Things to keep in Mind
Italy is a safe country, still it is good to keep some things in mind:
Plan your trip wisely by choosing the most cost-effective seasons, ideal weather, and major cultural events.
Off-Peak Season: Visit during spring (April to May) or autumn (September to October) for affordable prices on accommodations and flights. Winter (except for Christmas holidays) also offers lower costs but cooler weather.
Recommended Travel Time: Late spring (May to early June) or early autumn (September to early October) offers comfortable weather, moderate prices, and a chance to experience Italy’s vibrant cultural life without heavy crowds.
Italy is a safe country, still it is good to keep some things in mind:
Traveling to Italy offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural landscapes. Dive into key travel advice, safety tips, and general suggestions for your trip.
Before your trip, check local laws and customs, latest travel advisories, and ensure your travel insurance is up to date. Enjoy Italy's historic cities, artistic treasures, and stunning landscapes.
Stay Duration: 3-4 days
Activities: Explore ancient ruins
like the Colosseum and Roman Forum, visit Vatican City, and toss a coin into
the Trevi Fountain.
Accommodation: Boutique hotels,
historic apartments.
Specialties: Carbonara, Roman
artichokes, gelato.
Stay Duration: 2-3 days
Activities: Enjoy a gondola ride
through the canals, visit St. Mark's Basilica, and explore the islands of
Murano and Burano.
Accommodation: Canal-side hotels,
traditional Venetian palazzos.
Specialties: Cicchetti, seafood
risotto, Bellini cocktail.
Stay Duration: 2-3 days
Activities: Admire Renaissance
art at the Uffizi Gallery, see Michelangelo's David at the Accademia, and climb
the Duomo.
Accommodation:
Renaissance-inspired hotels, cozy B&Bs.
Specialties: Bistecca alla
Fiorentina, ribollita, Chianti wine.
Stay Duration: 2 days
Activities: See Leonardo da
Vinci's Last Supper, shop in the fashion district, and visit the magnificent
Duomo.
Accommodation: Modern hotels,
designer apartments.
Specialties: Risotto alla
Milanese, ossobuco, panettone.
Stay Duration: 2 days
Activities: Hike between the five
picturesque villages, enjoy the beaches, and take stunning photos of the
colorful houses.
Accommodation: Cliffside hotels,
vacation rentals.
Specialties: Pesto alla genovese,
focaccia, seafood.
Stay Duration: 3 days
Activities: Drive the scenic
Amalfi Drive, visit the towns of Positano and Amalfi, and take a boat trip to
Capri.
Accommodation: Sea-view hotels,
luxury villas.
Specialties: Limoncello,
Neapolitan pizza, fresh mozzarella.
Stay Duration: 4-5 days
Activities: Explore the ancient
ruins in Agrigento, hike Mount Etna, and relax on beautiful beaches.
Accommodation: Agritourism farms,
beachfront hotels.
Specialties: Cannoli, arancini,
Marsala wine.
Stay Duration: 3-4 days
Activities: Tour the vineyards
and wine taste in Chianti, visit historic Siena and Pisa, and explore the
Tuscan countryside.
Accommodation: Agritourism
estates, historic villas.
Specialties: Truffles, pecorino
cheese, Tuscan steak.
Stay Duration: 2-3 days
Activities: Enjoy boat trips on
the lake, visit picturesque towns like Bellagio and Varenna, and hike the
surrounding mountains.
Accommodation: Lakeside resorts,
historic villas.
Specialties: Fish from the lake,
polenta, Taleggio cheese.
Stay Duration: 2 days
Activities: Visit the historic
city center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, explore the nearby ruins of Pompeii
and Herculaneum, and enjoy authentic Neapolitan pizza.
Accommodation: Historic hotels,
city apartments.
Specialties: Neapolitan pizza,
sfogliatella, coffee.
Stay Duration: 2 days
Activities: Visit the ancient Verona Arena, explore Juliet's Balcony, and enjoy the city's vibrant café culture.
Accommodation: Charming B&Bs, central hotels.
Specialties: Amarone wine, risotto all'Amarone, Pandoro..
Stay Duration: 3-4 days
Activities: Hiking, skiing, and
enjoying breathtaking mountain views. Visit charming alpine towns like Cortina
d'Ampezzo.
Accommodation: Mountain lodges,
alpine resorts.
Specialties: Canederli, speck,
strudel.
Stay Duration: 3-4 days
Activities: Visit the unique
trulli houses in Alberobello, enjoy the beaches of the Salento coast, and
explore historic Lecce.
Accommodation: Trulli houses
(rentals), boutique hotels.
Specialties: Orecchiette pasta,
burrata cheese, Primitivo wine.
Stay Duration: 4-5 days
Activities: Relax on stunning
beaches, explore the Nuraghe ruins, and hike in the Gennargentu National Park.
Accommodation: Beach resorts,
rural agritourism.
Specialties: Porceddu, pane
carasau, Vermentino wine.
Stay Duration: 2-3 days
Activities: Explore the medieval
towns of Assisi and Orvieto, visit the Basilica of Saint Francis, and enjoy the
green heart of Italy.
Accommodation: Historic hotels,
country houses.
Specialties: Truffles, lentils
from Castelluccio, Sagrantino wine.
Stay Duration: 2-3 days
Activities: Go windsurfing, explore medieval castles, and relax by the lakeside.
Accommodation: Waterfront hotels, luxury cabins.
Specialties: Olive oil, freshwater fish, tortellini.
Stay Duration: 1-2 days
Activities: Visit the iconic Leaning Tower, discover the Piazza dei Miracoli, and enjoy a stroll along the Arno River.
Accommodation: Small boutique hotels, riverside accommodations.
Specialties: Pici pasta, local cheeses, Tuscan wines.
Exploring Italy through its lesser-known gems offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse in the country's rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty. This itinerary is crafted to guide you through hidden treasures that capture the essence of Italy, away from the bustling tourist spots, allowing for a more intimate and authentic experience.
Begin your journey in Matera, known for its ancient cave dwellings, the Sassi, carved into the rocky landscape. This city, a European Capital of Culture in 2019, offers a unique glimpse into human settlement from the Paleolithic era to the present.
Activities: Explore the Sassi districts, visit the Rupestrian Churches, and enjoy a sunset walk for breathtaking views.
Head to Alberobello, famous for its trulli, whitewashed stone huts with conical roofs, yet often overlooked by mainstream tourism.
Activities: Wander through the trulli-lined streets, visit the Trullo Sovrano, and explore nearby towns in the Valle d'Itria like Locorotondo and Martina Franca.
Discover Maremma in southern Tuscany, a region known for its wild landscapes, Etruscan ruins, and less crowded beaches.
Activities: Visit the Tarot Garden, hike in the Maremma Regional Park, and explore the medieval village of Capalbio.
This itinerary invites you to delve deep into Italy's heart, discovering its soul through places that remain under the radar. Each destination has been chosen for its unique charm, cultural significance, and natural beauty, ensuring a journey filled with unforgettable experiences.
Activities: Explore St. Mark's Square, take a gondola ride through the canals, visit the Doge's Palace, and see the Rialto Bridge. Don't miss the islands of Murano and Burano for glassblowing and lace-making.
Transport to next destination: Train to Florence, about 2 hours.
Activities: Visit the Uffizi Gallery, see Michelangelo's David at the Accademia, explore the Duomo, and wander the historic center. Take a day trip to the Tuscan countryside, visiting Siena or the vineyards of Chianti.
Transport to next destination: Train to Rome, about 1.5 hours.
Activities: Discover the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican City, Sistine Chapel, and the Pantheon. Enjoy the Trastevere neighborhood and the Spanish Steps. Consider a day trip to Ostia Antica or Tivoli's Villa d'Este.
Transport to next destination: Train to Naples, about 1 hour.
Activities: Explore the historic center of Naples, visit the National Archaeological Museum, and enjoy authentic Neapolitan pizza. Take a half-day trip to Pompeii or Herculaneum to see ancient Roman ruins.
Transport to next destination: Train or bus to Sorrento, about 1-1.5 hours.
Activities: Use Sorrento as a base to explore the Amalfi Coast. Take a ferry to Capri, visit the Blue Grotto, and enjoy the island's stunning views. Explore Sorrento's old town and its limoncello shops.
Transport to next destination: Bus or ferry to Amalfi/Positano, about 1-2 hours.
Activities: Enjoy the beautiful coastal towns of Amalfi and Positano, with their steep, narrow streets and stunning sea views. Visit the Amalfi Cathedral, take a boat tour, and relax on the beaches.
Transport to next destination: Bus or ferry back to Naples, about 1-2 hours.
Activities: Spend any remaining time in Naples or head directly to the airport or train station for your departure.
Transport to next destination: From Naples, you can catch a train back to Rome for international flights, which takes about 1 hour, or fly out from Naples International Airport.
Activities: Explore the historic city of Palermo, visit the Palermo Cathedral, explore the bustling Vucciria Market, and tour the Capuchin Catacombs.
Transport to next destination: Train or bus to Agrigento, about 2 hours.
Activities: Visit the Valley of the Temples, explore the ancient ruins, and enjoy the seaside views. Explore the city of Agrigento.
Transport to next destination: Train or bus to Catania, about 2 hours.
Activities: Discover the city of Catania, visit the Catania Cathedral, and take a guided hike on Mount Etna. Explore nearby Taormina for stunning coastal views.
Transport to next destination: Fly back to mainland Italy or continue your journey.
Plan your travel budget by exploring costs based on different travel styles. From budget trips to luxury getaways, here's an estimate of what you might spend per day.
Total Daily Cost: €35 to €100
Total Daily Cost: €115 to €270
Total Daily Cost: €340 to €700+
These figures serve as a general guideline to help you plan your budget for a trip to Italy. Costs can vary based on destination, comfort level, and experiences. Always factor in additional expenses like souvenirs and travel insurance.