Travel to Italy

When you want a taste of la dolce vita, an Italy vacation is the best way to satisfy your appetite. 

If it’s your first Italy trip, you can easily explore Rome (a.k.a. the Eternal City), Florence (the birthplace of the Renaissance) and Venice (yes, while a little cheesy, a gondola ride is a must!). If you’ve traveled to Italy before and are ready to dip your toes into new vacation spots, there’s no shortage of options. 

In the summertime, the sun-drenched Amalfi Coast and Capri beckon couples and honeymooners. Lake Como, just an hour outside of Milan, is dotted with gorgeous villas and lush gardens (if you go, say hi to George and Amal for us). Puglia is an under-the-radar gem, but growing in popularity for those in the know, thanks to its laid-back pace, quaint towns and seaside beaches. 

For those looking for a little outdoor adventure, the Dolomites have an incredibly beautiful and diverse landscape that make it perfect for hiking in the summer or skiing in the winter. 

And then of course, there’s Tuscany. Lush vineyards, rustic villas and rolling olive groves keep the magic and charm of this region alive.

Want the lowdown on the best places to visit in Italy? Check out our guide.

There’s a phrase in Italian: “il dolce far niente,” which translates to “the sweetness of doing nothing.” Although it’s tempting to pack your Italy vacation with all the tours and sightseeing, Italy should be savored like your favorite Brunello di Montalcino. 

When planning your Italy travel, our #1 tip is to decide what types of Italian magic you want to experience: historical, religious, culinary, coastal, outdoor adventure, etc. Focusing on one or two areas of interest will allow you to really get the most out of your trip. 

If you’re having trouble narrowing down where you want to go or what you want to experience, your Italy travel planner (a.k.a. Fora Advisor) can offer suggestions (like Italy’s best places to stay) based on your preferences and their first-hand experience.

One of the (many) things we love about Italy is that it’s a beautiful destination year-round, so you have flexibility when planning your Italy vacation. 

As a general rule, unless you plan well in advance, you’ll want to avoid the high summer months of June, July and August. The heat, combined with crowds, can make la dolce vita taste a bit bitter. 

If your Italy trip is concentrated on the major cities like Rome and Florence, then fall and spring are fantastic times to visit, and even early winter offers mild temperatures. The lake and coastal regions like the Amalfi Coast, Capri, Puglia and Lake Como generally start their summer season in April / May and go through October. 

May, September and October are the real sweet spots for travel to Italy’s coastal regions (see where to stay in Naples or the best places to stay in Sorrento).

The Dolomites are an excellent Italy vacation spot to visit year round — there’s world-class skiing in the winter and top-notch hiking in spring and summer. 

For oenophiles, Tuscany is best explored in September and October for the grape harvest. 

Depending on the cities and regions you want to visit, your Fora Advisor (a.k.a. Italy travel planner) can recommend the best months to travel to Italy for the best experience.

Some parts of northern Italy receive intermittent rainfall all year round, so there’s no true rainy season. For the rest of the country, winter tends to be the wettest period. But the amount of rainfall changes from year to year.

In the Alps and Dolomites, you can expect frigid temperatures in winter and mild temperatures in summer. Otherwise, Italy has hot, dry summers and relatively mild temperatures the rest of the year.

First, the most unique places to visit in Italy can be a great way to get off the beaten track without being inundated with crowds — even in warmer months. On the other hand, visiting Italy’s most coveted destinations in winter will likely spare you the worst of the crowds.

As for skipping the tourist traps, that’s easy! When you book and plan with Fora, your Italy travel planner can hook you up with expert travel recs and warn you about less-authentic experiences.

Keeping budget top of mind for your Italy vacation? We got you. Your Fora Advisor can recommend Italy vacation spots and hotels based on the budget you’d like to stick to. 

Traveling during the low tourist or “shoulder season” can also help keep your wallet happy. 

For the lake and coastal regions, that means visiting at the beginning of the season (April) or end of the season (October). Cities like Rome and Florence will always have tourists, but noticeably less so during the winter. 

If you’re visiting multiple cities or regions during your Italy tour, you can easily travel by train (this is one of our favorite ways to see more of the country). Flying into / out of the same city is another helpful way to save money on your Italy vacation, even if you’re visiting multiple spots. You’ll also find airfare prices to be more budget friendly when flying in / out of a large city, like Rome.

Italy’s public transportation is excellent, too — for specifics, just ask your Italy travel planner (i.e., Fora Advisor).

Knowing where you can save money on your Italy trip means there’s more money for, oh, we don’t know, a nice leather handbag, perhaps?

Your Fora Advisor can alert you to Italy’s specific entry and exit requirements, and you can also check out official government websites for more information. One of the most important requirements to keep in mind: your passport should be valid for at least six months from your date of departure.

Italy is very safe for travelers of all backgrounds, but like any new destination, you should exercise caution. Petty theft is somewhat common in some of the major cities.

From scoring you VIP status and perks at the coolest luxury or boutique hotels in Italy to planning your vacation with insider recs (tailored to your preferences), Fora knows how to level up your trip.

We can be as hands-on / off as you prefer, too. Love planning your own travel? Fora can still book your accommodations (with sweet perks) for the same price as what you’ll pay online. Want nothing to do with the planning process? Fora has your back.