- Destination -

Italy

Italy is a country in Southern Europe, stretching from the Alps in the north down through a peninsula into the Mediterranean. It’s known for historic cities, regional food, and a landscape that shifts from mountains and lakes to coastline and countryside. Major cities feel very different. Rome is dense and layered with history, Florence is compact and walkable, Milan is more modern and structured, and Venice runs entirely on canals and foot traffic. Outside the cities, things spread out. Tuscany and Umbria are rural with small towns and wineries, while the Amalfi Coast is tight, vertical, and slower to navigate. Northern lake regions feel more organized and easier to move around. One thing you notice quickly: getting between major cities is simple by train, but smaller towns take more planning.

Language

Italian (English is widely spoken in major cities and tourist areas)

Currency

Euro (€) — credit card it widely accepted; small businesses may prefer Euros

Entry Requirements

U.S. travelers can enter visa-free for up to 90 days with a valid passport

Best Time to Visit

Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) are the most balanced times to visit. You get moderate weather, manageable crowds, and better pricing compared to peak summer.

Summer (July–August) is the busiest and hottest time. Cities can feel crowded and slow-moving, especially in places like Rome and Florence. Coastal areas are popular, but you’ll need reservations well in advance.

Winter (November–March) is quieter and more affordable, especially in cities. Northern regions are colder, and some coastal or rural areas slow down significantly, but major cities stay active.

Top Things to Do

Explore Rome’s historic sites, including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Vatican City. These are spread out but walkable with planning.

Walk through Florence’s historic center, focusing on the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and nearby museums. Everything is relatively close together.

Visit Venice’s canals and neighborhoods, moving between major landmarks like St. Mark’s Square and quieter areas on foot.

Take a train between major cities. High-speed trains connect places like Rome, Florence, Milan, and Venice efficiently and are often easier than flying.

Drive through Tuscany or the countryside to access smaller towns, vineyards, and local restaurants that aren’t connected by train.

Visit the Amalfi Coast for coastal views, but plan for slower travel times due to narrow roads and traffic.

Explore Lake Como or Lake Garda for a different landscape—more structured, less crowded than major cities (depending on timing), and easier to navigate.

Blogs & Itineraries

Travel content for this destination is on the way!
Check out my blogs for further travel inspiration:

Travel information

Getting There

Italy has several major international airports, and the best one depends on your itinerary.

  • Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) is the largest and most common entry point, especially for central and southern Italy
  • Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) is best for northern Italy and lake regions
  • Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) is convenient if starting in Venice or the northeast

Direct flights from the U.S. are widely available to Rome and Milan, with seasonal routes to Venice.

If you’re visiting multiple regions, it’s often easier to fly into one city and out of another instead of looping back.

Getting Around

Trains are the most efficient way to travel between major cities. High-speed trains are reliable, comfortable, and reduce the need for a car.

Within cities, walking is often the easiest option, especially in historic centers where driving is restricted.

Public transportation (buses, trams, metro) is available in larger cities like Rome and Milan, though it can be slower than walking in dense areas.

Renting a car is useful for rural regions like Tuscany or for exploring smaller towns that aren’t well connected by train. It’s less practical in major cities due to traffic, restricted zones, and parking limitations.

Travel Tips

Power Outlets
Type C, F, and L plugs — bring a universal adapter

Time Zone
Central European Time (CET), 6 hours ahead of Eastern Time

Tipping
Not required in the same way as the U.S. Service is often included, but rounding up or leaving small cash is common

Dining Schedule
Lunch is typically 12:30–2:30 PM, dinner usually starts around 7:30–8:00 PM. Restaurants may close between meals

Water
Tap water is safe to drink, and public fountains are common in cities like Rome

Dress Codes
More structured than in the U.S., especially in cities and restaurants. Comfortable but put-together works best

Reservations
Recommended for restaurants, trains, and major attractions—especially during peak season

I wasn’t expecting much. I just needed dinner. 🍽️ Kome ended up being one of the best meals of the entire trip.

Wood-fired everything. A menu that actually makes you read it twice. A vibe in Pietermaai that feels nothing like a tourist restaurant and everything like somewhere locals actually go. I didn’t rush. I didn’t check my phone. I just ate, start to finish, and enjoyed every single second of it.

If you’re in Curaçao and you only have one nice dinner make it this one.

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Renting a golf cart in Bimini was genuinely one of the best decisions we made the entire cruise, and if you have a stop there, I cannot recommend it enough.

✨ Off the ship and behind the wheel within minutes 
✨ Multiple beaches, food stops, and random pull-offs 
✨ Zero tour schedules, zero waiting on strangers 
✨ Just the island, at your own pace

Honest caveat: if you prefer a guided experience with everything planned out, a tour might suit you better. But if you like doing your own thing? This is it.

Everything you need to know about renting, where to go, what to budget, and our favorite stops, is linked in bio. 🔗
If you go to Bimini and don’t get conch salad… what are you even doing? 🐚

I’m not exaggerating when I say this ended up being one of my favorite parts of the whole trip. It’s a local staple, and after talking to enough people on the island, I realized fast, Bahamians have very strong opinions about where to get the best one.

So we made it a mission.

We tracked down the three spots that kept coming up over and over again, and I tried them all so you don’t have to guess.

Full breakdown is linked in bio. 🔗

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Embark. Explore. Eat.

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