Italy tours & holidays

Generally, you will not need a visa to travel to Italy for a period of up to 90 days. Some citizens of a select few nationalities may need to obtain a Schengen visa before travelling to Italy. For more information, please visit the government of Italy’s website or the Essential Trip Information.

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it is important that you check for the latest information. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government’s foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our visa and entry requirements page.

Tipping isn’t customary in Italy, but it is appreciated. Feel free to leave a small amount if the service has been particularly good. Some restaurants will add a cover charge or ‘servizio’ to your bill.

A coperto is a small per head cover charge (around AUD 1.50–5) that is included in some restaurants for servings of bread, oil, vinegar, salt and pepper at the beginning of the meal. If this charge isn’t mentioned and you still are served bread, expect to see an item for ‘pane’ (Italian for bread) on your bill.

A trusty pair of walking shoes with solid grip is essential for Italy at any time of year. For clothing, aim for comfy attire you can layer up and down. Religious sites like the Vatican City also have strict dress codes that require covering your shoulders and knees.

In summer, breathable, loose-fitting T-shirts, shorts, trousers and dresses are recommended. If you visit in a shoulder month (April, May, September, October), bring a jacket and long pants as the weather can be unpredictable.

Winter brings snow and freezing temperatures to the north, so if you’re travelling to Milan or mountainous regions, pack thermals, gloves and a warm, waterproof coat. Down south, you shouldn't need the heavy stuff, but windproof and waterproof gear is advised.

Drinking water from taps in Italy is generally considered safe. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water instead.

Italy, like the rest of Europe, is well connected. Wi-fi is almost always available at larger hotels and guesthouses, either included in your room price, or for a small additional fee. Some smaller accommodations, such as rural guesthouses and homestays, may not have wi-fi available, or the signal may be patchy.

Many fast food chains, bars and restaurants also offer wi-fi connectivity, often with an access code located on a purchase receipt. Look out for the international wi-fi symbol, or politely ask a waiter if the option is available. Some major Italian cities also offer public wi-fi hotspots with registration.

If you do not have your own device, there are still some internet cafes in Italy’s major cities.

Mobile phone coverage is generally good in Italy. Your best (and often cheapest) option is to purchase a local SIM card when arriving in Italy if your phone is compatible and unlocked.

There is also the option to activate global roaming with your service provider before leaving home. Check the roaming charges before you leave home, as this option can often be highly expensive.

Most service providers have good 4G coverage in the main cities as well as the countryside, however coverage in the Alps to the north, rural areas to the south and some parts of Sicily may be patchy at times.

Western-style flushable toilets are the norm in Italy.

Public toilets are not in abundance in Italy, so your best bet is to use the facilities in museums, galleries, department stores, train stations and restaurants. You may have to pay a small fee to use public toilets – ranging from around EUR 0.50 to EUR 2.

Italy is largely accepting of LGBTQIA+ people. While LGBTQIA+ travellers can generally enjoy a hassle-free holiday in touristy areas and major cities, smaller towns and villages may be more conservative, so it's helpful to be aware of local attitudes to avoid unwanted attention.

Rome, Milan and Bologna have the largest gay scenes, and Florence and Naples also have a handful of LGBTQIA+-friendly venues.

We recommend visiting Equaldex or ILGA before you travel for more detailed and up-to-date advice.

Italy is generally very safe for travellers, with excellent tourist infrastructure, a low violent crime rate and welcoming locals. However, like most popular destinations, there are a few things to remember as you travel around.

Pickpocketing and bag snatching are the biggest risk, so stay alert in busy areas, bus terminals, train stations and on public transport.

In big cities, some vendors sell illegal counterfeit goods, and you could be fined if caught. If a street seller approaches you, a firm ‘no, grazie’ (no, thank you) is the best response.

Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travellers seriously and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure:

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to: Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to: UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to: Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to: US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. In fact, we make a donation on behalf of every traveller. Trips to Italy directly support our foundation partner, Cooperativa Coraggio.

Cooperativa Coraggio

Cooperativa Coraggio set up agricultural projects on unused public land to create local jobs and produce organic food in communities in Italy. Donations help their regeneration project on 22 hectares of land at Borghetto San Carlo Estate, located on the outskirts of Rome.  

Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Find out more or make a donation

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, whatever physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help choose the most suitable itinerary and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Despite Italy’s charm and old-town feel, travellers with mobility and sight or hearing impairments may find it difficult to travel around the country independently. Old cobbled streets and pavements blocked by parked cars are the norm, making it difficult for wheelchair users.

Despite this, much of Italy’s public transport system is mobility friendly. The service ‘Sala Blu’ (Blue Hall) is provided to travellers who require assistance at the 14 main train stations around Italy. These services include providing a wheelchair, a representative to accompany you to your train, another to meet at the other end, lift service to get on and off the train, and free use of baggage trolleys.

Many of Italy’s most-visited attractions, like the Colosseum, Vatican museums and the Uffizi Gallery, are almost entirely wheelchair accessible, with ramps and lifts available. Venice may be considered the least accessible, but it is possible. Bridges between canals should be avoided, but vaporettos (or water taxis) can be used, especially the routes along the Grand Canal.

If you do live with a visual, hearing or other impairment, let your booking agent or group leader know early on so they’re aware and suitable arrangements can be made. As a general rule, knowing some common words in the local language, carrying a written itinerary with you and taking to the streets in a group, rather than solo, can help make your travel experience the best it can be.

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their adventure. Your leader will record your travel insurance details on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of healthcare around the world, travel insurance is an essential part of every journey.

Learn more about travel insurance