Italy Tour Packages & Italy Destination Guide | Trafalgar (2024)

FAQs

What I wish I knew before going to Italy? ›

As a general rule, if you are traveling between cities and major towns then the best way to travel around Italy is by train. If you want to explore the countryside and small villages you will need to rent a car. When you are mapping out distances to travel between destinations use Google maps or Rome2Rio.

A private tour offers you the safest way to travel around Italy with a driver who has your well being as their top priority. There is no need to join huge lines for taxis or travel on public transportation with crowds. You can keep your distance easily with private transportation.

However, to experience Italy at its best, you'll need to factor in three or four weeks. That way, you'll have enough time to discover a large part of the peninsula and one (or perhaps both!) of its major islands, Sardinia and Sicily.

Italy - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to terrorism. Country Summary: Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Italy.

Must-visit destinations for a first trip

Any first trip to Italy should at least include Rome, Florence, and Venice. Lots of people will tell you that all three cities are over touristed and full of tourist traps. They're right! However, they are three of the most wonderful cities in the world.

The best time to visit Italy is during the spring (April-May) or early fall (September-October) when the weather is pleasant, the prices are low and the crowds are thin. Italy is fortunate to have a temperate climate most of the year, with the summer months (June, July, and August) being the hottest.

All they get are a few photo opportunities and a rushed snapshot of a few places - Rome, Florence, the Bay of Naples ... If you really want to see Italy, go by land. I agree with everyone else who has responded. Cruises are at best fly buy visits of overcrowded ports.

Transportation in Italy on a budget

Public transport is an economical way to get around when traveling in Italy. Depending on the city, various options are available, including buses, trams, metro systems and even boats. Single-use tickets can range from €1.50 to €5, while daily passes usually cost between €4 and €15.

Planning ahead is key to snagging the best deals on flights to Italy. Airfare prices tend to rise as the departure date approaches, so booking several months in advance can save you a significant amount (we recommend 5-6 months in advance for international flights).

Are guided vacations worth it? ›

You'll gain a deep understanding of the culture.

Local guides will take you to all the right places, teach you fun facts about your destination you might not learn anywhere else, and fill you in on the basics when it comes to speaking the local language .

Is one option cheaper than the other? Group tours are usually going to be a tad more expensive than independent travel, however, there are certain things you should consider when comparing prices: Tours will save you a lot (and I mean, a lot!) of time researching your destination.

Just use the trains. Italy has a very good high speed train grid between important cities (Milan, Bologna, Florence, Rome, Napoli, etc.) and a local train grid not so good but definitely pervasive. So it's possibile to reach almost any town and city by train.

A one week trip to Italy usually costs around $1,269 (€1,166) for one person and $2,538 (€2,332) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing. A two week trip to Italy on average costs around $2,538 (€2,332) for one person and $5,076 (€4,663) for two people.

The distance from Rome to Florence is 162 miles and many high-speed trains make the trip in just 1 hour and 29 minutes. Rome to Florence train takes you north through Italy's scenic Lazio and Tuscany regions. Most trains travel directly from Rome to Florence; you won't be required to change trains.

U.S. citizens may enter Italy for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. All non-residents are required to complete a declaration of presence (dichiarazione di presenza).

If you're happy to move fast, you could cover Italy's highlights on a whistle-stop 10-day tour. That would give you a couple of days each in Venice and Florence, a day in Bologna, Pisa and Naples, and three days in Rome. Alternatively, you could focus on a particular area.

Beyond its artistic allure, Italy captivates foreigners with its warm and welcoming hospitality. Italians are known for their friendly nature, making visitors feel at home from the moment they arrive. No matter where you go in Italy, you'll be greeted with a smile and an open heart.