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Most Beautiful Places To Visit In Italy

August 13, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

Italy is a country that is on many a bucket list. Why? Cute and colourful towns and cities, delicious food regions, art, fashion, a romantic language, delicious men?…

I mean what more could you possibly want. With so many stunning cities to visit in Italy, just where does one beginning when planning a trip to Italy? Well, wonder no more as I am sharing the best places to visit in Italy with tips on the nearest airports, things to see and do in each place and city.

Most Unique Places In Italy You Need To Visit

Italy is full to the bream with iconic places, some locations are more iconic than others but – needless to deny it – the whole of Italy, from North to South including the islands, offers unique trips and holidays in the world.

But how to choose where to go and what places to visit? If you are looking for inspiration for a trip to discover a piece of our Italy you are in the right place.

You could be inspired by the 15 trips to Italy that we have selected from many trips in Italy, which together with a few tricks, will make you live the travel experience at its best.

The beauty of Italy is that they have an amazing train network so you can easily plan a train Itinerary around Italy with ease.

Sites like Omio or Trenitalia allow you to check train times, rates, as well as book fast trains in advance too, so exploring many of the famous and unique places to visit in Italy below, could be done without too much hustle.

1. Amalfi coast

Where to start in describing best travels in Italy? Difficult to choose. We suggest the Amalfi Coast. The pearl of Campania covers a relatively small area in terms of size but decidedly rich in natural and food and wine beauties.

The main towns that touches are Amalfi, Atrani, Cetara, Conca dei Marini, Furore, Maiori, Minori, Positano, Praiano, Ravello, Vietri sul Mare, all connected by the Strada Statale 163 Amalfitana, rightly considered one of the most beautiful roads in Italy.

The peculiarity of the Amalfi Coast is the arrangement of houses and land in a vertical way, and villages that strike for their maze of picturesque and fairytale streets.

There is no shortage of beaches and walks, while as regards the attractions that you just cannot miss, we recommend Ravello with its villas, Rufolo and Cimbrone, Amalfi with its cathedral and its alleys that climb towards the mountain and Positano, with its chic air and its seaside restaurants.

The Amalfi Coast is a trip to Italy to be enjoyed slowly and with amazement, adding Salerno and Sorrento to the itinerary.

2. Cinque Terre

The Cinque Terre area, on the Ligurian coast, includes the small villages of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore, included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Their position, the colors of the houses, the scent of focaccia that can be smelt walking on the streets and a sea that invites all year round make Cinque Terre one of the areas to be considered absolutely for a trip to Italy.

Lovers of mountain walks can take one of the two paths that cross the territory to enjoy the Cinque Terre from a different point of view. In the high season, less frequented: and consider that the different towns are connected by train. You can leave on foot, and return easily.

Also Read: How To Get To Cinque Terre From Milan

3. Chianti Road

Hills that frame small stone villages, estates and vineyards, olive groves that overlook and complete a panorama that is already unique and fascinating in itself, loved by both Italians and foreigners.

It is the Chianti road, also called Chiantigiana, which connects Florence and Siena and winds among others, between Greve in Chianti, Radda in Chianti, Castellina in Chianti, Gaiole in Chianti up to Siena between wineries, producers of pecorino and places where time seems to stand still.

A route along the Chianti road means not only enjoying the beauty of the landscape: it is a unique food and wine experience, one of the trips to Italy that are a must for lovers of good wine and good living.

Continuing once again to Siena, you can reach the Val d’Orcia, between the wine villages of Montalcino and Montepulciano, and go as far as Bagno Vignoni and its spas. There are so many amazing towns in Tuscany one has to visit at least once in a lifetime.

Nearest airport: Florence

Also Read: How To Spend A Day In Florence | Must See Giotto’s Campanile | How To Get To Florence From Pisa

4.Viterbo and Surroundings

Upper Lazio is the perfect choice for those looking for a relaxing place to discover while travelling, and staying in Italy. From Lake Vico to Viterbo with its structures dating back to the papal period without forgetting Bomarzo and its Monster Park.

Also to mention, Soriano nel Cimino, Tuscania and its Etruscan Necropolis and Tarquinia, an ancient Etruscan city overlooking both the Lazio Maremma and the Tyrrhenian Sea.

A separate discussion must be made for the splendid Civita di Bagnoregio, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and known by the name of “dying city”. In fact, it was abandoned almost completely at the end of the eighteenth century.

It was after an earthquake that destroyed the bridge that connected the fortress to the lower city and today it is an unmissable tourist destination for those in the area, also to admire the whole Valle dei Calanchi from above.

Nearest airport: Rome

5. White Week In Trentino Alto Adige

Trentino Alto Adige is one of the regions most loved by those who like to play sports. In winter, it is a destination for those who ski or like activities related to snow, while in summer it is a destination for tourism interested in the mountains and in direct contact with nature, as well as major exhibitions and culture.

If you are thinking of a skiing holiday in Trentino Alto Adige, you will be spoiled for choice on accommodation, things to do, slopes to attend and also things to eat. During the Christmas period, then, all the municipalities set up Christmas markets that catapult into an almost fairytale world.

A skiing holiday in Trentino is one of those trips to Italy to do at least once in your life, combining the visit with two unmissable locations: Lake Resia in Val Venosta and Lake Braies in Val Pusteria.

Nearest airport: Verona

Also Read: Things To Do In Verona | Day Trips From Verona

6. Low Lazio coast

The coastal area of Lazio, which has Latina as its capital, is one of the unmissable destinations for those who love good food and the sea: one of the trips in Italy perhaps less considered, but trust me!

The characteristics of Roman cuisine here leave room for a hybrid between Lazio and Campania cuisine with an important presence of fish, cooked in different ways (the tiella is a must).

Do not miss Gaeta with its split mountain and the fabulous Garden of Ninfa, to be associated with the visit of the Sermoneta Castle. If you love the sea, Sperlonga and San Felice Circeo are the ideal destinations for a restful break.

Nearest airport: Rome

7. Langhe and Roero

A truly incredible corner of Piedmont, the Langhe and Roero area, is characterized by a hilly landscape where the expanses of olive groves are the masters. Small villages that come alive in summer and many opportunities for those traveling to discover good food and good wine, for which the area is famous.

Do not miss Alba (internationally famous for the Truffle Festival in autumn), Barolo (internationally famous for the Collisioni Festival in summer), Cherasco, Grinzane Cavour and Bra, famous for its cheese and the dedicated festival of the same name, which takes place every two years, Cheese. A road trip in Italy, highly recommended to do by car or motorbike!

Nearest airport: Turin

8. Rome And Castelli Romani

The list of the most beautiful places to visit in Italy at least once in your life, cannot fail to include Rome with all its historical beauties, to be added to the Castelli Romani area: a real gem to discover.

Rome offers many things to do, see and eat, but the Castelli area is no less: the name Castelli is linked to the presence in the territory of an important number of villas and castles belonging to the Roman feudal families, which in many cases today can be visited.

Do not miss Ariccia, with a tour of the taverns where you can taste the real porchetta, Frascati and its terrace on Rome, Castelgandolfo and its lake, Nemi with its artisan shops and Genzano, famous for the June “Infiorata”.

Nearest airport: Rome

Also Read: How To See Rome In 4 Days | Best Areas To Stay In Rome

9. Venice and The Venetian villas

One of the most famous places in Italy, Venice leaves you breathless. At least once in your life, you must see it and savor it: walking through its streets, getting lost in the canals, taking refuge in one of the many bacari to savor cicchetti are just some of the must-see experiences in Venice.

If you decide to stay in the city as a stop on your journey, we also recommend that you board a ferry and visit Murano with its historic glass factories and the colorful Burano.

And if Venice and its islands “steal” only a weekend, it may be an idea to add a visit to the Palladian villas of the Veneto which are located in the nearby Province of Vicenza for one of the most beautiful trips to Italy ever.

Nearest airport: Venice

Also Read: How To Get To Venice From Verona | How To See Venice In 2 Days | Best Areas To Stay In Venice

10. Naples and surroundings

The sayings are never random. Local people say “See Naples and then die”. Perfectly describes the power of this city, capable of making you fall in love already at the first visit.

Castel Dell’Ovo, the Maschio Angioino, the underground excavations, Piazza del Plebiscito, Posillipo, the Vomero, Mergellina: these are just some of the things to see in Naples, without forgetting the suggestive street called “Spaccanapoli” and a tour of the Naples metro stations, including the most beautiful in Europe.

A few kilometers from Naples, it is worth spending a day at the excavations of Pompeii and Herculaneum and, when the weather permits, get on a ferry and get to the Isle of Capri, Ischia and Procida.

And don’t forget: more than a taste of pizza is not only allowed, but it is also mandatory when you are in Naples. And what trip to Italy would it be then?

Nearest airport: Naples

11. Lake Garda

Another must-see in Italy is Lake Garda. Always loved by foreigners, Lake Garda is a real must for trips to Italy with its beautiful towns, and a tour of these areas will not leave you disappointed at all.

The largest lake in Italy, which winds between Veneto, Lombardy and Trentino, offers countless opportunities and for tourists of all types. Those who love food and wine are rewarded by an extremely varied offer that makes the local products his winning weapon (including wine).

Those who love nature can venture into truly unique paths; those who love to swim in summer will have beaches on the lake instead. Wide choice also to relax, thanks to the many spas in the area; Finally, for those who like to discover cities, they are spoiled for choice.

Do not miss in the area: Brescia, Riva del Garda, Sirmione, Peschiera del Garda, Bardolino. On the way to the lake, if you have time, stop in beautiful Bergamo to explore the upper part of the city. Be sure to also check out these amazing restaurants in Italy.

Nearest airport: Bergamo and Verona

Also Read: Best Beaches On Lake Garda | Amazing Thermal Baths In Lake Garda | Best Hotels On Lake Garda

12. Salento

Puglia is all beautiful to discover and certainly Salento is one of its most famous areas, thanks to the fantastic coast but also to the hinterland and the rich culture.

The centerpiece of Salento is Lecce which, even if you decide to visit Salento in the summer only for its sea and its beaches, should never be put aside on a trip to the area: it is a baroque pearl of rare beauty, which teems with life all year round and well worth a visit all year round.

Not to be missed in Salento: Gallipoli, Otranto, Porto Cesareo, the Alimini Lakes and Santa Maria di Leuca (the most extreme tip of Italy), without forgetting the many beaches that will certainly not make you regret the Maldives.

Nearest airport: Brindisi

13. Eastern Sicily

We do not want to wrong any other location in Sicily, but the eastern part of the island deserves special mention in the list of unmissable trips to Italy.

You can start from Catania and enjoy its baroque architecture which is well expressed in the majestic Piazza del Duomo, continue along via Etnea and get to the Villa Bellini garden. Do not miss the Piscarìa, the Catania fish market – where you can also eat.

From Catania, you can then visit the splendid Taormina, but also Syracuse, Marzamemi, Ragusa and Noto. If you love nature, do not miss an excursion on Etna and a walk through the Alcantara gorges.

And don’t leave Sicily without first delighting the palate with the various local specialties. Look out for more posts on Sicily as I spent the new year and January this year there.

Nearest airport: Catania

14. Archipelago of Maddalena

The Maddalena Archipelago is one of the unmissable destinations in Sardinia, among the most fascinating trips to Italy (by sea): it is a set of islets that, with the mainland, constitutes a national park and covers a total of over 20,000 hectares.

Boat trips depart from Baja Sardinia, La Maddalena, Palau and Santa Teresa Gallura to allow visitors to admire, among others, Budelli, Caprera, Razzoli, Santa Maria; special mention for Budelli and its pink beach, which you really can’t miss.

If you have time, plan a visit also to the Costa Smeralda and the village of Santa Teresa di Gallura.

Nearest airport: Olbia

15. Milan and surroundings

The city of Milan is all to be discovered and manages to amaze even the most skeptical: a walk on the Navigli, admire the Cathedral at night or at dawn, treat yourself to a social evening in the Brera, go shopping in Via Montenapoleone are just some of the things that you can do if you decide to spend a few days in Milan.

But Milan can only be the first stop in a rich choice of trips to Italy: from here you can plan excursions to Bellagio and Lake Como, to the Borromean Islands, to Pavia and Vigevano or to many other places close to the Lombard capital.

Nearest airport: Milan

Also Read: How To Get To Lake Como From Milan

Heading To Italy? Read:

How To See Venice In One Day
Florence In One Day
Best Areas To Stay In Rome
Rome In 4 Days
Tips For First Time Visitors In Europe
Amazing Hotels In Rome With Balconies
Florence In Winter

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The Best Cities & Regions In Italy For Food

June 12, 2020 by admin 2 Comments

Th Best Cities & Regions In Italy For Food

Rolling hills of Tuscany

Are you planning a trip to Italy? Are you a lover of food? Then I must tell you that Italy is the right place to be. Below is not only a guide to the best regions in Italy for food but the best cities in Italy for food that you will have to experience in their most original form.

Italy is probably one of the few countries in the world-renowned for their natural cooking talent. This is why the most expensive chef in the world are Italian or Italian trained.

Major cities in Italy boast of hosting different culinary schools where people from all over the world travel to Italy to learn how to build and enhance their culinary skills and art. In Italy, cooking is an art and the Italians perform it better than anyone. The following are some of the major Italian cities and the food peculiar to them.

Italian coffee outside San Marco Square

Best Region In Italy For Food

Many of these regions also offer up some of the most amazing restaurants in Italy. Many of these regions also have plenty of food souvenirs you can safely bring back home with your from your trip to Italy.

Tuscany

This is among the best region in Italy for food. When you close your eyes and imagine Tuscany, you’re likely to envision rolling, sun-kissed hills dotted with olive trees, grape vines and the occasional farmhouse or villa.

It’s a place where time slows and you can savor the rustic, earthy foods and wines that prevail here. While all that is true, this large and varied province ranges from mountains to farmland to seaside, and also encompasses the bustling cities of Florence, Siena and Pisa.

As with all regions in Italy, uniquely bold food traditions pervade the area, such as a liberal use of beans, hearty soups, crusty loaves, fennel-scented salami and sheep’s-milk cheeses. Chianina cattle and wild boar — or cinghiale — are among the prized Tuscan meats, and locals enjoy stuffed pastas like ravioli. Wash it all down with a bold local red like a Brunello di Montalcino, a Chianti or a Super Tuscan. After all, Tuscany produces some of the best-loved wines in all of Italy.

Veneto

As a wildly popular tourist destination filled with art, romance, quiet canals and stunning beauty everywhere you turn, Venice is the indisputable shining star of the Veneto region. Naturally, Venice gets much of its seafood from the Gulf of Venice and the Adriatic Sea beyond it;

But venture inland and you’ll find mountains and plains where country folk subsist on traditional preparations of risotto and polenta, commonly cooking with such ingredients as radicchio (a leaf chicory) and chicken and calf livers.

Among the best city in Italy for food, is the medieval city of Verona, also in this region, pulls a fair amount of fish from lakes and rivers. And while most Italian desserts are simple and on the less-sweet side, the beloved tiramisu supposedly has its roots in the Veneto region. We also have Veneto to thank for Prosecco, Soave, Valpolicella and Amarone wines.

Enjoying pizza in Verona

Piedmont

The appeal of most Italian cuisine is its effortlessness and simplicity. Not so in Piedmont, the northern region surrounded on 3 sides by the Alps and bordering both France and Switzerland. Here, there is often a deliberate attempt to make the richest, most decadent foods in Italy using such ingredients as local white truffles, gorgonzola, butter and world-renowned chocolates, as well as liberal use of gnocchi and polenta.

With so many amazing places to visit in Piedmont, let’s not forget this is also the home of fonduta — a cheese dip similar to fondue but enhanced with truffles and egg yolks — and bagna cauda, an olive oil-based dip deepened with anchovies and more truffles. The region’s wines include the unparalleled Barolo and Barbaresco, their vines benefiting from time spent on cool mountain slopes.

Trulli Houses in Puglia

Puglia

Commonly called the heel of Italy’s boot-like shape, Puglia is home to a cuisine that can easily be characterized by its artful marriage between such aggressive flavors as lamb, goat, bitter greens, spicy peppers and urchin with delicate ingredients like fava beans, milky pillows of fresh burrata cheese and generous anointments of olive oil.

The ancient coastal cities of Bari and Brindisi draw tourists to the east side of the Italian peninsula. Inland, the warm, arid plains are ideal for growing wheat and vegetables, which find their way into the produce-heavy, pasta-and-bread-focused cuisine of the region. Ear-shaped orecchiette is a particularly beloved pasta here. On the peninsula’s western coast, the city of Taranto — on the cusp of both Mare Piccolo and Mare Grande — is shellfish heaven, especially for mussels. Wines here aren’t as well-known as those Tuscan superstars, yet Puglia is an abundant wine producer, making everything from the robust Brindisi to the subtle Locorotondo.

Cannoli From Sicily

Sicily

This another one island with among the very best Italian cities with the best food. Much of Italy has been occupied by foreign conquerors at one point or another, each time absorbing a few of the culinary traditions brought by those invaders. In Sicily, the indigenous dishes that pull heavily from the surrounding seas and such sun-loving vegetables as eggplant and peppers are complemented by Arab, Greek and Spanish influences. You will even find couscous used commonly in northwestern Sicily thanks to African influences, and the use of raisins, saffron and cinnamon reportedly came from the Arabs.

Dessert is typically a much bigger deal in Sicily than in many other regions of Italy — perhaps because citrus fruits and nuts grow so abundantly here. This island is also the birthplace of cannoli, meltingly light pignoli cookies and granita, a semi-frozen dessert made from water and various flavors like lemons and almonds. They pair well with a glass of Marsala wine, which also hails from Sicily

Beautiful Sicily

The Famous Foods Of Italy and The Best Cities To Eat Them

There is no doubt that Italy is one of the few countries in the world blessed with varieties of dishes, so much so that food is one of the main export of the country. The presence of countless culinary training schools all over italy leaves no one in doubt as to the wolrd wide respect and acknowledgment of the Italian delicacies and meals.

The following are some of the most notably foods in Italy, widely consumed by the Italians and their visitors in a different region of the country daily. You don’t have to be angry if your favourite food is missing on my list, I tried to cover more food but time won’t allow me. So whether its a two-day trip to Venice or one day in Florence or cris-crossing through beautiful towns in Lake Como or even a packed 10 day-trip around Italy, you are definitely going to enjoy sampling delicious food in Italy.

1. ITALIAN PIZZA

Have you heard about the traditional pizza Margherita of Naples, complete with the thick crust, definitely not like the ones you have eaten before.

One thing that comes to mind of a typical foodie planning to visit Italy, it the aroma and taste of Italian pizza. There is definitely no dish that is as a common denomination or representation of Italy as the humble pizza made in an Italian Oven. It is quite Easy to make, cheap to buy, and filling to the stomach. pizza has been a popular snack or meal in the country, but more especially in Naples where the addition of tomato sauce was first used. Legend as it that the “Pizza Margherita” name first used when the Italian queen Margherita visit the bubbling city of Naples and asked to try the local dish everyone in the city was eating. There she was served by a local entrepreneur a combination of tomato sauce, mozzarella and basil.

In today’s Italy, there are two types of pizza to try out for visitors, either you go for the Neopolitan style pizza or the roman style pizza. The Neopolitan pizza is known to be more filling, because the dough has not been rolled or stretched out, it is therefore small in size. While the Roman sytle pizza has a tiny crust, much larger in size buy typically light in weight.

If you are confused about your choice of pizza, just follow the simple Italian rule that says; “when in Rome, do like a Roman i.e eat the Roman style pizza and when you are in Naples, enjoy the Neopolitan pizza.”

Delicious Italian pizza

2. BOTTARGA

This is a famous Sicilian meal, it is also called the “Sicilian caviar”. In August and September, Sicilian i.e the southern Italians harvest the roe from the grey mullets, add salt to it, press it and leave it to dry in the hot sun for almost six (6) month. The result is a solid hunk of eggs, the color of amber and blood oranges, so that, when sliced and eaten or grated over pasta, it brings forth an awesome savory, smoky, and briny bouquet.

Its is known to be the way peasants preserve seafood in the days prior to the invention of the refrigerator, the food has been generally accepted and considered one of the most loved and sought after luxury foodstuffs in Italy, sharing the same tuff with truffles (more on those later). We recommend it grated over pasta, or simply sliced thinly and drizzled with lemon juice and olive oil.

Risotto with Battarga(tuna eggs)

3. LASAGNA

Lasagna is a wide, flatten Noddle pasta, it must be baked in the oven. A good lasagna meal must be combined with Ragu i.e meat sauce. The origin of the food is a subject of debate just like most Italian dishes, but it is widely eaten in the region of Emilia-Romagna, where it use to be a poor man’s food now transformed to a rich man’s meal.

To enjoy a meal of lasagna, all you need is a little bit of tomato or tomato sauce, mostly only ragù, béchamel sauce, and cheese, usually mozzarella or Parmigiano Reggiano or a combination of the two will make anyone ask for more Lasagna.

Though Lasagna is prepared and eaten in most part of Italy, but you will agree with me that there is nothing like trying the dish in original form at Emilia Romagna, where it is made with homemade noodles and fresh ragu.

Pasta with Truffles

4. TRUFFLES

This is no doubt one of the most sought after food in the world, little wonder why it is so expensive. It is a pungent and rare fungus which grows mostly in the wild but found in abundance in Italy.

It is classified as a tuber, because it grows under the ground and found mostly through the aid of dogs or pigs well trained to detect the truffle buried in the ground in the forest and mountainous regions of Umbria and Piedmont.

Truffles in Italy come in two forms, the rare and more aromatic white truffle, or the slightly less aromatic and slightly more common black truffle. Still, their popularity is unparalleled for those that can afford it and Italian truffles are one of our all-time favorite fall foods in Italy! The precious white truffle is also known as the tuber Pico magnum is the most expensive one. The price ranges from 1500 – 3000 Euros per kilo, depending on the size and region of origin.

Truffle fairs and truffle hunting tours have attracted over 100, 000 tourists to Italy annually and has generated over 60 million Euros for Italy this year. Truffle hunting season is in full swing in Italy, and popular fairs and festival have focused on the Tartufo Bianco or the white truffle. You can join one of this truffle festival in Tuscany, Piedmont, Molise, Umbria and Emilia-Romagna. In these Italian cities, it is certain you will find fresh truffles in local dishes.

If you make it into truffle country during the fall head to a Sagra festival such as the famous International White Truffle Festival of Alba in Piedmont held every October and November. If you are trying truffles for the first time we suggest starting off with fresh pasta covered in thin truffle shavings, but there are plenty of other options to choose from! Truffles are commonly sprinkled over pasta, risotto, and omelets, or used in sauces for steaks or other meat dishes.

5. FLORENTINA STEAK

There is a common saying that it is a taboo to be in Tuscany and not eat the Florentina T-Bone Steak. It is one of the flagship delicacies of Tuscany. Also known as “bistecca fiorentina”, or Florentine T-bone steak, is made from a specific cut out cow-meat, prepared in a unique was all within a specific region.

The fact that most of the cows where the meat came from are breed and rised in Tuscany, further make the meal more restrictive to the region. The cut-out meat is cooked for about 6 minutes depending on the thickness until it is fully cooked and ready to eat!

Most locals in Florentina prefer their t-bone meat to come from the higher body part of the cow, nearer to the rib cage which contains a meaty fillet know is Tuscany as “Bistecca nella costola”. In Other town in tuscany aside from Florentina, the lower cut of the cow is preferred due to his smooth and softness the fillet here is also known as “bistecca nel filetto”.

Do not let my decription put you on the edge, which ever cut you go for, this meal must not be missed by anyone visiting Tuscany.

6. RIBOLLITA

Still in Tuscany? Make sure you don’t leave without having a taste of the popular Ribollita soup. Made from roots, it is one of the common peasant cooking of the region, it is a vegetable soup thickened with bread instead of meat, depicting the peasant nature of the meal.

In Tuscany, the dish is seen as a special delicacy most sweet able in autumn when the vegetables are in their prime, further boosting the aroma of the soup, despite the absence of meat or meat sauce.

7. POLENTA

This Is a Corn extract, very much identical to the grits eaten in the southern part of the USA (the difference is in the fineness and coarseness of the grounded corn). Prior to the consumption of pasta in Italy, Polenta was the major staple starchy meal eating in most home in Italy.

Although it does not come in various shapes and and texture like the pasta, polenta will easily go with a wide range of meats, especially stewed meats. It is commonly eating in major Italian cities like turin, Milan and Venice.

8. OSSOBUCO

Ossobucco alla milanese is one of the favourite and notable Milan dishes. It is made from veal shanks which are cut cross wise to reveal the marrow. The dish is finished with a sprinkle of gremolata i.e a mix of chopped parsley, lemon zest and garlic use to garnish the meat.

It is generally believe that the origin of this Italian cuisine is in Lombardy, Milan. This explains why it is commonly referred to as a Lombardy dish. Ossobuco is no doubt one of the most sought after dish in the city of Milan and many parts of italy. There is absolutely no reason to visit Milan without eating this delicious and classic meal.

Despite the popularity of Ossobuco, also known as the “Hollow Bone”, don’t be surprise if you don’t see it on the menu of most Italian restaurant. This is due to the long hours of cooking time it takes. So you don’t want to miss any chance you come across the mea in a restaurant or a home, as the opportunity may not present itself again.

Mushroom risotto

9. RISOTTO

Here is a famous starchy meals in Italy, in terms of popularity, it comes after the Italian pasta and polenta. These three starchy Italian meals form the three main starch consume in Italy.

Risotto is the Italian version of rice and it requires a lot of stock and lot of stirring to give you that creamy, luxury dish. Though Italy is the largest rice produsing country in Europe, the average Italian are not great rice eater due largely to the abundance of various delicious meal in the country. The city of Lombardy, Piedmont and other northern part of Italy are widely regarded as the Rice bowl of the country.

The risotto alla milanese is probably the most famous type of risotto eaten in Italy, especially when it is infused with saffron. Legend has it that the men that worked on the building of the Milan Cathedral invented the saffron-infused risotto. Other classic versions of the dish include risotto al Nero Di Sepia (with cuttlefish and ink) and risi e bisi (with pancetta and peas), both of which originated from Venice.

Pasta with carbonara sauce

10. CARBONARA

Another spectacular Italian dish every food tourist should try out. It is simple to make, as it made up of spaghetti, eggs, pecorino cheese, cured guanciale and garnished with black pepper.

This is one Italian pasta dish that should be on top of every food-tourist’s bucket list. This meal is mostly prepared by well trained Italian chefs and it leaves a life-changing experience on your taste-buds. There are many imitations of this meal so be on the lookout if you really want to have that carbonara experience.

11. GELATO

This is one of the most famous Italian dessert made with a base of milk, sugar and flavouring like fresh fruit and nut puree. It is generally lower in fat than other form of conventional ice cream. Gelato is the Italian version or word for ice cream.

I can say boldly that your trip to Italy is seriously incomplete without a gelato. A taste of this dessert will make you go back for more until you discover that you are fast becoming addicted to the gelato. Due to its low-fat content, gelato is served a bit warmer and tends to melt in your mouth faster, it also intensifies the flavor and gives it a more velvety texture.

12. PAPPA AL POMODORO

In the Tuscan region, locals eat something called Pappa al Pomodoro. It is said to be a tomato and bread soup. It is thicker than soup and is so tasty. In essence, it was a ‘poor man’s’ meal, as it uses crusty bread that is a day or 2 days old mixed with basil, tomatoes and whatever spices they add. Quite delicious!

13. FOCACCIA AND OTHER ITALIAN BREAD

There are numerous varieties of bread in Italy, the most enjoyable ones are the one freshly baked locally in the morning. But you shouldn’t leave without trying at least a few of the various types that Italy’s robust baking culture has developed over the years.

For example, you might notice that bread in Tuscany has a different taste than it does elsewhere. That’s because it’s made without salt. This is a tradition that originated in feuds between Tuscany and the coastal regions that controlled the salt trade and had no problem cutting off the agricultural region from its supply of the once-valuable commodity. To this day Tuscan bread is best eaten with a drizzle of olive oil and herbs or salt.

Liguria is the home of the world famous flat bread called focaccia, like a pizza dough, a locally made focaccia is hyper-salty, bath with olive oil and very much irresistible, it is sometimes made into a sandwich and served with lovely toppings like rosemary, zucchini, cheese and olives. Moving of the coast of Italy, in Sardinia, the classic bread doesn’t look much like bread at all, instead appearing much more like a pita. Pane carasau, was named for the word carasare, which means to toast.

Arancini balls

14. ARANCINI AND SUPPLÌ

Arancino is another staple food common to the city of Sicily, whie the Suppli is a roman meal sharing some similarity with the Sicilian Aracini . which ever one you decide to go for, just make sure you have a taste of these freshlt baked rice balls..

This rice ball are always on the menu in most bars and restaurant in Italy. So if you intend to have one, here is how to differentiate them. The Sicilian arancino is often larger, and circular in shape. It in fact derive its name from “small orange.” It is mostly filled with ragu (meat sause) and some sort of cheese, veggies like peas, mushrooms, or eggplant are sometimes added.

15. COFFEE

There is more to an Italian coffee than what meets the eye elsewhere. An Italian coffee is as much a work of art as it is a beverage.

Just remember, Italian coffee isn’t like coffee in your local starbucks. Though the names of the variaties might sound familiar, but it means something else in Italy. For instance, if you were to order a ‘latte,’ in Italy you are likely to be served a glass of milk.

You can order your regular “caffè” to a cappuccino, a caffè macchiato to a caffè latte, coffee is found everywhere in Italy but there is a considerable amount of regional difference. In Trieste, for instance, you can order a caffe triestino to get an espresso with whipped cream on top, whereas in Naples coffee is served strong, creamy and fast.

In all of Italy, the city of Trieste has by far the finest coffee culture, making coffee drinking a task all visitors must perform. Little wonder why the famous Italian coffee company “Illy” located its headquarters in Trieste.

16. TIRAMISU

When you are ready to get out of the Gelato cream addiction, Tiramisu is another Italian dessert to get adjusted to. It is probably the country’s most beloved after-dinner dessert.

This Italian dessert has layers of soft, sweetened mascarpone cheese and coffee-soaked ladyfingers. A good Tiramisu features only the highest quality coffee and mascarpone. Cream and egg whites are sometimes added to the mascarpone to give it a lighter texture, and a variety of cookies and cakes can be substituted for the traditional lady fingers.

17. DIGESTIVO

The term “digestivo or digestive” does not refer to one drink alone, but a class of drinks that are enjoyed after a big meal with the aim of settling the stomach and helping you feel not-quite-so-full.

Regardless of your view on alcohol intake, the fact remains that you cannot say you have enjoyed a real Italian meal unless you top it off with a shot of the hard stuff. Popular digestive include but not limited to Limoncello, grappa, amaro, cynar, amaretto, and the dire devil of them all is the Sambuca which has enough alcohol to make a camel drunk. Try to get a sip while you are in the Italy.

FOOD TOURS/ADVENTURE IN ITALY

ITALIAN FOOD (WINE)TOURS PRICE DURATION

There are plenty of food and wine tours in Italy from north to south, Florence, Naples, Sicily and many more cities and islands offering tours and cooking classes. Some only last a day and some are multi-days with accommodation included. Those that include accommodation expect to pay prices along the following lines.

Italy uncorked (wine & cooking) – $3000 – $3600 7 days
Taste of Italy – $2500 – $2800 5 days
Matera private tour – $1500 -$1700 5 days
Cookery getaway in Umbria – $1000 – $1300 5 days
Sicily food adventure – $2000 5 days
Olive harvest experience (olive picking in italy) $1400 – $1600 4 days
Gourmet rome, Sorrento and Capri $1600 – $2000 8 days
Emilia Romagna and marche food & wine tour $3500 – $4000 8 days

There you have it, a guide to the best regions and cities in Italy with the best food. Have you tasted all of the Italian food mentioned above? Was it in any of the amazing cities that gave birth to them?

Heading To Italy? Also Read

The Best Towns In Lake Garda
How To Get To Venice From Verona
Rome In Four Days
The Best Hotels In Rome
Travel Tips For Visiting Vatican City
Top Tips On Getting To Cinque Terre From Milan
Best Italy Hashtags

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Touring Italy In 10 Days – The Perfect Rome Florence & Venice Itinerary

February 20, 2020 by admin 1 Comment

With so many beautiful places to visit in Italy, you will no doubt want to plan a trip to Italy at some point.

If you are a love of Italy like myself then my Rome, Florence and Venice itinerary below should be right up your alley. Touring Italy’s popular and beautiful cities, which are also among my favourites.

I love exploring Italy by train, the amazing part about it is that it is so much cheaper to explore by train than to do a similar itinerary of the UK and Ireland.

Whether you are visiting Italy from the UK or USA you can certainly start this itinerary from Venice, or Florence(more like Pisa because of proximity to the airport) or Rome as this one does and then take to the cheap trains.

Planning A Trip To Rome Florence And Venice Italy

You can travel by flight between some of the cities but I find it pointless as you lose so much time having to arrive at the airport 1-2 hours before departure.

And then going though passport control or security is too much hassle when you can just check the trains or coach times and prices between the cities and jump on the best one quickly.

With this Italy itinerary of Rome, Florence, Venice partly because most people if coming from further afield, Rome is an easy international airport for most to start from.

From there on I highly recommend using the train in Italy as its easy, cheap and one of the best ways to travel around Italy.

If you are on a super tight budget their are options for coach services like Flixbus which are cheap and travel between many of the cities in Italy. With prices as little as 5 Euros, its an absolute steal!

Rome Florence Pisa Venice Itinerary At A Glance

Day 1: Explore Rome must-see attractions
Day 2: Visit Vatican City Museums & hidden gems
Day 3: Optional day trip from Rome to Pompeii
Day 4: Arrive in Florence – Explore Pizza del Duomo
Day 5: Take to Florence galleries and viewpoints
Day 6: Optional day trip to Pisa from Florence
Day 7: Arrive In Venice and explore Grand Canal sights
Day 8: Day trip from Venice to Burano And Murano
Day 9: Take To Venice viewpoints
Day 10: Review alternative itineraries

Itinerary For Rome Florence Venice In 10 Days

Day 1-3 Rome Must Sees & Vatican City Hidden Gems

Day 1 In Rome

The Italy itinerary that starts with 3 days in Rome and 1 day in the historic and spectacular Pompeii. And then on to discover Florence and the beautiful Venice. Your eyes and your heart will be captivated by these amazing cities in Italy!

There is no tourist in the world who has not visited, or dreams of visiting, the Capital of Italy. Rome is a city rich in history, culture and archaeological remains unique in the world, for this reason it is a destination for visits by curious people from all over the world

Limiting the list of things to do in Rome to just 10 entries is almost unthinkable. The eternal city offers so much, besides the most famous attractions and monuments, that it seems almost an insult, but not always those who pass through the eternal city have too much time to see everything. It is therefore necessary to do a selection of must-see places in Rome. Be sure to also check out our list of restaurants in Italy not to miss out on which includes a few located in Rome.

The Colosseum

A timeless classic, an inevitable stop on every visit to Rome that can be defined as such. It is said that when the Colosseum falls, the eternal city will also fall, taking the whole world with it.

Its original name is Flavian Amphitheater and it was the scene of fierce battles between gladiators and beasts, but also a scenario for simulations of naval battles. The Colosseum is still today one of the symbols of Rome, recognized throughout the world.

The Pantheon

Another symbol of Rome, it is presented to the public adorned with a majestic dome and the famous colonnade.

Legend has it that right here, when Romulus died, an eagle grabbed him and carried him up to the sky. As its name indicates (Pan = Tutti and Theon = divinity) the building is a monument dedicated to all the deities, built by the emperor Hadrian between 118 and 125 AD.

From a pagan temple it was converted into a Christian basilica in 609, dedicated to Santa Maria ad Martyres. In 1870 it became a resting place for the sovereigns of Italy, including Vittorio Emanuele II, Umberto I and Margherita di Savoia. Buried at the Pantheon is also the great artist Raffaello Sanzio.

Altar of the Fatherland

Also known as the Vittoriano, it is a monument built to celebrate King Vittorio Emanuele II, the one who carried out the unification of Italy. During fascism’ years it was often the scene of the regime’s demonstrations: today it has become a symbol not only of national identity, but also of artistic and cultural identity.

Piazza Navona

This is where one of my favourite fountains in Italy is located. A place where you can relax sitting at a bar table, surrounded by baroque sculptures and architecture.

Piazza Navona is one of the most popular squares for tourists and Roman citizens and is located where the ancient stadium of Domitian once stood. Here, in fact, thanks to the oval shape of the space, games and sporting events were organized until the nineteenth century.

At the square it is also possible to admire a work by Bernini, the Fountain of the Four Rivers, or the Ganges, the Danube, the Rio della Plata and the Nile. Each is represented by a giant positioned on a pyramidal rock on which there is also a Roman obelisk.

Day 2 The Vatican City Museums

In this place important and precious works of antiquity are preserved, from the Greek and Roman periods, such as the Lacoonte, the Apoxyomenos and the Apollo del Belvedere, but also examples of Egyptian and Etruscan art.

The Vatican Museums are universally known as one of the richest and most splendid museum complexes in the world and also include a Pinacoteca, with works by Raphael, Caravaggio and Leonardo da Vinci.

One cannot fail to mention the famous Sistine Chapel, the result of Michelangelo’s genius, who welcomes over 20,000 visitors every day.

Also Read: Tips For Visiting The Vatican City

Saint Peter’s Basilica

In any image of the city skyline stands the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, designed by Michelangelo, as well as its spectacular colonnaded portico of the square in front, made by Bernini instead.

The building represents not only one of the most wonderful and important examples of Italian architecture, but it is also one of the symbolic places of Christianity.

The Basilica also houses masterpieces of rare beauty created by the most important artists of the Roman Renaissance and Baroque, such as the Pietà by Michelangelo, the Cattedra di S. Pietro and the Baldacchino by Bernini.

Piazza di Spagna

Another unmissable stop in the capital, Piazza di Spagna and the Trinità dei Monti stairway represent a unique background in the world for fashion shows and famous movie scenes.

Among the celebrities who have crossed their lives with this place, we remember, for example, Giuseppe Balsamo known as Cagliostro.

Alchemist and esotericist, he stayed at one of the inns overlooking the square. It is said that he was arrested right on this square, but a more curious legend tells of the ghost of his wife, who apparently still roams in the area. It was she who denounced her husband to the Holy Office!

The Trevi Fountain

To find it, it is sufficient to be able to distinguish the rushing noise of the water among the noises of the city.

After having travelled through a maze of narrow streets you reach the Trevi Fountain, which is just as you imagine it: sumptuous, crowded, representative of the Dolce Vita. Throw yourself a coin and make a wish!

One of the most instagrammable places in Rome, we suggest you go in the evening hours so as not to find too many people.

But Italian itinerary did not end here, discover the beautiful, historic Pompeii.

From Rome, it is possible to reach Pompeii in different ways: train, car, shuttle bus organized by city tours.

My advice is to choose the means of transport you prefer, although it is always a pleasure to participate in an organized tour. This way you don’t have to worry about navigating transportation and things to do. You explore the highlights and have someone else worry about how to get there, around and back.

Day 3 Day Trip From Rome: What to see in Pompeii in one day

You can either continue exploring Rome on day three or take the opportunity to visit Pompei.

You can choose between two options:

Devote an entire day to the Pompeii excavations.
Make a regenerating stop for an aperitif after visiting the Villa of the Mysteries and the Sanctuary of the Virgin of the Rosary.

The Pompeii excavations, here are some things to see inside.

Just a few tips for you: to avoid the queue, buy the admission ticket online and remember to print it, wear comfortable shoes and bring with you sandwich, water, smartphone for photos, summer sunscreen and winter umbrella. There is so much to see and you have to walk.

The most important things to see in Pompeii are:

The Forum and the Temple of Apollo
The Amphitheater
House of the Faun
Teatro Grande

Some useful information:

When: from November 1st to March 31st: every day from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, with last entry at 3:30 pm. From April 1st to October 31st: every day from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm, with last entry at 6:00 pm.

Closed: 1 January, 1 May, 25 December.

How much: € 13, reduced € 7.50. The ticket for access to the sites of Pompeii, Herculaneum, Oplonti, Stabia, Boscoreale (valid for 3 days) costs € 22 full, € 12 reduced. Free admission for EU citizens under 18 or over 65.

Getting From Rome To Florence By Train

After having seen the beautiful Pompeii and having taken so many photos, you will be incredulous going to take the train to Florence.

From Rome to Florence, there are several train solutions that you can consider:

The Freccia Rossa train
The Regional Fast train

The Rome to Florence train costs around 35 euros for a Freccia Rossa ticket and 21 for a regional ticket. You can buy it from the TrenItalia site. Note that some of the fast trains from Rome to Florence may require advance booking but not always.

Particularly the early morning ones. Again for the best way to travel from Rome to Florence, also check out Omio linked above which will give you options for trains, coaches and flights so you can go for the best option for your budget and schedule. Rome to Florence train time is 1 hour 30 minutes.

Also Read: Best Places To Stay In Rome

Day 4-6 Places To Visit In Florence And Day Trip To Pisa

Day 4 in Florence

If you take the high-speed train from Rome to Florence in the morning you could be in Florence before the afternoon. The second city on the 10 day itinerary of Rome, Florence Venice.

The itinerary begins in Piazza del Duomo, the heart of Florence. Here stands the magnificent Cathedral, or Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, with the famous dome by Brunelleschi, the Baptistery with the wonderful Porta del Paradiso by Ghiberti and the Campanile di Giotto, from which you can enjoy an incredible view of the city. For additional inspiration, I share a one day Florence itinerary on the blog.

If you have enough time, it is worthwhile to visit them all, otherwise, you could choose to see the inside of the Cathedral and the Dome, limiting yourself to see the other monuments from the outside.

Continue towards Via dei Calzaiuoli to reach the beautiful Piazza della Signoria, for centuries at the center of Florence’s political life. Here the imposing Palazzo Vecchio, the current seat of the town council and civic museum. To the right of Palazzo Vecchio you can admire the fascinating Loggia dei Lanzi, where some famous statues are placed, such as the Perseus by Benvenuto Cellini.

In Piazza della Signoria there is the Fontana del Nettuno dell’Ammannati and the equestrian monument of Cosimo I by Giambologna. Along the way, in Via Calzaiuoli, you will recognize the Church of Orsanimichele, with its particular architectural structure and the statues that adorn its facade, works by great artists such as Donatello, Ghiberti and Verrocchio.

A few steps from Palazzo Vecchio you will find the Uffizi Gallery, one of the most visited and known Italian museums, known for its vast collection of Renaissance works by artists such as Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Raffaello, just to name a few of the most famous.

If you intend to visit the Uffizi, especially if you have little time, I definitely recommend booking museum admission tickets in advance, which will allow you to avoid wasting precious time in the long lines at the museum entrance. Consider spending at least 2 hours in the Uffizi Gallery, but even better, visit the museum on a guided tour to not miss the most important masterpieces.

The Ponte Vecchio is one of the symbols of Florence, halfway between the Uffizi Gallery and Palazzo Vecchio (joined by the wonderful Vasari Corridor that passes right above the heads of the tourists overlooking the bridge).

Also Read: Things To Do In Florence In Winter

Day 5 in Florence

The second day of Florence itinerary begins in Piazza Santa Maria Novella, recently renovated, overlooked by one of the most beautiful churches in Florence: the Church of Santa Maria Novella. The facade of the church is in white and green marble and was designed by Leon Battista Alberti, while the splendid Tornabuoni Chapel (not to be missed!) Was frescoed by Ghirlandaio.

In Piazza San Lorenzo, if you wish, you can make a brief visit to the Church of San Lorenzo or in the majestic Medici Chapels, where the members of the Medici family were buried and where you will find a beautiful marble statue of Michelangelo, placed in the New Sacristy.

The Academy Gallery is among the most loved and visited museums. Here the original marble statue of Michelangelo’s David was placed. A copy of the work is in front of Palazzo Vecchio, yet another in Piazzale Michelangelo but seeing the original is something else! If you want to come and visit the museum, I advise you to book the ticket in advance.

Also Read: Why You Shouldn’t Miss Piazza Santa Croce In Florence

If you want to spend a day in Pisa, I recommend you to take a fast regional train and book it on the Trenitalia.it website in advance.

Day 6 Day Trip From Florence – What to see in Pisa in one day

While the title of the post mentions 3 cities, with Pisa being so close to Florence, you can easily and quickly change this Italian itinerary to be a Rome, Florence, Pisa and Venice itinerary. If short on time you can keep it but why miss an opportunity to check out the Leaning Tower of Pisa!

Once out of the station, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele is immediately visible, the administrative fulcrum of the city, where a series of historic buildings overlook this almost amphitheatric square and the perimeter almost completely characterized by arcades full of shops and walkable.

From here you walk towards Corso Italia, the most famous street in Pisa, crowded with all kinds of shops, the ideal walk for all shopping lovers.

Also Read: How To Get To Pisa From Florence

After passing Piazza del Carmine and Piazza della Pera, we come to the famous Logge dei Banchi at the entrance to the Ponte di Mezzo on the Arno river (the one where the famous Gioco del Ponte is played), a characteristic and impressive loggia erected on a project by Buontalenti during the first years of the seventeenth century and used to house the market of wool and silk (hence the name banks – stalls).

We head towards Lungarno Galilei: the lungarni of Pisa, or those roads that line the Arno river, are renowned both among the inhabitants and tourists of Pisa: meeting points and gathering for the former with bars, restaurants and pubs, and pleasant and suggestive walk for the latter, which here can admire the urban architecture of the city and the historical imprint of the buildings – also of medieval origin, then reworked over the years – and of the buildings that constitute, in a certain sense, the fulcrum artistic.

On the Lungarno Galilei, after the Palazzo Lanfranchi, we find the Church of San Sepolcro with its curious octagonal plan, born with the purpose of church, refuge, hospital and convent and dedicated to the Templars.

About ten minutes further on, we are in Piazza dei Miracoli, passing through Via Santa Maria, a side street of the aforementioned square, where there are two of the most renowned faculties of the University of Pisa: the Faculty of Foreign Languages and Literature and the School for Interpreters and Translators.

And it is just a stone’s throw from the school that opens on Via Santa Maria the glimpse of the beautiful Piazza dei Miracoli, the one that everyone knows about the Leaning Tower, although it hosts other buildings of historical and artistic interest to which it owes its name: the Baptistery , the Duomo and the Camposanto (to represent the cycle of life – birth, life, death).

The Duomo of Pisa is a splendid example of Pisan Romanesque whose facade is in grey and white marble, decorated with polychrome marble unlike the interior, where black and white marbles prevail. Its bell tower (the famous Tower), one of the most famous in the world, about 50 meters high has a characteristic slope that can be defined without a shadow of a doubt unique in the world, due to a subsidence of the land already detected at the time of its construction.

Being in front of the Tower of Pisa is something really exciting! When I visit Pisa I love standing in front of the Tower to admire it. Can you imagine how the square would look if the tower were not inclined? I believe that it would lose part of its unique charm.

The tower, closed to the public a few years ago, has been reopened and it is therefore possible to climb to the top to visit it and look out from one of its many small windows.

Day 7-10 Explore Venice Canals And Day Trip To Murano And Burano

From Florence to Venice you can find many transport options, my advice is to opt for the train because you won’t find a parking space by car. There are intercity trains, the journey takes 4 hours. You can also take the fast train, FRECCIA ROSSA, the journey takes 2 hours and the cost is 43 euros.

Day 7 In Venice – Let’s find out what to see in Venice in 3 days

If you really can’t give up the car, avoid the garages in Piazzale Roma, which are very expensive, and leave your car in parking lots outside Venice, for example those in Porto Marghera or those in Mestre. If you arrive in Venice by train, you will get off at the Santa Lucia station.

Also Read: How To Get To Venice From Verona

With the bus, you’ll find yourself in Piazzale Roma. From here it crosses the Calatrava bridge, one of the last architectural works of Venice, to find yourself in front of the train station. A little further on, the Scalzi bridge.

Your Venice tour has already begun: in just a few steps you have crossed 2 of the 4 bridges that cross the Grand Canal (you will see the Accademia and Rialto in the coming days). Following the signs for San Marco or Rialto, you will find yourself walking through the typical Venetian streets and you will arrive in the historic center of Venice in half an hour scarce.

We advise you to always keep your mobile phone handy for orientation. Better yet … Ask the Venetians for help who, at first sight, might seem gruff, but they will be delighted to help you. On the other hand, Venice is a maze of narrow streets in which getting lost is the simplest thing. And to be honest, the secret, perhaps, is just that.

Also Read: Best Areas To Stay In Venice

Piazza San Marco, the Basilica and Palazzo Ducale

After filling your stomach, it’s time to get ready for an afternoon of art, history and culture.

The stage in this case is called Piazza San Marco, the city lounge overlooked by some of the most beautiful Venetian buildings, such as the Basilica, the Bell Tower, the Clock Tower and the Doge’s Palace.

A visit to the Basilica and Palazzo Ducale is a must: a couple of hours should be enough for a quick tour, something more for a more in-depth visit. Better to go to the Basilica in the afternoon so you avoid the crowds of groups and schools.

If you also decide to visit the Bell Tower and the Clock (the latter can only be visited on request), then put 4 good hours in the budget. Know that it will be a beautiful afternoon.

From Piazza San Marco you can decide to lose yourself in the maze of narrow streets that surround it and arrive, calmly, at the Rialto Bridge, where to close your first day in Venice.

Beyond the bridge, you will find yourself in the area of the Pescaria, the fish market: here, absolutely a must, an aperitif in one of the many cafes in the area. They are called bacari, typical Venetian taverns where you can stop to drink a “shade”, a glass of wine, and to taste some “cicheto”, snacks that are also typical of the local tradition (this can be meatballs, canapés with cod or with sardines, fried shrimp and so on).

Also Read: Guide To The Best Viewpoints In Venice

Aerial view of Venice, Santa Maria della Salute and Piazza San Marco. World famous Venice landmarks. View from St Mark Campanile

Day 8 in Venice

Get ready for a tour of the Venetian islands: Murano, Burano and Torcello. In reality, there would also be other islands to see, but for your 3 days in Venice, these are the ones we recommend.

Murano is the island of blown glass, famous and appreciated throughout the world for its glass production. If you are interested in the topic, you could take the time to visit a glass factory: there are many that organize demonstrations for tourists and enthusiasts.

Burano is the island of lace and, among the 3, is perhaps the most picturesque because of its colorful houses. To taste the buranelli, typical sweets made with flour, sugar, eggs and butter, also known as bussolà.

Finally, the island of Torcello, today practically uninhabited (it has only a dozen inhabitants), is the ideal destination if you are looking for something outside of the classic tourist itineraries. Here you will see the Devil’s Bridge and the throne of Attila, you can visit the local museum, which preserves archaeological finds found on the island, and the Basilica.

It’s up to you to decide whether to rely on an organized tour or opt for public transport and visit the islands with your times.

If you don’t feel like arranging, trust a tour: there are some that in 4 hours show you all three islands. If, on the other hand, you want to do things slowly and enjoy the wonders you will see without haste, we recommend using public transport: all the islands are easily reachable by Vaporetto.

For the evening we recommend that you book a table at Il Refolo, a delightful restaurant in Campo San Giacomo dell’Orio, one of the quietest squares in Venice, in the Santa Croce area, right next to an old town church.

Also Read: How To Get Around In Venice

Day 9 in Venice

For your last day in Venice we held one of the most bizarre monuments in the city: the Scala Contarini del Bovolo. It is an imposing spiral staircase (in Venetian dialect it is called bovolo), over 26 meters high, with 80 monolithic steps, from whose arches you can enjoy a breathtaking view of all of Venice, including the majestic San Marco domes. The remains of the ancient frescoes that decorated the interiors and exteriors of the tower are also striking.

Day 10 In Italy & Alternative Itineraries

I have intentionally left room in the 10-day itinerary for Rome, Florence and Venice this way you can use it to add a day in Rome, Venice or Florence. You also have the option to remove suggested day trips or add cities like Milan to create a Milan-Venice-Florence-Rome itinerary, you can also opt to change to a Rome-Florence-Cinque Terre Venice itinerary. The beauty of Italy is that train travel is easy, fast and cheap too.

If you are traveling from the US to Italy, the additional day also gives you room to chill and get over some of your jet lag.

Also Read: Top Tips For Saving Money In Venice

Options For Package Tours In Italy

I tend to book many of my travel separately as I like to have a little bit of control over my itinerary. This way I can book separate tours and day trips when I want them. For where to stay in Rome, Florence or and Venice, I have linked to some of the posts where I cover that in more detail. Otherwise, I always use my favourite hotel booking site to book my accommodation when I travel.

If you prefer to have everything done for you, there are options to have say, Rome and Venice tour packages or Rome Florence Venice package holidays. Many of them will handle accommodation, transportation and include some meals like breakfast. You wont have to worry about getting from Rome to Florence or Rome to Venice trains. All that is taken care of. Below are a couple of options for package tours to check out.

Check out Viator’s multi-day tours around Italy.
GAdventures offers tours from 7-10 day around Italy and Europe.
Contiki runs a variety of tours for under 35s so you can explore Europes as well as find plenty of cheap holidays to Rome and Venice in addition to many other cities in Italy and Europe.

There you have it! I hope you enjoyed this tour between Rome – Florence and Venice! Of course, no Italy trip to Rome, Florence or Venice would be complete without a couple of detours to nearby towns and cities.

Love Italy? Also Read:

What To Pack For Venice
Essential Items For A European Trip
What To Pack For Florence
How To Save Money When Booking The Venice Taxi
Lake Como Towns You Need To Visit
Top Places To Visit In Verona
A Weekend In Pisa
Best Italian Hashtags For Travel

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How To Plan A Trip To Italy The Right Way!

May 8, 2019 by admin 16 Comments

Planning a trip to Italy need not be difficult. If you want to know how to plan a trip to Italy on your own then this is the post for you.

If you are looking to visit Italy for the first time or looking to explore the different regions of Italy this post will offer an insight into how to plan a trip to Italy in the way that I normally work through. I have had the pleasure of visiting many of Italy’s beautiful cities with more to come as I am in the midst of planning a trip that covers Italy, Malta and Tunisia and possibly more of Greece.

So, whether you are planning a trip to southern Italy, planning a honeymoon in Italy, or planning a family trip to Italy or just need a guide to planning a trip to Italy below are all the things to consider as I go through how to get around in Italy, where to stay, places to visit in Italy, stunning restaurants in Italy to check out and generally things to keep in mind as you consider budget and style of travel. If you need help planning a trip to Italy, read on!

How To Plan A Trip To Italy – Regions of Italy To Visit

Italy is made up of 20 regions and each one is rich with its own landscape, history, and traditions. From unique cities like Venice with its magnificant floating palaces to Florence with its rich Renaissance history or Milan with its fashion influence as well as being home to Leonardo Da Vinci’s Last Supper and last but not least Rome, the eternal city.

Each and every city offers something different. As beautiful as Italy is, its also quiet vast. Unless you are visiting over a month you cannot even begin to scratch the surface. You need to select a city to explore or if you have a week you can do 1 or even 2 regions. If you have a month in Italy you can cover a wide range of regions and get a taste of just how vastly different each region can be from the next one.

Northern Italy

One of my favourite regions in Italy. Northern Italy covers Lombardy, Piedmont, Dolomites, Italian Lakes, Liguria and Veneto regions and boasts stunning and dramatic landscapes. This is where you will find Lake Como and Lake Garda, with Lombardy also being home to the fashion capital of Italy; Milan.

Veneto is home to the amazing and timeless city that is Venice as well as the historical and Shakespearean city of Verona. If you are planning a trip to Venice this is the region you would be visiting. Northern Italy is also the home of Italian Riveria with the likes of Cinque Terre located in this region.

Also to note that with this region neighbouring France, Switzerland and Austria, the culture and cuisines are also influenced by its neighbours.

Central Italy

This is considered the heart of Italy where you will find some of the world’s most renowned cities. Central Italy consists of regions: Lazio, Tuscany, Umbria, Le Marche, Abruzzo and Emila Romagna. Tuscany and Umbria are filled with beautiful rolling hills and stunning vineyards that look like paintings at sunset.

You will find Pisa and Florence in Tuscany, while surrounding Rome is the Lazio region filled with ancient towns, gorgeous gardens and hill towns. Abruzzo and Le Marche lie between Apennine mountains and the Adriatic Coast. For food lovers, Central Italy or to be more precise, Emila Romagna is another paradise if you want a taste of Italy.

Thing cheese, ham, balsamic vinegar and bolognese sauce are all from this region. As always Italy is beautiful and delicious. For inspiration on things to do in Bologna the home of Bolognese.

Southern Italy

This part of Italy is made up of Campania, Puglia, Basilicata, Calabria, Sicily and Aeolian Islands and Sardinia. These regions are at the lower and toe part of Italy’s boot. Campania is of course where you will find the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, Positano, Praiano, Ravello, Salerno and islands of Capri and Ischia.

For tips on how to spend 4 days in Sorrento check out Find Love and Travel. For tips on how to spend your time in Sardinia, check out this cool itinerary with things to do in Sardinia over a week.

Puglia is home to stunning views along the Adriatic Sea coastline. If you want a reach Italian experience with none of the touristy crowds this is where you head to. Basilicata region boasts mountain ranges and deep valleys and is matched by those found in Calabria with its rugged landscapes and stunning coastline with mesmerizing crystal blue Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas.

This region is so different compared to Northern Italy; it is hard to believe it is the same country at times. From the weather to the whole experience of the country and their differing cultural influences.

To fully experience the essence of Italy planning a 3 week trip or at a minimum, a 2 week trip to is always ideal especially if you are coming from afar. If you are already in Europe its preferable to sample a region every other month to experience the scenery, the art, the food, and the culture.

The seasons offer a great variety as well. You could on the same day be skiing and sunbathing on two spectacular locations not too far apart if you choose the right month. Italy offers a unique variety of geography, culture and history. There is always more to experience. For tips on the best time to visit Amalfi check out Meghan’s tips.

Pick Your Style Of Travel

When you are planning a tour of Italy your style of travel will very much dictate how much you will spend on your trip or how much you need to save for your trip around Italy. If you are planning a trip to Italy on a budget, I have found that comparing package tours and DIY is the way to go.

If you are planning a luxury trip to Italy majority of what really eats at the budget is unique experiences or private experiences as well as of course luxury accommodation. Below I will describe some travel styles to help you figure out which one you might fit in as well as help you to give you a starting point based on your preferred style of travel.

Independent (and solo) Travel In Italy

This is where you book everything separately to match your preferred style of accommodation, mode of transportation; private helicopter or a taxi ride to your hotel dependant on your budget, you can as add any extras to your travel planning from tours to self-guided tours as well as plan your itinerary based on your likes and skip the rest.

If you are visiting individual cities you also have the option of purchasing tourist cards that will give you access to the cities museums, and other tourist sights.

Private Tours

This is where you can have a private guide to take you around a city or around Italy. Your itinerary of Italy can be tailored to your liking and preferences.

Majority of these tours are usually in the luxury category unless this is a basic city tour which can also be private but these are still usually above the £100 mark and into the thousands for a multi-day, multi-city tour.

Private Group Tours

If you are traveling with friends or family sometimes it may be cheaper to book a private group tour. Again with these types of tours, you have the option to have an itinerary tailored to you and your group’s needs and likes.

Expect to pay a bit more compared to package tours but if you are of course within a group it can also be economical as you split the price of the guide between you. It also depends if the guide is also arranging transportation and accommodation so all that takes effort but well worth it.

Package Tours In Italy

If you are a little apprehensive about solo travel packaged tours also offer a great opportunity to meet other people on the tour. Packaged tours in Italy might be a great way to see lots of cities with ease as everything is all arranged for you, from guided city tours (usually at a fee) with the accommodation in each city as well as transportation already booked.

Escorted Group Tours Of Italy

If you are stuck when it comes to planning a trip through Italy then this might be an option for you as you can travel through Italy’s most beautiful cities as part of an escorted group tour. You will have a guide for much of the duration of your trip showcasing the highlights of Italy and providing insight into the rich history of the country and regions.

Picking A Tour Of Italy

There are so many tour companies offering amazing tours that allow you to travel based on the travel style above. If you are a lover of adventure and love cycling, walking, winter activities then check out Exodus tours. If you prefer to travel on small group adventures then G Adventures is work checking out. If you are between 18 and 35 and love travel but also want to experience Italy’s nightlife then Contiki tours is the way to go. They have a mix of multi-city tours in Italy as well as those that combine Italy and France with Germany and Spain and beyond.

For independent tours I would also recommend Viator Tours and Get Your Guide where you can book individual tours that can also supplement some of the package tours which mostly don’t come with a guide to take you through the city but will arrange, transport, hotels and flights. If you are on a strict budget I would also recommend checking out meetup which allows you to meet locals in the city who organise free meetups on a wide variety of interest, from photography to singing, to bar crawls and restaurant outings.

How To Get To Italy And Getting Around – Transport In Italy

Flights To Italy

If you are coming from the UK the flights to Italy are only a few hours of travel and beyond that may also require an overnight flight. I post monthly discounts for tours, flights and hotels; this month is a little late but will update that end of the week.

From the UK we have the option of using Eurostar to Paris and from there taking the train but that takes longer and only works if you are planning a trip to Italy and France and starting from London. Otherwise, it’s just easier to take a flight from London and other parts of the UK to Italy. If you are already on mainly Europe you also have access to cheap airlines like EasyJet, RyanAir, Wizz and sometimes Norwegian Air also has cheap flights.

If you are traveling from the US to Italy or China and mainland Asia you will most likely be coming through via larger airlines and will stop at some of the other bigger airports in Italy. Below I have tips on branching out to trains when exploring cities in Italy.

For the best deals I usually use Google flights and just put in the cities I am leaving from and then see which cities in Italy have the cheapest flights. You can click on the different cities and that will show you the cheapest city to land in Italy. For more deals I also check Expedia, Kiwi, or Lastminute or eDreams.

Bus and Train Travel In Italy

Italy offers a wide range of transportation to easily get around Italy and explore. Buses are plenty as well intercity coaches and trains. I have shared tips on how to get from Verona to Venice, Verona to Lake Garda and Milan to Cinque Terre and more to come. All these include tips on how to get from the airport to the cities as well as using trains and buses.

If you are travelling between cities in Italy, trains are really the way to go. They are reasonably priced compared to those in London also really easy to navigate. There are plenty of train operators in Italy operating intercity as well as regional. I would highly recommend checking online beforehand because there are slow trains that pass through regional stops as well as fast trains which easily shave an hour on journey times.

Use Omio to check journey times and service route for trains and coaches. It lists prices as well. The site gives you a list of train operators but you can also book directly with the likes of Trenitalia which is one of the main operators in Italy.

You don’t have to book in advance for most of the trains but I have found that some of the faster trains sometimes sell out. Trains are frequent so you can always wait for the next one. If unsure just ask the ticket office if the next train is a fast one or not. To give you an idea of travel times between cities see below.

Rome to Naples: 1 hour 10 minutes and costs £18 on Italo. Trenitalia takes 1 hour 7 mines and costs £27 and £30 during peak times.
Rome to Venice: 3 hours 23 minutes fastest or 7 hours for a slow and cheap train. Fastest train is £49 versus £29 for the slow train.
Milan to Venice: 2 hours on the fastest train and costs £29 on Trenitalia Frecciarossa. Cheapest is 2 hours 25 minutes and costs £18.
Florence to Rome: 1 hour 32 minutes for the cheapest train at £17 on Italo and the fastest at £27 and takes 1 hour 11 minutes on Trenitalia Frecciarossa.
Pisa To Florence: Only 48 minutes for the cheapest train with Trenitalia at £8 the same prices for the slower train at 1 hour 19 minutes.
If you have a EuRail pass you can travel throughout Europe by train on many of the operators in Italy and other countries in Europe. From the UK you can use InterRail.

Car Rentals In Italy

If you are visiting Italy’s biggest cities, you will not need to rent a car as most cities can be explored on foot as well as easily by buses. You can easily get around from Airport to hotel by taxi, bus or train. Renting a car in Italy will only cause more hassle in looking for parking as well as getting used to driving on the other side of the road if you are coming from the UK where we drive on the left.

I have got by with trains in Italy and have only ever had to rent a car when travelling to Italy’s skiing region in Northern Italy. This is because the trains and coaches take long because they have to drop people off different skiing areas. Other things to bear in mind when renting a car in Italy:

If possible bring your own mobile phone holder for the car so that you can use your phone as GPS. This will save you at least £8 for every day of rental to use their GPS.
Make sure you reserve a car booking traveling as they usually sell out during busy periods.
Automatic transmission cars are more expensive sometimes twice as much if not more. Much cheaper to rent a manual car.
Check insurance coverage when reserving your car online as some rentals might want you to buy additional insurance when you collect your car, in most cases this is unnecessary.
Also, bear in mind the size of car you rent, small cars might look cute but make sure you can fit your luggage in them.
Also check the type of gas the car needs as you will have to fill it up on the way back to avoid incurring charges which can be much higher than the market rate.
Check out EasyCar, or Europcar. Both are good, I have used EasyCar for Italy, and Europcar I have used for Ireland, Iceland and Norway as well.

How To Plan A Trip To Italy On Your Own | Is Italy Safe To Travel Alone

I have traveled around Italy with my family, my husband as well as on my own, I have used trains, rented cars on my own and flown around Italy on my own and never feared for my safety. Majority of Italians are friendly and very helpful if you are lost. Whether planning a trip to Italy on your own, you really don’t have to feel apprehensive Italy is very welcoming in most major cities.

Although if you are a minority you may get a few questionable stares in smaller cities I never let that phase me. I go about my business – that is the nature of the times we are in right now. As a female traveler in Italy, again this is something that I have done comfortably but where ever I go, whether exploring in the UK, Asia or in Europe just practice common sense and if it doesn’t feel right, try to get out of the situation as quickly and safely as possible.

Places To Visit In Italy – Where To Go In Italy

Places and Cities To Visit Italy

I shared a post on some of my top cities to visit in Italy with more details on places to visit in Italy. Below is a mix of cities and places to make sure you dont miss out on when decided which part of Italy to visit:

Rome: Colosseum, Rome Forum, Palatine Hill for more check out my Rome itinerary.
Florence: Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral, Uffizi Gallery, Michelangelo’s David, Piazzale Michelangelo. For more, I have tips on how to see Florence in one day as more posts on the best sights to check out.
Milan: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, The Last Supper at Dominican Convent plus easy access to tours to Lake Como from Milan.
Vatican City: Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, St Peter’s Basicilia and Vatican Museums. For more, I have tips on visiting Vatican City.
Venice: gondola at sunset, Burano, San Marco Basilica and Campanile. For more check out my posts on Venice.
Amalfi Coast: Positano, Praiano, Ravello, and Salerno seaside clifftop towns.

Places To Eat And Experiences Not To Miss

There are so many unmissable experiences and places in Italy, below are a couple that are well worth experiencing at least once.

Riding on a Gondola in Venice
Exploring Italy’s amazing lake towns in Lake Garda and Lake Como
Visiting The Sistine Chapel in Vatican City
Taking an Italian cooking class.
Seeing the viewing from Giotto’s Campanile in Florence
Visiting Italy’s coastal and colorful towns in Southern Italy.
Exploring Miracle Square in Pisa.
Eat Italian gelato in all its flavors.

Where To Stay In Italy

I have sampled Airbnbs, hotels, B&B, villas in Italy and where you stay really depends on your budget as well as the intention of your trip. Are you visiting to relax and get away from it all, are you visiting for city exploring and want to make the most of your stay? Are you on a budget or flexible budget or have no budget. I have shared posts on the best areas to stay in Rome and the best area to stay in Venice. which include hotel recommendations.

I haven’t shared a post on our stay in Florence yet but we chose to use Airbnb as we book the trip last minute but there are plenty of budget hotels as well as super luxury hotels in Florence like Four Season Hotel or even the amazing Montebello Splendid. You can also opt to stay at a villa like Villa Cora which is luxe but you can also find really cheap holiday homes and villas within reasonable budgets too.

I have paid anything from £40 per night to as much as £200 per night. My budget will vary depending on my trip length, whether I have a quick budget getaway or if I want a little treat and splurge. My recommendation is to check out Booking.com, Hotels.com, TripAdvisor Rentals and Airbnb. I also have a comprehensive post on Airbnb tips, from first-time users to how to be a great Airbnb guest or host as well as how to get the Airbnb discount code and how to use it.

Trip Budget – Money Matters How Much To Take To Italy

Many Italian cities are reasonably cheap to explore and the price of food in Italy tends to be reasonable. Depending on where you are coming from, the majority of your expenses will be on flights and accommodation. You can eat as cheaply or as expensively as your budget allows.

There are amazing Italian delis, cafes, and restaurants that cater to budget travelers as well as luxe food experiences that are enough to make a budget travelers eyes start to water. For most of my trips I usually have one splurge and then stick to what I can afford for that trip, whether that is doing a food tour in Italy, doing a cooking class in Italy or having a private tour and Italian city. Let the locals show you the hidden gems.

Best Time To Visit Italy

Just like Paris, anytime is a good time to visit Italy. There is no good or bad time to visit Italy. I have been in November, I have been to Italy in Spring and Summer but what I can say is that between June and September in Italy, these are the busiest times especially popular cities like Venice, Rome, Pisa, Naples and Amalfi Coast. For tips on things to do in Naples check out this post.

I have found the best time to visit Italy is in the shoulder months of April, May as well as October. Kids are still in school and their parents are still counting down for summer breaks. This means fewer crowds at tourist spots in Italy as well as trains. I also loved Venice in the Winter much more than I did in Summer. It was misty and less crowded, still just as beautiful even in cold weather.

What To Pack For Italy | Weather In Italy

You can wear almost whatever you want in Italy – within reason of course. What you pack when planning a trip to Amalfi coast in Italy and what you pack when heading to Northern Italy in January, February, March, and April will differ very much. For sightseeing around major cities in Italy, I would highly recommend having layers.

This is because when visiting Italian churches many of which are the main tourist spots like the Duomo in Milan, St Pauls’ Basilica in Vatican City, many churches in Italy expect you to at least cover the upper body due to strict dress codes in many places of worship.

Dresses and skirts must reach the knee. Italy is a Roman Catholic country and despite what you believe, it is respectful to cover shoulders and knees when in church or sacred places.

I have shared tips on what to pack for Europe in Spring, perfect if you are planning a trip to Italy in April, May and beyond.

I will be sharing more for other seasons. In the summer lightweight cool clothing is always best but depending on which region you are traveling make sure you check the weather temperature but remember to be respectful when visiting churches. Also for men and women, hats are usually meant to be taken off too.

Another must is packing footwear that is comfortable as many Italian cities and towns require exploring on foot. Check out my post on comfortable and stylish travel shoes. Remember that Italy has many cobbled streets which are not exactly friendly to heels also plenty of stairs is something to bear in mind when thinking about shoes to pack for Italy.

Other Things To Know When Planning A Trip To Italy

Phone Use: If you are visiting from the UK and many parts of Europe you should be able to use your mobile phone with your country’s tariff minutes. Due to the changes of EU laws a few years ago, if you are traveling from the UK you can use your mobile minutes in much the same way as you would at home. If you are in from the USA or any other country and travelling long term I would suggest you use a local sim or stick to free wifi to avoid incurring a bill.

Shopping: Every region of Italy has its own amazing products produced within that region alone so make sure you don’t miss out on amazing souvenirs from Italy to bring back from your trip. From beautiful ceramics in Umbria, Tuscany and Faenza, to glass and lace in Venice or shoes and textiles in Florence and Milan. In some cities you can even visit factories or studios where traditional crafts are produced. Also note that if you live outside of the EU you can claim back VAT of upto 20% when you spend more the 150 Euros.

Travel Insurance: I cannot stress enough how important this is. You really never know when you are going to need it. I never travel without travel insurance. Even more so now considering the recent skiing accident my husband had in Italy. Never travel without it. Also depending on your style of travel, if you are doing anything adventurous you will need different insurance to someone just going on a normal city break.

If you live in the UK the Post Office insurance also covers most trips. If you are traveling for a long period I would also consider Alpha Travel Insurance who specialise in long stay and backpacker insurance policies. If you already have a medical condition then check out Travel Insurance 4 Medical who specialise in insurance for those with a medical condition.

For all others especially if I am looking for additional cover for gadgets and taking part in hiking, climbing or anything extreme that is not usually covered in simple city break insurance I usually use Travel Supermarket.

Currency: Italy uses Euros but also widely accepts credit cards, travellers cheques(there is a fee for using them), and in some places may also accept dollars too but be careful of higher exchange rates.

There are also plenty of ATMs in Italy but bear in mind that your bank may charge you for each time you use the cash machine.

Language: When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Speak a little Italian. English is widely spoken throughout Italy and in Northern Italy, many are versed in multiple languages. When we were in Bolzano, Trento region, many people spoke at least 3 languages. German, Italian and Austrian. Learning basics like, ‘excuse me’, ‘do you speak English’, ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ goes a long way.

Tipping In Italy: Tipping in Italy is not compulsory although its common practice to leave 10-15% of the bill if you are happy with the service.

Opening Times For Tourist Sights: As you would expect, most museums and tourist sights have different opening times but note that most are closed on public holidays as well as Mondays. Places like the Vatican Museum is closed on public holidays and every Sunday except the last Sunday of the month. Also, most museums in Italy charge a fee to enter so depending on which city you are visiting it’s always worth buying one of the tourist cards in Italy.

Also See:

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Amazing Cities To Visit In Italy – From Northern Italy To Southern Coastal Cities

April 23, 2019 by admin 17 Comments

One of my favourite countries, I have been meaning to share the best cities to visit in Italy and why you need to visit these historical gems for a while now.

I love that Italy is so easy to explore by train and so much cheaper to travel around than it is to explore cities in the UK. So below I am sharing top tips on which cities to visit in Italy, places main cities to visit in Italy. Be sure to also check out my guide on the best restaurants in Italy to add to your bucket list.

The Best Cities To Visit In Italy And Why

There are so many amazing cities to visit in Italy, below you not only get tips on the cities to visit but also the nearby towns to each of the cities.

So if you trying to decide on what cities to visit in Italy, this should definitely help you decide which one of the below to explore. Also, make sure you know exactly just want Italian souvenirs to bring back from Italy.

Venice

If you had to pick cities to visit, Venice has to be among the top 3 cities to visit in Italy. The beautiful city built on more than 100 islands is one to visit at least once in a lifetime.

Free from car traffic Venice is traversed by 200 canals and at least 400 bridges. Very little has changed in Venice’s design for the past 700 years in a city that has many of its landmarks UNESCO World Heritage listed.

While in Venice, must see sights include Piazza and Basicila San Marco, Doge Palace, Campanile (Bell Tower). Also experience, riding the gondola at sunset and take a tour or vaporetto to Venice Lagoon Islands.

Where to stay in Venice: See my extensive guide to the best areas to stay in Venice.
Nearest Airport to Venice: Marco Polo Airport but also easily accessible is Verona Airport only a short train ride away see my post on how to get from Verona to Venice.
Getting Around Venice: I have a post on how to save money on water taxis in Venice but Venice has Vaporattos(water buses) that are easy to use. For more tips check out my post how to do Venice on a Budget.

Pisa

One of the amazing cities to visit near Florence Italy. Pisa is counted among the best cities to visit in Italy for foodies. Located in Tuscany with its rustic tranquility in the well known for its delicious Tuscan cuisine matched with Chianti wine. Pisa is easily accessible by RyanAir’s cheap flights.

Take in views of sights in Piazza dei Miracoli (square of miracles) where you will find the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Baptistery and Campanile. While in Pisa make sure you take the opportunity to check out cool Tuscany cooking classes as well as tours to Chianti region. Also easily accessible it Florence which is a quick train ride from Pisa. You can also do day trips to Cinque Terre from Pisa.

Verona

Known as a Shakespearean city, Verona is one of the cool cities to visit near Venice Italy. Discover historical palaces, monuments and beautifully preserved Roman amphitheatre.

Explore Juliet’s Balcony, take in the sights in Piazza Bra and enjoy the views from Torre di Lomberti. You can easily do day trips to Venice from Verona. Verona also provides easy access to Italy’s largest lake; Lake Garda.

Lake Garda is located between Milan and Venice but closer to Verona. Lake Garda is located between high mountains, olive groves, and Vineyards with charming villages and towns with historic castles and sights. Check out my post on the best towns to visit on Lake Garda and tips on how to get from Verona to Lake Garda. I have also shared posts on Verona and a guide to Lake Garda on the blog.

Florence

The birthplace of Renaissance, the city of Michelangelo, Botticelli, Da Vinci, Giotto, Dante and many of Italy’s greats. Among beautiful cities to visit in Italy.

Home to the world’s greatest art and architecture, many of the city’s palaces and churches are full gorgeous paintings and sculptures. Florence like Milan is known for fashion. Florence also provides easy access to Chianti countryside, one of Italy’s many wine regions also offers up excellent relaxation villas to unwind in.

For tips on how to spend a day in Florence as well top places to visit in Florence including the beautiful Uffizi Gallery, Maria del Fiore Duomo, Campanile and Ponte Vecchio over the River Arno. Also, check out hidden gems like Santa Croce. I would highly recommend at least 2 or 3 days in Florence to truly appreciate what the city has to offer.

Rome

A majestic city with a remarkable history which retains many buildings and monuments from over 2000 years of history from the Republic and Empire. Rome is among the most popular cities to visit in Italy, amazing sights like the Pantheon, Colosseum are not to be missed.

Rome was not built in a day and to truly appreciate it you will need at least 3 days but for good measure, I have tips on places to visit and things to do in Rome in my 4 days Rome itinerary to help you explore the Eternal City.

Admire sights like Trevi Fountain, visit the trendy Trastevere neighbourhood, explore Villa Borghese Gardens and Gallery. Considered the centre of the world for many centuries, Rome draws in millions of visitors every year.

Where to stay in Rome: check out my guide to the best areas to stay in Rome as well as cool hotels with balcony views of Rome.
Other places to visit when in Rome: The Vatican is one not miss out on when visiting this amazing city in Italy. I have tips on visiting Vatican city where you can explore the magnificent Sistine Chapel and Basicilca.

Naples

If you are looking for cities to visit in southern Italy, then this one needs to be at the top of your list. A city with history dating back to 9th century BC when the Greeks founded Neapolis. Another Italian city known for its beautiful monuments and great museums showcasing the history of Naples and Italy overall. This is another one of the best cities to visit in italy for food, the birthplaces of the modern Pizza, Naples offers a gateway to best coastal cities to visit in Italy – the magical seaside and clifftop towns of Positano, Praiano, Amalfi, Ravello and Salerno.

Naples and surrounding towns are enough on their own to enjoy on a vacation to Italy. Enjoy a stunning panoramic view over the sparkling blue sea. You can also easily get from Naples to Amalfi Coast. A place that is known for great food and the famous limoncello are reasons just some of the many reasons to visit this beautiful Italian coastline.

Milan

The fashion capital of Italy, Milan is another city not to be missed. Milan has it all; beautiful Duomos, bustling designer shops and boutiques, great lifestyle, museums and nightlife. Not just a fashion city, Millan also offers plenty of history. Many come to Milan to visit the Gothic themed Duomo made of white marble and adorned with Belfried, gables and statues.

Be sure to add to the list La Scala Museum, Brera Gallery, Casa Verdi and check out Leonardo’s ‘The Last Supper’ at Santa Maria della Grazie. If you a lover of fashion don’t miss the chance to check out Italian designer outlets of which a couple are in Milan.

Before heading out to the outlets, be sure to pass by Galleria Vittoria Emanuele, the world’s oldest shopping Mall. Milan also offers a gateway to Lake Como. The most famous of Italian Lakes is only 30 minutes by train from Milan. I have shared tips on the best towns to visit on Lake Como as well as the best tours from Milan to Lake Como.

Also See

There you have it, the best cities to visit in Italy and why you need to book a ticket and explore the magnificent historical cities of Italy. So have you been to any of the above? Have a favourite? Comment below.

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Italian Outlets | The Best Fashion Outlets in Italy For The Travelling Fashionistas

March 5, 2019 by admin 6 Comments

Shopping In Milan

Every fashionista worth their weight in shopping bags needs to check out designer outlets in Italy. If you’re a shopaholic like me, then you know I enjoy everything from a good bargain to the best that the biggest names have to offer. Therefore, shopping in Italy is like a dream. The options, the styles, the designers all available in several cities is just fantastic.

Best Fashion Outlets in Italy –

From Milan to Florence, Rome to Venice and Naples, the options and opportunities were almost endless. Plus, the beauty of factory outlets in Italy is that you can get designer items from brands like Chanel, Prada, Gucci, Bottega, Fendi, Armani and many more for up to 70% off.

Here are a few of my favorite factory outlets and high-end designer shops and what you can expect from each including anywhere between 30-70% off the usual cost for local and international designer brands.

Shopping In Italy

The Top Shopping Cities in Italy

First, let’s look at the best cities for shopping. Most cities in Italy are known for great shopping. Just that some are better than others for variety and options. Of the many cities I’ve visited across Italy, I’ve found that the top ones for shopping designer brands are:

Milan
Florence
Rome
Venice
Naples

In each of these cities you can find all your favorite Italian and international brands. But where the savings came in was visiting the factory outlets often located on the outskirts of these cities.

All these factory outlet villages are easily accessible by shuttles or buses. Or you can rent a car or join a tour for a day of shopping in anyone of these outlet villages that I’ve enjoyed visiting.

Italian Factory Outlets by City

Fashion Factory Outlets in Milan

As the mecca of fashion in Italy, it’s only natural that Milan is home to some of the top designers in the world. The Rectangle of Gold (Quadilatero d’Oro) is the perfect place for high-end shopping.

There is also the famous shopping mall, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, which houses top brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Prada. But, on the outskirts of Milan are the many factory outlet villages which draw thousands of visitors to Milan each year.

The Serravalle Designer Outlet located about 50 minutes from Milan city centre. It surrounded by the Piedmont countryside and Ligurian Rivera. With over 300 designer stores offering discounts between 30-70% year-round on designer brands. As the largest designer outlet in Europe, they have just around 300 high-end brands including Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Salvatore Ferragamo, Versace, Jimmy Choo. Despite being about 50 minutes from the city of Milan, it’s easy to get to because of their shuttle service to the outlet.

Shopping In Milan

Closer than Serravalle is the highly popular Vicolungo The Style Outlets at just 30 minutes from the city. It is a stylishly beautiful shopping village with 147 stores and brands like Armani, Guess, Gap and more. In 2010, it won the 2009 Beat European Outlet award, so you know you’re in for a treat.

Another option just an hour outside of Milan is the Franciacorta Outlet Village, another one of the popular outlet centers in Italy. It has over 160 stores with brands like Pinko, Calvin Klein, Pollini, Nike, Adidas calling it home and offering up to 70% discount on items. With its many cafés and restaurants, one can make a day out of it either on their own using round-trip shuttles or as part of a guided tour from Milan.

Shops in the Fidenza Outlet Village offer almost the same exclusive appeal as their counterparts in the heart of Milan. This factory outlet village is an hour’s drive outside of Milan and is home to brands like Valentino, La Perla, and many more. Like all the shopping villages on the outskirts of Milan, this one is easy to get to with the many return trip buses leaving from the city.

Shopping Woman

Fashion Factory Outlets in Florence

There are several outlets and factory stores for high-end designer brands on the outskirts of Florence. One of the more famous ones is the colorful Barberino Designer Outlet located in the Mugello valley. A roughly 40-minute drive to get to from Florence, it houses 121 stores including Italian and international brands like Cavalli, Dolce & Gabbana, Michael Kors, Prada. It is one of the shopping villages owned by the McArthur Glen Group which has several factory outlets throughout Italy.

Southeast of Florence and just on the edge of Tuscany is the Valdichiana Outlet Village. This outlet has over 140 stores including designers like Bottega, Gaudì, Timberland, Nike, Zuiki. Shopping at Valdichiana Outlet Village also means discounts year-round and even additional sales that give further discounts.

Then there is The Mall Firenze which is another popular luxury outlet centre with the world’s most exclusive designers at ridiculously fabulous prices. Set in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, its just a 30-minute drive away from the city centre of Florence. Over 40 luxury stores covering fashion, fragrance and footwear. From Gucci, Fendi, Salvatore Ferragamo, Dolce&Gabbana, Jimmy Choo, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta and Chloe and more. All with discounts of up to 70%. There is also the Gucci cafe in the Gucci store if you want to take a little break from retail therapy.

Florence Italy

Florence

Shopping In Florence

Fashion Factory Outlets in Rome

In Rome, the primary shopping districts are in Via Condotti and the Spanish Steps. Here, I enjoyed the variety of famous designers from all over the world in high-end boutiques. But, for discounts it’s best to take a trip out to the Castel Romano Designer Outlet. With brands like Fratelli Rossetti, Calvin Klein, Dolce & Gabbana it’s hard not to spend an entire day shopping.

Fashion Factory Outlets in Venice

Venice is not to be left out with the Noventa Di Piave Designer Village located on the Venetian Riviera. Convenient shuttle service takes less than an hour to get to this village.

There is an array of choices with more than 140 stores from Italian and international brands like Gucci, Prada, etc. Also close to Venice is the Palmanova Outlet Village. Here are stores for Bottega del Sarto, Calvin Klein, and many others.

Fashion Factory Outlets in Naples

Another one of the McAthur Glen outlets is the La Reggia Designer Outlet located in Campania. Just 30 minutes outside of the capital of Naples, it has over 100 stores like Armani, Adidas, and more from international and local designers.

How To Get To The Outlets

Most of the cities above will have dedicated shuttles leaving from the main city centres, usually near the train station going to the outlets. Prices for the shuttles range from free to about 20 Euros for return journeys. I have lined to a couple of tours in the post from GYG but there is also a variety of Italian Outlet Shopping Tours on Viator too.

So, like me you love a good bargain, you will not be short of options for high-end shopping in Italy.

More On Italy:

The Best Towns To Visit In Lake Como
Where To Stay In Rome
How To See Florence In One Day
Where To Stay In Venice
Arrive In Style On Venice’s Grand Canal
Things To Do In Florence In Winter
The Best Airports For Lake Como
Guide To The Best Rome Hotels With Views
The Best Places For Views In Venice

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Where To Stay In Rome – A Guide To The Best Areas To Stay In Rome

March 4, 2019 by admin 3 Comments

Wondering where to stay in Rome or where best to stay in Rome for sightseeing? Iconic ruins, beautiful churches and fountains, Rome is an absolute must-see among many beautiful Italian cities. To supplement the 4 day Rome Itinerary I recently shared, I am going to guide you through the best areas to stay in Rome by where of recommendations on where to stay in Rome.

Whether you are looking for best areas to stay in Rome for families, best places to stay in Rome on a budget, or where to stay in Rome to walk everywhere and mingle with the locals, this guide will give you just that! Below is a guide to the best place to stay in Rome include the best hotels in Rome for each area.

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The Best Areas To Stay In Rome Italy – Neighbourhoods

Pantheon
Campo de Fiori and Piazza Novona
Prati
Trastevere
Piazza Del Popolo
Via Veneto
Monti
Pigneto

Where To Stay In Rome

Whether you want to stay near the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, The Fountain of Nine Rivers or want to take a day out to explore the Vatican City or check out the Borghese Gardens or want to be near the main centre’s termini station below is a guide to all the best areas to stay in Rome to make your exploring of the city super easy.

Pantheon

If you like to be in the center of things, then the Pantheon is the epicenter of the historic area and maybe where you want to be staying when you visit Rome. This is one of Rome’s oldest neighborhoods filled with small and winding streets. The area is filled with restaurants, hotels, and of course churches.

There are no metro stops in this area, but you can quickly catch a cab at one of the taxi-stands or just take a short trek to the main street to catch the bus. You are also in walking distance from the Vatican and Trastevere, another favorite area to stay in Rome. For the best apartments and hotels to stay in Pantheon Rome click here.

Monti

The trendy quarter of Monti is home to Rome’s hip kids, with its quirky independent shops, an abundance of restaurant and numerous funky hangouts. Every weekend, the suburb is home to a vintage market, held in the conference hall of Grand Hotel Palatino. If you want to experience life among locals then this is a place to stay in Rome. The market here is an eclectic mix of the old and the new. For the best apartments and hotels to stay in Monti Rome click here.

Campo de Fiori and Piazza Navona

This is said to be the little black dress of Roman Piazzas – it’s appropriate for any occassion. The market is abuzz with fresh fruit and produce fendors serve locals with delicious Italian foods. Campo de Fiori and Piazza Navona are older neighborhoods near to Pantheon and similar in nature. Campo de Fiori has made a name for itself with its famous outdoor food market, and Piazza Navona is well-known for its outdoor artists’ market. The districts also have beautiful ancient sites and ruins.

You don’t have to stay exactly in these three squares as space is at a premium. But, there are many smaller streets coming off these areas that are quite nice to stay on. For the best apartments and hotels to stay in Campo and Navona Rome click here.

Prati

Prati is one of the more well-designed neighborhoods close to Rome’s epicenter. It is close to the Vatican and offer great sights of areas like Piazza Navona. The district was laid out in a grid system in the 19th century and so it had wide boulevards and a more continental look to the area. There, you will find more upscale apartment buildings, shops, and restaurants.

If you’re staying closer to the Vatican, you will be around more museums and other more touristy areas. Further out from the center and Prati offers authentic Italian flavor that follows the rhythm of daily life in Rome. Plus, you can also walk to or take a bus to the historical center of Rome on the other side of the River. For the best apartments and hotels to stay in Prati Rome click here.

Trastevere

Trastevere is a charming neighborhood across the Tiber river. It’s across from central Rome and is only a short walk to visit the center. In this area you can find study abroad students, expats, and affluent Italians. But, there are many tourists as well, just not as heavily trafficked as some of the other more popular areas. This is an area that also has an exciting nightlife. See here for tips on nightlife in Rome.

You can have a lovely epicurean stay as Trastevere is known for its restaurants. There are many options for pizza, seafood and some excellent wine bars. And you can’t stay in Trastevere without tasting its delectable gelato. For the best apartments and hotels to stay in Trastevere Rome click here.

Via Del Pigneto

Rome’s Bohemian neighbourhood, where street-art, food & music blend to create the perfect local experience. Pigneto is Rome’s answer to London’s Shoreditch, with an amazing bar scene and colourful street art. Another amazing area to stay if you want to mingle with Italian locals as they go about in their day today. For the best apartments and hotels to stay in Trastevere Rome click here.

Spanish Steps, Piazza Del Popolo

A fancier area of Rome, the Spanish Steps is centrally located in the historical center of Rome. It is easy to get to due to the location of the Spagna Metro stop. Then, all the main tourist attractions are in close proximity because you’re in the center of the area.

The Spanish Steps is the main shopping district in Rome and it also offers quite a selection of restaurants to choose from. And if you want a room with a view, this is one of the better areas to get that choice. For the best apartments and hotels to stay in Piazza del Popolo Rome click here.

Via Veneto

Via Veneto is an elegant street in Rome that is close to the Spanish Steps. At the top of the Veneto is the Villa Borghese a large Roman park that offers great space for cycling or relaxing. There is also a lovely zoo in the Villa. Plus, there are numerous museums including the Galleria Borghese.

The streets are wide and feature an eclectic mix of street-side cafes for you sit and watch the world pass by. This is a quieter Rome neighborhood as you will find most of the embassies as well banks hotels, and offices in this area. So, you can expect the area to be tranquil and quiet at nights. For the best apartments and hotels to stay in Via Veneto Rome click here.

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Rome Itinerary 4 days – How to Make The Most 4 Days In Rome & Vatican City

March 4, 2019 by admin 6 Comments

Colosseum Rome Italy

Spending 4 days in Rome? Not sure what to do? Well, I’ve got a fun-filled list of ideas for you for your trip to Rome.

Unrivaled history, amazing cuisine and style, while 4 days in Rome are nowhere near enough hopefully, my Rome itinerary for 4 days of exploring the impressive capital gets you up to a great start.

Explore the Colosseum, Roman Forum, roam around Villa Borghese, and wine and dine in Rome’s trendy district.

Whether you looking for what to do in rome in 4 days, taking on a Rome itinerary of 3 days, Rome itinerary 2 days or even Rome itinerary of 5 days you can slice and dice the itinerary below to suit your tastes and time available to you.

So let’s get lost in la bella citta di Rome!

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Rome Itinerary At A Glance

Only have 4 days in Rome? Not a problem, here’s what to see in Rome in 4 days at a glance.

Day1: The heart of Rome – Colosseum, Constantine Arch, Roman Forum and Giovanni in Laterano
Day 2: Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Galleria Alberto Sordi, Trevi Fountain, Piazza di Spagna & Borghese Gallery
Day 3: Jewish Ghetto, Orange Garden and Trastevere
Day 4: The Vatican Museums, The Sistine Chapel, Saint Peter’s Basilica

The Perfect Itinerary For Rome in 4 Days – How to Make The Most of Your Time In Italy’s Capital

Rome is one of those cities with a rich story and thousands of years of history right at your fingertips. Now, I’ll admit that 4 days is not even close enough to see everything that Rome has to offer.

But, it is more than enough time to get in some of the best sights and activities in Rome. With all the itinerary planning make sure you also know what to pack for Italy for the time you are visiting.

To make the most of your time you can also opt to add tours in Rome. There are plenty to choose from, from 1-day highlights tours of Rome for those hoping to do Rome in a day to 2 or spend 3 days in Rome.

Food tours for the food and wine lovers as well as walking tours which will certainly help you work off the delicious food that is enticingly irresistible.

So, let’s run through what the perfect 4-day itinerary for an epic trip to Rome…

Day 1 – Exploring The Heart of Rome

For day 1, I found that I could comfortably fit in the following 5 sights without feeling too rushed, even better if you are able to do 7 days in Rome.

The Roman Colosseum
Constantine Arch
Roman Forum
Terrazza delle Quadrighe
San Giovanni in Laterano

You’ll, however, have to get an early start on the day if you want to do all 5. Most of these sights are in walking distance to each other except for the last one where you’ll probably want to catch a cab or the train.

Italy Rome Colosseum

As one of the most iconic sites in the world – it is after all one of the 7 wonders of the world – it’s only befitting to start off a trip to Rome with the Roman Colosseum.

Originally known as the Flavian Amphitheater, it will leave you in awe just as it did me.

I started with the steps to the north side so that I could get photos in front of the exterior of the Colosseum. It is one of the most popular sites in Rome so if you go, just be prepared for a lot of tourists.

Inside Rome Colosseum

Rome Itinerary 4 days - How to Make The Most of Your Time In Rome & Vatican City Constantine Arch Rome - Rome Itinerary 4 days - How to Make The Most of Your Time In Rome & Vatican City Colosseum Rome Italy - Rome Itinerary 4 days - How to Make The Most of Your Time In Rome & Vatican City

After leaving the Colosseum, we headed down to the Constantine Arch. It’s just a 2-minute walk away from the Colosseum.

From there it was on to the Roman Forum which is only a short distance from the Arch. This area was the social and political activity hub of the Roman empire so there is plenty to see here.

We enjoyed walking along the main street (Via Sacra), seeing the temples and other sights, and just imagining life during the Roman Empire.

After walking the streets of the Forum, the next thing was to get a fantastic view of Rome from the top terrace – Terrazza delle Quadrighe. Then, to finish off the day was a trip to the San Giovanni in Laterano.

Rome Itinerary 4 days - How to Make The Most of Your Time In Rome & Vatican City

We had some time to spare later in the afternoon so made an escape of tourist attractions and when to explore the neighbourhood of Monti.

The trendy quarter of Monti is home to Rome’s hip kids, with its quirky independent shops, and abundance of restaurants and numerous funky hangouts.

I would liken Monti to London’s Shoreditch. Every weekend, the suburb is home to a vintage market, held in the conference hall of Grand Hotel Palatino since 2009. The market is an eclectic ic of the old and new, merging vintage treasures with a mordern twist and contemporary creations with lots of sass.

Day 2: Exploring Rome’s Fountains & Gardens

Like Day 1, we got a taste of the Italian breakfast and we choose attractions that are near each other to limit traveling time in between and so I could get in as much in the day.

Pantheon
Piazza Navona and the fountain of 4 rivers
Galleria Alberto Sordi
Trevi Fountain
Piazza di Spagna
Borghese Gallery

pantheon dome rome - Rome Itinerary 4 days - How to Make The Most of Your Time In Rome & Vatican City

Trevi Fountain in Rome - Rome Itinerary 4 days - How to Make The Most of Your Time In Rome & Vatican City

Fountain of Four Rivers In Piazza Navona - Rome Itinerary 4 days

We started off day 2 with a trip to the Pantheon, a former temple turned church which is another iconic Roman tourist attraction.

After that, it was off to the Piazza Navona which offered a variety of spectacular sights including the Fountain of Four Rivers in the square.

Then, it was on to lunch and a bit of shopping at the Galleria Alberto Sordi. If you do like me, just make sure you don’t get carried away with the shopping and forget about the other locations I was able to visit on my day 2.

Fountain of Four Rivers In Piazza Navona - Rome Itinerary 4 days - How to Make The Most of Your Time In Rome & Vatican City Fountain of 4 Rivers In Rome

After lunch, we headed off to the Trevi Fountain. It certainly lived up to its description as one of the most beautiful fountains in Rome.

Then, we hung out for a bit at the Pizza di Spagna (the Spanish steps) another famous square in Italy.

Finally, to top off my day, we stopped by the Borghese Gallery and Museum which closes at 7:30 p.m. we had to book in advance because of the demand for access but it was well worth it.

No park in the city is as loved by Romans as Villa Borghese, with its grand manor and stunning gardens.

Inspired by the quaintness of English landscape design, it is built on the site of a former vineyard and features a number of heritage buildings.

The curious thing about Villa Borghese includes the fact that the gardens feature in composer Respighi’s Pini di Roma and a replica of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre was built in the park in 2003.

The on-site Galleria Borghese is well with a visit for its beautiful exterior and the variety of works featured inside the gallery.

Day 3 – A day in the Jewish Ghetto, Orange Garden(Giardino degli Aranci) and Trastevere

Despite the associations that are often made with the term ghetto, the Jewish Ghetto in Rome was a treat.

From the synagogue to the ancient market and theatre and the Jewish Museum, there was just so much to do and see here that could easily take up more than half the day.

There were also quite a few options for restaurants and cafes, so we stayed in the Jewish Ghetto for lunch as well.

The Orange Garden

For some secluded serenity, head to the Orange Garden on Aventine Hill. Not only will you wander through the picturesque gardens designed in 1932 by Raffaele De Vico, but you will get a mesmerising view of the misty dome of St Peter’s Basilica at the lookout.

After snapping some unforgettable instashots, a walk through the colourful Rose Garden(open only in Spring) is an absolute must.

The garden is kept beautifully and offers an insight into the elegance of Italian landscape design.

Jewish Ghetto In Rome

Exploring The Jewish Ghetto In Rome

After lunch, we spent the rest of the day exploring Trastevere. Some of the sights we enjoyed in Trastevere included the Basilica of Santa Maria, one of the country’s oldest churches, and the Santa Cecilia Church.

There were several squares where we hung out, and of course the Botanical Garden of Rome.

Because of the bohemian nature of the district and that the streets are teeming with visitors until late, there are plenty restaurants and cafes in the area for a snack and late dinner.

Day 4 – Exploring The Vatican City

We capped off my 4-day trip to Rome with a stop at The Vatican. This site alone requires a full day to be able to see all the sights and just appreciate the beauty and power of the area. Some of the attractions that are a must in the Vatican were:

The Vatican Museum
The Sistine Chapel
Saint Peter’s Basilica
Climb The Cupula In St Peter’s Basilica
Explore nearby cafes and restaurants for a bite to eat

Exploring The Vatican

Views From The Vatican

To avoid disappointment make sure you check and book in advance for a visit to Sistine Chapel. It was closed during our visit.

I have a separate post with tips for visiting the Vatican City. Also, note that you can you can climb to the top of the Dome of St Peters Basilica. This is called the Cupola. When you are inside the Basilica there is an entry to the Cupola.

It’s a bit of a climb so you need to be reasonably fit or just really take your time. Also note, that there no wheelchair access.

There is a charge of Euro 7 if you take the lift – It’s worth the money unless you want to do stairs all the way. If you visit in the morning there is hardly a queue.

You can inside the dome at the top of the Basilica and then to the top and outside. The views are spectacular as you can see all of Rome – you straight down into St Peters Square. This is a must when visiting Vatican City.

Map Of Rome’s Tourist Attractions

Many of the tourist attractions are just a short walk from each other. The Trevi fountain is less than a 1o minute walk from the Spanish Steps, and Pantheon is about an 8-minute walk from Spanish Steps and from Pantheon you can walk to Piazza Navona in just 5 minutes where you can find the Fountain of Four Rivers. Blow is a map showing many of what to see in Rome being only a short walk from each other.

Rome’s Restaurants and Food Scene

The itinerary about allows for some flexibility on things to do in the evening. This way you can check out as many restaurants and cafes. You can also simply buy gelato and chill by the Trevi Fountain or Spanish Steps and watch people go by.

For those that want to sample Roman gastronomy then head to Pigneto is Rome’s answer to London’s Shoreditch, with a bustling bar scene and colourful street art.

This tasty gem is right smack in the middle of it all. Check out Pigneto 41 whose menu changes daily. They Serve amazing Roman cuisine based on whatever is available at the market that day.

If you like food with a view then check out Guida Ballerino. Here, you can enjoy the delicious cuisine of celebrity chef Andrea Fusco at this Michelin-star restaurant on one of the best terraces of Rome.

For a sweet touch, head to Gay Odin and sample the sweet splendor of chocolate from Naples. They have a variety of flavours and fusions to try, including handmade creations from their Maitre Chocolatier.

If you want sublime Italian Gelato then check out Pompi in Via Albalonga where pastries are baked fresh onsite. Matched with Italian coffee, this an authentic Italian cafe, serves up spritz and aperitivi with a variety of treats.

Getting Around Rome

Rome’s many attractions are around the famed historic district. You can easily travel around the city using the city’s metro. You get free transportation with Rome’s Omnia Card. There are 3 lines that take you to various parts of the city.

Rome also has an extensive bus network and tram system. This public transport comes in handy, while you discover most of Rome on foot as we did.

There are must-see places in Rome that require access by public transport, especially if you want to add day trips from Rome to your itinerary.

Station staff are always on hand to assist you if you are stuck but ticket machines are also multilingual. You can also ask your hotel reception or concierge for help or tips on getting around.

There are also plenty of taxis in Rome but just make sure you use designated taxi stands of which are many and dotted around Rome. You cannot hail a taxi in Rome.

Rome Itinerary 4 days - How to Make The Most of Your Time In Rome & Vatican City | ItsAllBee

Where To Stay In Rome

There are plenty of options for where to stay in Rome. I will be sharing a post with tips on the best areas to stay in Rome detailing the best neighbourhoods to stay in Rome.

In the meantime check out my other post on the best hotels in Rome with balcony views of the city’s tourist sights. For hotels in Rome click here.

And that capped off an epic 4-day Rome itinerary.

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Rome Itinerary 4 days - How to Make The Most of Your Time In Rome

Spring in Europe? Here’s the Ultimate List of Items to Travel Europe in Style

February 22, 2019 by admin 7 Comments

Spring in Europe? Here’s the Ultimate List of Items to Travel Europe in Style - The perfect packing list for Europe in spring #packing #carryon #2weeksineurope #traveltips #packingtips #spring #summer #outfits

If you are planning a trip to Europe then this packing list for Europe in spring is up your alley. Usually, the holiday destinations are tropical or warmer climates. Holidaying is Europe is completely different because Europe is diverse, both in its climate and fashion. From the sunny beaches of Ibiza in Spain to the cold weather of Edinburgh, Scotland, travel across Europe requires carefully planned itinerary and packing. For additional tips also make sure to check out my post on outfit inspiration when it comes to putting together the perfect outfits when exploring Europe.

Also Read:

What To Pack For Europe In Spring & Travel Planning Tips

The Happy Wanderer

Now that you have finally booked your tickets for that Europe tour that you have been planning for years, and decided on the sights you are going to visit, and taken care of things like making Airbnb bookings, you must be eager to set off on your journey. But there’s just one thing more to do before you take off on your dream Europe trip; you need to pack!

Packing… Urgh!

Well, if it’s any consolation, packing is one of the most hated chores worldwide. Unless you are Marie Kondo, no one likes the idea of folding clothes and placing them properly in the luggage. Be sure to also use the best luggage for Europe when traveling the continent.

Luggage: Put Wheels on It!

Before you embark upon this dream vacation to Europe, you need to select the kind of luggage you will bring along. You can either go for a backpack or a suitcase. Backpack can strain your back and shoulders and take all the fun out of exploring as you are left tired and cranky. Opt for a suitcase which is easier to organize, especially a soft-shell one that can accommodate more stuff and is crack-proof (we all know how freight is handles at the airports)!

Whirling around Europe in Style

Add a style buzz to your Europe trip by choosing the right kind of clothing. We all start packing with the intentions of packing light and as we go along, things spiral out of control and we end up with huge, bulky luggage.

To ensure your trip is not burdened by a heavy suitcase, mix and match your outfits and take along style items that you can create multiple looks with! For day trips and exploring around the city, you will also need a small bag to fit in all your accessories.

A Chic Adventure

For tops, take along a mix of tees, blouses, and shirts. A long-sleeved shirt can be used in multiple ways; sleeves rolled up for warmers days and rolled down for colder nights. European weather is always changing; you will step into an old castle as the sun smiles down upon you and step out into a blitz of rain as the tour comes to an end an hour later.

So, never forget to take along a nice, easy-to-carry jacket or a windbreaker. Never forget to pack an elegant and dressy outfit, because you never know where the road might lead you!

A Top-Down Approach

A dark pair of jeans is a must have! From casual, travel hippie look to being paired up with a chiffon blouse for a stylishly refined look, dark jeans is your best friend on a European tour. Capris and skirts also bring versatility to your travel wardrobe while leggings are a handy accessory for colder nights.

Add Swagger to your Walk

First things first; never ever bring along new shoes for a tour. Trip across Europe means diversity of terrain and extended time spent on foot. You need your most comfortable pair of shoes. Go for a comfy pair of sneakers or walking shoes and a pair of sandals for warmer days.

You might want to throw in a pair of flip flops for those sandy beaches, or just to recline in your poolside chair and relax!

Amp it Up!

Accessories can make or break an ensemble. You can spice up your look, or even create a completely new one with the same outfit, by choosing the right kind of accessories. Pack lightweight and stylish necklaces, rings, and earrings that are travel friendly.

A vivid, patterned scarf can strike all the right chords of style, while sunglasses are practical, yet stylish fashion accessory. You will also need your undergarments, including at least one complete set of active wear and a swimsuit. A handy makeup kit is essential to capture those insta-worthy vacation pics.

Watch it Closely!

While a smartphone is your one-stop-shop for essentially everything, a smart watch like Apple or Samsung Gear can make your traveling experience a lot more fun.

Travel Smart

While we are at smart gadgets, the foremost is a smart SIM card with an affordable data plan, so you stay connected on-the-go. If you don’t want to be distracted by the smartphone, opt for tablet which is much less of a diversion than easily accessible smartphone in your pocket!

Tablets are also good for book lovers who can easily read e-books, instead of lugging around paperbacks. The worst nightmare on a trip is a fried device. As the European power outlets are different, it is advisable to bring along a voltage converter.

Say Cheese

You want to make your Europe visit memorable. Capture as many images as you want with Instax® SQUARE SQ20 by FujiFilm to preserve your European trip memories forever.

Your Ticket out of here!

While the ancient explorers relied on stars and needles of the compass, you should pack your travel guide and download all the maps you might need out in the wild! Last but not least, ensure your travel documents are complete and in proper order to make your flight check-ins hassle free.

Bottom Line – Packing List For Europe In Spring

Whether you are putting together a packing list for 2 weeks in Europe spring or a quick weekend getaway in Europe, below is a breakdown of what you will need:

1 full sleeve top
2 tank tops
2 short sleeves tees
2 dresses
1-2 blouses
2 pairs of trousers
1 long skirt
1 short skirt
1 lightweight jacket/cardigan
7 undies (plus one fancy set)
3-4 bras (plus one sports bra)
1 set of Pajamas
Socks
1 pair of Walking Sneakers
1 Sandals
1 Flipflops
1 swimsuit
1 pair of yoga pants
A pair of stylish Sunglasses
1 scarf
1 purse
Camera
Tablet/Smartphone
Voltage Converter

So, with your luggage all in, wishing you Bon Voyage!

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z Spring in Europe? Here’s the Ultimate List of Items to Travel Europe in Style - The perfect packing list for Europe in spring #packing #carryon #2weeksineurope #traveltips #packingtips #spring #summer #outfits

A Visual Diary Of Rome | Photos Of Rome

August 27, 2015 by admin 2 Comments

Rome, oh beautiful Rome! When am I going to visit again. I have neglected to post these pictures before because I thought I was going to do an extensive and detailed post but planning trips to Israel and an extensive tour around Southern Africa took over a lot of time. I did manage post about touring Rome through its fountains as well as my recent post on extending our Roman holiday with a visit to the Vatican City.

Rather than give you a top 10 places to see in Rome I thought to give you a tour of Rome through pictures and a mention of some of the places that we visiting during our stay in Rome. My advice is to definitely have a good pair of comfortable shoes as most of the exploration my boyfriend and I did was on foot. We took in views from the beautiful Parco Savello – Garden of Oranges. This place is a little tricky to get to but the effort is well worth the views. Perfectly lined tress, little benches and the beautiful fountains to take a little timeout from exploring the busy city.

Other places to add to the list are the Jewish Ghetto for a little interesting history as well as beautiful restaurants near by, Trastevere, Piazza Venezia and places like Villa Borghese which has musuems, a theatre, lake and beautiful gardens to explore. All this in addition to the usual tourist sites listed blow.

Interesting Places To Visit In Rome

Roman Colosseum
Jewish Ghetto
Fountain Of Four Rivers
Roman Pantheon
Villa Borghese and Gallery
Palentine Hill
Parco Savell – Giadino Degli Aranci
The many beautiful churches including the popular
Capitaline and its museums
Roman Forum
St John In The Lateran and The Cloister

For a detailed literary also check out Married With Fernweh’s 4-day itinerary and budget post

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