Planning a trip to Italy can be exciting, but figuring out the costs can feel overwhelming. If you’re wondering, “How Much A Trip To Italy Would Cost?”, this guide breaks down the average expenses for a family vacation, providing a realistic budget for your Italian adventure. Whether it’s your first time or a return visit, understanding the costs involved will help you plan your dream trip.
I’ve traveled to Italy numerous times and helped many families plan their Italian getaways. This experience has given me a clear understanding of hotel prices, tour costs, and transportation expenses. So, let’s dive into a detailed breakdown to answer the question, “How much a trip to Italy would cost?”
Budgeting is essential for any trip, and Italy is no exception. While it’s not as budget-friendly as some destinations like Ireland or Portugal, it’s also not as expensive as cities like London or Paris.
Key Considerations for Your Italy Trip Cost
Before we get into the numbers, here are some vital budgeting and travel tips to keep in mind when planning your trip:
- Summer Travel: Summer is the most expensive time to visit, and with recent European heat waves, it will be hot! Ensure your accommodations have air conditioning.
- Popular Destinations: Honeymoon spots like the Amalfi Coast, Capri, and Cinque Terre are crowded and pricey in the summer. Family-friendly accommodations can be hard to find.
- Advance Booking: For high-season travel, book accommodations six to nine months in advance for the best options.
- Tuscan Villas: Villas in Tuscany often have a one-week minimum rental, usually from Saturday to Saturday. Plan your itinerary accordingly.
- Budget-Friendly Regions: For a similar feel to Tuscany at a lower price, consider Umbria, Emilia Romagna, or Piedmont.
- City vs. Countryside: Major cities like Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan are more expensive than the countryside. Limit your time in cities and take day trips to save money. Venice is particularly pricey.
Sample Italy Trip Budget: Family of Four
This budget example is based on a family of four (two adults and two children aged 6-11) traveling from a major US airport hub during the summer. Adjust as needed for your specific circumstances and travel style. This family enjoys comfortable three to four-star accommodations.
This example covers a 12-day trip, including four nights in Rome and one week in Tuscany. A trip to Venice, the Amalfi Coast, the Dolomites, Lake Como, or the Cinque Terre, will increase your costs.
Here’s a breakdown of the main cost elements:
- Airfare
- Hotel/Accommodations
- Tours
- Transportation
- Food
- Souvenirs/Miscellaneous
While some budgets suggest $50-75 per person per day, that’s unrealistic for a typical family vacation. Families often prioritize comfort, privacy, and central locations. Splurging on memorable experiences like a gondola ride or a private, kid-friendly guide is also worthwhile.
The goal is to balance budget and enjoyment, creating a memorable family trip without breaking the bank.
The bottom line: a 12-day trip to Italy for a family of four in the summer will cost approximately $19,990, or $416 per person per day.
Breaking Down the Costs
Airfare to Italy
Summer airfare can be expensive, with direct flights averaging around $1,300 per person on ITA Airways. Book tickets six months in advance to find the best deals. Cyber Monday after Thanksgiving is often a good time to purchase. Consider signing up for services like Going to receive alerts for discounted destinations.
Flying in and out of Rome on a round-trip ticket and traveling midweek can also save money. Budget airlines like Norse, with connections in Europe, can offer tickets under $1,000.
Using travel points earned on credit cards can significantly reduce airfare costs. Use the Travel Freely app to track credit cards and learn how to maximize points.
Total airfare cost: $5,200 ($1300 per person)
Accommodations in Italy
Rome
Accommodations in Rome and other major cities can be pricey. Finding a hotel room that accommodates a family of four can be challenging, often requiring two rooms or an expensive suite. Two smaller rooms are often cheaper than a large suite.
In Rome, a four-star hotel in the historic city center will cost around $600 per night per room. Consider a Rome hotel with a pool to cool off in the afternoon. Five-star hotels can exceed $1,000 per night per room, with super-luxe options reaching $2,000+.
For budget-conscious travelers, mid-range hotels like the Daphne Inn offer family rooms at reasonable prices if booked early.
Consider a VRBO apartment rental. A three-bedroom, two-bath apartment with a view of the Colosseum can be found for around $350 per night.
Total Rome accommodations: $4,800 ($1200 x 4 nights)
Tuscany
Accommodation prices in Tuscany vary widely. Five-star resorts like Belmond’s Castello di Casole can cost $3,000 per night. Budget-friendly options include agriturismos or villa rentals.
Agriturismos are self-catering apartments on working farms, often with a shared pool. These are authentic and offer space for kids to play. Ensure the property has a pool if that’s important to you.
Agriturismos and many vacation rentals in Tuscany require a seven-night, Saturday-to-Saturday stay. If flying into Italy on a Saturday, drive directly to Tuscany from the airport.
Al Gelso Bianco is a popular agriturismo with two-bedroom apartments for four costing around $3,400 for a week in high season.
Check for room air conditioners or fans, as they are not always available in traditional farmhouses. Also, confirm dining options. Some stays include breakfast, while others are self-catered. Dinner may need to be organized in advance, as meals are often cooked by the owners.
Total Tuscany accommodations: $3,400
Transportation in Italy
If spending a week in Tuscany, a car is essential. Use Auto Europe to find the best rental rates. Book early, especially for automatic transmissions, as inventory is limited.
An automatic station wagon suitable for a family of four will cost around $400-$1,000 for a week, depending on the drop-off location. Renting a van or SUV may be tempting, but smaller cars are easier to navigate in small Tuscan towns. Pack light to fit luggage in smaller trunks.
Arrive on Saturday morning, pick up the rental at the FCO airport, and drive to Tuscany. The following Saturday, drop the rental back at the Rome airport and take a car service (Welcome Pickups) or cab into the city. A car service will cost approximately $65-80, while a cab is closer to $50.
Taking a train from the airport to the Termini station is an option, but that neighborhood may not be ideal for accommodation. Train travel in Italy is convenient, but a car is necessary in the countryside.
When pumping gas, ensure you know if the car requires diesel or unleaded fuel. Budget for cab rides and parking in addition to the car rental and gas.
Total transportation: $600
Tours and Activities in Italy
Private tours are highly recommended for families. Group tours can be unpredictable. Family-friendly private tours cost around $500 for a family of four.
Small group tours are a more affordable option. Companies like LivTours and Walks of Italy offer small group tours with a limited number of participants.
In Rome, consider tours for the following attractions:
- Colosseum and Roman Forum
- Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
- Borghese Gallery and Gardens
If the budget allows, add tours for:
- Catacombs
- Gladiator School
In Tuscany, take day trips to towns like Lucca, Pisa, Siena, San Gimignano, Montepulciano, Montalcino, and Pienza. Consider a family-friendly wine or food/cheese tour with a company like Tuscan Organic Tours or a bike tour with On the Road in Chianti.
Take a day trip to Florence and tour the city highlights. Get skip-the-line tickets to the Accademia and Uffizi and pre-book timed entry tickets to climb the Duomo.
Total tours: $2,750 (5 x $500 + tickets)
Food Costs in Italy
Food prices vary, but avoid highly touristic areas for affordable options. Trattorias or osterias are less formal and expensive than ristorantes. Purchase pizza or panini to go for picnics or casual meals.
Ordering coffee and pastry at a bar and eating inside is cheaper than table service outside. But sometimes, the experience is worth the price, especially when eating Tartufo in Piazza Navona.
Budget at least $170 per day for a family, opting for pizza and pasta. Foodies seeking fine dining should budget more. Staying at an agriturismo allows you to prepare some meals, saving money.
Total food: $2040
Souvenirs & Miscellaneous Expenses
Purchase souvenirs like wooden toys, leather goods, purses/bags, painted ceramics, blown glass, lace and linens, wine, and olive oil.
Set aside a budget for tips for tour guides, approximately $50 per day.
Total Miscellaneous: $500
Travel Insurance
Protect your trip with travel insurance. Pricing varies depending on coverage, ages, and trip costs. Estimate around $600-1,000 (kids under 17 are usually free).
Total Cost of a Trip to Italy
If you follow this budget, your total trip to Italy would come to a grand total of:
Average Total Family Trip to Italy Cost: $19,990
This means a 12-day trip to Italy costs about $1,666 per day for a family of four. Consider using points for airfare, staying in vacation rentals, taking small group tours, cooking your own meals, and limiting extra spending to lower costs.
Luxury accommodations, private transportation, and fine dining can easily triple this cost. This budget strikes a balance between affordability and comfort.
| Category | Expense |
|---|---|
| Airfare | $ 5,200 |
| Accommodations | $ 8,200 |
| Transportation | $ 600 |
| Tours & activities | $ 2,750 |
| Food | $ 2,040 |
| Souvenirs & miscellaneous | $ 500 |
| Travel Insurance | $ 700 |
| Total Cost | $19,990 |
Plan Your Italy Trip
Understanding “how much a trip to Italy would cost” is the first step in making your dream vacation a reality. Careful planning and budgeting will ensure you enjoy all that Italy has to offer without financial stress.
