Why Visit Italy?

Planning your next adventure? Italy is calling, and yes, it’s worth the hype. With its jaw-dropping coastlines, buzzing cities, ancient ruins, and more carbs than your heart can handle, Italy has everything you need for an unforgettable trip. Whether you're museum-hopping in Florence, tossing coins in Rome, or living your best beach life on the Amalfi Coast, this guide covers everything you need to travel smart, eat well, and live la dolce vita — without blowing your budget.

Build Your Itinerary

Italy is packed with places that feel like they belong in a movie — ancient cities, coastal villages, and Insta-perfect views around every corner. Whether you're into history, art, food, or just living your best life, these five spots should definitely be on your radar. Here’s where to go to get a real taste of la dolce vita.

Rome - Rome is basically a giant open-air museum — ancient ruins, epic art, and pasta on every corner. Snap a selfie at the Colosseum, toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, and explore Vatican City in the same day. The vibe is a mix of history, hustle, and hidden gelato spots. It’s busy, bold, and absolutely iconic.

Florence - Florence is a dream for art lovers and romantics. Home of the Renaissance, you’ll find masterpieces by Michelangelo, da Vinci, and Botticelli around every corner. But it’s not all museums — the city is full of cute cafés, riverside views, and one of the best sunset spots ever at Piazzale Michelangelo.

Cinque Terre -Cinque Terre is a cluster of five colourful villages clinging to the cliffs of the Ligurian coast. It’s postcard-perfect with crystal-clear water, hiking trails, and seaside vibes. You can swim, hike, and eat your body weight in seafood pasta — all in one afternoon. Trains connect the towns, so getting around is super easy.

Venice - Venice feels like another world — no cars, just canals, boats, and bridges. It’s a maze of beauty, with historic palaces, dreamy gondola rides, and endless photo ops. Explore early in the day or late at night to avoid the crowds and soak in the magic of this floating city.

Naples and Pompeii - Naples is raw, real, and ridiculously good for pizza. It’s the gateway to Pompeii, where you can walk through the ruins of a Roman city frozen in time by a volcano. If you’re into archaeology and wild local energy (plus epic views of Mount Vesuvius), this area should be on your list.

Budget Tips

Italy can be surprisingly affordable if you know a few tricks. Here’s how to make your euros stretch without missing out on the good stuff:

Transport Hacks

• Use regional trains – They’re slower than high-speed trains, but way cheaper and still get you where you need to go.

• Book in advance – Trenitalia and Italo offer discounts for early bookings, especially on popular routes like Rome to Florence.

• City passes & transit cards – Many cities offer transport passes that cover buses, trams, and even museum entries (like the Roma Pass or Venezia Unica).

Cheap Places To Stay

• Budget hostels & B&Bs – Italy has tons of well-rated hostels with great vibes and free breakfasts.

• Agriturismos – These rural farm stays often include meals and are perfect for a unique, local experience.

• Split stays with friends – Apartments and Airbnbs can be cheap when shared, especially outside city centres.

Food and Drink

• Eat like a local – Skip touristy restaurants and look for places packed with locals or menus in Italian.

• Go for aperitivo – In cities like Milan or Rome, you can get a drink plus free snacks or a full buffet in the early evening for €8–€12.

• Pizzerias & bakeries are budget gold – Pizza al taglio (by the slice), panini, and fresh pastries are filling and cheap.

• Drink tap water – It’s safe, and many cities (like Rome) have public fountains where you can refill your bottle.

Low-Cost Attractions

• Free museum days – Many museums have one free entry day per month. Check local listings or the official culture sites.

• Student discounts – EU students under 25 often get reduced prices, but non-EU travellers should ask anyway — sometimes it still works!

• Skip-the-line smartly – Book tickets online for big attractions (like the Colosseum or Uffizi) to avoid pricey guided tours.

10 Quick Tips for Italy Travel 

• Validate your train ticket – If you're using paper tickets on regional trains, stamp them at the little machines before boarding or risk a fine.

• Cover up for churches – Shoulders and knees should be covered when visiting cathedrals like St. Peter’s or the Duomo.

• Pack comfy shoes – Cobblestone streets are everywhere, and your feet will thank you after a day of exploring.

• Cash still matters – Cards are common, but small shops, cafés, and markets often prefer cash.

• Sitting often comes at a higher price – Ordering coffee or gelato? Standing at the bar is cheaper than sitting at a table.

• Eat dinner late – Locals don’t show up to dinner before 8pm. Join them and avoid tourist traps.

• Train strikes happen – Keep an eye on news or apps like Trenitalia in case of last-minute transport changes.

• Keep coins handy – For public bathrooms, vending machines, and lockers at train stations.

• Learn basic Italian phrases – Even a simple “grazie” or “ciao” goes a long way with locals.

• Gelato test – If the gelato is piled super high and neon-coloured, skip it. Go for places with natural colours and metal tins.

WHY BUY WITH ZOOM