Italy is a country that rewards curiosity: history on every corner, world-class food, and landscapes that shift from terraced vineyards to glittering coasts in a matter of hours. For first-time visitors, the choices can feel overwhelming. Start by deciding what kind of trip you want — cities and museums, a slow food and wine tour, or a balance that adds a short outdoorsy detour; for example, if you like combining city time with short adventures, see the Tropoja 5-day adventure guide for inspiration. With a clear idea of pace and interests, you can design an itinerary that feels rich without being rushed.
Where to start: choose a geographic focus
- Big three (Rome, Florence, Venice): Classic for a reason — art, architecture, and cuisine. Ideal for a first trip of 7–10 days.
- Northern Italy (Milan, Lake Como, Cinque Terre): Great for design, fashion, lakes and dramatic coastline hikes.
- Southern Italy (Naples, Amalfi Coast, Sicily): Best for food explorers and sun-seekers who want fewer crowds.
- Combine slowly: Pick 2–3 hubs and travel between them by train (fast and scenic) rather than packing too many short stops.
Timing and length
- Best months: April–June and September–October for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
- Peak season: Mid-July to August is hot and busy; some small businesses close for August holidays.
- Trip length: 7–10 days is a comfortable first trip to see a few highlights; two weeks lets you add a region or slow down.
Booking essentials
- Flights: Book 2–4 months ahead for best prices to major airports (Rome FCO, Milan MXP, Venice VCE).
- Trains: Regional trains don’t need reservations; high-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Italo) should be reserved in advance for best fares.
- Museums and attractions: Reserve timed tickets for the Vatican Museums, Uffizi, Accademia (David), and other top sites weeks ahead in high season.
- Accommodations: Choose central neighborhoods to minimize transit time; apartments are useful for longer stays or food-focused trips.
Transportation and getting around
- Trains: The backbone of intercity travel — fast, frequent, and comfortable.
- Cars: Rent a car only if exploring rural areas, southern coasts, or islands; city driving, limited-traffic zones (ZTL), and parking are challenging.
- Public transit: Cities have good buses, trams, and metros; buy multi-day passes when helpful.
- Taxis and ride apps: Taxis are metered; preferrable to use official stands. Apps like FreeNow operate in some cities.
Where to stay (neighborhood tips)
- Rome: Trastevere for atmosphere, Centro Storico for walking access, or Prati for calmer streets near the Vatican.
- Florence: Historic center within walking distance of most sights; Santo Spirito for a livelier, local feel.
- Venice: San Marco for proximity, Dorsoduro for museums and cafés, Cannaregio for quieter evenings.
Food, tipping, and etiquette
- Meals: Eat where locals go — look for full tables and handwritten menus. Start with aperitivo (pre-dinner drinks and small bites).
- Tipping: Not obligatory. Small change or rounding up is appreciated for good service.
- Dress: For church visits, shoulders and knees should be covered. Otherwise, Italians dress smartly; “tourist casual” is fine but avoid beachwear in towns.
Money, phones, and safety
- Currency: Euro. Notify your bank and carry a mix of card and small cash.
- ATMs: Widely available — use bank ATMs.
- Phones: Buy a local SIM or rely on eSIM/data plans for maps and translations.
- Safety: Italy is generally safe; beware pickpockets in crowded tourist spots and on trains.
Packing checklist highlights
- Comfortable walking shoes and a light rain layer.
- Outlet adapter (Type C/F) and a portable charger.
- Light layers for variable weather and evenings.
- A small daypack and a secure money belt or RFID-blocking wallet.
Sample 10-day first-timer itinerary
Day 1–3: Rome — Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican Museums, walk neighborhoods (Trastevere, Jewish Ghetto).
Day 4–6: Florence — Duomo, Uffizi, day trip to Siena or Chianti for wine and countryside.
Day 7–8: Venice — St. Mark’s, Doge’s Palace, wander canals and islands (Murano/Burano).
Day 9–10: Return to Rome or add a short coastal stay (Cinque Terre or Amalfi) depending on pace.
Practical tips from a frequent visitor
- Slow down: Spend afternoons people-watching with a gelato instead of trying to cram another museum.
- Reservations: For popular restaurants, book an evening slot — many are fully booked on weekends.
- Learn a few phrases: A polite “Buongiorno,” “Per favore,” and “Grazie” go a long way.
- Be flexible: Expect some things to be different than home — embrace the rhythm.
Packing your attitude
Come curious and patient. Local hours, siesta-like pauses, and passionate debates about food and soccer are all part of the charm. The best memories come from small detours: a neighborhood trattoria, a street market, or an unexpected lookout.
Conclusion
If you’re undecided about using a travel agent versus planning everything yourself, check out this useful forum discussion on whether to use a travel agent or plan your own trip to weigh options and read experiences from other travelers.