italy at a glance
Where to visit
Best Time to Visit
Essential Experiences
Travel Considerations
Safety & Accessibility of Resources
Travel with Zicasso
10 Day Italy Itinerary at a Glance
Italy is an ideal destination for international travelers. From its delicious food to its unparalleled landmarks, it is a magnificent country that offers something for everyone. Every city is filled with a rich history and vibrant culture, and a vacation to Italy is sure to create lifelong memories.
Regions
Italy is segmented into 20 different regions. Each region is made up of a number of cities, towns, and villages, and has a unique landscape, culture, and cuisine of its own. Some of the most well-known and visited regions are Lazio, Lombardy, Tuscany, Veneto, and Campania. Lazio is where you will find Rome, Italy’s capital and the location of numerous amazing landmarks, including the Colosseum and Pantheon. The highlights of Lombardy, Tuscany, and Veneto are Milan, Florence, and Venice, respectively. Just as magnificent is Campania, home to Naples and the stunning Amalfi Coast.
Climate
Italy has a Mediterranean climate, and experiences the four seasons of Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. The Spring and Fall months tend to have moderate temperatures, though rain is more likely to occur in the months of April and November. Summers in Italy are quite warm, especially the more south you travel. Winters in the northern regions such as Piedmont, near some of Italy’s mountains, can be cold and even snowy. Snow is not much of a concern in the southern regions of the country, such as Calabria.
Population
Italy is one of Europe’s most populous countries, and is home to over 60 million people. The highest concentrations of people are found around the major cities of Milan, Rome, and Naples. Rome has a population of over 2 million people, and Milan’s city population is over 1 million people as well.
Religion
The Roman Catholic branch of Christianity is the most popular religion of Italy. The headquarters of the Roman Catholic faith center around the Vatican and Pope, located near Rome.
Language
The official language of Italy is Italian, but local dialects are also widely spoken, especially in smaller towns and villages. You may also come across people who can communicate in English. This is especially true in major cities and around tourist sites.
Currency
The currency of Italy is the European Euro, and this is the most commonly used form of payment. Major credit cards are also widely accepted at attractions, stores, and restaurants.
Where to Visit in 10 Days
10 days is a great amount of time to explore Italy, as you will be able to discover several of its fascinating cities and unrivaled destinations. Two days each in the cities of Rome, Florence, Milan, and Venice is ideal to immerse in each city’s culture. The final two days in Sorrento and along the Amalfi Coast is the perfect way to round out the trip. Rome’s attractions are endless, and include the magnificent Colosseum, Roman Forum, and nearby Vatican City.
Florence is home to some of the world’s best Renaissance art, and visits to the Uffizi and Accademia Galleries provide up-close views of some of the priceless masterpieces. The delightful city of Pisa, where you can find the legendary Leaning Tower, is also a short ride from Florence. While in Milan, you can visit the remarkable Milan Cathedral and La Scala Opera House. A gondola ride is a wonderful way to experience Venice, and St. Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace should also not be missed. Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast are known for their breathtaking views and waterfront location, and are filled with amazing landscapes and picturesque streets.
Best Time to Visit Italy
May, the first half of June, September, and October are the best times to visit Italy as temperatures are mild, in the 70s Fahrenheit in most locations, and cities tend to be less crowded. The Summer months of July and August are known to be the hottest months, with temperatures in 80s and 90s Fahrenheit. Another important note to keep in mind is that much of Italy closes for vacation in the first half of August, so many restaurants and attractions may be closed during that time.
Essential Experiences in Italy
There are so many stunning cities and awe-inspiring landmarks throughout Italy, and you can experience many of them during your 10-day tour. Here are a few of the essential experiences you will not want to miss:
Vatican City Tour
Vatican City is its own city-state, and is the smallest country in the world. Though small in size, Vatican City is a premier destination to tour, and where you will find St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and marvelous Sistine Chapel.
Accademia Gallery in Florence
Florence’s collection of art and museums transport you back to the times of the Renaissance. The Accademia Gallery is filled with masterpieces, including Michelangelo’s renowned David statue.
Gondola Ride in Venice
A scenic gondola ride around the winding canals of the city is the ideal way to explore Venice’s wonderful atmosphere and unique landscape.
Milan Cathedral
The Milan Cathedral is one of Italy’s largest Cathedrals, and its intricate statues and elaborate design are remarkable.
Travel Considerations
Weather
Spring and early Fall are the ideal times to visit Italy to avoid inclement weather and extreme temperatures. Rain may be encountered at any time, but is especially likely in April and November. The Summers tend to be very warm, and Winters can be cold and snowy in the northern regions. Even if the weather is not ideal, many attractions, such as museums and churches, are still open. Your Zicasso travel specialist can help plan alternate options for any day the weather is a concern.
Transportation
Italy is very accessible, and trains run between many of its regions and cities. Rental cars, buses, and escorted tours are also available for a 10-day trip. It is important to note that most rental cars are manual and not automatic, and navigating Italy’s various terrains can become tricky on your own. You can rest assured when traveling with Zicasso that all your transportation and logistic needs will be taken care of.
Packing
It is recommended to pack a variety of clothing for your trip to Italy. Comfortable shoes are essential for walking around cities such as Rome and Florence, and light jackets are great options for all times of the year. Lightweight pants and shawls are also important to bring, even in the Summer, as some attractions, such as the Vatican, require shoulders and knees to be covered. Some of Italy’s roads are still cobblestone, so keep this in mind if planning on bringing rolling luggage or large bags.
Weather Considerations:
In the case of rain or other inclement weather, it’s a good idea to pack umbrellas and raincoats. If traveling in warmer weather, hats and sunblock are great pieces to help keep you cool and safe.
Electrical Considerations:
Plan on bringing 1-2 adaptors and converters, as European standard electrical outlets are used throughout Italy. The adaptors and converters are needed to charge and utilize electronics from home, including phones and hairdryers.
Pharmaceutical Considerations:
It is recommended to pack sufficient amounts of all your medications before going on your 10-day vacation. Pharmacies can be easily found around major cities, but not all medications may be available.
Cultural Considerations
Italy is a major tourist destination, and the Italian people are overall welcoming and friendly to visitors. Besides the many landmarks and attractions, there are also open fields, gardens, and parks all over the country that you can enjoy. Unless you are at a tourist site, public restrooms may be difficult to come by, so it is a good idea to utilize them when available. It is typical to pay a small sum to use any public restrooms you do come across.
Travel Insurance
You’ve booked your dream vacation, now protect it with travel insurance. A wide range of factors can leave your vacation in limbo. Medical emergencies, inclement weather, and unexpected cancellations can cause turmoil for your trip, so in the unlikely event of a disaster, get the travel insurance coverage that provides peace of mind. To get a quote, visit our travel insurance page.
Flights Via Zicasso
Zicasso Air Desk is an international air ticketing service that eliminates the stress of finding and booking the right flights for your upcoming vacation by employing the same personalized service you can expect from planning a trip with Zicasso. Our competitive flight pricing, 24x7 Service & Support, and Complimentary Consultation of Routing vs. Pricing with an Expert Flight Specialist make finding the perfect flight for your trip effortless.
Travel Documents
It is essential to have all of the necessary travel documents with you for your trip to Italy. Being prepared with the correct paperwork will help ensure a smooth and easygoing trip. Here is a list of the most important documents you need:
- Passport
- Airline tickets/reservations
- Hotel reservations/confirmations
- Personal medical information, including all medications and special conditions
- Emergency contact names and numbers
- Required customs forms
- Pre-purchased tickets for attractions
- Travel and medical insurance (see above section regarding this)
Your Zicasso travel specialist can help provide further requirements specific to your trip, but responsibility always lies with the traveler to ensure that all is in order. Travel requirements can and do change often to no notice, so it is important to stay updated as your trip approaches.
Finances & Tipping
ATMs and banks are widely available throughout Italy’s major cities, including Rome and Florence. Tipping large amounts, such as 15-20%, is not customary at restaurants. If there is not already a financing charge added to the bill, small tips of a few euros are acceptable. For tour guides, a tip for a full day tour should fall in the 10 euro range per person, with slightly less for shorter tours. Your Zicasso travel specialist can provide further suggestions for other staff and guides you may wish to tip. Keep in mind price negotiations are common with street vendors, but less acceptable in formal stores and boutiques.
Safety and Accessibility of Resources
Italy is considered a very safe country, and thousands of people visit every year. If needed, emergency resources can be easily accessed in most areas.
Crime Rate
Italy is known to be one of the safest countries in Europe, and you can feel safe and secure traveling from one city to the next. Crime has been decreasing, and most tourist sites and landmarks are closely watched at all times.
Things to look out for
The main concern while traveling around Italy and sightseeing is pickpocketing. This is especially common at crowded attractions, such as the Trevi Fountain in Rome. It’s a good idea to keep purses and wallets in front of you and secure to help reduce the chance of this occurring.
Medical & First Aid
Should you encounter a medical emergency, hospitals and pharmacies are located around most of Italy’s major cities, including Rome, Florence, and Milan. You will want to get to the nearest hospital in the event of illness or other health emergencies. It is also a good idea to notify the local embassy. It is highly recommended that all international travelers consult with a primary care physician prior to traveling, and this information is not intended as a substitute for personalized guidance from a doctor.
Water & Food Safety
Italy is home to some of the best cuisine in the world, and you can indulge in all of it knowing the food and water of the country are safe. Water from drinking fountains, such as those found around Rome, is also safe to enjoy. Most restaurants serve mineral water, and you will be asked whether you prefer natural or carbonated. Italy has a number of wonderful outdoor markets. If you purchase any fruits or vegetables, be sure to wash them thoroughly before eating.
Travel with Zicasso
When planning a luxury vacation, every detail matters, which is why our approach is different. We will match you with leading travel specialists who are the most qualified to make your dream trip happen. They know their country better than anyone, and each travel specialist in Zicasso’s network is among the finest travel agents and tour operators, comprising the top tier of the industry. Experience the wonder of an exceptional itinerary crafted just for you.
