Golden Triangle
Duration : 10 days
Route : Rome (3 nights) → Florence (2 nights) → Tuscany Siena/San Gimignano (2 nights) → Venice (3 nights)
Custom travel to Italy
Italy is arguably Europe's most captivating destination, where every region reveals a strong character: thousand-year-old Rome and its antique forums, Venice and its poetic canals, Florence the birthplace of the Renaissance, Tuscany and its cypresses, the Amalfi Coast with hilltop villages over the Mediterranean, three-culture Sicily, Puglia and its iconic trulli. From the lake-filled north to the baroque south, the country offers a diversity of landscapes, flavors, and heritage that makes it one of the world's most complete destinations.
Highlights
- Rome: Colosseum, Vatican, dolce vita
- Florence and Tuscany: Renaissance and vineyards
- Amalfi Coast and Naples: Mediterranean at its purest
- Venice and northern lakes: canals, palaces, Como
- Sicily and Puglia: authentic southern Italy
Sample itineraries
Full Italy
Duration : 15 days
Route : Rome (3 nights) → Naples & Amalfi Coast Positano (3 nights) → Tuscany Florence/Siena (3 nights) → Cinque Terre (1 night) → Lake Como (2 nights) → Venice (2 nights) → Milan (1 night return)
Southern Italy: Puglia & Sicily
Duration : 16 days
Route : Rome (1 night) → Puglia: Bari, Alberobello, Lecce, Matera (5 nights) → flight to Sicily: Palermo (2 nights) → Cefalù → Taormina (2 nights) → Syracuse (2 nights) → Agrigento (1 night) → Catania → return flight (3 nights Rome or Naples)
Essential Dolomites: Tre Cime, alpine lakes, and enrosadira
Duration : 7 days
Route : Venice (1 night) → Cortina d'Ampezzo (2 nights, Tre Cime di Lavaredo) → Alpe di Siusi (2 nights, alpine plateau) → Val di Funes and Lago di Braies (2 nights)
Alta Via 1 trek: the legendary Dolomites crossing
Duration : 10 days
Route : Venice (1 night) → Lago di Braies (starting point) → 8 days of north-to-south hiking (Tre Cime, Cinque Torri, Civetta, Marmolada) → Belluno (arrival, 1 night)
When to go
Italy can be visited almost year-round, but the ideal period runs from April to June and September to October: mild temperatures, fewer crowds, reasonable prices. Summer (July–August) is very hot (often 35–40 °C in cities) and saturated with tourists — to avoid for Rome, Florence, Venice. The Amalfi Coast and Sicily stay pleasant thanks to the sea breeze. Winter is mild in the south (ideal for Puglia and Sicily) but rainier. January–February are perfect for Rome without crowds.
- Spring (April – June) — Green Tuscany, Easter in Rome, gourmet fairs
- Summer (July – August) — Amalfi Coast, Sicily, Verona operas
- Autumn (September – October) — Tuscan harvests, truffles, Prosecco vendanges
- Winter (December – March) — Rome without crowds, Venice carnival, Cortina skiing
Practical information
Italy is a very safe destination — main risks are pickpockets in tourist cities (Rome, Naples, Florence, Venice) and taxi scams. A few cultural codes are worth knowing: covered clothing (shoulders and knees) mandatory in churches; meals are eaten late (lunch 1–2pm, dinner 8–9:30pm); coffee is ordered at the bar (al bar = standing, cheaper), cappuccino ONLY in the morning (Italians find it ridiculous to order after 11am). Tipping isn't mandatory (often included in 'coperto' or 'servizio') but rounding up is appreciated. Tap water is drinkable. A few Italian words (grazie, prego, buongiorno) are always appreciated.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Italy?
May–June and September–October offer ideal weather and fewer crowds. Summer is hot and crowded, especially in cities. Winter remains pleasant in the south (Puglia, Sicily) and ideal for Rome without crowds.
How long should an Italy trip be?
10 days minimum for the Golden Triangle (Rome, Florence, Venice) with Tuscany. 14-15 days to add the Amalfi Coast and lakes. 16-21 days to also explore Puglia or Sicily. Italy deserves time.
What budget should I plan for a custom Italy trip?
As a guideline, expect €1,600–€2,200 per person for 8-10 days at mid-range comfort, excluding flights. For an upscale trip with palazzi, exceptional agriturismi, and bespoke experiences, the budget is more €4,000–€7,000. Flights from Paris range €100–€350 depending on season.
Do I need a visa to travel to Italy?
Italy is part of the European Union and the Schengen Area. No visa is required for French, Belgian, Swiss, and EU citizens — a valid ID card or passport suffices.
Should I rent a car in Italy?
Essential for Tuscany, Puglia, Sicily, Cinque Terre, and Amalfi Coast villages. Not needed for cities (trains more practical) or city centers (traffic-limited zones, ZTL, hefty fines). Go for a compact car (Tuscan and Sicilian alleys are narrow) with full insurance. French driving license is valid.
How do I get around in Italy?
The Italian rail network is excellent: Frecciarossa and Italo link Rome-Milan in 3 h, Rome-Naples in 1 h 10. The most practical and ecological option for cities. Car for Tuscany, Puglia, Sicily. Boat for the Amalfi Coast and islands. Domestic flights only for Sicily/Puglia from the north.
How to pay in Italy: card or cash?
Bank cards are accepted everywhere in hotels, restaurants, and large shops. Cash remains useful for family trattorias, small shops, markets, and tips. Italy is part of the eurozone — no currency exchange to plan from France.
Is Italy suitable for a family trip?
Absolutely. Italy is one of Europe's most family-friendly destinations: safety, warm welcome for children (Italians adore bambinos), kid-friendly experiences (pizza class, Venice gondola, adapted skip-the-line tours), hotels with family rooms. Children particularly enjoy agriturismi with animals. I design itineraries adapted to each age.
Can you do a honeymoon trip to Italy?
Italy is THE honeymoon destination par excellence. Between Venice's romantic palazzi (Aman, Cipriani), Tuscany's Renaissance villas, Positano's cliff-suspended hotels (Le Sirenuse, Il San Pietro), Puglia's masserias (Borgo Egnazia), and Lake Como, experiences for two abound. I can compose an intimate itinerary alternating art cities, vineyards, and seaside.
Are there cultural rules to know for an Italy trip?
A few codes ease integration: covered clothing (shoulders and knees) mandatory in churches; meals are eaten late (lunch 1–2pm, dinner 8–9:30pm); coffee is ordered at the bar; cappuccino ONLY in the morning (Italians find it ridiculous to order after 11am); don't ask for parmesan on fish pasta — almost sacrilegious. Tipping isn't mandatory (often included in 'coperto' or 'servizio') but rounding up is appreciated.