenic vineyards and rolling hills, stopping in charming towns like Montepulciano and San Gimignano.

Italy offers a wealth of cultural experiences and attractions that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Whether you are interested in history, art, architecture, or simply indulging in delicious food, this beautiful country has something for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Italy!

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When it comes to exploring Italy's famous cuisine, there are a few must-do's that you should consider during your trip. Italy is known for its delicious food and vibrant culinary culture, and diving into the world of Italian cuisine can be an unforgettable experience. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your culinary adventure in Italy.

• Go on a Food Tour: One of the best ways to explore Italy's cuisine is by going on a food tour. These tours are typically led by knowledgeable locals who can introduce you to the best food spots in town. They will share interesting stories about the history of the dishes and give you the opportunity to taste a wide variety of Italian specialties. From street food to Michelin-starred restaurants, a food tour will give you a comprehensive overview of Italian cuisine.
• Visit Local Markets: Another must-do when exploring Italy's famous cuisine is to visit local markets. Here, you can find a wide array of fresh produce, meats, cheese, and other ingredients that are essential to Italian cooking. Strolling through the market stalls, you will get a sense of the vibrancy of Italian food culture. Engage with the local vendors, learn about different ingredients, and even pick up some items to prepare your own Italian feast.
• Try Regional Specialties: Italy is a country with diverse regional cuisines, each with its own unique flavors and specialties. Make it a point to try the local dishes of the region you are visiting. Whether it's the Neapolitan pizza in Naples, the Bolognese sauce in Bologna, or the gelato in Florence, each region has its own culinary gems waiting to be discovered. Embrace the regional specialties, and you'll get a true taste of Italy.
• Learn to Make Pasta: Pasta is a staple of Italian cuisine, and learning how to make it from scratch is a must-do for any food lover. Taking a pasta-making class can be a fun and educational way to get hands-on experience in creating this iconic Italian dish. You'll learn about different types of pasta, techniques for making dough, and tips for creating delicious sauces to pair with it. Plus, you'll get to enjoy your homemade pasta at the end of the class.
• Enjoy Aperitivo: Aperitivo is an Italian tradition that involves having pre-dinner drinks and snacks. It's a social gathering where friends and family gather to enjoy a leisurely drink and sample small plates of local specialties. It's a great way to unwind and connect with the locals. So, make sure to join in on this culinary ritual during your trip to Italy. Whether you opt for a traditional Spritz or a refreshing glass of Prosecco, Aperitivo is an experience not to be missed.
• Indulge in Gelato: Gelato is a classic Italian dessert that you simply cannot leave Italy without trying. Unlike regular ice cream, gelato has a creamy and dense texture that melts in your mouth. From traditional flavors like pistachio and stracciatella to innovative creations like risotto and balsamic vinegar, gelato shops in Italy offer a wide range of flavors to satisfy every palate. Make sure to try gelato from multiple places to find your favorite flavor combination.
• Sample Italian Wines: Italy is renowned for its world-class wines, and a trip to Italy wouldn't be complete without sampling some of these delicious libations. Each region in Italy produces its own unique wines, such as Chianti from Tuscany or Amarone from Veneto. Take the opportunity to visit local wineries or enotecas (wine bars) where you can taste different wines and learn about the local winemaking traditions. It's a great way to appreciate the rich wine culture of Italy.

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Italy, with its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and delicious cuisine, is a dream destination for many travelers. However, getting around this beautiful country can sometimes be a bit challenging. To make your trip to Italy smooth and hassle-free, it's important to familiarize yourself with the various transportation options available. Here are some must-do's when it comes to navigating transportation in Italy.

Research and Plan Ahead

Before you even set foot in Italy, it's crucial to do your research and plan your transportation in advance. This includes understanding the different modes of transportation available, their schedules, and their costs. Look up bus and train routes, subway systems, and local ferry services that can take you to popular destinations. This will help you save time and avoid any last-minute confusion during your trip.

Use Public Transportation

Italy has an extensive public transportation network that is not only efficient but also cost-effective. Trains are one of the most popular ways to travel between major cities in Italy. The Trenitalia and Italo train services provide connections to almost every corner of the country, making it easy to explore different regions. When traveling within cities, consider using the local buses or trams, which are often more convenient than driving and finding parking.

Get a Regional or City Pass

If you plan to hop between different cities or explore a particular region extensively, consider getting a regional or city pass. These passes typically offer unlimited travel within a designated area for a set number of days. For example, the ItaliaRail Pass allows you to travel across Italy for a certain number of days within a two-month period. City passes are also available for popular tourist destinations like Rome, Florence, and Venice, giving you unlimited access to local transportation and attractions.

Rent a Car for Rural Areas

While public transportation is ideal for traveling between cities, it may not be the most convenient option if you plan to explore rural areas or off-the-beaten-path destinations. In such cases, consider renting a car. This will give you the freedom to explore at your own pace and discover hidden gems that are not easily accessible by public transportation. Just remember to familiarize yourself with Italian driving laws and always follow the local traffic regulations.

Use Smartphone Apps and Maps

To navigate through the streets of Italy, make use of smartphone apps and maps. Google Maps, for example, provides accurate directions and real-time traffic updates. Public transportation apps like Moovit and Rome2rio can help you navigate bus and train routes, and even provide estimated times of arrival. These apps will be your go-to guide for finding the fastest and most convenient ways to get from point A to point B.

Validate Your Tickets

When using public transportation in Italy, it's important to note that most tickets need to be validated before boarding. This usually involves stamping your ticket in a validation machine, which can be found on trains, buses, and trams. Failure to validate your tickets may result in a hefty fine, so always make sure to follow this important step.

The Importance of Visa as a Travel Document

Italy is a country rich in history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Planning your itinerary well in advance ensures that you make the most of your time in this beautiful country. Here are some must-do activities and destinations to consider when traveling to Italy:

• Start in Rome: Begin your trip in the eternal city of Rome. Marvel at iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Vatican City. Don't forget to toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain for good luck!
• Explore Florence: Next, head to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Visit the Uffizi Gallery to see masterpieces by artists like Botticelli and Michelangelo. Don't miss the famous Duomo and climb to the top for panoramic views of the city.
• Experience Venice: Take a train or a boat to Venice, a city built on canals. Wander through the narrow streets, cross iconic bridges, and take a romantic gondola ride along the Grand Canal. Don't forget to visit St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace.
• Discover Cinque Terre: Make your way to the gorgeous coastal region of Cinque Terre. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts five picturesque fishing villages clinging to the cliffs. Hike the breathtaking trails and sample local seafood and wine.
• Relax in the Amalfi Coast: Head south to the Amalfi Coast and soak up the sun in this beautiful seaside paradise. Explore the colorful towns of Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello, and savor the fresh Mediterranean cuisine.
• Visit the Ruins of Pompeii: Don't miss the opportunity to see the ancient city of Pompeii. Buried under volcanic ash for centuries, this archaeological site offers a fascinating glimpse into Roman life. Hire a guide to fully appreciate the history and stories behind the ruins.
• Take a Tuscan Wine Tour: No trip to Italy is complete without indulging in its world-renowned wines. Plan a day trip to the Tuscan countryside and visit vineyards in famous wine regions like Chianti or Montalcino. Enjoy wine tastings and learn about the winemaking process.
• Unwind in Sicily: Consider ending your trip in Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean. Explore ancient Greek ruins in Agrigento, marvel at the Baroque architecture in Noto, and climb Mount Etna, Europe's tallest active volcano.

Remember, Italy offers countless attractions and activities, so tailor your itinerary to your interests. Research and plan ahead to make the most of your time and ensure a memorable trip. Bon voyage!

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Frequently asked questions.

Some must-see landmarks in Italy include the Colosseum in Rome, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the canals of Venice, and the Duomo in Florence.

Some must-try foods in Italy include pizza in Naples, pasta dishes like carbonara or bolognese, gelato for dessert, and authentic Italian espresso.

It is important to greet people with a handshake or kiss on the cheek, dress modestly when visiting religious sites, and always say "please" and "thank you" in Italian (per favore and grazie) to show respect to the locals.

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Money blog: 'Stealth tax' on Britons' incomes to stay until 2028

A squeeze on people's incomes due to frozen tax thresholds will continue until 2028, with the Tories and Labour confirming they wouldn't end the "stealth tax". Read this and the rest of today's consumer and personal finance news below, and leave your thoughts in the comments box.

Thursday 30 May 2024 23:11, UK

• 'Stealth tax' on incomes to remain until 2028, Hunt says
• Energy prices 'will be high for a decade'
• Think twice before buying clothes from Zara before your holiday
• Scotland to introduce tourist taxes

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• Savings account that could bag you a free £8,500 in five years  
• Chef at UK's best gastropub shares favourite cheap pasta recipe
• Women in Business : 'A truck unloaded a £600 car that her son bought on eBay thinking it was a toy' - the schoolgate stories that led to GoHenry
• Money Problem : 'My mortgage lender is ending my two-year fix and I haven't been in the house for two years - can they do this?'
• Best of the Money blog - an archive

Ask a question or make a comment

Energy prices are expected to rise again in the autumn and last week's announcement of a cut in the cap from July should not be taken as a "sign of stability", the head of the Energy Saving Trust has said.

"Confirmation that energy prices are coming down for the next quarter is very welcome," Mike Thornton said.

"However, no one should take this lower price cap as a sign of stability."

He added: "Forecasts show that energy prices are set to rise again this autumn and will be staying high overall for the next decade."

He urged the next UK government - to be decided in the general election on 4 July - to focus on policies that "support people to use less energy and install cost-effective energy efficiency improvements in their homes".

The cap will fall to £1,568 a year from 1 July - a drop of £122 from the previous quarter. 

McDonald's customers have taken to social media to complain about a "naughty" detail in one of its new deals. 

The fast food giant started a new mix and match deal this week - which allows shoppers to pick up three items for just £3 in store.

However, those ordering online have found the price increase to £4 for the same deal. 

Writing in the Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK group, one user shared a screenshot of her My McDoanld's app, writing: "It's gone from 3 for £3 to 3 for £4. Which is odd, or is that cause it's on the app."

Another branded the price difference "naughty". 

McDonald’s has since confirmed that this price is correct on app.

The increase is due to delivery fees charged by couriers like Uber Eats, Deliveroo and Just Eat - and is fairly standard across the industry. 

Sony Music is reportedly in talks to purchase the entirety of rock band Queen's music catalogue in a deal mooted to be worth some $1bn (around £800m). 

Bloomberg reports  the company has partnered with another anonymous investor to engage Brian May, Roger Taylor, John Deacon and the estate of Freddie Mercury over a sale that would be the largest of its kind.

Queen Productions Ltd, of which the bandmates and Mercury's estate are equal shareholders, recorded revenues of $52m in the year that ended in September 2022. 

This comes after the catalogue of Bruce Springsteen was acquired by Sony in 2021, while rival Warner Music bought David Bowie's songbook for around $250m in 2022, as industry giants battle to invest in songwriting catalogues. 

They are seen by many as attractive investments as the music can be used in future films, advertisements and on the radio - which all produce royalties for the rights owners. 

A squeeze on people's incomes due to frozen tax thresholds will continue until 2028 under Tory plans, Jeremy Hunt has confirmed.

Rishi Sunak introduced a freeze on tax-free personal allowance thresholds (the amount you can earn before you start paying tax) when he was chancellor back in 2021. In his autumn 2022 budget, Mr Hunt extended the time it would need to be in place from 2026 to 2028.

The frozen rates mean many have failed to feel the benefit of a the national insurance cut which kicked in this year.

The Office for Budget Responsibility also estimates the static rates will drag an additional four million people into paying tax by 2028 and push three million into a higher tax bracket. This is because wages will go up alongside inflation but the threshold won't. 

The policy is often referred to as a "stealth tax".

Mr Hunt told BBC Radio 4's Today programme today: "The tax rises that happened as a result of the pandemic and the energy shock, these two giant shocks, will stay for their allotted time period."

But he reiterated the Conservatives' pledge to end the freeze after 2028, saying: "I can absolutely undertake that the threshold freeze that we introduced until 2028 will not continue after that."

The Tories have said they will unfreeze the thresholds for pensioners if they win the election.

Labour has also refused to commit to unfreezing overall tax thresholds.

Sir Keir Starmer said earlier that he believed the tax burden on working people was "too high" but that his party was not going to "make commitments that we cannot afford".

"Therefore I'm very clear about the tax that will remain and will be locked and where we cannot make those commitments," he said.

What are the tax thresholds and what do they mean?

The personal tax allowance is frozen at £12,570. You don't pay income tax on anything you earn below that - anything above is taxed at the 20% base rate. At the same time, the higher rate has been frozen at £50,271 - anything above that is taxed at 40%.

Tom Selby, director of public policy at AJ Bell, said the personal allowance, if it had been inflation-linked since 2021-22, would be forecast to rise to £15,989 by 2028 - nearly £3,500 higher than the frozen threshold.

Tourists headed to Scotland for holidays will face a tourist tax for hotels, bed and breakfasts and holiday lets.

The Scottish Parliament passed the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill two days ago, meaning local authorities can set a charge for overnight accommodation.

According to the bill, the fee will be a percentage of the cost of a hotel or other room.

For instance, a 1% levy on a £200 booking means a visitor would pay £2 in tourist tax.

However, any charges or levies will not come into effect until spring 2026, as councils will first have to consult local businesses before carrying out an 18-month implementation period.

Those receiving disability benefits will not pay any charges, with children and young people also exempt.

Ministers will also have the power to set a cap on the number of nights where a levy would apply.

It will also be up to councils if they want to put a charge in place - but with Holyrood research suggesting 17 of Scotland's 32 councils backing the plans, it is likely some visitors will be hit by charges.

Scotland's employment and investment minister Tom Arthur said on Tuesday the charge would be a " force for good", suggesting it "has the potential to be an important tool enabling investment in the local economy, and supporting an important industry".

However, Scottish Conservatives argued there needed to be a more "robust" exemption scheme, with housing spokesman Miles Briggs saying: "Scots will be pretty unhappy when they realise that they will have to pay a 10% tax to stay in a hotel when their house is flooded."

The new law means Scotland joins Manchester, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole in charging tourists to stay the night.

Manchester's £1-a-night City Visitor Charge was introduced last April, and is estimated to have raised around £2.8m in its first year.

European hotspots like Barcelona and Venice have also introduced tourist taxes, with the Spanish city charging visitors €3.25 if they're staying in official accommodation.

Workers posing as Disney favourites such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Snow White in California have formed a union - Magic United.

There are roughly 1,700 performers and assistants who help to bring popular characters to life at Disneyland near Los Angeles.

Disney has faced allegations of not paying them a living wage, despite many facing exorbitant housing costs and commuting long distances.

Parade performers and character actors earn a base pay of $24.15 (£19) an hour, up from $20 (£15.75) before January.

Read on here... 

Nike is celebrating a partial victory over rival brand Adidas in court, as it has been permitted to put three stripes on some of its clothing designs in Germany.

The decision came during a second appeal hearing between the two sportswear brands at a regional court in Dusseldorf.

The court previously barred Nike from using two or three stripes on five trouser designs due to a lawsuit filed by Adidas in 2022, which is on a mission to protect its trademark three-stripe design.

Following the appeal, Nike can now use the stripes on four disputed trouser designs, while a ban for one is still in place.

Adidas has filed dozens of lawsuits and signed hundreds of settlement agreements related to its three-tripe design since 2008.

The Conservatives and Labour have ruled out VAT hikes if either party wins the election.

Jeremy Hunt, the chancellor, said tax rises on products and services would "hammer families' finances", while shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves said Labour did not plan to raise tax, national insurance or VAT.

The pledges come after the Institute for Fiscal Studies said the next UK government would face the toughest fiscal inheritance in 70 years.

Ms Reeves said: "I want taxes on working people to be lower, not higher."

New tax rises were restricted to those policies already announced, such as a plan to charge 20% VAT on private school fees, she said.

Writing in The Telegraph, Mr Hunt said: "We won't increase the main rate of VAT for the duration of the next Parliament."

He continued: "A VAT increase will hammer families' finances and push inflation back up."

He urged Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to make a similar commitment "on camera".

Follow all the latest election campaign news live in the Politics Hub ...

People who bank with TSB have had trouble getting into the mobile app this morning.

Many took to social media to report difficulty logging in to their accounts.

The official X account of TSB, responding to several complaints about the app being down earlier, said: "We're aware that customers are experiencing issues with our digital services. We're sorry for any inconvenience and are working hard to resolve it."

One customer reported that the app had remained down overnight:

In an updated statement, the bank said the issue has now been resolved.

"We're sorry for any inconvenience it caused," it said.

By Daniel Binns, business reporter

Shares in Auto Trader have rocketed more than 13% to a record high this morning.

It comes after the company reported a bumper set of results for the 2023/24 financial year - including a 26% rise in group operating profits.

The online car marketplace says recent demand has been strong - and it expects its performance to continue.

Dr Martens is also up on the FTSE 250 index - despite revealing it suffered an almost 43% fall in pre-tax profits during the 12 months to March (read more below...)

Its shares climbed more than 9% at one point earlier this morning, but have since eased back to almost 6%.

The British footwear brand has said it is "confident" it can revive its fortunes and says it plans to make savings of up to £25m to turn things around.

Elsewhere, the FTSE 100 is pretty flat - it opened 0.2% down but is currently up by a tiny 0.03%.

Mining firm Anglo American is among the companies hit by falls this morning.

Its shares have dropped by just over 1% after its rival BHP Group walked away from a proposed £38.5bn takeover of the company.

On the currency markets, £1 buys $1.27 US or €1.17 (or €1.1753, to be precise).

It comes after the pound reached a 19-month high against the Euro at one point yesterday - with £1 equalling €1.1784 - before later dropping back down.

The cost of a barrel of benchmark Brent crude has dipped slightly compared to yesterday. The price is $83 (£65).

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