Tours to Italy from Almaty — this is a flight with one connection through Istanbul, Dubai or Moscow, the journey takes from 12 to 20 hours. The best time for a holiday is from May to June and from September to October: warm, but without the August heat and crowds.
Visa, documents and money: what to consider before the trip?
Before the trip, it is worth sorting out the formalities and finances so that the holiday is not overshadowed by surprises. The destination requires attention to detail already at the stage of preparation.
Visa-free regime and medical insurance for citizens of Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is on the list of countries with visa-free entry to the Schengen zone, but the terms of stay and rules should be clarified before the trip. A medical policy with coverage from 30,000 euros is often required at the border even with a visa-free regime. It is better to arrange it in advance, and not at Almaty airport. The policy will be useful both for sightseeing tours and for renting a car. For family trips to Italy, insurance is arranged for each child separately. Keep the printout of the policy together with other papers. Peace of mind on holiday in Italy begins with correctly collected documents.
Cash euros and cards of Kazakh banks: how to pay on the spot
Cards of Kazakh banks are not accepted everywhere. In small towns, at markets and in family trattorias, cash euros are often needed. Keep a supply of small-denomination notes with you. It is safer to store large sums in Rome and Milan in the hotel safe. ATMs are found everywhere, but the withdrawal fee can be noticeable. The Italian habit of cash is especially noticeable in the southern regions. In Sicily and Sardinia you can pay by card, but not in every shop. When planning a holiday, it is worth dividing the budget between card and cash.
How to get there and where to stay?
The journey from Almaty takes almost a day, so the route and accommodation should be thought out in advance. A holiday in Italy begins with the right choice of base.
Connecting flights from Almaty: routes and travel time
There are few direct flights from Almaty to Italy, most often the connection is through Istanbul, Dubai or Moscow. Such a transfer lengthens the journey by several hours. The time difference with Almaty is 4 hours in winter and 3 hours in summer: Italy changes its clocks (UTC+1 in winter, UTC+2 in summer), while Kazakhstan stays on UTC+5 all year round. In the first days, acclimatization is possible, so it is not worth planning a busy program immediately upon arrival. A destination with one connection is more convenient for families with children. An evening departure allows you to spend the night on the way and arrive in Rome or Milan in the morning. A seat chosen in advance in the cabin makes the long flight easier.
Hotels in the centre or apartments outside the city: what to choose
In Rome and Venice, hotels in the centre are expensive. Apartments outside the city with parking are often more profitable for families. In Milan it is convenient to stay near the station, from where trains depart across the whole country. In Venice, accommodation on the mainland is cheaper than in the historic part. For long trips around the country, apartments with a kitchen save on food. A simple table helps to compare options.
Transport within the country and car rental
Between cities it is most convenient to travel by train, and a car will be useful for the countryside. The Italian transport network is dense, but it has its own rules.
High-speed trains between Rome, Milan and Venice
High-speed trains Frecciarossa and Italo connect Rome, Milan, Venice and Florence. It is cheaper to buy tickets in advance, several weeks before the trip. The journey between Rome and Milan takes about three hours. From Milan to Venice the train takes about two and a half hours. At the stations of large cities it is worth being attentive: the platform is announced shortly before departure. Such travels around Italy with transfers by train save you from searching for parking. A paper ticket must be validated before boarding, otherwise it will be considered invalid.
International licence and ZTL zones: driving rules
To drive in Italy, an international licence is required. In the historic centres of cities, ZTL zones are in effect with fines for entry. A camera records the number, and the receipt arrives to the renter after returning home. In Rome and Milan it is better to leave the car at a park-and-ride near the metro. In Sardinia and Sicily a car is indispensable for trips between bays. The Italian driving manner is energetic, especially in the south. Petrol stations on highways are more expensive than in cities. Car rental is justified if the route goes beyond large cities.
What to consider on a trip with and without children
A family holiday and a trip for two require different preparation. Italy is suitable both for beaches and for sightseeing tours.
Rimini and the Adriatic: beaches and amusement parks
Rimini is a popular destination for families with children. Wide beaches, inexpensive hotels and amusement parks are located next to each other. The shallow sea near the shore is convenient for little ones. In July and August the Adriatic is crowded, but the water is warm. Trips to Italy with children often include Rimini as the main base. From the city it is easy to reach Venice and Bologna by train. Evening promenades and ice cream on the embankment become part of the holiday.
Sicily and Sardinia: a long season and family resorts
The beach season in Sicily and Sardinia is longer than in the north. You can swim here from May to October. In Sicily, winds should be taken into account, and in Sardinia — expensive hotels in August. Family resorts offer shallow bays and animation. Italian cuisine on the islands is noticeably different from the mainland. For little ones, accommodation near the beach is chosen so as not to waste time on transfers. In autumn the islands are warmer than in Rome and Milan.
Communication, language and everyday little things
Small everyday details decide how comfortable a holiday turns out to be. Italian daily life has its own habits.
Local TIM and Vodafone SIM cards versus roaming
A local TIM or Vodafone SIM card is cheaper than roaming with Kazakh operators. It can be arranged with a passport at a mobile phone shop. For a short trip, roaming is sometimes enough, but it comes with less internet. Trips of two weeks are more worthwhile with a local SIM card. Wi-Fi is available in hotels and cafes, but the speed is not always stable. In mountain areas the signal weakens. Check the tariff before buying so as not to overpay for unnecessary options.
The language barrier and tips: how not to get confused
English is understood in tourist places. In small towns, basic Italian or a translator on your phone will come in handy. Tips in restaurants are often already included in the bill as "coperto". Leaving anything extra is not necessary. In Rome and Milan, waiters are polite about attempts to say a couple of phrases in the local language. Italian gesturing helps in conversation more than it seems. Do not be afraid to ask for clarification and to ask again. A holiday in Italy becomes easier when you are not afraid of making a mistake in pronunciation.
Visa and entry rules change: check with the primary source — the visa portal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Italian Republic, https://vistoperitalia.esteri.it/. The information on this page was checked on 12.09.2026.
In brief
- Tours to Italy should begin with checking documents and insurance.
- A flight from Almaty most often involves one connection.
- Hotels in the centre are more expensive, while apartments outside the city are more worthwhile for families.
- Rimini is suitable for families, Sicily and Sardinia — for lovers of a long season.