- Where should you start?1
- Choosing Where to Go.
- The best time to visit Italy.
- Spring (March to May) 🌸
- How long do you want to stay?
- How much should I budget for?
- The Perfect Accommodation
- Transportation? Rent a Car?
- The Italian Food! (The real reason to visit!)
- Meal culture in Italy
- What should you pack?
- Italian Culture and Key Phrases.
Where should you start?
Firstly, you’ve decided to plan a trip to Italy! That’s great but are you panicking a little now? Possibly asking yourself,”How do I plan my trip to Italy?”?
I get it, I’ve been there! No worries, I wrote this blog to help you get started and navigate planning your trip to Italy!
Italy is like a big treasure box filled with exciting things like yummy food, beautiful places, and fun traditions. The best part is that you decide what parts of it you want to discover!
Choosing Where to Go.
Italy has lots of different cities and regions, each with their own special things to see and do.
Think about what type of trip you want it to be. Maybe you want to walk through the ruins of Pompeii or take a gondola ride in Venice?
Or maybe you are more of an adventurer and want to hike the Dolomites in Northern Italy.
Once you choose what type of trip you want to plan, then it’s important to look at the best time of year to go.
The Best Time to Visit Italy.
Understanding the best time to travel to Italy is essential in planning your journey. The choice hinges on your preference – whether it’s enjoying the sunny glory of summer, enjoying the many festivals in spring, or exploring museums and archaeological sites in the less crowded season of winter.
Spring (March to May) 🌸
What it’s like: Spring in Italy is like a fairy tale! The weather starts to warm up, and flowers bloom everywhere, making the world look colorful and happy.
Where to go and what to do:
- Tuscany: Visit the beautiful flower fields where you can see tulips, sunflowers, and poppies. It’s like walking in a rainbow!
- Rome: Perfect for exploring ancient ruins and throwing coins in the famous Trevi Fountain.
Packing tips: Bring light jackets, comfy shoes, and clothes you can layer because it can be a bit cool in the mornings and evenings.
Summer (June to August) 🌞
What it’s like: Summer is hot and sunny! Perfect for ice cream and splashing around in the water.
Where to go and what to do:
- Amalfi Coast: Build sandcastles, swim in the sea, and enjoy boat rides. Beaches here are super fun!
- Venice: Take a ride on a gondola (a special boat) and enjoy yummy gelato (Italian ice cream).
Packing tips: Pack your swimsuit, hats, sunglasses, and lots of sunscreen. Don’t forget light clothes like shorts and t-shirts.
Fall (September to November) 🍂
What it’s like: Fall brings cooler weather and the leaves turn beautiful shades of orange, red, and yellow.
Where to go and what to do:
- Florence: Walk through parks to see the stunning fall foliage and visit museums.
- Cinque Terre: Hike through the colorful villages and enjoy the pretty seaside views.
Packing tips: Bring sweaters, comfy pants, and a light jacket. Don’t forget your favorite scarf and warm socks!
Winter (December to February) ❄️
What it’s like: Winter is chilly and sometimes snowy, especially in the mountains. Perfect for winter fun!
Where to go and what to do:
- The Dolomites: Try skiing or snowboarding, and have fun in the snow.
- Rome and Milan: Enjoy festive Christmas lights and markets with sweet treats and fun games.
How Long to Stay
If you’re coming from America, be ready for a long airplane ride, so you might want to stay a while! At least five days would be a good choice, which will give you plenty of time to see 2 or 3 cities.
For travelers visiting from another European country or any other country close by, then a weekend getaway is perfect for visiting Italy.
If you are still unsure of how long you want to plan your trip, consider purchasing our “Getaway Itinerary Package“ and we can personally assist you in your planning.
How to Budget
The dreaded budgeting question. If you are like me, it can sometimes be hard to make myself focus on a budget when traveling! This is why I started using my travel planner, it has a travel-saving template and a budget tracker, this way I can stay in control!
Fortunately, Italy offers a wide range of experiences to cater to different budgets, from budget-friendly hostels and trattorias to luxurious villas and Michelin-star restaurants. Crafting an informed budget is your passport to enjoying your trip without financial worry, ensuring every Euro spent is a cherished memory earned.
Here is a basic overview of what I would plan to spend to help you curate your budget.
I recommend for a weekend getaway about $300-700. Depending on what activities you want to do.
For a 5-7 day trip $2,000- $4,000 – This gives you the ability to travel to more cities in Italy.
For 2 weeks -1 month – $4,000-$8,000- This is assuming you don’t so a work away or hostel option.
If you are looking for ways to save money while visiting Italy, check out my blog on “Budget-friendly hacks when visiting Italy”
For my ADHD friends, like me, always have an extra budget for the ADHD tax!
(You can click on the picture to the left, to see ways that I have had to pay the ADHD tax when traveling. Please, learn from my mistakes.)
The Perfect Accommodation
Italy offers a delightful range of accommodations, from quaint bed and breakfasts nestled in Tuscan vineyards to luxurious hotels in Milan’s chic fashion district. When choosing your Italian home away from home, consider the location, proximity to attractions, and your comfort needs.
For longer stays, you might start with an apartment in Rome and then unwind in a cozy villa in Tuscany. The possibilities are endless! Some of my most cherished memories come from staying in picturesque small towns just outside the hustle and bustle of the big cities.
To truly experience the authentic Italian countryside, consider staying at an agriturismo. These charming farm stays blend rustic beauty with modern comforts, letting you fully immerse yourself in local culture. Savor fresh, farm-to-table meals crafted with ingredients grown on-site, and engage in activities like wine tasting, olive oil pressing, and cooking classes. Whether you’re wandering through the rolling hills of Tuscany or exploring the vineyards of Sicily, an agriturismo offers a peaceful retreat and a genuine taste of Italy’s rural life.
Transportation? Rent a Car?
Italy’s public transportation system is pretty comprehensive, offering trains, buses, and ferries, which make traversing the country possible without renting a car. Additionally, if you do want to rent a car, car rentals offer the freedom to explore off-the-beaten paths.
Here are some of my favorite apps and websites to book transportation in Italy.
- https://www.omio.com/apps
- https://www.trenitalia.com/en.html
- https://www.kayak.com/cars
- https://www.italotreno.com/en
- https://www.italiarail.com/boat-and-ferry-connections
- https://www.ferryhopper.com/en/blog/ferry-news/italy-ferries-routes-2024
- https://www.directferries.com/italy.htm
The Italian Food! (The real reason to visit!)
Italian cuisine really is delicious and a foodie’s dream. Beyond pizza and pasta, each region boasts its own specialties, offering a range of flavors for you to explore.
Some examples:
Apulia (Puglia)
Dish: Orecchiette alle Cime di Rapa
Description: Ear-shaped pasta served with turnip greens, garlic, anchovies, and chili flakes,
Social media influencers are drawn to a famous street in Bari, Italy, to watch local women make hand-crafted Orecchiette pasta in various colors, showcasing its cultural importance and offering visitors a unique and enjoyable experience.
Campania
Dish: Pizza Margherita
Description: Simple yet delicious pizza topped with tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil.
Given the popularity of pizza in Campania, it’s not surprising that Naples, the renowned pizza capital, is located here. And when it comes to a true Italian experience, one simply cannot miss out on a hands-on pizza-making class in Naples.
Now if these examples didn’t get you excited about enjoying food throughout Italy, then learning about Italian eating customs just might!
Meal culture in Italy
Meals are seen as a social occasion that is to be enjoyed and not rushed. It’s very common for a dinner in Italy to be longer than 2 hours, especially if it is a celebration. Sundays are especially important as they are spent enjoying meals with their families.
If you come from a tipping culture like America, then you might be prepared to tip large percentages, but that is not the case in Italy. Tipping is not obligatory in Italy and is less common, but it is appreciated. A small amount (5-10%) or rounding up the bill is sufficient enough. I would recommend tipping your tour guides a little as well.
Italian meals are typically served in multiple courses: antipasto (appetizer), primo (first course, usually pasta or soup), secondo (second course, usually meat or fish), contorno (side dish), and dolce (dessert). When you order your main course, it does not usually come with a side, you must order that separately. It’s polite to try a bit of everything offered. (Side not: You DO NOT have to order 1 thing from each course. I made this mistake and it was a lot of food!)
What should you pack?
Packing wisely for your trip is another hurdle of trip planning. Remember to pack according to the weather, and most importantly, a pair of comfortable shoes for those long walks exploring the cobblestone streets. Remember Italians are very fashionable and functional, so light materials for summer, neutral classy colors, and simple nice tops. When in doubt go for something in black. I always pack a simple, comfortable black dress no matter what season. It can easily be dressed up or dressed down for comfort. There’s no need to overpack because I assure you, you will want to go clothes shopping in Italy.
Basic packing recommendations:
- Spring: Light jacket, comfy shoes, and clothes you can layer.
- Summer: Swimsuit, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and light clothes.
- Fall: Sweaters, comfy pants, light jacket, scarf, and warm socks.
- Winter: Warm coat, gloves, hat, boots, cozy pajamas, and a warm scarf.
Honestly, packing for Italy could be a whole blog post of its own, which is why I wrote one! For a more detailed list of what I recommend to pack for the different seasons of Italy, check out the blog “Insert Blog”
Italian Culture and Key Phrases.
Remembering a few key phrases and cultural manners can enhance your trip to Italy. Italians greet each other with a double kiss on the cheeks starting on the left. They hold the elderly in high regard, so be sure to offer your seat when possible. Hand gestures are common in conversations, and speaking a bit of Italian is greatly appreciated. Don’t be surprised if they stand close while talking—it’s normal. Italians are known for their fashion and take great pride in their appearance.
Key Phrases
Greetings and Politeness:
- Buongiorno (bwohn-johr-noh) – Good morning
- Buonasera (bwoh-nah-seh-rah) – Good evening
- Ciao (chow) – Hello/Goodbye (informal)
- Arrivederci (ah-ree-veh-dehr-chee) – Goodbye (formal)
- Per favore (pehr fah-voh-reh) – Please
- Grazie (grah-tsee-eh) – Thank you
- Prego (preh-goh) – You’re welcome
Emergencies
- Aiuto! (ah-yoo-toh) – Help!
- Chiamate un dottore! (kyah-mah-teh oon doht-toh-reh) – Call a doctor!
- Polizia (poh-lee-tsee-ah) – Police
If you are interested in learning more Italian, check out my travel resources page for my recommendations for learning another language.
You’re Ready to Start Planning!
Now that you have an for your Italian adventure, it’s time to make your dreams come true! From choosing where to go and when to visit, to planning your budget and packing, you’re all set for an amazing journey.
Italy is full of fun things to do – whether you’re eating yummy pasta in a cute restaurant, exploring old ruins, or shopping in busy markets. Learn a few Italian words, be polite, and enjoy the beautiful places and history around you.
The best moments often come from surprises. So be open to new things, talk to friendly people, and let Italy’s magic lead the way. Your adventure is waiting, so start planning, pack your bags, and get ready to have the best time ever. Have a great trip! 🌟🌍🍝
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