Italy Trip Planner

This travel wiki page on Italy will help guide travelers with quick and relevant information to consider when planning and visiting the country. It is difficult to find all the relevant information you need on culture, safety, travel restrictions, and things to do, so we summarize it all here. If anything is stale or outdated, please let us know! Let’s dive in and explore more high-level information as an Italy trip planner.

Posted October 15, 2022 – Updated June 1, 2024

National Information & Culture

Officially, the Republic of Italy is in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea. The country shares borders with France, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, Vatican City, and San Marino. It is a member state of the European Union and part of the Schengen Area. Rome is the capital and largest city, while the official currency is the Euro.

Italy is home to many people and cultures because of its central location in Southern Europe and the Mediterranean. Moreover, it has a rich history tracing back to the Roman Empire.

Millions of tourists visit Italy annually, making it one of the world’s top 10 most visited countries. Italy also has the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites worldwide. Of Italy’s 58 heritage sites, 53 are cultural, while the remaining five are natural.

Italy is famous for its pizza, pasta, the Renaissance art and artists the country has produced, tourism, art cities, opera, and fashion. Italy leads the world when it comes to fashion and luxury brands. Hence, visitors should be confident when exploring the country, especially the major cities. Walk the walk, as they say.

When planning your trip to Italy, check the country’s official tourism website for more information, tips, and hints.

Time

When planning to visit a bank or shop in Italy, do it in the morning. Most banks are open only in the morning, and shops close from 1:00 to 3:30 pm. Italian time makes allowances for siestas, locally called “riposo.” Families take a nap during this time before returning to their afternoon work.

Aside from making time for siestas, Italians also take their time during meals. For example, lunch in restaurants is usually from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., while dinner is from 7:30 to 11:00 p.m.

In addition, Italy has a somewhat “laidback” culture regarding time. Therefore, it is usual for Italians to arrive late for any meetings or circumstances.

Coffee and Drinks

Coffee in Italy seldom comes in big sizes, so if you are a coffee lover, you might order another cup. Iced coffee and flavored coffee are also uncommon.

Italian laws forbid alcoholic drinks under the age of 16. Local council regulations also prohibit drinking on the streets at night. Thus, tourists should ask about this from your accommodations.

Special Travel Considerations

Each country and destination has rules and regulations that every traveler must consider. Hence, please consider the following factors for hassle-free travel to Italy.

Covid-19 Policy

As of June 1, 2022, Italy no longer requires a green pass to enter the country. It means travelers do not have to show any COVID-19 documentation (vaccination certificates or negative COVID test) upon arrival.

Travel Insurance

Travel and health insurance are requirements when applying for a Schengen Visa to Italy. The health insurance should be at least €30,000 and cover emergency hospitalization and repatriation expenses, and it must be valid throughout the Schengen area. Travel insurance can protect you against the inconvenience of injury, medical emergencies, theft, and flight cancellations. In addition, it is comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong with your trip.

Visa Information

Italy is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area, so its visa policy applies to Italy.

EU nationals are visa-exempt when traveling within Europe and Schengen countries and can legally enter and reside in each other’s countries. Nationals from 62 countries holding ordinary passports may enter Italy without a visa for 90 days within 180 days. Please note that stays are cumulative and include visits to any Schengen area country. To find out if your country needs a visa to enter Italy, visit the esteri.it website.

In addition to visas, visitors entering the country should have at least three months of a valid passport beyond their planned departure date from the Schengen area. However, as a general rule, having at least six months of a valid passport is best when traveling to any country.

ETIAS

The European Union introduced the European Travel Information and Authorisation (ETIAS) to boost security across the Schengen Zone. It will be a mandatory requirement for visitors from visa-exempt countries starting in the first half of 2025. ETIAS is a travel permit or a visa waiver program in which all visitors, regardless of age, traveling to the Schengen countries must apply individually at least 96 hours before departure. It will be a multiple-entry permit valid for three years or until the passport expires (whichever comes first) and can be used to visit all ETIAS member countries.

As of this writing, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is not in operation and does not accept applications for travel authorizations. However, applicants can apply via an official website or mobile app before ETIAS is operated. The date travelers can apply for ETIAS will be published on this website, Europa Home Affairs. Visitors can also find more information on the European Commission’s website.

Popular Attractions

Italy is rich in masterpieces of art and architecture and has more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than the rest of the world. No wonder Italy never leaves its spot in the world’s top ten most visited countries!

Rome

Rome is the capital city of Italy. It is also famous as the Eternal City and the cradle of Western civilization and Christian Culture.

Colosseum

The Colosseum is one of the seven wonders of the world, the best attractions in Italy, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the symbol of the “eternal city,” built in the 1st century, and represents the largest theater in the world. For centuries, the Colosseum was a venue for gladiator fights and animal shows in the Roman Empire. Today, the structure is a prominent reminder of ancient times and the extensive history of Rome.

Roman Forum

The Roman Forum is between the Roman Colosseum and Piazza Venezia. This rectangular-shaped structure is one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in the city and is surrounded by ancient government buildings. Ancient citizens called this space the Forum Magnum, originally a marketplace. For centuries, it was the center of Roman public life: the venue of commercial affairs, criminal trials, gladiatorial matches, public speeches, processions, and elections.

Pantheon

The Pantheon is an exceptionally well-preserved former Roman Temple. It is a remnant from Roman times, revealing the incredible architectural achievements of the Roman Empire. The temple was disused after early Christian kings forbade the use of a pagan temple as a church and was later consecrated by the Pope in 609 CE. The Italian Kings, Renaissance painter Raphael, and other great Italians are buried in the Pantheon.

Trevi Fountain, Rome

The Trevi Fountain is a beloved icon that’s a traditional stop on any visit to Rome. It is the largest Baroque fountain in Rome, with a legend that a tourist who tossed a coin over the left shoulder (with the right hand) is supposed to guarantee a return trip. The fountain was a public water source connected to an aqueduct built in the first century BC. The masterpiece of the Trevi Fountain was designed by Nicola Salvi in 1732 and was completed in 1762.

Florence Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore

The Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore, or the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, dominates the Florence skyline and is one of the finest cathedrals in the world. It was built between the 13th and 15th centuries, with the most famous piece being the impressive dome, completed by Filippo Brunelleschi in 1434.

The bell tower cathedral stands beside the cathedral in Piazza del Duomo, covered in the same patterned marble typical of Tuscan Romanesque architecture. The campanile stands 82 meters tall, and visitors can climb the 414 steps up to a viewing platform with fantastic views of the city and the dome.

Opposite the Duomo is a baptistery famous for its bronze panel doors by Lorenzo Ghiberti. However, originals are replaced with replicas to protect them from weathering. The original bronze panel doors are now displayed in the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, the cathedral museum.

The Grand Canal in Venice

The Grand Canal is Venice’s largest and most famous waterway, with a wide S-shaped route. Along its sides are the grand palaces once owned by the wealthiest and most powerful families of the Venetian Republic. One of the best ways to see many grand palaces is by taking a vaporetto ride along the Grand Canal. When visiting Venice, ensure that your gondola ride and sightseeing explorations on foot include some of the smaller canals lined by old buildings that have remained relatively unchanged for hundreds of years.

Venice is a city of islands, and the canals have long been the city’s main streets, connected by narrow passageways. A gondola ride through the canals is a tradition that visitors have enjoyed for a long time.

Leaning Tower of Pisa

The Leaning Tower of Pisa (La Torre Pendente) is just one of many attractions in Pisa. Unfortunately, its world fame comes from a flaw instead of the elegance of art and structure. The tower’s construction began in the 1100s, and the sinking, which led to the lean, started when the building reached the third story. Over the centuries, the tower leans more until the restoration works in the 1990s. Beginning in 2001, visitors can climb up the stairs of the building to enjoy a fabulous view of Pisa City. Today, travelers love to take funny pictures of

pushing the tower with their hands and legs.

The Leaning Tower in Piazza dei Miracoli, the nearby beautiful Romanesque Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, and a round freestanding baptistery show the outstanding works of medieval stone carving.

Vatican City

Vatican City is the smallest country in the world. It is in Rome and home to some of the world’s most priceless art collections. In addition to the residence of the Pope, Vatican City has 11 museums. 

In Vatican City, a must-visit is St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, with the tomb of St. Peter and one of Michelangelo’s most poignant works, the Pieta. Also, the walls and ceilings of the Sistine Chapel are covered with frescoes by Michelangelo, while Raphael and other significant artists’ works are in the Vatican Palace. Outside the basilica is St. Peter’s Square, where the Pope addresses the Roman Catholic devotees and followers.

The Uffizi Gallery in Florence

Aside from being one of the best art museums in the world, the Uffizi Gallery in Florence is a one-stop history of Italian Renaissance art. Its greatest treasure is the collection of paintings that shows the evolution of painting in Italy from the 14th to the 16th centuries. Here, you will see the first painting experiments with perspective and some early portraits of religious art. When visiting the museum, visitors must not forget to see Uffizi’s most famous work, Botticelli’s Birth of Venus.

Pompeii

Pompeii is an ancient city near Naples, one of Italy’s most visited tourist attractions, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, the city of Pompeii and nearby areas were buried and destroyed under 13 to 20 ft (4 to 6 m) of pumice and ash, thereby preserving the city’s condition from that historic day. Therefore, the excavation of the town of Pompeii provided a marvelous view and insight into the people living there around 2000 years ago.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a lovely coastal region with colorful houses on steep hills and cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean. The Cinque Terre area comprises five picturesque Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore villages. Paths interconnect the villages and can be reached by boats and trains. However, the narrow roads and mountains make it hard for cars. The coastline, five villages, and the surrounding hillsides are all part of the Cinque Terre National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Popular activities here are hiking between the villages to enjoy the landscape and feel of old-world fishing villages.

Lake Como

Lake Como is one of Italy’s most scenic areas. Mountains and small picturesque towns surround it. Along the wooded shores of the lake are many villas and palaces, such as the Villa Balbianello and Villa Carlotta, both surrounded by gardens that are open to the public. There is also an 11th-century abbey along with the resorts on the lake. Visitors here can embark on excursions around the lake on regularly scheduled steamers, making visiting the lakeside attractions easy.

Primary Spoken Language(s)

Italian is the official language in Italy. Alternatively, English is widely spoken and the recommended language for most conversations you will have on holiday, from arrival at the airport or accommodation facilities, shopping or museum visits, ordering meals at restaurants, or receiving information.

Italy is home to several other languages, twelve of which are officially recognized: Albanian, Catalan, Croatian, French, Friulan, German, Greek, Ladino, Occitan, Sardinian, and Slovenian.

Safety Concerns

Italy is a popular destination despite the threat of terrorist attacks, ranking 34th out of 163 countries on the 2023 Global Peace Index. As of July 26, 2023, Italy has a Level 2 travel advisory from the US Department of State. However, this does not affect the number of tourists arriving in the country. Italy did not lose its place among the most visited countries in the world.

Generally, Italy is a safe country to visit, with tourist infrastructure and essential services available. However, people should be aware that the main tourist concern in Italy is petty theft, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, especially in crowded tourist hotspots in Rome, Florence, and Venice. To avoid being a victim, here are some tips for everyone to consider:

• Leave your valuables at home, and do not publicly advertise wealth with excessive jewelry. Watch your belongings, especially in busy tourist areas.
• Be aware of busy markets, piazzas, and public transport. Thieves can be everywhere, waiting for every opportunity to find a victim.
• Beware of beggars, even older women carrying babies. In most cases, they are part of a syndicated network, and the money they earn from begging never goes to them!
• Do not be a victim of locals selling counterfeit leather goods and ‘designer’ products in high-touristed areas. Counterfeit goods are strictly illegal in Italy.

In case of emergencies, dial 112 for the country’s hotline number, 113 for police, and 118 for health emergencies.

Natural Disaster

Natural disasters do happen in Italy. Though irregular, it can be dangerous. For example, Italy has three active volcanoes around the country – Mt Etna in Sicily, Mt Stromboli on the island of Stromboli, and Mt Vesuvius near Naples. If inevitable eruptions occur, they can disrupt travel plans. Aside from volcanic eruptions, flooding is another disaster that usually occurs in low-lying areas of Venice, such as Piazza San Marco. Flooding occurs especially in early winter (November-December) when high rainfall and the lagoon swells at high tide. So, visitors should follow local warnings when traveling during this time.

Budget Considerations

In Italy, famous luxury brands such as Gucci, Prada, Armani, Fendi, Dolce & Gabbana, Valentino, Versace, and the like always come first. Visitors might think that because of this, traveling to Italy is always that expensive. But for real, exploring Italy is surprisingly affordable!

Accommodation

Depending on the location and travel season, a hotel dorm bed in Italy ranges between $30 and $60. Private rooms are usually around $60 to $120 per night. Free Wi-Fi is standard; most hostels have self-catering facilities and complimentary breakfast. Airbnb is also typical, with an apartment costing $120. For more comfort, travelers can stay in a three-star hotel for $110 and a five-star hotel for $220.

Expect the prices to double during summer or even triple in highly tourist areas. Additionally, note that prices in Rome and Florence are higher than anywhere else in the country.

Food

Italian cuisine is famous for its tomatoes, pasta, olives, olive oil, and cheeses. Menu favorites also include gelato and pizza. Some must-try traditional dishes include bigoli in salsa (pasta in anchovy sauce), risotto al nero di sepia (risotto with cuttlefish ink), gnocchi alla Sorrentina (potato gnocchi), cassoulet (a meat and cabbage stew), and tagliatelle funghi porcini e Tartufo (pasta with mushrooms and truffles).

Anyone can grab to-go meals like croissants, cheeseburgers, paninis, and sliced pizza between $3 and $8. Expect to pay around $11 for a fast-food combo meal and $15 for a cheap meal of local cuisine. Visitors can also dine in a mid-range restaurant for $30 for a three-course meal.

Meanwhile, travelers who want to go grocery shopping and cook can expect to spend around $70 weekly on basic staples like pasta, rice, seasonal produce, cheese, and meat.

Attractions and Transportation

Regarding tourist attractions, entrances to the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Statue of David, Uffizi Gallery, Pompeii, etc., range between $10 and $20 for a basic ticket. Meanwhile, the famous Gondola ride costs around $80 before sunset. The rate will increase to $100 during and after sunset.

Conversely, fares for public transportation in major Italian cities start at $1.60 for a 90 —to 100-minute bus ride. For flexibility and comfort, travelers can also find rental cars for around $30 daily, depending on the travel season.

Average Two-Weeks Cost

Considering the cost of accommodation, meals, transport, and attractions, budget travelers in Italy can spend $70 daily. That means staying in a hostel dorm bed, eating cheap take-out meals or cooking their food, and taking public transport. On this budget, travelers mostly do sightseeing tours and free activities.

Meanwhile, travelers can comfortably stay in a 3-star hotel on a mid-range budget of $180 daily or $2520 in two weeks. The budget includes dining out at local restaurants, taking occasional taxis or high-speed rails, and doing paid tours and activities.

Lastly, travelers can enjoy luxury in Italy for $300 daily to $4200 for two weeks. It covers the cost of staying in a five-star hotel, dining anywhere, vehicle rental, high-speed rails, and all the paid tours and activities they want. So, for them, the sky is the limit for travel.

Customs And Import Restrictions

Customs and import restrictions for particular goods such as food, alcohol, tobacco, and cultural and pharmaceutical products in Italy vary from a visitor’s origin. The transport of cash less than €10,000, or its equivalent, is allowed. For amounts equal to or more than €10,000, travelers must fill out, sign, and lodge it at the customs office. It is to avoid penalties and seizures ranging from 30% to 50% of the sum above the indicated limit.

Specific rules about what travelers can include in their personal effects, transporting animal and plant goods, and bringing pets into Italy should also be observed. Please check the Traveler Customs Card for more information about Italy’s customs and import restrictions.

Climate Considerations

The surrounding Mediterranean Sea primarily influences Italy’s climate. The generally mild climate means visitors can explore Italy at any time of year. However, the temperature of Italy is highly diverse because of the length of the peninsula and the mountainous hinterland.

Like the rest of Europe, Italy has four seasons: summer from June to August, autumn from September to November, winter from December to February, and spring from March to May. Generally, August is Italy’s hottest month in the south, with temperatures reaching more than 40 °C. On the other hand, the north hit its peak in July and has slightly milder maximums. January is the coldest month in the country.

If you are wondering what to pack during your trip, look at the table below!

Please note that the temperatures indicated in the table are indicative. It may vary from city to city or depending on whether you are near the sea, in the mountains, or the hinterland.

Primary Transportation Options

Numerous options exist for entering and exploring Italy, including air, railway, land, and sea transport.

Air

Italy has around forty airports, providing a network of domestic, international, and intercontinental flights. Almost all Italian airports operate international connections. However, the primary flight entry hubs to Italy are the Rome-Fiumicino International Airport “Leonardo da Vinci” and Milan Malpensa Airport. In addition, many airline operators connect the country to various destinations worldwide, with ITA Airways, the state-owned flag carrier of Italy, leading the way.

More or less, all airports have an impressive network of taxis, buses, and trains. All of these ensure comfortable and fast connections to city centers.

Railway

The Italian railway system forms a vital part of the country’s infrastructure. The country has a high-speed rail network that connects major cities and neighboring countries like Austria, France, Slovenia, Switzerland, and the Vatican.

When traveling from neighboring European cities/countries, visitors can easily take advantage of EuroCity trains to travel to Italy. These international convoys offer a wide choice of timetables and routes. For example, Geneva, Marseilles, Innsbruck, and Munich directly connect with Venice, Bologna, Verona, and Milan. Travelers can also choose EuroNight trains if they prefer to travel at night, enabling them to sleep during the journey.

Traveling by underground subways is also available in Milan, Rome, Naples, Brescia, Turin, Catania, and Genoa. Other cities in Italy have large-scale rapid rail or tram lines, similar to subway systems. Schedules and number of trips vary during the week. Thus, it is best to check the timetable ahead of time.

Land Transport

Italy has an extensive, mostly paved road network. Hence, traveling by land is fast, safe, and convenient.

Bus

Visitors can also enter Italy from Europe by bus along routes that connect the country to the rest of the continent. Many bus companies operate such scheduled trips, offering various services at competitive prices.

Also, buses and trams circulate daily in Italian cities. It connects historical centers, suburbs, surrounding areas, and smaller towns and villages. Remember to buy your ticket at authorized outlets and book your seats before boarding.

Car or Motorbike

Another way to enter Italy from the neighboring country is by car or motorbike. The extensive European motorway network and several passes over the Alpine chain make it easy to access Italy from Austria, France, Switzerland, and Slovenia.

The principal passes open all year round are:

• the Mont Blanc tunnel (from Chamonix, connects France to the A5 motorway for Turin and Milan);
• the Gran San Bernardo tunnel (connects Switzerland to the A5 motorway for Turin and Milan);
• the Brenner Pass (connects Austria to the A22 motorway towards Bologna).

Because of snow, the Alpine tunnels are often closed in winter and sometimes in autumn and spring.

Rental companies in Italy have certain restrictions, including a minimum age limit of 23 (sometimes 25). Also, Italy drives to the right and overtakes the left side. Visit this link for helpful information on the main driving rules in Italy.

Taxi

Riding a taxi is the best option for quick trips within the cities. Several taxi operators are available in larger cities and tourist centers (more frequently in high season) and smaller villages. Visitors can book them through applications and online.

Only ride authorized taxis in Italy, in white color, and must have the word ‘Taxi’ written on the roof. In addition, they have taximeters. Depending on individual instances, extra costs for luggage, holiday service, night service, and out-of-town routes (such as airport trips) may be added.

On a side note, be wary of people who stop you when you arrive in the city, airport, or station and offer you a taxi service. They are unauthorized people and should be avoided. Taxis in Italy have specific, readily identifiable waiting ranks, and drivers do not solicit passengers on the street.

Sea Transport

Italy has a vast coastline, which gives many opportunities to arrive by sea at the country’s ports. Many national and international shipping companies connect the main European ports with Italy. Ticket prices vary with the season, usually higher in the summer. Visitors can often reach the tiny pearls of the Mediterranean for a day trip.

For example, the Grandi Navi Veloci fleet connects Barcelona to Genoa. In addition, there are trips from Greece to Italy, with the most popular routes from Igoumenitsa, Corfu, and Patras. Blue Star Ferries arrive directly in Venice and Brindisi, while Superfast Ferries travel to Ancona and Bari. Fragline Ferries covers the Corfu-Brindisi route. Grimaldi Ferries, one of the best-known Italian companies, connects Tunis and Barcelona with Civitavecchia, Salerno, Livorno, and Palermo. Tirrenia Navigazione ferries run numerous connections throughout the year between Tunis and the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. Marmara Lines serves the Turkish city of Cesme with Ancona and Brindisi. Jadrolinija connects Dubrovnik (Croatian coast) with Bari, while Virtu Ferries is the best company to reach Malta from Catania.

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