AUTHOR Cherie Carter

The Ultimate Italy Travel Guide

Italy is one of the most exciting and romantic holiday destinations in the world. With world-class art, a rich history, unbeatable cuisine, and a stunning array of sceneries, it’s certainly the perfect setting for the holiday of a lifetime.

So, if you’re thinking of planning a trip to the most romantic country in the world but don’t know where to start, here’s a comprehensive Italy travel guide, including the best destinations in Italy to visit, when to go, and how to get around! 

Best Destinations in Italy to Visit

Where to visit in Italy really depends on what you want to see and do, but here are some of the most popular spots, depending on your interests.

For History

Rome

From the Roman Empire to the assassination of Julius Caesar, Rome is steeped in history. Plus, there is an abundance of tours, museums, and original buildings in the city, so it’s easy to fully immerse yourself in Roman history. 

Pompeii 

Pompeii is every history buff’s dream destination. The exceptionally preserved ancient city will give you a remarkable insight into daily Roman life over 2,000 years ago. You can walk across original cobblestone streets, admire ancient mosaics, and even witness the shapes of people and animals from that time, who fell victim to the infamous Mount Vesuvius eruption in 79 AD. 

For Shopping

Milan

As one of the fashion capitals of the world, Milan is a must-visit destination if you have a passion for fashion. It has everything, ranging from luxurious and high-end designer items through to antiques and one-of-a-kind pieces. And it’s all encompassed in a beautiful city! 

Florence 

Florence has perfected the art of blending history with modern design. Known for its high-quality goods, particularly leather and handcrafted souvenirs, from both high-end and independent designers, it’s a great place to shop no matter what kind of fashion you’re into. 

For Scenery

Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful places in Italy, and possibly the world. Plenty of people hire a car in Italy to tour the winding roads while taking in the views, which range from clear blue waters, to dramatic cliffs and charming greenery.

Venice

Intertwined with canals, gondolas, and beautiful bridges, Venice is a truly magical and picturesque destination. Its stunning architecture, cobbled streets, and abundance of art – combined with the absence of cars – make it an ideal place for anyone looking to escape the rush of everyday life.

For Skiing

Dolomites 

Despite sitting in Southern Europe, Italy has some of the best skiing destinations in the world and the Dolomites are second to none for ski enthusiasts. The iconic mountain scenery, endless slopes, and all kinds of après-ski make this the perfect destination if you enjoy a spot of skiing. 

Things to Do in Italy 

You won’t be short of sightseeing options when you choose to visit Italy. But if you’re not sure where to start, then here are some popular options:

Visit The Vatican Museums 

The Vatican museums are actually located in Vatican City, an independent country surrounded by Rome. The complex, which is made up of 26 museums, is a must-visit for art and culture lovers, with a vast amount of art work and antiques. The most popular include the Sistine Chapel, Raphael Rooms, Gallery of the Candelabra and the Belvedere Torso. 

There are over four miles of iconic artworks, so you’ll need to dedicate an entire day, or more, if you want to see it all.

See the Pantheon

The Pantheon, an ancient Roman temple, sits in the heart of Rome. As an architectural masterpiece and a historical marvel, it’s an incredibly popular place to visit no matter if you’re a history buff, an architectural fanatic, or just want to admire a relic of the past. 

Walk Among Gladiators at the Colosseum 

For an insight into ancient life, there is no better place to visit than the Colosseum, one of the most famous amphitheaters in the world. It’s the space where gladiators fought and entertained the masses. Along with its historical significance, the building itself is truly a sight to behold. 

Brave the Tower of Pisa

Aptly named the leaning tower of Pisa, this 183-186-foot-tall building is famous for being built on soft, unstable soil, which caused the tower to sink and tilt. After modern engineering efforts, it’s now a stable, but leaning, iconic tower. Walking up it is not only a novelty thanks to the building’s history, but it also provides fantastic views of the city of Pisa.

How Long Should I Spend in Italy? 

Italy is an incredibly versatile country. So whether you go for a couple of days or a couple of weeks, there is plenty to keep you busy. 

If you’re going for a long weekend, you may benefit from sticking to one city and exploring everything that has to offer. Rome is a particularly good option, as it’s home to a number of historic sights. 

For those planning on staying for a week or longer, touring up and down the country will give you a more comprehensive view of the nation as a whole, from iconic pizza in Naples to the royal palaces of Turin. 

How to Get Around Italy

Italy is a well connected country, with a reliable train infrastructure running throughout. While public transport is a great option, for complete freedom, it’s best to rent a car. If you’re worried about your eligibility for rentals, fear not! There are a number of options available like young driver car hire in Italy and car hire in Italy with a debit card, so almost anyone can get a car in Italy!

Just bear in mind that roads in Italy are often daily narrow, so it’s best to stick to smaller cars where possible. 

When Should I Visit Italy? 

Italy has plenty to offer rain or shine, but it really depends what you want to do and where you want to go as to when is best to visit. 

The summer months are ideal if you’re looking for a relaxing beach getaway or if you plan on doing a lot of scenic walks and outdoor sightseeing. However, this is peak tourist season, so if you’re looking for a quieter experience but still want nice weather, going in spring or autumn is a suitable alternative. 

That being said, winter months are perfect for avid skiers, with plenty of mountain range and exceptional ski resorts in the north of the country. Plus, Christmas markets in Italy are unbeatable! 

Get Booking! 

We hope our Italy travel guide has given you a better idea of holidaying in Italy! From the leaning tower of Pisa to the Pantheon, Italy has a lot to offer no matter what time of year you go and whether you’re there for a couple of days or several weeks. So get packing and enjoy a holiday of a lifetime. 

FAQs

What is the best time of year to visit Italy?

The best time to visit Italy can depend on the activities you plan on doing. April to June is the perfect time to go if you’re looking for warmer weather without the crowds. September to October also offers delightful weather as well as the opportunity to experience Sagre, traditional Italian harvest festivals. Both spring and autumn are great times to go for sightseeing, hiking, or coastal trips. Summer months offer exceptional weather but are often busy with crowds and can be more costly, so it’s important to bear that in mind. 

Winter is also a charming time to visit, but is best kept to those looking for indoor sightseeing opportunities or for skiing in the Alps. 

Do I need a visa to travel to Italy? 

You don’t need a visa to travel to Italy if you’re staying for less than 90 days within a 180-day period. This applies to tourists, those visiting family or friends, those attending business meetings, cultural, or sporting events, or for short-term studies or training. 

If you plan on staying for longer than 90 days or you’re there to work, then you will need to obtain a visa or work permit.

Is tipping expected in Italy?

Tipping isn’t generally expected in Italy, and it definitely isn’t mandatory. Upscale places, like Michelin star restaurants, may expect a 10% tip, but more casual places won’t. Although many people do choose to leave spare change as a tip, this is typically just a couple of euros.

Is Italy expensive to visit?

Particularly during peak season, Italy is on the more expensive side compared to many other European countries – although it’s certainly not the worst. However, more rural and less tourist-heavy areas are typically quite reasonably priced.

What currency is used in Italy?

Italy uses the Euro. They previously used the Italian Lira, but switched to Euros in 2002. 

Is Italy safe? 

Italy is generally quite a safe place for tourists. Violent crime levels are fairly low, but as with any major tourist area, petty crimes can be quite high. So keep an eye on valuable items like purses, phones, and cash.

Having working solely in the car hire industry since leaving school, car hire/travel is a huge part of my life and something that gives me great satisfaction and enjoyment.  I love coming across new products/locations and sharing these details with our customers via our online platforms.

Cherie Carter

Traveller