Plan the Italian vacation of your dreams—food, fun, family, and unforgettable sights!
Thinking about a trip to Italy? Whether you’re dreaming of pasta in Rome, coastal views in the Amalfi Coast, or exploring ancient towns in Tuscany, this guide is your one-stop shop. You’ll get the basics to start planning your Italy trip, plus helpful links to dive deeper into top spots like Rome, Tuscany, Sicily, Venice, and more.
Let’s make your Italian vacation amazing (and easy)!
In this Italy Travel Guide you will find:
- Plan the Italian vacation of your dreams—food, fun, family, and unforgettable sights!
- Why Visit Italy?
- Planning Your Italy Trip
- Where to Go in Italy
- Best Places to Visit in Italy by Interest
- Top Experiences to Have on Your Italy Trip
- Dreaming of a Multigenerational Trip to Italy?
- Considering an Italian Tour Package? Here’s What You Should Know
- Start Planning Your Dream Trip
- FAQ for Your Trip to Italy
- Let’s Plan Your Dream Trip to Italy Together
- Ready to Start Planning Your Trip to Italy?
- Pin for Later
- Related Reads to Dive Deeper
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Why Visit Italy?
Does this question even need to be asked? Italy is a dream destination. For many, it’s right at the top of their travel bucket list. Art, history, beaches, mountains, food—it’s all packed into one gorgeous country. You can hike in the countryside, chill by the sea, or wander through cities full of ancient ruins. It’s great for couples, families, solo travelers, and multigenerational groups.
Plus, the food is next-level. Fresh pasta, pizza, gelato… need we say more?
Planning Your Italy Trip
Before you start booking, keep these travel tips in mind:
- When to go: Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) offer great weather and fewer crowds.
- How long to stay: Give yourself at least 7–10 days. Two weeks is even better if you really want to live la dolce vita!
- Transportation: Trains are easy between major cities. Renting a car helps if you’re exploring the countryside.
Where to Go in Italy
With so much to see, picking the best destinations in Italy can be nearly impossible. Fortunately, it’s hard to go wrong!
Rome: A Must for First-Timers
Rome is packed with bucket-list spots like the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Vatican City. It’s a mix of ancient ruins and lively piazzas.
- Quick trip? See Rome in Two Days for a perfect short itinerary.
- Bringing kids? Here’s how to make the Eternal City fun for little ones: Rome with Kids
Tuscany: Rolling Hills and Foodie Fun
Tuscany is picture-perfect Italy. Think vineyards, hilltop villages, and long lunches under the sun. It’s great for relaxing and eating well.
- Where to stay: Here are the Best Places to Stay in Tuscany, from luxury villas to charming farmhouses.
- Traveling with family? Tuscany with Kids has all the tips for a kid-friendly Tuscan vacation.
Venice: Floating City Magic
Venice is like no place else. Ride a gondola, cross tiny bridges, and wander quiet alleys. It’s a romantic and dreamy stop, though it’s easy to get lost (which is part of the charm).
Pro Tip: Skip the new congestion fees by booking a hotel in Venice. The fee is only for daytrippers. Also, avoid lugging bags across bridges—book a hotel near a water taxi stop!
Amalfi Coast: Coastal Vibes and Colorful Towns
The Amalfi Coast is pure vacation vibes. Picture pastel towns clinging to cliffs, lemon groves, and crystal-clear water. It’s ideal for sun-seekers and honeymooners.
- Top spots: Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, and nearby Capri.
- Tip: Roads are twisty—consider a driver or take the ferry between towns!
Sicily: Bold Flavors and Ancient Stories
Sicily feels a little different—in the best way. It’s got a wild mix of Greek temples, volcanoes, beaches, and amazing street food. I’ve been waiting for the White Lotus hype to die down, but this is high on my wish list!
- Don’t miss: Mount Etna, the Valley of the Temples, and Palermo’s markets.
Puglia: Italy’s Hidden Gem
Fewer crowds, gorgeous beaches, and charming towns with whitewashed walls. That’s Puglia. It’s great for a laid-back trip.
- Highlights: Alberobello’s trulli houses, Lecce’s baroque buildings, and the beaches of Salento.
Milan: Style, Sights, and Starting Point
Italy’s fashion capital isn’t just about runways. Milan mixes modern life with history and makes a great base for northern adventures.
- Highlights: The Duomo, Last Supper, shopping in the Galleria. Tickets to the Last Supper sell out, so book them in advance!
- Offers easy access to Lake Como or the wine region of Piedmont.
Bologna: Italy’s Food Capital
If you’re hungry for the real deal—Bologna is known as La Grassa (the fat) for a reason. This university town blends lively local energy with deep food traditions. We loved the vibe in Bologna. It’s a great combination of youthful energy and a slower pace than cities like Rome and Milan.
- Highlights: Rich tagliatelle al ragù, historic porticoes, and day trips to foodie hot spots like Modena and Parma.
Other Top Spots for Your Italy Vacation
If you’ve got more time or want to go beyond the usual places, try:
- Lake Como: Fancy lakeside living and stunning mountain views.
- Cinque Terre: Five colorful cliffside villages—best explored by foot or boat.
- The Dolomites: For hiking, skiing, or just taking in the alpine beauty. These dramatic peaks are popping up all over my Instagram feed lately!
Best Places to Visit in Italy by Interest
Italy isn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of trip—what makes it magical is how many flavors of amazing it offers. Whether you’re a history lover, foodie, beach bum, or adventure seeker, there’s a perfect place for you.
For Food Lovers
Get ready to eat like royalty. Bologna and Modena in Emilia-Romagna are culinary heaven—think handmade tortellini, aged balsamic, and parmesan straight from the source. Naples delivers the best pizza of your life, and don’t sleep on Rome’s street food (hello, suppli and carbonara).
Tip: Try a food tour your first day in a city—it’s a delicious crash course in culture and geography. Here are some highly rated food-lover activities in Bologna, Modena, and Rome. View all of our favorite Italian food tours and cooking classes.
For History Buffs
Rome is a living museum. From the Colosseum to the Vatican, there are so many layers of history you’ll feel like an archaeologist with gelato. Florence oozes Renaissance brilliance (David! The Duomo! The Uffizi!), and Pompeii’s ruins bring ancient Rome’s daily life eerily to life.
For Beach Lovers
Craving turquoise waters? Head to the Amalfi Coast for stunning cliffside villages. On the other hand, Sardinia and Sicily offer more remote, relaxed vibes. Their sandy beaches feel more Caribbean than Mediterranean.
For Nature and Outdoor Lovers
The Dolomites will blow your mind. Think jagged peaks, alpine meadows, and cute wooden lodges with espresso. Lake Como and Lake Garda bring sparkling water, charming towns, and ferry-hopping fun.
For Families
Italy is a dream for families offering walkable towns and kid-friendly food. The country offers the perfect balance of things to do and opportunities to relax. For example, Rome and Florence offer just enough excitement without chaos. While, Tuscany brings slower days filled with castles and countryside. If you really want to relax, consider a villa in Puglia. Think lazy days at the beach and bike rides to the nearest town!
👉 Check out Rome with Kids and Tuscany with Kids for firsthand tips.
Top Experiences to Have on Your Italy Trip
You could just stroll around and eat gelato and still have the best time ever. But let’s level up your Italy game with a few unforgettable experiences.
Sip Wine Where It’s Made
From Chianti vineyards in Tuscany to barolo in northern Italy, a winery visit is a must. Many offer tastings with local cheese and meats—aka the perfect afternoon. Never fear, many wineries are kid-friendly, too.
Take a Cooking Class
Making pasta with a local nonna? Yes, please. Try classes in Rome, Florence, or smaller towns like Lucca for a more personal touch. Kids can totally join in, too. Mine children adored the class we took in a castle in Tuscany!
Walk the Ancient Streets
Rome’s Centro Storico and Trastevere are perfect for wandering. Florence’s pedestrian-friendly core makes it easy to explore museums, churches, and leather markets at your own pace.
Cruise the Coast
Take a boat tour along Cinque Terre or around Capri. Swimming off the boat into the Mediterranean? Epic.
Experience a Festival
Timing your trip with a local festival gives you a front-row seat to Italian culture. Consider Venice’s Carnival to Siena’s Palio horse race.
Dreaming of a Multigenerational Trip to Italy?
taly is a fantastic destination for multigenerational trips. Why? Because it offers something for everyone—history, food, beaches, art, and beautiful countryside. Grandparents can enjoy slower-paced days sipping espresso in a piazza, while kids burn off energy climbing castle walls or learning to make pasta.
The key to success? Flexibility. Plan downtime between activities and choose accommodations with space to spread out (like a villa or multi-room suite). Also consider destinations where everything is walkable or centrally located. Group meals at family-run trattorias are a win for all ages.
Considering an Italian Tour Package? Here’s What You Should Know
Group tours can be a fantastic option, especially for solo travelers or anyone who wants to soak up the experience without sweating the logistics. Some tours are designed for large, social groups, while others are smaller and more intimate. And if you’re traveling with friends or family, a private Italy tour package tour might be the best of both worlds—just your group, with everything handled for you.
For example, I once traveled with a tour company that planned our custom itinerary based on our interests. They arranged drivers, made dinner reservations, and made the whole trip feel effortless.
Pro Tip: Some of the best travel packages are available only to travel advisors. Let’s talk about how I can help you book your dream vacation!
Comparing Italy Tour Options
Need a little help choosing? Here’s a quick look at three very different Sicily tours to show the variety available:
Ciao Italy Small Group Tour
- Group Size & Vibe: Small and intimate, usually 10–12 people. Appeals to culture-loving couples, friends, and solo travelers of all ages.
- Travel Style: Relaxed pace, lots of local flavor—stay in charming towns, eat at family-run trattorias, and enjoy longer stays in each spot.
- Hotels & Perks: Unique boutique hotels or villas, private transfers, and immersive local experiences.
- Example Pricing: 7-night escorted small group tour of Sicily, from $3,745 per person for a double room for September 2025 departure
Contiki Group Coach Tour
- Group Size & Vibe: Larger, up to 24 people. For 18–35-year-olds who want a fun, fast-paced adventure.
- Travel Style: Jam-packed itineraries hitting Sicily’s greatest hits like Palermo, Taormina, and Agrigento. They also include optional activities like wine tasting or nightlife.
- Example Pricing: 7-night coach tour of Sicily, from $2500 per person for a double room with a September 2025 departure.
Ciao Italy Private F00d & Wine Focused Tour
- Group Size & Vibe: Just you and your travel companions. Ideal for families, friends, or couples seeking a personalized trip.
- Travel Style: A curated itinerary focused on top food and wine experiences.
- Hotels & Perks: Boutique accommodations, private guides and drivers, exclusive tastings, and hands-on cooking experiences.
- Example Pricing: 7-night Sicily private food & wine tour, from $9,605 per person for double room for September 2025 departures.
These are just three of hundreds of options. Not sure which is right for you? I’ll help you find your perfect tour fit—whether that’s sipping wine in a hilltop villa or dancing the night away.
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Start Planning Your Dream Trip
FAQ for Your Trip to Italy
Do I need a visa to visit Italy?
If you’re from the U.S., Canada, UK, or most of Europe—you don’t need a visa for trips under 90 days. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your travel dates.
What should I pack for Italy?
Bring comfy shoes (those cobblestones are no joke), layers (weather can vary by region), and something slightly dressy for dinner. Oh, and don’t forget a plug adapter—Italy uses type C, F, and L plugs.
What’s the best way to get around Italy?
Trains. They’re fast, reliable, and scenic. Use regional trains for small towns and high-speed ones for big city hops. Renting a car is best for Tuscany, Puglia, or Dolomites trips.
Can I drink the tap water in Italy?
Absolutely. It’s safe, clean, and free—even many fountains in Rome are potable.
How much should I tip?
Tipping is modest—rounding up or leaving a euro or two is appreciated, but not expected. Check your bill first—some places include a “coperto” or service charge.
Is Italy family-friendly?
Very. Italians adore children. Expect smiles, offers of extra bread, and lots of flexibility. Many hotels and restaurants are used to families and even offer kid menus.
Let’s Plan Your Dream Trip to Italy Together
Feeling overwhelmed with options? Wish someone could just pull it all together for you? I can help.
As a travel advisor who’s explored Italy with kids, eaten all the pasta, and learned what works (and what doesn’t), I specialize in crafting unforgettable Italy itineraries for families and couples.
Before you book another DIY trip, check out 5 Reasons to Use a Travel Advisor to see how much smoother and more fun it can be with a little expert help.
Your Perfect Family Vacation Is Calling
Discover how easy and enjoyable family travel can be when we handle the planning for you.
Ready to Start Planning Your Trip to Italy?
Use this guide to planning a trip to Italy to dream big, then dig into our detailed posts for real-deal advice. Whether you’re after food, culture, relaxation, or all three, there’s an Italy trip that’s just right for you.
Want help planning a custom family vacation to Italy? I’m here to help!
Pin for Later
Related Reads to Dive Deeper
- Rome in Two Days
- Rome with Kids
- Best Places to Stay in Tuscany
- Tuscany with Kids
- Picking the Bet Destinations for a Family Trip to Europe