If you do not live far away or it is not your last trip to Italy, consider returning soon. Italy is among the most culturally rich countries in the world, and one visit is never enough to fully appreciate it. Additionally, given its size, you do not want to spend too much of your valuable vacation time traveling between distant locations. Our recommendation is to focus on exploring one specific area or region during each visit, and plan to come back another time to discover a different part of the country.

Sicily and Tuscany are vastly different regions and not particularly close to each other, so it's best to dedicate separate holidays to each. For guidance, check out our suggested itineraries.

Some families attempt to visit all the major art cities—Rome, Florence, and Venice—in a single week. While this is possible, it is not ideal. You will lose valuable time on transfers, whether by train or car, and dealing with packing, unpacking, ticketing, and the general hassle. It is better to focus on one specific area if you are staying for only one week, or two regions if you have more time.

For example, although Rome and Venice are popular destinations, they are 4 hours apart by fast train and even longer by car. Combining both in the same family trip is not advisable.

Focus your vacation on one region

Here is a practical example: if you are visiting Florence and the Tuscany region, there is no need to venture far from it. Tuscany offers abundant opportunities for top-notch sightseeing and activities.

Choose your accommodation wisely and use it as a base for your 7-day stay, without the need for constant check-ins and check-outs. From there, you can take day trips to the most interesting nearby sites. If someone gets ill, you can still relax around your hotel without disrupting the entire trip.

For instance, you can book a room or apartment in Florence. The city itself warrants at least two days of exploration. Then, you can enjoy stress-free day trips to Pisa, Siena, and Lucca.

Avoid exploring on your own

Italy is generally very safe, but you can easily run into trouble and unnecessary expenses if you are not cautious. For example, driving in Tuscany may seem straightforward, but parking regulations in city centers are very strict and can result in hefty fines. Additionally, Google Maps might direct you to off-the-beaten-path trails that are unsuitable for your rental car.

It is wiser to spend a bit more money and hire a local professional with excellent online reviews. Many renowned companies offer these services, allowing you to leave the navigation and driving to them.

When possible, use trains. They are quite efficient and reasonably priced, especially in central and northern Italy. Main train stations in famous art cities are often located in the historic center, close to major monuments. If you choose accommodations near central stations, you can easily take the train for quick day trips. However, be aware that trains can be overcrowded during peak tourist seasons