Places to Visit in Italy: Travel Guides, Tours, & Trip Planning
Italy is one of my favorite places to roam, and after years of traveling throughout the country, I’ve learned that planning an Italian vacation is about more than deciding where to go. You also need to know what is worth seeing, what should be booked in advance, how to get between cities, and which tours and travel services are worth your money. I’m Amy French, Ph.D., a professional historian and longtime traveler. On this page, you’ll find my Italy travel guides, itineraries, practical travel advice, and trusted recommendations to help you plan your trip. Whether you’re dreaming of Rome, Florence, Venice, the Amalfi Coast, Tuscany, Milan, or somewhere farther off the beaten path, start here.
On This Page
Jump to the Italy travel information you’re looking for, from trip planning and destinations to transportation, travel tips, and booking resources.
- Plan Your Italy Trip
- Places to Visit in Italy
- Getting Around Italy
- Italy Travel FAQ
- Italy Travel Tips
- Italy Travel Guides
- Book Your Italy Trip
A Quick Note about Tours & Experiences: I recommend several tour and experience providers depending on the destination and type of experience you’re looking for. Throughout this guide, you’ll find links to trusted partners including LivTours, The Tour Guy, Viator, Get Your Guide, and Shore Excursions Group. For train and bus travel, I use Omio to compare transportation options across Italy and Europe.
Best Places to Visit in Italy
Rome and Vatican City
Rome is one of Italy’s essential destinations for history, art, architecture, and food. It is an open-air museum where ancient monuments stand alongside Renaissance palaces, Baroque churches, lively piazzas, and modern neighborhoods. Within Rome, you’ll also find Vatican City, home to St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel.
Whether you’re visiting Rome for a few days or making it part of a longer Italian itinerary, my Rome guides will help you decide what to see, how to get around, what to book in advance, and how to make the most of your time.
Plan Your Rome Trip
- 3 Days in Rome Itinerary with Bonus 1 Day Only Option: Follow my itinerary for the city’s major sights, historic neighborhoods, and practical travel tips.
- How to Get Around Rome: Learn how to use Rome’s Metro, buses, taxis, and other transportation options.
- Getting from Rome Airport to the City: Compare your options for getting from the airport into central Rome.
- What to Book in Advance in Rome Learn what should be booked in advance in order not to miss out on your “must-see” spots.
Explore Rome
- The Colosseum: Learn how to plan your visit to one of Rome’s most famous ancient monuments.
- Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Explore the center of ancient Roman public and political life.
- The Pantheon: Discover the history of one of Rome’s best-preserved ancient buildings.
- Trevi Fountain: Learn about one of Rome’s most recognizable landmarks and how to visit it.
- Rome’s Historic Center: Explore the piazzas, fountains, churches, and streets that make central Rome so fascinating.
Visit Vatican City
Vatican City deserves its own place on your Rome itinerary. The Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica can easily take several hours to explore, so planning ahead is worthwhile.
- Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel: Learn what to expect and how to plan your visit. Find out what you need to know before booking your visit.
- St. Peter’s Basilica: Explore one of the world’s most important churches and its extraordinary art and architecture.
Rome Tours & Experiences
A knowledgeable guide can add historical context to Rome’s monuments and museums that you might miss when exploring on your own. I work with several tour companies that offer small-group, private, and specialized experiences in Rome, including tours of the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, historic center, and other major attractions. LivTours (use this link and code AMYRH10 for 10% off) offers semi-private and private tours in Rome, including experiences designed to provide a more personal look at the city’s history and culture. They hire expert, local guides. The Tour Guy offers small-group and private tours covering many of Rome’s major attractions and historic sites. Viator and Get Your Guide offer a wide range of Rome tours, activities, tickets, and experiences, making it easy to compare different types of tours in one place. If you’re visiting Rome as part of a cruise, Shore Excursions Group offers excursions designed specifically for cruise travelers, including options for exploring Rome from the port of Civitavecchia.
Want to see a lot of Rome without all the walking? One question I hear frequently is whether a golf cart tour is a good way to explore Rome. It can be a great introduction to the city, particularly if you have limited time or don’t want to spend your entire day walking Rome’s hills and cobblestone streets. LivTours’ semi-private Golf Cart Tour of Rome takes up to six guests on a three-hour tour with a local guide and driver. Along the way, you’ll see major landmarks including the Colosseum, Circus Maximus, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, Spanish Steps, and Janiculum Hill, with stops along the way for photos and sightseeing.
I think a golf cart tour can be especially useful at the beginning of a Rome trip: you’ll get an overview of the city and its major landmarks, then you can return to the places you want to explore more deeply on your own. Explore LivTours’ Golf Cart Tour of Rome (use my embedded link and code AMYRH10 to save 10% on 2+ tours)

Florence
Florence is one of the best places in Italy to experience the Renaissance, with extraordinary art, architecture, churches, museums, and historic streets concentrated in a remarkably walkable city center. But Florence is more than the Uffizi and Michelangelo’s David. Its markets, food, shopping, neighborhoods, and surrounding Tuscan countryside make it a destination worth exploring beyond the major sights.
Whether you’re visiting Florence for a couple of days or using it as a base for exploring Tuscany, my Florence guides will help you plan your time and decide what is worth seeing and booking in advance.
Plan Your Florence Trip
- 3-Day Florence Itinerary: Follow my itinerary for Florence’s major sights, museums, historic neighborhoods, and practical tips. Get practical advice for planning your visit, from transportation to tickets and reservations.
Florence’s Must-See Sights
- The Uffizi Gallery: Plan your visit to one of the world’s most important collections of Renaissance art.
- The Accademia Gallery: Learn what you need to know before seeing Michelangelo’s David.
- Florence Cathedral & the Duomo: Explore Florence’s iconic cathedral complex, including Brunelleschi’s famous dome.
- The Vasari Corridor: Discover Florence’s fascinating elevated passageway connecting Palazzo Vecchio and the Pitti Palace.
- Firenze Card: Find out whether Florence’s museum pass makes sense for your trip.
Shopping & Experiencing Florence
Florence is also a wonderful city for shopping, food, and experiencing everyday Italian life. My Shopping in Florence guide covers everything from leather and traditional crafts to one of my favorite Florence shopping experiences: perfume. You’ll also find recommendations for markets, specialty shops, and other places to look for something memorable to take home.
And don’t overlook Florence’s food scene. Food tours can be a fun way to learn about Florentine cuisine while exploring neighborhoods and markets with a local guide.
Florence Tours & Experiences
Florence’s museums and historic sites are filled with stories that can be easy to miss when you’re exploring on your own. A knowledgeable guide can provide context and help you understand not just what you’re seeing, but why it matters.
LivTours (use this link and code AMYRH10 for 10% off) offers semi-private and private Florence experiences, including early-access and small-group tours of the Uffizi and Accademia. These can be particularly useful if seeing Florence’s major Renaissance masterpieces is high on your list. The Tour Guy offers small-group and private tours of Florence’s major sights, museums, and historic center. Viator and Get Your Guide offer a wide selection of Florence tours, activities, museum experiences, food tours, and day trips into Tuscany. If you’re visiting Florence as part of a cruise, Shore Excursions Group also offers excursions designed for cruise travelers.
One of my favorite things for visitors short on time is the Firenze card. You get access to the major museums (and minor ones) and can visit each once for one price. You have three days to explore. It is a fabulous deal and ensures that you have tickets to Uffizi and Accademia. Book on GetYourGuide here.

Venice
Venice is unlike any other city in Italy. Built across a lagoon and connected by hundreds of bridges and canals, Venice combines extraordinary art and architecture with a way of life shaped by the water. St. Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace, Rialto Bridge, and the Grand Canal are essential stops, but some of the city’s most interesting experiences come from wandering beyond the busiest tourist areas.
Venice can also be a little confusing for first-time visitors. Knowing how to get around, where to stay, and what to book ahead can make a significant difference in your experience.
Plan Your Venice Trip
- 2 Day Venice Itinerary: What to Do, See, and Book: Follow my itinerary for seeing Venice’s major sights while still leaving time to wander and explore.
Explore Venice
- St. Mark’s Square & Basilica: Explore the heart of Venice and learn what to know before visiting St. Mark’s Basilica.
- Doge’s Palace: Discover the history and architecture of one of Venice’s most important landmarks.
- Rialto Bridge & Market: Visit one of Venice’s most recognizable landmarks and explore the historic market area.
- The Grand Canal: Experience Venice’s most famous waterway and learn about the palaces lining its banks.
- Venice’s Neighborhoods: Venture beyond the most crowded areas to discover more of the city.
- Experience the City From the Water – Whether by vaporetto or gondola, Venice’s canals reveal how transportation, commerce, and urban design were inseparable from the lagoon.
Venice Islands & Day Trips
Venice is also a great base for exploring the islands of the Venetian Lagoon and nearby destinations.
- Murano: Discover Venice’s famous glass-making tradition.
- Burano: Explore the colorful island known for its distinctive houses and lace-making tradition.
- Venice Day Trips: Find ideas for exploring beyond the historic center.
Venice Tours & Experiences
A guided tour can help bring Venice’s complicated history and architecture to life, particularly when visiting major sites such as St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. LivTours limited to a maximum of six guests and led by high-end local experts. The Tour Guy, Viator, and Get Your Guide also offer a variety of guided tours and experiences in Venice. Cruise travelers can find Venice-area excursions through Shore Excursions Group.
Milan
Milan is Italy’s fashion and design capital, but there is much more to the city than shopping. Milan has an impressive history, extraordinary art and architecture, and several important sights that are easy to overlook when compared with Italy’s more famous tourist destinations. It is also a convenient base for exploring northern Italy.
Plan Your Milan Visit
- Milan Travel Guide: Discover what to see, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Milan.
- See Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper – Housed in the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie, this work is essential for understanding Renaissance art and patronage, and requires advance planning due to limited access.
- Visit the Duomo of Milan – One of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Europe, the Duomo reflects centuries of political ambition, religious devotion, and architectural experimentation. Explore Milan’s spectacular Gothic cathedral and its rooftop terraces.
- Explore the Castello Sforzesco – This former ducal fortress illustrates Milan’s role as a military and political power and now houses several important museums and collections.
- Walk Through the Historic Center – Areas surrounding the Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II reveal Milan’s evolution from medieval city to modern commercial capital.
Popular Milan Tours & Tickets
Milan’s most popular attractions and experiences can sell out, so consider arranging tickets and tours before your trip.
- The Last Supper Tour or Ticket
- Milan Cathedral & Rooftop
- Milan Walking Tour
- Milan Food Tour
- Lake Como Day Trip from Milan
For guided experiences, LivTours offers semi-private and private tours with a maximum of six guests on semi-private experiences, led by high-end local experts. The Tour Guy, Viator, and Get Your Guide also offer tours and activities in Milan and throughout northern Italy.
Amalfi Coast & Naples
The Amalfi Coast and Naples offer two very different sides of southern Italy. The Amalfi Coast is known for dramatic coastal scenery, colorful towns, beaches, and spectacular views, while Naples is a lively historic city with extraordinary food, museums, churches, and easy access to some of Italy’s most important archaeological sites. Together, they make an excellent addition to an Italy itinerary. Naples is also a convenient starting point for visiting Pompeii, Herculaneum, Mount Vesuvius, and other destinations in the region.
Planning Your Amalfi Coast & Naples Trip
- Getting Around the Amalfi Coast: Transportation takes more planning than you might expect. Depending on the season and your itinerary, you may use ferries, buses, trains, private transfers, or a combination of options. My guide to getting around the Amalfi Coast explains the choices and what to consider when planning your route.
- Traveling Between Naples and the Amalfi Coast: Naples is connected to the region by rail and other transportation options, while ferries and buses can be useful once you’re closer to the coast. Omio is particularly helpful when planning European travel because you can compare train and bus options across multiple countries in one place. I use it especially when an itinerary involves several cities or countries rather than simply one point-to-point journey.
- Where Should You Stay? Staying on the Amalfi Coast puts you close to the coastal scenery and towns, while Naples offers a more urban experience and convenient access to Pompeii and other archaeological sites. Your choice depends largely on whether your priority is the coast itself or exploring the wider region.
- How Many Days Do You Need? Give yourself at least several days if you want to experience both Naples and the Amalfi Coast without rushing. The coast itself deserves more than a quick drive-through, particularly if you want time to explore towns such as Amalfi and Ravello.
Explore the Amalfi Coast and Naples
- Travel Along the Amalfi Coast Towns such as Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello demonstrate how steep terrain, terraced agriculture—including lemon groves—and maritime trade shaped settlement patterns and architectural forms.
- Visit Pompeii or Herculaneum These well-preserved Roman cities provide essential evidence of daily life in antiquity and remain central to understanding the region’s relationship with Mount Vesuvius.
- Explore Naples’ Historic Center Churches, palaces, and subterranean remains reflect centuries of political change and continuous occupation, illustrating Naples’ long-standing role as a major Mediterranean city.
- Visit the National Archaeological Museum of Naples The museum’s collections, particularly material from Pompeii and Herculaneum, provide critical context for understanding Roman life in southern Italy.
- Engage With Local Food and Agricultural Traditions Culinary experiences in Naples and along the coast highlight regional ingredients such as lemons, which have historically supported trade, preservation practices, and local cuisine.
Popular Tours & Experiences
The region is particularly well suited to guided day trips and excursions, especially if you want to combine several destinations without managing the transportation yourself.
- Pompeii Tour
- Amalfi Coast Tour
- Capri Boat or Island Tour
- Sorrento, and Capri Tour
- Mount Vesuvius Tour
- Naples Food Tour
- Herculaneum Tour
LivTours offers semi-private and private experiences, with semi-private tours limited to a maximum of six guests and led by high-end local experts. The Tour Guy, Viator, and Get Your Guide also offer tours and day trips throughout the region. If you’re visiting the area on a cruise, Shore Excursions Group offers excursions from Naples and other southern Italian ports.
Emilia-Romagna & Bologna
Emilia-Romagna is one of Italy’s great regions for travelers who want to go beyond the most famous destinations. Bologna, the regional capital, is known for its medieval architecture, porticoes, historic university, and excellent food. But the region also offers historic cities, castles, museums, and some of Italy’s most famous culinary traditions. Whether you visit Bologna as a destination or use it as a base for exploring the region, Emilia-Romagna is an excellent addition to an Italy itinerary.
Plan Your Emilia-Romagna Trip
- How many days do you need in Bologna? Two to three days gives you time to explore Bologna’s historic center, major churches and piazzas, food scene, and porticoes without rushing.
- What is Bologna known for? Bologna is particularly famous for its medieval historic center, extensive porticoes, the University of Bologna, and its food traditions—including the dishes that have made the region internationally famous.
- How do you get around Emilia-Romagna? Bologna is an excellent transportation hub, making it possible to visit other cities by train. For train and bus travel throughout Italy and Europe, Omio can be useful for comparing routes and schedules.
- Where should you stay? Staying in Bologna puts you within easy reach of the historic center while also making day trips to other Emilia-Romagna cities practical.
Explore Bologna
Bologna’s historic center is compact enough to explore on foot, with long stretches of covered porticoes and medieval streets connecting major sights and neighborhoods.
- Piazza Maggiore and the historic center
- Basilica of San Petronio
- The Two Towers
- Archiginnasio and the University of Bologna
- Santo Stefano
- Bologna’s porticoes
- Local markets and the city’s famous food scene
Explore Beyond Bologna
Bologna is also a convenient starting point for exploring other parts of Emilia-Romagna. Depending on your interests, consider day trips or overnight stays in cities such as Modena, Parma, Ferrara, Ravenna, and Reggio Emilia.
The region is particularly appealing to travelers interested in Italian food and culinary traditions, with opportunities to experience everything from traditional pasta and Parmigiano Reggiano to balsamic vinegar and other regional specialties.
Popular Tours & Experiences
Popular ways to experience Bologna and Emilia-Romagna include:
- Bologna food tours and market experiences
- Traditional pasta-making classes
- Historic walking tours of Bologna
- Day trips to Modena or Parma
- Parmigiano Reggiano and balsamic vinegar experiences
- Ferrari and Italian motor-racing experiences
- Ravenna’s Byzantine mosaics
- Verona tour with arena access and Juliet’s balcony
For tours and experiences, I recommend comparing options from LivTours, The Tour Guy, Viator, and Get Your Guide. For travelers visiting by cruise, Shore Excursions Group is another option for regional excursions.
Tuscany
Tuscany is one of Italy’s most popular regions, and for good reason. Beyond Florence, the region offers medieval hill towns, Renaissance cities, vineyards, historic villas, and beautiful countryside. It is a particularly good choice for travelers who want to combine major cultural attractions with smaller towns and rural landscapes.
Plan Your Tuscany Trip
- How many days do you need in Tuscany? Give Florence at least two to three days, and allow additional time if you want to explore Tuscany’s smaller cities, hill towns, or wine country.
- Should you stay in Florence or the Tuscan countryside? Florence is convenient for museums, historic sites, restaurants, and train travel. Staying outside the city offers a very different experience, with easier access to smaller towns and the countryside.
- How do you get around Tuscany? Florence and many of Tuscany’s larger cities are connected by train, while smaller hill towns are often easier to reach by car or organized tour. Omio can help compare train and bus options when traveling between Italian cities.
- What are the best places to visit in Tuscany? In addition to Florence, consider Siena, Lucca, Pisa, San Gimignano, Arezzo, and the Val d’Orcia, depending on your interests and how much time you have.
Explore Beyond Florence
Tuscany’s smaller cities and towns offer a different perspective on the region’s history and culture. Consider day trips or overnight stays in Siena, Lucca, Pisa, San Gimignano, Arezzo, and the Val d’Orcia.
Wine lovers may also want to explore the Chianti region and other Tuscan wine areas, while travelers interested in Renaissance and medieval history will find historic architecture and art throughout the region.
Popular Tours & Experiences
Popular ways to experience Tuscany include:
- Florence walking and sightseeing tours
- Uffizi Gallery tours
- Accademia Gallery tours
- Tuscan wine tours
- Siena and San Gimignano day trips
- Chianti wine and countryside tours
- Cooking classes and food experiences
- Pisa and the surrounding region
LivTours offers semi-private and private experiences with groups of no more than six guests and high-end local experts, including tours focused on Florence’s major museums and landmarks. You can also find Florence and Tuscany tours through The Tour Guy, Viator, and Get Your Guide.
Cinque Terre
The Cinque Terre is a collection of five historic villages along the rugged Ligurian coast: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Colorful buildings, dramatic coastal scenery, hiking trails, and small beaches make the area one of Italy’s most distinctive destinations. The region’s trails reveal how agricultural labor and land management shaped daily life and sustained communities in a challenging environment.
Plan Your Cinque Terre Trip
- How many days do you need in Cinque Terre? Two days gives you enough time to visit several villages without rushing, although you can see the area on a day trip from nearby cities.
- How do you get around Cinque Terre? The villages are connected by train and, depending on conditions and season, hiking trails and boats. The train is generally the most practical way to move between villages. Omio is a great resource to strategize how to get around the five cities.
- Where should you stay? Staying in one of the five villages lets you experience the area after many day-trippers have left. Staying in nearby La Spezia or Levanto can provide additional lodging options and convenient transportation.
- Is Cinque Terre good for a day trip? Yes, but a day trip will give you only a taste of the area. If you have the time, staying overnight allows you to experience the villages at a more relaxed pace.
Popular Tours & Experiences
Popular options include Cinque Terre walking tours walking tours, boat excursions, food and wine experiences, and day trips from Florence, Milan, or other nearby cities. Viewing the villages by boat highlights their dependence on maritime trade and fishing, as well as the constraints imposed by the coastline. For train and bus travel in Italy and throughout Europe, Omio can help compare transportation options. There are some great tour options by LivTours (use embedded link and code AMYRH10 for 10% off 2+ tours).
Sicily
Sicily is Italy’s largest island and one of its most distinctive destinations. Its long history has left behind Greek temples, Roman ruins, Norman churches, Baroque cities, and archaeological sites, while its cuisine and landscapes reflect centuries of cultural exchange. From the streets of Palermo to Mount Etna and the beaches of the Mediterranean, Sicily offers a very different experience from mainland Italy.
Plan Your Sicily Trip
- How many days do you need in Sicily? At least a week allows you to experience several parts of the island without rushing. With more time, you can explore both the eastern and western sides.
- How do you get around Sicily? Trains and buses connect many of Sicily’s cities, but a car can be useful for reaching smaller towns and rural areas. Omio can help compare train and bus options when planning transportation in Sicily and throughout Europe.
- Where should you go in Sicily? Popular destinations include Palermo, Catania, Taormina, Syracuse, Agrigento, and Cefalù. Your itinerary will depend on whether your priorities are history, archaeology, beaches, food, or Mount Etna.
- When is the best time to visit Sicily? Spring and fall offer comfortable conditions for sightseeing, while summer is popular for beaches and coastal travel. The best time depends on what you want to do and where you plan to go.
Explore Sicily
Sicily’s destinations offer very different experiences:
- Palermo — historic markets, churches, palaces, and a fascinating mix of cultural influences
- Catania & Mount Etna — an energetic city at the foot of Europe’s largest active volcano
- Taormina — spectacular views, a famous ancient Greek theater, and access to Sicily’s eastern coast
- Syracuse & Ortigia — ancient Greek history combined with a beautiful historic center
- Agrigento — home to the remarkable Valley of the Temples
- Cefalù — a picturesque coastal town with a historic center and Norman cathedral
Popular Tours & Experiences
Popular ways to experience Sicily include:
- Mount Etna tours
- Taormina and Mount Etna day trips
- Valley of the Temples tours
- Palermo food and market tours
- Syracuse and Ortigia walking tours
- Sicilian cooking and food experiences
- Wine tours and tastings
For tours and experiences in Sicily, you can compare options through LivTours, The Tour Guy, Viator, and Get Your Guide. Shore Excursions Group is also useful for travelers visiting Sicily on a cruise.
Getting Around Italy
Italy is relatively easy to explore without a car, especially when your itinerary includes major cities. High-speed trains connect destinations such as Rome, Florence, Milan, Naples, and Venice, while regional trains and buses make it possible to reach smaller cities and towns. In some areas, such as the Amalfi Coast and parts of Tuscany, you may need to combine trains with buses, ferries, or other transportation.
If you’re traveling between several Italian cities—or continuing on to other countries in Europe—Omio makes it easy to compare train and bus routes, schedules, and transportation options in one place. I find it particularly useful when planning a multi-city itinerary and trying to figure out the best way to get from one destination to the next. For more information about choosing and booking trains in Italy, see my guide to How to Book Trains in Italy.
Plan Your European Transportation with Omio → https://omio.sjv.io/PzgOVY
Italy Travel FAQ
What are the best places to visit in Italy?
Some of the most popular places to visit in Italy include Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, Naples, the Amalfi Coast, Tuscany, Cinque Terre, Bologna, and Sicily. The best destinations for your trip depend on your interests, available time, and how much traveling you want to do between destinations. For tours and experiences in Italy, you can compare options through LivTours, The Tour Guy, Viator, and Get Your Guide. Shore Excursions Group is also useful for travelers visiting Italy on a cruise.
How many days do you need for a trip to Italy?
There is no single ideal length for an Italy trip. With one week, it is usually better to focus on two or three destinations rather than trying to see the entire country. With two weeks or more, you can combine several regions and cities while allowing more time for day trips and smaller destinations.
What is the best way to travel around Italy?
For many travelers, trains are the easiest way to travel between Italy’s major cities. High-speed trains connect cities such as Rome, Florence, Milan, Naples, and Venice, while regional trains and buses serve smaller destinations. Depending on your itinerary, you may also use ferries, private transfers, rental cars, or organized tours. If you’re traveling between several Italian cities—or continuing on to other countries in Europe—Omio makes it easy to compare train and bus routes, schedules, and transportation options in one place.
When is the best time to visit Italy?
The best time to visit Italy depends on where you are going and what you want to do. Spring and fall generally offer comfortable conditions for sightseeing, while summer is popular for beach destinations but can be hot and crowded. Winter can be a good choice for travelers interested in museums, cities, Christmas markets, or skiing.
Do I need to book Italy attractions in advance?
For many of Italy’s most popular attractions, booking ahead is a good idea, particularly during busy travel periods. Major museums, archaeological sites, and attractions such as the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Uffizi Gallery, and Accademia can have limited timed-entry availability. Check individual attraction requirements before your trip. I recommend booking in advance using one of our affiliates, LivTours, The Tour Guy, Viator, or Get Your Guide
Do I need travel insurance for Italy?
Travel insurance is not simply about whether you are required to have it. A good policy can help protect your investment against covered trip cancellations, interruptions, medical expenses, baggage problems, and other unexpected events. We use Travel Insurance.com because it compares plans from top-rated providers side by side, shows coverage details clearly, and allows us to purchase in minutes without jumping between multiple websites. I recommend comparing policies before your trip rather than automatically purchasing coverage from an airline, hotel, tour company, or other travel provider.
Pro tip: Purchase travel insurance soon after making your first trip payment (flights, tours, or hotels). Some time-sensitive benefits are only available if you buy early.
Plan Your Italy Trip: Helpful Guides to Get You Started
- How to Plan a Trip to Italy
- How to Book Trains in Italy: Complete Guide to Italian Train Travel
- How to Choose a Hotel
- How to Get to Rome from Airport
- When to Buy Travel Insurance
- 3 Days in Rome Itinerary + One Day Only Guide
- Best 3-Day Florence Itinerary
Italy Travel Tips
Planning an Italy trip involves more than deciding where to go. From packing and transportation to dining etiquette, money, tipping, travel insurance, and avoiding common tourist mistakes, a little preparation can make your trip much easier. I’ve collected my practical Italy travel advice in one place, with tips based on my own travels and experience as a historian and frequent Italy traveler.
Here are a few of my most popular:
- Essential Italy Travel Tips
- Packing Light Guide
- How to Find the Best Authentic Restaurants in Italy (Rome, Florence, Venice)
- Do You Tip in Italy? A Guide to Tipping in Italy
- How Much Euro Should I Bring to Italy?
- How to Get a Taxi in Italy
Explore all of my Italy Travel Tips →https://roaminghistorian.com/travel-tips/
Italy Travel Guides
Ready to decide where to go? My Italy travel guides combine practical planning advice with the history and context that make these destinations more meaningful. Explore itineraries, destination guides, things to do, transportation advice, and tips for making the most of your time in Italy.
The guides cover places such as Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, the Amalfi Coast and more. Many of the guides are site or experience specific rather than just general city guides. Here are some of my most popular:
- How to Get Colosseum Tickets
- Golf Cart Tour Rome with LivTour
- Vatican Museums in the Evening: Best Tours and Insights
- What to Book in Advance in Rome (and What You Can Leave Until You Arrive)
- Florence Duomo Tickets: a Complete Guide (2027)
- Is the Firenze Card Worth It? How It Works, Where to Buy It, & FAQs for Florence’s City Pass
- Accademia Gallery Tickets (2027: Complete Guide to Seeing Michelangelo’s David
- Uffizi Gallery Tickets: Guide & Brief History
- How to Book a Gondola in Venice (Tips and the History Behind the Ride)
- How to See St. Mark’s Basilica
Explore All Italy Travel Guides →https://roaminghistorian.com/travel-guides/
Book Your Italy Trip
Ready to start booking? Here are some of the travel services I use and recommend when planning an Italy trip.
Tours & Experiences Explore guided tours, museum experiences, food tours, and day trips.
- LivTours (high-quality semi-private and private European tours led by expert guides) Save 10% with code AMYRH10 (valid on two or more tours with this link).
https://livtours.com?af_code=E1DDN61 - The Tour Guy (engaging small group & private European tours)
https://tidd.ly/3J78sNi - Viator (compare thousands of tours, day trips, and experiences worldwide)
https://www.viator.com/?pid=P00161535&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector - GetYourGuide (flexible booking options for tours, attractions, and local experiences) https://www.getyourguide.com/?partner_id=CMSFGKK&utm_medium=online_publisher
- Shore Excursions Group (high-quality shore excursions with lower prices and return-to-ship guarantees.) https://www.shoreexcursionsgroup.com/?id=1634209&data=roaminghistorian@gmail.com
Trains & Transportation Compare train and bus options with Omio.
- Omio (global travel in one place, compare train, bus, ferry, and flight tickets) https://omio.sjv.io/PzgOVY
Travel Insurance Compare travel insurance policies before you travel.
- Travel Insurance.com (compare policies side-by-side to protect your trip at no extra cost) https://www.travelinsurance.com/?utm_source=pap&a_aid=65590b3a60c44
Hotels & Vacation Rentals Find hotels and vacation rentals for your Italy itinerary.
- Expedia (flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages): https://expedia.com/affiliate/p7ZcFsz
- Hotels.com (book hotels globally and earn free nights through their rewards program): https://www.hotels.com/affiliate/rdDAFaG
- VRBO (private homes and unique stays ideal for families and longer trips): https://vrbo.com/affiliate/KvF3nms
For the rest of Europe, check out my “Visit Europe” page.
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Amy French, Ph.D., is the voice behind Roaming Historian. A professional historian and seasoned traveler, she shares stories that blend history and travel to give readers a deeper understanding of the places they explore.
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Hi
First time in Rome. What you recommend as best full day tour two adults June 22 to cover all major tourist attractions in small group. ? Please quote price too
Hi Hassia,
I would recommend the “Rome in a Day Tour” including Colosseum and Vatican Museums. Here is the link: https://theromanguy.com/tours/Rome/rome-in-a-day-tour The Roman Guy site shows prices for that tour at 129.95 euro currently. You should be able to save a little money with my code ROAMING though. Have a great trip! I adore Rome and hope that you do, too. Happy travels!Q