Ultimate Italy packing list: must-haves for an unforgettable trip

A trip to Italy has so much to offer: You can visit world-class museums to marvel at masterpieces, explore architectural treasures from the ancient world, shop for the latest designer fashions, hike along rugged coastal trails, and then fuel up with some of the most delicious food and drink you can imagine. An Italy tour has something magical to offer every type of traveler.

But with so many things to do comes even more that you have to plan for. We know that part of having a great trip is being properly prepared for the adventure ahead, which includes packing everything you need. So we’ve put together the ultimate guide on how to pack for a trip to Italy so you can focus on what really matters: having a memorable time on tour.

How to prepare for a trip to Italy

You already know all roads lead to Rome. But what happens if you’re not even there yet?

• Do your research. Before you book a trip, figure out where you want to go. Do you prefer the history of Rome or the art of Florence? Do you want to lay on the beach in Cinque Terre or walk through the ruins of Pompeii? If you’re planning on your first trip to Italy, maybe you want to do it all on our Grand Tour of Italy!
• Go guided. When you go on a guided tour, an expert will escort you to all of the top destinations and tell you everything you want to know. Plus, you won’t have to plan a thing.
• Know what to pack. Knowing what to pack for Italy is going to be the best way to make the most of your trip. (After all, that’s what this whole guide is about.) But if you’re looking for more Italy travel advice, read what one of our Tour Directors has to say about the most important things to keep in mind ahead of your trip.

Italy packing list essentials

Whether you’re on our A Week in Italy: Venice, Florence & Rome tour or the Food & Wine: Flavors of Tuscany & Umbria tour, these items are a must for any packing list for Italy.

• Your passport. You (quite literally) cannot travel to Italy without it! Be sure you know where it is before you leave, and double-check to make sure it’s valid for at least six months after the tour’s return and has at least three blank pages.
• Travel adaptor. One of the most important things to buy before going to Italy is a plug adaptor. Italy uses three plug types: C, F and L. Type C plugs have two round pins, type F has two round pins with clips on the top and bottom, and type L has three round pins in a row. Most hotel rooms have a mixture of type F (used throughout Europe) and L (Italian only), but know that you can use a type F in a type C outlet and type C in a type L outlet (confusing, we know). As long as you have one of these power adapters, you’ll be absolutely fine.
• A small day bag. The question of what to wear in Italy includes accessories, too. So do note that many churches and museums will not allow you to bring in large backpacks for security purposes—you’ll need to check them at the door. However, you can wear a small day bag, like a cross-body travel bag or stylish mini backpack, on your front.
• RFID money belt or wallet. Italy’s city streets can get busy, and like in any country with a lot of tourists, you’ll want to be wary of pickpockets. RFID can protect your credit card info from electronic theft, and a money belt will conceal your cash without ruining your outfit.
• Portable charger. On our Grand Tour of Italy, expect to float along Venice’s canals, take in the Renaissance mastery of Florence, and walk along ancient streets in Rome. We bet you’re going to snap a bunch of gorgeous photos. That means you’ll need a phone battery that can keep up. Pack a small portable charger, and you won’t have to worry at all!
• Reusable water bottle. This isn’t just one of our eco-friendly travel essentials. It’ll also save you money—see ya, pricey plastic water bottles. Italy’s tap water is safe to drink, and you can fill your bottle with fresh, cold water at Roman aqueducts built thousands of years ago—so it’s an authentic experience, too. Just try not to ask bars or restaurants to refill it for you, as this isn’t common practice in Italy.
• A stylish pair of walking shoes. Italy is famous for its fashionable footwear. But it’s also known for its cobblestone streets and steps. So, while you may be tempted to dress as fashionably as the locals, one of our top what to wear in Italy recommendations is a comfortable pair of shoes. You’ll want something you can confidently tackle the 463 steps to the top of the Duomo in Florence or exploring Rome’s more than 2,000 fountains. And if on our Journey through Italy: Milan to the Amalfi Coast tour you find yourself eyeing a pair or two to bring home, well, Italian shoes are the perfect souvenirs.

What to pack for Italy in the spring and summer

Because Italy has four seasons, your Italy packing list for summer is going to look a bit different than your list for the winter. If you’re visiting Rome in the spring, temperatures range between 60°F and 75°F. In the summer, they can reach around 86°F with high humidity. So, here’s what to pack for Italy if you’re planning a visit during the warmer seasons.

• Stylish, yet conservative clothing. Shorts and tank tops aren’t very common throughout Italy, but that doesn’t mean the locals aren’t fashionable. Italians tend to dress on the more professional side and look down on items like athletic leggings, shorts, and crop tops. In fact, you’ll be hard-pressed to find anyone in shorts unless you’re spending the day on the water, like you would on our Lake Como, the Italian Riviera & Venice tour. So if you’re wondering what to wear in Italy, stick with simple, classic pieces: A breezy linen or cotton blouse or button down and a pair of light pants will be your best friend for keeping cool while looking cool, too.
• Shawl or pashmina. If you’re going into any churches like St. Mark’s Basilica or the Vatican, expect to cover up. You won’t be allowed in with bare shoulders or knees. Plus, your shawl will also protect you from the hot Italian sun. But on the flip side, during a visit to coastal areas like the Amalfi Coast, a light shawl or pashmina is not just fashionable accessory, but also practical for cooler evenings.
• Light jacket. Spring and summer can be pretty sweltering so, in general, clothes to wear to Italy during this time should be light and breathable. But one of the best packing tips for Italy is a light jacket—even if you don’t think you’ll need it. Nights can get a little chilly, especially if you’re near the sea.
• Sandals with support. Just like athletic gear, wearing flip flops will be a surefire way to stand out as a tourist. Locals just don’t wear them. So, if you choose to pack sandals for your trip to Italy, make sure they’re stylish ones that are comfortable enough to do a lot of walking in.
• Bathing suit. No Italy packing guide for a summer trip would be complete without one—especially if you’re planning on joining our idyllic A Week in Sicily tour. And if you want to blend in with locals, maybe pick your brightest-color swimwear. Or a pair of trunks in a fun, playful pattern. Italians are all about eye-catching fashion so your travel clothes for Italy should be bold enough to turn heads!
• Mosquito repellent. Italy’s summers are so lovely that even mosquitoes can’t resist the urge to see the sites with you. The major cities, like Florence and Rome, can get pretty buggy, as can many spots in Southern Italy. A simple mosquito bracelet or little bottle of spray can keep you itch-free and feeling fabulous.

Travel essentials for Italy in the fall and winter

In the fall, Italian days are a sunny 65°F to 75°F, and in the winter, they get as low as 50°F (or even colder the further north you get). Nights will then be chilly, and it rains a bit more during these seasons, too. So, if you’re seeking tips for packing for a trip to Italy in the cooler months, keep reading.

• Umbrella and raincoat. Italy tends to see the majority of its rainfall in late October and early November. “I personally always bring a small umbrella or disposable poncho in my cross-body bag when traveling, no matter the time of year,” says staffer Wesley, who considers a waterproof raincoat one of his most important Italy travel essentials. “Luck tends to favor the prepared.”
• Puffy coat. These are so easy to pack because they’re light and compact, and they keep you nice and toasty. So if you’re wondering what clothes to wear in Italy during the colder months, don’t forget your trusty puffer jacket.
• Scarf. You’ll have an extra layer of warmth, while always having something with you to cover up in the more conservative churches. And if you’re on our classic A Week in Italy: Venice, Florence & Rome tour, you know there will be some epic churches.
• Wool hat. Whenever you’re traveling during the colder months, you should never forget to pack a hat. And the same goes for a trip to Italy. And while it might not be freezing cold on our Journey through Italy: Milan to the Amalfi Coast tour, in October conditions can feel colder when combined with the wind—especially as you explore some of these gorgeous coastlines. Add a fashionable hat to your Italy travel packing list and you’ll be all set.
• Lightweight boots. An Italy packing list for fall and winter travel won’t be complete without a sturdy pair of lightweight boots that will keep you warm, while making sure you look as stylish as all the locals do.

What not to pack

We’ve run down what we think are packing necessities for your next Italy tour. Now, we’re sharing a few things you may want to leave at home.

• Leather jackets or boots. Italy is known for fabulous leather goods. Stylish jackets and boots can often be very affordable, and very fashionable, too. And leather-shopping is one of our favorite things to do in Florence.
• Big backpacks or totes. If you bring one of these, you’ll be forced to check it at the entrance of most big museums. It’s best to opt for a shoulder bag, instead—or a small crossbody bag to safely hold your valuables.
• New shoes. You may feel like you need to buy fabulous new shoes for an equally fabulous trip to Italy. But whether you’re on our classic A Week in Italy: Venice, Florence & Rome tour or our bucket-list-worthy Grand Tour of Italy, expect to do a good amount of walking. And we can’t imagine you'll be comfortable doing that in a pair of shoes you haven’t properly broken in yet.
• Too many bath and body products. We get that you may need to bring a specific facial cleanser, your daily shampoo, or a sunscreen that best suits your complexion, but try to limit these to the toiletries. With ever-changing carry-on requirements, you don’t want to risk having to throw your favorite products away. And plus, shopping in a European pharmacy to stock up on new skincare and beauty favorites can be a lot of fun—and very affordable.
• Traveler’s checks and large amounts of cash to exchange. We understand sorting out currency exchanges can be a complicated part of travel. But it doesn’t need to be, and don’t make it more challenging by bringing traveler’s checks and large amounts of cash that needs to be exchanged for euros. Italians primarily use cash, and traveler’s checks can be a bit of a nuisance. Street-side exchange kiosks come with big fees, and waiting in long lines at banks can be a big waste of time. If you need cash, it’s often very easy to withdraw it at an ATM upon arrival in Italy so be sure to pack your debit card.