Traveling to Italy for the First Time: Luxury Travel Guide

Choosing the right time for your first trip to Italy can significantly shape your experience. While the country is a stunning year-round destination, certain periods offer a more relaxed atmosphere for first-time visitors. The shoulder seasons, in particular, provide an ideal blend of pleasant temperatures and manageable numbers of travelers, allowing you to fully appreciate the country’s iconic sights.

• The Sweet Spot: The best times to visit are during the shoulder seasons of April to May (spring) and October to November (autumn).
• Fewer Crowds: These months offer the same beautiful landscapes and pleasant weather as summer, but with significantly fewer tourists at major attractions.
• Summer Season: The peak season of July and August brings the warmest weather, but also the largest crowds and highest prices, especially in popular coastal areas.
• Winter Travel: The low season from December to February is perfect for enjoying cities with fewer people or visiting ski resorts in the Dolomites, though you should expect colder weather.
• Year-Round Appeal: Every season offers a unique reason to visit, from Mediterranean heat in the summer to festive markets in the winter. Find out more in our Best Time to Visit Italy guide.

Determining the ideal length for your first Italian vacation depends on your personal travel style and goals, but the key is to find a balance between seeing the highlights and avoiding a rushed itinerary. You want to give yourself enough time to soak in the culture, savor the cuisine, and travel between destinations without feeling like you are constantly on the move. A well-planned duration will allow you to experience iconic cities and charming hidden gems.

• The Ideal Duration: For a comprehensive first-time trip, we recommend spending between 10 and 14 days in Italy.
• A Balanced Itinerary: This timeframe allows you to visit several major cities, like Rome, Florence, and Venice, at a comfortable pace, without feeling rushed.
• Shorter Trips: If you have less time, a seven-day trip is feasible, but should be focused on one or two regions to maximize your experience.
• Longer Explorations: A trip of three weeks or more provides you with the opportunity for a deep dive into Italian culture, allowing for travel to southern regions or the islands.
• Custom Planning: A travel specialist can help you craft the perfect itinerary to match your schedule, ensuring you make the most of every day.

Italy has 20 administrative regions, but the country is more commonly divided into the north, central, south, and islands, each with its own culture, heritage, and distinguished culinary traditions.

• Northern Italy: Northern Italy is fashionable and romantic, known for designer clothing and prestige cars, home to both Venice and the Italian Riviera, along with an abundance of medieval and Renaissance castles. Our Best Places to Visit in Northern Italy captures the beauty of the countryside and the bustle of elegant cities.
• Central Italy: Central Italy is home to medieval towns crowning lush hills and ancient villas adorning mountain ridges. Central Italy is the region of Rome, Florence, and Assisi. You can find traditional wonders with our Tuscany travel guide or learn about regional cuisine from our Best Cities To Explore the Food of Umbria.
• Southern Italy: Southern Italy represents ancient history beyond that of Rome and draws visitors from around the globe with its enchanting coastline and delicious cuisine. Zicasso’s Best Places to Visit in Southern Italy unravels the unique culture shaped by a history of Greek, Roman, Norman, Arab, and Spanish occupation.
• The Italian Islands: The Italian islands embody the stunning coastlines for which Italy is famous, while also introducing you to exceptional outdoor activities, stunning beaches, and ruins connected to the ancient Mediterranean diaspora of Magna Graecia. From bespoke resorts to timeless towns, our Best Italian Islands to Visit become immersions into the heritage and scenic splendor that feels simultaneously connected to greater Italy, yet completely separate from it.

Italy is filled with iconic cities and majestic landscapes, known for the Colosseum and Grand Canal, colorful coastal villages, and medieval castles. Our Best Places to Visit in Italy for your first trip unveils the most famous highlights:

• Rome
• Florence
• Tuscany
• Venice
• Amalfi Coast
• Cinque Terre
• The Lake District

Whether interested in lounging on a perfect Mediterranean beach or eager to witness the staggering ruins of a powerful empire, the Top Things to Do in Italy reflect the ancient heritage, contemporary culture, and inspiring ways to experience the country’s indomitable spirit.

• Enjoy a truffle-hunting experience in the atmospheric woodlands.
• Visit vineyards and sample delicious wines on a guided wine tour.
• Learn to battle like a gladiator with a private gladiator training lesson.
• Delight in the flavors of traditional pizza during an artisan cooking class.
• Discover the renowned labyrinth of canals during a gondola ride in Venice.
• Visit ancient ruins and museums across the country that tell stories of lost empires.
• Embrace Italy’s famous aesthetic by visiting boutique shops in famous shopping districts.

Handling a few key logistics before you depart can ensure your first adventure in Italy is smooth and stress-free. Understanding the basics of entry requirements, how to manage your money, and simple communication etiquette will allow you to navigate the country with confidence. These practical considerations are simple to arrange, but make a significant difference once you arrive.

• Visa Requirements: For many visitors, including those from the US, a visa is not needed for tourist stays of up to 90 days under the Schengen Agreement.
• Currency: Italy uses the Euro (€). The most favorable exchange rates are typically found by withdrawing cash from local ATMs upon arrival or by using a credit card.
• Credit and Debit Cards: Use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees for purchases and a debit card for withdrawing cash to avoid unnecessary charges.
• Language Basics: While English is spoken in most tourist areas, learning a few basic Italian phrases like grazie (thank you) and buongiorno (good day) is polite and greatly appreciated.
• Staying Connected: Consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international eSIM plan upon arrival for affordable data to use for maps and communication.

Italy’s excellent and modern transportation network makes it surprisingly easy to explore its diverse regions, from the northern Alps to the southern coast. With several convenient and efficient options available, you can seamlessly connect between iconic cities, charming villages, and breathtaking landscapes. Choosing the right mode of transport for each leg of your journey is key to a smooth and scenic travel experience.

• High-Speed Trains: Traveling by train is the best way to get between major cities like Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan. They are fast, comfortable, and deliver you directly to the city center.
• Regional Trains: For exploring smaller towns and rural areas, regional trains are a cost-effective and scenic option, though they are slower than the high-speed lines.
• Renting a Car: A rental car offers the most flexibility for exploring the countryside, particularly in regions like Tuscany or Sicily, but is not recommended for navigating large cities.
• Flying: For long distances, such as traveling from Milan in the north to Sicily in the south, a domestic flight is the quickest and most practical choice.
• Ferries and Water Taxis: To visit islands like Capri or navigate coastal areas like the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre, ferries are essential and offer beautiful views.

Italy's rich culinary heritage is a significant part of its identity, and experiencing it firsthand can be a highlight of your trip. To fully immerse yourself in the delicious world of pasta or pastries, pizza or cheeses, and more, our Italy food and wine travel guide has more information on several local culinary customs and traditions to help you enjoy your first luxury trip to Italy.

• Dining Etiquette: Italians do not walk while eating or drinking. Italians take their meals seriously. They may stand at the bar or inside a café, but will not stroll down the street eating lunch or sipping a Coca-Cola or a coffee. Italians stop for their meals, even when in a rush, to enjoy a small pleasure during their busy day. An exception to the rule applies to children.
• Mealtimes: Italians typically eat three meals a day, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Don't expect to find American-style breakfasts everywhere, and lunch is the largest meal of the day. Most traditional restaurants in Italy do not open until 7pm, with many Italians not sitting down for dinner until 7.30 or 8pm. The best way to keep the hunger pains at bay is to partake in an aperitivo, a type of Italian happy hour, when small snacks, such as sandwiches, olives, or popular cheeses, accompany your cocktail order.
• Table Manners: Use your fork instead of your fingers to pick up pieces of fruit and a knife to pick pieces of cheese. This is polite and considered more sanitary. Wine is served with meals when visiting a person’s home and it is rude to refuse a glass. Rather, if you do not want anymore or do not wish to drink, leave your glass relatively full.
• Wine-tasting Tips: From the rolling vineyards of Tuscany to the sun-kissed slopes of Sicily, each region boasts unique varietals and traditions. When wine tasting during your first trip to Italy, consider embracing local grapes, visiting smaller producers, and engaging with staff to learn more about the production, grape varieties, and food pairings.

You can find more ideas on how to make the best of your experience with our Tips for Wine Tasting in Italy.

By keeping a few practical and safety considerations in mind, you can ensure your first trip to Italy is as memorable as it is seamless. From what you pack to how you navigate daily life, being prepared allows you to focus on the incredible history, food, and culture around you. A little awareness goes a long way in creating a positive and stress-free vacation.

• Pack Smart: Comfortable walking shoes are non-negotiable for cobblestone streets. Pack layers of clothing that you can easily add or remove as the weather changes throughout the day.
• Respectful Dress Code: When visiting churches and religious sites like St. Peter's Basilica, you must dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees.
• Be Aware in Crowds: While Italy is very safe, be mindful of your belongings in crowded tourist spots and on public transportation to protect against pickpocketing.
• Plan Your Meals: Remember that many traditional restaurants close between lunch and dinner. Italians dine late, so most establishments won't open for dinner until 7pm or later.
• Health and Wellness: Carry a small first-aid kit with essentials and any personal medications. Tap water is safe to drink throughout Italy, so bring a reusable bottle to stay hydrated.

Italy is an exceptional destination that offers something for every type of traveler, from history enthusiasts and beach lovers to children in search of fairytale villages, culinary adventurers eager to find authentic flavors, and more.

• Archeological discoveries, chocolate tastings, and pizza can inspire kids and parents during an Italy Family Vacation for First Timers.
• Amazing Italy Tour to Amalfi Coast, Capri, Positano, and Rome captures the mixture of breathtaking scenery and inspiring traditions for which Italy is known.
• Embrace the treasured beauty of Italy’s most iconic cities while also uncovering majestic secrets during the Rome, Florence, and Venice: Highlights and Hidden Treasures of Italy Tour.

With the promise of delicious food and gorgeous scenery, historic vineyards and immersive history, Italy has timeless places to visit and endless things to do. From the impressive display of ancient ruins to the promise of local culinary favorites, you can tailor every experience during your Italy vacation.

Find more information for your first trip to Italy with our Italy travel guide, in which you can explore new ideas and find more possibilities to enjoy when you plan a trip to Italy. Then, take a look at our Italy vacations and tour packages for more inspiration.