Traveling to Italy for the First Time: Luxury Travel Guide

The best time to visit for your trip to Italy is during the shoulder seasons, from April to May or October to November. The spring and fall months have the same natural beauty as summer, but without the infamous crowds of the peak travel season.

During the high season in July and August or the low season in the winter months from December to February, you can still enjoy Italy’s iconic beauty and culture. Along the Amalfi Coast in the Mediterranean heat or along the Dolomite ski resorts in winter, you can expect larger crowds and more extreme weather, but every season provides a great reason for visiting.

You can find more information on the best time to visit Italy for your first trip, before speaking with a travel specialist who can help tailor the experience to your interests and schedule.

The right number of days for your first Italy trip depends on your schedule, interests, and travel goals. You want to maximize your time and ensure a balance between popular destinations and hidden gems. While you could enjoy Italy in as few as seven days or as many as three weeks, we recommend between 10 and 14 days for your first trip.

When considering the steps for planning a first-time trip to Italy, a local travel specialist can help you account for every detail, including itinerary development, budgeting, and accommodation choices to make your first Italy vacation truly unforgettable.

Italy has 20 administrative regions, but the country is more commonly divided into the north, central, south, and islands, each with its own culture, heritage, and distinguished culinary traditions.

Northern Italy:

Northern Italy is fashionable and romantic, known for designer clothing and prestige cars, home to both Venice and the Italian Riviera, along with an abundance of medieval and Renaissance castles. The top places to visit in Northern Italy capture the beauty of the countryside and the bustle of elegant cities.

Central Italy:

Central Italy is home to medieval towns crowning lush hills and ancient villas adorning mountain ridges. Central Italy is the region of Rome, Florence, and Assisi. You can find traditional wonders with travel in Tuscany or learn about the regional cuisine of Umbria.

Southern Italy:

Southern Italy represents ancient history beyond that of Rome and draws visitors from around the globe with its enchanting coastline and delicious cuisine. The places to visit in Southern Italy unravel the unique culture shaped by a history of Greek, Roman, Norman, Arab, and Spanish occupation.

The Italian Islands:

The Italian islands embody the stunning coastlines for which Italy is famous, while also introducing travelers to exceptional outdoor activities, stunning beaches, and ruins connected to the ancient Mediterranean diaspora of Magna Graecia. From bespoke resorts to timeless towns, the best Italian islands to visit become immersions into the heritage and scenic splendor that feels simultaneously connected to greater Italy, yet completely separate from it.

Italy is filled with iconic cities and majestic landscapes, known for the Colosseum and Grand Canal, colorful coastal villages and medieval castles. Our list of the best places to visit in Italy for your first trip unveils the most famous highlights:

• Rome
• Florence
• Tuscany
• Venice
• Amalfi Coast
• Cinque Terre
• The Lake District

Whether interested in lounging on a perfect Mediterranean beach or eager to witness the staggering ruins of a powerful empire, the top things to do in Italy reflect the ancient heritage, contemporary culture, and inspiring ways to experience the country’s indomitable spirit:

• Enjoy a truffle-hunting experience in the atmospheric woodlands.
• Visit vineyards and sample delicious wines on a guided wine tour.
• Learn to battle like a gladiator with a private gladiator training lesson.
• Delight in the flavors of traditional pizza during an artisan cooking class.
• Discover the renowned labyrinth of canals during a gondola ride in Venice.
• Visit ancient ruins and museums across the country that tell stories of lost empires.
• Embrace Italy’s famous aesthetic by visiting boutique shops in famous shopping districts.

When considering the logistics involved in planning your first trip to Italy, understanding visa requirements, currency, and language basics can ensure a smooth journey.

Visa requirements are based on your nationality, but travelers from the US are given a Schengen visa for up to 90 days upon arrival. Italy uses the euro (€) and you may find the most favorable exchange rates come from using the local ATMs or a credit card without a foreign transaction fee. English is spoken widely in tourist areas, but learning basic Italian phrases or carrying a phrasebook can greatly enhance your experience.

Our answers to how to plan a trip to Italy: frequently asked questions can give you more information for your vacation.

During your first trip to Italy, the idea of navigating the transportation system can feel daunting, but our information can help you seamlessly explore the country at your pace.

There are plenty of different ways to discover greater Italy, from flying between large cities to driving, or taking scenic trains that connect the many corners of the country. Trains are practical, economical, easy, and fast, making them the best option for traveling around Italy during your vacation. You can sit back, enjoy the scenery, and travel between the most famous cities and towns without worrying about the rules of the road.

Use our insight on how to get around Italy for more detailed information on the different ways you can explore during your first trip.

Italy's rich culinary heritage is a significant part of its identity, and experiencing it firsthand can be a highlight of your trip. To fully immerse yourself in the delicious world of pasta or pastries, pizza or cheeses, and more, our Italy food and wine travel guide has more information on several local culinary customs and traditions to help you enjoy your first luxury trip to Italy.

Dining Etiquette

Italians do not walk while eating or drinking. Italians take their meals seriously. They may stand at the bar or inside a café, but will not stroll down the street eating lunch or sipping a Coca-Cola or a coffee. Italians stop for their meals, even when in a rush, to enjoy a small pleasure during their busy day. An exception to the rule applies to children.

Mealtimes

Italians typically eat three meals a day, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Don't expect to find American-style breakfasts everywhere, and lunch is the largest meal of the day. Most traditional restaurants in Italy do not open until 7pm, with many Italians not sitting down for dinner until 7.30 or 8pm. The best way to keep the hunger pains at bay is to partake in an aperitivo, a type of Italian happy hour, when small snacks, such as sandwiches, olives, or popular cheeses, accompany your cocktail order.

Table Manners

Use your fork instead of your fingers to pick up pieces of fruit and a knife to pick pieces of cheese. This is polite and considered more sanitary. Wine is served with meals when visiting a person’s home and it is rude to refuse a glass. Rather, if you do not want anymore or do not wish to drink, leave your glass relatively full.

Wine-tasting Tips

From the rolling vineyards of Tuscany to the sun-kissed slopes of Sicily, each region boasts unique varietals and traditions. When wine tasting during your first trip to Italy, consider embracing local grapes, visiting smaller producers, and engaging with staff to learn more about the production, grape varieties, and food pairings.

You can find more ideas on how to make the best of your experience with our tips for wine tasting in Italy.

Packing for Italy requires considering the season and travel style. Spring can call for lightweight jackets, sweaters, and jeans, while summer demands shorts, sundresses, and sandals. Autumn necessitates a mix of light and warm layers, while winter requires full-blown cold-weather clothing.

Regardless of style, comfortable walking shoes, layers for changing weather, and understanding how to dress like a local are extra considerations for your first Italy trip. Remember to always cover your shoulders and wear closed-toed shoes when visiting a religious space.

In addition to style choices, Italy is a very safe country to visit, with approximately 75 million tourists visiting each year. Pickpocketing can be a concern in crowded areas, so it’s important to remain aware of your surroundings and keep your personal belongings close. Also consider packing a first-aid kit, as well as essential medications, to avoid any possible health or medical challenges.

Italy is an exceptional destination that offers something for every type of traveler, from history enthusiasts and beach lovers to children in search of fairytale villages, culinary adventurers eager to find authentic flavors, and more. Our most popular Italy tours and vacations for first-timers include:

• Archeological discoveries, chocolate tastings, and pizza can inspire kids and parents during the Italy Family Vacation for First Timers.
• Amazing Italy Tour to Amalfi Coast, Capri, Positano, and Rome captures the mixture of breathtaking scenery and inspiring traditions for which Italy is known.
• Embrace the treasured beauty of Italy’s most iconic cities while also uncovering majestic secrets during the Rome, Florence, and Venice: Highlights and Hidden Treasures of Italy Tour.

With the promise of delicious food and gorgeous scenery, historic vineyards and immersive history, Italy has timeless places to visit and endless things to do. From the impressive display of inspiring ancient ruins to the promise of local culinary favorites, you can tailor to your preferences and interests every experience during your Italy vacation.

Find more information for your first trip to Italy with our Italy travel guide, in which you can explore new ideas and find more possibilities to enjoy when you plan a trip to Italy.