Italy

US passport holders can stay in Italy (and the rest of the Schengen zone) for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. From late 2026, Americans will also need an ETIAS travel authorisation — a simple online application costing €7 and valid for three years.

A first trip covering Rome, Florence, and Venice needs a minimum of 10 days. Add the Amalfi Coast or Tuscany and you're at 14. For a deeper trip including Sicily, Puglia, or the Dolomites, plan three weeks. Italy rewards slow travel.

Mid-range daily budget runs $140–220 per person, including a 3-star hotel, one sit-down meal, transit, and entry fees. Shoestring travellers can manage $70–100. Luxury easily exceeds $500. Northern cities (Milan, Venice) cost 20–30% more than Rome and the south.

High-speed trains (Trenitalia's Frecciarossa, Italo) connect major cities in 1–3 hours and are faster than flying for most routes. For Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, or Puglia, rent a car. City transit is good in Rome and Milan, less reliable elsewhere. Avoid driving into historic ZTL zones — the fines arrive months later.

If you only have a week, Rome gives the most depth per day (2,500 years of history, incredible food, walkable centre). For a first-ever Italy trip, the classic triangle — Rome 3 nights, Florence 2, Venice 2 — is popular because it works. Pick your entry city by best flight price from home; train the rest.

Yes — tap water is safe and drinkable everywhere in Italy, including the public fountains ('nasoni') in Rome. Carry a reusable bottle. Restaurants will serve bottled water by default and charge for it; ask for 'acqua del rubinetto' to get tap water.

Tipping is not expected in Italy — a service charge ('coperto' or 'servizio') is often included. Leaving an extra 5–10% for exceptional restaurant service is appreciated but not required. Don't tip in cafés, taxis, or hotel porters beyond rounding up; heavy American-style tipping is unusual and can feel awkward.