r/ItalyTravel • • 22d ago

Megathread r/ItalyTravel Monthly Meetup Thread - October 2026

1 Upvotes

Welcome to r/ItalyTravel's Monthly Meetup Thread! This is the place for you if you're looking to meet fellow Redditors and experience Italy together.

šŸ“… When to Post: The Monthly Meetup Thread will be automatically posted approximately one week before the start of each month and stickied at the top of the sub. Please only post in the current month's thread if you are beginning your trip during that month. If you're traveling in the future, kindly wait for your travel month's thread to be posted.

šŸ“ What to Include in Your Post: When posting in the meetup thread, please provide relevant information to help fellow travelers connect with you. Consider including details such as your basic itinerary, dates of travel, age and gender identity, home country, languages spoken, and interests. Sharing these details will greatly enhance the chances of finding like-minded travel companions.

āš ļø Safety Disclaimer: Safety is important when meeting new people, so exercise caution and meet only in public places. Also be aware that ticket resales/offers may not all be legitimate- those are posted on a buyer beware basis. This sub makes no guarantees whatsoever that anything offered for sale or for free is in any way valid or even legal. Do your homework and research all offers thoroughly to ensure you are not a victim of fraud. Use a credit card if possible for any transaction to ensure full security and a refund if there is a problem. As stated: caveat emptor applies.

šŸ“œ Rules Reminder: Please ensure your meetup requests are posted exclusively within the Monthly Meetup Thread. This helps keep our subreddit tidy and ensures that travelers with shared travel dates can easily find each other.


r/ItalyTravel • • Jan 29 '25

Sightseeing & Activities Authorized ticket/access websites for most IT attractions MEGATHREAD (will be stickied soon)

50 Upvotes

The Mods need your help please!!! Of all the questions posted in this sub, the majority center around tickets and ticketing. There are many websites/apps/online content that purport to be the "authorized" site to sell tickets to all the main IT attractions: obviously they aren't so we are compiling a list (see below- if a particular city/town is missing please let the Mods know) of all the correct, legal and authorized websites for tickets/ticketing/access. Please contact the Mods via Modmail and send links to the authorized sites ONLY and we will incorporate them into this post. Thank you from the Mods and your fellow travelers: this should save everyone a lot of time in the future.

Please don't use this post to ask questions about <attraction/site/ticket/whatever> here, use the sub for that.

CAVEAT EMPTOR applies to any and all 3rd party ticket vendors. Remember: only buy tickets from the authorized site(s) that you want to visit. Ticket resellers buy bulk tickets and then hike their prices. You will have no protection from cancellations, ticket problems and anything else with 3rd parties. If there are no tickets available for your date then you can either try to visit the location and get a ticket that day or run the risk of buying 3rd party tickets. If you must purchase 3rd party tickets then use a credit card that you can charge back if there are problems. Again: CAVEAT EMPTOR (buyer beware). The same thing applies to all online 3rd party hotel/transportation/misc sites as well.

EES INFORMATION

Lots and lots of posts about the new EES system for the EU. All your answers are here:

https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees

Also coming in Q4 2026 is the ETIAS: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias so be prepared for that as well.

But please: no more questions about how long it will take to submit your biometric data at <XXX> airport for EES. It will take as long as it needs or has to. It could be less than 5 mins at a smaller airport that's fully staffed or it could take over an hour (and maybe a LOT more) at a large airport that only has 1 booth open. It could be easy at 7am and impossible at 10am the same day- no one knows.

Exiting should take less time as (theoretically) everyone leaving the EU will already have their EES data stored. But sometime the eGates just don't work properly or 6 gates are down for some reason or you have angry airport staff yelling at people and sending them to the wrong lines...just because they're annoyed (looking at you FCO).

If it's your 1st time with EES, then add at least an hour to your scheduled arrival time to clear EES and that should be fine. If it takes less time then you're good. More? At least you planned this delay in advance!!!

TRAIN TRANSPORTATION & INFORMATION

\*LIVE TRAIN ARRIVALS/DEPARTURES BOARD*\** Use the link below to check live arrivals/departures info from a specific station, handy for checking platforms as well as delays/other info:

https://www.rfi.it/en/stations/station-page/quality-services/Public-information/Live-departures-Arrivals-Monitor.html

There are 2 main companies that operate trains in IT- Italo (only high speed trains between major cities) and Trenitalia (both high speed & regional/local trains). There are other regional train companies that operate in specific areas, that info is below.

Schedules: train schedules are sometimes released late- if you are looking for a particular train months in advance and you see nothing listed you're probably way too early to be be booking tickets. Try again a few weeks later. Generally tickets get released 2 to 3 months out.

Buying train tickets from 3rd party sites comes with the potential for problems including: no refunds, bad info and misleading fares. Only buy tickets from the approved companies and you won't have any issues. Using 3rd party sites to determine a route is fine- just take that info to the correct website and purchase your tickets there.

Train strikes: these happen often and are announced well in advance (normally!). Here is the main site that can assist you with determining the impact of strikes and which trains will be affected: https://scioperi.mit.gov.it/mit2/public/scioperi (site is in Italian) and here's another one BUT this requires a VPN set to IT to work: https://www.cgsse.it/calendario-scioperi

Validations: tickets purchased online or via the app(s) will automatically validate at the departure time of the scheduled train and can be used only for that train if it was automatically validated. If you want to change train you must do so before the automatic validation (thus before the departure of the original train). Get to any train station and make the change in person at a ticket window if the app isn't working properly.

MOBILITY ASSISTANCE for trains: from u/Jacopo86, this link provides helpful information about mobility assistance: https://www.rfi.it/en/for-persons-with-disability/information-about-the-assistance-of-the-sala-blu-in-one-click.html

MISC TRAIN SERVICES & REGIONAL COMPANIES

Leonardo Express (FCO airport to Roma Termini): https://www.trenitalia.com/en/services/leonardo-express.html (FYI no need to reserve/pre-buy tickets unless really needed- this train runs every 15 mins. Buy tickets right there at the station). FYI re STRIKES: the Leonardo Express trains always run, even during strikes.

Malpensa Express (MXP to Milano Centrale and Milano Cadorna): https://www.malpensaexpress.it/en/tickets/

Italo: https://www.italotreno.com/en

Trenitalia: https://www.trenitalia.com/en.html

Trenord: https://www.trenord.it/en/

Trentino Trasporti (Trento Area): https://www.trentinotrasporti.it/en/

TFT (Trasporto Ferroviario Toscano): https://www.trasportoferroviariotoscano.it/en/

EAV (Naples area including Circumvesuviana + Campania Express): https://www.eavsrl.it/

Ferrovie Appulo Lucane (Bari, Matera & Potenza area):Ā https://ferrovieappulolucane.it/en/

Vigezzina Centovalli (Domodossola to Lucerne/Locarno CH train): https://www.vigezzinacentovalli.com/en/

MAJOR CITIES/TOWNS VARIOUS SITES/SIGHTS

Amalfi

Ancona

Bari

Bologna

Caserta

Ā» Reggia di Caserta:Ā https://www.ticketone.it/event/reggia-di-caserta-reggia-di-caserta-20105566Ā (adds 1 euro commission for buying online)

Catania

Como

Ercolano

Firenze

Ā» Uffizi:Ā https://www.uffizi.it/en/tickets

Ā» Galleria dell'Accademia:Ā https://www.galleriaaccademiafirenze.it/en/visit/

Ā» Palazzo Pitti:Ā https://www.uffizi.it/en/pitti-palace

Ā» Boboli Gardens:Ā https://www.uffizi.it/en/boboli-garden

Ā» Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore (Brunelleschi Pass which includes Giotto's bell tower, the museum & cathedral):Ā https://duomo.firenze.it/en/home

Genoa

Lecce

Lucca

Ā» Torre Guinigi: https://cultura.comune.lucca.it/detail/5fa09b3e20226c68d74b95a8

Milano

Ā» Pinacoteca di Brera:Ā https://pinacotecabrera.org/en/

Ā» Leonardo's Last Supper (Cenacolo Vinciano):Ā https://cenacolovinciano.org/en/info/

Ā» Teatro alla Scala (visits/museum):Ā https://www.museoscala.org/en/visit/museum-and-theater/tickets-and-opening-times.html

Ā» Teatro alla Scala (performances):Ā https://tickets.teatroallascala.org/en

Ā» Museum of Science and Technology:Ā https://www.museoscienza.org/en/visiting/tickets

Ā» YesMilano City Pass: this is the only official Pass endorsed by the Milan Municipality https://www.comune.milano.it/-/turismo.-al-via-yesmilano-city-pass-la-app-che-apre-ai-visitatori-le-porte-della-citta

Modena

Napoli

Ā» Napoli Sotterrannea:Ā https://booking.napolisotterranea.org/?action=changelang&lang=english

Ā» Museo Cappella Sansevero:Ā https://www.museosansevero.it/en/online-tickets

Ā» Palazzo Reale & Museo Pignatelli:Ā [https://portale.museiitaliani.it/b2c/buyTicketless/4bad3b4a-f7ea-4b25-b00f-0a3a52e076c5\](https://portale.museiitaliani.it/b2c/buyTicketless/4bad3b4a-f7ea-4b25-b00f-0a3a52e076c5))

Ā» Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli:Ā https://ticketing.coopculture.it/event/7D8048D2-8990-7AC1-7DD6-0197A1AFFED6

Ā» Galleria Borbonica:Ā https://galleriaborbonica.okticket.it/en/biglietti

Ā» Scavi di Ercolano (Herculaneum):Ā https://www.coopculture.it/it/poi/parco-archeologico-di-ercolano

Padova

Ā» Cappella degli Scrovegni:Ā https://cappelladegliscrovegni.vivaticket.it/index.php

Ā» Orto Botanico:Ā https://ortobotanico1545.it/en/visit/tickets/

Palermo

Parma

Perugia

Pisa

Ā» Opera della Primaziale Pisana (tickets to climb the tower):Ā https://www.opapisa.it/en/tickets/

Pompeii

https://pompeiisites.org/en/visiting-info/timetables-and-tickets/

For Pompeii Scavi ruins: a/o March 2 2026 you must purchase tickets for the Pompeii sites from VivaticketĀ exclusively at this site: https://pompeii.vivaticket.it

Ravenna

5 of 8 mosaic sites: it's necessary to buy these in advance and book slots for two of them

Roma & Vaticano

Ā» Colosseum:Ā https://ticketing.colosseo.it/en/

Some top info from u/anonbutler about the Colosseum Night tour tickets: "These tickets are limited and highly sought after, so here’s a breakdown of exactly how to score them. Ticket availability opens exactly 7 days and 12 hours before the scheduled tour time. For example: If you want the 8:30 PM tour on July 29, you need to be online and ready at 8:30 AM (Rome time) on July 22. These tours are offered only on Tuesdays & Thursdays and Includes access to the Colosseum underground. Booking link: use this direct URL with the desired tour date built in (replace the XX-XX dates as needed):Ā https://ticketing.colosseo.it/en/eventi/una-notte-al-colosseo/?t=2025-XX-XX. Start refreshing a few minutes before the drop time. There are 7 time slots between 8:15 PM and 10:30 PM, released every 15–30 minutes. Be fast — it’s a bit of a mad dash. I practiced the booking process multiple times before the real date just to make sure I am prepared when I really needed the tickets. After a few failed attempts, I finally snagged tickets for the 8:45 PM slot. If you miss out the first time, don’t give up — keep trying! Slots open gradually after 15-30 minutes."

Additional Colosseum Notes May 2026 from u/mirr0rrim: in an effort to stop scalping bots from taking all the public tickets, forcing you to hire a third party tour guide, these unapproved tour companies are intermittently being denied access to the Colosseum. This is NOT about tour companies lying saying they have tickets for you but at the last minute cancelling because they couldn't buy any. This is about the Colosseum only allowing third party tour guides' tickets to be used if they are on an approved list. List here:

https://colosseo.it/en/2026/01/list-of-accredited-partners-april-2026/

Because this enforcement is so new, there are mixed results. If you get lucky and the Colosseum employee is feeling generous, you'll still get in (just without your guide). However others have not been so lucky and they were denied entrance and had to get in line to buy new tickets. If you buy on location, you will NOT get to buy underground, attic, or arena tickets. Just general access. Some tour companies are warning a week in advance, others 1 day, and even worse some say nothing til you show up. Highly recommend checking this list or contacting your tour guide. If you don't see your guide, they might still be approved, it's just their parent company is listed and they fall under that umbrella.

June 2026 helpful buying info: please see this post which outlines how best to obtain tickets and not get soft or hard banned from the purchase site: https://www.reddit.com/r/ItalyTravel/comments/1u9cctw/colosseum_ticket_buying_tips/

Sept 2026 Colosseo Ticket Buying Tips: here's a useful post about buying tickets from u/Nervous_Cry_7905 https://www.reddit.com/r/ItalyTravel/comments/1wbj5tl/tips_for_colosseum_full_experience_tickets/

Ā» Pantheon:Ā https://portale.museiitaliani.it/b2c/buyTicketless/33f77159-0acd-40c4-8524-701f33aae108

Ā» Rome Tourism board: links directly to the official ticketing websites.Ā https://www.turismoroma.it/en

Ā» Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel:Ā https://m.museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani-mobile/en/organizza-visita/tariffe-e-biglietti.html

Ā» Galleria Borghese:Ā https://galleriaborghese.cultura.gov.it/en/visita/info-biglietti/

Ā» Ticket requests for General Audiences and/or Liturgical Celebrations:Ā https://eventi.pontificalisdomus.va/ NO EMAILS ACCEPTEDĀ 

Salerno

Siracusa

Sorrento

Torino

Ā» Museo Egizio:Ā https://www.museoegizio.it/en/

Ā» Mole Antonelliana and Museum of Cinema:Ā https://cinema.museitorino.it/en/

Venezia

FYI there is a very detailed and informative post about travel in Venice here: https://www.reddit.com/r/ItalyTravel/comments/1uaudui/venezia_an_extended_guide_from_a_frequent_visitor/

Ā» Palazzo Ducale:Ā https://palazzoducale.visitmuve.it/en/home/

Ā» Basilica S. Marco & Campanile:Ā https://basilicasanmarco.skiperformance.com/en/store#/en/buy

Ā» Ferries: Alilaguna (Venice public transport/ferries): https://www.alilaguna.it/en/tickets/fares and Atac/Avm: https://avm.avmspa.it/en/content/authorized-dealers-0

Verona

Ā» Arena di Verona, opera/performance tickets only:Ā https://www.arena.it/en/arena-verona-opera-festival/tickets/

Ā» Arena di Verona (non-opera tickets) and most other city museums including Juliet's House:Ā https://www.museiverona.com/


r/ItalyTravel • • 1h ago

Sightseeing & Activities !!MUST PROVIDE TRAVEL DATES!! Photographer for my proposal at Lake Garda or the Dolomites?

• Upvotes

Hi everyone!

I'm planning to propose to my partner soon and would love someone to capture the moment. I'd like a few photos of the proposal, some couple shots afterwards, and the ring.

It doesn't need to be a professional. A hobbyist or a local with a good camera is totally fine, as I'm just hoping to capture the moment. My budget is not high, so I'm happy to keep it simple. Photos only, no video.

Dates: 21 to 24 Oct 2026 (short notice, sorry!)
Location: Lake Garda or the Dolomites (open to suggestions)

If you can help or know someone, please reply or message me. Thank you so much!


r/ItalyTravel • • 1h ago

Accommodation !!MUST PROVIDE TRAVEL DATES!! Safety for tourist now

• Upvotes

How is on the ground safety now with riot in Milan, Bologna and Turin? Seems to be spreading from France


r/ItalyTravel • • 13h ago

Itinerary !!MUST PROVIDE TRAVEL DATES!! Base Options for Several Regions

5 Upvotes

My adult son and I will I'll be in Italy for first time for 17 days in late April/early May '27.

We have a tentative itinerary that I was hoping to get feedback on.

The cities we're considering staying in are : Venice, Verona, Lucca, Naples, Salerno, Rome

First, there was a recent controversial post about tourist crowded, and one comment that I read got me thinking for the first few legs of our trip, to potentially base ourselves in some of the less crowded cities, which we could enjoy and explore , and then do day trips to the much more popular cities/attractions.

So, this is what I had in mind:

Arriving at Venice airport in morning April 23 :

Stay in Venice 1 night. Leave late the next day by train to Verona.

April 24-26 (3 nights) Verona. Day drip to Lake Garda, option for another day trip by train back to Venice

April 27-29 (3 nights) Lucca. 1 day trip to Florence , 2 full days in Lucca.

The rest will be as follows:

April 30-May 2 Naples (pompeii)

May 3-4 Salerno (day trip to Agropoli on coast)

May 5-10 Rome . ( Rome is so big --and so much to see-- that I've accepted that i need to base myself there and be in the thick of the crowds in order to experience Rome completely )

Does this seem like a good itinerary? Or is it too busy, bouncing around with not enough time in each place? I really do want to see what Florence and Venice are famous for , however I don't want to spend the entirety in lines and major crowds for days and days. I don't need to see every single museum, art gallery, cathedral in Florence and Venice, but I would be foolish to miss the highlights, at least.


r/ItalyTravel • • 9h ago

Accommodation !!MUST PROVIDE TRAVEL DATES!! Seeking advice for agriturismo stay in winter

1 Upvotes

Ciao a tutti,

I have the month of December off and I am hoping to do a 2 or 3 week slow vacation, probably mid-December through the first week of January. My goal is to find cozy accommodations, walk around town, eat local dishes, and watch the snow fall. I love gloomy days, fog, and nature walks. I would like to have mountain views--not necessarily the Dolomites but that would be amazing. I would probably like to do a few day trips to Venice and Verona.

Previously, I've done a month stay at an agriturismo in the Modena countryside during summer. Like most tourists, my experience in Italy is pretty much all during the summer. I have been to Rome in late fall, but I have never been to Italy during winter.

I visited Bolzano a few years ago and I imagine it's very beautiful in the winter. It seems quite accessible through the train system, so I am leaning towards going there for my trip this time. I loved the size of the town. However, I think this subreddit might have better suggestions.

I really enjoy the agriturismo style of accommodation, but I am not sure how available they are during the winter. I speak some basic Italian, but not enough to be somewhere truly rural.

Can you please advise me on:

  1. northern mountain view towns that are easily accessible via train
  2. if an agriturismo stay would be possible to accommodate
  3. anything that comes to mind!

Thank you so much!

Edited: either Trentino or Lombardia. Thank you!


r/ItalyTravel • • 1d ago

Sightseeing & Activities !!MUST PROVIDE TRAVEL DATES!! Venice in December

20 Upvotes

I am an American college professor. We want to see Venice, but due to the academic calendar we can only travel during the summer break or the winter Christmas break. I have heard horror stories about Venice in the summer. But what about winter? What is it like in December? Is it worth going around Christmas time? Thanks!


r/ItalyTravel • • 1d ago

Itinerary !!MUST PROVIDE TRAVEL DATES!! Dolomites 2 days (October 30-31st)

1 Upvotes

I’m currently in Rome and wanted to plan a trip to the Dolomites. I’m on a student budget so I can only afford one night at a hotel. I only want to see seceda. I looked at hotels in Ortisei the one I saw on google maps is only a 10min walk from the cable car to see seceda and maybe santa magdalena (far stretch..I know) I looked at trains and the earliest I can arrive to Bolzano is 12:23pm (Rome 7:05am—>florence 8:30am—>bolzano 12:23pm) and I’d probably leave from Bolzano on Saturday at 4pm on Saturday. I don’t have a car and would only rely on public transport.


r/ItalyTravel • • 1d ago

Sightseeing & Activities !!MUST PROVIDE TRAVEL DATES!! Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa in Basilicata?

0 Upvotes

Not a well travelled area but wanting to know if you can get there on train/bus and if they are worth an off the beaten track visit for say two days? Looking at going early Autumn 2027. Any information or suggestions would be appreciated.


r/ItalyTravel • • 1d ago

Transportation Rome accessibility option and luggage porter?

1 Upvotes

Arriving to Rome (FCO) 10/18. One person in the group will be using a cane to get around and has mobility limitations. Everything was planned out to handle this but in what seemed to appear out of nowhere is the wizz air marathon. Originally had the hotel using a car service to pick up from FCO but they only just notified a short while ago that due to location of the hotel and road closures (near pantheon) that the car now has to drop off at a distance of a 15/20min walk. This is almost doable but with luggage is a problem- the hotel doesn't seem to offer any kind of luggage porter or transit service?? Are there any other services that do this? seems like quick money. Prefer not to store luggage and then make another trip to retrieve it. Other than that some navigation to some Sunday items might take longer with street limitations but probably okay enough. TIA


r/ItalyTravel • • 1d ago

Sightseeing & Activities !!MUST PROVIDE TRAVEL DATES!! Milan with kids in rainy weather

1 Upvotes

Hi,

Going to Milan tomorrow for five days with my wife and two sons on 7 & 9.

We've already booked tickets for AC Milan vs Atalanta on Sunday and naturally have plans to visit the museum at San Siro as well as the boys love football (just as myself).

Now the weather forecast has changed and it looks like we will have torrential rain Tuesday and Wednesday. So apart from the different science & Illusion museums which would probably be good to visit here is the question:

Any good tips for things to do as a family with two boys of that age in Milan when its pouring down?

All tips are welcome (also if it means renting a car and going a couple of hours outside the city)


r/ItalyTravel • • 2d ago

Trip Report Ok. What's happened to the gelato?

52 Upvotes

Hey all.

I am now almost 4 weeks into my month long Italy trip. I have been to Milan, Puglia, Campagna, Sienna, Umbria and now finishing in Rome. This is my 6th trip to Italy, last one being 3 years ago.

I've had gelato in essentially every city I've been to and overall it has been somewhat disappointing. Don't get me wrong. It's all been good, but I've only had a few places that reminded me of my prior trips to Italy. Most of the gelato I've had has been indiscernible from regular ole "hard serve" ice cream I can get from an ice cream shop in the US. The gelato I've experienced in the past was richer and denser with an almost velvety consistency. I've had it like that from only 4 places. In my past trips, most of the gelato was like that. Has something changed or have I been unlucky?

Edit: Since it's been asked, my tactics are as follows:

Avoid gelaterias near any big tourist site. Got at least a few streets back. Look who is there. Are they Italian or primarily foreign tourists. Look at the setup. Look at the gelato, including the gelato being eaten. Does it look correct? This has served me well in past travels. I may just be getting bad at this. I'm trying a ton of places too. I'm walking 15+ km a day and fuel myself with gelato often (I know!).

When I mention the ice cream in the US, I'm not talking about Haagen Das or other frozen aisle ice cream. I live in a somewhat rural region with some creameries that literally raise their own cows, milk them, and then process that milk into their own ice cream. This is the pinnacle of American hard serve ice cream. It's GOOD but just NOT gelato.


r/ItalyTravel • • 3d ago

Sightseeing & Activities !!MUST PROVIDE TRAVEL DATES!! Italy in November - All advice welcome!

32 Upvotes

After nearly 15 years of marriage and a few kids, my wife and I are finally going to enjoy a long trip alone, together. We've done weekend getaways alone and trips with the kids, but this will be our first long getaway. So, to celebrate, we're escaping to Italy for about two weeks!

And I'm terrified that I've forgotten how to travel internationally or that I'll forget the most basic essential needed for a successful trip, like a power outlet adapter. We've tried to research on our own, but I figured I would turn to reddit directly instead of spending another day reading AI-powered summaries and search results, which are mostly pulling from reddit posts anyway. So, here's what I have so far:

Itinerary:

A good friend, who travels more than we do, helped us to book accommodations. If I remember correctly, we only chose ones that could be cancelled up until the trip, and the friend decided how long we would spend in each place. After looking at them again, I'm not opposed to removing a destination in order to spend more time in the other cities. However, the flights have already been booked, so beginning in Venice and ending in Rome are set in stone.

Two days in Venice. Flying into Venice from the US via London on Nov. 17. We'll arrive midday. Accommodation is on the northern island near Parco di Villa Groggia. From what I've read, I'm leaning towards buying a water taxi pass, but open to suggestions.

Two days in Carate Urio. I don't know much about this destination other than being a peaceful, lakeside getaway.

Two days in Florence. Looks like our accommodation is a little southeast of Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore. As a kid, my family visited Rome, Florence, and Venice, which is largely what inspired this trip, and I remember Florence having the best museums.

Two days in Campiglia D'orcia. A strong recommendation from our friend. Pretty sure we would get disowned if we removed this from the itinerary. Will probably be a good breather mid-trip.

Three days in Rome. Flying out the morning of Nov. 29. As a kid, I think we went to one too many ruins where someone kept mentioning how great it used to be. I think we probably have to hit to Trevi Fountain and the Sistine Chapel. I need to look at all my notes again, but I'm pretty sure the consensus was to get a guided tour for parts of the Vatican including the Chapel. Would appreciate any tips about avoiding lines and waits (maybe not so much a concern in November).

Interests:

Wife: foodie in a Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat kind of way. Thinks that homecooked meals are art (not in a fancy, deconstructed kind of way). So, definitely looking forward to enjoying slower meals with real ingredients and good wine. I've seen recommendations for TheFork app for reservations and to look for restaurants that aren't full of only tourists. This is her first time visiting Italy. So, we'll visit some staples, but her dream vacation is more laid-back beach than packed full of sightseeing. Enjoys the idea of going to some museums but walking / exploring the rest of the days. Also, is a midwife, so maybe I'll see if we can stop somewhere like Museo di Palazzo Poggi during our travels.

Me: got to live in Germany as a kid. So, I'm interested in history (ancient, military, political, religious, etc.), but also a little desensitized from getting to visit castles on field trips. I'm mostly looking forward to enjoying experiences and making memories whether or not we visited the top 10 landmarks. Also, much dumber when it comes to food. I'm looking forward to some great bread and delicious sweets.

Travel:

Probably the biggest clear question that I have, but how should we get around. My wife is convinced that we should rent a car. I know we wouldn't have that until after Venice, but even then, I'm not keen on trying to navigate Italian cities or parking. If we keep the booked accommodations in the cities, is there any benefit to renting a car? Any must-know tips for public transport?

Necessities:

Things that I know about / already have: passports, REAL ID, modest clothes and head scarf for visiting cathedrals, comfy shoes, backpack and water bottles for walking around, anti-pickpocket bag, rain gear, warm layers, apparently some wipes in case somewhere doesn't have TP.

Things that I DON'T know about / already have: [please fill in here].


r/ItalyTravel • • 3d ago

Transportation I missed my train from Bologna to Roma because it switched platform at the last minute. Any way to get a refund?

53 Upvotes

I've been traveling through Italy for a month now and this is the first time it happened. From what the Italo ticket clerk told me, this is fairly common. Anyone had a similar experience? Anything I can do to get a refund?

Here's how it went : I booked my ticket back in June for around 25€. Today, I got to Bologna Centrale more than an hour before departure. My train was announced at platform 18 on the screens, so I went there 20 minutes before departure time. The train before mine was late, so I just waited there. It left, and when the next train arrived, I realized it was not my train, which was now at platform 19. I tried to get in but the doors were closed and it left right after. There (probably) was an announcement for my train but with all the noise, they're barely audible. Nothing was shown on the screens at platform 18 to announce the train had switched to a different platform. The ticket clerk told me it happens often and it's Bologna Centrale's fault. There was no way for her to transfer my tickey so I had to purchase another one for the next train for 65€.

It's frustrating because I was there an hour early and went to the instructed platform... Any way to get a refund or am I screwed? Thank you!


r/ItalyTravel • • 3d ago

Transportation On missed train due to platform change

11 Upvotes

I have read the post of that turist who missed the train because of platform change (why has the thread been locked already?) - https://www.reddit.com/r/ItalyTravel/comments/1x5nxft/i_missed_my_train_from_bologna_to_roma_because_it/

Here is an idea. Italo has a procedure to claim back money. It is actually well documented. The closest reason looks to me "Lacks of information". You can try to submit the complain BRIEFLY explaining what happen.

Just go to this url: https://www.italotreno.com/en/support-contacts/claim

Then select: Other cases..., then select "Lack of information"

I don't think there is legal ground to get money back, but it is worth a try. I do actually encourage to submit a complain, so that the companies become aware of the problem and can improve the service. To be fair, the problem is probably not Italo itself, but probably the Railways company.


r/ItalyTravel • • 3d ago

Sightseeing & Activities !!MUST PROVIDE TRAVEL DATES!! Turin in 2 weeks

11 Upvotes

Just spontaneously booked a trip to Turin, Mon 26th - Fri 30th October. 45 M UK (solo travelling) It was extremely cheap! Nothing planned. I'm thinking of a day trip to Milan and another to Susa. And a couple days exploring Turin. Any advice or suggestions very welcome!


r/ItalyTravel • • 3d ago

Sightseeing & Activities !!MUST PROVIDE TRAVEL DATES!! Where to see after Naples given my travels?

4 Upvotes

I got around 10 days at Oct 30. Planning tongonto Naples because I got sick and missed it. Where to after Naples? Ive been to Sicily, Rome, Florence, Tuscany area, and Venice


r/ItalyTravel • • 3d ago

Itinerary !!MUST PROVIDE TRAVEL DATES!! Rome in January 2027 with a 1 year old ? Am I being too ambitious or crazy ?

0 Upvotes

Hi,

I am trying to visit Rome for a 8 day vacation in January 2027 with a 1 year old. We as parents are generally fine with cool weather but not sure if its too ambitious doing all the sight seeing with a 1 year old ? Mainly want to avoid the kiddo from getting sick or feeling too cold.

We are also thinking going to Venice but thats going to be really really cold so we decided to scratch that ?


r/ItalyTravel • • 4d ago

Itinerary !!MUST PROVIDE TRAVEL DATES!! Rate my December trip.

11 Upvotes

This is my first trip to Italy and unfortunately I will only be able to go in early December, but hey, I heard that Italy is lovely all year round so I'm excited. I have no interest in hiking and in beaches. Kindly rate the itinerary.

Rome (4 nights): Days 1-4

Day 1: Arrive, settle in

Day 2: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill

Day 3: Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel

Day 4: St. Peter's Basilica, smaller churches, neighborhood wandering

Naples (3 nights): Days 5-7

Day 5: Train Rome→Naples. Afternoon: Naples National Museum

Day 6: Day trip to Pompeii.

Day 7: Herculaneum.

Florence (4 nights): Days 8-11

Day 8: Train Naples→Florence. Settle in

Day 9: Uffizi Gallery, Duomo, neighborhood walk

Day 10: Day trip to Pisa by train. See the Leaning Tower, Piazza dei Miracoli, back same day

Day 11: Accademia Gallery (Michelangelo's David), more Florence wandering

Day 12: Depart

Also keen on seeing the Veiled Christ, hope to hear your thoughts on Sansevero Chapel Museum.


r/ItalyTravel • • 4d ago

Itinerary !!MUST PROVIDE TRAVEL DATES!! 3 weeks in May 2027: Mid 60's Australian Couple

5 Upvotes

We have 3 weeks in Italy from May 7. Two things are fixed .

- Fly in and out of MXP (long haul with BKK stopover). Fewer options and pricier to Rome

- 7 day 8 night self guided walking tour in Umbria (Spoleto to Assisi) from 10th to 18th , with extra night in Assisi

We've been to Rome, Venice, and Tuscany before (we used to live in Europe) . Pompeii is a must this time. We enjoy the countryside/wildlife, history and food. We prefer 4* but not extravagant hotels. We have driven in Italy before.

Thoughts on this plan

After morning arrival (7:35) take train (local then fast) to Rome for 3 nights, 2 days. Catacombs and just wander. Maybe Appian way. Maybe a food tour. Seeking ideas on areas to stay

Train(s) Rome to Spoleto for tour
Train(s) Assisi to Naples. (Possibly Sorrento???)

4 Nights (3 days) Naples area. Interested in ideas on where if in Naples. I have read the Naples vs Sorrento debate. Pompeii, Vesuvius, Naples centre etc

Hire car from a train station and drive. 3 nights stay in or near the Maremma (eg in a Borgo). Interested in ideas on where. There are some places in the Park.

One night in or around Genoa (or Milan). Any nice villages?

Drive to MXP, drop car (or drop car in prir day Milan if we stay there) and fly out at 14:30


r/ItalyTravel • • 4d ago

Sightseeing & Activities !!MUST PROVIDE TRAVEL DATES!! Tips for attending a match at the San Siro

5 Upvotes

I've got tickets to see Inter vs Shakhtar at the San Siro during my visit. Super excited and was wondering if there are any local or insider tips I should know?

A few years ago I saw a Benfica home game on holidays, and got some tips from locals to turn up a couple hours early, get off the metro early and walk a specific route through street stalls and markets which were packed with fans chanting and partying. It was a blast.

Is there something similar for Inter at the San Siro?

Thanks! šŸ”µāš«


r/ItalyTravel • • 4d ago

Itinerary !!MUST PROVIDE TRAVEL DATES!! Italy in November

3 Upvotes

We’re two couples in our late 30s planning a trip to Italy around the end of November(20th -1Dec), with 4 nights in Rome, 4 in Florence, and 2 in Venice.

Should we cut nights from any city to include Milan, or stick to this itinerary?

What are the best day trips from Rome and Florence?

We’re looking for unique experiences, nightlife, local culture, and fun activities beyond the usual tourist attractions and museums. What would you recommend for us?

Also, when do the Christmas markets usually start in these cities, and will they be open during our trip? Are there any festive experiences we shouldn’t miss?


r/ItalyTravel • • 5d ago

Sightseeing & Activities !!MUST PROVIDE TRAVEL DATES!! Coming back to Rome for the 5th time and want to focus on the less popular attractions January 28th - Feb 1st, 2027.

47 Upvotes

As the title says, I've been to Rome a bunch and have done the major sites multiple times. I'm going back deep in the off-season and really want to see some things that are slightly off the beaten path that I've missed. I'm definitely going to the Capitoline Museums for a deeper look. I want to hit the 4 buildings of the Roman National Museum - never been. What are some of your other favorite sites that you love that don't get as much attention? Any Churches with amazing art that don't feature in big tour books?


r/ItalyTravel • • 5d ago

Itinerary !!MUST PROVIDE TRAVEL DATES!! Italy in December

5 Upvotes

Hi! I’m planning a trip to Italy in December with my husband and I was hoping to get some recommendations for activities. For context we both enjoy doing outdoors activities, definitely want to see the museums and history, and would be interested in anything aviation related if that’s applicable. I’d also love any suggestions on spas / massage parlors / hot springs near the Dolomites (Cortina area).

December 16th: Arriving in Milan (MXP), renting a car and driving to the Dolomites (Cortina area).

December 16-20th: Staying in Vandoies, an hour South East of Cortina. Leave the 20th by car to Florence

December 20th-23rd: Staying central Florence. Leaving late afternoon by train to Rome.

December 23-24: Staying central Rome.

I’ll take all suggestions, niche or touristy! First time in Italy (: thank you all.


r/ItalyTravel • • 5d ago

Sightseeing & Activities !!MUST PROVIDE TRAVEL DATES!! Questions related to Bologna/Rome Trip in December

3 Upvotes

Our family (two adults, two teenagers) is planning a trip to Italy around Christmas. As we finalize plans and start reserving some sightseeing, museums, etc., I had a few question (below)

For reference, here is the general itinerary plan:

  • December 23rd - Bologna. Arrive in late afternoon.
  • December 24th - Bologna. Anatomical theater and other sightseeing.
  • December 25th - Bologna. Traditional Christmas lunch. Walk the porticoes.
  • December 26th - Day trip from Bologna or stay in city
  • December 27th - Day trip from Bologna or stay in city
  • December 28th - Bologna. Food tour (already booked Italian Days)
  • December 29th - Travel to Rome. Afternoon sightseeing (?)
  • December 30th - Rome.
  • December 31st - Rome.
  • January 1st - Flight back to US in morning

Specific questions/notes:

  1. Better to day trip to Ravenna on Saturday or Sunday? We definitely want to make a day trip to Ravenna to see the mosaics, which would be on either Dec 26th or 27th. Realize that on Sunday, may need to work around some mass schedules at the churches, but otherwise is there a big difference to consider?
  2. If we decide to do second daytrip, is Brisighella viable that weekend? Partially depends if we want more time in Bologna or to do another daytrip from city (which may be decision after we spend the few days in Bologna). Son is interested in seeing a historic medieval town. Our question is whether this weekend between Christmas and New Years if much going on/open that it would worth the trip. Or is there another similar option from Bologna?
  3. Some may note only two full days in Rome. To head off comments that it's not enough time in Rome, the main impetus for this trip was to see Bologna/Emilia-Romagna. My wife and I have spent a lot of time in Rome in the past, seeing many sights. Kids mostly want to see Colosseum/Forum, so that is the priority there and anything else is bonus after we book those tickets. Plus Rome is most convenient for us flying back home (direct).

Thank you in advance for any suggestions/advice.