How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Italy

Expert tips, itineraries, routes & what to see in every region.

Planning a trip to Italy and unsure where to start? You'll undoubtedly relish the opportunity to explore its rich history, stunning scenery, and delicious cuisine. However, to ensure your journey is seamless and enjoyable, a bit of preparation is essential.

To conclude, careful planning is a key for a successful and delightful Italian getaway. By organizing your itinerary, booking tickets early, arranging airport transfers, obtaining travel insurance, and checking the weather, you lay the groundwork for a smooth and unforgettable Italian experience. Below are some helpful tips for planning your journey to Italy. Enjoy your travels!

Decide about the itinerary

When planning a trip to Italy, first you need to choose which places to visit and sights to see, based on your interests. Whether you're after historical sights of Rome, the romantic canals of Venice, the art of Florence, you need to set your itinerary to make the most of your time.

You will find useful our guide on how to save when visiting Florence, the best things to do in Florence, best places to stay in Rome, how to get from Fiumicino Airport to the city, info about Leonardo Express, guide on trains from Rome to Florence...

Consider the whether in Italy

Italy boasts diverse climates, from the sunny shores of the Amalfi Coast and Sicily to the snowy peaks of the Dolomites. So be sure to check the weather forecast for each destination on your itinerary, to pack appropriately and plan activities accordingly. 

Be prepared for any weather conditions by packing versatile clothing and accessories. From lightweight layers for warm summer days to a waterproof jacket for unexpected rain, having the right attire ensures you can fully enjoy the beauty of Italy, regardless of the season.

Note that southern and central Italy is very hot in the summer time - July and August, and if you don't like this, plan your trip in April, May or September. If visiting in the spring or autumn, consider packing a small umbrella for rainy days.

Book your accommodation well in advance

Looking for great but affordable accommodation for your trip to Italy. There is a huge choice of options available, from hotels, apartments, farmhouses, castles and other... We suggest you to book 4-6 months in advance for a good selection. Or even you can book 3 different options, with free cancellation option and decide later on.

Whether you're taking a city break, planning a romantic escape or just looking for spend the night in Dubrovnik, Booking.com helps you find great value hotel deals.

Book attraction and museum tickets in advance

Italy is home to some of the most famous tourist attractions and museum, and for this reason, tickets often get sold out months in advance. If you are planning to visit sites like the Colosseum, the Vatican Museums or the Uffizi Gallery, be sure to book your tickets 2-3 months in advance. Make a list of the places you plan to visit, and get your tickets easily online. This will also help you save time and skip long lines.

Book classes and tours ahead of time

Often, if you try to book classes or day tours more than 3 months in advance, you’ll be told to call back later. Either the schedule isn’t set, or they just aren’t taking bookings, and it goes in to your must-follow-up-on list. I’m not saying that you won’t be able to book earlier than that, but you’ll have plenty of options 3 months ahead of time and you won’t be told to call back.

Organize Your Airport Transfer Before You Fly

Once you land to one of the main airports such as Fiumicino Airport or Venice Airport, you'll need a transfer to your accommodation. To avoid the hassle of using public transport, we recommend booking your private car transfer. You'll love Welcomepicksup offering reliable car transfers in almost every Italian city. This way you can relax as your professional driver will be there waiting for you, ready to drive you to your accommodation.

If you are landing to Fiumicino Airport, you may opt for Leonardo Express train, running directly to Termini Station (in only 32 minutes). You can buy your tickets ahead, as the price doesn't change and you can even change the departure time online once the ticket is bought.

Book car rental and train tickets ahead

Book car rentals about 2 months in advance. Book train tickets 2-3 months in advance.

If you opt for renting a car in Italy, note that car rental prices change and the most affordable are at about 2 months before the travel.

Train tickets don’t even go on sale online until a few months in advance, although every now and then I see an exception. But if you’re six months out, and you see that the train ticket you need is “not available”, don’t stress out. It’s not sold out, it’s just too early. That said, train tickets DO sell out in high season, so definitely book 1-2 months in advance, at least.

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A little corner for Italy lovers, sharing our travels, favourite places, food finds, and moments that keep us coming back