Italy

8 cities

Italy is the largest open-air museum in the world. From the ruins of Rome to the canals of Venice, every corner tells a story. Italian gastronomy is a world heritage: pizza, pasta, gelato and wines from Tuscany. The Amalfi Coast, the northern lakes and the islands of Sicily and Sardinia offer dreamlike landscapes.

Cities in Italy

Italy travel guide

By the Odysseus team · Reviewed October 2026

Italy packs more art, landscape and food into a few hours by train than almost any other country. The key is not to try to see everything: pick two or three regions, travel by train and book the museums that sell out well ahead.

When to go

April to June and September to October are the sweet spot: mild weather and shorter queues than in summer. July and August bring intense heat in Rome and Florence and high prices on the coast. In winter the art cities are quiet and cheaper, but the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre scale back services.

How much it costs

Backpacker: €70–90 a day (hostel, regional trains, market food and pizza al taglio).
Mid-range: €130–190 a day (3-star hotel, a trattoria dinner, museum tickets).
High-end: €300+ a day (boutique hotels, first-class high-speed trains, chef-led restaurants).

Most cities charge a nightly tourist tax, and restaurant bills often include a coperto (cover charge).

Suggested 10-day route

Rome (3 days) → Florence (2 days, with a Tuscany day trip) → Cinque Terre (1 day) → Venice (2 days) → fly home from Milan or Venice (2 spare days for Bologna or Verona). High-speed trains (Frecciarossa and Italo) link Rome, Florence, Bologna, Venice and Milan in 1–2 hours.

Practical tips

Book the Borghese Gallery, Milan's Last Supper and the Vatican Museums weeks ahead.
Validate unreserved regional train tickets before boarding.
In Venice, check whether your date requires the day-tripper access fee.
Coffee standing at the bar costs much less than sitting at a table.

Indicative prices per person per day, excluding flights. Always check current entry requirements before travelling.