How long should your first trip to Italy be?

Although there is enough to do in Italy to fill a week, we recommend a stay of at least 10 days in Italy for the complete experience. However, if you've only got two or three days in Italy, you will still be able to cover many of the main highlights of the country.



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You'll be able to travel along the stunning Amalfi Coast or Cinque Terre, where colorful villages cling to the cliffside. You should also spare a few days for the Italian Lakes, which offer some of Europe's most enchanting scenery. However, to experience Italy at its best, you'll need to factor in three or four weeks.

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Fifteen days is enough time to get to the heart of any region of Italy. With just over two weeks you could go on a road trip of Sicily and enjoy its beautiful coastline.

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In my opinion, you really need at least two weeks in order to quickly see all the 'musts' in Italy. If you have just a week or ten days, don't worry – Italy is still more than worth a trip (it always is!). But if you want to cover all the main highlights, you'll really need at least 12-15 days.

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3 weeks in Italy is perfect whether it's your first time here or you're exploring less-known areas. The country has pretty okay public transportation, but the high-speed train really makes a difference. You can even rent a car and drive on your own, although it will take a little more time.

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You'll get the best exchange rate. (This is assuming your cc balance is zero.) For two people I would budget about $2,000 for two weeks. But have more available in case you need it.

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Overall, Florence is one of Italy's best cities to visit for first timers who love to immerse themselves in new cultures. Wondering where to stay in Florence (or where to stay in Tuscany, Italy's famous countryside)? Our guides offer a rundown of the best places to stay.

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First port of call for many travelers is Rome, Italy's charismatic capital. You'll never be able to cover all of its monuments and masterpieces but there are some you won't want to miss. The Colosseum and Pantheon are obvious highlights, along with the Roman Forum and Palatino.

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In fact, Italy is the 4th cheapest country in Western Europe. So how much does it cost to live in Italy? To answer this question, let's take a quick look at the average basic living expenses in Italy per month. Based on this, we can say that the average cost of living in Italy per month is around €1,600 (US$1,730).

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If you've got a week to spend in Florence you'll have enough time to really get a feel for the city. But as the birthplace of the Renaissance there's no shortage of things to keep you occupied. From Brunelleschi's Dome to the world-famous Uffizi, atmospheric trattorias to bustling markets.

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Resist the urge to buy foreign currency before your trip. Some tourists feel like they just have to have euros or British pounds in their pockets when they step off the airplane, but they pay the price in bad stateside exchange rates. Wait until you arrive to withdraw money.

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Start off with 200 or 300 Euros and then take some out as you need it from a Bancomat (bank owned ATM) and not from a money exchanger such as TravelEX. Use your credit card as much as possible for larger purchases and keep your cash (large denominations) and passport in your money belt or pouch.

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If you're in Naples or on the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii is a must-visit attraction that no one should miss. This massive archeological site is the best way to glimpse the daily life of ancient Romans. We highly recommend taking a Pompeii tour to fully appreciate the history here.

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In my opinion 500 euros is sufficient for 10 days and if you feel you need more, just use your debit card to get some more. Carrying lost of cash is never a good idea and especially in Italy and not all hotels have safes. Make sure your PIN for your card has no more then 4 digits.

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