Italy Travel Guides: Itineraries, Where to Stay & Tips
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Planning a trip to Italy? You’re in the right place with my Italy Travel Guides.
I’ve been back to Italy five times in recent years, and each trip has shown me a different side of the country. Some visits have been about slow mornings in Bari and exploring whitewashed towns across Puglia, others about walking the cliffside trails in Cinque Terre or catching ferries between the islands of Venice. Over time I’ve figured out what’s simple, what takes more planning, and what makes a trip to Italy truly memorable.
This page brings those lessons together: practical itineraries you can actually follow, clear where-to-stay guides, and straightforward tips for getting around. Whether you’re deciding between trains and car rental, choosing a base in Bari, or planning how many days you need in Cinque Terre, you’ll find everything here in one place. Alongside the big sights, you’ll also find food recommendations, smaller towns worth the detour, and a few hidden corners that give Italy its character.
ITALY ITINERARIES AND TRAVEL GUIDES
WHERE TO STAY IN ITALY
PRACTICAL ADVICE | ITALY TRAVEL TIPS
THINGS TO DO IN ITALY
TRANSPORT IN ITALY
FUN AND CULTURAL ITALY
BEST THINGS TO DO IN ITALY
Beyond itineraries and guides, these are the experiences that make Italy memorable — from coastal hikes and Puglian food traditions to cave towns and island boat trips.
- Hike between the villages of Cinque Terre →
- Swim and relax on the Ligurian coast →
- Taste classic Puglian food – Join a food tour in Lecce or Bari →
- Soak up southern charm in Bari & Polignano a Mare – Book a Polignano coastal boat trip →
- Visit Matera’s cave dwellings and piazzas →
- Sip wine in Tuscany’s vineyards →
- Walk through Florence’s Renaissance heart – Uffizi & Duomo tours →
Where to Stay in ITALY (Quick Picks)
If you just want quick recommendations, here are well-rated stays I’d suggest starting with.
Bari
- Hotel Boston ⭐ 8.6/10 — reliable, central hotel close to Bari’s Old Town and waterfront.
- Palazzo Calò ⭐ 8.8/10 — boutique-style suites with rooftop terrace in Bari Vecchia.
- La Felicia ⭐ 9.8/10 — guest-favourite with superb location near San Bartolomeo, praised for exceptional hospitality.
Cinque Terre
- Hotel Margherita, Monterosso ⭐ 9.1/10 — family-run, central, easy walk to beach and trails.
- Albergo Degli Amici, Monterosso ⭐ 9.0/10 — guest-favorite with roof terrace; thousands of solid reviews.
- Hotel Marina Piccola, Manarola ⭐ 9.5/10 — harbourfront rooms steps from the cove; a top, most-booked pick in Manarola.
Puglia (Ostuni & Surrounds)
- Paragon 700 Boutique Hotel, Ostuni ⭐ 9.0/10 — design-led boutique hotel inside a restored palace.
- Masseria Calderisi, Fasano ⭐ 9.4/10 — luxury masseria stay with gardens, pool and Puglian character.
- Hotel Monte Sarago, Ostuni ⭐ 8.5/10 — modern comfort within walking distance of Ostuni’s centre.
Helpful Resources for Your ITALY Trip
Here are the links I use (and recommend) to make planning easier.
- Transport: Omio for trains and buses; DiscoverCars for rentals with no hidden fees.
- Accommodation: Booking.com for hotels, guesthouses, and cabins — free cancellation on most stays.
Tours: GetYourGuide for fjord cruises, Northern Lights tours, and guided hikes — instant confirmation. - Money: ATMs are reliable — bring a Wise card to avoid fees and get fari rates in NOK.
- Community Info: Discover Italy | Best Places and Travel Tips is a highly active FB group where locals and visitors share up-to-date advice, travel tips, and deals.
ITALY Travel FAQs
Is Italy safe to travel?
Yes — Italy is generally safe, especially in popular destinations like Rome, Florence, Venice, Bari, and the Cinque Terre. Petty theft such as pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas (stations, buses, tourist hotspots), so standard precautions — keeping valuables close, avoiding unlicensed taxis — are enough.
How many days do you need in Italy?
One week gives you a taste of Italy if you focus on a single region — for example Rome + Florence, or Bari + Puglia. For 10–14 days, you can comfortably combine two or three regions (such as Tuscany, Cinque Terre, and Venice, or a south-focused trip around Puglia and Matera). See my 7-Day Puglia Itinerary →.
Do you need a visa for Norway?
Italy is part of the Schengen Area. Travellers from the EU, UK, US, Australia and many others can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Always check the latest entry requirements on your government’s travel advice page before you go.
What’s the best way to get around Norway?
Trains are the fastest and easiest way to travel between major cities like Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan. In rural regions such as Tuscany, Puglia, or Sicily, renting a car gives you the freedom to explore towns and countryside at your own pace. Compare Italy car rentals — no hidden fees →.
How much does it cost to travel in Italy?
Italy is mid-range by European standards. Budget travellers spend around €60–90/day (hostels, self-catered meals, regional trains). Mid-range trips average €130–200/day (3★ hotels, local dining, intercity trains). Luxury travellers in cities like Venice or Positano can expect €250+ daily. Check hotel prices on Booking.com — free cancellation on most stays →.
What’s the best month to visit Italy?
April–June and September–October are ideal for good weather, fewer crowds, and cultural festivals. July–August are the busiest and hottest months (best for beaches but crowded in cities). November–March is low season — quieter, with lower hotel prices, though some coastal towns slow down. Browse Italy tours by season →.
What is Italy most famous for?
Italy is famous for its food (pasta, pizza, wine), art and architecture (Rome’s Colosseum, Florence’s Renaissance, Venice’s canals), coastal beauty (Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, Puglia), and iconic cultural experiences — from sipping espresso in a piazza to staying in a countryside masseria.
PLAN YOUR ITALY TRIP
Here are the sites I use myself when planning.
About the Author
I’m Ayushi, creator of Laptops & Landscapes. I’ve travelled to 50+ countries while working full-time, so I know the value of travel guides that cut through the noise and make planning straightforward.
Italy is a place I’ve returned to again and again in recent years, each trip showing me something different. I’ve explored Bari’s Old Town and the whitewashed streets of Ostuni, hiked the coastal trails of Cinque Terre, and wandered through Matera’s cave dwellings. I’ve taken trains between Rome and Florence, rented a car to explore Puglia and Tuscany, and learned first-hand what’s easy, what takes more planning, and what makes a trip here truly memorable.
The Italy itineraries, where-to-stay guides, and practical travel tips you’ll find on this site are grounded in those experiences. They’re designed to help you compare hotels, decide when a car rental is worth it, and find tours and day trips that add something special — always with clear advice and options you can book directly.