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?
How many days do you need in Italy?
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How much does it cost to travel in Italy?
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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.