Travel to Italy

Italy travel offers some of the most exquisite, enlivening and diverse experiences in the world.

Italy is the birthplace of famous artists, musicians, chefs, philosophers, writers and poets. So, it goes without saying that embarking on an Italian journey is sure to yield abundant memories, exciting adventures and candid photos that will inspire you for years to come.

Read on to learn about the best seasons to travel to Italy or to uncover some of the most unforgettable Italian travel experiences offered by AAA.

Venice, Italy. Photo by JFL Photography/AdobeStock

AAA’s Unforgettable Italy Travel Packages

AAA offers various Italy travel packages to intrigue every style of traveler. Whether luxury, authenticity or food tourism are your main objectives, AAA has a curated Italy travel package that will pique your interest and tantalize your senses.

The following sections detail some of AAA’s most in-demand travel packages to Italy to help you choose the best destination for your vacation needs and style. Please note that specific dates, amenities and itineraries are subject to change.

Iconic Western Mediterranean Tour

This eight-day European escapade gives travelers a taste of the different cultures spanning Italy, France, Monaco and Spain.

Take in the picturesque waters of Marseille, marvel at the architecture of Barcelona, wander through the Tuscany countryside and get acquainted with the many wonders of Rome during this lavish European cruise.

Italian Holiday

Cruise the canals of Venice, immerse yourself in the splendor of the Vatican, snap a photo of the Leaning Tower of Pisa and stroll the ancient streets of Rome on your weeklong journey through Italy.

During this intimate adventure through popular and unknown places around Italy, you will stay at premium hotels such as the Leopardi, Novotel Mestre Castellana, Grand Mediterraneo and the Grand Tiberio.

Rome, Florence and Venice Travel Experience

Spend a week getting acquainted with three of Italy’s most intriguing cities through art, history, cuisine and architecture.

Savor every minute on your guided food tour of Bologna as you sample artisan cheeses, cured meats, fresh bread, velvety chocolate and decadent gelato. On this immersive Italian adventure, view Michelangelo’s sculpture of David, the Piazza del Duomo, the enchanting canals of Venice and more.

Tuscany and the Italian Riveria

Revel in the rolling hills of Tuscany, its rugged coastline and the numerous charming medieval towns that dot the region.

During this elegant Italian tour, you will indulge in only the finest wine and local cuisine at each destination. You will also be treated to a three-night stay at a traditional Italian estate where the villa’s chef will give an educational pasta-making demonstration.

Great Italian Cities Tour

Uncover Renaissance Florence, beautiful Bologna, vibrant Venice and radiant Rome on this extensive, 10-day tour of Italy’s greatest cities. Savor the opulence of the rich Tuscany countryside, and walk along cobblestone streets in and out of historic buildings and town centers.

During this information-intensive tour of Italy, you will develop a new appreciation for the cultures and rich history that has shaped the nation’s identity.

Colors of Sicily

Discover animated fishing villages, traditional Modica chocolate (Cioccolato di Modica), local wine from the Mount Etna region and the charming cobbled streets of Taormina on this nine-day excursion into one of Italy’s most colorful regions.

Sicily, a region just off Italy’s southern “boot,” is famed for gastronomy, wine, architecture and cultural vibrancy.

No matter your reasons for journeying to this effervescent island, you will leave your Sicily tour with a renewed mind and a host of fond memories.

Cinque Terre and Northern Italy

Savor the peaceful Italian Riviera, the tranquil Lake District, outings in sophisticated Milan and marvelous food all along the way during this eight-day escapade around Northern Italy.

During your journey, you will visit Parma — a mecca for gourmands and the place where the craft of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese-making has been honed for centuries.

Before concluding your Italian passage, you will experience the dramatic coastal setting of the Cinque Terre, a collection of five fishing villages that have been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Liguria, Italy. Photo by el lobo/AdobeStock

Best Time to Travel to Italy

Italy is a vibrant, enlightening and fascinating destination at any time of the year.

Regardless of when you travel to this buoyant country, you will taste wonderful Italian dishes, meet friendly and enthusiastic locals and see stunning architecture.

When should you visit? That depends on your unique travel style and sightseeing objectives. See the following sections for more information on the seasons.

When Is Peak Season in Italy?

June to August are Italy’s peak tourism months. If you visit during this time of year, you can expect dense crowds, fewer accommodation options, higher airfare and more crowded tourism sites.

If you want to enjoy your visit to Italy without crowds of tourists, plan your vacation during the off-season (anytime before June or after September).

When Is the Most Cost-effective Time to Visit Italy?

November and February are two of the cheapest months to visit Italy, as many people choose to delay their adventures until warmer days. The lack of tourism causes prices to go down significantly, making the winter a fairly cost-effective time to travel to Italy.

While you may be sacrificing balmier temperatures during these months, you will be saving amply on expenses such as airfare and accommodation (two of the biggest costs of international travel).

And, with wintertime temperatures ranging anywhere from 35 degrees in Northern Italy to 65 degrees in Southern Italy, travelers still have a lot of climate diversity to choose from.

So, if you are someone who doesn’t mind layering and throwing on a cashmere scarf or warm beanie, going to Italy during the winter months can yield a fruitful travel experience marked by lower prices, sparser crowds and equally memorable moments.

When is the Best Time of Year to Visit Italy For Cultural Activities?

Italy is a diverse country filled with thrilling seasonal activities, cultural festivals and celestial landscapes that are worth a visit at any time of the year.

And, regardless of when you go, you can participate in unique, entertaining and educational experiences that enrich your time abroad.

Here’s a general overview of what you can expect from a visit to Italy at various times of the year:

• Spring. Springtime in Italy is the perfect season to visit the Dolomites and see the hillsides turn to pastel hues. As the weather isn’t too hot and the trails aren’t yet overwhelmed with summer crowds, spring is the ideal time to take on some of Italy’s captivating hikes.
• Summer. Visiting Italy during the summer will have you indulging in gelato at every opportunity, hiking the Cinque Terre, taking gondola rides down the canals and participating in lively summer festivals.
• Autumn. Marked by moderate temperatures and the country’s transformation into fiery shades of amber, autumn is one of the most peaceful and beautiful times to visit Italy. Travel to the National Park of the Sibillini Mountains, Foresta Umbra (in Apulia) and Sila National Park to experience the full range of sunset hues in Italy’s forests.
• Winter. A visit to Italy during the winter is the perfect time to visit some of the country’s thermal hot springs, go skiing in the Alps or meander through fragrant holiday markets.

What Is the Best Time to Visit Italy for Warm Weather?

July and August tend to be the hottest months in Italy, with temperatures ranging between 65 and 90 degrees (with Southern Italy offering the warmest geographic location in the nation).

If you are looking for balmy temperatures without the crowds, visit Italy during September or May (taking care to avoid Labor Day and Memorial Day weekends) as these months are still fairly warm and minimally crowded.

Cinque Terra Coast, Italy. By Jenifoto/AdobeStock

Travel to Italy From the USA: Things To Know

Because Italy travel restrictions are constantly changing, it’s best to frequently check the destination you intend to visit and contact your travel agency to see if any changes arise before departure. You should also check the U.S. Embassy’s website for travel advisories before booking passage to the country.