At last. Some inside, honest Italy tips!
Just when you thought you might know everything there is to know about Italy, these 35 travel tips will take you completely by surprise.
Not many travellers are willing to share such secrets, so you are in for a treat with this blog post.
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Italy. Why Travel There?
Wouldn’t you agree that Italy has got to be one of the most beautiful places on earth?
I have been to Italy more times than I care to remember. I love it. Yes, I have made some big mistakes in Italy but nevertheless, I still adore the place.
Italy is one of those rare countries that tick every box.
It has more than its fair share of unique destinations to visit. The ruins of Pompeii, the beautiful towns of San Gimignano in Tuscany, the historic churches found off the beaten track in Florence, wine and pasta.
Lots of pasta.
And wine.
I told you it was perfect.
Italian vineyards. Is there a more heartwarming sight?
I first discovered Italy as a twenty-something backpacker, and then a few years later, on a romantic vacation, my husband proposed to me in the shade of an old church in one of the most secret spots in Florence.
As our family grew, I came to realise that taking kids to Italy is a dream.
The Italians adore children – they are very family orientated, which makes the family travel thing so much easier.
Through the grapevine and by reading other travel blogs about Italy, I have heard a lot of so-called travel tips that just aren’t true, so I thought I would give you my own version of what you can expect when you travel to Italy.
A few secret valuable tips that you can use when you visit Italy alone, with friends, or as a family.
Italy Tips to Help Your Trip To Italia Run as Smooth as a Caffe Crema.
What do you think of when you think of Italy? I find it romantic, adventurous, classy and relaxing. Italy is one of those countries that ticks a lot of boxes.
Italy Tips – Transport
1. Hiring a Car 🚙
If you are thinking of hiring a car in Italy, then know that Italy is the cheapest place in Europe (apart from Croatia) that we found for car hire.
Hiring a car in Italy is inexpensive and easy, and as long as you don’t try to drive around the major cities (use public transport for that), you will find hiring a car gives you a greater sense of independence and is a relaxing way to see Italy.
Take a quick look at what car hire in Italy (or anywhere else in Europe) will cost you.
2. Parking 🅿️
Talking of cars, be careful about parking in major cities.
More than once, we had scam artists come up to us in Florence and said that we needed to pay for them to ‘keep an eye on our car.’
Don’t be intimidated by these people; they are simply trying it on. We said no every time, and they moved right on to the next car.
It’s not a big deal, but something to be aware of.
Don’t be intimidated by the scam artists that work the side street city carparks. They tell you that you need to pay them to ‘watch the car’ This happened to us a few times, and we just walked away. The car was still there when we got back, so I’m assuming they were just trying their luck.
3. Driving In Italy ✇
If you do hire a car in Italy, know that driving in this country is easy enough; just remember to stay on the right side of the road!
Talking of roads, these are better in the North of Italy than in the South – not so many potholes. We have driven the entire length of Italy and never had any problems.
Italy Travel Insurance
Make sure you get excellent Italy travel insurance that covers the excess when you hire a car. Putting this in place before you leave will save you a fortune in Italian fees.
As my husband liked to remind me approximately ten times a day.
We only ever use World Nomads for our Italy travel insurance. They are superb, I can’t recommend them enough.
Italian drivers can get a little heated in the big cities, but apart from that, they were courteous and friendly.
When driving around Italy, makes sure you come off the main Highways and find one of the many idyllic picnic spots that can be found by using Google Maps.
Italy tip: Don’t bother using the picnic areas on the main highway. They stink of wee and are full of rubbish. Yuck. Instead, take a 5-minute detour, and you will find what you are looking for.
Take a five-minute detour off the Highway, and you will find many lovely picnic spots around Ital
4. Trains in Italy 🚆
Our experience with Italian trains was fabulous. Although we spent two months driving around Italy (more on that later), we took trains from Venice to Pisa, and we used the subway around Rome. Both were easy, clean and friendly.
Just remember, once you have your tickets, don’t make one of the common Italy mistakes and forget to validate your ticket BEFORE you board the train – otherwise, you could face a hefty fine!
Taking the train around Italy was easy.
Italy Travel Tips – Wine, Food & Coffee
I love wine and food and I am guessing that if you are travelling to Italy, then you do too!
Both wine and food are cheap and plentiful in Italy, but here’s a little travel tip that you might not be aware of.
5. Aperitivo 🦐
Aperitivo takes place in bars generally between 7 – 9 pm. Think of it as ‘Happy Hour’ (I certainly was) in England but just with a touch more class.
If the bar is advertising ‘Aperitivo’ (my husband and I enjoyed this immensely when we were housesitting in Tuscany for six weeks), then pop in, order a glass of wine, and enjoy the dishes of free nibbles that are placed in front of you: olives, nuts, plates of cured meat.
At first, I was too scared to eat them as I thought we’d be charged a fortune, but no. Rest assured, they are all part of the price.
For around 10 euros you can have wine and the best part of a meal!
This is what came out first, and then salami, nuts and more olives…sheer bliss!
6. Wine 🍷
There are wine regions everywhere in Italy.
I think this is the reason why I love this country more than any other in Europe.
I tell myself that the reason Italian women are so beautiful is that they guzzle so much wine. That theory works for me anyway, so I’m sticking to it.
Know that you can pick up a bottle of wine in any supermarket for 2 Euros.
A wine lovers dream, and the best part? You can pick up a lovely bottle of light Rosé for less than $3
7: Housesitting In Italy (In Beautiful Italian Houses) 🏡
Italian houses are every bit as lovely on the inside as they are on the outside
Housesitting in Italy 🏡
We did a lot of housesitting in Italy, and so we got to see some beautiful homes.
Italian houses are every bit as beautiful on the inside as they are on the outside. Just gorgeous.
I can not speak highly enough about Housesitting. It is the best thing in the world if you want to travel more, experience lots and spend less.
And please.
Don’t be thinking that because you haven’t done a Housesit before, it is hard, or it is just for seasoned travellers. It is super easy.
You can grab yourself an apartment in Rome or Venice for two days, or you can apply for a farmhouse in the Tuscan hills for three weeks and pretend you are Julia Roberts – it’s up to you!
It costs a small fee to sign up for a year, and twice a day, you will be sent a list of available places around the world.
It’s VERY straightforward: You join Housesitters, and you can use my exclusive discount code to save yourself 25% by Clicking here.
You make a profile, and then twice a day, you are sent emails (such as the screenshot from my phone below) listing available properties in Italy!
An example of the many housesits that are available in Italy right now!!
Click here to see all the current house sits in Italy!
Then, if you are serious about using Housesitting as a tool to travel the world for free (as we do), you can use my exclusive discount code to save yourself 25% by Clicking here.
Still not sure about paying for a Housesitting membership?
Remember that the cost of a yearly membership (approx $80 using the discount code above) will be paid back (and more) on the first housesitting night. It really is that simple!
PS: As you can tell, we are big fans of housesitting. We estimated that while housesitting throughout Europe, we saved ourselves approximately ten grand.
Honestly, I can’t understand why more people don’t do this!
7: Don’t Forget to Take a Book About Italy!
Have You Read My Hilarious New Travel Memoir?
(Blush. Sorry! Couldn’t resist! )
It is here! The Travel Bog Diaries!
If you are a traveler and love to laugh, then you will want to read this fabulous book!
It tells how an ordinary woman (me) took her husband and two teenagers and did something extraordinary (some may say bonkers) with them:
She travelled the world for a year (spent six weeks in Italy) on a budget of $70 a day.
As wonderful as it was, it was FAR from Instagrammy, and lots of hilariously embarrassing mistakes happened as this family trotted around the world. The chapters from Pompeii and Venice are especially memorable!
If you have ever dreamed of travelling the world with your family, then do yourself a favour and grab a copy of this fabulous book. You will LOVE it!
8. Picnic Lunches 🧺
And the food.
We have taken our kids to some of the best cities in Europe and Italy is where they would have been happy to eat for the rest of their lives.
Food is incredibly cheap to buy in Supermarkets.
If you are travelling to Italy and are on a budget as we were, then you will love the fact that you can get a delicious picnic for four people for less than $20.
With wine. Of course.
A picnic for four (greedy) people will cost you no more than$20 and what you get is divine!
8. Eating Out In Italy 🍽
Eating out in Italy is also a lot less expensive than I first anticipated.
While it’s true that we didn’t eat out often – we spent a good deal of time Housesitting in Italy – if we weren’t housesitting, we rented self-contained accommodation, both meaning that we cooked our own meals.
But, when the kids did moan so loudly that I could take no more and submitted to their pleas of eating at a cafe, I was pleasantly surprised at the cost, and I think you will be too.
Eating out in Italy is far less expensive than in other places in Europe. This is a lunch menu in that we ate at in Florence. Delicious too!
9. Ice Cream In Italy 🍦
I’m not an ice cream connoisseur, but my kids are, and so everywhere we visited in Italy, they wanted ice cream. The trouble with this little treat is that it can end up being pricey.
I’m not saying don’t treat yourself to a gelato while in Italy; of course not; just know that, like anywhere in the world, you can go to the local grocery store and buy a pack of six ice creams for the same price as one Gelato.
And my kids said they tasted just as good.
Eating ice cream in Venice. The budget way. Ignore my son’s miserable face; he was actually enjoying that ice cream very much.
10. Breakfast In Italy 🍪
Breakfast in Italy is a very sweet affair. In fact, Italy is pretty sweet full stop.
Know that you won’t be getting a fry up for brekkie in Italy, more like a biscuit (if you are staying with an Italian host) or else a sweet pastry.
Breakfast in Italy. A coffee and something small, sweet and delicious
11. Cafés in Italy 🍴
Cafés are plentiful in Itay, and the entire country embraces the fantastic coffee scene.
Expect to pay no more than €1.50 for a cappuccino, and remember! Don’t order a Cappuccino after 11 am! (apparently, the Italians believe the milk messes with your digestion)
We didn’t have one lousy cup of coffee in Italy, but the places where we found to have the best coffee and pastries were those that looked a bit rough from the outside.
Italy travel tip! Don’t judge a book by its cover when it comes to getting a coffee in Italy.
The places that look a bit dodgy are often the ones that give you the real Italian experience for the best price.
This little bakery at the side of the road, leaving Florence, was the BEST coffee and pastry we had for breakfast in Italy! Don’t just go to the places that have white tablecloths – you’ll probably be ripped off.
Italy Tips – The Seasons
12. What To Bring To Italy For Summer Travel
Italy is hot in the summer, but don’t let this put you off. Read my post on what to wear in Italy and you will be good to go.
We were travelling around Italy for two months between May and July, so we saw both the shoulder season and the peak, and yes, it was scorching, but if you are prepared for it, then it won’t be a problem.
Umbrella
Everyone uses an umbrella to protect themselves from the scorching sun in Italy, especially if you are standing in line for something.
Don’t risk getting burned; take a travel umbrella and know that you are protected and more comfortable.
My favourite travel umbrella is this one. It is light to carry, easy to pack and looks rather lovely.
Poncho
There was a time when the lowly poncho was only for unfashionable tourists. Not in Italy!
There are some gorgeous waterproof ponchos that are a stylish and classy way to stay dry without carrying around a soggy, heavy coat.
If you are travelling to Italy in the shoulder season, there is a chance that you will experience a few showers. Take a gorgeous poncho like this one.
They are light, small, cheap and super stylish – pair with some large sunglasses, and you’ll look (and feel) very Italian!
I know you don’t want to look like a tourist, but honestly, you will thank me for telling you to bring an umbrella with you to Italy!
Related Posts That You Will Enjoy
Visiting San Gimignano in Tuscany, Italy. Were we Wrong??
What to wear in Italy so that you look (& feel) totally gorgeous
13. Fauna & Flora in Italy 🌻
If you are a flower fan, then you will love all the wild poppies that grow wild throughout Italy in May. If this is your thing, then the month of May is for you!
The roads were lined with these beautiful red poppies that grow wild throughout Italy in Spring.
Italy Tips – Souvenirs
If you are buying souvenirs in Italy, then here’s a tip for you.
If you want to buy one of those very swanky Italian coffee percolators and take it home for a gift for someone who loves coffee, then please don’t buy one from one of the many posh kitchen appliance shops that you see in Verona or Rome or Florence.
They sell the same thing, only a good deal cheaper, at any hypermarket. Don’t you just love me??
Coffee percolators at the swanky kitchen shop in Florence
Italy Tips – Places To Visit In Italy
15. Venice
Venice is renowned for being pricey and busy, but we found ways to make it neither.
Here’s a tip.
Put some comfortable walking shoes on and turn away from the crowds.
I’ve Included This little 13-second Video For You to See Exactly How Crowded Venice Can be!
Venice is a maze of beautiful windy lanes, a mass with ornate bridges. Look for these bridges, and at the side of each one, you will see a set of shady steps used for the small houseboats of Venice to pull into.
Get a picnic from any one of the small supermarkets in Venice and take your seat.
Just to warn you! I was cautioned by the police in Piazza San Marco for eating ice cream ( I had no idea). Make sure that you do your research and know the things NOT to do in Venice before you go.
To be honest, I quite enjoyed my run-in with the Italian law.
I don’t get much excitement at my time of life.
Find the steps at the side of each bridge and settle down for a nice lunch spit and some gondola gazing.
Would you love to travel more for a lot less? Then let me show you how! Join my FREE newsletter, and I will send you a complimentary copy of my ebook “Travel More, Travel Better, Pay Less”. I look forward to getting to know you better!
16. Gondolas In Venice 🛶
Talking of Gondolas, unless you have a really strong desire to see Venice from a boat with lots of other tourists, I’d avoid it.
They are pricey and, without being rude, a little bit tacky.
If it has been on your bucket list of things to do in Italy, then go ahead, but I found that price w-a-y- too expensive for a quick ride with other tourists.
17. Cool off in Venice! 😎
Rather than pound the hot streets of Venice, get down to the waters front where all the cruise ships are sailing past.
Take your sandals off and cool your feet in the water. We spent an hour people-watching – it beats paying $100 for a gondola ride!
Remember though! One of the things you should never do in Venice is swim in the waterways.
You will be fined, so unless you have more money than sense, just stick to the toe-dipping.
Take your shoes off and watch as the Gondolas glide past. Our favourite game was seeing how many people were actually paying attention or simply taking photos for Instagram! (we are easily amused…)
Take A Look At This Video We Made In Italy, And You Decide For Yourself If It Isn’t The Most Beautiful Place On Earth?!
18. Rome For Free (or Very Cheap!)
If you happen to be in Rome on the first Sunday of the month (as we were – Hurray!), you will be delighted to know that entrance to the Colosseum and other museums in Rome is absolutely FREE!
To avoid the long line that snakes its way outside the Colosseum, make sure you get your free ticket from the PALATINE HILL/FORUM entrance, which is 5 mins from the Colosseum entrance. This ticket gives you admission to Palatine Hill, the Forum & The Colosseum.
Once you have your free golden ticket, go straight to the reservation entrance of the Colosseum and walk straight in!
You’ll walk past the unknowing line of people who think they have to get their free ticket inside the Coluusium. (should have read this Italy travel tips blog post!) Just scan your ticket at the gate and enjoy the Colosseum!
Seeing the Colosseum for FREE! It doesn’t get better than that!
The 2nd Best way To See Rome!
Rome is hot in the summer months, and you do NOT want to be hanging around in line for the sake of a few Euros. Grab yourself a Rome Priority Pass and see the sights. The Rome priority pass offers a fast track to all Rome attractions – believe me, it’s so worth it not to have to line up.
Get into the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum in central Rome through the fast track entrance with ONE combined package. Click here For Details.
19. Best Place To Picnic In Rome
- If you are looking for somewhere lovely to have a picnic lunch while in Rome then I recommend this.
- Come out of the Coluusium and turn left.
- Walk in an anticlockwise direction. You will see a small supermarket on your right. Go and buy all the delicious picnic ingredients you need. Come out. Turn right (with the Colosseum on your left.) After about 100 meters, you will see a park on the hill to your left. Go to it, eat and enjoy the view!
Quite possibly the best view for a picnic in Rome!
20. The Spanish Steps in Rome
The Spanish steps are a must-see when in Rome and a fabulous place to people-watch (my favourite activity).
If you go in the afternoon, you will find everyone clinging to the side of the walls trying to get some shade.
If you haven’t done as I told you and bought a travel umbrella, then you will need to do the same!
The Spanish Steps are a brilliant place to people-watch.
Don’t miss the rose sellers who try their hardest to sell their flowers to gullible tourists!
Get your place in the shade and watch as the flower sellers try and pounce on unknowing tourists!
21. The Trevvi Fountain In Rome
Know that the Trevi Fountain in Rome is at its busiest in the afternoon.
If you wish to see this iconic Italian beauty without the crowds so that you can throw a con in for a wish, then I suggest you try heading over there first thing in the morning or at around 5 pm.
Get to the Trevi Fountain early if you wish to get a good selfie! We found the crowds weren’t there early in the morning
Visiting Milan?
Do not miss this beautiful spectacular. Milan, Italy
Get Yourself A Milan Cathedral & Rooftop Ticket
Oh my Gosh. I don’t think I have ever experienced anything quite as spectacular as the Milan Duomo. The Milan Cathedral.
If you have ever wanted something to take your breath away, then get yourself a ticket to the most beautiful Cathedral in the world and prepare to be wowed.
With the Milan Cathedral and Rooftop Ticket, you will get:
- Access all areas to the symbol of Milan
- Go to the Duomo Terraces for a panoramic city view
- Learn the history of the cathedral at the Duomo Museum
- Marvel at sacred relics and liturgical objects
- See stunning stained-glass windows
- Discover the remains of the S. Giovanni alle Fonti Baptistery
Italy Tips – More Places To Visit
Don’t believe everything you hear about Italy being mobbed in the summer and so should be avoided at all costs.
We didn’t find this to be the case at all.
There are many places in Italy where you can escape the crowds – we found a secret place in Florence that we spent heaps of time visiting.
It would be fantastic if you can hire a car and drive out to the country – that way, you get to go at your own pace and find hidden places.
Check out my post on 21 common mistakes people make when planning a trip to Italy, I think it will give you some further insight.
22. The Wine Regions
Go into the hills of any wine region (Soave is our favourite) and spend some time relaxing.
You may come across a farmer, but you will find them all very friendly and will stop to chat (learn a little Italian!) they are often more than happy for you to walk (carefully) in the shade of their vines.
Taking time to cool off and be under the gorgeous vines in Soave, a lovely wine region in Italy
Would you love to travel more for a lot less? Then let me show you how! Join my FREE newsletter, and I will send you a complimentary copy of my ebook “Travel More, Travel Better, Pay Less”. I look forward to getting to know you better!
23. Pisa
Don’t miss visiting Pisa while you are in Italy, but know that the leaning tower is pretty small!
We were expecting a giant tower, but in reality, it is relatively average-sized.
Of course, it’s still impressive, but if you are traveling with kids like me, know how teenagers like to over-exaggerate everything.
Really? This is it? Don’t be surprised if the Tower of Pisa is a bit of a disappointment. We all thought it would be a lot bigger than it was!
24. Pompeii
Don’t be discouraged from visiting Pompeii by tales of crowds and Naples pickpockets.
The day we spent visiting Pompeii was one of the most relaxing and calm days we had in Italy. You will love Pompeii, don’t miss it if at all possible.
If you are driving to Pompeii, use the car park over the road called ‘Ristorante Vesuvio’. It’s the cheapest and only charges you €10 for the day.
We spent a good deal of time alone in Pompeii. Don’t believe everything you hear about it being crowded.
25. Verona
If you manage to visit Verona, make sure you go to Juliet’s house a give her bosom a bit of a rub. It is free, and it is good luck! My teenage son rubbed it a few times – just in case.
Do not miss going to see the house of Juliet if you are in Verona!
26. Football Fans In Italy
If you are travelling to Italy with a football fan, then know that you will be in good company.
The Italians LOVE their footy, so you won’t have to go far in any city in Italy to find a bar showing a live game.
Personally, I would rather eat rocks, but the rest of my family are big Liverpool fans, so I have to be nice and play along. When we stayed in Florence, we passed a lovely evening watching a live game!
This is the bar in Florence where you can watch the best live football games. I sat outside and drank wine, but the rest of the family enjoyed it…
One Last Secret Tip!
27. The Pantheon
Here’s one Italy tip for those of you who love wine and people-watching as much as I do.
- Do not miss the Pantheon. It is simply stunning. Of course, you won’t miss it. But. Here’s what to do should you fancy an evening aperitive while enjoying the ambience and the buzz amongst the early evening crowds.
- Come out of the Pantheon and look over your right shoulder. Here you will see a little shop that looks like a gift store.
The little shop that looks like a gift store outside the Pantheon.
- Inside, amongst other things, you can buy half bottles of wine for a very reasonable price, AND, if you ask the lady behind the counter nicely enough, she will give you a plastic cup.
- Yes, yes, all you save the planet, people; I know plastic is evil, but it’s just this once. If it makes you feel better, take a paper cup in your bag.
- Take your place on the wall with the view and watch the show! Enjoy!
Cheers! I hope you enjoyed this list of Italy tips!
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Arrive feeling beautiful. 10 Brilliant plane essentials that you won’t want to be without
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Last Word on Italy Travel Tips:
My list of Italian tips will hopefully make things a good deal easier when you (eventually) travel to the gorgeous country of Italy!
I’m sure I have missed a few things so when I think of some more, I will add to this blog post, but until then, have a wonderful time in Italy, and remember, PLEASE share this post for me to any friends that you think would benefit!
Ciao!
PS: Would you love to travel more for a lot less? Then let me show you how! Join my FREE newsletter, and I will send you a complimentary copy of my ebook “Travel More, Travel Better, Pay Less”.
I look forward to getting to know you better!
My husband and I, ages 46 and 66, are traveling to Europe for the first time. I know, it’s taken us WAY too long! We are starting with 2 weeks in Italy, from May 26- June 10th. Thank you for all the wonderful tips!
Tiffany and Dan
I think it is amazing that you are making this trip – you are going to LOVE Italy (what’s not to love? wine, food, beautiful people and a sexy language!) Thanks so much for your comment – have a fabulous time and let me know what you thought X
Thank you! This information is going to be invaluable to my family! My husband and I will be going for the first time for a long weekend in September. What are your thoughts on Italy in september? We are late 30’s and actually don’t drink wine or coffee. Will that be looked down upon? I had kind of been leaning towards Sicily; but now I’m not so sure! Help!!
Italy in September is beautiful! Probably one of the best months, and no, you won’t be looked down upon – the Italians are lovely! Have a great time Jena and enjoy every minute.
You have a lovely family and sound like you guys have a lot of fun. Due to COVID we’re not able to travel to Italy right now. We…my husband and I…visited Italy in the early 90s. It’s one of our best travel experiences ever! Never heard if house sitting but we’ll check it out.
Please do! It’s a wonderful way to see the country and saves you a fortune. Let’s hope that we are all able to return to beautiful Italy before not too long.
We will be traveling in June of 2020 with a 13 and 11 year old from Florida to Italy. Thank you so much for this great post. I’ll keep in in mind as I plan our trip.
You are welcome, Susan! Have a fabulous time, the kids will love it!
Good advices I am going ti Italy on the fall this year. Thanks for your tips.
My pleasure Lita! have fun 🙂
Thank you for these tips. My husband , our 13 year old and myself are leaving for Italy in 10 days!!!!
Perfect! Have fun Candace :))
Wonderful tips, thank you! I’m going with my husband and two children (10 and 7) in July for a family wedding in Florence. We will also visit Venice, Sardinia and Rome. I was fearing the crowds but your post makes me feel better. I’m going to pin this for reference!
Fabulous! Glad you enjoyed them and thanks so much for sharing Amy 🙂
Nice post and great tips, but to quote a local from Venice putting your feet in the lagoon water is not recommended.
I agree with you otherwise, Italy is my favorite destination of all times!
Thanks for all of the great tips. We are travelling in Italy from July 20th-aug 18th this year with our teenage son. Quick question for you, how did you find the house sitting opportunities? Was there a sit you used?
Hi Elizabeth, Fantastic! There is one fabulous thing about taking a teenage boy to Italy; the food!! They never seem to be hungry in Italy?! The site we use is Trusted Housesitters. I have put the link to the full post on Housesitting that I wrote https://itsadrama.com/house-sitting-europe-travel-blogs/
It really is a fabulous way to see the world for free X
Thanks so much for this information. I’m traveling with my 18 yr old son this July 2019 and will most defiantly use your tips!
Thank you Michelle, have a wonderful time (I’m VERY jealous!) X
Love your post… can’t wait to go to Italy next year. I have one question for you. Do we need to speak Italian? Or do most of the locals speak english?
We don’t speak Italian and we were fine! I think as long as you make an effort where possible to say hello and thank you in Italian then you will be fine! Have a wonderful trip!
Thanks for the great practical tips!
Just FYI, the ticketing information for the colosseum and Palatine Hill is now incorrect.
Really? What is it now then? Thanks for the heads up, I will check it out and amend! 🙂
Thank You,
Im sharing this with my 23 yr old daughter. She’s going to Bari and then other places. July 1st-Sept 1st.
She’s staying with a local family, teaching their kids english.
How exciting Kimmi! We went to Bari on our way to get the ferry to Greece, I remember the people were super friendly and it was HOT! Give her my best wishes and to enjoy Italy!
My husband and I going to southern Italy end of March of 2020, I hope it will not be too cold. We are very excited ?
I’m sure it will be perfect 🙂
Loved this info. Content is very easy and doable. We are visiting Italy this November. Rome, Naples and Sicily. Can you give any tips on weather and what to pack?
Hi Julie, thank you for your lovely comment! We went to Italy in spring and summer so I am not sure about November. Just take a stylish cashmere scalf, some straight legged pants and a good pair of comfy (but gorgeous!) knee length boots – very Italian and set to see the sights!
You are choosing the BEST places… I am quite jealous!
Fantastic info! My husband and I leave in a month and are staying 6 weeks; starting north and ending south. But now, I’m worried. What will happen to me if I ask for a coffee with milk at 2pm? Will I be shunned? Will I be lined up and laughed at by locals? Lol I love coffee but I need me some milk or cream! What are my chances?❤️
Kimberely! You won’t be shunned or laughed at you silly billy (your chances of copping off with a local might be limited though?!!) My mum has coffee in Italy at 10 o’clock at night and she still returns every year! How wonderful to be spending 6 weeks in such a gorgeous country – have fun! X
Italy is actually far more expensive to rent a car in than Spain or France. Having lived in or spent many months in all three countries (including 2.5 years in Spain and 1 year in Italy) and heard from expats from all of these places it is quite common for people to get a car in France and drive into Italy due to the much higher fees and taxes in Italy
Nope. Sorry, Brooke. Italy was by FAR cheaper than France to hire a car. We paid 15 Euros a day for 41 days. This included unlimited mileage, and European insurance (meaning we could take it where we wanted around Europe). This was a brand new four-door Fiesta with only 1000 k on the clock. We purposely flew back to Venice to pick up a car to drive around Europe in for this very reason and believe me, we did our research. The only other country that was cheaper than Italy (we found) was Croatia but the car was tiny and we weren’t allowed to take it out of the country. (So when we flew to Croatia and hired a car there).
I can not comment Spain as we didn’t go (this year) but between France and Italy there is no comparison; Italy wins hands down for price. (and flights actually – fly in and out of Venice and you’ll save a fortune).
Would you recommend Italy in March or April with a 12 and 15 year old over Spring Break?
Hi Kristen,
I would say April. Temperatures in March are still ok, (approx 61ºF) but in April they jump to 66ºF If your kids are anything like mine they will love it! Where are you thinking?
Traveling to Italy has been a dream of mine probably since the first time I could pronounce “Ciao”. But I am 57 and single. Any tips on those traveling alone? Is house sitting just for couples? Thanks for the info and tips. Loved them.
Hi Mia,
The last time I travelled alone was when I was 19 so I am not in any position to talk to you about that..but what i will say is THIS:
Italy is friendly – really friendly; I doubt if you stayed in a hostel (which sounds scary but is actually a brilliant way of meeting people) you would stay solo for long.
Housesitting is most certainly for single people, in fact, there are lots of sits that specify they would rather have a single person – especially in cities where space is a premium such as Tokyo, Berlin, Paris etc person! Oh Mia, PLEASE go to Italy. do not get to be 60 years young and still not have lived your dream…Italy will embrace you with every bit of welcome it has (maybe I will start a guide business and I will take you myself!!) Please, if there is anything else I can help you with, housesitting advice, places etc, do not hesitate to contact me (probably the best way is to shoot me an email [email protected]) and I will help in any way that I can 🙂 Ciao Bella!
Hi liz , my name is jeff , my wife and i are about to travel to Italy for approximately 7 weeks , reading your blog about traveling in Italy has been very informative so thankyou , we are lucky that i actualy have my sister who lives in Como so will have a bit of an advantage over most other tourists , we are very excited and can’t wait to start our trip , we will be traveling from Milano north to St Moritz down into Croatia , Montenegro back into southern Italy up the west coast into Sardinia then finish of back into Milano and hopefully visiting many places in between
Sounds wonderful! 🙂 WE also went from Italy to Croatia and Montenegro so I will be with you in spirit! 7 weeks is a lovely amount of time too – are you a digital nomad or are you retired? Sorry to be nosy I just love to hear about how other people live their dreams! Thank you so much for sharing with me Jeff and have a fabulous trip!
We used the train line/Europe and bought tickets from lake Garda to Milan and what a pleasure that was. The tickets were less than 50% of the quote we got from the tourist information shop in Garda. The train was exceptionally clean, on time and each seat had a phone charging point. The only issue we had was on our return journey when an American couple boarded with their young family. They allowed the children to run wild and opened their picnic which included a vile smelling sausage, which in a hot carriage in the middle of summer over powered the entire carriage, when they got off a few stops later there was spontaneous clapping from the other passengers. I’ve nothing against travelling with young children when I did with my four kids, but made sure they didn’t annoy other passengers.
That’s a great story Cate! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Italy is amazing! But I want to give a warning. When you are walking on the narrow streets of Rome, especially around the Colleseum, and you hear a Vespa behind you, get the heck out of the way! They will run you over!! Even after 4 years, whenever I hear a motorcycle coming up behind me my heart skips a beat.
Greta tip Jayne! Thanks 🙂
Oh it looks like so much fun! Perhaps I can get there someday. I love the “must” bits.. excellent!
Hello! Great information. My husband and I have been very fortunate to travel extensively around the world. We have visited 114 countries and the 7 continents. I do have the travel bug. Yes, it is and addiction, a healthy one, I will say. The best way to spend/invest your money. The memories will last forever.
Looking forward to visiting the Emilia Romagna area in Northern Italy and San Marino. Then Puglia in the south. We would also like to return to Sorrento, Naples and perhaps stay in Bari and Portofino a few days.
We love so many places around Europe and the world. So much to see and do.
Happy Travels! Cheers.
Happy travels, Laura!