THE ULTIMATE GIRLS TRIP TO ITALY GUIDE

Sipping espresso in a sun-drenched piazza, the air filled with laughter and the melodic chatter of Italian. Sound like your dream girls' trip to Italy? Because we’re here to help you make it happen.

Whether you’re art aficionados, food enthusiasts, or simply in need of a break from the daily grind, Italy is a beautiful experience that will linger long after your tan fades.

But planning a girls trip to Italy isn't just about throwing a dart at a map and hoping for the best. It requires careful consideration and planning to ensure you and your besties have the time of your lives.

Get your passports ready and let's dive into the ultimate guide for your Italian adventure (including cruises from Rome)!

The Ultimate Girls Trip to Italy Guide: Planning Your Italian Adventure

First things first: when should you embark on your girls trip to Italy? While there's never truly a bad time to visit this enchanting country, certain seasons offer unique advantages. Spring and fall are ideal for comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds.

Summer brings vibrant festivals and beach-perfect weather, but be prepared for tourist hordes and higher prices. Winter can be magical, especially during the holiday season, but some attractions may have limited hours.

Once you've settled on a date, it's time to craft your itinerary. Here are some of the best locations for a girls trip to Italy.

Rome: Ancient History and Modern Charm

No girls trip to Italy would be complete without a stop in the Eternal City.

Rome, the Eternal City, serves as a living museum where ancient ruins like the Colosseum and Roman Forum stand as testaments to the city's 2,500-year history, coexisting with trendy boutiques and bustling cafes. Start your Roman adventure with the classics: the awe-inspiring Colosseum, the majestic Vatican City, and the iconic Trevi Fountain.

For a taste of Rome's modern side, head to the trendy Trastevere neighborhood. Here, you'll find charming cobblestone streets lined with hip bars and restaurants perfect for a girls' night out.

Explore Royal Caribbean’s cruises from Rome to travel to multiple cruise locations in style!

Florence

Next stop in your Italy trip: Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance and a haven for art lovers. Prepare to be dazzled by world-renowned museums like the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia, home to Michelangelo's David. But Florence isn't just about art – it's a feast for all the senses.

Take a day trip to the rolling hills of Tuscany, where you can sip Chianti in a centuries-old vineyard or explore charming hilltop towns like San Gimignano. Back in Florence, indulge in local specialties like bistecca alla fiorentina or ribollita. Your taste buds will thank you!

Venice

Venice, with its 118 small islands connected by 400 bridges and 170 canals, offers visitors a unique glimpse into a city that has remained largely unchanged for centuries, preserving its stunning Byzantine and Gothic architecture. While a gondola ride might seem cliché, it's a must-do experience for any girls trip to Italy. For a more unique perspective, take a boat to the nearby island of Murano and watch master glassblowers at work.

To escape the tourist crowds, venture into the less-traveled sestieri (neighborhoods) like Cannaregio or Dorsoduro. Here, you'll find hidden gems like local bacari (wine bars) serving delicious cicchetti (Venetian tapas). Don't forget to snap some group photos on the iconic Rialto Bridge or in front of the stunning Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute!

Milan: Fashion Capital and Shopping Paradise

Italian fashion, renowned worldwide for its craftsmanship and innovation, finds its epicenter in Milan, where fashion houses like Gucci, Prada, and Versace showcase their latest collections. Milan is your ultimate playground. Start your shopping spree in the famous Quadrilatero della Moda, home to high-end designer boutiques. For more budget-friendly options, check out the Brera district or the bustling Corso Buenos Aires.

If you're lucky enough to visit during Fashion Week, you might catch a glimpse of the latest runway shows. But Milan isn't all about fashion — don't miss cultural attractions like the breathtaking Duomo or Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper.

Amalfi Coast: Coastal Beauty and Relaxation

After the hustle and bustle of Italy's cities, it's time to unwind on the stunning Amalfi Coast. This stretch of coastline is dotted with picturesque towns like Positano and Ravello, each more beautiful than the last. Rent a boat for the day and explore hidden coves and beaches, or lounge at a chic beach club with a spritz in hand.

For the more adventurous, hike the famous Path of the Gods for breathtaking views of the coastline. And don't forget to capture those Instagram-worthy moments – the colorful buildings cascading down the cliffs provide the perfect backdrop for your girls trip photos!

What To Do On Your Girls Trip to Italy

Now that we've covered the where, let's dive into the what.

Italian Wine Tasting

Wine tasting in Italy offers an educational journey through the country's 20 wine regions, each producing distinctive varieties shaped by local terroir and centuries-old winemaking traditions. Italy is a wine lover's paradise, with regions like Tuscany and Piedmont producing some of the world's finest wines. Book a guided wine tour to learn about the winemaking process and sample local varietals. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, rent a car and create your own wine route through the countryside.

Remember, Italian wine tasting etiquette is a bit different from what you might be used to. It's perfectly acceptable to spit out the wine after tasting — in fact, it's encouraged if you're visiting multiple wineries in a day!

Italian Spas

After all that sightseeing and wine tasting, treat yourselves to some R&R at an Italian spa. The town of Montecatini Terme in Tuscany is famous for its thermal baths, where you can soak in mineral-rich waters just like the ancient Romans did.

Many luxury hotels in major cities also offer spa services if you need a quick pampering session between adventures.

Cafe and Restaurant Hopping

Food is at the heart of Italian culture, and there's no better way to experience it than by cafe and restaurant hopping. Start your day with a cappuccino and cornetto at a local bar, then work your way through lunch, aperitivo, and dinner. Each region has its own specialties, so be sure to try dishes like pasta alla carbonara in Rome, bistecca alla fiorentina in Florence, or pizza napoletana in Naples.

Participating in cooking classes during your Italian journey provides hands-on experience in preparing regional specialties, teaching you about local ingredients and traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations. Learning to make pasta from scratch or pizza in a wood-fired oven is not only fun but also a skill you can take home with you!

Shopping Hotspots in Italy

Italy is a shopper's paradise, from high-end fashion in Milan to artisanal crafts in Florence. In Rome, head to Via del Corso for a mix of international brands and local boutiques. For budget-friendly options, check out outlets like The Mall in Tuscany or markets like the Campo de' Fiori in Rome.

Don't forget to leave room in your suitcase for uniquely Italian souvenirs. Murano glass from Venice, leather goods from Florence, or gourmet food items make perfect mementos of your trip.

Plan a Seamless Trip with Your Girl Friends with Royal Caribbean!

Want to experience the best of Italy without the hassle of planning every detail? Consider an Italy cruise with Royal Caribbean! Amazing cruises and cruise deals are available to suit every budget and preference. With everything taken care of onboard, you can focus on what really matters – making memories with your best girlfriends! Book your cruise today and get ready for the girls' trip to Italy of a lifetime!