Yes, slightly. The EU’s Entry/Exit System now registers biometric details for non-EU visitors instead of stamping your passport, which can add a little time to your first crossing. A separate pre-travel authorization (ETIAS) is expected but not yet required as of this writing, we’ll flag if that changes before your trip.

Yes, most Italian cities charge a small per-person, per-night tourist tax that is not included in your room rate and is typically collected in cash directly at the hotel. We’ll flag the approximate amount for each city on your itinerary so you’re not caught without small notes.

May, early June, and September offer the best balance of warm weather and manageable crowds. Late June, July, and August are the hottest and busiest months, especially on the coast.

Ten to fourteen nights lets you properly experience three or four regions without rushing. Shorter trips work well if you’re focusing on a single region, or if you want to combine a couple of cities.

No. Italy is part of the Schengen Area, and US citizens can stay visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Comfortable shoes for cobblestones, layers for variable weather, and modest clothing for visiting churches, a lightweight scarf works well for covering shoulders. Smarter clothes for evenings with leather shoes for men rather than sneakers.

Yes, Italy uses a different plug type and voltage than the US. We include this in your pre-trip documents along with anything else specific to your itinerary.

Yes, very much so. The main precaution is petty pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas and train stations, not violent crime.

The euro. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, though it’s worth carrying some cash for tipping, and rural towns with fewer card terminals.

Yes, high-speed trains connect major cities quickly and comfortably, and it’s often the most efficient way to move between regions.

It depends on your itinerary. A car is useful for exploring the Tuscan countryside, but it’s a hassle in cities, or along busy coastlines. Roads can be very narrow and there is limited parking.

Only in Rome and Milan, and it operates differently than in the US, but taxis are available. We include private transfers throughout your trip so this is rarely something you need to think about.

We build all of this into your itinerary ahead of time, private drivers, train tickets, and transfers are confirmed well before you travel. We make sure to allow the perfect amount of time based on local traffic.

Yes, this is one of our most popular itinerary shapes, several days in a city like Florence or Rome followed by a stay in Tuscany or Piedmont.

Domestic flights are usually fastest option. We’ll route this based on your overall itinerary.

Yes, Italy is generally excellent for gluten-free dining, especially if you mention it clearly as a Celiac requirement rather than a preference.

Not in the way it is in the US. A service charge is often already included, and rounding up or leaving a small amount for exceptional service is plenty.

For well-known restaurants, especially in Rome, Florence, and Venice, yes. We include our favorite restaurant recommendations in your color itinerary. Three months prior to your departure, we’ll send you a reminder that it’s a great time to book restaurants, along with all of our recommendations and links to book them directly, so you’re able to make changes at the last minute if needed. We’ll also share a few great apps you can use to book restaurants on the go during your trip.

Shoulders and knees covered is the general rule. A lightweight scarf or shawl is an easy way to stay prepared.

Yes, we collect dietary needs in advance and build them into any private chef arrangements or restaurant bookings.

Tuscany, Piedmont, and Emilia Romagna are our most requested regions for wine and food-focused days, truffle hunting, cooking classes, and vineyard visits among them.

A signature itinerary is a fully designed, tested journey you can personalize in the details. A bespoke trip starts from a blank page and is built entirely around your dates, pace, and preferences.

Signature itineraries are designed as complete journeys rather than a menu of swappable pieces. If you want a trip built specifically around you, bespoke is the right path.

Yes, one travel designer stays with you from the first conversation through the trip itself.

There are frequently small changes when you travel, our team is on hand to keep you updated, and they’ll update your documents in your phone app so you always have the latest version.

Yes, private, after-hours, and skip-the-line access is something we arrange regularly for our Italy itineraries.

Yes, bookings are secured with a 35% deposit followed by the balance due 60 days prior to travel.

Often, yes, Greece, Switzerland, and Croatia are the most common pairings we design alongside Italy.

The Amalfi Coast, Venice, and Lake Como are our most requested honeymoon settings, though Tuscany offers a quieter, countryside alternative for couples who want privacy over drama.

Many couples do, a few days in Rome or Florence for culture and food, followed by the coast or countryside for slowing down.

Yes, this is one of our favorite details to design, a candlelit dinner, or a private boat on Lake Como.

Late spring and early fall give you the best weather without the peak summer crowds that can make popular spots feel less romantic.

It can be in July and August. We often suggest May or October instead, or a quieter base along the coast with easy access to the well-known towns.

Yes, Greece is a popular pairing for couples who want an island finish to a culturally rich start in Italy.