Italy Travel Tips

Planning a self-guided trip to Italy? You're in for an unforgettable adventure! But before you immerse yourself in the art, history, and culinary delights of this beautiful country, let's talk about how to make your self-guided experience truly extraordinary.

The Importance of Authentic Experiences 

Italy is teeming with iconic tourist hotspots like Rome's Colosseum and Venice's canals. But to experience the real Italy, consider venturing off the beaten path. Lucky for you, all of our Italian walking and cycling routes escape the hustle and bustle of the more popular places and lead you into peace and solitude. But if you're keen to see the classic landmarks, there's always time to stay a few extra days in the major cities after your walking or cycling adventure.

Navigating the Culinary Scene 

Italy is a food lover's paradise, but to truly savour its flavours, you need to go beyond the tourist traps. Embracing the local customs in Italy can elevate your dining experience to a whole new level!  

The Value of Cultural Immersion 

Learning a bit of Italian to engage with locals can profoundly enhance your travel experience. 

Language and Interaction

• Learn Basic Italian Phrases: A simple "grazie" pronounced "grah-tsee-ay" (thank you) or "buongiorno" pronounced "bwon-joor-noh" (good morning) can go a long way.
• Engage with Locals: Don't be shy—strike up conversations and ask for their recommendations—they’re usually the best ones!

Practical Tips for Travelling Around Italy 

A smooth trip requires some preparation. Here are some practical tips to keep in mind. 

Cultural Etiquette

• Dress Modestly: Especially when visiting churches, as a sign of respect. Keep your shoulders and knees covered, and remove any hats.
• Respect Dining Customs: Italians typically eat dinner late, around 8-9pm, and therefore, many restaurants that aren’t targetting tourists won't open before 7pm.
• Riposeo: Meaning ‘rest’ is when just about everything except food establishments close for an hour or two in the day’s hottest hours — typically 1pm - 3:30pm — for a long lunch or an afternoon snooze.
• Ferragosto Public Holiday: This Italian public holiday is celebrated on August 15th and lasts around 2 weeks. Often smaller, family-owned stores close for Ferragosto for a large chunk of August. 

Safety Advice 

• Stay Vigilant: Like anywhere in the world, be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas. Carry money, passports, IDs or important documents in a safe place that’s not easily accessible, such as a travel wallet or lanyard.
• Tap Water: Yes, tap water in Italy is safe to drink! Many Italian towns and cities are dotted with mountain spring water fountains that are safe to drink from — no need to buy the bottled stuff! For added peace of mind, consider using a Water-to-Go bottle. This innovative water filter bottle removes up to 99.9999% of all microbiological contaminants—including viruses, bacteria, chemicals, and heavy metals—ensuring you have access to safe drinking water from any non-saltwater source worldwide. Plus, use code MA30 for a 30% discount!

Common Questions 

• Tipping Customs: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. Rounding up the bill or leaving small change is common.
• Debit and Credit Cards: Most places in Italy accept debit and credit cards, making transactions convenient. We'd still recommend carrying some cash for when cards aren't accepted. Use a local bank ATM to withdraw cash for small purchases or public restrooms, as having cash on hand can be helpful during your adventures.
• Accepted Currencies: Italy uses the Euro (€). 

Visa Requirements

• UK citizens: You don’t currently require a visa if you’re staying up to 90 days in Italy. But as requirements can change, we recommend checking the GOV.UK website for the most up-to-date rules and regulations.
• From the beginning of 2025, non-European nationals will require an ETIAS visa waiver to enter the 30 European countries. This involves an easy online application that should be completed before travel and is valid for 3 years as long as you don’t exceed 90 days in Europe within a 180-day period. An ETIAS costs 7 euros, which is waivered for anyone under 18 or over 70 years old.

• Republic of Ireland citizens: Currently, you don’t require a visa if you’re staying up to 90 days in Italy. But as requirements can change, we recommend checking the GOV.UK website for the most up-to-date rules and regulations.
• If you travel with an Irish passport, you don’t require an ETIAS visa to visit Europe if you only stay up to 90 days.

• Citizens outside the UK: For our worldwide adventurers, we recommend checking your country’s government website for the most up-to-date rules and regulations on international travel, visas and passports.

Passport Validity

• UK citizens: Six months validity of your passport is recommended, at least 3 months validity beyond your planned departure date. 

• Republic of Ireland citizens: Six months validity of your passport is recommended, at least 3 months validity beyond your planned departure date. Be sure to check your passport validity before setting off.

• Citizens outside the UK: Passport requirements can vary from country to country. If you live outside the UK or ROI, we recommend checking your country’s government website for the most up-to-date information on passport regulations.

Travelling Around Italy: Transportation Tips 

Italy is a treasure trove waiting to be discovered, and knowing how to navigate its charming streets and stunning landscapes is key to an unforgettable adventure. In our Travelling to and around Italy blog post, we share essential tips on the best ways to get around this beautiful country, whether by train, metro or bus.

Italy offers a plethora of experiences that can cater to any traveller's interests. By focusing on authentic experiences, sustainable practices, and cultural immersion, you'll not only enrich your adventure but also contribute to preserving the beauty and heritage of Italy for future generations. 

How to Book

Ready to explore Italy like a true insider? Book a call with one of our adventure specialists today for personalised tips and recommendations for your self-guided Italian holiday. 

To discover more about our Italy walking and cycling trips, head to our Guide to Walking in Italy for more tips, advice and inspiration. Buon viaggio!