Planning a trip through Italy is on almost everyone’s bucket list. The country is full of iconic places to visit (like Rome or Tuscany) that travellers dream about. However, without smart planning, you may end up disappointed with “the real Italy”. For example, you might spend more time waiting in long lines than enjoying the views.

It doesn’t have to be this way. This guide will show you how to travel with less stress and more joy. You can choose the top things to do in Italy and the best way to get around.

One of the most visited places in Europe for a reason. Photo by Anna - stock.adobe.com

What Is The Ideal Itinerary For Italy?

If you are planning a trip through Italy, an ideal route should feel practical and easy to follow. 

By 2026, Rome will have just finished its massive Holy Year. So now it is actually a great year to visit Rome. However, Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo are hosting the Winter Olympics.

Therefore, Milan, Venice, Verona, and the Dolomites will be extremely expensive and crowded in February. Here is our word of advice: If you travel in February, go South. If you travel May–October, the North is safe again.

The classic Rome-Florence-Venice is a popular route. We think you should opt for this if this is 1) your big trip and 2) you plan to travel for at least 7-10 days.

Otherwise, you should plan around 2 major cities along with a day trip or two if you want the pace to be more relaxed and/or plan to revisit the country later.

Remember, it takes at least 2 hours to move between the cities and at least an additional hour or two to checking in the new hotel.

Again, With the Olympics, flights into Milan (MXP) and Venice (VCE) in the first half 2026 will be expensive. Look at flying in/out of Rome (FCO) for the best value, even if you plan to go north later.

When planning a trip through Italy, consider your itinerary as a smooth with thoughtful pauses along the way. If you want a clear structure to follow, you can explore our complete 10-day plan.

Rome is the classic Italy landmark. Photo by kmiragaya - stock.adobe.com

Do I Need A Visa To Visit Italy?

Currently, Italy is part of the Schengen Area, which lets you travel between member countries for up to 90 days within any 180 days. This means you can easily combine Italy with other European destinations; however, you need to follow some guidelines.

If you’re from one of about 60 visa-exempt countries, like the U.S., Canada, or Australia, you can enter Italy for up to 90 days without a visa. You just need a biometric passport.

Starting in 2026, you’ll also need to apply online for an ETIAS travel authorisation before entering the Schengen Area.

If your country isn’t visa-exempt, you’ll need a Schengen visa. It’s best to apply early, anywhere from a few weeks to several months before your trip, depending on your nationality and travel plans. Getting this done ahead of time makes your arrival stress-free.

When you reach Italy, border officers may ask to see proof of accommodation, travel insurance, a return or onward ticket, and enough money for your stay. Hotels and registered accommodations are required to report your details to the authorities. If you’re staying somewhere not officially registered, you’ll need to declare your presence at the local immigration office within eight days.

Best Time to Visit Italy

What is the nicest month to visit Italy? It sounds like an easy answer, but what does it really mean? For some people, it means sunny days with no rain. For others, it means fewer crowds and lower prices. In Italy, this balance usually comes in spring and autumn.

From April to June, the days are warm but not hot. Flowers start to bloom in the countryside, and Rome or Florence are full of life without being packed with tourists. It is a time when you can walk through historic streets and still feel the calm of local life.

In September and October, the air is softer after the summer heat. During this period, vineyards in Tuscany are at their harvest season, and the light in the evenings feels golden. Popular sights remain open, but the heavy crowds of July and August have already gone. The weather is still pleasant enough for long walks and even coastal visits.

CabinZero’s note: When talking about North vs South Italy, the difference in weather is quite noticeable. The north tends to be cooler, especially in winter, with misty mornings and fresh mountain air, whilst the south often feels warmer and sunnier for a longer stretch of the year. 

Any good Italy travel planning guide will tell you the best time to visit is April - June. Photo by ValerioMei on stock.adobe.com

What Month Does Italy Shut Down For Holiday?

Italy doesn’t fully shut down in any month, but August is the busiest for local holidays. This is due to Ferragosto on August 15 and the long-standing summer holiday tradition. In big cities like Rome and Florence, smaller shops, family-run restaurants, and offices often close for one or two weeks at a time. You can feel that the streets can feel quiet as locals head to the mountains or beaches.

Most major attractions stay open, but some museums, like the Vatican, might close in mid-August. Public transportation runs on holiday schedules, so please plan accordingly.

How Many Days Are Enough For An Italy Trip?

How many days do you need to travel through Italy? In general, 7-10 days are enough to get a taste of Italy for first-timers. In a week, you can see at least four to five highlights to enjoy a mix of history, food and local life without feeling too rushed.

If you want a specific period, it depends on the type of trip you’re taking. It’s really depend on whether it’s your ‘big trip’ or planning to revisit the country later. 

You can choose to hop between places if you love discovering something new every day, or slow down and sink into just one or two destinations. 

For example, spending a whole week in Florence, taking day trips to Cinque Terre or Siena, and feeling like you’re living inside Tuscany rather than passing through. On the other hand, four days in Rome let you explore ruins, museums, and vibrant streets without rushing. 

Book Everything in Advance (Crucial!)

Italy can be crowded at times, to say the least. Photo by ArTo on stock.adobe.com

Popular attractions in Italy are often very crowded, and buying tickets at the last minute often means long queues or higher prices. To save both time and money, you should book tickets online for famous sights like the Colosseum, Uffizi Gallery, or Vatican Museums. 

Regarding guided walking tours, cooking classes, or vineyard visits, you will need to book directly on the official websites or trusted platforms like GetYourGuide and Viator, so you can compare reviews and prices. If you’re after a more local vibe, check smaller tour companies or even ask your hotel for recommendations.

CabinZero’s tip: Keep screenshots or email confirmations handy on your phone so you won’t waste time digging through inboxes on the day of your activity.

Where to Go in Italy

In this section, we will provide curated Italy trip ideas, not just iconic landmarks, but also share things to do. Therefore, you will know the best regions in Italy for holiday and make memorable experiences here.

What Are The Big 3 In Italy?

When it comes to Italy, there are three cities that almost everyone wants to see first. Rome is usually at the top of the list. Walking through its streets feels like stepping into history. 

Florence is the second one. Its compact streets are perfect for wandering and discovering art around every corner. And then there’s Venice, unlike anywhere else in the world. Travelling through canals is so iconic, and gondolas drift gently under old bridges. 

Where To Go In Italy For First-Timers?

For first-time travellers, Italy is full of options beyond the classic “big 3.” For example, in Tuscany, you can spend mornings cycling through vineyards, afternoons tasting local wines, and evenings in a medieval piazza, watching daily life unfold. Other options, such as Siena, San Gimignano, or the Chianti region, allow you to experience Italy’s agricultural side while enjoying authentic food and wine experiences. 

You can also consider Lakes and northern escapes, like Lake Como or Lake Garda. It’s a great contrast to the southern coast or urban centres, giving travellers a chance to explore nature and local markets all in one trip.

Finally, don’t overlook smaller cities with rich histories, such as Bologna, Verona, or Palermo. You can try regional dishes and enjoy vibrant local life while avoiding long lines and packed tourist spots.

Where Is The Best Place To Base Yourself In Italy?

Bologna is the no-brainer answer for most people. Photo by francescodemarco - stock.adobe.com

Choosing a place to base yourself in Italy depends on how you plan to move around and what you want to see.

If you rely on trains and want to see the most cities with the least amount of hotel hopping, Bologna is a brilliant choice. It is the geographic and railway heart of Northern/Central Italy. It’s easy to reach almost every major bucket-list city in under 2 hours via high-speed train. Florence? 35 mins. Milan? 60 mins. Venice? 90 mins.

If museums and culture is what you are after, there’s none better than Florence. You are in a walkable city, but a 45-minute bus or car ride puts you in the Chianti vineyards.

Milan is often skipped by tourists who think it's "just business," but it is the perfect launchpad for Northern Italy and the lakes. There are many day trip opportunities such as Lake Como.

Another smart logistical choice is Sorrento. It sits at the intersection of the train line (Circumvesuviana) and the ferry routes. It is much flatter and more connected than the actual Amalfi Coast towns.

How Much You Will Actually Spend In Italy

Before diving into the details, we will estimate the cost of a one-week trip to Italy for you. What is the currency in Italy? It’s the euro (€), so all prices you see below are in euros. Here’s a general idea:

• Budget trip (1 week): €1,000 – €1,500 per person

• Mid-range trip (1 week): €2,100 – €3,000 per person

• Luxury trip (1 week): Starting from €4,200 per person

How Much to Spend Each Day

If you’re a backpacker, expect to spend around €60–70 per day. This amount typically covers hostel dorms, supermarket meals, affordable options like pizza slices, and free activities such as exploring piazzas or visiting churches. 

Midrange travellers should plan at least €130–150 per day. Enough to stay in private rooms or boutique hotels, eat at casual restaurants, and join a few guided tours or wine tastings. 

For travellers who want more comfort, €250 or more daily gives you budget hotels in central locations, meals in sit-down restaurants, and flexibility to take taxis or rent a car. 

On average, a week in Italy can cost €450–500 for a budget traveller, €900–1,000 for midrange, and over €1,700 for those who prefer a more upscale experience.

Are Credit Cards Widely Accepted In Italy?

Yes, very much so. In fact, there are laws requiring businesses to accept electronic payments. Not just huge stores, street vedours and taxi drivers also have portable card payment machines. Some travellers even find themselves spending less than €50 in cash at the end of their trip. Visa and Mastercard work best. American Express, on the other hand, might not be as popular.

You can buy things like these with card easily. Photo by GiuseppeLaBua - stock.adobe.com

Is It Better To Visit Italy With A Tour Or On Your Own?

Italy is a fairly easy destination since it’s a developed country. With a bit of planning, you can explore Italy on your own terms. Just be sure to do your homework beforehand.

First, use Google Maps to jot down all the places you want to visit. Then plan where to stay, what to do, etc., around the places that interest you. To save you from the hassle, check out our ready-made travel templates.

That said, feel free to opt for a tour if you don’t want to deal with all the logistics and planning. Small tours like Intrepid or G Adventures are enough to see the country. You can even travel on your own and do a day trip tours instead.

Save on Food

Of course, Italy is home to many world-famous culinary traditions. Instead of splurging on expensive restaurant meals, you can save money by eating the way locals do. 

Now let’s talk about our favourite travel hack: the aperitivo. So, what is aperitivo? You buy one drink in the early evening and you get free snacks. Sometimes it’s just olives and chips, but other times it’s a full-on spread with pastas, bruschetta, and salads. 

In some bars, this turns into apericena, where the buffet is filling enough to replace an actual meal. The best part? You only pay for your drink, usually €5–€10, and the food is included. You will need to choose your bar wisely, though: in tourist-heavy areas, you might end up paying double for the same spritz. To get the most out of it, plan a lighter lunch and let an aperitivo be your dinner. 

Do You Leave Money On The Table In Italy?

And since food and drinks always bring up the question of tipping, let’s clear the air. Tipping in Italy explained: it’s way more relaxed than in the U.S. or other countries. You’ll often see a “coperto” (cover charge) or “servizio incluso” (service included) already added to your bill. If it’s there, you’re covered; no need to add more. 

If you really loved the service, just round up or drop a couple of euros, and that’s it. At cafés and bars, leaving coins from your change is common, taxis just get a rounded-up fare, and hotel staff are fine with €1–2 per bag or per night. 

CabinZero’s tip: Avoid restaurants on tourist squares, as they charge much more for lower-quality meals. Instead, walk a few blocks away for something cheaper and maybe much better.

Plan Your Transportation

A train ride in Italy. Photo by jovannig on stock.adobe.com

The best way to get around Italy for most travellers is by train. High-speed services like Frecciarossa and Italo link major cities in just a few hours, so you can feel both fast and comfortable. For example, you can zoom from Rome to Florence in ~1.5 hours – though they cost a bit more.

If you’re planning to cover a lot of ground, consider an Italian rail pass, which can save money and give you more flexibility. For shorter trips or visiting smaller towns, regional trains are slower but much cheaper.

Driving comes in handy if you want to explore the countryside or more remote regions like Puglia or Sicily. Just keep in mind that fuel, tolls, and parking can add up quickly. Therefore, we suggest renting a car in some legit platforms, such as Europe car or Italy car rent.

In large cities, though, a car often causes more stress than convenience. For example, using public transport in Rome, buses, trams, and the metro, is far easier and cheaper than dealing with traffic or trying to find parking.

Important: If you have a paper ticket for a regional train, be sure to validate it in the little stamping machine at the station before boarding (usually a yellow or green box on the platform).

Book Your Accommodation

When you’re planning a trip through Italy, you’ll likely fill your days with sightseeing and plenty of activities. That’s why you deserve comfortable and convenient accommodation. 

For a unique experience, try staying at an agriturismo in regions like Tuscany or Umbria. These farm stays often include homemade meals and give you a real connection to local life. Price is around €60-€150 per person per night.

Budget travellers don’t have to worry. Italy has plenty of hostels and guesthouses, many offering private rooms. Hostels are popular with solo travelers and often have dorm beds in the €30–70 range per night. 

Apartments from Airbnb or similar platforms are also smart if you’re staying longer or travelling in a group. 

That said, everything vary by regions:

• Southern Italy (Sicily, Puglia, Campania) is cheapest, with Palermo hotels at €70/night average and Salerno at €30.

• Northern areas (Lombardy, Veneto) cost more, like Milan or Cortina d'Ampezzo at €200-€250, driven by business and ski demand.

• Central spots like Tuscany or Umbria fall in between at €100-€150.

• Popular hotspots such as Rome averages €150-€200 for mid-range hotels (3-star from €40, 4-star €50+), Venice hits €200+, Florence €150-€220, Naples €80-€150 (south advantage), Bologna €140. It’s really not cheap.

And you have to account for season, location, etc. too. 

What to Wear When Travelling To Italy

This is another essential part of planning yourtrip through Italy. Italians tend to dress smartly, and looking neat helps you blend in and feel more confident while exploring. In cities like Rome, Florence, or Milan, even casual outfits are usually tidy and put together. 

You don’t need to pack a designer wardrobe, just stick to neat, comfortable clothes that show a bit of effort to blend in.

Important: when visiting churches or religious sites, covering your shoulders and knees is expected. Carrying a light scarf or shawl in your daypack is an easy way to cover up when needed.

Arrange Health, Safety, and Insurance

Following these steps is part of Italy safety tips for tourists and helps you stay prepared. Photo by phpetrunina14 on stock.adobe.com

When you’re planning a trip through Italy, one of the most important things to take care of is your health and safety. Make sure you have valid travel insurance that covers medical costs for your entire stay.

It’s smart to choose a policy that also protects you against accidents, theft, trip cancellations, and unexpected medical emergencies. If you’re coming from Europe, don’t forget your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which gives you access to state-provided healthcare. For travellers from outside the EU, check that your insurance meets Schengen visa requirements and includes the minimum coverage limits.

Before you go, look up any health advisories or recommended vaccinations. Knowing local emergency numbers, like 112. If you have pre-existing medical conditions, carry your prescription medications and related documentation to avoid issues.

Finalise Your Packing List

Ever wondered how to pack smart for Italy so you can enjoy every moment without dragging around heavy luggage? Let’s find out!

Pack for the Season and Local Life

When planning a trip through Italy, dressing appropriately for the weather and local culture makes a big difference. In summer, you’ll need light and breathable clothes for walking long streets or standing at attractions. Spring and fall can be unpredictable, so we recommend layers and a waterproof jacket. 

CabinZero’s note: If you plan to visit churches or historic sites, modest clothing like a shawl or long sleeves is recommended. 

Travel Light

A sturdy pair of walking shoes is essential for walking. Moreover, a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a small umbrella will help you stay comfortable all day. 

To keep all of your stuff, you can try a backpack with secure zippers to protect your belongings in crowded areas. One excellent option is the CabinZero Classic 28L backpack, a durable and lightweight bag for travellers who want a compact yet spacious carry-on. Made from tough 600D polyester fabric with high-quality YKK zippers, it withstands heavy use and various weather conditions. 

You will experience a roomy main compartment with a clamshell opening, plus internal zip pockets perfect for organising smaller items like sunglasses or travel documents.

Make Your Travel Stress-Free

Beyond clothes and gear, think about the small things that make a trip smoother. Here are our suggestions: 

• Keep copies of important documents like your passport, visa, and insurance, both digitally and on paper. 

• Pack prescription medications with supporting documentation and a basic first-aid kit for minor issues. 

• Bring travel guides or a phrasebook to navigate streets or local markets more easily. 

Bring A Travel Adapter

For electronics, Italy uses the standard European Type C/F plugs (two round prongs) at 220V. Bring a lightweight adapter for your chargers. And if your devices aren’t dual-voltage (most phone/laptop chargers are, but check), you’ll need a voltage converter as well. A portable power bank is a lifesaver on long travel days.

Wrapping Things Up

Packing smart and preparing ahead makes all the difference when planning a trip through Italy. From clothes and shoes to documents, insurance, and everyday essentials, a little preparation can save you stress and help you enjoy every moment of your journey.

To make things even easier, we’ve put together a downloadable Italy travel guide that covers everything you need for a smooth and enjoyable trip. Grab your copy and start planning with confidence!

If you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to share it with your friends. We’d love to see your tips or experiences in the comments below. Leave your comments sharing your packing hacks or questions, and let’s help each other travel smarter!

Ha Ngan