Italy travel guide
Italy's classic first trip links Rome, Florence and Venice by high-speed train, with the option to add the Amalfi Coast, the lakes or Sicily.
Best time to visit Italy
April to June and September to October bring warm weather and long days without the peak-summer heat.
July and August are hot and busy at the main sights; around 15 August (Ferragosto) many locals go on holiday. Winter is quieter, apart from Christmas and Venice Carnival.
Getting to Italy
Rome Fiumicino (FCO) and Milan Malpensa (MXP) handle most long-haul flights. Venice (VCE), Naples (NAP) and Florence (FLR) have many European connections.
Recent round-trip fares Aviasales travellers found recently. Tap a route to see that trip and today's price on Aviasales.
Getting around
High-speed trains
Trenitalia's Frecciarossa and Italo trains connect Rome, Florence, Bologna, Venice, Milan and Naples. Rome to Florence takes about 1.5 hours.
Regional trains
Slower regional trains reach smaller towns. Paper tickets for regional trains must be validated before boarding.
Driving
A car is useful in Tuscany or Sicily, but many historic centres are restricted traffic zones (ZTL) where unauthorised cars are fined.
Top things to do in Italy
1. Colosseum and Roman Forum
Ancient Rome's amphitheatre and the ruins around it, visited with a timed-entry ticket.
See tickets & tours on Tiqets ›2. Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
One of the world's largest art collections, ending in Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling.
See tickets & tours on Tiqets ›3. Florence: Uffizi and the Duomo
Renaissance masterpieces in the Uffizi Gallery and Brunelleschi's dome over the cathedral.
See tickets & tours on Tiqets ›4. Venice by water
The Grand Canal by vaporetto water bus, St Mark's Basilica and the quieter canals of Cannaregio and Castello.
See tickets & tours on Klook ›Practical tips
- Book the Colosseum, Vatican Museums and the Last Supper in Milan in advance; time slots sell out.
- Venice charges day-trippers an access fee on certain days. Check the city's official website before your visit.
- Many restaurants add a small cover charge (coperto) per person; it is normal, not a scam.
Italy travel FAQ
What is the best time to visit Italy?
Spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) offer good weather with fewer crowds than July and August.
How many days do you need for Rome, Florence and Venice?
About a week: three days in Rome, two in Florence and two in Venice, travelling between them by high-speed train.
Do I need to book trains in Italy in advance?
High-speed train fares are usually cheaper when booked early. Regional trains have fixed fares and can be bought on the day.