One Week in Italy

What You Should Know Before Going On A Italy Tour

Tours to Italy very often visit the “Big Three” that is Florence, Venice, and Rome. These are classic must sees for first timers but also always reveal something new for second and third time travelers to Italy.

Choosing an Italy Tour

When choosing your tour to Italy, consider how you want to spend your time. Many Italy tours have a heavy focus on art, history, and archaeological sites. If this doesn’t interest you as much, look into tours that have more of a cultural bent, and perhaps spend more time in the countryside or visiting local towns.

Traveling to Italy, an FAQ:

1. Are there Italy tour packages that include airfare? The short answer to this is: not many. Because of how widely airfare can vary depending on your departure dates and where you leave from, it is unlikely that your airfare will be included (unless you are requesting a custom tour). However, one of the benefits of Stride is that you can compare the trips that do! Our search feature allows you to easily view the Italian Tours & Trips that include airfare.

2. What kinds of accommodation exist in Italy? This largely depends on the style of tour you are taking, and what level of luxury it is. If you are taking an active, budget-friendly tour, you may be staying in low end hotels, or some of the country’s hostels (hostels in Italy -- as in much of Europe -- are a safe and popular way to travel). Higher-end tours may stay in cute, local inns or various hotels. 

3. Is food included on Italy group tours? Food is one of the best aspects of traveling to Italy, so it makes sense to wonder if you will have a say in what you eat! The answer to this question depend on the tour, though the majority of tours will have a couple scheduled meals, like maybe having a group breakfast at the hotel on the first day of your trip, and let you decide on others. If food is your main concern, perhaps consider going on a culinary tour of Italy. 

4. Where should I exchange money in Italy? We recommend that you exchange money ahead of time if you can at all. However, there will be multiple opportunities to use your credit or debit cards within the country, just make sure you are using a card with low or no international fees! Also, as you should contact you bank before you travel abroad, so they don’t see your international spending as suspicious activity and cancel your account.

5. What is the weather like in Northern Italy? The climate in Northern Italy varies depending on where you travel precisely, and what time of year. In the Alps, the wintertime can be very cold with a lot of snow. Summer in the mountains is mild, reaching a maximum of 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and but getting a little chilly at night. It also can be quite rainy during the summer, so pack a rain jacket! The coast of Northern Italy is quite a bit warmer than the Alps, and has mild winters and its known for its hot, dry summers.

6. What is the weather like in Southern Italy? The climate in Southern Italy is known for its mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. In the summer, temperatures are on average around 80 degrees. In the winter, make sure to pack a rain jacket, but don’t worry about the snow -- in Southern Italy, this only rarely accumulates on the tops of the Apennine Mountains.

7. How do I prevent thieves and pickpockets in Italy? Boasting some of the most famous and popular tourist destinations in the world, it makes sense that Italy is also known for its pickpockets. While these do not present any real safety issues, it can be extremely frustrating and upsetting to lose your passport, money, or any jewelry that you have. The best defense you have against pickpockets is to be aware, especially when you are in a major tourist area, whether that be an attraction or the airport. Try to carry only a day’s worth of money on you at a time, and keep it in fanny pack (or money belt), or in the inside pocket of a jacket. If you do carry a bag, do not leave it on the back of your chair or put it on the ground when eating at a restaurant. Do not discount anyone of being a thief -- pickpockets can be children, well dressed individuals, or even a woman holding a crying baby. Be especially on alert if you are approached by a group of people, or someone carrying a sign at chest level.

8. Is public transportation safe? Yes, using the bus and train systems in Italy is safe for tourists to use. Just exercise caution as you would in any other context -- be careful when traveling alone at night, for example.

Visiting Archaeological Sites on your Italy Tour

Italy is home to some of the most popular archaeological sites in the world, and your Italy tour is sure to hit up one if not more of these wonders.

However, when visiting archaeological sites, it’s important to be flexible. At certain times, large portions may be under construction for conservation, or under excavation by real archaeologists. These specific areas will be off limits to tourists, but it does demonstrate a wonderful collective respect for our past and preserving these sites to the best of our ability.

Food, Coffee, and Wine on your Tour of Italy

Food - Even if your Italy tour is not an official “culinary tour” enjoying long meals is a quintessential part of Italian culture. Meals in Italy tend to be homey, simple yet delicious, utilizing local ingredients and making everything from scratch, often utilizing old tried and true methods from centuries before. Food is incredibly regional and diverse in Italy, with seafood dominating in the south and more earthy fare dominating the northern regions.

Coffee - If your tour director knows their stuff, they should properly instruct you on how to order coffee in Italy. American travelers in particular may miss sugary concoctions with syrup - coffee in Italy sticks to the standards. And the idea of lingering over coffee is foreign to them - espresso bars are set up for busy commuters or those who need a 5 minute pick-me-up in the middle of their work day. Learning this system is part of visiting Italy, so go with it and “be Italian” on your tour!

Wine - Both red and white wine are common and regularly consumed with meals. Italy tours will often visit a wine region or two, particularly the micro regions in Tuscany and perhaps Piedmont, for some sweeter wines. Be sure to exercise proper wine tasting etiquette when visiting vineyards: don’t feel the need to complete each taste, ask questions, and be open to learning about the region!