[Italy Travel Guide] Hot August, Embrace Italian Romance: The Sunshine of Rome,

Italy, this charming land, boasts millennia-old Rome, romantic Venice, and the artistic sanctuary of Florence. Whether you are a history buff, art lover, or foodie, you will have unforgettable experiences here. Next, here is a practical Italy travel guide for you.

01 Preparation
✅ Visa: Italy is part of the Schengen Area, so you need to apply for a Schengen visa in advance. Prepare a valid passport, visa application form, photos, proof of funds, itinerary, and other documents, and book your visa appointment at least 3 weeks ahead.
✅ Air Tickets: Monitor major airline websites or ticket booking platforms like Skyscanner and Trip.com. Booking 2-3 months in advance usually secures better prices. Consider open-jaw flights arriving in Rome and departing from Milan to avoid backtracking.
✅ Essentials: Power adapter (Italian standard with two or three round pins), emergency medicine, some cash (200-300 euros), credit cards, sunscreen, comfortable shoes (for long walks), and a lightweight backpack.

02 Itinerary
✅ Rome Morning: Colosseum – Visit early when it’s less crowded to immerse yourself in the grandeur of ancient Roman civilization and closely observe architectural details. Afternoon: Vatican Museums – The afternoon light is ideal for viewing the collections and appreciating Renaissance art masterpieces. Afterwards, explore the surrounding area. Evening: Trevi Fountain – The fountain is beautifully illuminated at night, making it a perfect time for wishing and photos.
✅ Florence Morning: Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore – The soft morning sunlight is perfect for photographing the exterior. Climb to the top for a clear panoramic view of the waking city. Afternoon: Uffizi Gallery – With renewed energy in the afternoon, focus on admiring the art treasures inside, savoring works by masters like Botticelli. Evening: Piazzale Michelangelo – Visit at dusk to enjoy the transition from sunset to night, experiencing Florence’s shift from bustling to tranquil.
✅ Venice Morning: St. Mark’s Square and St. Mark’s Basilica – The square is relatively quiet in the morning, allowing a relaxed visit to the basilica and interaction with pigeons, soaking in Venice’s morning atmosphere. Afternoon: Gondola Ride – The afternoon temperature is ideal for a gondola ride through the canals, with sunlight sparkling on the water, enhancing the charm of the water city.

03 Food Recommendations
✅ Rome: Besides carbonara pasta, try Roman-style pizza (thin crust) and fried artichokes.
✅ Florence: Must-try T-bone steak, tender and juicy; also try tripe sandwiches for a unique flavor.
✅ Venice: Squid ink pasta and seafood risotto offer distinctive seafood tastes. Also, don’t miss Italy’s handcrafted gelato, available in many flavors.

04 Accommodation Suggestions
✅ Rome: Recommended to stay near the Spanish Steps for convenient transportation and many nearby restaurants and shops. For example, Hotel Montecarlo is a 5-minute walk from Termini Station.
✅ Florence: The area around the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is great, such as B&B Emozioni Charme, a bed and breakfast less than 5 minutes on foot from the cathedral.
✅ Venice: Consider staying outside the San Marco district for a quieter and more affordable option. For instance, Hotel Bologna is located opposite Mestre Train Station, with easy access to Venice’s main island.

05 Notes
✅ Public Transport: Rome has metro, buses, and trams. Tickets can be purchased at tobacco shops and newsstands. Remember to validate your ticket.
✅ Trains: Italy has an extensive railway network. Tickets can be booked on Trenitalia or Italo websites. Booking in advance often secures discounted fares.
✅ TIP: In Venice, water buses and gondolas are the main transport. Buying a one-day or multi-day pass is more cost-effective.