Last updated on January 3rd, 2025.
It’s hard to know where to begin when planning a trip to Italy.
But with this helpful guide, I’ll be walking you through the step-by-step process of how to plan an Italy trip.
Full of practical information, use this Italy trip planner as your ultimate resource for crafting your vacation in Italy.
Italy travel tips (from a local)
Being a local living in the north of the country, puts me in a good position to write about how to plan a trip to Italy.
From travel tips to help with your Italy vacation planning to the best way to see Italy, this post will cover it all.
Even if you choose to hire a travel agent, it’s a good idea to walk through these steps. They will help the agent build the best trip for you.
Keep track of your trip planning for Italy by downloading my FREE printable Italy trip planner.
How do I plan my first trip to Italy?
Planning a vacation to Italy can be overwhelming especially if you’re a first-time visitor. I find that one of the best vacationing in Italy tips is to make a list of the 3 ‘Ws’: When, Where, What.
When to go to Italy, where to go in Italy, and what kind of trip do you want to have.
This guide will help you plan, or begin brainstorming, your own Italy trip itinerary.
I said the same point about the 3 ‘Ws’ on my podcast episode with Wander to the Edge. It’s sound advice and is something I stand by.
Step 1: when to go to Italy and deciding your budget
Knowing when to go to Italy will help to get the ball rolling in the planning process.
Would you prefer to travel in Italy during summer when good weather is the norm, though much busier? Or would you prefer to escape the crowds and settle for cooler temperatures in winter or spring?
Personal circumstances and preferences will play a role in helping to answer this question. Ultimately, knowing which month/s that you’d like to travel to Italy will help to streamline the planning process.
Affordable times to visit Italy
A quieter, and more affordable, time to book a trip to Italy is between October and February. Certain places in Italy can be cheaper and you’ll notice a significant change in terms of cost and crowds.
The islands of Sicily and Sardinia, for example, still tend to be popular in October. With warm sunshine and still decent beach weather, both make an ideal fall Italy vacation.
Early December is also a good time of the year to visit Sicily. Rather than booking a beach holiday, take advantage of the mild December temperatures and enjoy a Christmas Sicily city break.
Our favorite time to visit Italy is during the shoulder months.
In April, May, October and November, the weather is generally sunny and mild. The crowds are also manageable and you can find great value deals on your flight and accommodation.
The weather in Italy
Here’s a brief breakdown of what you can expect during the different seasons in Italy:
Winter: colder temperatures and grey skies in northern Italy and a higher chance of snow and heavy rain. Moderate temperatures in southern Italy, humid in places around Sicily. Higher chance of rainfall. Fewer crowds overall.
Spring: cool in many places across Italy, heavy rainfall in places. Moderate temperatures make it comfortable to visit cities, towns and villages. Mid-size crowds in popular destinations.
Summer: hot to extremely hot in many places across Italy (except in the far north of the country). Large crowds and services like hotels and flights are more expensive.
Fall: hot to warm temperatures in many parts of the country. Low rainfall and mid-size crowds. From November, some services in popular destinations may begin to close for the season.
I cover this topic in more detail in my guide on when is the best time to visit Italy. It provides a table of average temperatures in each season, some pros and cons and more local travel insight.
Times are a changing
One of the biggest misconceptions that people have about Italy is that the weather is always good here.
And as a local, I can tell you that it isn’t true.
Sure, the weather on average is better, and warmer, in Italy compared to many northern European countries. However, like the rest of the world, the weather here too has become unpredictable.
One example I can provide was our 3-day visit to Lake Como. Despite it being late July, the rain and thunderstorms were some of the worst we’d ever experienced.
Though we came prepared with rain jackets and an umbrella, it was far from the weather we’d expected for July in Italy.
However, there are times throughout the year where the weather will be less predictable. Take, for instance, a trip to Italy at Christmas (for example to Milan) or visiting Venice in winter.
From late November through to February or even early March, you’ll know to expect colder wintry weather. And because of this, you’ll be better prepared of what to expect when you plan a trip to Italy.
Italy weather travel tips
- Check the weather forecast in Italy at least 1 week (everyday) before you travel.
- Pack travel essentials for Italy and clothing for any weather eventuality. If visiting Italy in summer, be prepared for the chance of rain and the occasional cool evening.
- Having a back-up plan is also a good idea when traveling in Italy. Using the same example of Lake Como, something like a spa treatment would’ve made an ideal plan B. It would have been a relaxing, and dry, solution while waiting for the storm to pass.
How much will it cost to visit Italy?
The Italy trip cost will depend on your personal situation.
Younger solo travelers may have a more limited budget for Italy compared to a retired couple that typically has more disposable income.
Families with younger — and older — children, on the other hand, will require more planning for their Italian vacation.
Which part of Italy you visit, the time of year, hotels and attractions you book will also play a role.
For a family of 4, the average cost of a trip to Italy for 1 week can start from around €60 ($64/£53) per person each day. This is a rough estimate and won’t apply to all families of 4.
Most travelers, however, fall somewhere in the middle. A reasonable daily budget per person for food, transport and activities is around €100 ($110/£86) on top of flights and accommodation.
How to travel Italy on a budget
There are several ways to plan a trip to Italy on a budget. They include:
- visiting during the off-peak season (November to March)
- booking flights and accommodation in advance
- choosing B&Bs over hotels (depending on the destination)
- packing lunches for days out by visiting the bakeries and supermarkets
- sticking to one or two destinations
Cheaper in the south
As a (very) general rule of thumb, things tend to cost less in southern Italy.
To give an example, the cost of a family of 4 eating at a local pizzeria in the Campania region will be noticeably cheaper than in Veneto.
In comparison, regions like South Tyrol in northern Italy will cost considerably more (for everything). However, the services here tend to be of a higher quality and run more efficiently.
Step 2: decide where to go in Italy and the type of trip
Deciding where to go in Italy is probably my favorite part of planning a trip to Italy.
But, with so many beautiful cities, towns, villages and regions to see, the choice/s can be overwhelming.
This is why setting out a realistic itinerary is the best way to plan a trip to Italy.
Start researching different places in Italy
Start by making a list of the places in Italy that you want to see.
Have a map of Italy to hand so that you can see exactly where each place is located. This will also be useful for seeing the (rough) distances between each destination.
My travel guides on the best places to visit in Italy and the best things to do in Italy can help kick start your research. Both are presented in a simple format and are full of ideas that will suit all types of travelers.
Decide what kind of trip you want
The last of the 3 ‘W’s’ is what kind of trip do you want to have?
Are you keen to explore one or two Italian cities, or would you prefer having a relaxing beach vacation?
Understanding the M.O. of your Italian vacation will help you better plan an Italy trip.
All-inclusive Italy packages
While some travelers like to plan a trip to Italy on their own, others may prefer a ready-made version. Booking an Italy trip package alleviates the stress of having to plan an Italy trip solo.
Some Italy vacation packages can include airfare, hotels and maybe even some top attractions.
Most popular cities in Italy
For first-time visitors, I usually suggest visiting bigger cities in Italy. There are plenty of things to do in each one not to mention the many day trip options. Add one or two of these popular cities to your travel plans to Italy.
- Rome
- Florence
- Milan
- Venice
- Verona
- Bologna
- Naples
- Turin
- Palermo
Day trips outside the city
Explore the best of each region by embarking on an Italy day trip. The beauty of visiting these popular cities in Italy is that the travel potential isn’t just confined to the city.
These travel guides outline plenty of day tripping ideas.
- 16 Milan day trips
- 11 Venice day trips
- 10 Palermo day trips
- 11 Sicily day trips
- Naples to the Amalfi Coast
Most popular regions in Italy
- Lazio (Rome)
- Tuscany (Florence, Siena, Chianti)
- Veneto (Venice, Verona, Lake Garda)
- Lombardy (Milan, Lake Como, Lake Garda)
- Liguria (Cinque Terre)
- Sicily (Palermo, Taormina, Aeolian Islands)
Most popular islands in Italy
Get a generous dose of vitamin D and sea by vacationing on one of these popular islands in Italy.
- Sicily (see ‘most beautiful places in Sicily‘)
- Sardinia
- Beautiful islands where Italians like to vacation
Italy itineraries
Crafting an itinerary is an important step in how to plan a trip to Italy. The below are some Italy itinerary suggestions on which you can base your own.
1 week (7-8 days) in Italy starting from Rome
- Spend 3 days exploring the best attractions in Rome. Mix up the attractions between well-known sights like the Colosseum with something unique like a Rome street food tour.
- Visit the Amalfi Coast from Rome. Opt for a day trip or spend 1 to 2 nights in Positano or Amalfi.
- Take the high-speed Frecciarossa fast train to Naples. Spend one day in Naples visiting the city’s best sights.
- Travel to Florence from Rome by train. Make it a day trip or opt to stay for 2 days in Florence.
1 week in Italy starting from Milan
- Allocate 2-3 days (your preference) to visit the best attractions in Milan.
- Visit Lake Como from Milan. Make it a day trip or choose to spend 1 to 2 nights.
- Travel to Venice. The Frecciarossa train will take around 2hrs 28mins from Milan to Venice. Allow 2 (or 3) days to get the most out of your trip.
Be realistic with your itinerary
Once you’ve decided on where to go in Italy, I’d advise not straying too far from your itinerary.
Let’s take the example of Rome as your base destination. You’re a first-time visitor and you’ve one week in Italy. The above mentioned Rome itinerary provides plenty of time to see the city as well as other places.
To add a destination to your itinerary that’s much further away, like Cinque Terre, requires more planning. Rome to Cinque Terre by car will take around 5hrs 13mins (not including traffic). By train, the journey will take approximately 4hrs and 20mins.
You’ll also need to factor in other costs, such as booking train tickets, renting a car and booking accommodation in Cinque Terre. Instead, the day trip options listed above are within closer reach and take up less travel time.
By not cramming in too many places to your vacation to Italy means that you can fully enjoy the destination.
As a general rule, we like to spend a minimum of two nights in each place. This minimizes the time spent traveling and we also get to enjoy each place as much as possible.
Watch: things not to do in Italy
Step 3: confirm the number of days/weeks
Knowing how much time in Italy to spend will depend on individual circumstances.
Many visitors traveling from within Europe tend to spend a long weekend break or a week in Italy. The shorter flight times makes this more accessible.
Travelers arriving from the US, Canada, Asia or Australia understandably prefer to book for a longer period. Two weeks (11 to 14 days) in Italy is standard for an Italian vacation.
Being clear about how many days you want to visit Italy will ultimately help you plan better.
Is one week enough in Italy?
One week in Italy is enough as long as you have planned properly and have a realistic itinerary.
This 8-day Italy itinerary can be shortened to 7 days or extended to 10 days depending on your timeframe.
Map of Italy
Step 4: book your flights
There’s no concrete rule as to when you should book your flights to Italy.
If visiting from outside Europe, I’d say that 5 to 6 weeks in advance is sufficient. For long haul flights, the best deals are generally found 6 to 12 months in advance. Flight deals within Europe tend to pop up regularly.
The exception would be if you plan a trip to Italy during peak periods like summer or Christmas. In this case, I’d suggest 2 to 3 months in advance.
I personally use Skyscanner or Google Flights to search for the best flight prices. But, use whichever search engine that you’re familiar with and one that’s trustworthy and easy to navigate.
My Italy travel guide on the major international airports lists which airports are closest to your destination. It also details which direct flights fly to/from the US.
The risks
Booking any flight well in advance comes with a certain risk. While it’s highly likely you’ll get a cheaper deal, you also run the risk of losing your money if plans change.
It’s why I advise paying extra for a flexible ticket or getting travel insurance that covers any kind of cancellation. This ensures that you’re covered for any eventuality when you plan a trip to Italy.
Step 5: book your accommodation
There’s more flexibility when it comes to booking accommodation for Italy.
Like booking flights, the earlier you book your accommodation, the better the deal you’re likely to get.
But unlike booking flights, many websites like booking.com offer a free cancellation period. It’s a big help to booking hotels and it gives you peace of mind should you need to cancel.
If you’re certain of your Italy travel dates, aim to book 1 to 1.5 months in advance.
How much will accommodation cost?
The cost of accommodation in Italy will depend on factors like the type of hotel you book, the destination and time of your visit.
A stay at the 5-star Le Sirenuse hotel in Positano on the Amalfi Coast will cost considerably more than a family-run B&B. We stayed at several affordable hotels during our 4-day trip to the Amalfi Coast and keeping to a budget is possible.
Local Italy tip: call the hotel directly to make a booking. We do this often and almost always secure a lower price for the room we want.
Consider accommodation alternatives
Solo travelers can cut accommodation costs by booking hostels or by trying out services like Couchsurfing. I tried couchsurfing as a female during a trip to Athens and it was a positive and money-saving experience.
Couples or families with young children should consider looking at Italy rental properties over staying at a hotel. They can sometimes work out slightly cheaper and also offer a home away from home experience.
Step 6: check your passport and whether you need a visa
Passport entry requirements for Italy follow the same as other countries.
Passports must be valid for 3 months beyond the 3-month entry visa or for a total of 6 months.
Until the end of 2024 (and likely for the first half of 2025), most non-EU visitors must apply for a Schengen Visa to enter Italy. This doesn’t apply to citizens from countries like the US, UK, Canada, Australia and Japan.
The following are some of the countries that require a Schengen Visa to visit the EU.
- Afghanistan
- China
- India
- Morocco
- Pakistan
- Russia
- Sri Lanka
- Turkey
As part of the Schengen Agreement, visitors can stay for a full 3 months in any of the 29 participating countries visa free.
The new ETIAS travel requirement
But things are set to change from 2025. Non-EU citizens will now require pre-travel authorization to visit 30 European countries within the territory. Â
What is an ETIAS?
An ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is a new system designed for visitors that don’t require a visa to visit countries in the Schengen Area. It’s being introduced to help monitor travelers and to improve border security risks.
The ETIAS is similar to the ESTA entry authorization that non-US citizens need to travel to the USA.
How much does the ETIAS cost?
An ETIAS costs €7 ($7.50/£6.10) and lasts for up to 3 years or until the applicant’s passport expires.
Where can I apply?
Visitors will be able to apply for an ETIAS on the official website 6 months after the EES (Entry/Exit system) is implemented.
The EES is an automated IT system that will register non-EU nationals staying, and traveling, within the territory. It aims to increase efficiency at the borders, make traveling safer within the EU and will replace passport stamps.
The EES is reported to be implemented some time in mid to late 2025.*
What it entails – plan a trip to Italy
With an ETIAS, non-EU visitors can visit the EU countries as often as they wish. They only apply to short-term stays for a maximum of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
When should I apply for the ETIAS?
The official website advises applying for your ETIAS before booking flights and hotels. This is vital to know when you plan a trip to Italy.
Most online applications are processed within minutes. Recipients will receive an email confirming submission of their application along with a unique ETIAS reference number. Be sure to keep a hold of this.
However, there may be cases when approval could be delayed by up to 4 days or even an additional 30 days in special circumstances.
Is the ETIAS a visa?
The ETIAS is not a visa. It is a travel authorization that allows applicants to visit and stay in the territory countries for a short-term stay.
Are there any exemptions?
Minors under 18 and people over 70 are exempt from paying for an ETIAS. Dual citizens of any EU country will be exempt from requiring an ETIAS if they use their EU passport.
Travelers with an existing valid visa don’t need to apply for an ETIAS.
Step 7: research and book transport
There are a number of ways to get around Italy.
Many of the major cities, like Rome and Milan, have good public transport options. Take the metro, bus, tram or go on foot to reach your destination.
Taxis in Italy
Metered taxis in Italy are typically white and can be convenient for getting around the city. However, they can be more expensive compared to using public transport.
It’s also worth mentioning that ride-sharing apps like Uber only work in larger cities and not across Italy. The service also works differently in that Uber offers a more premium service in these places.
Needless to say, this usually comes with a higher price tag. It’s something to bear in mind when you plan a trip to Italy.
Instead, I advise downloading one of the most popular apps in Italy for taking taxis. There’s no need to speak Italian and payment is made in advance of your trip.
I cover this topic in greater detail in my guide on taking taxis in Italy.
Taking trains in Italy
For national journeys, taking trains in Italy is one of the best ways to visit Italy.
Two of the main operators are Trenitalia (state owned) and Italo (private). Speaking from personal experience, I’ve always had a good experience with the Italian train system.
From taking a train across Veneto to traveling through Sicily by train, it’s always been a pleasant experience.
Renting a car in Italy
Renting a car is one of the best ways to travel in Italy especially if you plan on touring Italy on your own.
The other best way to see Italy is by booking a tour. It removes the hassle (and cost) of having to arrange your own transport.
How to plan an Italy road trip
Planning a road trip around Italy is one of the best, and funnest, ways to see the country.
We’ve done a few Italy road trips, including from Sicily to Perugia and from Siena to Veneto. And while they’re a helluva lot of fun, an Italy road trip takes a lot of planning.
Some of the main points to consider for your road trip Italy include:
- hiring a car in Italy
- how many days you plan to travel for
- the route/s you want to take
- booking accommodation for the trip
- getting adequate car insurance
Ferry services in Italy
If planning on visiting the Italian islands, you’ll need to factor in a combination of hiring a car and booking ferry/boat tickets.
From mainland Italy, the ferry from Calabria to Sicily is one way of reaching the island. Once in Sicily, there are various ferry services that will take you to smaller islands like the Aeolian Islands.
I cover the transport modes in more detail in how to get around Sicily.
Step 8: book tours and attractions
Your Italy itinerary has been confirmed and your flights and accommodation are booked.
Next comes the fun part of the process of how to plan a trip to Italy.
Booking tours and attractions are one of the best ways to see Italy. Though not obligatory, booking skip-the-line tickets are a great time saver and gets you in the attraction without having to wait in line.
Take The Vatican. It’s probably the most popular attraction (along with the Colosseum) to book in Rome.
However, lines to enter The Vatican are notoriously long and tedious. Saying that, booking tickets in advance for The Vatican is a smart move and one that takes little effort.
Major attractions
The following are some of my top picks for skip-the-line tickets in Italy. Divided by cities, consider adding one of these to your itinerary when you plan a trip to Italy.
Rome (and the Vatican)
- The Colosseum and the Roman Forum
- Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel
- St. Peter’s Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro)
- The Pantheon
- The Catacombs of St. Callixtus
- Borghese Gallery (Galleria Borghese)
- National Museum of Castel Sant’Angelo (Museo Nazionale di Castel Sant’Angelo)
- The Capuchin Crypt
Florence
- Florence’s Cathedral and climbing to the top of Brunelleschi’s Dome
- The Uffizi Gallery
- The Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s David
- Pitti Palace (Palazzo Pitti)
- Palazzo Vecchio
Milan
- Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano)
- Sforzesco Castle (Castello Sforzesco)
- Da Vinci’s Last Supper painting
- Pinacoteca di Brera art gallery
- Teatro alla Scala (Scala Theater)
Venice
- Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale)
- St. Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco)
- Gondola ride through the canals of Venice
- The islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello
- Peggy Guggenheim Collection
- The Academy Gallery (Gallerie dell’Accademia)
There are plenty of other fun tours to consider booking on your Italy vacation. They include:
Step 9: final preparations for your Italy trip
Prepare money, credit cards and get a sim card
At this stage of travel planning for Italy, it’s a good idea to think about preparing your money and credit cards.
I advise having a minimum of €200 ($219/£171) in cash for your Italian vacation.
While debit and credit cards are widely accepted across Italy, having cash to hand is helpful when paying for smaller items like a coffee. It’s a topic I cover in ‘what not to do in Italy‘ and a tip that’s useful for visitors to know when traveling to Italy.
How to get a sim card in Italy
There are several options for getting a sim card in Italy. Not everyone may want one and connecting to the hotel WiFi or public (secure) connections may be sufficient.
But, there are several options to consider should you want to stay connected when traveling in Italy.
Speak to your cellphone provider
Many providers, like T-Mobile, provide international add-on services. These can be added to your current plan before you depart for Italy.
Buy an eSim
One of the most popular eSims for traveling is Airalo. There are no roaming fees and it’s easy to set up and connect. Activate your eSIM in the Airalo app before you fly so that it’s ready for when you land in Italy.
Buy a sim card from a provide in Italy
Some of the larger cellphone companies include Vodafone, WINDTRE (W3) and TIM. They can arrange a sim card for visitors that will cover the duration of your Italy vacation. My guide on traveling to Italy from the USA covers this topic in greater detail.
Research airport transfers
A mistake that visitors don’t often consider in travel planning for Italy is to research airport transfers. Knowing how to get from the airport to your accommodation in advance will help you better plan a trip to Italy.
The following are some airport transfer options from the most popular international airports in Italy.
Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
- Shuttle bus transfer to/from Rome FCO Airport
- Bus transfer between Rome FCO and Roma Termini train station
- Private small group transfer (1 way) from Rome Fiumicino
- Private transfer from Rome Fiumicino Airport
- White-metered taxi
Florence Airport Peretola (FLR)
- Private transfer from Florence Airport to hotel
- Private transfer to Florence Airport
- Tram T2 service from Peretola Airport stop (Peretola Aeroporto) to the center
- White-metered taxi
Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)
- Direct transfer between Malpensa Airport and the center of Milan
- Bus transfer from Malpensa Airport and Milan Central station
- Private transfer to/from Malpensa Airport
- Train from Malpensa Aeroporto T1 to Milano Cadorna
- White-metered taxi
Venice Marco Polo Airport
- Bus transfer between Venice Marco Polo Airport and Venice
- Marco Polo Airport water taxi transfer
- Boat transfer to/from Venice Marco Polo with 3 routes
- Shared water taxi transfer to Venice Airport
- Private water taxi transfer to/from Venice Airport
- Express bus to/from Mestre train station
Naples International Airport (NAP)
- Bus transfer to/from Naples Airport
- Private minivan transfer (1 way) from Naples Airport to the city center
- Naples International Airport to the Amalfi Coast
- Private transfer from Naples to Sorrento
What to pack for Italy
What to pack for Italy can be easier for some seasons over others.
For example, if planning an Italy vacation for summer, you should be safe packing items like t-shirts, shorts, sandals and sneakers. The Italy packing list of someone visiting Rome for 4 days will naturally differ from someone coming to hike around the Dolomites.
Springtime in Italy can be slightly trickier. Temperatures can range from cold to moderate depending on which part of Italy you visit.
I advise bringing some of the following travel essentials for your trip in Italy no matter the season.
- Disposable rain poncho (handy if it rains and also for covering up when visiting cathedrals)
- Travel scarf wrap (ideal for cool spring and summer evenings and for staying warm on the plane)
Other non-clothing essential items to bring when you plan a trip to Italy include:
Learn some basic Italian words and phrases
This suggestion of how to plan a trip to Italy is by no means obligatory but it can be useful.
It’s safe to say that in bigger cities like Rome or Milan, you’ll come across Italians that speak good English. The same can’t be said when you venture into rural parts of Lazio or Lombardy.
Get in the know
Knowing some easy common Italian words and phrases can come in handy if traveling in more remote areas.
My husband and I experienced communication issues during our south Sardinia road trip.
Despite both of us speaking Italian, we were perplexed by the Sardinian dialect when visiting rural parts. Knowing some ‘Sardo‘ before we visited might have improved our communication experience.
Know about the Venice tourist tax
An overnight tourist tax in Venice has been in place for many years. Essentially, it’s a tax that’s added to a person’s hotel bill and can range from €1 ($1.10/£0.86) to €5 ($5.48/£4.28).
The tax is calculated per person, the number of nights stay and the number of stars of the hotel.
A ‘day tripper’ Venice tourist tax
But a new Venice tourist tax was introduced by Venice council on 24 April 2024. Here are some things to know about Venice before visiting:
- The Venice day tax will cost €5 per person to visit Venice on a day trip from 8.30am to 4pm
- You have until 11.59 p.m. on the day before your booked visit to cancel
- Anyone over the age of 14 that wants to travel to Venice on a day trip is liable to pay the day tax
- Visitors staying overnight in Venice are exempt. To be clear, you only have to pay one of the tourist taxes*
How to pay for the day-tripper Venice tourist tax
Visit the Venice council website to pay for your Venice day trip. Click on the ‘payment of the fee’ button and fill out the details accordingly.
There are several exemptions for who has to pay the Venice tourist tax. They include:
- children under 14 years old (ID is required)
- residents of Veneto, and
- extended family residing, or renting an apartment, in Venice
Knowing about this new Venice tax is important in discussing how to plan a trip to Italy.
Be informed about Italian public holidays
Another thing to consider when you plan a trip to Italy are the Italian public holidays.
While these dates won’t affect your vacation, they may affect your planning.
Take our trip back from the Sicilian island of Lipari. We made a big mistake one year of traveling on 15 August, a public holiday called Ferragosto. Shops are typically closed on this day and public transportation services are limited.
With no transport services from Messina, we ended up forking out a lot of money on a taxi.
Italian public holidays aren’t likely to affect travel plans like flights. But, being aware of some important dates will help you better plan a trip to Italy.
After all, you wouldn’t want to arrive at your destination only to find that many public services are closed.
How to stay safe in Italy
Traveling around Italy is relatively safe.
However, to ensure safe travels in Italy, it’s important to be aware of potential scams that can happen. These commonly happen more in bigger cities but don’t let your guard down even when visiting smaller Italian towns.
My guide on ‘Is Italy safe to visit‘ provides helpful tips on how to stay on your vacation.
Eating out in Italy
There are different types of dining establishments when eating out in Italy.
Trattorias are typically family-run and focus on home-style cooking. They also tend to be more relaxed and reasonable in price.
They’re our go-to when we want to eat good quality food and decent-size portions.
Restaurants (ristorante) usually cater to fine dining. The locations are fancier and some may even have a dress code in place. Unsurprisingly, restaurants tend to have higher prices than trattorias.
Trattoria or osteria?
The osteria is another eating establishment that you’ll find around Italy.
Traditionally, it used to only serve wine along with some smaller plates but today, things have changed. Some places label themselves as an osteria, but in reality, they’re really a trattoria.
What are your thoughts on this step-by-step guide on how to plan a trip to Italy? Do you feel more confident to start planning your Italy trip? Let me know in the comments below.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.
*Prices correct at time of travel
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ABOUT me
Welcome to my site. I'm Lisa, an Italy-based travel and lifestyle blogger behind Following the Rivera. Find out more about me and my story.
How do I plan my first trip to Italy?
Make a list of the 3 ‘Ws’: When, Where, What. When do you want to go, where do you want to go, and what kind of trip do you want. This is a good starting point in planning your Italy trip.
How far in advance should I plan a trip to Italy?
Two to three months in advance should give you enough time. You may need longer if factoring in visa issues and other traveler requirements.
What are the cheapest months to travel to Italy?
Traveling to Italy from October to February tends to be cheaper. It all depends on where you want to go and for how long.
Do I need a visa to visit Italy?
From 2025, all non-EU citizens will have to apply for an ETIAS. The entry requirement document will cost €7 ($7.50/£6.10) and lasts for 3 years. Details will be available on the ETIAS official website from 2025.
They are great and valuable tips on planning a trip to Italy. Very helpful for a fantastic vacation and to save a bit on a budget. It’s great that you are giving so much exciting information about cities and regions. This definitely facilitates the choice of direction.
Thank you Agnes, I’m glad you enjoyed it! I try to help others in the planning stage 🙂
That is such an informative post! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you.
Wow! This is a fantastic guide! I have been only to Rome, but there are so many beautiful places in Italy I want to visit – Amalfi, Naples, Como… Thanks for your tips!
Thank you Lucy! I really hope you use it to re=plan your visit for your next trip
This is an extremely helpful and informative post! Makes traveling abroad a little less intimidating! Thank you for sharing!
It’s my pleasure!
Wow! This in a very detailed plan. I have fond memories of my study abroad in Italy. It’s so hard to believe it was almost 20 years ago. A trip back is a must for me soon!
Thank you Teresa! I really hope that you visit us again soon