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Tag: Italy Vacations

  • 10 Expert Tips for Planning a Vacation to Italy in 2026

    10 Expert Tips for Planning a Vacation to Italy in 2026

    Lorena Basualdo, Italy travel specialist, visiting Venice in winter to demonstrate crowd-management strategies for Italy vacations
    To avoid Venice crowds, plan your trip to Venice off season as the ItalianTourism.us team did this past winter. The spot where this photo was taken would typically be inaccessible during spring, summer and fall. Here we are with the Venice to ourselves.

    Expert Advice from the Italy Specialists at ItalianTourism.us

    By Lorena Basualdo, last updated January 1, 2026

    Planning a vacation to Italy in 2026 can feel overwhelming, with so many destinations, attractions, and travel options to consider. Backed by our 15+ years of experience designing Italy vacations, and our most recent experience in 2024, 2025, and into 2026, these 10 expert tips reflect how we are advising our travelers to plan smarter for 2026 and into 2027 — helping you avoid common pitfalls and create a memorable, stress-free Italian journey.

    While most travelers are planning Italy trips for 2026, these expert tips also apply to early planners looking ahead to 2027, especially as demand remains high.

    Whether you plan to travel independently, join an escorted tour, or combine both approaches, these insights from ItalianTourism.us cover everything from timing and accommodations to sightseeing, food, and cultural experiences — ensuring your 2026 Italy trip is seamless and enjoyable.

    With demand remaining high and most travelers now planning 9–12 months in advance, careful planning is more important than ever.

    Why trust our advice?

    The team at ItalianTourism.us plans Italy vacations every day — from escorted tours to custom itineraries — working directly with licensed local guides, hotels, and regional partners throughout Italy. The insights below reflect real-world planning decisions, firsthand travel experience across multiple regions and seasons, and feedback from travelers planning Italy trips in 2025–2026 — not generic travel advice.

    1. Start Planning Earlier Than You Think

    Italy remains one of the world’s most sought-after travel destinations. Flights, centrally located hotels, licensed local guides, and timed-entry tickets to major attractions often sell out well in advance.

    For 2026 travel, planning a vacation to Italy 9–12 months ahead is essential. Waiting too long can limit your options, increase costs, and add unnecessary stress.

    When we were making bookings late into 2025 for the second half of the year we found preferred hotels sold out. And the same for the main attactions. We found tickets unavailable, of if available, at undesireable times.

    At popular hotels in Rome and Florence, rooms for peak 2026 dates are already 70% booked, highlighting the need to plan early.

    Pro Tip: For escorted tours and centrally located hotels, availability often tightens first in Rome, Florence, and Venice — even before airfare pricing peaks.

    Why escorted tours help:
    Escorted programs secure hotels, transportation, and sightseeing early, taking the guesswork out of planning and ensuring a smoother, more relaxed experience.

    Based on our 2024 and 2025 Italy vacation planning, we found that the planning process beaks down into the following timeline:

    • 18 Months Out: Researching regions.
    • 12 months Out: Booking escorted tour packages.
    • 10 Months Out: Booking flights.
    • 6 Months Out: Securing private guides when traveling independently.

    2. Choose the Right Time of Year

    Lorena Basualdo swimming below Grotta Palazzese, Polignano a Mare September scouting out a new Puglia itinerary and confirming autumn is not too late for a southern italy beach vacation
    The ItalianTourism.us team swimming in Polignano a Mare in late September. The weather was beautiful. We swam at many Puglia beaches in late September and early October. The Adriatic sea was still warm and salty.

    Timing can dramatically affect your Italy experience.

    • Best overall months: April–June and September–October
    • More challenging periods: Peak summer heat and major holiday weeks

    When we plan trips for our travelers we factor in weather, crowd levels, and seasonal events when designing itineraries — an increasingly valuable advantage as Italy continues to manage visitor access in busy destinations.

    Traveling in shoulder seasons also helps avoid crowds at top attractions, making for a calmer, more immersive experience.

    For example, we’ve intentionally planned visits to Venice during the Christmas season, when crowds are lighter and the city feels more intimate. Cooler weather and fewer visitors allow travelers to experience Venice without the usual congestion.

    We also take into account traveler’s interests so we can suggest authentic seasonal experiences. For example, Italy’s regions celebrate festivals year-round. Planning your trip to coincide with a local festival can enhance the experience and provide a more authentic glimpse of Italian culture.

    Pro Tip: Shoulder season travel not only reduces crowds, but often allows guides more flexibility with timing and pacing — a noticeable difference at major attractions. If you don’t mind shorter days and cool weather, winter is a viable season to visit Venice, Florence, and Rome. During winter crowds are significantly lighter and hotel rates are more competitive.

    3. Decide: Independent Travel, Escorted Tour, or a Hybrid Approach

    Italy can be traveled independently, but it can also be complex — especially for first-time visitors.

    • Independent travel: Offers flexibility but requires detailed planning
    • Escorted Italy tours: Provide structure, expert guidance, and seamless logistics
    • Hybrid trips: Combine escorted touring with leisure stays and free time

    We our finding that for 2026 many of our travelers are choosing a hybrid approach — escorted touring in major cities like Rome and Florence, followed by leisure time in regions such as Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, or the Italian Lakes.

    For example, spend 3 days on an escorted tour in Florence with a licensed guide, then 2 days independently exploring the Tuscan countryside at your own pace.

    Our travelers are also adding a cruise or extension. The benefits of all travel coordinated through one trusted advisor cannot be overstated.

    Pro Tip: Many first-time travelers underestimate transfer complexity between regions. A hybrid approach reduces logistical stress while preserving flexibility.

    Pro Tip: When you coordinate all your planning with one advisor be sure to have the advisor have your travel insurance cover the entire trip, start to finish, all pieces. This will save money. And more importantly there will be no conflict between providers regarding coverage if a claim has to be filed.

    For those who prefer everything arranged from start to finish, with a tour director allways on call, exploring all-inclusive Italy vacation options can be an excellent solution.

    4. Focus on Fewer Destinations — Travel Slower

    One of the strongest trends shaping Italy travel is slow travel.

    Rather than rushing through multiple cities:

    • Choose a few key regions
    • Stay longer in each destination
    • Allow time to experience daily Italian life

    Well-designed escorted tours reflect this philosophy, minimizing hotel changes while still covering Italy’s most important highlights. Many of our small-group Italy tours are intentionally designed with a more relaxed pace.

    Slower travel also gives you time to interact with locals, discover hidden gems, and appreciate regional culinary traditions. You may also find yourself a regular at the evening passagiatta.

    For example, a classic Italy itinerary featuring Rome, Florence, and Venice includes three nights in each city to allow for deeper exploration.

    Pro Tip: When traveling independently consider longer stays in one place with day trips to nearby towns. Alternatively, travel one direction to avoid wasting time backtracking. Traveling independently by train means travel days are not sightseeing days.

    5. Reserve Major Attractions Well in Advance

    Italy’s most iconic sights now require advance reservations, including:

    For instance, skip-the-line access at the Vatican Museums can save up to 2 hours — time better spent wandering piazzas or enjoying local cafes.

    Escorted tours typically include pre-reserved skip-the-line entry and licensed local guides, ensuring access while providing historical context and storytelling you won’t get on your own.

    The tickets on the official websites become available typically within 90 days. We have found it very hard to secure tickets for the Last Supper on its official website. Therefore, to guarantee you are not disappointed we suggest booking Last Supper tickets through a local tour operator.

    During the Jubilee the Vatican Museum Tickets were tight. Into 2026 and 2027 we expect this demand to sustain.

    Pro Tip: Schedule visits to crowded attractions with the first entry of the day. Timed entry tickets can sell out months in advance, especially for early morning slots, which tend to be the least crowded.

    6. Make Food and Wine Central to Your Italy Experience

    Italy travel expert Lorena Basualdo participating in a hands-on cooking class as part of authentic Italy vacation planning
    Lorena Basualdo in Rome cooking class. Plan your cooking class based on the regional food you are interested. For example in Rome the pasta class may be Cacio e Pepe or Amatriciana, while in Bologna it would be Bolognese.

    Italian cuisine is officially recognized as cultural heritage, and food remains one of the most powerful ways to understand the country.

    Consider incorporating:

    • Wine tastings in Tuscany or Piedmont
    • Cooking classes
    • Farm-to-table meals
    • Regional specialties unique to each destination

    Many escorted tours thoughtfully include culinary experiences, helping travelers avoid tourist traps while enjoying authentic local flavors.

    Choosing culinary experiences curated by locals ensures you taste authentic dishes rather than tourist-standard meals.

    Cooking classes, for example, are social, hands-on experiences where you meet like-minded travelers while learning to prepare dishes such as pizza, ravioli, fettuccine, gelato, and tiramisu — followed by enjoying the meal you’ve created together.

    Pro Tip: When you schedule a cooking class keep in mind the cuisine of the region and stick to learning that. For example, don’t go to Emilia Romagna to learn Cacio e Pepe. And don’t go to Rome to learn Bolognese…

    7. Use Trains — But Know When a Coach or Driver Is Better

    Italy’s high-speed rail system is excellent between major cities like Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan.

    However:

    • Hill towns
    • Wine regions
    • Rural countryside

    …are often better explored by private coach, rental car, or with a driver. Escorted tours simplify these transitions — no luggage transfers, station navigation, or worries about missed connections.

    For hill towns like Montepulciano or Montalcino, private transfers or a driver are far more efficient than relying on regional trains.

    We recently spend two weeks in Puglia. We rented a car in order to visit all the towns at our leisure. There is no easy and efficient way to explore Puglia by train.

    8. Understand Crowd Management in Italy for 2026

    Lorena Basualdo at the Trevi Fountain during a low-crowd period, illustrating expert timing strategies for visiting Italy’s top attractions
    Take a sunrise walk to Rome’s monuments if you want a photo like this one of the ItalianTourism.us team without the crowds.

    Italy continues to manage overtourism with timed entries, capacity limits, and regulated access in major destinations.

    What this means for travelers: Poor planning can result in long waits or missed experiences.

    Escorted tours adapt easily, using pre-reserved tickets, alternate sightseeing times, and expert guides who know how to navigate busy periods.

    Experienced guides often schedule visits to major sites early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds — something most travelers don’t know.

    Even the Trevi Fountain now requires a timed entry to get close. And even with that you won’t be able to take a picture like the one here.

    Pro Tip: To get a photo like this one without a crowd at a popular Rome monument like the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Pantheon, Four Rivers Fountain in Piazza Navona, etc. set your alarm and go out for a sunrise walk around.

    9. Build in Free Time — Even on a Tour

    Lorena Basualdo shopping locally in Italy, highlighting authentic cultural experiences beyond major tourist sights

    Today’s escorted tours are not rushed or rigid.

    Look for itineraries that include:

    • Free afternoons
    • Optional excursions
    • Leisure stays in scenic destinations

    This balance allows you to enjoy expert guidance while still having time to wander piazzas, shop local markets, or enjoy a long Italian lunch.

    Escorted tours aren’t about giving up freedom — they’re about traveling with confidence.

    Pro Tip: Have ideas, or even reservations, for where you’ll eat before you go. Avoiding bad meals and rushed decisions will reduce stress and result in a more fulfilling vacation when you avoid bad meals.

    Pro Tip: Free time isn’t unstructured time — it’s intentional space to absorb Italy at your own pace.

    10. Work With Specialists Who Know Italy

    Italy rewards experience. Small planning mistakes — such as poorly located hotels, inefficient routing, or unrealistic pacing — can impact the entire trip.

    Working with Italy specialists provides:

    • Carefully vetted accommodations
    • Experienced tour directors and licensed local guides
    • Well-balanced itineraries
    • One point of contact throughout the planning process

    For many travelers, this results in less stress, better value, and a richer overall experience.

    Pro Tip: Italy-focused advisors recognize small planning issues before they become costly mistakes during travel.

    Final Thought

    Planning an Italy vacation is about more than checking off famous sights — it’s about understanding how Italy works.

    At ItalianTourism.us, our escorted tours and custom itineraries are designed to remove the guesswork and help you travel confidently and comfortably.

    If you’re beginning to plan your 2026 Italy vacation, start by exploring your options with Italy specialists who know how to make every detail work together.

    Frequently Asked Questions: Planning a Vacation to Italy in 2026

    ** How far in advance should I book Italy tours for 2026?

    For travel in 2026, we recommend planning your Italy vacation 9–12 months in advance to secure preferred hotels, licensed guides, and timed-entry access to popular attractions.

    ** Are escorted Italy tours a good option for first-time visitors to Italy?

    Yes. Escorted tours provide expert planning, local insight, and seamless logistics — especially helpful for first-time travelers navigating busy cities and complex regions.

    ** Can I combine an escorted tour with free time when planning a vacation to Italy?

    Absolutely. Many travelers choose escorted touring with added free days or leisure extensions, providing a balanced experience of guided exploration and personal discovery.

    ** What is the best way to plan a vacation to Italy for the first time?

    First-time travelers should begin by identifying priority destinations and travel style, then plan 9–12 months ahead. Escorted tours or professionally designed itineraries help avoid common mistakes related to timing, routing, hotel locations, and attraction access.

    ** Do escorted tours include skip-the-line access to major attractions in Italy?

    Most escorted tours include pre-reserved entry and licensed local guides at key attractions such as the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Uffizi Gallery, and Pompeii, saving time and enhancing your experience.

    ** What is the best month to visit Italy in 2026?

    For the best combination of pleasant weather and manageable crowds, we recommend visiting between April–June or September–October.

  • Venice for Christmas: Three Days In Venice without the Crowds

    Venice for Christmas: Three Days In Venice without the Crowds

    Lorena Basualdo posing in the vast, empty St. Mark's Square in wintertime Venice.

    This past year our family decided to plan a Venice trip the week before Christmas. We planned the trip to Venice at Christmas time because we wanted a time when it would be a less crowded time of the year. While the travel “off season” doesn’t really exisit in Italy anymore, Venice in the winter is less crowded than other times.

    By planning our trip around the holidays we would enjoy the festive atmosphere of Venice without the crowds. The mid December week worked out prefectly. And we always love to plan a trip to Italy for Christmas so double bonus there.

    Visiting Venice in this dazzling time of year brought with it a special ambiance. In the winter mornings the Venetian lagoon had a mist wafting right above the water. From the water to the sky various shades of blue and green filled the air. The dusk to night brought with it all manner of shades of blues and pinks followed by the Christmas lights.

    Day 1 – Venice Private Water Taxi to Hotel

    We arrived Marco Polo airport and traveled by private water taxi to our hotel. I always love the private water taxi trip from the airport to Venice. Venice is a unique experience and this is such a unique way to arrive in Venice. Of course our 14 year old son loves the water taxi entrance… i mean c’mon, who wouldn’t?

    The private water taxi cost is about 150 euro from the Venice Marco Polo Airport to any hotel located in Venice. We consider the trip like a private sightseeing tour of Venice’s Grand Canal.

    We asked the driver to enter through the top of the Grand Canal. This way we could travel down the canal from near Piazzale Roma to our hotel located in St Mark’s Square. This was an exicting way to enter Venice. We love seeing all the palazzos. And the action of boat commerce.

    Grand Canal

    As our private water taxi glided from the Venice airport into the Grand Canal, the city’s timeless pulse hit me like a wave.

    The water shimmered under the morning sun, reflecting palazzos that seemed to float, their faded pastel facades whispering centuries of stories. Turning left, the canal widened, a liquid highway buzzing with life—vaporettos, gondolas, and service boats weaving through the chaos with Venetian precision.

    A water ambulance zipped by, its siren slicing through the hum of commerce, while a plumber’s boat, laden with pipes, bobbed alongside a delivery skiff stacked with crates of artichokes and prosecco for the Rialto market. Construction boats, hauling timber and tiles, churned past, a reminder that Venice is a living city, not just a postcard.

    We slipped beneath the Rialto Bridge, its stone arch framing vendors haggling over fish and flowers, the market’s vibrant sprawl spilling into view.

    The Grand Canal decorated for Christmas is a lovely sight. From the St Regis Hotel and the Aman, to the Rialto Bridge, the holiday decorations and Christmas trees added to the allure of Venice’s charming atmosphere.  A Venice Christmas is certainly a beautiful affair.

    As we approached St. Mark’s Square, the domes of The Basilica rose like a mirage, and I felt the canal’s rhythm, chaotic, elegant, and utterly alive, pull me into Venice’s embrace.

    The Hotel

    We decided to stay at a hotel located on Piazza San Marco (St Mark’s Square). The view from our balcony was right to St Mark’s Basilica with the clocktower in the background.

    We wouldn’t stay in this location from Spring to Fall because of the crushing crowds. We knew the crowds would be light in Venice in December so we wouldn’t be ovewhelmed staying right in the center.

    The location saved us a ton of time on our daily sightseeing rounds. And the views when we were in the room were spectacular.

    Getting our Legs

    When we travel we leave the first day afternoon to stroll around. We don’t plan anything other than to enjoy ourselves and as we say, “get our legs” after the transatlantic flight.

    With the excitement of Christmas time we decided to take a nice walk toward the Rialto Bridge. All the streets were decorated with festive lights. Along the way we indulged in some window shopping.

    Day 2

    Hidden Venice

    We woke up to take a walking tour of Venice’s hidden streets, squares, and corners. I found myself drawn to the understated charm of Campo Santo Stefano and Campo San Polo, two squares that pulse with the city’s authentic rhythm, far from the tourist crush. 

    Campo Santo Stefano greeted us with its sprawling openness, a rare expanse in Venice’s labyrinth. The morning light bathed the Gothic facade of the church of Santo Stefano, its brick campanile leaning slightly, as if nodding to the local Venetians sipping espresso.

    Children kicked a ball near the statue of Niccolò Tommaseo, their laughter echoing off pastel palazzos, while a vendor sold roasted chestnuts, the scent mingling with the damp air of nearby canals.

    Wandering north, we reached Campo San Polo, quieter but no less alive. The church of San Polo stood sentinel, its unassuming exterior hiding Byzantine treasures within. The surrounding San Polo district is one of the most charming areas of Venice with artisan shops and lively markets. 

    These campos, tucked away from the Grand Canal’s dazzle, revealed a Venice of lived-in beauty, where history and daily life intertwine in perfect, unhurried harmony.

    The Gondola Ride

    Afterwards, the day warmed up enough to take a Gondola ride. The Gondolier offered us blankets and we were off. We paid 65 euros for the three of us for 30 minutes. We decide to pay an extra 20 euros to go 45 minutes and include the Grand Canal.

    Gliding through Venice’s narrow canals on a gondola at Christmas, the city felt like a dream dusted with winter magic. Even the Gondolas were decorated for Christmas.

    The December air was crisp, my breath visible as the gondolier’s oar sliced through the inky water, reflecting twinkling lights strung across bridges and palazzos.

    Blankets draped over our lap, we watched as the canal-side historic buildings glowed with festive warmth, their windows adorned with wreaths and candles.

    The serenity of the ride made the Christmas season feel both intimate and eternal.

    Murano

    After lunch we planned an afternoon day tour to Murano and Burano.

    We walked to the Fondamente Nove Vaporetto stop, a 15-minute walk from central San Marco (St Marks Sqaure). Form there you can take the Vaporetto Line 12 to Murano Colonna or Murano Faro. From this stop the vaporetto to Murano is only 15 minutes. 

    Once in Murano we walked around the shops. The enormous glass Christmas tree is a unique sight. We stopped in at a quick glass blowing demonstration and skpped the sales presentation. We did buy a little glass octopus.

    Burano

    Afterward we continued the trip to Burano.  Burano’s colorful buildings were originally painted this way to help the fishermen find their way home. It is often foggy, as you can see in this photo. The colors help the mariners see the island.

    Burano in the late winter afternoon was mysterious and quiet.  The streets were quiet.  We strolled around, did a little Christmas shopping. The shopping highlight was a lace runner for our dining table and buffet.

    We eneded up taking a late Alilaguna back to St Mark’s Square, which takes about 35 minutes.

    Day 3

    Rialto Market: Looking for Christmas Food

    This morning we began the day by walking to the Rialto Market. It was buzzing with festive energy. The local vendors selling glistening fish, ruby pomegranates, and panettone, while twinkling lights reflected on the canal. 

    Afterward we walked over to the Christmas market in Santo San Stefano for a glass of mulled wine, vin brulé, which is a warm, spiced wine drink commonly enjoyed during the Christmas period.

    St Marks’s Square: Doge’s Palace & Basilica San Marco

    Afterward we made our way to St Mark’s Square. We visited both the Basilica and Doge’s Palace.  These are the must dos when checking out Venice. Buy tickets to both ahead of time to skip the lines.

    We literally had the Doge’s Palace all to ourselves. Here is the inner courtyard with the view to St. Mark’s Basilica.

    We walked through rooms to the jail corssing over the Bridge of Sighs. here too we had it to ourselves. Time to ponder what it must have been like during the Venetian Republic times to cross over to total loss of freedom.

    The golden mosaics in the domes of St Mark’s Basilica are awe-inspring. It is really quite incredible. Fortunately it wasn’t too crowded. We had space and time to take in the beauty and ponder the story and symbolism.  It was an enjoyable visit without the typical crowds.  

    Campanile di San Marco

    We didn’t make reservations to go to the top of the bell tower. When we exitied St Marks Basilica there was no line for the elevator up so we jumped on. We had the entire top of the belltower to ourselves.

    From up high we enjoyed the picturesque view over the lagoon city. The view is 360 degrees around.  It was incredible to have the entire belltower view to ourselves.  Another benefit spending Christmas in Venice.

    Caffè Florian

    From the bell tower we slipped right into Caffè Florian. Winter in Venice means hot chocolate. And again, no line.

    We walked right inside and were seated at a nice table by the window.

    The family enjoyed hot choclate, machiato, tea. and a nice ham and cheese Italian pannini. Just enough for some energy to continue sightseeing.

    Of the course the bill was outrageous but that’s the price of admission to sit in the “Drawing room of Europe” Caffe Florian.  

    Things to do in Venice at Christmas

    Guggenheim Museum

    The museum offers its permanent collection of 20th-century modern art, featuring works by Picasso, Pollock, Dalí, and others, alongside temporary exhibitions.

    New Year’s Day Venetians and tourists alike stop by for complimentary Aperol Spritz.

    Teatro La Fenice

    Check La Fenice theater for Christmas concerts. The theater is beautiful and intimate, perfect setting to get into the holiday mood. it is definetly worth visiting even if there is not a concert you can check it out.

    Christmas Eve Midnight Mass

    There are various churches that hold a midnight Christmas Eve Mass in Venice. 

    Basilica San Marco – St Mark’s Basilica

    Perhaps the most popular Christmas Midnight Mass in Venice is at Saint Mark’s Basilica.  Be prepared to get in line around 9:30PM.  The line moves about 11PM. And the mass begins at midnight. Check the official website to confirm. St Mark’s Basilica also has a Christmas Day service.

    other notable Midnight services around Venice include the following:

    Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari (San Polo)

    This grand Franciscan church, known for its Venetian Gothic architecture and Titian masterpieces, often hosts a midnight Mass. Its spacious interior and historic significance make it a popular choice for locals. Check for updates via local posters or the Chorus Venezia website (veneziaunica.it).

    Santi Giovanni e Paolo (San Zanipolo) (Castello)

    As one of Venice’s largest churches, this Dominican basilica, often called the “Pantheon of Venice” for its Doge tombs, typically holds midnight Mass. Its majestic setting enhances the solemnity of the service. Contact the parish or check veneziaunica.it for details.

    San Cassiano (San Polo)

    A smaller, more intimate church near the Rialto, it’s known for its active congregation and may offer midnight Mass, providing a less crowded alternative to St. Mark’s. Verify times through local notices or the parish.

    San Giacomo dall’Orio (Santa Croce)

    This church, with a lively community often hosting events like summer bazaars, is likely to hold a midnight Mass. Its warm atmosphere appeals to locals and visitors seeking a less touristy experience. Check parish announcements for confirmation.

    Santa Maria dei Miracoli (Cannaregio)

    A jewel of Renaissance architecture, this church has been noted for Christmas Eve services, though past records suggest its “midnight” Mass may start earlier, around 8:30 p.m. Confirm with the parish or local signage.

    Whereever you decide to celebrate Christmas Mass in Venice it is sure to be a memorable experience.

    Christmas Shopping and Christmas Markets

    The Venice Christmas markets that were located in Campo Santo Stefano, Campo San Polo and the Rialto Market were not happeneing when we were there this year. I understand they may return in the coming years so stay tuned.

    Nevertheless, Venice is full of artisan shops. Strolling the steets we found some nice authentic Venetian gifts. Now there are also a lot of shops selling Chinese knockoffs which is disappointing.

    We also dipped into a few spots to warm up with the holiday cheer Vin brûlé, which is a traditional Italian mulled wine, also known as spiced wine.

    Christmas Concerts

    Venice hosts numerous Christmas concerts during the holiday season, typically in December and early January. These include classical music performances, sacred music, and operas held in historic venues like Teatro La Fenice, St. Mark’s Basilica, and churches such as San Vidal and Santa Maria della Pietà.

    Highlights often feature Vivaldi, Monteverdi, and seasonal repertoire, with events like the New Year’s Concert at La Fenice and Christmas Vespers at St. Mark’s. Book tickets early.

    Venice in December: Magical Atmosphere 

    In summary, Christmas in Venice brought with it the magical time we were seeking.  From the church bells ringing, to the nativity and manger scenes, to the crisp but not too cold Venice weather, visiting Venice during Christmas holidays was a great time visit.

    Stay tuned for the continuation of our Christmas in Italy itinerary. Our the trip included Verona. Afterward we continued to Padua, then Bolzano where we spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the festive town set amid the Dolomites.  We then continued to Bologna, Florence, and Rome. 

  • Italy Vacations with Airfare 2021

    Italy Vacations with Airfare 2021

    italy river cruises venice po river cruise

    Book your 2021 Italy vacation with airfare now. Take advantage of the lowest Italy airfares we’ve seen for 2021. Combine this low airfare with a hotel in Italy and you have the lowest priced Italy vacations with airfare 2021.

    Vacation to Italy airfare starts at $663 for Autumn, Winter and Spring 2021 trips to Venice from New York.  The least expensive Italy vacation departure dates for round trip Venice airfare from New York by 2021 month are below:

    New York to Venice Italy Airfares by Month

    • November 20-27 – $680 per person
    • December 28-January 2 – $676 per person
    • January 14, 2014 – $664 per person
    • February 3, 10, or 24 – $664 per person
    • March 1-26, 2014  – $676 to $694
    • April 1-30, 2014 – $681 to $694 per person
    • May 1-31, 2014 – $683 to $1,000 per person
    • June 1-30, 2014 – $923-$1,025 per person
    • July 1-31, 2014 – $972 – $1,172 per person
    • August 1-31, 2014 – $850-$1,008 per person
    • September 1-30, 2014 – $

    2021 Italy airfare to Rome from other popular United States cities:

    • Atlanta – $805
    • Austin – $973
    • Baltimore – $947
    • Boston – $844+
    • Charlotte – $948+
    • Chicago – $677+
    • Dallas – $954+

    No One Beats Our Italy Vacation Prices!

    Get the best price on your Italy vacation. Simply fill out this form or call us now at 800-227-1577.

    • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

    Prices are correct as of publishing this article September 24, 2020.  Air availability is very limited because of these great prices.  These are easily the best prices we have seen for 2021 Italy vacations. They may change at anytime.

    Winter Italy vacations are often less expensive because of the lower winter airfares.  This sale includes great deals for late Spring and Summer 2022 travel to Italy. Popular Italy tour months May 2022, June 2022, July 2022, and August 2022 are attractive with this Italy airfare sale.

    When in Venice you may consider the following hotels.  ItalianTourism.us guarantees the lowest rate on all Italy hotels. And be sure to check out our Venice day tours.

    To book your 2022 Italy vacation submit form or call us at 800-227-1577 for rates, special requests, and other Italy vacation needs.

  • Independent Italy Vacation Packages Sale

    Happy July 4th to all.  As proud Italian-Americans we love living in the United States. And we love traveling around Italy.  To celebrate the 2013 Independence Day Weekend the Independent Italy vacation packages are on sale. Book by July 8 to save $90 per person.

    Independent Italy Tours to Rome, Florence, and Venice

    Tour Venice, Florence, and Rome independently.  We take care of the travel planning hassles. You enjoy touring Italy. Arrive in each destination and have fun exploring and sightseeing. For more information about these Italy trips click Rome, Florence, Venice independent Italy vacation packages.

    The Independent Italy vacation packages include airfare, hotel, and train between cities. Travel around Italy’s great cities independently and at your own pace.

    These vacations usually spend 2 or 3 nights in each Italian destination. A tour guide is not included. Some independent Italy vacations include a host available to answer questions and suggest sightseeing.

    Sightseeing with a tour guide may also be set up ahead of time directly through us. You may want to schedule skip the line tickets for the Vatican Museum in Rome.  Or plan a time to tour the Uffizi Gallery or Accademia in Florence.  And you may want walking tours of Rome, Florence, and Venice.  All of these tours may be arranged and added on to your Italy vacation package.

    You’ll also have plenty of free time to explore.  The best way to travel between the Italian cities is by rail. Standard rail tickets are also included.

    These independent Italy vacation packages are ideal for independent travelers looking for an all inclusive Italy vacation while travel at their own pace.

    Independent Italy Vacation Packages to Tuscany and Amalfi Coast

    tuscany vacation package independent

    Take advantage of the very popular Italy fly and drive vacation packages. Choose between the all inclusive Tuscany vacation package and the all inclusive Amalfi Coast vacation package. Both of these fly and drive independent vacation packages may include:

    • Airfare to Italy from your preferred airport
    • Choice of hotels
    • Car rental

    The Tuscany vacation package includes choice of the following hotels:

    • Tuscany Inn
    • Grand Hotel Plaza
    • Hotel Settentrionale Esplanade
    • Grand Hotel Croce Di Malta

    Or stay in a Tuscan villa. We have various villa experiences available with the Tuscany fly and drive vacation package including:

    The Amalfi Coast vacation package includes choice of the following hotels:

    • Villa Romana
    • Crowne Plaza Stabiae Sorrento Coast
    • Hotel Central, Sorrento

    Choose from other Amalfi Coast vacations by clicking here.

    For more information about 2014 and 2015 independent Italy vacation packages click here.