With recent headlines about protests, demonstrations, and strikes across Italy, many travelers are understandably wondering whether now is a good time to visit. As a native Italian and someone who spends much of the year traveling throughout the country with groups, I wanted to share my firsthand experience and offer a little perspective on what is actually happening here.

If you’ve been following the news lately, you’ve probably seen some unsettling images coming out of Italy. Crowds gathering in major cities, demonstrations turning confrontational, transportation strikes, and even reports of violence in certain areas.

And if you’re planning your dream vacation to Italy, perhaps one you’ve been saving for and looking forward to for years, those headlines might understandably give you pause.

So, is it safe to travel to Italy right now?

My short answer is yes, I still believe Italy is a wonderful destination to visit. But as with travel anywhere in the world, it’s important to stay informed, exercise common sense, and understand the difference between what you’re seeing on the news and what you are likely to experience as a visitor.

Let me explain.

First, Let Me Tell You About My October in Italy

As I write this, I’m wrapping up an incredibly busy October, during which I’ve been leading several culinary adventures throughout Italy.

My groups and I have traveled through Emilia-Romagna, explored the magnificent Italian Lakes, enjoyed the beautiful city of Verona, and experienced the magic of the Tuscan countryside. We’ve wandered through historic town centers, visited bustling food markets, enjoyed incredible meals at family-owned restaurants, toured wineries, taken cooking classes, and met some of the loveliest local people along the way.

And do you know what?

Not one of our tours was affected by the protests.

We didn’t encounter any demonstrations, didn’t have to cancel our activities, and didn’t experience disruptions to our planned itineraries because of the unrest. Our days went on exactly as planned, filled with wonderful food, beautiful scenery, laughter, and all the experiences that make traveling to Italy so special. Had my guests not been following the news back home, they might not even have known that protests were taking place elsewhere in the country.

Now, does my experience mean that the protests aren’t happening or that other travelers haven’t been affected? Of course not. But I think it’s important to share the reality of what we experienced on the ground, because sometimes the headlines don’t tell the whole story.

What’s Actually Happening in Italy?

Italy, like many European countries, has experienced demonstrations related to political issues, economic concerns, the rising cost of living, and international conflicts.

Some of these demonstrations have attracted large crowds, particularly in major cities such as Rome, Milan, Bologna, and Turin. While many gatherings have been peaceful, others have unfortunately involved confrontations with police, vandalism, and disruptions to public transportation. These incidents should certainly be taken seriously.

But here’s something I think travelers need to remember: A protest taking place in one neighborhood of a major city does not mean an entire city, much less an entire country, is unsafe.

Italy is a large and wonderfully diverse country. What happens in one part of Milan doesn’t necessarily have any bearing on what’s happening in Verona, Cortona, Lecce, or a small village in the Tuscan countryside.

Just as a demonstration in New York City wouldn’t automatically mean that travelers should cancel a vacation to Boston or California, we shouldn’t assume that an isolated incident represents the everyday reality throughout Italy.

Protests and Strikes Are Not New to Italy

Having been born in Italy and having spent so much of my life traveling back and forth between Italy and the United States, I can tell you that demonstrations and labor strikes are nothing new here.

Italians are passionate people, and that passion extends well beyond food, family, and soccer! Public demonstrations are part of the country’s political and civic life. Labor strikes, particularly involving trains, buses, and airports, have been occurring for decades. In fact, anyone who has traveled extensively through Italy has probably heard the word sciopero, which means strike.

Does that mean you should ignore them? Absolutely not.

Transportation strikes can cause genuine inconveniences, including delayed trains, canceled flights, and changes to public transportation schedules. And demonstrations can sometimes become unpredictable. But there is an important distinction between a temporary travel disruption and a destination being broadly unsafe. A delayed train is frustrating. A canceled flight is inconvenient. Neither automatically means you should abandon your plans to visit an entire country.

What Are the Official Travel Advisories Saying?

As of late October 2026, the U.S. Department of State continues to classify Italy as a Level 2 destination: Exercise Increased Caution, primarily because of the threat of terrorism.

But please note that this advisory level has not recently been raised because of the protests.

The U.S. government does advise travelers to avoid demonstrations, remain aware of their surroundings, and monitor local news for possible disruptions. Other governments have also warned about recent unrest and the possibility of transportation interruptions, while continuing to provide guidance for travelers visiting Italy.

In other words, the message is not that tourists should cancel their vacations. It’s that visitors should remain informed and take reasonable precautions. Just like you should have in years past, and in the future, once these protests are over.

And frankly, that’s advice I would give anyone traveling internationally, regardless of the destination.

A Few Practical Tips for Traveling to Italy Right Now

If you have an upcoming trip planned, here are a few things I recommend:

1. Stay informed, but don’t let sensational headlines dictate your decisions. Follow reliable news sources and official government travel advisories rather than relying solely on social media videos.
2. Avoid demonstrations and large political gatherings. Even peaceful protests can become unpredictable. If you encounter one, simply move away from the area.
3. Monitor transportation schedules. If you’re traveling independently by train or plane, check for announced strikes before your departure. Give yourself extra time when necessary.
4. Purchase comprehensive travel insurance. I’ve always encouraged my travelers to protect their investment. Be sure to understand what your policy does and doesn’t cover, especially regarding strikes and travel disruptions.
5. Consider traveling with an experienced tour operator. One of the advantages of organized small-group travel is having someone who understands the country, works with local partners, and can make adjustments if circumstances require them.
6. Keep things in perspective. Every destination has its challenges. Awareness and preparation are far more useful than unnecessary fear.

One of the Benefits of Traveling With Someone Who Knows Italy

I may be a little biased here, but this is one of the reasons I believe there is tremendous value in traveling with a knowledgeable, experienced tour leader such as myself.

When you travel with me, you’re not simply following an itinerary created by someone who has visited Italy a handful of times. You’re traveling with a native Italian who knows the country, speaks the language, understands the culture, and has spent years building relationships with local guides, drivers, hotels, restaurants, and family-run businesses.

I also have the advantage of working with trusted local partners who know what’s happening in their communities. If a road closes, a transportation issue arises, or an itinerary needs adjusting, we have people on the ground who can help us navigate those situations. Of course, no tour operator can guarantee that unexpected events won’t occur. That would be unrealistic. But having local knowledge, reliable contacts, and experienced professionals looking after the details can make a tremendous difference.

And as my October groups can attest, and as you can see from these images, we enjoyed an absolutely wonderful few weeks of travel without the protests interfering with our adventures.

Please Don’t Let Fear Keep You From Experiencing Italy

I understand that international travel is a significant investment, both financially and emotionally.

For some travelers, visiting Italy is a lifelong dream. Perhaps it’s a retirement celebration, a milestone birthday, an anniversary, or simply a trip they’ve been promising themselves for decades. The last thing I would ever want is for someone to feel uncomfortable or unsafe while traveling. But I also wouldn’t want someone to miss out on an extraordinary experience because of frightening headlines that may not accurately reflect the situation in the places they intend to visit.

During these past few weeks, I’ve watched my guests make new friendships, discover beautiful places, enjoy unforgettable meals, and experience the warmth and hospitality that Italy is so famous for. The restaurant owners still welcomed us with open arms. The farmers proudly shared their products. The chefs taught us their family recipes. The winemakers poured their wines and told their stories.

The Italy that I know and love was very much alive and well.

And that’s the Italy I want my travelers to experience.

So, Would I Recommend Traveling to Italy Right Now?

Yes, I would, provided travelers stay informed, follow official guidance, and remain flexible should circumstances change. I wouldn’t dismiss the protests or pretend that disruptions are impossible. They are real, and some travelers may encounter them. But based on my own firsthand experience leading tours throughout October, I certainly wouldn’t suggest canceling a long-awaited Italian vacation simply because demonstrations are making headlines. There is so much more happening in Italy every single day than what makes the evening news. There are beautiful villages to discover, family recipes to learn, vineyards to explore, and countless wonderful people waiting to welcome you.

And after another memorable month of leading groups through this extraordinary country, I can tell you that my enthusiasm for sharing Italy with travelers hasn’t diminished one bit.

Italy is still Italy. And it is still waiting to welcome you.

If you’re dreaming of experiencing Italy beyond the usual tourist attractions, I invite you to explore my upcoming small-group culinary adventures. I’d love to show you the Italy I know and love, one unforgettable experience at a time.

Explore Our Upcoming Culinary Adventures

Please note: Travel conditions can change. This article reflects my personal experiences and information available in late October 2026. Before departing, always consult current government travel advisories and check directly with your airline or transportation provider.