Byways of Italy is a young Italian company specialized in creating unconventional travel itineraries off the beaten paths.
HOW TO PLAN A TRIP TO ITALY?
Have you always dreamed of traveling to Italy and discovering the beauties of this magic peninsula but don’t know where to start?
Italy is the third most visited country in Europe and certainly, one of the most loved and dreamed of but why is Italy a popular tourist destination?
The warm climate, welcoming people, beautiful landscapes and nature, not to mention the food and the culture make it the perfect destination for a short or long-term trip.
Here is what you should consider before embarking on your adventure: 8 TRIP TO ITALY ESSENTIALS to keep in mind if you are planning your dream tour to Italy.
- DOCUMENTS NEEDED
- WHEN TO VISIT ITALY
- BUDGET AT DISPOSAL
- DESTINATIONS
- TRANSPORTATIONS IN ITALY
- ACCOMMODATION
- TRAVEL INSURANCE
- DO I NEED A TRAVEL AGENT?
DOCUMENTS NEEDED
In the first place, you need to check the documentation required to visit Italy. You may need to apply for a Visa according to your nationality, country of residence, reasons for your visit, and length of stay.
In general terms, citizens of European Union countries and countries that have signed the Schengen treaty need just a valid passport or identity card.
Citizens from non-EU countries (i.e. USA , Australia, Uk) can enter Italy with a passport valid for at least three months after the scheduled departure date from the Schengen area.
For further details and updated information on entry requirements, you can check this useful official website of the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs https://vistoperitalia.esteri.it/home/en
WHEN TO VISIT ITALY
There is no bad time to take a trip to Italy, although every season has its pros and cons.
Let’s get into the details:
The winter season (mid-Dec to mid-March) is a good option for choosing art cities like Rome, Florence, Venice but also Naples, Palermo, Verona or Ravenna. It’s also the perfect season for ski lovers who can choose among multiple destinations in the Italian Alps or immerse themselves in the Christmas atmosphere by visiting picturesque villages and Christmas Markets.
In the Spring season (end of March to mid-June) the weather gets warmer, and it’s an explosion of nature and blooming flowers everywhere. It’s the perfect chance to enjoy beautiful trekkings and hikings surrounded by amazing natural landscapes. Some examples? The greenway of lake Como in the Northern area or the Path of Gods in the Amalfi Coast just to mention some of them.
Just keep in mind that Easter time is pick season in Italy and destinations may get overcrowded.
The summer season (mid-June to mid-September) is the hottest season and most cities are packed with visitors. If you want to enjoy the beautiful Mediterranean Sea you have plenty of choices, from the rocky and jagged beaches in the North on the Ligurian coast (Cinque Terre, Portofino, Camogli) to the sandy beaches with turquoise waters in the South in Puglia (Vieste, Ostuni) or Calabria (Tropea, Scilla).
Usually, the end of July and August are months in which Italians go on their own summer vacation, so remember to take it into account when planning your trip.
For those who don’t really stand hot temperatures, an alternative option is to get refreshed by exploring the Italian Alps or the Apennines.
During the Autumn season (mid-Sept to mid-Dec) weather is still warm and enjoyable. September and October are bumper times for harvesting. Villages use to celebrate these special occasions with food festivals known in Italy as “sagre”. The shades of orange, red and brown of the woods and vineyards in Umbria and Tuscany are simply stunning. It’s the best time to feel the local and the slow rhythm of the hidden gems of Italy or visit the most touristy places, usually crowded during summer.
BUDGET AT DISPOSAL
Is your trip the vacation of a lifetime and you are willing to spend a large amount of money or is it a short and less pretentious trip? Italy is a destination for all budgets and it’s possible to plan it low cost or high price. Certainly, by planning your trip in advance you can save some money and get the most out of it.
We all know that budget and expenses are important factors to consider when planning a trip. Thus, how much does a trip to Italy cost?
On average, the minimum cost per day for an adult starts at 70 euros during low season (transport not included) but of course, it depends on multiple factors: the season, the destination, the accommodation, the food, and the activities you would like to include in your tour (museums, guides, tastings).
Overall, the north of Italy tends to be more expensive than the central or the southern area of the Country, where restaurants and daily expenses are cheaper with some exceptions. Bear in mind also that cities and well-known tourist destinations are pricier than villages and countryside places.
DESTINATIONS
Once the budget for the trip is set it’s time to make research on destinations. Although Italy looks small on the map, especially compared to the United States or Canada, it is very densely populated and is home to the largest number of UNESCO World Heritage sites in the world.
Overall, connections are time-consuming, and if you have just a couple of days or a week, we highly recommend choosing one or two destinations maximum. Italy is plenty of things to see and do so don’t rush, take your time and enjoy everything at your own pace.
Asking yourself what kind of vacation are you looking for may help you narrow down the options.
Are you looking for a relaxing holiday? Then Val d’Orcia may be good for you. Immerse yourself in the Tuscan countryside tasting local products, and connect intimately with stunning landscapes and nature, not so far from worth-visiting cities like Siena, Orvieto or Perugia.
If history, culture and arts are your thing, the area of the so-called “Ciociaria” in the south of the Lazio region will surprise you with marvelous historical ruins of the Acropolis and majestic Abbeys halfway between the cities of Rome and Naples.
Are you a food lover? Are you an adventure traveler? Or a mix of all of that? Enjoy beautiful sceneries and take a tour of the Frascati vineyard, explore the roman countryside and its culinary traditions, the area of Castelli Romani just 30 minutes far from Rome is something you cannot miss.
TRANSPORTATIONS IN ITALY
Traveling in Italy by public transport is not so difficult but sometimes information can be overwhelming. Domestic flights are frequent especially from the main airports like Rome, Milan, and Naples but are usually more expensive than other transportation.
Taking the train in Italy is a good alternative. You can rely on fast connections between the main cities (Rome-Milan in just over 3 hours) with high-speed trains or reach small towns with regional trains.
Although the rail network serves the whole country in a capillary way, if you wish to reach more remote destinations, especially small villages or the countryside, you might need to use a bus or a private car.
Buses are a cheaper option if you have a bit more time but always remember to double-check the timetable and take into consideration some extra time for late runs or missing runs.
Since some areas are not well connected, renting a car can be a good alternative for driving freely but sometimes can be stressful. To avoid unpleasant surprises, remember to check in advance the requirements needed by rental car agencies. Also, bear in mind that European Driving Licenses are recognized in Italy while non-EU citizens must have an international driving permit (IDP).
Bigger islands are served by a few operating companies departing from the main hub of Genova and Naples. Smaller islands are usually served by local companies and connections are limited during off-peak seasons.
ACCOMMODATION
If you are wondering what type of accommodation you can find in Italy here is some useful info that can help you figure out what may be right for you. In the biggest cities, you can find an infinite variety of proposals: from large hotel chains to smaller ones including boutique hotels that offer a more intimate and personalized experience. Apartments and B&B are always good options for long-term stays or if you travel on a budget.
If you want to discover the true essence of Italian traditions and taste genuine and simple local products in the countryside area, probably you are looking for rural farmhouses, family-run B&B, and widespread hotels, your top choice to visit places in Italy off the beaten path.
Camping and the last frontier of Glamping, are the best option if you want to connect with nature and experience some outdoor activities.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Italy is a safe place to travel but a travel Insurance that covers you from high expenses and unexpected events it’s always a nice to have.
If you don’t need a visa to travel to Italy travel insurance is not mandatory, although it is strongly advisable. Whereas, if you are required to have a Visa to enter Italy then you must have valid travel insurance to apply.
Travelers nowadays take more and more into consideration the benefits of travel insurance also due to the last pandemic (read our article HOW COVID-19 HAS CHANGED THE WAY WE TRAVEL).
There are many types of travel insurance available, which policies cover you from medical emergencies, trip cancellation or disruption, loss or damage of personal belongings etc. Read carefully the terms and conditions of your contract to avoid annoying situations.
DO I NEED A TRAVEL AGENT?
Hiring a local travel consultant, tour operator or travel agency is always a good idea.
Italy is not a difficult country to travel to on your own but if you want to travel stress-free and planning is not really your thing, there are plenty of options: all-inclusive travel packages, customized itineraries, and self-drive tours.
Relying on the expertise of a local travel agency you will get some exclusive benefits. Travel agents help you plan and coordinate your unique trip so that you can have a worry-free venture.
They help you deal with overwhelming information and settle up everything for you, from transport to accommodation. They select the perfect top-notch and backdoor experiences for you thanks to their great connections on the ground and network of local providers.
Furthermore, they have access to exclusive fares and provide assistance for any issue on-site giving you greater peace of mind.
If you are planning to discover Italy through an unconventional lens contact us to help you get oriented.
At Byways of Italy we design unconventional travel itineraries with passion and care for couples, families, small groups or solo travelers. We are a local tour operator and DMC, contact us at info@bywaysofitaly.com to design your bespoke itinerary or get inspired by our all-inclusive holiday tours.
