Italy

If it's your first visit to Italy, and often your first trip to Europe, I usually recommend beginning with the country's classic highlights: Rome, Florence, and Venice. They're famous for a reason. Together, they introduce you to Italy's incredible history, art, architecture, cuisine, and culture while giving you a wonderful foundation for future visits.That doesn't mean your itinerary has to feel rushed. One of my favourite ways to plan a first trip is to use Florence as a base for several days, allowing time not only to explore the city itself but also to experience Tuscany. Whether that's visiting hill towns, wineries, or simply enjoying the countryside, Tuscany offers a very different side of Italy without constantly changing hotels.For most first-time visitors, I'd rather see you experience a few destinations well than try to fit the entire country into one vacation. Italy has an incredible amount of diversity, and there's almost always a reason to come back.

It depends on the kind of vacation you're hoping to have because northern and southern Italy offer very different experiences.Northern Italy is often associated with cities such as Milan, Venice, Verona, Bologna, and the beautiful Italian Lakes, along with the dramatic scenery of the Dolomites. It's an excellent choice for travellers interested in history, food, wine, lakes, mountains, and efficient rail travel between destinations.When many travellers think of southern Italy, they're often picturing the Amalfi Coast. While it's undeniably beautiful, it's also one of Italy's busiest destinations, particularly during the summer months. Expect dramatic coastal scenery, lively towns, narrow roads, ferries, and plenty of visitors. It can absolutely be enjoyed at a slower pace, but setting realistic expectations is important.Beyond the Amalfi Coast, southern Italy offers a completely different experience through regions such as Puglia, Sicily, Basilicata, and Calabria, where you'll find quieter towns, fascinating history, exceptional cuisine, and a pace of life that feels very different from Italy's larger cities.Neither northern nor southern Italy is better. The right choice depends on how you like to travel and the experience you're hoping to have.

I generally recommend a minimum of 10 days for a first trip to Italy.After travelling all the way to Europe, you'll want enough time to experience more than just a few famous landmarks. Italy is a country that's best enjoyed at a comfortable pace, with time to explore neighbourhoods, enjoy long meals, wander local markets, and discover the moments that often become the highlights of the trip.For many travellers, 10 to 14 days provides an excellent balance. That usually allows time for three or four destinations, depending on travel distances and the experiences you'd like to include. If you have additional time, even better. Italy is one of those destinations where slowing down almost always creates a richer travel experience.One of the most common planning mistakes I see is trying to fit too much into too little time. Rather than rushing from city to city, I encourage travellers to experience fewer places more deeply. Italy has a way of rewarding those who linger.

For most travellers, I recommend a combination of train travel, private transportation where appropriate, and a rental car only when it truly enhances the itinerary.Italy's high-speed rail network makes travelling between cities such as Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, Bologna, and Naples fast, comfortable, and remarkably easy. For many city-based itineraries, trains are by far the most practical option.There are also places where I generally discourage renting a car. Driving along the Amalfi Coast can be stressful due to narrow roads, heavy traffic, and limited parking, while cities such as Florence have restricted traffic zones (ZTLs) that can result in expensive fines if you're unfamiliar with the regulations. Those surprises sometimes arrive months after you've returned home.A rental car becomes an excellent choice once you're exploring regions such as Tuscany, parts of Puglia, the Italian Lakes, or other countryside areas where flexibility allows you to discover smaller towns and hidden corners that are difficult to reach by public transportation.If train travel isn't your preference, private drivers are also an excellent option. They know the local roads, remove the stress of navigating unfamiliar areas, and allow you to enjoy the scenery without worrying about traffic or parking.