Italy Travel Guide: The Best Tours And Transportation -

Italy Travel Guide:
Transportation + Best Tours to Book

So you’ve booked a flight to Italy, you’re planning your itinerary, you’re knee-deep in Google browsers, the Italy must-dos TikTok algorithm, and you’re still just as confused about where to start.

After traveling through Milan, Rome, Florence, Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, and many other Italian towns, I realized planning what to do is only half the battle– knowing how to get between cities efficiently is what can make or break your trip.

Between knowing what to book, understanding Italy’s transit systems, and getting the most out of your purchase, curating and navigating the perfect Italy itinerary can feel like solving a Rubik’s Cube. I created this comprehensive guide to my favorite destinations in Italy, from the insight of someone that lived in Italy over the summer. This includes stunning attractions to book, cost-effective and convenient transportation, and overall tips on how to make the most of your time and trip in Italy.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend or promote products or services that I’ve loved or would purchase myself.

Milan

Milan Italy, is the location for must-see vintage and modern architecture, Italian historical relics, and world-renowned fashion, but there’s much more to Milan that so many tourists miss. For a comprehensive breakdown on unique places and things to experience while visiting Milan, read my post “7 Unique Things To Do in Milan: That Most Tourists Miss”.

Outside of unique activities to do when visiting Milan, there are known attractions that are actually worth your time and are foundational to a Milan trip. After flying into Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP), you’ll start your trip off by enjoying all of the unique beauty Milan has to offer. I recommend dedicating a day or two to fully experience the food, attractions, and culture that Milan offers.

The Last Supper Masterpiece

The infamous piece by Leonardo da Vinci depicting the emotion of Jesus and his apostles lives in the Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie, along with other notable works. With a visit to the basilica, you also get to experience the exquisite Gothic architectural design that elegantly enhances the overall experience.

What you need to know is that this attraction gets booked quickly, especially during the summer months when Italian tourism is at its peak. So book this experience anywhere from 2 weeks to a month in advance, depending on when you’re traveling to Italy.

Book Entrance + Guided Tour to Da Vinci’s The Last Supper Masterpiece

The Duomo

A foundation of Italian history and an entrance to central Milan is the Duomo. What I loved about the Duomo was the intensity of the structure itself, how it towered over you, and even with a cranked neck–– you couldn’t see the entirety of it up close. Upon stepping back, you can view the golden Madonnina, placed up high in the sky to protect and guard the city.

Once inside, there’s an immensity of towering marble columns, beautifully stained-glass windows, carefully-detailed statues, and an overall ethereal and spiritual ambiance to take in. The Duomo has much to appreciate from different vantage points.

Grab An Entrance Ticket to the Duomo Cathedral + Guided Tour + Rooftop Access (currently on sale until 3.21.26)

Take A Day Trip to Lake Como

Beautifully carved into the Italian Alps sits Lago di Como, or Lake Como–the real-life romance-film location of your dreams.

Lake Como has a simplistic elegance that can be found in the culinary locations that overlook the lake, the vibrant vintage homes that are overgrown with greenery, and in the lake itself, as it mirrors the charm of the town. For these reasons and more, Lake Como has notoriously been the source of inspiration for notable writers and philosophers.

I took a sporadic trip to Lake Como while visiting Milan, and I will say that, as a last minute addition to your itinerary, a day trip to Lake Como can be a difficult add-on. In that scenario, you’ll likely find yourself in a very crowded train, sitting on the floor for an hour.

I highly recommend booking transportation in advance, or you risk a similar fate or worse—not having a train ticket at all. If I had the knowledge I do now and were to book transportation to Lake Como again, I would definitely spend a bit more to have a comfortable ride, especially because the difference between the two experiences is not much.

Book a Day Trip to Lake Como from Milan With Ferry Rides + Guided Tour

How to Get Around Milan

Airport Transfer to and from Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP)

Getting Around Milan

I personally enjoyed using Omio the most in comparison to other transit apps. Omio lets you compare different transportation methods and book the best option for you seamlessly. You can also validate your ticket with the click of a button rather than having to hurry and find a ticket validator at the transit station. Omio is seriously so easy and efficient to use, and this is coming from someone who used it even when I knew close to nothing about transportation abroad.

Traveling to Lake Como From Milan

For Airport Transfer to and From Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP):

Book A Private Airport Shuttle

Book A Public Airport Shuttle

Traveling to Lake Como from Milan:

Book a Day Trip to Lake Como from Milan With Ferry Rides + Guided Tour

Book Small Group Transportation + Personal Tour Guide to Lake Como

Public Train Ticket

Florence

As the capital of Tuscany, Florence is the gateway to experiencing a whole new side of Italy and exquisite Renaissance architecture. After your time in Milan, your next stop will be in Florence to taste the locally-grown Tuscany wine, savory authentic Italian cuisine, and lively piazzas.

Statue of David

The Statue of David is an exceptional display of true artistry and detail. There is something so special about Italian statues–especially that of David. This staple of Florence beautifully exhibits realism, careful craftsmanship, and is a living capsule of Renaissance humanism in the early 1500’s.

The Statue of David is definitely a popular attraction; with that being said, be sure to book your tickets in advance. Otherwise, you risk waiting in an incredibly long line with the possibility of not getting in at all. If you’re an art enthusiast or simply just want to experience the precise artistry of the over 15-foot marble statue in person, you must visit the Statue of David.

Wine Window Tour

If you are one who enjoys sipping wine and would love to do so while perusing all that Florence has to offer, then you’re in luck. Similar to an Easter Egg hunt, there are numerous ‘wine windows’ to be found throughout Florence that offer selections of red and white wine. These hole-in-the-wall (literally) venues are nothing short of flavorful and unique. The whole process, from ordering to claiming your wine from a window, is incredibly fun and picturesque.

The fun part about ‘wine windows’ is that they are a challenge to narrow in on; however, you can take the burden off of yourself and ensure that you scope out the best locations by booking a ‘wine window tour’.

Book Wine Window Tour + Wine Tasting + Appetizers

Book A Wine Window Walk Tour

Walk the Piazza and Shops

After the flavorful excitement of experiencing a wine window, you’ll next take your glass and walk around the iconic piazzas and nearby shops.

Florence is known for its exceptional piazzas that have open-air markets, sculptures, churches, and the occasional carousel. A lovely facet of Florence is that it is arguably one of the most walkable cities in Italy, meaning you won’t have to splurge as much on transportation because everything is compactly located around the center.

Some of the best Piazzas are Piazza Santa Croce, which has vendors nearby who sell handcrafted quality leather pieces, Piazza della Repubblica (which has the vintage carousel), and Piazza San Lorenzo.

Florence Transportation

There are numerous options for traveling from Milan to Florence. Some options are cost-effective while others are efficient and convenient, so keep in mind what you’re looking for when booking your transportation.

Arriving to Florence

Throughout my Italian excursions I did use various cost-effective as well as more efficient options. While I would never recommend options like FlixBus to save money, or anything outrageous on the latter, there are a few avenues that allow you to save money without compromising your experience.

Getting Around Florence

Florence is an incredibly walkable city, therefore you won’t need to worry about rentals or public transportation to get around. If you are going to a location that is a bit out of the way however, I recommend using Uber or Lyft (sometimes the costs differ).

Rome

Rome is where ancient artwork, intricate historical ruins, delicious food, lively culture, and a dreamlike ambiance beautifully blend in one place. For these reasons and many others, there is no place quite as romanticized as Rome.

From Rome’s world-renowned cathedrals to the beauty of the Trevi Fountain and the multi-layered history of the Colosseum, Rome has and continues to profoundly influence people cross-culturally.

Colosseum

This ancient, infamous amphitheater hosted gladiator games, thousands of animals, and engaged onlookers seated high in their stone chairs, looming down on the action below. The Colosseum is a historic venue of decades worth of Roman progression, innovation, and human behavior.

This was the most fascinating Rome attraction that I was fortunate enough to experience–its detail, historical information, and the many aspects of its structure are definitely worth your patience and attention.

You can walk through the colosseum without a guide; however, having one gives you a very different experience. Without a guide, you simply lose out on a lot of important context behind the incredible history of the Colosseum.

St. Peter's Basilica

St. Peter’s Basilica is a living testimony to the detail and attention that the Romans exuded when it came to honoring their God. The lavish marble touches, ceiling murals dedicated to saints in the heavens, along with numerous ongoing services during visiting hours, provide a glimpse of the vast beauty of the basilica and its ethereal ambiance.

Please note that if you visit this church or any others, it is respectful to cover your shoulders and feet. Oftentimes, visitors will be given a wrap or material to cover their shoulders, or they will simply be turned away from entering, so plan accordingly.

Pantheon

A foundation of Roman and Greek history, the Pantheon is not just another attraction to experience, but it exhibits years of reformation, change, and re-introduction to modern-day Roman life. The Pantheon is an architectural masterpiece, being that it is a frameless dome made of concrete. Inside the Pantheon serves as a church and the burial place of many notable figures.

By day, the Pantheon highlights ancient Roman history; by night, the exterior of the Pantheon is the location of modern-day Roman activities. What many people don’t know about the Pantheon is that in the evening and well into the late night, there are opera and other musical preformances that are purely incredible and made me romanticize my time in Rome that much more.

Trevi Fountain

The romanticized place for lovers and dreamers alike — Trevi Fountain. What I loved about experiencing the Trevi Fountain was seeing how large the statues are in real-life and learning the story behind them. Most people visit the fountain to wish for love, friendship, or success, but the true story behind the Trevi Fountain is one of hope and resilience of the Romans.

I will note that I visited the Trevi Fountain at 8 a.m. and it was already flooded with tourists. Seriously, anytime before 7 a.m. is prime time to snap pictures and see the full ambiance of the Trevi Fountain without the full crowd.

Rome Transportation

Arriving to Rome

When I traveled to Rome I booked a high speed train and it was the most efficient option for Rome specifically. If you are only allotting a few days to Rome, of course look into your options but I recommend attributing more time to visiting the vast beauty of Rome rather than traveling to it.

If you want to go with a more cost-effective route, I recommend Omio for comparing prices (including trains) or you can also look into the transit stations website if you’d prefer booking a ticket at the station. I will say that, having done both, Omio is much easier to figure out and has legitimate tickets for sale–just make sure you’re validating them through the app.

Getting Around Rome

Rome is one of the busiest and most bustling cities I’ve ever been to. If you want to make the most out of your time there, I highly recommend doing a vehicle rental or using Uber. The public transportation options are extremely crowded and congested, and because there is so much to experience in Rome, you’ll want to spend your time experiencing those attractions rather than being overwhelmed with how to get around using public transit.

Depending on how much you’re planning to fit into your trip, renting an adorable Fiat or Vespa will even save you money as you venture through Rome. For my early 2000’s travel amigos, imagine living out your own Lizzie Mcguire moment as you glide through the streets of Rome–how incredible?

Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is an exceptional part of Italy that often gets overlooked. It’s a community of lavish fishing villages known for fresh seafood and lemon groves. If you’re looking for tranquil villages with pastel-architecture atop plunging cliff sides, and of course, exceptional Limoncello, visit the Amalfi Coast.

Explore the Towns of Amalfi

There are 13 towns that make up the Amalfi Coast, so whether you plan on doing a coastal cliff-side road trip to explore them all or just want to experience a few, there is so much vibrancy and Italian culture to take in.

The 13 towns do vary a tad, and each offer travelers different experiences. If you’re looking for a more luxurious getaway, then you must visit Positano; if you’re looking for a more serene environment location further up from the coast, then visit Ravello; if you want a more authentic perspective on the Amalfi Coast, then Praiano is the place for you.

The Amalfi Coast has so much charm to offer!

Rent a Vespa

If I were to revisit the Amalfi Coast again, I would definitely rent a Vespa. Imagine driving a shiny, beautifully-colored Vespa, feeling the coastal breeze on your skin, wind in your hair, and exploring all that Amalfi has to offer. Vespas are the elegant, chic way to pop around to multiple locations without breaking the bank, giving you the true Dolce Vita.

Transportation to Amalfi

From Rome to Amalfi (Day Trip)

If you are staying in Rome and want to do a quick-affordable option to a day trip, then you have to check out this option. Not only does this company provide transportation from Rome back to Rome, but it also includes a guided tour around Positano and a beautiful coastal cruise that allows you to experience the Amalfi region from a different perspective.

From Rome to Amalfi

Traveling from Rome to Amalfi is one of the prettiest transportation experiences you’ll have. You get to look out at the rolling hills of Rome, slowly transition to a dramatic coastal-mountain scape. Transportation to the Amalfi Coast Region from Rome isn’t too complicated, and you can easily purchase a high-speed train ticket that can get you to Amalfi within a couple of hours. Keep in mind that you will have a transfer and can continue on to the beautiful towns of Amalfi by bus or an additional train.

Book Trains + Transfers (Most Budget-Friendly Option)

Book Private Transfers (Most Convenient)

Cinque Terre

I saved the best for last with this sweet slice of Italian bliss. The Cinque Terre region is known for its’ incredibly scenic hikes, vibrant and walkable coastal villages, and pesto (which I didn’t know prior to visiting). Cinque Terre has a special place in my heart. I had my first solo day-trip to Monterosso from Milan, and it was unlike anything else I had experienced. Cinque Terre is the perfect place for a low-key, quiet getaway. Life in Cinque Terre is slow-paced, small-scale, and gentle. You might see nonna’s out for a morning swim as you enjoy your cappucino at a quaint cafe.

Visit All 5 Villages

Cinque Terre is one of the easiest regions to navigate. All 5 towns, Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, are short train rides from each other. Each town offers a distinct charm, from beautiful beaches and incredible sunset locations, to local wine and luscious vineyards and lively nightlife locations.

Book a Boat Tour

Taking a boat cruise around Cinque Terre is perhaps the most magical experiences you can have. Seeing all of the 5 towns from a panoramic angle, enjoying wine and apperitivo, all while the warm sun kisses the water as it sets, is unlike anything you’ll ever experience.

When I went on a private boat tour around Cinque Terre, I had the most breathtaking experience. The driver was so informative and kind, the wine and snacks were superb, and the whole time I just kept thinking about how the whole experience felt so dreamlike––because it was that exceptional.

If you’re looking for the perfect way to end your trip with a partner, good group of friends or family, or maybe you just want to pamper yourself with an incredible experience––this opportunity is like none other.

Cinque Terre Transportation

Arriving to Cinque Terre

The travel time from the Amalfi Coast to Cinque Terre is quite far and transportation can be a bit confusing because there is no direct train from the Amalfi Coast to Cinque Terre. If you’re not traveling directly by car, you’ll have to travel to Salerno or Naples first. From that point you’ll then be able to travel by train or bus to Cinque Terre.

Another fabulous transportation app to use that allows you to compare numerous fare options is Rome2Rio. It includes comparisons of trains, rideshares, taxis, and other transportation options. When traveling I typically like to have a few go-to apps for transportation comparisons, my go-tos are Rome2Rio and Omio. Using either of these two will lead to the smoothest transportation when navigating travel that isn’t direct.

Getting Around Cinque Terre

Purchasing a day-pass train ticket is the best option for traveling getting around Cinque Terre, not only is it budget-friendly but it’s also a very short trip to get to each town. If you are planning to stay late in a town that your accommodation is not in, just note when the last train departs and ensure that you don’t miss it!

Italy has an incredible mixture of history, architecture, scenic views, cuisine and so much more. Regardless of how you choose to explore Italy, planning ahead by booking tours and transportation will save you money, time, and unnecessary stress allowing more space for you to fully enjoy all that the country has to offer.

I hope you enjoyed my curated Italy intinerary including what to book in Milan, Florence, Rome, Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, and how to get there and get around once you’re there. Thank you for reading my blog post and as always–happy traveling.

Your travel friend,

Trin 🍊

Italy Travel Guide: Transportation + Best Tours to Book