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Italy had been at the top of my travel bucket list for years, and the 18 unforgettable days I spent exploring the country exceeded my every expectation. From Rome to Tuscany, every destination offered something completely different. If you’re planning an Italian adventure from South Africa, here’s everything you need to know on visas, flights, budgeting and an itinerary that lets you experience some of the best Italy has to offer.
Journey Through Italy with Kristine, Travelstart’s Social Media & Affiliates Coordinator.
18 Day Italy Itinerary Quick Overview
| Days | Destination | Main experiences |
| 1–5 | Rome | Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican City |
| 6–8 | Florence | Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Renaissance art |
| 9–11 | Venice | St Mark’s Square, canals, local neighbourhoods |
| 12–13 | Bologna | Food experiences and historic centre |
| 14–18 | Tuscany | Lucca, Pisa, Viareggio and wine country |
Do South Africans Need a Visa for Italy?
Yes, South African passport holders need a Schengen Visa to travel to Italy. This will cost approximately R2,000. The application process is straightforward but lengthy, so apply at least 4–6 weeks before your departure date.
Always check the Italian consulate and VFS websites for up-to-date info.
The best time to visit Italy
The best time to visit Italy is generally Spring (April to May) or Autumn (September to October), when the weather is pleasant and major attractions are usually less crowded than during peak summer.
We went during Summer (June to August), which is peak tourist season and can get scorching hot. In Spring, Italy is alive with festive energy. Autumn is harvest season, the best time for wine tasting. Skiers and those who want to avoid crowds of tourists will want to go in Winter (November to March).
Flying from South Africa to Italy
There are currently no direct flights between South Africa and Italy, so you’ll need to connect through another international hub.
We flew with Ethiopian Airlines from Cape Town to Rome via Addis Ababa. The layover was short and efficient, making the journey surprisingly smooth. Both legs of the flight were relatively empty, giving us an entire row to ourselves. Being able to stretch out to sleep was a comfort on the long journey home.
How much does a trip to Italy cost? Full Itinerary breakdown
Italy can suit a wide range of budgets, but for South Africans planning a comfortable holiday, here’s a rough estimate per person for an 18-day trip:
| Expense | Approximate Cost |
| Return flights | R10,000–R15,000 |
| Accommodation | R15,000–R25,000 |
| Trains and local transport | R5,000–R8,000 |
| Food and drinks | R10,000–R15,000 |
| Attractions and tours | R3,000–R6,000 |
*We opted for more budget-friendly accommodation as young working professionals.
A realistic budget is around R40,000–R60,000 per person, depending on your travel style and accommodation choices.
Italy Itinerary – City Breakdown
Rome
The 5 days we spent in Rome were the perfect introduction to Italy. It’s like an open-air museum, where ancient ruins sit alongside lively cafés and piazzas. I was surprised by how busy Rome is. It’s tourist-heavy, especially during the summer months. If you’re planning to tour attractions, book your tickets months in advance or be prepared to queue for hours in the heat (especially the Vatican).
We explored at a leisurely pace. Some of our favourite experiences were our visits to the Colosseum and Roman Forum, and the Vatican City.
Quick hack: To avoid the crowds, we viewed the Trevi Fountain from the upstairs window of the United Colors of Benetton store.
Artsy Places to visit in Rome
| The Conca d’Oro Market | Pietro Canonica Museum | The Church of Saint Ignatius |
Florence
Florence felt completely different from Rome. Smaller, walkable and incredibly charming, it’s a city where art, architecture and amazing food come together. Over 3 days, we explored the magnificent Duomo and climbed the adjacent bell tower, crossed the Ponte Vecchio, admired incredible Renaissance masterpieces and wandered Florence’s winding streets.
A favourite memory of mine is watching the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo. Hundreds of strangers gathered to see the city aglow, as local buskers played the background music to the moment.
Why are the Statue of David’s hands so big?
Photo credit: Jianxiang Wu (Unsplash)Fun Facts: As the statue was originally supposed to top the roof of the Florence Cathedral, Michelangelo made the hands over-large to account for the distortion caused by perspective. The figure had to be carved in a twisted pose because the block of marble was narrow. And for the lovers… his pupils are heart-shaped.
Venice
Venice was unlike anywhere else I’ve visited. The 3 days there were the highlight of the trip. Our exploration went beyond tourist spots. We wandered through quiet neighbourhoods, visited St. Mark’s Square and spent hours getting lost in the maze of Venice’s narrow streets and canals. We embraced the Italian tradition of enjoying an Aperol Spritz while walking around, which cooled us down during the hot summer afternoons.
Italian Traditions to try in Venice
| View the gondolier races | Attend a mask-making workshop | Celebrate the Fest del Redentor |
Bologna
Our 2 days in Italy’s food capital, Bologna, delivered some of the tastiest meals of the entire trip. However, as a vegetarian, I found dining a little more challenging here than the other cities. Many of the traditional dishes feature pork or cured meats, so it’s harder to find vegetarian-friendly options.
Vegetarian Food Spots in Italy
| La Svolta – Cucina di Ragione | Bologna | Il Vegetariano | Florence | Misticanza | Rome |
Lucca
Lucca stole our hearts. Perfectly preserved Renaissance walls surround this Tuscan town, creating a peaceful atmosphere.
It was our home base for the final part of the trip. We went to nearby Pisa to see the iconic Leaning Tower (and laugh at everyone trying to get the perfect “holding up the tower” photo), soaked up the Mediterranean sunshine in Viareggio and rounded off our stay with a tour through Tuscany’s famous wine region. Sampling local wines and olive oils while driving through rolling vineyards and picturesque hilltop villages was the perfect end to our holiday.
You can take a train from Lucca to…
| Pisa (25-35 minutes) | Viareggio (17-25 minutes) | Pistoia (around 45 minutes) |
Your Questions about Your Italy Itinerary
How much should a South African budget for Italy?
Based on our experience, approximately R43,000–R69,000 per person for 18 days, depending on flights, accommodation and travel style.
Is Italy expensive for South Africans?
It can be, particularly because of the rand-euro exchange rate, but trains, advance bookings and budget accommodation can help control costs.
What is the best route for a first trip to Italy?
Rome, Florence and Venice make a strong first-time route. Bologna is a foodie paradise and Lucca is enjoyed at a slow pace.
Is Italy Worth It?
Absolutely. Italy offers unforgettable experiences of history, culture, world-famous cuisine and breathtaking landscapes. Every city has its own personality, from Rome’s ancient grandeur to Florence’s artistic charm, Venice’s romantic canals, Bologna’s incredible eats and Lucca’s relaxed Tuscan lifestyle.
If Italy is on your travel bucket list, consider this your sign to start planning. With a little preparation and the right itinerary, it’s a trip you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
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