Planning an Italy trip can feel overwhelming with so many incredible destinations!
This guide walks you through using our free tools to create your perfect Italian adventure, from Rome to Venice to the Amalfi Coast.
Step-by-Step Planning Process
Choose Your Regions
Italy has distinct regions, each with unique character. Select based on your interests and trip length.
Popular Italy Regions:
Rome & Lazio
Colosseum, Vatican, ancient history
Tuscany
Florence, Siena, wine country
Venice & Veneto
Canals, gondolas, Dolomites
Amalfi Coast
Positano, Capri, coastal beauty
Milan & Lakes
Fashion, Como, alpine scenery
Sicily
Greek ruins, Mt. Etna, beaches
Pro Tip:
First-timers: Rome + Florence + Venice (classic trio). Returning visitors: Explore Puglia, Cinque Terre, or Dolomites.
Calculate Your Budget
Use our cost calculator to estimate your total Italy trip expenses.
Open Cost CalculatorAverage Daily Costs in Italy:
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €25-45 | €70-130 | €180+ |
| Food | €15-25 | €35-60 | €90+ |
| Transportation | €8-15 | €25-45 | €70+ |
| Activities | €10-20 | €30-50 | €80+ |
| Total/Day | €58-105 | €160-285 | €420+ |
Pro Tip:
Venice and Amalfi Coast are 30-40% more expensive than other regions. Southern Italy (Puglia, Sicily) is most budget-friendly.
Plan Your Route
Calculate distances and travel times between Italian cities to optimize your itinerary.
Popular Italy Routes:
Classic First-Timer (10-14 days)
Rome (4 days) → Florence (3 days) → Tuscany (2 days) → Venice (3 days)
Southern Italy (10-14 days)
Rome (3 days) → Naples (2 days) → Amalfi Coast (4 days) → Sicily (5 days)
Northern Italy (7-10 days)
Milan (2 days) → Lake Como (2 days) → Verona (1 day) → Venice (3 days)
Tuscany Focus (7-10 days)
Florence (3 days) → Siena (2 days) → San Gimignano (1 day) → Chianti (2 days) → Pisa (1 day)
Pro Tip:
Italy's train system is excellent for city-to-city travel. Rent a car only for Tuscany, Amalfi Coast, or rural areas.
Book Your Flights
Calculate flight times and find the best airports for your Italy trip.
Flight Time CalculatorMajor Italian Airports:
Pro Tip:
Fly into Rome and out of Venice (or vice versa) to avoid backtracking. Open-jaw tickets save time and money.
Find Accommodation
Search for hotels near key attractions and transportation hubs.
Find Hotels Near LocationAccommodation Options:
Hotels
€70-250/night - Full service, central locations
Apartments (Airbnb)
€50-180/night - Kitchen, authentic experience
Hostels
€20-45/night - Budget-friendly, social
Agriturismos
€80-200/night - Farm stays, countryside
Pro Tip:
In Rome, stay near Termini Station for easy access to trains and metro. In Venice, stay in Cannaregio for fewer crowds.
Plan Transportation
Decide how you'll get around Italy based on your itinerary.
Transportation Options:
Trenitalia & Italo Trains
Best for: City-to-city travel, major routes
Rome to Florence: 1.5 hrs | Rome to Venice: 3.5 hrs | Florence to Venice: 2 hrs
Car Rental
Best for: Tuscany, Amalfi Coast, countryside
€35-70/day - Essential for rural areas, avoid in cities
Regional Trains
Best for: Short distances, budget travel
Slower but cheaper, connects smaller towns
Metro/Bus
Best for: Within Rome, Milan, Naples
€1.50/ride - Buy multi-day passes for savings
Pro Tip:
Book high-speed trains 2-3 months ahead for 50% discounts. Avoid driving in Rome, Florence, and Venice - parking is nightmare!
Book Activities & Attractions
Reserve tickets for popular attractions to skip lines and guarantee entry.
Must-Book in Advance:
Colosseum & Roman Forum
Book 1-2 months ahead, €18-24
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
Book 2-3 months ahead, €17-27
Uffizi Gallery (Florence)
Timed entry tickets, €20-25
Last Supper (Milan)
Book 3-4 months ahead, €15
Pompeii & Herculaneum
Can book day-of, €16-18
Pro Tip:
Many Italian museums offer free entry on first Sunday of the month, but expect huge crowds. Worth it for budget travelers!
Final Preparations
Complete these essential tasks before your Italy trip.
Pre-Trip Checklist:
Pro Tip:
US citizens don't need a visa for stays under 90 days. Starting 2025, you'll need ETIAS authorization (€7, valid 3 years).
Money-Saving Tips for Italy
Eat Like an Italian
Lunch is cheaper than dinner. Order "menu del giorno" (daily menu) for best value. Avoid tourist traps near landmarks.
Visit Shoulder Season
April-May and September-October offer 30% lower prices, perfect weather, and fewer crowds than summer.
Coffee Culture
Stand at the bar for €1 espresso. Sitting down costs 3-5x more. Never order cappuccino after 11am!
Free Water
Tap water is safe and free. Ask for "acqua del rubinetto" instead of paying €3-5 for bottled water.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Rushing Through Cities
Don't try to see Rome, Florence, and Venice in 5 days. Each deserves 2-3 days minimum. Slow down and enjoy!
Eating Near Tourist Sites
Restaurants near Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, or St. Mark's Square are overpriced and mediocre. Walk 5-10 minutes away.
Not Validating Train Tickets
Regional train tickets must be validated in yellow machines before boarding. Forget this = €50 fine!
Visiting Only Big Cities
Small towns like Orvieto, Lucca, and Matera offer authentic Italy without crowds. Don't skip them!