How Much is a Trip to Italy: Average Cost Per Day

If you plan to visit Italy, you’ll be happy to know it isn’t the most expensive place in Europe. Unlike the United Kingdom, for example, a trip to Italy can be reasonable. Best of all, you can create a budget as you plan your trip to Italy so you’ll know exactly how much money you’ll need without surprises.

How much is a trip to Italy? Well, you’ve got a few things to consider. Be sure to buy reliable travel insurance so your carefully arranged trip, with your foolproof budget, is protected. Think of it as an essential part of the cost of your epic trip to Italy.

We recommend SafetyWing. Check them out to see if you can include their protection in your budget. The cost? $500 to $700 (depending on the length of the trip and the number of people). I know it seems like an unnecessary add-on, but travel insurance is always better to have and not need than need and not have.

Another great thing to know about planning a trip to Italy is that Italians, especially in major cities, are used to visitors and are proud their country is full of cultural treasures and known for amazing food. They love to talk to visitors too, so impress them with your interest in speaking Italian. A small investment that will go a long way is Barron’s Italian-English Pocket Dictionary, with more than 70,000 words and phrases. Think of how handy that will come on a food tour!

So for your Italy cost budget, you’ll want to consider the following major ticket items:

• Hotel rooms or vacation rentals
• Flight costs
• Local transportation
• Tours
• Food tour (of course) or tours and dining
• Souvenir shopping

Other expenses will come up, but we will anticipate these as much as possible. Read on to learn how to plan for a trip to Italy.

Want a quick summary of how much is a trip to Italy? Here’s a rough idea of Itlay’s travel cost, see the table below.

Type of Traveler	Accommodations (For 4 Nights)	Flights (Average Cost)	Local Transportation	Tours	Food	Souvenir Shopping
Solo	$400 (Rome) $700 (Tuscany)	$700 to $1,200 round trip per ticket	$1,000 (Rental car) $1,000 to per person (Gondola ride) $21 (Train)	$29.75 per ticket	$48.06 (plus gratuity) per head	$50 pday
Couple	$1,200 (Rome) $900 – $2,300 (Tuscany)	$700 to $1,200 round trip ticket	$1,000 (Rental car) $1,000 to per person (Gondola ride) $21 (Train)	$29.75 per ticket	$48.06 (plus gratuity) per head	$50 per day
Family	Less than $600 (Rome) $630(Tuscany)	$700 to $1,200 round trip per ticket	$1,000 per person (Gondola ride) $21 (Train)	$29.75 per ticket	$48.06 (plus gratuity) per head	$50 per day

Hotel Rooms or Vacation Rentals

A big part of your cost of Italy trip budget will be allocated to the accommodations you choose. Plan to make your reservations as far ahead of time as possible.

You may see a property you love and can afford, only to see it sell out before you decide. Many have generous cancellation policies, so there’s no risk if you change your plans.

Hotel room for a family of four in Rome

When calculating a trip to Italy for a family with at least two children, you’ll likely be looking for mid-range hotels. Let’s assume you’re needing nice amenities, like air conditioning and a pool, and you are avoiding cheap places and hostels.

Let’s also assume you’ll be traveling in the high season, which is summer in Italy because that’s when the kids are out of school. Something important to know is that you may have to incur the extra cost of additional rooms depending on how many children you’re traveling with, especially in the cities.

Two rooms will be cheaper than a suite, though. The average price for a nice four-star hotel in Rome’s city center can cost as much as 500 euros per room per night.

If you’re planning a luxury trip, a five-star and up will cost you at least $1000 per room per night. You certainly don’t have to stay in the middle of Italy’s most popular city, however. There are very good hotels in great neighborhoods that will save money for you and offer extra-large family rooms.

Here are some examples of great places to stay in Rome:

• Bloom Hotel Rome is a 10 minute walk to St. Peter’s Square
• Mama Shelter Roma is a 9 minute walk to Vatican Museums
• Crowne Plaza Rome St. Peter’s is 3 miles from the Vatican

When I priced a double-double (or two double beds) at the Crowne Plaza, surrounded by beautiful grounds and has a huge pool plus free parking, the rate for four nights was less than $600 total. Find the best hotels in Rome with Booking.com and get the best deals.

See Related: Best Day to Book Flights

Hotel room for a family of four in Tuscany

You may have to do more detective work to determine your Italy cost for a family traveling to Tuscany. You can go to a full-on resort or more low-key to save money. Both options are readily available and will depend on your expectations. A five-star property can cost upwards of $1000 per night.

The Baglioni Resort Alleluja offers a two-bedroom suite (queen beds) and is a seven-minute walk to the beach. They also have a pool and tennis courts.

Their rate for four nights is about $4,600. Not as luxe, but still highly rated, is the Hotel Giardino in Bibbiena. Their quadruple rooms will have either twin beds or bunk beds in addition to a queen-sized bed.

You’re also close to the medieval town of Bibbiena, home of castles, museums, and other historic sites. Their rate for four nights is a budget-friendly $630.

Hotel room for two in Rome

Since your time is more flexible, your Italy accommodation cost will have more wiggle room. We’ll stick with our Rome in summer example for hotel prices in major cities.

9Hotel Cesari is steps from both the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon. They offer a rooftop terrace and beautifully appointed double guest rooms with queen beds. Their rate for four nights is approximately $1,200 in total.

Hotel room for two in Tuscany

Your trip to Italy for two can be as fancy as you want in Tuscany if you’re willing to pay. The Agri Resort & SPA Le Colline del Paradiso in Vaglia offers an onsite restaurant and outdoor pool.

It’s a five-star resort with beautiful views of the Tuscan countryside and rooms. Their rate for four nights in a standard double room starts at approximately $900 and can run as high as $2,300 for a room with a queen bed and garden or mountain views.

These rates for double rooms are typical throughout Tuscany in the high season.

Hotel room for a solo traveler in Rome

Your traveling to Italy cost as a single may be higher simply because you’re paying the entire room rate. But you can also opt for a small affordable room with a full-sized bed and be very comfortable.

The Hotel Caravel has charming guest rooms with hardwood floors. The hotel is not near the city center, but it is close to bus and subway stops.

Their rate for four nights in a room with one full-sized bed is approximately $400.

Hotel room for a solo traveler in Tuscany

Planning a solo trip to Italy may be the perfect opportunity to treat yourself to a luxurious Tuscan experience. The La Bagnaia Golf and Spa Resort are located in the medieval town of Bagnaia. The staff is famous for their attention to detail.

Here, you’ll be minutes from Siena’s historical and cultural sites, as well as wineries, tours, and other activities. Rates for a single room start at approximately $700 for four nights.

Vacation rentals for a family of four in Rome

Is it expensive to travel to Italy if you use vacation rentals? Often vacation rentals instead of a hotel can help you save money on your trip. A family-friendly apartment gives you space to spread out a bit.

They often will have kitchenettes too. Casa al Vinimale also offers WiFi, air-conditioning, and beds for five and is centrally located close to Quirinal Hill and Domus Aurea.

Before booking one, ask if towels and other linens are provided and the charge for them, if any. The four-night rate has an average price of $675, an excellent rate for the size of the accommodations and the location.

See Related: Best Honeymoon Spots in the World

Vacation rentals for a family of four in Tuscany

A trip to Italy for a family can get costly. You might find more value in finding a vacation rental with lots of space in an area like Tuscany. You can split the price difference between a full-service resort and a moderate hotel with a private rental.

And because there are kitchens in the rentals, you can save on dining. Appartamento Azzurra in Roccalbegna is perfect for a family of four.

You’ll have a terrace with lake views and it’s close to nature with cities a short drive away. A four-night stay during the high season starts at $1,830.

Vacation rentals for two in Rome

A trip to Italy for two is very romantic, so you should find a comfortable rental with some ambiance and a central location. You’ll feel like a proper Roman citizen at the Germanico Luxury Apartment.

It’s a charming apartment on a quiet street, yet it’s within walking distance of the Vatican and other attractions, as well as shops and restaurants. You can rent this entire apartment for approximately $320 per night.

See Related: Fun & Best Things to Do in Milan, Italy

Vacation rentals for two in Tuscany

In the popular region of Tuscany, Italy, costs for vacation rentals will vary depending on the location. Many couples like to be close to cultural sites, museums, and restaurants.

For example, the Coco Places Firenze, Centro Storico, isn’t the cheapest place. But it’s situated in the center of Florence, one of the most fascinating cities in the world.

Guest rooms will have kitchenettes, and some have terraces overlooking a beautiful garden. Live out those Under the Tuscan Sun dreams in this gorgeous rental. A romantic four-night stay for two in high season is approximately $1,800.

Vacation rentals for a solo traveler in Rome

An Italy vacation cost is pretty easy to nail down when you’re traveling alone. The apartments available for single stays at Ripetta 25 are also reasonable. The single spacious apartments include a sofa bed and kitchenette with fully stocked mini-fridges, and offer lovely views of Via di Ripetta or their sweet courtyard.

And it has a great location for single travelers–close to Piazza del Popolo and a 7-minute walk to the Spanish Steps. Easily find public transportation at the nearby bus or metro stop. A four-night stay at Ripetta 25 during high season is about $750.

Vacation rentals for a solo traveler in Tuscany

As a solo traveler, you can make your trip to Italy around your interests and preferences. You can also save on trip costs if you don’t want to be at a hotel because you don’t need an entire apartment.

I Sleep B&B in Florence are adorable attic rooms in a historic building. There is air-conditioning and a private bath for each room; some even have terraces. With only one full-sized bed, it might get cramped for more than one person. But for a solo traveler, it’s perfect.

It’s also conveniently located in the center of Florence. Room rates include a full breakfast. A four-night stay for one during the high season is approximately $250 per night for $1,000.

See Related: Best Places to Visit in Italy

Flight Costs

Air travel costs for your Italy itinerary can be high if you travel in the summer. Use a search engine like Skyscanner to compare the best flight options. You can also sign up for email alerts for deals to Italy with Going.

As with hotels and vacation rentals, you’ll want to start searching for flights well ahead to take advantage of any discounted airfare or sales.

Also, check your credit cards for points you can use toward airfare. You may be sitting on a mountain of gold. So, the average cost of an airline ticket to Rome in the high season will be between $700 to $1,200 round trip per ticket. Watch for hidden fees and baggage requirements.

And look for departures from major US cities on European carriers for the best prices. For example, a round trip nonstop ticket from Dulles International in Washington D.C. to Leonardo di Vinci Airport in Rome on Lufthansa for a June trip costs $1,212 per ticket.

See Related: Best Tours in Italy

Local Transportation

During your travels to Italy, you may find using local public transportation more convenient than renting a car in the major cities.

But if you’re spending a week or so in Tuscany or elsewhere outside the cities, you’ll want to rent a car. We’ll price all the options so you can work the costs into your budget.

Rental car for a family

As soon as you know you’ll be visiting Italy, check a good travel search engine like Kayak to find the best deals on car rentals. Look for something like a wagon that will accommodate everyone and their luggage. Avoid the large, expensive SUVs or vans, even if that’s what you drive at home.

The winding roads through Tuscany and Florence can get a little too narrow for them. Tell your family members and other travel companions to pack lightly and leave the giant suitcases at home so you don’t have to cram in.

What about couples or solo travelers?

If you’re traveling as a couple or solo, you can search for a smaller vehicle, but wagons are a reliable choice, easy to drive, and roomy. But do shop around and do it early. A standard station wagon rented through National for one week with pick up at FCO airport costs approximately $1,000.

Gondola ride

Many people who travel to Italy want to experience an iconic gondola ride. The traditional gondolas are found in Venice, wandering through the city’s grand canal.

How to get there

Venice is a little more than two hours by train from Florence. The train is the fastest and cheapest way to get there. So if you can make the time for a quick getaway to Venice while you’re in Tuscany to take a gondola ride and see the sights, do it.

What are they?

The flat-bottomed, specially-made wooden gondolas are often passed down through the generations, and there is a big sense of romance attached to them.

Find a gondola that catches your eye. Some are plain traditional black, while others are decorated with pillows and blankets for a more comfortable ride.

Your gondolier will probably speak English, and some also speak German and French. They’ll be wearing the familiar striped shirt and black pants. Some may even be wearing cute straw boater hats, and more than a few know how to serenade!

How much are they?

The fares to ride them are pre-set and fairly standard throughout the city. Expect to pay about 80 euros for a ride during the day and 100 euros for rides after 7:00 pm. The rides are 40 minutes.

You can pay for additional time at 40 euros for 20 minutes during the day and 50 euros after 7. Hotels and travel or tour agencies will probably charge you an additional fee.

Six people can ride on a gondola simultaneously, with the cost split between all riders. That works very well for families. For solo travelers and couples, you can share with other people to help defray the fare.

What to expect

One tip for ensuring a full 40-minute ride is to find a gondola in a less busy area. You may get a rushed tour if people are lining up to ride one. You may want to stay off the Grand Canal and stick to the slower side canals, where you can see a unique side of Venice without the annoying traffic.

Try the areas of San Polo and Campo San Barnaba, as well as the Jewish Ghetto. Those areas are off the beaten tourist path and so interesting to visit, especially as seen by the gondola.

Don’t expect singing unless the guy you get just likes to sing while he works. And although it would be nice to get a lecture about Venice as you’re seeing it, unless he’s practicing to be a professional tour guide, you won’t get much conversation.

If you’re wanting to get to a certain destination on the waterway, you’ll need to work this out with your gondolier before you take your ride. Be prepared to pay for the shuttling.

The days in Venice can be hot with bright sunshine. Gondolas are not shaded or have canopies. So riding in the heat of the day might be unpleasant. Try to get your ride in the early morning or evening. It’s much prettier and cooler.

• Daytime gondola ride: $1,000, per 40-minute ride
• After 7:00 pm: $114.43 per person per 40 minutes ride

Train Travel around Tuscany

For your planning a trip to Italy, budget items should consider trains. Train travel here is easy and affordable. As mentioned above, the train to Venice from Florence is faster than driving. A super economy fare starts at $23 per ticket each way.

You can even travel from Rome to Florence by train very cheaply. One-way fares start at $21.

Train travel in Rome

When sightseeing in Rome, you can take advantage of the city’s public transportation system, which includes a metro subway and is easy on a travel budget for Italy.

More about that cost later.

Public Transportation

To help you plan “Italy trip” transportation, we’ve looked at the various ways you can get around Rome as a family, couple, or solo traveler. The official metro system is Roma ATAC and includes a subway, streetcar, commuter train, and bus service.

You can buy one ticket and use all four services, making transferring from one to the other very easy. Plus, you can buy tickets for multiple days.

The subway system is not as elaborate as most in Europe. You’ll likely need a combination of transportation services to get to some of your destinations.

Often, you’ll discover your hotel or apartment is within walking distance so you might not use it as much as expected. Plus, you’ll want to walk the most historic parts of Rome.

But if you’re going to Vatican City, the Pantheon, the Appian Way, the Baths of Caracalla, and other important museums and sites, you can easily use the metro.

Keep your personal belongings close to you as pickpockets like to target metro stops. Also, note there is no airport service on the public transit system.

Purchase tickets at vending machines, subway station ticket booths, newspaper stands, and tobacco shops, called tabacchi, with blue signs marked with a “T.”

Once you’ve purchased your ticket, you must have it validated by a machine located by the doors of the tram or bus you’re riding. If you’re riding the train, validate at the turnstile. Otherwise, you could be fined 50 euros per ticket. If you have a multi-day ticket, you only need it stamped once.

Here are the current prices:

• Roma 24H: A 1-day ticket valid for bus, metro and commuter train (€7)
• Roma 48H: A 2-day ticket valid for bus, metro and commuter train (€12.50)
• Roma 72H: A 3-day ticket valid for bus, metro and commuter train (€18)
• CIS: A 7-day ticket valid for bus, metro and commuter train (€24)
• BIT: One metro/commuter train ride or 100 minutes on a bus (€1.50) or $1.72

See Related: Most Beautiful Cities in Europe

Tours

Tours, especially in Rome, will be a significant part of your total Italy trip cost. For families, private tours are great because your kids won’t be distracted by others in a bigger group.

Typical tour price for a family

You can find interesting kid-friendly tours at Viator, like the private Vatican Tour with skip-the-line tickets and a private guide who will keep your children engaged.

Cost:

• Two adults: $185.13 each
• Two children: $103.63 each
• Total: $577.52 (plus gratuity)

Typical tour price for adults

Whether traveling as a couple or solo, you may enjoy a group tour or wander a museum alone. The great thing about purchasing your tickets from a tour company is that you’ll skip the (usually long) lines.

This one-Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Entrance Ticket–allows you to buy Vatican and Sistine Chapel tickets in advance.

Cost: $29.75 per ticket

Food Tours and Dining

When figuring out your trip to Italy cost, don’t forget about one of the things that makes Italy so fantastic – the FOOD.

Typical family-friendly food tour

And how adorable would this be for your whole family? A Rome for Kids: Small Group Pizza Making Class (available through Viator). A fun and engaging chef will teach the whole family how to make authentic Roman pizza, and you can eat your final exam. No holiday card would be complete without pics from this class, and your kiddos will never forget the experience.

Cost:

• Two adults: $82.30 each
• Two children under 13: $71.53 each
• Total: $307.66 (plus gratuity)

Typical adult food tour

Traveling as a couple or solo? Don’t worry. You don’t have to cook your food. There are many, many tours available showcasing the best of Roman food and wine.

This excellent Street Food Tour with Local Guide is only one example. Walk the historic streets of Rome with a knowledgeable guide while sampling the city’s delicacies and wine.

Cost: $48.06 (plus gratuity)

Typical costs for dining

For other dining options, look for places away from tourist hotspots for the best prices. Breakfast will be your cheapest meal and sit-down restaurants will be the most expensive. This is when an apartment with a kitchen can pay off.

Typical costs:

• Espresso and coffee: 2 euro/$2.29
• Bread: 1 euro/$1.14
• Bread with cheese: 10 euro/$11.44
• Lunches and dinners: 25 to 58 euro/$28.61 to $66.37

Souvenir Shopping

Your Italy tourism cost will need some room for all that glorious Italian shopping. You don’t want to go crazy spending money on these items. But some things are worth bringing back stateside–handmade toys, purses and other leather items, blown glass, ceramics, linens, olive oil, and wine.

Using these great finds when you’re back home will be an instant vacation in Italy! And you don’t even have to work out a budget for them.

Cost of these items plus tips, parking, and gas: $50 per day

These prices are all approximate and heavily depend on where and when you go, as well as who you’re with AND your tastes (Champagne?) and preferences.

Trip to Italy cost average per day in Rome for four days is $1,290 + airfare

• Hotel rooms or vacation rentals $150
• Local transportation $7
• Tours (for four) $575
• Food tour and dining (for four) $308 + $200
• Souvenir shopping + miscellaneous $50

Trip to Italy cost average per day in Tuscany for four days is $730 + airfare

• Hotel rooms or vacation rentals $160
• Car rental $250
• Tours (Gondola + train to Venice for four) $145
• Food tour / dining (for four) $125
• Souvenir shopping + miscellaneous $50

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