Pick the must-see locations. Because Italy has so many incredible locations, it is wise to spend a bit of time planning which places you most desire to visit. You may also find that many of the locations are close to one another, which will help narrow down your mode of transportation. For example, Trieste, Venice, Milan and Turin are all northern cities, while Rome and Naples are closer to the southern end of the country.
Choose whether you prefer a group guided tour or to plan your own travels. Group guided tours can include a few choice cities, moving by bus between locations. A benefit of choosing a group tour is that tickets and accommodations are provided by the booking company, leaving you to enjoy the trip. However, one of the drawbacks is the lack of freedom. Most tours have planned days and set times for return and departure. Check Italy's official tourism website at Italiantourism.com for recommended tour companies.
Book a train ticket with ItaliaRail online at Italiarail.com. ItaliaRail covers the entire country, allowing visitors to see as much (or as little) of the country as they like. Offering city-to-city tickets, travelers can move from Rome to Florence for less than $60. However, if your tour of Italy requires seeing as many cities as possible, the All Italy Pass is probably the most economical option. The pass depends upon the number of days you wish to travel, but the cities available are virtually unlimited and the pass offers discounts on buses, accommodations and tourist locations.
Plan a theme for your tour. Italy is known for its incredible cuisine. Planning a tour based on areas of classic Italian dishes or homes of Italian chefs can give you direction and a tasty experience. Perhaps museums and art are more the purpose of your tour of Italy. The Uffizi Gallery in Florence, the Venice Accademia Galleries and the Pinocoteca di Brera in Milan are among the largest museums in Italy. An architectural tour of Italy would include the Roman Colosseum, St. Peter's of Rome, and the Florence Cathedral. GreatBuildings.com offers explanations of the major architectural works in Italy, allowing you to choose the locations and move forward from there.
Book your tickets and tours before arrival to secure places. When traveling abroad, airport security requires proof of accommodation or some proof of your plans. If traveling with ItaliaRail or EuroRail, your itinerary is done with the booking. With tour guide companies, the itinerary is pre-booked, allowing swift movement through security. If planning to backpack and move as you choose, then booking with hostels rather than hotels is probably the route you will choose. Hostels offer proof of booking, and they tend to fill quickly, so be sure to book beforehand.
