Italy

Plan your trip to Italy

Italy is a feast of art, history, food, and landscapes—from Renaissance masterpieces in Florence to ancient ruins in Rome, the Amalfi Coast's dramatic cliffs, and rolling Tuscan hills. Whether you're chasing iconic cities, hidden villages, or Mediterranean beaches, Italy rewards both rushed visitors and leisurely explorers. Most first-timers string together Rome, Florence, and Venice, but the country's 20 regions each offer distinct character and charm.

Getting there & around

Major international airports serve Rome (Fiumicino), Milan (Malpensa), and Venice (Marco Polo). Trains are the backbone of domestic travel—fast and frequent connections link major cities, particularly via the high-speed Frecciarossa network. Renting a car works best for countryside exploration (Tuscany, Amalfi Coast), but city centers are congested and parking expensive; public transit and trains are preferable for Rome, Florence, Venice. Budget airlines connect regional airports if you're island-hopping to Sicily or Sardinia.

How long to stay

Two weeks allows a genuine mix of cities and regions without exhausting sprints; 10 days covers the classic Rome–Florence–Venice triangle with breathing room. Fewer than 5 days means choosing one region—say Campania (Naples, Pompeii, Amalfi) or Tuscany—rather than chasing multiple cities.

When to go

April–May and September–October offer warm weather and thinner crowds than summer. July–August is peak tourist season, hot, and pricey, though beach destinations shine. November–March sees fewer visitors and lower prices, but many smaller attractions have reduced hours; December and January are quietest but coldest in the north.

Suggested itinerary

1. Rome: Arrival and Ancient Heart — Land in Rome and spend your first full day on the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon—the layered history is overwhelming but essential. Wander through Trastevere at dusk, grab dinner, and soak in the chaos and beauty of the capital.
2. Rome: Vatican and Streets — Hit the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica early to beat crowds, then explore Vatican City's surroundings. Spend your afternoon at Trevi Fountain (ideally early morning or late evening for fewer selfie-sticks) and wander Rome's piazzas and neighborhood trattorias.
3. Lazio to Campania: Pompeii and Naples — Take a 2.5-hour train to Naples, then a short bus or train to Pompeii to walk frozen Roman streets buried by Vesuvius. Return to Naples for the evening; explore the chaotic energy, street food (arancini, sfogliatelle), and the National Archaeological Museum if time allows.
4. Campania: Amalfi Coast — Take a ferry or scenic bus to the Amalfi Coast—stop in Positano for pastel cliffs and beach time, or Ravello for clifftop views and quiet charm. Eat fresh seafood pasta and lemon granita, and let the afternoon pass slowly.
5. Campania to Tuscany: Florence Arrival — Travel back to Naples, then take an afternoon high-speed train to Florence (2.5 hours). Settle into your hotel, cross the Ponte Vecchio at sunset, and enjoy a Tuscan dinner in the Oltrarno district.
6. Florence: Renaissance Core — Tour the Uffizi Gallery and Accademia (home to Michelangelo's David) early or pre-book to skip lines. Climb the Duomo for city views, visit the Bargello, and stroll the streets where Dante and the Medici walked.
7. Tuscany: Wine and Countryside — Rent a car or join a tour to the Chianti region—roll through vineyards, stop at small wineries for tastings, and lunch in a hilltop village like Greve in Chianti. The landscape alone is worth the day trip from Florence.
8. Tuscany to Veneto: Venice Arrival — Train from Florence to Venice (2 hours) and abandon wheeled transport; navigate by vaporetto (water bus) and foot through the maze of canals. Get lost on purpose in the backstreets, grab a spritz at a small bar, and watch the light change on the Grand Canal.
9. Venice: Basilicas and Lagoon — Visit St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace, explore the Rialto Bridge and market, then take a vaporetto to a quieter island like Murano or Burano. The city's surreal beauty—water instead of streets, crumbling palazzi, Byzantine mosaics—reveals itself best when you slow down.
10. Veneto Region or Return — Either day-trip from Venice to the Veneto countryside (Verona, Padua) or use your final day to revisit favorite Venice haunts, shop for Murano glass, and soak in the final hours before departure.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need in Italy?

10–14 days is ideal for a first visit covering Rome, Florence, and Venice plus a coastal region without feeling rushed. Fewer than 5 days limits you to one city; 3 weeks allows deeper exploration of multiple regions and slower travel.

Is Italy expensive for tourists?

Costs vary sharply: Rome, Florence, and Venice are expensive (€20–35 restaurant meals, €100+ hotels in summer), while southern regions like Puglia and Calabria, plus smaller towns, offer better value. Eating where locals eat (pizza al taglio, trattorias off main streets) saves money; booking hotels in advance and traveling April–May or September–October also reduces cost.

Do you need a car in Italy?

No—trains efficiently link major cities and regions, and public transit works well in towns. Rent a car only for countryside exploration (Tuscany, Amalfi Coast, Puglia), as city driving is chaotic and parking expensive. Southern Italy's roads can be narrow and winding, requiring confident driving.

What's the best region to visit in Italy?

There's no single answer; it depends on your interests. Tuscany offers countryside and art; Campania (Naples, Pompeii, Amalfi) delivers history and coast; Veneto means Venice and Renaissance towns; Piedmont has food and Alps; Puglia offers beaches and lesser-known charm. First-timers usually combine Rome, Florence, and Venice across Lazio, Tuscany, and Veneto.

Is it safe to travel in Italy?

Italy is generally safe for tourists in major cities and regions; petty theft (pickpocketing, bag snatching) is the main concern in crowded areas like Rome and Venice, so keep valuables secure. Avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar neighborhoods; stick to main streets and use common sense as you would in any major city.