ITALY
Italy holds some kind of fairytale enchantment that continues to pull me back. It is like its gelato; I cannot resist it and when it is finished, I keep craving for more!
Italy, a country of timeless beauty and cultural splendor, transcends the iconic imagery of its bustling capital, Rome, or the world-renowned flavors of Italian cuisine. The Italian peninsula unfurls a mesmerizing canvas of diverse landscapes, ancient cities, pristine coastlines, and charming towns, each inviting exploration and discovery. Italy stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of art, history, and culinary excellence.
Embark on a captivating journey through Italy’s rich history, where the echoes of ancient civilizations resonate in the cobbled streets of Rome, Florence, and Venice. Explore the ruins of Pompeii, witness the grandeur of the Colosseum, and marvel at the artistry of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel.
Italy’s cultural richness is a kaleidoscope of architectural masterpieces, from the Roman Forum to the Renaissance wonders of Florence and the canals of Venice. Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of authentic Italian cuisine, from the simplicity of a perfect pasta dish to the sophistication of regional specialties. Each region offers a unique culinary experience, showcasing the country’s diverse culinary traditions.
The geographical diversity of Italy invites exploration, from the snowy peaks of the Dolomites to the sun-drenched shores of the Amalfi Coast and the serene beauty of the lakes. Traverse the vineyard-covered hills of Chianti, wander through the olive groves of Puglia, and bask in the golden sunlight of Sicily. Italy’s ancient villages, perched on hillsides or nestled by the sea, provide a glimpse into the timeless beauty of Italian life.
Whether strolling through the historic streets of Florence, savoring gelato in the charming alleys of Rome, or cruising along the Amalfi Coast, Italy invites you to go beyond its iconic landmarks, uncovering the authentic and enchanting essence of this Mediterranean jewel.
This page will help you plan your trip to Italy with fantastic informative videos, my favorite places to stay and tips & tricks!
FAVORITE PLACES TO STAY
- Basilicata
- Campania (Amalfi Coast)
- Puglia
- Toscana
- Sicily:
- Taormina Villa Diodoro / Grand Hotel Miramare
- Cefalu: Pater Meus Suites
- Scopello: Casale La Macina
- Piazza Armerina: Villa Clementine
- Noto: Villa Rosaria Rooms
- Catania: Hotel Centrum
Nice to know before traveling to Italy
Planning a trip to Italy? Here are some tips & tricks that will make it a little easier for you!
Driving
We all know the reputation Italian drivers have… Let’s just say the more south you go, the worse it gets! As long as you stick to the rules and you stay attentive and defensive, you’ll be fine!
I’m a big fan of renting a car and road tripping. The only region I would NOT recommend it, is the Amalfi Coast. There is only one coastal road and it is always extremely busy. Plus parking is a mess. Also the road is very narrow and if you are not used to it, you will only annoy the locals. A lot of tourists cause traffic accidents. I recommend public transport, a private driver or the ferries in that region.
In Italy, parking spaces are color coded: white spaces are free, blue spaces are paid, yellow spaces are for residents of the area with special parking permit, handicapped permits, taxis, or official vehicles, and pink spaces are for expectant mothers or mothers traveling with infants. But always keep your eyes open for exceptions!
Cars without a permit are frequently prohibited in historic city centers. Make sure to check if the area you’re visiting has a ZTL (Zona Traffico Limitato), and if so, make sure to avoid it or risk getting a hefty fine.
Most highways in Italy are toll roads. Meaning you have to pay to drive here. You can pay cash or by credit card.
Public Transport / Ferries
Italy has a fantastic national train network with two main companies; Trenitalia and Italo connecting all the big cities. There are also smaller local train networks. In Puglia and Basilicata I traveled with the Ferrovie Sud Est and Ferrovie Appulo Lucane (to Matera) which connect smaller towns with each other. In Sorrento you have the Circumvesuviana which connects the town with Napoli and passes important locations such as Pompeii and Ercolano.
I always book my ferry tickets online in advance via Alilauro and Traghettilines.
Tips & Tricks
- Wear comfortable shoes or sandals; streets are often cobblestoned or steep, or have a lot of stairs
- Don’t wear swim wear in the streets; use common sense; swim wear is for the beach. In some places you can get fined for it.
- A coperto is not a tip, it is a cover charge to offset the price of bread, oil, salt, and anything else you might be using while seated at a restaurant
- Servizio is a tip that is charged on your bill
- A Cappuccino is a morning coffee!
- Never put cheese on a fish dish
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