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Italy : Travel guide | Itineraries and Highlights

Italy : Travel guide | Itineraries and Highlights
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Looking for travel ideas? Why not escape to Italy! It is a country that should be on everyone’s bucket list. In fact, it is one of the most visited destinations in Europe and one that we all love at Milesopedia! From culture and relaxation to gastronomy, let’s explore the must-sees of Italy!

Aline - Cinque Terre

Italy: the must-sees

Rome

Since the dawn of early civilizations, Rome has been considered the cradle of the Western world.

Italy’s capital is filled with historic monuments and excellent restaurants. What could be more romantic than strolling past the Trevi Fountain and dining in the beautiful Trastevere neighborhood?

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Rome is also the gateway to the Vatican, the headquarters of the Catholic Church. The architecture and art decorating the walls and ceilings of St. Peter’s Basilica make it one of the most impressive buildings in the world.

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Whatever your interests and budget, a visit to Rome is a must. This city is sure to charm you.

Florence and Tuscany

Florence is one of Italy’s most famous cities and an excellent base for exploring the region. In fact, Tuscany is a place for wine and food lovers.

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Florence’s architecture showcases Renaissance art. Moreover, if you’re an art gallery enthusiast, you’ll be delighted in Florence. Its panoramas are also magnificent.

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This city is also a popular destination for student exchanges, so the center is very lively on evenings and weekends.

Pisa

Located in Tuscany, the city of Pisa is a common day trip from Florence. It’s very cliché and cheesy, but taking a photo holding up the Leaning Tower of Pisa doesn’t hurt anyone and it’s quite fun.

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Cinque Terre

The Cinque Terre region comprises five magnificent coastal villages in northwestern Italy: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso. This area is one of the most visited places in Italy.

Aline - Cinque Terre

These five villages form a national park and are part of the UNESCO World Heritage.

A hiking trail connects the « lands » with each other and this walk is incredible!

Les 10 voyages à ne pas manquer dans une vie - Cinque Terre

Milan

Milan is a popular destination in Italy primarily because it’s recognized as a world fashion capital.

However, Milan has much more to offer than luxury clothing boutiques. Indeed, Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting The Last Supper is located inside the Santa Maria delle Grazie church.

Then, the sublime Milan Cathedral is a Gothic architectural masterpiece.

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Verona

Between Milan and Venice, you can stop in Verona for a quick visit to the Casa di Giulietta. This residence did not inspire Shakespeare in any way and Juliet is not based on a real person.

Aline - Verone

Although this house and the city of Verona have no connection to the fictional story of Romeo and Juliet, you can feel the emotion of people who decided to associate (consciously or unconsciously) the place with Shakespeare’s work.

Aline - Vérone

Venice

The city of Venice is one of my favorites in Italy: with the canals, gondolas and charming little streets, it’s one of the most romantic cities in the world!

To get a good feel for Venice, you should put away your phone and get lost in this Italian labyrinth. It’s magical!

Aline - Venise

In recent years, overtourism has become a problem in Venice; especially with cruise ships bringing hordes of visitors. That being said, this Italian treasure should still be on your travel plans. It’s not difficult to find some peace and quiet in Venice and have a wonderful experience.

Aline - Venise

Naples

In southern Italy, you’ll find the city of Naples, which is recognized as the birthplace of pizza.

Naples is a good place to start a trip to the Pompeii and Amalfi Coast regions.

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Pompeii and Herculaneum

These two cities were tragically destroyed by a volcanic eruption. When Vesuvius exploded, a rain of ash quickly buried Pompeii and Herculaneum. This ensured that these ruins are very well preserved.

From an archaeological perspective, it’s a marvel to discover these communities that were frozen in time.

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Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast

The town of Sorrento is a good base for exploring the Amalfi Coast. It’s the ideal starting point for a road trip with breathtaking views.

Aline - sorrento

Capri

Capri is an island off the coast of Sorrento with magnificent beaches, superb seafood restaurants, and hiking trails.

The famous Blue Grotto is a must-see in my opinion; although this attraction is very touristy, it was impressive to see the light make the water color so blue.

Aline - Capri

Organize your trip to Italy

When to visit Italy?

The best time to discover the vast majority of what Italy has to offer is in spring and fall:

  • From mid-March to early June
  • From September to November

The temperature in Italy will be ideal for exploring the country while avoiding the crowds. This destination is very popular with European and international vacationers; most tourist sites are full during the summer season and it’s very hot!

In southern Italy, the climate remains mild even in winter.

Aline - Carnaval de Venise

How much time should you plan to visit Italy?

Italy is a very culturally rich country and it’s impossible to see everything in one trip; it’s better to divide your visits by region.

For a « bit of everything in Italy » type vacation, the following 3-week itinerary can be interesting:

TransportationPlaces visited
Flight between Montreal and MilanVisit northern Italy: Milan, Verona and Venice
Train between Venice and FlorenceVisit Tuscany: Florence, Bologna, Pisa, Siena
Train between Florence and La SpeziaVisit to Cinque Terre
Train between Florence and NaplesVisit to Pompeii and Herculaneum
Train between Naples and RomeVisit to Rome
Flight between Montreal and Rome

As for the Amalfi Coast, Sicily, Puglia, etc., these regions could be the subject of several separate trips!

Indeed, you shouldn’t try to compress too many places into the same trip and it’s very easy to be tempted to do so in Italy since everything is very close.

Aline - Place St Marc Italie

Organized Italy Vacation Packages with Wingbuddy

If you prefer to travel without worrying about logistics, Wingbuddy is a Quebec-based agency specializing in organized, semi-organized, and independent tour packages. Italy is one of their flagship destinations, with tours covering Rome, Florence, Venice, and Tuscany.

Their packages include flights, accommodation, local transportation, and a French or English-speaking guide, depending on your choice. This is an excellent option for those who want to experience Italy to the fullest without the stress of planning.

How to get to Italy?

Travel Points

When we went to Italy, we paid for a flight in cash, as it wasn’t the best use of our points following a valuation calculation.

Aline - vol italie en argent

It’s therefore very convenient to have a bank of travel points applicable to expenses like Scene+ points from the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card. In April 2026, this card offers up to 60,000 Scene+ points as a welcome bonus (a value of $600), including 40,000 points after $2,000 in purchases in the first three months. These points can cover a good portion of the plane ticket!

You can use your Scene+ points directly on the plane ticket purchase. Additionally, the card has no foreign transaction fees—a significant advantage in Italy.

Annual fee
$150
Our valuation
$350

Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$350Total$350Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.

Welcome offer
Up to 35,000 points

Ends Nov 1, 2026

Apply Now

on Scotiabank's website

With this welcome offer for the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card +* CardMC, you’ll earn 25,000 welcome bonus Scene+ points after charging $2,000 in purchases to your account within the first three months.

Plus, every year, earn an annual bonus of at least 10,000 Scene+ points when you charge at least $40,000 in purchases to your account. In total, the offer represents up to 35,000 Scene+ points and a value of up to $1,250 in the first year, including rewards, savings on foreign transaction fees and airport lounge access.

With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, you earn 3 points per $1 spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland and participating Co-ops, and 2 points per $1 spent at other grocery stores, restaurants, eligible entertainment and eligible daily transit. You earn 1 point per $1 on all your other everyday purchases.

These points can be redeemed against any travel purchase at a rate of 1,000 points = $10 (flights, hotels, all-inclusives and even Airbnb), or as cash back with Scene+ at the same rate.

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card also offers:

  • No fees for foreign currency transactions
  • 6 complimentary airport VIP lounge passes
  • Excellent insurance for your travels and purchases
  • Visa Infinite* Concierge Services

We have named this credit card the Best Credit Card with No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Annual fee

Primary card$150
Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$60,000
Household$100,000

Conversion fees

0%

Earning rate

  • 2xGroceries
  • 2xRestaurants
  • 2xTransit
  • 2xEntertainment
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$650
2nd Year Value$397

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$240

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $1,000,000 / 3 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

Aeroplan points

Air Canada provides a direct connection between Montreal and Rome, Milan, and Venice.

You’ll need approximately 40,000 Aeroplan points for a one-way economy class ticket to get to Italy from Montreal—the direct Montreal–Rome flight exceeds 4,001 miles, placing it in the corresponding fare category. Prices are dynamic on Air Canada flights and may vary depending on season and availability.

Aline - vol italie en aeroplan

Since this flight is operated by Air Canada, you can benefit from one free checked bag for yourself and for 8 people on the same booking!

Featured
Annual fee
$0 $139

No annual fee the first year

Our valuation
$1,139

Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$1,000Annual fee rebated$139Total$1,139Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.

Welcome offer
Up to 50,000 points

+ First Year Annual Fee Rebate

Apply Now

on TD's website

With this offer for the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card, you can get up to 50,000 Aeroplan points as well as an Annual Fee rebate for the first year.

  • Earn a welcome bonus of 10,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first Purchase with your new Card
  • Earn 15,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $3,000 within 90 days of Account opening.
  • Plus, earn a one-time anniversary bonus of 25,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $12,000 within 12 months of Account opening

This card also allows you to enjoy travel benefits, such as a free first checked bag for you and up to 8 travel companions on the same reservation, as well as a rebate on the NEXUS program application fee (up to $100 CAD per eligible cardholder) every 48 months.

With the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card, you earn 1.5 points per $1 spent on:

  • Grocery purchases
  • Gas and electric vehicle charging purchases
  • Purchases made directly with Air Canada® (including Air Canada Vacations®)

You also earn 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases made with your card.

Annual fee

Primary card$139
Additional card$75

Annual income required

Individual$60,000
Household$100,000

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 1.5xGas & EV
  • 1.5xGroceries
  • 1.5xAir Canada flights
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,714
2nd Year Value$425

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $2,000,000 / 21 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $2,000,000 / 21 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $2,000,000 / 4 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $5,000
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $2,500
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Mobile DeviceUp to $1,000 / 1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

Flying Blue Miles

Each month, Flying Blue launches a new Promo Rewards offer, and it’s advisable to monitor these offers as they provide an excellent opportunity to find low-cost flights to Europe using points. In April 2026, Promo Rewards are valid for travel until September 30, 2026.

The base rate for an economy class flight from Montreal to Europe is generally 25,000 Flying Blue miles. With monthly Promo Rewards (discounts up to 25%), it’s possible to find rates starting at 18,750 miles one-way—one of the best valuations for crossing the Atlantic with points.

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Annual fee
$250
Our valuation
$1,020

Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$1,020Total$1,020Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.

Welcome offer
Up to 60,000 points
Apply Now

on American Express's website

Apply with confidence — no impact on your credit scoreApply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).

Earn up to 60,000 Membership Rewards points with this welcome offer for the American Express Gold Rewards Card. That’s a value of $600 toward travel or any purchase charged to the Card:

  • 5,000 Membership Rewards points per month when you charge $1,000 in net purchases to your Card, for 12 months (a total of 60,000 points in the first year).

You can also transfer your points to airline partners such as Aeroplan, Avios (British Airways, Qatar Airways, Finnair), Flying Blue, and hotel partners (Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors).

For example, with this welcome offer, if you decide to transfer your Membership Rewards points to a partner loyalty program, you would have the choice of earning up to :

  • 60,000 Aeroplan points
  • 60,000 Avios
  • 60,000 Flying Blue Miles
  • 72,000 Marriott Bonvoy points

With this Card, you get many benefits like:

  • $100 annual travel credit
  • Priority Pass membership and 4 complimentary Plaza Premium visits per year
  • $50 NEXUS credit

You earn 2 points per dollar for travel purchases, and at:

  • gas stations
  • grocery stores
  • drugstores

And 1 point per dollar everywhere else.

Like all American Express Canada Cards, there is no minimum income requirement.

Annual fee

Primary card$250
Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$0
Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 2xPharmacy
  • 2xGas & EV
  • 2xTravel
  • 2xGroceries
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,555
2nd Year Value$589

Transfer partners

  • AeroplanAirline
  • British Airways ClubAirline
  • Cathay Asia MilesAirline
  • Etihad GuestAirline
  • Flying BlueAirline
  • Hilton HonorsHotel
  • Marriott BonvoyHotel

Card benefits

Airport lounge access$160

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $1,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $500
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $500
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days

How to get around Italy?

Public Transportation

Like any European country, Italy is very well served by public transportation. Indeed, the country is relatively small, so it’s easy to get from one region to another on the rail network.

Several trains connect the major cities; the fare for a connection depends on the class of service and the speed of the train.

These train tickets can be purchased with a credit card. By using a credit card without conversion fees like the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, you’ll save 2.5% on foreign transaction fees. Plus, you’ll be able to earn points on your purchase!

Within cities, it’s generally possible to explore all tourist sites on foot or with public transportation.

Annual fee
$150
Our valuation
$350

Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$350Total$350Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.

Welcome offer
Up to 35,000 points

Ends Nov 1, 2026

Apply Now

on Scotiabank's website

With this welcome offer for the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card +* CardMC, you’ll earn 25,000 welcome bonus Scene+ points after charging $2,000 in purchases to your account within the first three months.

Plus, every year, earn an annual bonus of at least 10,000 Scene+ points when you charge at least $40,000 in purchases to your account. In total, the offer represents up to 35,000 Scene+ points and a value of up to $1,250 in the first year, including rewards, savings on foreign transaction fees and airport lounge access.

With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, you earn 3 points per $1 spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland and participating Co-ops, and 2 points per $1 spent at other grocery stores, restaurants, eligible entertainment and eligible daily transit. You earn 1 point per $1 on all your other everyday purchases.

These points can be redeemed against any travel purchase at a rate of 1,000 points = $10 (flights, hotels, all-inclusives and even Airbnb), or as cash back with Scene+ at the same rate.

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card also offers:

  • No fees for foreign currency transactions
  • 6 complimentary airport VIP lounge passes
  • Excellent insurance for your travels and purchases
  • Visa Infinite* Concierge Services

We have named this credit card the Best Credit Card with No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Annual fee

Primary card$150
Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$60,000
Household$100,000

Conversion fees

0%

Earning rate

  • 2xGroceries
  • 2xRestaurants
  • 2xTransit
  • 2xEntertainment
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$650
2nd Year Value$397

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$240

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $1,000,000 / 3 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

Car Rental

A trip primarily limited to major centers can easily be done without a car rental. In fact, you can’t drive around the historic center of Florence and the traffic in Rome can be daunting.

However, to discover certain regions in Italy, a car rental is recommended and greatly facilitates travel. For example, you’ll have difficulty getting to the far south of Salento or visiting the Valle d’Itria in the Puglia region without a vehicle.

Aline - italy

Also, families can save by traveling by car since train ticket costs increase proportionally with the number of people.

To reduce the costs of a car rental in Italy, you can easily accumulate TD Points with the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card and make a reservation on the Expedia for TD site. In 2026, the card offers up to 165,000 TD Points as a welcome bonus (a value of $825 in travel) and the annual fee is waived the first year. The choices are very numerous and the prices are comparable to other platforms in addition to being able to use your points.

Aline - location voiture italie td
Sponsored
Annual fee
$0 $139

No annual fee the first year

Our valuation
$939

Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$800Annual fee rebated$139Total$939Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.

Welcome offer
Up to 160,000 points

+ First Year Annual Fee Rebate

Apply Now

on TD's website

With the TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card, you can earn up to 160,000 TD Rewards Points as well as an Annual Fee rebate for the first year:

  • 20,000 TD Rewards Points for the first purchase made with your card
  • 140,000 TD Rewards Points when you spend $7,500 within 180 days of account opening
  • A Birthday Bonus of up to 10,000 TD Rewards Points

Get an annual TD Travel Credit of $100 when you book at Expedia® For TD, and enjoy your time at the airport with global airport lounge access and 4 complimentary lounge visits with Visa Airport Companion Program (a value of up to $277).

With the TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card, you earn:

  • 8 TD Rewards Points for every $1 you spend when you book travel through Expedia® For TD
  • 6 TD Rewards Points per dollar on your grocery, dining and public transit purchases
  • 4 TD Rewards Points per dollar on your recurring bill payments and purchases of streaming services as well as digital games and media
  • 2 TD Rewards Points per dollar on all other purchases made with your card

This card also allows you to enjoy a range of travel benefits, including an annual travel credit, complimentary airport lounge visits, and a birthday bonus that boosts your points each year.

Annual fee

Primary card$139
Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$60,000
Household$100,000

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 6xGroceries
  • 6xRestaurants
  • 6xTransit
  • 4xBills & recurring payments
  • 4xStreaming
  • 2xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,430
2nd Year Value$531

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$160

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $2,000,000 / 21 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $2,000,000 / 21 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $2,000,000 / 4 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $5,000
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $2,500
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Mobile DeviceUp to $1,000
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

Venice Entry Fee

Venice has introduced an access fee to combat overtourism. In 2026, this tax applies on 60 non-consecutive days between April 3 and July 26, from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, primarily on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.

Rates:

  • €5 per person (booking made at least 4 days in advance)
  • €10 per person (last-minute booking, less than 3 days before)
  • Free for children under 14 years old

This fee does not apply to individuals staying one night or more in Venice (only day-trippers are affected), nor to the islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello. Pay in advance on the official website: cda.ve.it/en

Where to stay in Italy?

Independent hotels

Italy is a very touristy country and rates really follow the supply and demand curve. The price range of these hotels varies quite a bit. However, it’s always possible to find reasonably priced accommodations on third-party sites like Booking.com.

Aline - Hôtel indépendant italie

Home rentals

Italy is the ideal place to spend one or several weeks relaxing and soaking up the Dolce Vita. The opportunity to rent a house with VRBO for example.

AirBnB

If you can’t find hotels within your budget, numerous Airbnbs are available in Italy; these are often very well located in the heart of the action.

Unlike hotels, an Airbnb can be more practical for people and families needing a kitchenette.

Aline - Airbnb italie

Marriott Bonvoy Hotels

In Italy, Marriott Bonvoy chain hotels are available in most major cities; there’s something for every budget since several brands are present.

For example, some establishments are very affordable with points or money like this hotel in Rome.

Sheraton Rome mai 2024

Indeed, when prices are similar to independent hotels, you’ll be better off if you book with Marriott Bonvoy; you can accumulate elite nights to reach status or benefit from advantages if you already hold status!

On the other hand, you can also treat yourself a bit with luxury at a good price (in points) like at the JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa.

Finally, several hotels have rates below 35,000 points, which allows you to use free night certificates while the cash cost can be high. These certificates are obtained with the help of the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card or the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card. In April 2026, the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card offers up to 70,000 points as a welcome bonus.

So, you can stay at hotels like these simply upon renewal and after paying the annual fee of $120 (personal card) depending on the card.

Aline - Marriott italie utilisation certificat

Read our reviews on hotels in Italy :

Our credit card selection
Credit cardAnnual feeWelcome offer
Annual fee$120Welcome offer
Up to 110,000 pointsEnds Sep 22, 2026
Apply Now
Annual fee$150Welcome offer
Up to 110,000 pointsEnds Sep 22, 2026
Apply Now

Bottom Line

Italy is a destination that never disappoints. Between the ancient history, gastronomy, landscapes and the warmth of Italians, each trip leaves unforgettable memories. Whether you’re traveling with Aeroplan points, Flying Blue miles or Scene+ points, there’s a strategy for every type of traveler.

Subscribe to our newsletter to not miss the best points offers and promotions for traveling to Italy. And check out our selection of the best credit cards in Canada to maximize your points before your next trip.

Annual fee
$150
Our valuation
$350

Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$350Total$350Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.

Welcome offer
Up to 35,000 points

Ends Nov 1, 2026

Apply Now

on Scotiabank's website

With this welcome offer for the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card +* CardMC, you’ll earn 25,000 welcome bonus Scene+ points after charging $2,000 in purchases to your account within the first three months.

Plus, every year, earn an annual bonus of at least 10,000 Scene+ points when you charge at least $40,000 in purchases to your account. In total, the offer represents up to 35,000 Scene+ points and a value of up to $1,250 in the first year, including rewards, savings on foreign transaction fees and airport lounge access.

With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, you earn 3 points per $1 spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland and participating Co-ops, and 2 points per $1 spent at other grocery stores, restaurants, eligible entertainment and eligible daily transit. You earn 1 point per $1 on all your other everyday purchases.

These points can be redeemed against any travel purchase at a rate of 1,000 points = $10 (flights, hotels, all-inclusives and even Airbnb), or as cash back with Scene+ at the same rate.

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card also offers:

  • No fees for foreign currency transactions
  • 6 complimentary airport VIP lounge passes
  • Excellent insurance for your travels and purchases
  • Visa Infinite* Concierge Services

We have named this credit card the Best Credit Card with No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Annual fee

Primary card$150
Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$60,000
Household$100,000

Conversion fees

0%

Earning rate

  • 2xGroceries
  • 2xRestaurants
  • 2xTransit
  • 2xEntertainment
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$650
2nd Year Value$397

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$240

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $1,000,000 / 3 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

Travel to Italy – Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit Italy?

Spring (mid-March to early June) and fall (September to November) are the best periods. Temperatures are pleasant, crowds are smaller than in summer and prices are more affordable.

How many Aeroplan points are needed for a flight to Italy from Montreal?

You need approximately 40,000 Aeroplan points for a one-way economy class ticket between Montreal and Rome. The direct flight exceeds 4,001 miles, placing it in the higher fare category. Prices are dynamic and vary by season.

Can you use Flying Blue miles to go to Italy from Montreal?

Yes. With Flying Blue’s monthly Promo Rewards, it’s possible to find Montreal–Europe flights starting at 18,750 miles in economy class. These offers change each month and allow you to travel up to several months after booking.

Should you rent a car in Italy?

It depends on your itinerary. For major cities (Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan), the rail network is excellent and a car is not necessary. However, to explore the Amalfi Coast, Puglia or Sicily, a car is highly recommended.

Which credit card should you use to travel to Italy without paying foreign exchange fees?

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card is ideal: it has no foreign transaction fees (saving 2.5% on all your purchases in euros) and it accumulates Scene+ points usable directly on travel purchases.

How to get free hotel nights at Marriotts in Italy?

By holding the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card, you receive each year on the anniversary date a free night certificate worth up to 35,000 points. Many Marriott hotels in Italy are eligible for this certificate. In April 2026, the card’s welcome bonus reaches up to 70,000 points.

How much time should you plan for a trip to Italy?

For a classic Italy tour covering the north (Milan, Venice), Tuscany, Cinque Terre and Rome, plan at least 3 weeks. The southern regions (Amalfi Coast, Sicily, Puglia) each deserve a separate trip as they are so rich.


Our featured card

Annual fee
$150
Our valuation
$350

Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$350Total$350Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.

Welcome offer
Up to 35,000 points

Ends Nov 1, 2026

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on Scotiabank's website

With this welcome offer for the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card +* CardMC, you’ll earn 25,000 welcome bonus Scene+ points after charging $2,000 in purchases to your account within the first three months.

Plus, every year, earn an annual bonus of at least 10,000 Scene+ points when you charge at least $40,000 in purchases to your account. In total, the offer represents up to 35,000 Scene+ points and a value of up to $1,250 in the first year, including rewards, savings on foreign transaction fees and airport lounge access.

With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, you earn 3 points per $1 spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland and participating Co-ops, and 2 points per $1 spent at other grocery stores, restaurants, eligible entertainment and eligible daily transit. You earn 1 point per $1 on all your other everyday purchases.

These points can be redeemed against any travel purchase at a rate of 1,000 points = $10 (flights, hotels, all-inclusives and even Airbnb), or as cash back with Scene+ at the same rate.

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card also offers:

  • No fees for foreign currency transactions
  • 6 complimentary airport VIP lounge passes
  • Excellent insurance for your travels and purchases
  • Visa Infinite* Concierge Services

We have named this credit card the Best Credit Card with No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Annual fee

Primary card$150
Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$60,000
Household$100,000

Conversion fees

0%

Earning rate

  • 2xGroceries
  • 2xRestaurants
  • 2xTransit
  • 2xEntertainment
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$650
2nd Year Value$397

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$240

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $1,000,000 / 3 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

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Our reviews and rankings are based on an objective assessment. Advertisers do not influence our content. We may receive compensation through some links; our analysis and opinions remain independent.