First Time in Italy? Here’s How to do it Right

The moment you land in Italy, it hits you — the scent of espresso and the feeling that every street might lead to something extraordinary. 

One minute, you’re ordering a coffee at a marble counter; the next, you’re caught in a motorbike swarm on a cobbled piazza.

But behind the apparent disorder lies an infectious and rewarding rhythm (if you know how to find it).

Common Mistakes First-time Visitors Make

Many first-timers try to squeeze Rome, Florence, Venice, the Amalfi Coast, and maybe even Milan into one breathless week.

What you end up with is a blur of overpriced gelato and museum fatigue.

Instead, slow your pace and cut the itinerary in half.

Choose three cities or regions at most and spend at least two nights in each.

You should also avoid visiting major sites during the hottest and busiest parts of the day.

The Colosseum at 2 pm in August is a test of endurance, not a cultural experience.

Go early or late, and book tickets online in advance. 

Lastly, don’t assume English will carry you through — it often does, but a few Italian phrases and a willingness to engage warmly will go a long way. 

Keep Stress Low by Booking a Tour

If the idea of navigating Italian rail schedules or tackling hire cars leaves you anxious, envision yourself enjoying a small group tour in Italy instead. 

Not all tours mean fluorescent lanyards and herded crowds.

There are well-curated, small-group options that handle logistics while still giving you space to explore on your own.

Look for tours with native or long-term local guides — they know how to sidestep queues, translate menus, and introduce you to restaurants located off the beaten track. 

You’ll travel in comfort, often staying in family-run hotels or converted villas, and someone else will worry about check-in times and ferry schedules.

That peace of mind leaves you free to enjoy your surroundings rather than constantly planning the next move.

Where to See the Best of Italy

The temptation is to start in Rome, and it’s a fair one.

But if you want something a little gentler, consider flying into Bologna or Turin.

Both offer world-class food and fewer crowds. 

From there, Venice is a three-hour train ride away — early mornings on the lagoon are worth every second of lost sleep.

If you’re dreaming of the countryside, Tuscany isn’t your only option.

Le Marche and Umbria offer hill towns, rolling vineyards, and bags of history.

For coastlines, swap Amalfi for Puglia’s Adriatic stretches — less polished, more soulful.

Final Thoughts

Your first trip to Italy doesn’t need to be a whirlwind of crowded attractions and rushed schedules.

Slow down, embrace the rhythm of Italian life, and leave room for spontaneity — that’s where the real magic happens.

Whether you explore iconic cities or discover quieter corners, you’ll find that Italy rewards those who take the time to truly experience it.

Buon viaggio!

Photo Credit: Depositphotos