If Italy is on your list for your next Europe tour packages, you're on the right track! Italy has so much to offer first-time tourists as one of the most popular and famous European destinations. Traveling to Italy for the first time can be a difficult yet wonderful experience, from the history and culture to the scenery and, of course, the cuisine and wine. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your first visit to this beautiful country.

Research and Plan in Advance

With so many amazing cities and areas to visit, planning is important. Once you’ve booked one of the cheap Europe tour packages from Dubai through the best travel agency in Dubai, research travel books and blogs to plan your ideal Italy itinerary. Outlining your must-see destinations and highlights will help you plan your holiday better. You won't be able to see the entire country in a single trip, so focus on specific locations. The rolling Tuscan hills and coastal towns like Positano along the Amalfi Coast, as well as Rome and its historical attractions, are all wonderful possibilities.

Brush Up On Basic Italian Phrases

You won't be fluent after reading a few travel phrase guides. However, mastering a few basic Italian phrases and words will help you travel more respectfully and smoothly. Most residents in the city and tourist areas speak some English, but they always appreciate it when visitors attempt to communicate in Italian when possible. Learn key phrases such as formal greetings, expressing gratitude, requesting assistance, ordering food, and counting numbers.

Get a Good Pair of Walking Shoes

Prepare to walk a lot if your Italy itinerary includes visits to ancient ruins, museums, churches, winding cobblestone paths, and hidden piazzas. Bring your most comfortable, well-worn walking shoes featuring arch support. Leave the new shoes or delicate sandals at home. Your feet will thank you when you see the Colosseum, the Cinque Terre towns, Florence's Piazzale Michelangelo viewpoint, and other attractions. Quality insoles are also recommended for extra comfort.

Book Reservations for Major Attractions in Advance

If you don't want to waste time waiting in particularly long queues, get tickets for major attractions online ahead of time. Skip-the-line permits can help first-time visitors maximize their sightseeing in Rome, Vatican City, Venice, Milan, and other cities. Otherwise, book date-specific tickets for sights like the Colosseum, Borghese Gallery, Doges Palace, St. Mark's Basilica, Florence's Uffizi and Accademia Galleries containing Michelangelo outstanding works, and even Cinque Terre hiking routes.

Try the Local Cuisine and Wine

One of the most enjoyable aspects of traveling through Italy is eating your way through the nation. The wide range of Italian cuisine between Northern and Southern regions dazzles; each region puts its take on pasta dishes, pizzas, seafood, cheeses, cured meats, olive oils, and so on. Don't limit yourself just eat familiar dishes! Taste regional favorites such as bolognese and tortellini pasta from Bologna, cannoli from Sicily, and pizza from Naples, where it originated. And, considering that Italy is one of the world's finest wine areas, you owe it to yourself to try some local drinks. Tastings from Tuscan wineries in and around Florence and Chianti, as well as the Valpolicella and Prosecco zones of Veneto. Salute!

Venture Off the Beaten Path When Possible

As a first-time visitor, you'll likely want to see the canals of Venice, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, the Pompeii ruins, and more. After devouring Rome’s Colosseum and Pantheon, follow the swaths of motorcoach groups to the next stop. However, if opportunity allows, depart from your Europe tour package schedule to discover hidden gems that provide a local's viewpoint on regional history, culture, cuisine, and landscape. Explore Naples' underground tunnels, go hiking in Abruzzo National Park, or take an off-the-beaten-path day trip to Matera's historic cave homes in Basilicata. Get tips from the hotel staff on neighborhood trattorias and quiet piazzas that only locals frequent. 

Respect Basic Cultural Customs and Etiquette

Please respect Italian traditions and respect when visiting churches, landmarks, dining, etc. to avoid looking like an uncomfortable or rude tourist during your vacation. When entering places of worship, cover your shoulders and knees. In museums and restaurants, employ an "indoor voice" rather than screams across the room. When enjoying an Italian meal, keep in mind that pasta is traditionally eaten with a fork rather than a spoon, as seen in American films. Say "buongiorno" before entering a café or business, and remember to say "permesso" if you need to push past those in line. Keep an eye on the locals and copy their actions. 

Pack Smartly and Lightly

You'll be carrying luggage up and down a lot of stairs at train platforms, hotels, and tourist attractions without elevators during your trip to Italy. Pack as few objects as possible to save space. For long walks, choose luggage with strong wheels or that is easy to carry. Instead of a fancy purse available to pickpockets, carry a theft-proof day bag for carrying basics such as phones, passports, medication, and a wallet. Make backup photocopies of documents. Travel-size toiletries minimize weight; bring flexible clothing in darker colors that hide grime. Mobile chargers, protein snacks, a scarf or cardigan, a hat, sunglasses, and a compact first aid kit take up little space but provide a lot of comfort.

Budget Realistically and Carefully

One advantage of buying cheap Europe tour packages from Dubai through the best travel agency is that your trip will be tailored to your specific budget. But you'll most likely need extra spending money once you've immersed yourself in la dolce vita! With fresh Italian food, designer clothing, slick leather items, wines, and other enticing offerings at every turn, expenses quickly pile up. Create a budget spreadsheet that defines daily funds for transportation, lodging, meals, sightseeing, shopping, and so forth. Research museum ticket prices online ahead of time to avoid surprises. Travel during the shoulder seasons when there are fewer tourists and the cost of lodging is lower. Consider purchasing public transportation passes, avoiding unnecessary taxi rides, and replacing food hall self-service prices for extravagant restaurant meals on occasion.

Any great Italy itinerary you end up selecting with the help of the best travel agency in Dubai, keeping these ideas in mind will improve your first visit.