Italy at a glance
where to visit
Best Time to Visit
Essential Experiences
Travel Considerations
Safety & Accessibility of Resources
Travel with Zicasso
12 Day Italy Itinerary at a Glance
With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine, it is no wonder Italy is one of the most visited countries in the world. There are so many legendary landmarks, idyllic coastlines, and historical wonders to explore, making Italy the perfect place to spend a memorable 12-day vacation.
Regions
Lombardy, Veneto, Tuscany, Lazio, and Campania are just a few of the 20 regions that make up Italy. Each area has unique characteristics, including local customs, traditions, foods, and dialects. Lombardy’s highlights include the fascinating city of Milan and nearby gorgeous area of Lake Como. The floating city of Venice is the main site in Veneto, while the Renaissance city of Florence and endless vineyards are the trademarks of Tuscany. Lazio is home to Italy’s capital city of Rome and a myriad of historical landmarks. Further down the coast is where you will find Campania, home to the thriving city of Naples and beautiful Amalfi Coast.
Climate
Italy has a Mediterranean climate, and experiences the changing seasons of Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer. The late Fall and Winter months tend to be wet and even snowy in northern regions, while the Summer months are hot and dry in most spots. Overall, the southern areas of the country and island of Sicily have slightly warmer temperatures than areas along the northern border.
Population
Italy has a large population, and is home to over 60 million people. Many inhabitants live in and around the major cities of Rome and Milan, which are both major tourist attractions as well as important business centers. Rural parts of the country and smaller regions tend to be more sparsely populated.
Religion
The predominant religion in Italy is Roman Catholicism, with over 70% of Italians identifying it as their religion. The Roman Catholic church is headquartered in Vatican City, located just outside Rome.
Language
Italian is the national language of Italy, and the language you will hear the most during your 12-day trip. Local dialects are also common, and change from region to region. You may also encounter people who can communicate in English. This is especially true in the large cities and around tourist attractions.
Currency
The European Euro is the national currency of Italy and the most common form of payment. Credit cards are also typically accepted in most areas.
Where to Visit in 12 Days
You can immerse in all Italy has to offer during a 12-day tour of the country. Two days in Milan, two days in Venice, three days in Florence, three days in Rome, and two days in Naples is a great way to break down your time. In Milan, you can explore the grand Milan Cathedral and famous La Scala Opera House. Venice provides the opportunity to discover a truly unrivaled destination through a boat ride, a walk across its historic bridges, and a tour of St. Mark’s Square. While in Florence, you can feel the history of the Renaissance come to life through the amazing artwork found in its many museums and galleries, and take a day trip to nearby Pisa to climb the legendary Leaning Tower. Just as impressive is Rome, where historic attractions such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon can be found around every corner. Nearby Vatican City, home to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, is another site not to be missed. As you round your trip in Naples, you can visit Mount Vesuvius and the ancient remains of Pompei, as well as enjoy the gorgeous Amalfi Coast and idyllic town of Sorrento.
Best Time to Visit Italy
For the best weather, the ideal times to visit Italy are late Spring, early Summer, and early Fall. During these months you will find ideal temperatures in the 70s Fahrenheit in many locations. These times of the year also tend to be less crowded than the main Summer months. July and August are considered to be the hottest and most busy months of the year. One exception to this is the first half of August, during which many places close for vacation. This is important to keep in mind if planning a trip during this month.
Essential Experiences in Italy
Memorable experiences can be found in every Italian city and town you visit. Here are some of the essential cities and attractions you will not want to miss:
Experience Immersive History at the Colosseum and Roman Forum
The ancient sites of the Colosseum and Roman Forum provide an in-depth look into the history of the city and are amazing ruins to explore and learn about with a local guide.
Marvel at the Unique Florence Cathedral
The gorgeous Florence Cathedral is full of history and home to wonderful works of art and intricate details.
View the Epic Work of Leonardo da Vinci’s "Last Supper" Painting
Located within the former refectory of the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, Leonardo da Vinci’s renowned painting is awe-inspiring and a quintessential piece of history.
Explore the Beauty of St. Mark’s Square
As Venice’s main square, St. Mark’s is the perfect place to immerse in the Venetian culture and visit the stunning St. Mark’s Basilica.
Travel Considerations
Weather
Italy can be toured and experienced year round, even if the weather conditions are not ideal. However, if you would like to avoid the coldest and hottest times of the year, you should consider not traveling in the Winter months of December, January, and February, as well as the Summer months of July and August. Spring and Fall have the most pleasant and comfortable temperatures. Rain may be encountered in any city, but the rainiest months tend to be November and April. Many landmarks and attractions can still be visited in inclement weather, and there are numerous indoor options in every city as well, such as museums and churches. Your Zicasso travel specialist can help plan alternate activities for any day the weather is a concern.
Transportation
There are many transportation options available to you during your 12-day vacation in Italy. High speed trains, buses, rental cars, and escorted tours are all readily available. It is important to remember that most rental cars are manual and not automatic, and there are many hills and changing landscapes as you travel from one region to the next. When you travel with Zicasso you can rest assured all your transportation needs and logistics will be taken care of so you can relax and enjoy your vacation.
Packing
What to pack is an important consideration when traveling abroad. Regardless of when you visit, a good mix of clothing is always suggested. Clothes that can be layered, such as sweatshirts and jackets, are helpful for changing temperatures throughout the day. Comfortable walking shoes are also essential for touring and walking around cities and towns. Even if traveling during the Summer months, you should still bring shawls, lightweight jackets, and pants, as some attractions, such as churches, require shoulders and/or knees to be covered in order to enter.
Weather Considerations:
Since rain or inclement weather may be encountered during your trip, raincoats and umbrellas are good to have on hand. Hats and sunblock, as well as reusable water bottles can also be very helpful when the weather is warm.
Electrical Considerations:
You should plan on bringing a few adaptors and converters with you as Italy utilizes European standard electrical outlets. If you plan on charging and using electronics from home, such as cellphones and laptops, these will be needed.
Pharmaceutical Considerations:
We always suggest you bring ample amounts of medications and prescriptions with you when traveling abroad, especially for a 12-day trip. There are pharmacies easily accessible in most cities, such as Rome and Florence, but not all medications may be available.
Cultural Considerations
During your Italian vacation, you will find most Italians very friendly and accommodating to visitors. Besides the numerous landmarks that can be found all over the country, there are also beautiful open areas and parks for you to relax in and enjoy. Public restrooms can sometimes be difficult to find while out touring, so you should always take advantage of restrooms at museums, restaurants, and your hotel. In regards to meals, it is customary for places to close for 1-2 hours during the afternoon, which is when many Italians take a long break and head home for lunch. Italians also usually eat dinner later in the evening.
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
When planning for your trip to Italy, it is essential to have the necessary travel documents with you. Doing so will allow you to be prepared and help ensure a smooth and easygoing vacation. Here are some of the most important documents you will need:
- Passport
- Airline tickets/reservations
- Hotel reservations/confirmations
- Pre-purchased tickets for tours and attractions
- Emergency contact information
- Personal medical information, including current health conditions and medications
- Travel and medical insurance (see above section regarding this)
Your Zicasso travel specialist can provide further requirements that are specific to your trip, but responsibility always lies with the traveler to ensure that all is in order. Travel requirements can and do often change, so it is crucial to stay updated as your trip approaches.
Finances & Tipping
Questions about tipping and finances are often on the minds of many international travelers. In Italy, tipping is not considered required in many circumstances. For waitstaff, a few euros are acceptable. Similarly for tour guides, tips of between 5-10 euros are customary depending on the length of the tour. Your Zicasso travel specialist can provide more guidelines for any other staff you may want to tip. ATM machines can be easily found in most cities, and credit cards are also widely accepted in most areas.
Safety and Accessibility of Resources
Italy ranks as one of the safest countries in Europe, so you can feel calm and secure during your 12-day vacation. Many of the country’s landmarks and attractions are closely monitored, and emergency resources such as law enforcement and hospitals are readily available if needed.
Crime Rate
In recent years, Italy’s crime rates have been declining and are overall at lower levels than many other countries. One of the most common crimes that does occur is theft, so always keep your personal belongings secure while out in public and utilize hotel room safes if they are available.
Things to look out for
Crowded train stations and busy tourist sites are some of the main places that petty thefts can occur, and tourists can unfortunately become targets for pickpocketing. Purses and wallets should always be held in front of you, and always stay aware of your surroundings.
Medical & First Aid
Hospitals and urgent care centers can be found in many of Italy’s major cities, including Rome, Milan, Naples, Florence, and Venice. Common medications can also be found in many pharmacies located in the main cities as well. In the event of a medical emergency, you should notify emergency personnel, including the local embassy, and proceed to the nearest hospital. 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’s food is known to be safe to eat, and the country is home to some of the best cuisine in the world. The water in Italy is also safe, including water from public drinking fountains. As a member country of the European Union, Italy’s food processes and procedures are monitored and held to the highest standards. If you have any food allergies, you should discuss these with your travel specialist and keep a list of your allergies, written in both English and Italian, with you during your vacation.
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.
