Last summer my mother and I set off on one of our bucket list trips. Our first trip to Italy! I planned our itinerary which included 7 cities and towns and lots of sights. If you are headed to Italy in the near future, or just planning your dream trip, check out my top 10 tips to make your trip the best ever!
Italy Top 10!
The train is so convenient, fast, and cheap! We took the train everywhere and were rarely confused. If you plan to take the train do a little research so that you don’t waste your time back tracking. You can buy your ticket at machines right in the station, make sure you validate it before you board though!
You can even take the train for day trips if you want to head to Pisa, or check out the other Cinque Terre Villages.
and next on my Italy Top 10 list is…
If you hate coffee, feel free to skip on to the next tip, but Italian coffee is absolutely amazing! I am usually more of a tea person but I drank a cappuccino or a cafe latte every single day! Smooth, creamy, and perfect to sit back and people watch.
Every city we went we found our favourite place for coffee, but my all time favourite was in Riomaggiore in our own B&B room! The breakfast included freshly made croissants from a local bakery that were often still warm and delivered to our room, a selection of biscuits, and an espresso machine in our room! The place we booked was IL BoMa B&B and these little touches, including a gift of home made limoncello made this a great pick!
Which leads me to
3. Get a Room with Air Conditioning!
I made the mistake of booking cheaper rooms on our trip to Italy, not realizing there was NO air conditioning in the rooms! It was so hot while we were there and I had to take lots of cold showers to be able to function. If you like your A/C in the summer, then check and double check that your room has A/C!
We stumbled across so many amazing places while exploring! Before we went to Italy I didn’t know that Verona had it’s own arena. While I loved visiting the Colosseum in Rome, the arena in Verona was nearly empty and had more access. They use it for concerts and other activities (so cool!). You can explore all the hallways underneath and walk up the seats to the top.
We also stumbled across Castel Sant’Angelo right near our Bed and Breakfast. This castle was so interesting to walk through, and I learned so much! Did you know there is a “secret” (not so secret anymore) walkway from the Vatican to Castel Sant’Angelo that was to be used for the Pope’s escape if the Vatican was ever attacked? You can even book a tour that walks you along the path!
Make sure to leave extra room in your itinerary for exploring because there is so much to explore!
5. Ask the Locals
Now I am not saying walk up to anybody on the street and ask for help finding your hotel, but when you go out to dinner ask the waiter what he recommends on his menu and in his city. Ask your host or hotel front desk for maps, city sights, how to use the public transport, and what they recommend you do!
Locals know the best spots, and the touristy spots that are worth it. They know the best places to eat, and grab a coffee, and they know their city much better than you do! Most people are happy to help you out and everyone loves talking about their favourite spots in their city.
By asking around we found our favourite restaurant in Florence, all the sights in Verona, and how to get to the beach in Riomaggiore.
6. Take a Tour
Now I do not normally tour. I appreciate my free time and the ability to explore, but in Rome especially there is so much history behind each landmark that you wont know just by looking at it. Since it was our first trip to Italy we took 3 tours in Rome, 2 of which were absolutely worth it!
The first tour we took was Crypts, Bones, and Catacombs . I loved this tour, and we learned so much. The tour takes you to the Bone Chapel that is a part of a monastery still used today by the Capuchin Monks. We got a chance to explore some of the Christian Catacombs which are not open to the general public and we toured a chapel that was built upon the bones of Roman temples which before were built on the foundation of an ancient marketplace. Do note that if you find bones or talks of death terrifying this might not be the tour for you, but my mom and I loved it!
The other tour I absolutely recommend was a bus tour from Rome to Naples, and Pompeii. Since the first time I learned of Pompeii I have wanted to go there. At one point in my life I actually dreamed of being an archeologist, visiting Pompeii was the next best thing. We hopped on the bus at a per-determined place in Rome (we took a taxi) then we drove to Naples where we stopped to take pictures of Mount Vesuvius, and then we headed down to do a walking tour of Pompeii.
The last tour we took was of the Vatican. I didn’t love it, but it did get us in the doors without having to wait for hours in the hot sun.
If you want to see unique side of Rome and learn some history, I suggest you find a unique tour or two to take.
From cobblestones to stairs to winding roads (that go uphill!), Italy is full of beauty and hurting feet. You will have to get your bag from the train station to your hotel and back again! Pack it with only the essentials, and try to get double duty out of your clothes.
In some places they have laundromats. We used one in Riomaggiore, but failed to find the one our front desk suggested in Verona. Bring some soap, bar soap works, and do laundry in the sink if you have to, but believe me you will thank me for this.
I brought a carry on suitcase for our three week trip. I fit a weeks worth of clothes in my suitcase and did laundry once. The few things I felt I needed, I bought in Italy. If you bring a small suitcase you will also have an easier time on the train.
8. Choose your seasons wisely.
We decided that summer would be a great time to head to Italy. It was SO HOT! I am not a heat loving person. I like good warm fall days. If you love the heat and are comfortable with 36 degrees Celsius days then book for the summer, but if it sounds like that might melt you I suggest you do your research and find the best time of year.
If you can’t help but head there during the summer make sure you take care of yourself!
- drink lots of water
- bring a good hat
- find shade
- drink cold drinks
- stay away from caffeine
- wear sunscreen
Don’t rush the whole time. There is so much to see in Italy, and so much to do that you could go back 20 times and still not get through it all. That is the magic of traveling. Take some time to relax so that when you get home you don’t feel stressed and tired. Some things we did to relax:
- People watch at a coffee shop
- Check out a local beach
- Head to Asmana Wellness World for the day
Another note about Asmana Wellness World. WOW!! This place was incredible. It was a little expensive, but so worth it. When you get there they give you a towel and robe a bracelet and flip flops. You can choose your length of stay, and we went with the all day package. You head to the change rooms where you leave your clothes (wear your bathing suit!) wallet and phone in a locker that locks with your bracelet. Then you are free to explore!
There are plenty of pools, relaxation rooms, and lounge chairs. You can participate in sauna rituals, get a massage (for an extra charge), eat at the restaurant (for an extra charge), swim, or just lounge in the many rooms and chairs! Anything you buy you charge to your account on your bracelet. At the end of our stay we felt so recharged and we couldn’t stop gushing about how much fun we had. If you need any more incentive I have two words for you: “Indoor Waterfall.” That’s all.
10. Know Before you Go.
Your first trip to Italy will be filled with different rules and etiquette. You don’t need to turn into a local, but being respectful, and knowing customs will help you be respectful of others.
Some good things to know are:
- While tipping is not customary in Italy, if you really appreciate someones service they wont be offended by it. Keep in mind you are probably already paying a service charge (take a look at your bill). This article on An American in Rome goes more into detail!
- If you ask your concierge to call a taxi for you, you will be charged for the time it takes them to get to you. If you get a taxi at a taxi booth you will not be charged more than your trip. Keep an eye out and research the prices in the place you are staying since it is not unheard of for a taxi driver to charge a tourist a different price. We took a few taxis while in Italy, and never had a problem, but others told us that they had been over charged for some trips. Also always make sure the meter is running!
- If you plan to enter churches or the Vatican, cover up. If it’s too hot throw a long skirt and shawl in your bag and only pull them out when you get to the holy place you would like to visit. Don’t be one of those people walking around in a spaghetti strap top just because no one asked you to cover up yet.
- Know how to be safe. We did run into one man who tried to con us, thankfully we had done our research and knew about his con. We walked away completely safe.
- You will need your passport out to check into your hotel. They aren’t trying to steal it. They might even hold it while you are staying there. Just make sure you have it in your possession when you leave.
- If you plan on doing the tax free program: GO TO THE AIRPORT EARLY!!!!! We almost missed our flight because we did not give it enough time. Also if you have a lot sort them into their respective companies. You will need to go to a different window for each company.
There is so much to learn about this amazing country and this (long) post is just the tip of the iceberg!
Speaking of icebergs – stay tuned for my next post about my Alaskan cruise!
In the meantime check out my 5 Tips to Travel Waste Free !
Have a great week, and remember moving a mountain happens one stone at a time!
xoxox
Shelby
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