Italy Travel Guide

Eight nights covers Rome, Florence and Venice at a steady pace, and suits a first visit. Ten to fourteen days allows the Amalfi Coast, Milan or Sicily without rushing. Three days is only enough for Rome's headline sights, so avoid planning more than one city in that time.

Italy is generally safe for tourists. The main risk is petty theft at train stations, on metro and bus routes, and at busy attractions. Keep valuables secure, use official taxis, and take care in crowded places, especially in Rome, Milan and Naples.

Italy uses the euro (EUR). Exchange rates against the rupee change daily, so check the current rate before you travel. Compare the amount you receive before you exchange money or pay by card, and keep a note of the rate on the day you book.

English is widely understood in major tourist areas, hotels, airports and restaurants. Italian is the official language, and outside the big cities a few basic phrases are useful. Menus, signs and transport information are often in Italian only.

Italy is on UTC+1, and UTC+2 during daylight saving time, which normally runs from late March to late October. India is on UTC+5:30, so Italy is four and a half hours behind India in winter and three and a half hours behind in summer.

Yes. Indian passport holders need a Schengen short-stay visa before travel, and there is no visa on arrival. The official adult fee is EUR 90, plus service charges. Our packages include visa assistance, and the full details are in the Italy visa guide for Indians.

April to June and September to October are generally the most comfortable, with mild weather and easier crowds. July and August are hot and busy, while November to March is cooler, often cheaper and wetter.

A first trip of about eight nights suits most travellers, covering Rome, Florence and Venice with a Tuscan day. Our Italy Classic 8N package is built around that route, and it can be adjusted for your dates, hotel area and pace.