First Time in Italy

Planning a first trip to Italy is exciting, but it can be overwhelming. This collection is your curated starting point. We've gathered our most essential guides for the first-time traveler, from classic Rome-Florence-Venice itineraries to the crucial tips you need to avoid common mistakes and travel with confidence.

What is Italy known for?

Beyond the Colosseum, pasta, and high fashion lies the true soul of the Bel Paese. This guide ventures past the clichés to uncover the profound history, fiercely regional traditions, and cultural secrets that make Italy an endlessly fascinating destination.

By The Editors

/ 26 Aug 2025

The exterior entrance of a typical trattoria in Florence with wooden tables, symbolizing authentic Tuscan cuisine and Italian food.

The most beautiful roads in Italy: a definitive guide to an epic road trip

Some journeys are destinations in themselves. We’ve curated the eleven most breathtaking scenic drives across Italy, offering the freedom to discover authentic villages, unforgettable landscapes, and the true heart of the country.

By The Editors

/ 19 Aug 2025

Aerial view of the winding Gardesana Road carved into the cliffs of Lake Garda, Italy.

The best Art Cities in Italy: a cultural traveler’s guide

Journey beyond the typical tourist trail and into the soul of Italian art. This essential guide explores the 20 cities that shaped Western culture, from iconic masterpieces to unforgettable hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

By The Editors

/ 19 Aug 2025

The Leaning Tower and the Duomo in Pisa's Piazza dei Miracoli, a must-see art destination in Tuscany, Italy.

Best attractions of Italy: a guide to its iconic and authentic sights

From the timeless grandeur of the Colosseum to the undiscovered alleys of Venice, this is your essential first look at Italy's most unforgettable sights. Journey with us past the postcards to find the experiences that truly define a nation.

By The Editors

/ 17 Jul 2025

Colorful buildings of the town of Amalfi, Italy, tumbling down a cliff to the Mediterranean Sea on a bright morning, a key destination on the Amalfi Coast.

A food lover's guide to Italy's 20 regions

To truly know Italy is to taste it, one region at a time. Journey beyond the concept of a single "Italian cuisine" and discover a rich, hidden landscape of 20 distinct culinary worlds, each with its own story. This is the essential guide to planning your authentic gastronomic adventure.

By The Editors

/ 17 Jul 2025

A wood-fired oven is essential for making the most traditional Italian dish: pizza. Neapolitan pizza is a must-try!

How many days do you need in Italy? A guide for the curious traveler

Planning your first trip to Italy and wondering how long to stay? This essential guide helps you decide, offering expertly crafted itineraries that balance iconic sights with the authentic, soulful experiences that make a journey unforgettable.

By The Editors

/ 17 Jul 2025

Experience the magic of wandering among the colorful houses in Burano, Italy.

The ultimate guide to Italy's seasons

From the golden light of the autumn grape harvest to the quiet magic of a Roman winter, Italy offers a profoundly different soul each season. Go beyond weather charts to discover the unique flavors, rhythms, and cultural moments that will define your authentic journey.

By The Editors

/ 17 Jul 2025

Rolling green hills of the Tuscan countryside in spring, covered with vibrant red poppy flowers under a clear blue sky.

Top 10 (+1) mistakes to avoid on your first Italian vacation

Your first Italian vacation is a dream in the making, but common missteps can lead you away from the authentic experience you're searching for. This essential guide illuminates the path to a deeper, more genuine journey through Italy.

By The Editors

/ 17 Jul 2025

Top 10 (+1) mistakes to avoid on your first Italian vacation

The best time to visit Italy: a month-by-month guide

From the sun-drenched coasts of summer to the quiet, cultural depths of winter, Italy offers a different magic each month. Discover the ideal time for your visit to find the perfect blend of pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and unforgettable experiences.

By The Editors

/ 17 Jul 2025

A couple sitting on a wooden bench overlooking the historic beach town of Cefalù and the Mediterranean Sea in Sicily.

A complete guide to the 20 regions of Italy

From the Alpine peaks of the north to the sun-drenched islands of the south, Italy is a mosaic of 20 distinct regions waiting to be discovered. This guide is your starting point for a journey beyond the beaten path and into the authentic heart of Italian culture.

By The Editors

/ 17 Jul 2025

A complete guide to the 20 regions of Italy

The ultimate 14-day Italy itinerary: Rome, Florence & Venice

Embark on a perfectly paced 14-day journey through Italy’s most legendary cities. This is your definitive guide to experiencing the ancient grandeur of Rome, the artistic soul of Florence, and the magical waterways of Venice with authenticity and style.

By The Editors

/ 16 Jul 2025

The ultimate 14-day Italy itinerary: Rome, Florence & Venice

A 7-day Italy itinerary for a first visit: Rome, Florence & Venice

Embark on the definitive journey through Italy's most iconic cities. This essential 7-day guide to Rome, Florence, and Venice is meticulously crafted for the first-time traveler, balancing monumental sights with the intimate, unforgettable moments that define a trip of a lifetime.

By The Editors

/ 16 Jul 2025

A 7-day Italy itinerary for a first visit: Rome, Florence & Venice