Packing List for Walking Tours of Italy

Discover Italy's Best Walking Tours: Expert-Led Adventures Since 1999

Italy's timeless beauty is best discovered on foot, where every cobblestone street and hidden alleyway tells a story waiting to be uncovered. For over two decades, travelers have chosen Avventure Bellissime to guide them through Italy's most captivating cities and landscapes, experiencing the authentic charm that only walking tours can provide. Our comprehensive range of tours is designed to suit every traveler's preferences, whether you're seeking intimate group experiences or personalized private adventures:

• Small Group Italy Tours 
• Private Italy Tours
• Italy Shore Excursions
• Italy Transfer Tours
• Discounted Combo Italy Tours

Some of the most popular, though, are our small group and private Italy Walking Tours.

These exciting excursions allow you to explore Rome, Venice, and Florence on foot, at your own pace, led by an enthusiastic and knowledgeable expert guide, and fully immersed in the cool local culture, magic, romance, and amazing history of Italy.

Essential Packing Guide for Walking Tours in Italy

Properly packing for any trip is important, but properly planning, preparing, and packing for a walking tour is especially important, as there is — perhaps — nothing more disappointing than not being able to enjoy a holiday due to discomfort.

Here are some tips directly from the expert guides on the Avventure Bellissime team.

For all Italy and European tours and vacations, make sure you include the following when packing:

• Passport / Identification
• Copies of reservation confirmations (tickets and hotels)
• Copies of Travelers’ Insurance
• Emergency numbers for both home and abroad
• Cash! (Travelers’ Cheques, credit cards, and Euros)
• Camera, batteries, and film
• Toiletries and medications
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat
• Reading material (Note: We suggest an eReader or iPad as they’re easier to tote.)
• Adapter (European outlets are different than the ones in North America.)
• An easy grammar book so you can learn that language as you go
• Clothing and outerwear

And don’t forget:

• A light satchel, backpack, or fanny pack in which to carry your credit cards, camera, and essentials while you’re out walking.
• Moleskin and Band-Aids should you get blisters along the way

What to Wear on Walking Tours in Italy

Check the weather before you go to determine what “season” you’re packing for. Best to bring several changes of clothes — items that can be layered (function) and mix-matched (fashion). And consider all the activities you’re planning to do while in Italy and bring something appropriate for each occasion:

…a light rain jacket or poncho; something dressy should you decide to go out in the evening, or a few accessories so you can dress up your basic day-wear, and several pairs of shoes.

Make sure to also bring an outfit appropriate for visiting churches. Note: Visitors to the Vatican (and other churches and sacred spaces) are asked to wear — out of respect — clothing that covers both the shoulders and the knees (men and women).

Women might choose a below-the-knee-length skirt and a shawl, and men might choose longer Bermuda shorts and t-shirts (not tank tops!). Should you forget, stalls outside the Vatican do sell plastic cloaks for covering up, but they’re not particularly comfortable or fashionable!

Aim for two pieces of luggage, maximum — one piece of checked luggage, and a carry-on bag (backpack, courier bag, or satchel) that can double during the day as a convenient carry-all for your must-haves.

Consider bringing an empty piece of luggage, too — something that can fold-up for easy transport in which to bring home all the goodies you buy in Italy, from souvenirs to special Prada pieces.

What Shoes to Wear on an Italy Walking Trip

Comfortable walking shoes; sandals or flip-flops (for letting your feet breathe after a long day on the town), and flats or comfortable dress shoes. For winter and/or rain, flat leather boots or lightweight hiking shoes. Note: Never bring brand new shoes on a holiday. Wear them before you leave home to break them in.

What to Wear Hiking in Italy

Bring a pair (or several pairs) of supremely comfortable walking/running shoes or hiking boots. (Unless you’re doing some serious hiking, lightweight hiking boots or running shoes will be just fine. Make sure, though, that they provide the support you need — during your time in Italy you’ll be traversing old cobblestone streets, steps/stairs, and bridges.) Consider a style with ankle support and Vibram soles and consider waterproof shoes or a waterproof spray if you’re visiting in the rainy season.