A trip to Italy from India could be a dream come true. From ancient ruins to Renaissance art, and world-famous cuisine to scenic countryside, Italy offers a rich travel experience. But before booking your tickets, it’s important to understand the costs involved.
This guide breaks down the key expenses like, flights, accommodation, food, transport, visa, and more. This could help to budget your cost of Italy trip from India smartly.
Your overall cost to visit Italy can vary depending on your travel style—budget, mid-range, or luxury. However, you can get a fair estimate by looking at each expense category separately.
A return flight from India to Italy (Delhi or Mumbai to Rome/Milan) in economy class typically costs between ₹45,000 to ₹65,000 per person. During off-peak months like February or November, you might find deals for around ₹38,000–₹42,000 if you book in advance.
One-stop flights (via Middle Eastern or European hubs) are generally cheaper than direct flights. Budget airlines also operate within Europe, which helps in travelling between cities at low prices once you’re in Italy.
Hotel rates in Italy depend heavily on location, season, and the city you’re staying in.
Budget hotels and hostels: ₹2,500 to ₹4,000 per night (Rome, Florence, Venice)
Mid-range 3-star hotels: ₹5,000 to ₹8,000 per night
4-star hotels or boutique stays: ₹9,000 to ₹15,000 per night
Airbnb apartments: ₹4,000 to ₹10,000 per night depending on location
If you're planning a 7-day Italy trip, expect to spend ₹18,000 to ₹56,000 on stay, depending on your preferences.
Food in Italy ranges from budget-friendly street eats to gourmet dining. Here’s what you can expect:
Budget meals: ₹700 to ₹1,000 per day
Mid-range meals: ₹1,200 to ₹2,500 per day
Fine dining: ₹3,000+ per day
A simple meal like pasta or pizza in a local trattoria might cost around ₹900–₹1,300. For Indian travellers, Indian restaurants are available in cities like Rome and Milan, though their prices might be slightly on the higher side.
Travelling around Italy is quite convenient thanks to its efficient train and bus network.
Train travel (Rome to Florence, Florence to Venice): ₹1,000–₹3,000 per trip if booked early
Metro/bus/tram day passes: ₹300–₹600
Taxis: ₹1,000 to ₹1,500 for short trips
Car rentals: ₹4,000 per day + fuel + tolls
Regional trains are cost-effective and reliable. Booking in advance could give you better rates.
Italy is full of cultural and historical sights. Entry fees vary widely:
Museums (e.g., Vatican or the Colosseum): ₹1,000 to ₹2,500 per ticket
Guided tours: ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 per day
City passes (Rome, Florence, Venice cards): ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 for 2–3 days
Gondola ride in Venice: ₹6,000 to ₹8,000 (30–40 minutes)
Free walking tours are available in many cities. Don’t forget to budget for booking excursions to attractions like Pompeii or Tuscany regions.
Indians need a short-stay Schengen visa to visit Italy. Here are the costs:
Visa fee: ₹7,000 approx. (including service charges)
Additional courier or biometric service fees may apply
Visa processing time: 10–15 working days
Apply through VFS Global or other authorised agents. Travel insurance is mandatory for visa application.
Travel insurance for Italy is ideally expected and generally costs:
Basic coverage (₹10 Lakhs sum insured): ₹500 to ₹1,500 for a 7–15 day trip
Premium coverage with trip cancellation and medical emergencies: ₹2,000–₹3,000
Choose a plan that covers baggage loss, trip delays, and medical emergencies.
Other costs you should factor into your Italy travel budget:
SIM card: ₹700 to ₹1,200 for unlimited data and local calls
Shopping (fashion, souvenirs, leather goods): ₹5,000–₹20,000+ depending on the items
Tips and service charges: Not mandatory but a 5–10% tip is appreciated in restaurants
City taxes: Most hotels charge around ₹100 to ₹350 per night per person
While saving up for your Italy holiday is ideal, there are other ways to manage costs without financial strain.
Travel-focused credit cards offer:
Free airport lounge access
Reward points for flight bookings
Forex mark-up discounts
Hotel and dining offers
Make sure you carry a card with international usage enabled. Some cards even offer complimentary travel insurance.
You can also apply for a personal loan if you prefer easy EMIs. Many banks offer:
Loan amount: Up to ₹50 Lakhs
Interest rate: Starting from 9.99% p.a.
Tenure: Up to 96 months
Additionally, you could use a travel loan calculator to plan your EMI.
Let’s say you’re planning a one-week Italy trip. Here’s a sample Italy travel cost breakdown for a solo traveller:
Expense Category |
Cost in ₹ |
Flights (round-trip) |
₹50,000 |
Visa |
₹7,000 |
Accommodation (mid-range) |
₹35,000 |
Food |
₹10,000 |
Internal Travel |
₹6,000 |
Sightseeing & Activities |
₹8,000 |
Insurance & Misc. |
₹4,000 |
Total Estimated Cost |
₹1,20,000 |
Note: Prices may vary depending on your travel dates and city combinations.
Italy offers a rich blend of history, culture, and nature. Here are must-visit destinations:
Rome – Colosseum, Vatican City, Trevi Fountain
Venice – Grand Canal, St. Mark’s Square, gondola rides
Florence – Uffizi Gallery, Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
Milan – Duomo di Milano, shopping in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Amalfi Coast – Scenic coastal towns like Positano and Ravello
Pisa – The iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa
Lake Como – Picturesque lake surrounded by mountains
Apart from sightseeing, here are top experiences to enjoy:
Attend an opera in Verona or Milan
Explore Tuscan vineyards
Cruise along Venice canals
Join a cooking class for pasta or pizza
Visit historic churches and basilicas
Take a walking tour of ancient ruins in Rome
Ride the Funicular railway in Naples
Spring (April–June)
Best time for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Ideal for sightseeing and exploring cities.
Autumn (September–October)
Fewer tourists, cooler weather, and wine harvest festivals. Great for cultural trips.
Off-Peak (November–March)
Budget-friendly months to travel. Flight and hotel rates are lower. Good for budget travellers, except during Christmas/New Year.
You could avoid peak summer (July–August) due to higher prices and heat.
Travel during off-season to get lower rates
Use trains or buses instead of taxis
Book flights and hotels at least 2–3 months in advance
Buy city passes for bundled sightseeing entry
Cook a few meals yourself if staying in a homestay
Carry a reusable water bottle to avoid buying bottled water
Visit free attractions like churches, parks, and markets
While Italy is generally safe, be cautious of:
Pickpockets – Especially in crowded areas like metro stations, markets, and tourist spots
Fake petition scams – People pretending to collect donations or signatures
Overpriced taxis – Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps
Bracelet scams – Vendors tie a bracelet on your hand and then demand payment
Expense |
Budget-Friendly |
Mid-range |
Luxury |
Flights (round-trip) |
₹45,000 |
₹55,000 |
₹70,000+ |
Stay (7 nights) |
₹18,000 |
₹35,000–₹50,000 |
₹70,000+ |
Food & Drinks |
₹6,000–₹8,000 |
₹10,000–₹15,000 |
₹20,000+ |
Internal Transport |
₹3,000 |
₹6,000 |
₹10,000+ (private transfers) |
Sightseeing |
₹5,000 |
₹8,000–₹12,000 |
₹15,000+ |
Total Estimate |
₹80,000–₹95,000 |
₹1,20,000–₹1,60,000 |
₹2,00,000+ |
A budget trip costs around ₹80,000. A mid-range trip is ₹1.2–1.5 Lakhs. A luxury trip can go above ₹2 Lakhs.
No. Indian citizens need a Schengen visa to visit Italy, which could cost around ₹7,000.
For a solo traveller, a 7-day trip will cost around ₹1.2 Lakhs, including flights, stay, food, transport, and sightseeing.
You could travel in November, February, or early March for lower airfare and hotel rates.
Yes. ₹2 Lakhs could be more than enough for a comfortable mid-range Italy tour from India.