How to Plan a Trip to Italy: 7 Steps to Make It Easy

Italy is an easy-to-access travel destination, but not an easy one to navigate well. If you want a seamless trip, don't miss this helpful article. These 7 steps will help you plan the perfect Italy tour.

7 Steps to Plan an Italy Trip

Decide When to Go

As an all-year-round travel destination, Italy is hard to define in terms of the "best time" to visit. In fact, it depends on what matters most to you:

For pleasant weather, spring and fall are ideal seasons. The mild temperatures and picturesque landscapes make these times perfect for travel.

For outdoor enthusiasts and beach lovers, summer is undoubtedly the best season. However, it's also the busiest, with larger crowds and higher prices.

For those looking for a budget-friendly trip, winter offers lower costs and fewer crowds. Spending leisurely time in museums and galleries can be a great option.

For festival-goers, no worries, Italy offers a sea of festivals. No matter which month you choose, it is easy to find something exciting happening.

Plan How Many Days to Spend in Italy

You could easily spend a month in Italy without getting bored as there are so many things to see and do. At Odynovo Tours, most first-time travelers choose to spend 10 days to 2 weeks on their trip.

Around 12 days is enough to cover Italy's main highlights, including 2 to 3 days each in Rome, Florence, and Venice, with time to add another 3 days for beach escapes like Cinque Terre, the Amalfi Coast, or Sardinia.

You can also spend 2 to 3 days in Tuscany or Sicily for wine experiences, enjoy day trips to historic gems like Siena, Pompeii, or Pisa, or dedicate 2 days to the culinary paradises of Bologna and Naples.

Select Where to Go and What to Do in Italy

It can be hard to decide where to go in Italy, as there are just too many incredible destinations to choose from. Here are some of the best places, along with the top things to see and do in each, for your reference:

Rome - The Eternal City

Like a living museum, Rome is home to countless world-famous historical attractions: the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Vatican Museums, and St. Peter's Basilica. And of course, don't forget to toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain to make a wish.

Best time to visit: spring, early fall

Recommended days: 3 days

Florence - The Cradle of the Renaissance

Marvel at the landmark of the city - Florence Duomo, admire masterpieces in the Uffizi Gallery, stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, and soak in panoramic views from Piazzale Michelangelo.

Best time to visit: April, May, September, October

Recommended days: 2 days

Florence Cathedral

Venice - The Floating City

Get lost in the romantic canals, take a gondola ride, visit St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace, and discover the colorful islands of Murano and Burano. Watching traditional glass-making in Murano is a must-have experience. If you visit in March, you may catch the world-famous Venice Carnival.

Best time to visit: April, early May, October

Recommended days: 3 days

Milan - The Fashion Capital

As the home of world-renowned fashion brands, Milan hosts the iconic Design Week every April. The majestic Gothic Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano) is one of the most impressive churches in Italy.

Best time to visit: April, May, September, October

Recommended days: 1 day

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Amalfi Coast - Coastal Beauty at Its Finest

Drive along the scenic coast, relax in Positano, hike the Path of the Gods, and take a day trip to Capri for luxury and natural beauty.

Best time to visit: late spring to early fall (late September and early October)

Recommended days: 3 days

Cinque Terre - Colorful Cliffside Villages

This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers hiking trails with sea views, local seafood, and vibrant houses perched above the Mediterranean. Don't miss the sunset in Manarola.

Best time to visit: April to October

Recommended days: 2 days

Tuscany - A Wine Paradise

Take day trips from Florence to San Gimignano, Montepulciano, or the Chianti region, where you can enjoy wine tastings and soak in the medieval charm. The rich wines and rolling green vineyards attract visitors from all over the world.

Best time to visit: spring, fall

Recommended days: 5 - 8 days

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Naples & Pompeii - History Meets Flavor

Naples is the birthplace of pizza, and its street food is legendary. No one can resist Italian food here. Nearby, explore the haunting ruins of Pompeii and hike up to Mount Vesuvius for panoramic views.

Best time to visit: all year round

Recommended days: 2 days

Sicily - More Than an Island

Visit ancient Greek temples in Agrigento, enjoy the baroque towns of Noto and Ragusa, relax on the beaches, and sample cannoli and arancini. Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano, is a must-see.

Best time to visit: all year round

Recommended days: 5 - 8 days

Lake Como - Glamour and Tranquility

Surrounded by mountains and dotted with elegant villas, Lake Como is perfect for boat rides, charming towns like Bellagio and Varenna, and luxurious lakeside stays. You can easily connect to Lake Como from Milan.

Best time to visit: spring, fall

Recommended days: 3 days

Top Places to Travel in Italy

Pick Your Favorite Italy Itinerary

Whether you are visiting Italy for the first time, or returning for another adventure, Italy always has something new to surprise you.

The iconic cities of Rome, Florence, and Venice are must-visits and form the core of many classic Italy tour itineraries.

If you're dreaming of a beach escape, destinations like Sardinia, Sicily, and the Italian Riviera offer the perfect setting for sun-soaked relaxation.

Looking for something off the beaten path? Puglia, Umbria, and the Dolomites are highly recommended. From hiking and skiing to snorkeling and cycling, a wide range of outdoor activities await.

Of course, Italy is world-famous for its food and wine. If you are craving a culinary journey, you won't be disappointed.

And that's not all Italy has to offer. Arts, history, religion, architecture, and culture - the themed tours are far more diverse than you can imagine. So, just contact Odynovo, pick the itinerary that excites you most, and get ready to go!

Sample Itinerary for First-Timers

Choose Your Travel Style

Italy offers a range of travel styles to suit different preferences and needs. Select the way that's just right for you to explore Italy.

Private Guided Tour

Worry-free, in-depth, and efficient. Odynovo's Italy private tours are deal for first-timers or those who want a deeper understanding of Italy's history and culture.

Self-Drive Tour

Flexible and personalized, with pre-arranged logistics by Odynovo's expert. Enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace.

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Luxury Tour

Enjoy top-notch accommodations, private services, Michelin-starred restaurants, and exclusive experiences.

Small-Group Tour

A social and cost-effective way to travel with like-minded people.

Learn How to Get Around Italy

International Flights

Thanks to Italy's well-connected transport hubs, getting there is easy, no matter you're coming from the USA, Australia, or, of course, elsewhere in Europe.

The major international airports in Italy include Rome Fiumicino Airport (Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, FCO), Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), and Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE). Together, these three airports handle the majority of long-haul and intercontinental flights to Italy.

International Trains

Connected to its neighboring countries by international trains, Italy has a well-developed railway network.

You can travel by train from France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, or Croatia, with a scenic, comfortable, and eco-friendly way to reach Italy.

Personally, I highly recommend taking the Bernina Express from St. Moritz in Switzerland to Tirano in Italy, which passes through spectacular Alpine scenery.

Domestic Transports

Getting around Italy is convenient and flexible, with a variety of domestic transport options available. Whether you prefer flying, taking the train, self-driving, or even using public buses, there's always a way that suits your travel style.

Domestic Flights

For long distances, for example, from Milan in north to Palermo in south, domestic flights can save you time. Major cities are well-connected with frequent short-haul flights.

Trains

Italy's railway system is one of the best in Europe. High-speed trains like Frecciarossa, Italo, and Frecciargento efficiently connect major cities like Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan. For smaller towns, regional trains are available, though they run slower.

Recommended Tour Itinerary

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Private Vehicle or Car Rental

Odynovo offers both high-quality private tour and flexible self-driving tour, making your trip more comfortable, personalized, and stress-free.

Consider Where to Stay

Accommodation is a very important part of any trip. When choosing a hotel, you'll need to consider factors like location, price, and cancellation policies. Early bird promotions are always welcome, as they often offer great value.

As a well-established tourist destination, Italy offers a wide variety of accommodation options: from international hotel chains to boutique hotels, from castles to villas, and from luxury resorts to charming farm stays. This vast range of options can satisfy all kinds of travel needs.

Useful Travel Tips

Book Your Tours and Tickets Ahead

You may not need to book your tour too early in some destinations - but not in Italy.

Even in the "low season," Italy remains incredibly popular. Making reservations in advance is both smart and necessary, especially for top attractions like the Colosseum, Vatican City, and the Florence Duomo.

And if you want to enjoy a meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant, it's highly advisable to book early.

Stay Connected

There are several ways to stay connected while traveling in Italy. Choose the one that suits you best.

For free internet access, most hotels offer Wi-Fi, but many restaurants and cafés may not. Portable Wi-Fi You can purchase a tourist SIM card either before departure or upon arrival at the airport or train station. A local SIM will allow you to access the internet on the go for navigation, translation, or travel info.

Roaming with your home SIM card is often expensive and may come with slower speeds. If you don't plan to use an international roaming plan, it's best to disable this service before you leave.

If you prefer offline use, be sure to download maps and travel guides in advance.

Still Too Complicated?

Try a simpler way to make your Italy tour come true. Just contact Odynovo.

One Step to Make Your Italy Trip Become True