Italy Travel Planner: Experience the Best of Italy With Us

YOUR DREAM ITALY TRAVEL PLANNER

Ah, Bella Italia! As experts in custom itinerary planning in Italy, we're dedicated to making your Italian adventure the best trip of your life. Whether you're drawn to the historic cities of Syracuse or Ostia, the scenic beaches of the Amalfi Coast or the Italian Riviera, or the tranquil waters of Lake Como or Lake Maggiore, our Italy trip planner services ensure a seamless, authentic experience.

WHERE WE PROVIDE ITALY TRIP PLANNING

We focus on Italy because its deep sense of place, vibrant food culture, and strong creative scenes make it unique. Over a decade as Italy travel planners, we’ve arranged everything from proposals at the Trevi Fountain and surprise birthdays at an Italian villa to hot air balloon rides in Tuscany at dawn to bespoke wine experiences. We work across the country in Northern Italy, Central Italy, and Southern Italy. Here’s our focus for our travel planning services to Italy:

• Lombardy | Milan, Bergamo, Lake Como, Lake Garda, & Franciacorta

• Piedmont | Asti, Alba, Barolo, Barbaresco, Bra, & Turin

• Liguria | Genoa, Camogli, Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, & Cinque Terre

• Veneto | Verona, Padua, Bassano del Grappa, & Venice

• Emilia-Romagna | Bologna, Modena, & Parma

• Lazio | Rome, Tivoli, Bomarzo, & Ostia

• Tuscany | Florence, Siena, Lucca, Chianti, & Val D’Orcia

• Umbria | Orvieto, Norcia, & Perugia

• Campania | Naples, Capri, Ischia, Procida, & The Amalfi Coast

• Puglia | Bari, Gallipoli, Ostuni, & Lecce

• Sicily | Catania, Cefalu, Palermo, Ortigia, Agrigento, Val di Noto, & Taormina

What Past Guests Have To Say About Salt & Wind Travel

FREE ITALY TRAVEL TIPS WEBINAR

Need some travel advice? Click below and enter your email for access to our FREE Italy travel tips webinar that includes unique itineraries, a bucket list, and our clients’ favorite travel resources.

TRAVEL GUIDES FOR FOOD LOVERS | Italy Travel Guides

Have most of your trip planning done and just searching out a few last recommendations? Check out our Travel Guides For Food Lovers that are full of travel tips to the most visited cities in Italy, namely, Milan, Florence, and Rome.

MORE Italy Travel Tips

Get ready for your trip to Italy with these classic Italian recipes and a few key travel tips!

Italy Travel FAQs

Below you’ll find answers to general travel questions about Italy. For questions on a specific region of Italy, please visit the destination’s dedicated page or email us at travel@saltandwind.com.

• GENERAL ITALY TRAVEL INFORMATION

• ITALY TRAVEL ETIQUETTE

• MONEY MATTERS

• CULTURAL TRAVEL TIPS

• HEALTH & SAFETY

• GENERAL TRAVEL SAFETY

How do I start planning a trip to Italy?

The easiest way would be to contact us and have us plan your Italy trip for you. If you want to research before that or plan it yourself, you’ll want to check out our Italy travel guide.

What are the best apps for traveling to Italy?

Here are a few of our go-to apps when we travel to Italy:

• Google Maps Use the “offline” function to navigate a map without using up your data plan.

• Google Translate Just download the languages you want to go between, and you’re all set!

• FreeNow For the most part, hotels and restaurants can order you a taxi. Otherwise, you can use this app!

• Uber Uber is the primary rideshare service in Italy and is in most major cities, but it’s more costly than taxis.

• XE Currency Converter Use this app to keep track of the exchange rate.

How many days should a trip to Italy be?

When you start to plan your trip to Italy, you may be wondering how many day your trip to Italy should be. Though it depends if it’s your first trip and what you plan to do, we recommend a minimum of 10 days (not including flights). Any less and you’ll be hard-pressed to see more than one region (and you’ll likely be fighting jet lag the whole time).

How to get around in Italy?

How to get around in Italy really comes down to where you want to go during your trip. The classic Italy tour is to see the major cities of Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan; however, we think it’s best to mix in small cities and villages to get a complete view of the country.

Traveling on a train in Italy is one of the most cost-effective (and scenic) ways to get around and, thanks to the high speed trains, you can easily get between the major cities. However, if you want to go across the country or to the islands, it may be easier to hop a quick flight. You can also drive in Italy but we do not recommend doing so in major cities, in Cinque Terre, or along hte Amalfi Coast.

When is the best time to travel to Italy?
Italy is a country the size of California so the weather varies vastly from the wintery temperatures of the Alps to the balmy beach weather in Sicily, so the best time to travel to Italy depends on where you’re going. In general, we’re fans of traveling to Italy during the shoulder season period, generally from March to May and September to November. If you do travel in the high season, you’ll want to book in advance when it comes to lodging and tours, especially in Rome, Florence, and Venice. Avoid traveling to any Italian cities during the month of August when many businesses shut down for summer break, and cities turn into virtual ghost towns.

For the regions where we work, these are our favorite times to travel:

• Piedmont: Its location in the Northwest of Italy means that Piedmont is one of the colder regions and has a rather frigid winter climate. The high season period for Piedmont is in the summer when the weather is gorgeous through the Fall when the region’s famed truffles come into season. While we generally travel outside of the high season, we recommend you visit Piedmont in this period as it’s the best combination of weather and seasonality. Also, since Piedmont is a lesser visited region of Italy, you’ll never experience the crowds you’d have in areas like Florence and Rome.

• Lombardy: The Northern Italian region of Lombardy is sandwiched between the Italian Alps and the Po River Valley, and it experiences a notoriously dense and humid fog in the colder months. Aside from that, Lombardy has relatively temperate weather. But, outside of Milan and Lake Como and Lake Garda, the region doesn’t have a rush of tourists so you can enjoy it year-round without too large crowds. All in all, our favorite time of year to be in Lombardy is in the shoulder seasons — March to May and September to November.

• Venice: Of all the regions we work in Italy, Venice has been the hardest hit by overtourism. Therefore, we highly recommend you merely take a day trip there or spend a night or two in nearby towns rather than contribute to the overtourism. There are shoulder-to-shoulder crowds in the center of Venice during the high season, so we encourage you to avoid that time of year. Instead, we recommend you visit the shoulder seasons — March to May and September to November.

• Emilia Romagna: Of all the areas where we work, Emilia Romagna is one of the less visited by travelers, so you can go pretty much any time of year. The weather is best during the shoulder seasons — March to May and September to November.

• Tuscany: Thanks to cruise ships and general popularity, Tuscany is one of the busiest regions in Italy. To put it in perspective, the relatively small town of Florence (fewer than 400,000 full-time residents) itself gets about 10 million visitors annually. As with Venice, we recommend you avoid traveling to Florence during popular times of year — especially Spring and Summer break. The weather is best during the shoulder seasons — March to May and September to November.

• Lazio: Between the capital city of Rome and the Vatican, the region of Lazio always has a lot of travelers. It has a climate similar to Portland, with four seasons, but the temperatures are never all that extreme. We feel the crowds and weather are best during the shoulder seasons — March to May and September to November.

• Sicily: Aside from the various cruise ships that come into Sicily, you don’t see many American tourists throughout the island. However, you can see large crowds in popular destinations (like Taormina) during the high season. The weather is nice in Sicily year round but we feel it’s best during the shoulder seasons — March to May and September to November.

How do I use my cell phone in Italy?

Most U.S. cell phones can operate internationally. Check with your service provider before leaving home for information about international calling and data plans, and on making and receiving international calls.

If your cell phone is unlocked and operates using a SIM card, you may want to consider purchasing a SIM card from a local cell phone company. These should be readily available at airports and convenience stores and typically come loaded with prepaid credit which can be used for domestic and international calls and data service. Rates will vary.

Most major U.S. carriers have plans that will work in Italy, but you'll want to contact your carrier to clarify the details of international coverage. Data and roaming charges may apply so plan ahead!

Do I need a passport to travel to Italy?

U.S. citizens traveling in and out of Italy must have a valid passport that is valid 6 months beyond the last day of their trip.

Does Global Entry help with traveling to Italy?

If you travel abroad frequently, you'll want to look into the CBP Global Entry and/or SENTRI programs, which grant you expedited border crossing.

Do I need travel insurance to travel to Italy?

It’s not required by law but we require travel insurance to attend our group tours and we recommend you have it any time you’re traveling. There are a variety of services for providing trip insurance and note that many credit cards (such as Chase Sapphire and AmEx) include travel insurance as part of a trip purchase. Check with your credit card to confirm. Aside from that, we recommend World Nomads or Allianz for travel insurance.

What is the time zone in Italy?

From the last Sunday in March through the last Sunday in October, Italy is 6 hours ahead of Eastern time and 9 hours ahead of Pacific time.

In Europe, the 24-hour clock is used. Times are the same as what you’re used to in the United States up until noon. From then on, just keep going: 1 PM becomes 13:00, 2 PM becomes 14:00, and so forth. To convert these times into “PM” times, simply subtract 12 and add p.m. (19:00 minus 12 is 7 PM).

What are standard business hours in Italy?

Shops and supermarkets are generally open from 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM. and from 3:30 PM until 7:30 PM, Monday through Saturday.

Most banks are open 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM –4 PM, Monday through Friday. Post offices are generally open 8:30 AM–4:30 PM during the week; on weekdays, main branch post offices stay open until 6:00 PM.

All post offices close on Sundays and at noon on the last day of the month. (But you can buy stamps at just about any newsstand or tobacco vendor.)

Most museums are closed one day of the week, usually Monday or Tuesday. For specific museum hours—as well as entrance fees, free days, special events, and more—refer to the museum’s website or check at the local tourist information office.

How do I take a taxi in Italy?

Always tell the driver in advance if you’re going to pay by credit card and ask for a fare estimate when you get in a cab. There are often flat rates between the airport and the city center (It’s ~ 95 Euro from Malpensa to Milan, FYI) and everything else pretty much runs on meter. By asking for an estimate, you’ll be prepared if a cab is pricier.

Note: To you use a taxi in Italy, you can have the hotel or restaurant call one for you. Otherwise, we highly recommend you download the FreeNow app, which is useful in a ton of countries, by the way. Regardless of how the taxi is booked, you will be given either the car’s license plate number or a “name” for your taxi (usually something like an Italian city + a number, say, Roma65 or Torino40). To identify your taxi, so look on the side of the taxi to ensure you’re in the right one.

What are the electrical outlets in Italy?

Voltages and frequencies are different in Europe (220 volts instead of 110), so, if you want to use US electrical devices, you'll need a three-prong plug power adapter when you travel to Italy.

So long as you conduct yourself as you do at home, you should be golden. Here are some specific tips:

Dos and Don’ts

• Do learn a few words of Italian. Locals really appreciate the effort!

• Do greet people. Say "Buongiorno"  (or "Buonasera" in the evening).

• Do always have I.D. on you (a photo of your passport is adequate) - it's the law in Italy.

• Do be careful when crossing the street as crosswalks are often ignored by motorists.

• Don’t be a jerk. Do drugs. Start fights. Display public drunkenness. Urinate in public. Jump in fountains. Climb on monuments. Litter. You get it.

• Don’t sit at a "bar" in Italy. When you go to a "bar" (whether it serves coffee or alcohol), you will usually pay 2 to 3 times as much the minute you sit. Instead, stand at the bar like the locals do and save a few Euro!

• Don’t buy anything from illegal street vendors. It's illegal and, if caught, you could be hit with a fine.

• Don’t eat food on the steps of churches or other monuments — this is not only looked down upon but is becoming a ticket-able offense in quite a few Italian cities.

How much does a trip to Italy cost?
That depends on the type of trip you’re doing (budget or luxury or adventure or lounging around) and where the exchange rate currently is. However, we suggest budgeting about $6,000 for a solo traveler from the United States looking to do a week-long midlevel trip as follows: $1000 for flights, $350/day for lodging, $500 for the week for transport (more if you rent a car or get a driver), $700 for meals for the week (not accounting for fine dining, and at least $500 for activities or tours. Of course, these prices will increase or decrease depending on if you’re sharing lodging, if you need a rental car, and what sort of meals and activities you plan.

What is the currency in Italy?

The standard unit of currency in Italy is the euro (EUR). At the time of writing this, 0.89 EUR = 1 USD. For the most up-to-date exchange rate, visit www.xe.com (Universal Currency Converter). You'll want to bring along money and credit cards for any extra purchases on your trip (we don’t rec using traveler’s checks as they’re pretty obsolete these days). Please see the advice about ATMs and credit cards below.

Should I pull money out before I leave for Italy?

We recommend you pull out Euro at ATMs once you land in Europe as opposed to using a currency exchange service. Keep in mind your bank will charge you a fee each time you use the ATM so it’s best to pull out the max amount of money each time you use the ATM. However, you can use credit cards in most places so you shouldn’t need more than 50 Euro on you in cash at any given time. 

Also, we recommend you call your bank and ask for a higher ATM daily withdrawal limit so that you can pull out more Euros as desired for larger purchases. Finally, before using an ATM, be sure to look at the logos on the ATM (ie Cirrus, Plus, etc)  and make sure they match the logo on your card before using the ATM. If you use an ATM without a matching logo, it may eat your ATM card! 

Can I use credit cards in Italy?

Just a reminder to let your credit cards know that you will be abroad before you travel. Also, keep in mind that many places in Europe will not accept American Express so it is best to always have another type of credit card (ie Visa or Mastercard) in addition to American Express.

Keep in mind that chip credit cards (which you dip instead of swipe) are the norm in Europe so it’ll be quicker for you to pay if you use a credit card with a chip.  

What is VAT and how do I get a tax refund for my shopping?

If you plan to do any significant amount of shopping, you’ll want to know about the VAT (called the IVA) tax. This is a value-added tax of 22% that is added to almost anything. If you spend more than €155 on any one purchase, you can claim a refund. Keep in mind this only applies to purchases from retail outlets that have a “Tax-Free” sign. Before you make your purchase, ask the vendor for a tax-refund voucher. 

FYI, in order to complete the voucher, they need your passport information. We recommend carrying a photocopy of it in your phone for this purpose rather than walking around with your passport on you.

How much should I tip in Italy?


In general, in Italy, it is not necessary to tip but always appreciated. If a bill includes a line item listed as “servizio,” then it is already including a few Euros as a tip.

When there is “servizio” listed, we tip by simply rounding the bill up to the nearest Euro. Otherwise, we usually tip 10% (or 15% for exceptional service). When you pay a bill by credit card, they will bring over a handheld credit card reader and usually cannot add a tip to the credit card so it’s best to plan to leave tips in bills. And, despite what you may hear, it is never considered rude to tip! Here are some guidelines: 

• Cafes: It is most common to just round up whatever your bill is to the nearest Euro. So, if you order a €0.90 espresso, you can just leave the extra €0.10. 

• Hotels: As you would in the United States, it is common to tip the porter if they have helped with your luggage and the cleaning staff. We recommend €1 per bag (a max of €10) and to tip at least €2 per day of your stay (ideally more like €5 per day for luxury hotels) for the cleaning staff.

• Restaurants: Note that Italian restaurant bills may include charges for coperto or pane neither both of which are common and neither of which is a service charge/tip. However, for larger groups (usually 8 or more), you’ll find a line item for servizio and this is in fact a tip. If you do not see servizio listed, it is common to leave €1 per person or to round the bill up at more casual spots. We tend to leave 5 to 10% at very high-end restaurants. However, if you have bad service, it is perfectly fine to leave no tip at all!

• Taxis: Tipping is not really done for taxi drivers in Italy. However, a lot of people will round up the fare and leave that as a tip.

What is the quality of service in Italy?

The Italian culture is known for its hospitality and the locals for their kindness. However, things tend to go at a slower pace than in the United States and there are often long lines and service at restaurants tends to move much slower. An open-minded traveler who is sympathetic to the changing environment of a foreign country will have the best time.

What do I do if there is a strike or protest while I’m in Italy?

Strikes and demonstrations are common in Italy. The good news is that they're usually announced in advance and don't tend to last longer than a few days. Transportation strikes are the most common type of strike that interrupts travelers to Italy so be on the lookout for them. 

Also, the Italians are very politically vocal so you may come across a demonstration or two. They are pretty much always non-violent but they may just cause general chaos as big crowds tend to do so you’ll want to try to avoid them and give yourself extra time to head out.

When do they eat lunch and dinner in Italy?

Keep in mind that people eat both lunch and dinner later in Italy (as 1 PM is the common time for lunch and 8 PM is pretty much standard dinner time). So most of the time the restaurants you go to may be quiet or feel like they have foreigners only when you arrive but they will fill up with locals by the time you leave.   

If you find yourself hungry between meals, you can usually grab a slice of pizza or sandwich at a bakery or, if it’s around happy hour, sit down at a cafe and order aperitivo (Italian happy hour) where they’ll usually also give you some small snacks (say focaccia, nuts, potato chips, olives, etc).

Tbh, there are a lot of things to know before dining and eating in Italy so we have not one but two articles on Salt & Wind to help you with just that! See our Must-Know Tips For Eating In Italy as well as our tips on  Italian Dining Etiquette to be in the know.

Is environmental pollution an issue in Italy?

In general, no, environmental pollution is no bigger an issue than it is in the United States. The northern Italian cities of Turin and Milan are both near the Alps so the pollution tends to get trapped in those areas.

The only time of year this seems to be an issue for us is in the winter when people have their heaters running so we tend to avoid the area during that time.

Does Italy have earthquakes?

Yes, very much so, particularly in the central and southern parts of the country. Even so, we recommend that you keep your hotel or apartment keys, wallet, phone charger, and a pair of shoes near your door so that, in case of emergency, you can easily leave. Also, be sure to pack any specific medications (prescription or OTC) you may need.

Is the coronavirus an issue in Italy?

Yes, it very much was an issue from 2020 to 2022 but that has waned and it is no longer a national emergency. Please check the CDC website for the most up-to-date information and check the State Department for any travel advisories for Italy.

As with any trip abroad, we encourage you to register with the U.S. government’s STEP program. This allows the US government to know your travel plans so they can be aware of your location in case of a terrorist event, natural disaster, or other major emergencies. Feel free to email us at travel@saltandwind.com with any specific questions.

Is it safe to travel to Italy?

All in all, Italy is a safe country to visit. The average issues travelers run into are bag-snatchers or pickpockets so keep an eye on your valuables.

The major cities in Italy should be thought of like Boston or New York: safe so long as you stay aware and don’t seek out trouble. As you would in any big city, do your best to stay aware of your wallets, cell phones, pockets, and bags when you’re in crowded areas. 

When traveling, there is always a possibility of theft. While you're enjoying the sights, remember to stay alert and always be aware of your immediate surroundings, especially in crowded locations and tourist areas. The best rule of thumb is to carry only the cash you need for the day, along with a copy of your passport on your phone (leave your hard copy passport at the hotel!), and leave the rest in a locked safe in your room. For more safety tips, refer to the Country Specific Information page on the US State Department's website at travel.state.gov

Can I travel alone to Italy?

Yes, we highly encourage you to travel solo to Italy. Our team is majority women and we often travel by ourselves throughout the country. Of course, we think it best for you to keep your wits about yourself and to be particularly diligent at night. For more specific tips on traveling solo as a woman, check out this article.

Can I drive in Italy?

That depends on where you’re going! We generally find that driving on the highways is doable for most Americans but driving inside of cities can be overwhelming. And, we pretty much do not recommend you drive in the regions of the Amalfi Coast or in most of Sicily as the drivers are aggressive and the roads windy. Still not sure if you should drive? Email us at travel@saltandwind.com and we’ll help you decide.

How do I reach authorities in case of emergency when I’m in Italy?

Dial 112 in case of any general emergency, 115 for fires, and 118 for health emergencies.

Have any additional questions?

Contact us at travel@saltandwind.com

WHY WORK WITH SALT & WIND TRAVEL

Why Choose Salt & Wind Travel for Your Italian Journey?

Salt & Wind Travel is not just a travel agent; we're artisans of travel. Our extensive track record in crafting memorable Italian experiences is a testament to our passion and expertise. From the bustling streets of major cities to the serene beauty of small towns, we navigate Italy's diverse landscape to bring you the best of this magnificent country. With a focus on luxury travel, food and wine experiences, and local insights, we're the ideal partner for your Italy itinerary.

Local Experiences Across Italy

We specialize in bringing you an Italy travel guide that highlights both popular destinations and hidden gems. Explore the grandeur of the Grand Canal in Venice, the historic Roman Forum, or take a day trip to smaller towns and fishing villages off the beaten path. Our local knowledge and connections enable us to offer experiences that go beyond the main sights, allowing you to explore Italy like a local.

Culinary Delights and Wine Tours

Italy is synonymous with the best food and wine. Our guided tours include tastings in the Italian Alps, meals in the heart of Tuscany, and exploring local wine in small villages. Every meal and wine tour is tailored to your travel style, ensuring an unforgettable gastronomic adventure.

Seamless Travel Planning

Travel planning with Salt & Wind Travel means every detail is considered. From selecting the best time to visit, organizing travel between major airports and train stations, to providing offline maps and travel tips, we ensure your journey is smooth and enjoyable. Our expertise as Italy travel planners means we handle the logistics, so you can immerse yourself in the beauty of Italy.

Custom Itinerary Planning for Every Traveler

Whether it's your first trip to Italy or a return visit, we offer custom itinerary planning to suit your needs. From a romantic road trip through Tuscany to a historical exploration of the Vatican Museums, we cater to your unique interests. Our itineraries balance major hubs like Rome and Milan with visits to small towns and lesser-known regions, offering a comprehensive Italian experience.

Exclusive Services and Benefits

Our team members are trained as FORA travel agency travel advisors, which makes us small but mighty! That affiliation gives us access to a global network of luxury hotels and allows us to pass along perks like room upgrades, free breakfasts, spa credits, and more.

Booking with Salt & Wind Travel means access to special events, exclusive tours, and expertly guided experiences. Our team offers great ideas for every aspect of your trip, from finding the best places to stay to organizing unique activities like a driving tour through the countryside or a cooking class with a local chef.