Planning a trip | Activities | Food and Drinks
Growing up in Italy, I always traveled around Italy, thanks to school trips and family vacations. It wasn’t until the summer of 2021 though that I finally got to know my country and learned to love it. This is when Harry, my boyfriend, came to visit me in Italy for the first time. For the first time, I was seeing Italy from an outside perspective and this allowed me to appreciate it more than I had ever done before.
Italy is a country rich in culture, history, architecture, and art, not to mention the delicious food. It’s impossible to see and try everything but we did our best in the two months that we had.
It was our first time traveling completely on our own. We knew we had so much to plan and figure out: what to visit and when, where to stay, transportation, and so much more. And I’m guessing if you’re reading this you’re probably not only curious about our trip but are looking for some tips. So let’s look at everything together.
PLANNING A TRIP TO ITALY – How did we do it?
When planning any trip there are many details that are important to sort out. From when to go, to where and how… there is A LOT to do and it can be very overwhelming (it definitely was for us).
BEST TIME TO GO
For us, this wasn’t really a question because we only had the summer available but let’s break it down anyways.
Italian coasts and islands: the best times to visit are in the spring, summer, and fall. But keep in mind that popular spots can get crowded in the summer months. If you want to enjoy the beach and the warm weather and avoid crowds at the same time, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (late spring and early fall).
Mountain regions: If you like adventure and nature, these destinations are worth visiting all year round. You can ski in winter and hike in the warmer months. Keep in mind that some mountain passes may be closed during winter, so plan accordingly.
Main cities: Italy’s main cities are always buzzing with tourists, but visiting during shoulder seasons can lead to lower prices and fewer crowds.
WHERE TO STAY
Italy is full of amazing accommodation options for every budget and preference. We knew we were looking for cheap accommodation where we could have our independence, so the obvious choice was to rent an apartment. For you, it might be different.
Apartments are available in cities or, more commonly, in the countryside. They’re perfect if you want to explore Italy at your own pace.
Although we didn’t do it ourselves, I highly recommend camping, as there are many campsites all over Italy. I spent more summers than I can count in campsites on the coasts of Tuscany or Romagna. Most campsites offer bungalows: little apartments with everything you might need. Or you can set up your tent or park your RV on a plot of land. Campsites also offer amenities such as electricity, wifi, common toilets and showers, and even small supermarkets, restaurants, cafes, and bars. And the best part? They usually have events for both kids and adults at night.
If camping isn’t your thing that’s okay too. Why not try an Agriturismo? This is a type of accommodation that is typically located on a working farm or vineyard. Or if you want to experience life in the big cities, you will find many hotels for all budgets.
To look for accommodation I usually use Airbnb to Booking. Although Workaway and Housesitting aren’t as popular in Italy yet, you can find some great options if you look hard enough.
Agriturismo in a small town in Emilia-Romagna
HOW TO GET AROUND
Next on the list was transportation. Transportation can cause unnecessary stress during your trip but with some planning ahead, it’s pretty easy to travel around Italy, especially if you use public transportation like we did.
Public Transportation
In Italy, you’ll find trains, buses, and trams everywhere, and even subways in some of the bigger cities. I usually choose trains as they’re fast and connect all the major different cities and towns. Although we also tried some overnight bus rides with Flixbus. Buses and subways are great options for navigating within cities.
For longer trips, by bus or train, I like to buy my ticket online using Trainline.
Car Rentals
If you like to take your time to explore a new place or if you want to see more remote destinations, renting a car might be the way to go. Keep in mind that driving in Italy can be challenging because of narrow roads, limited parking, and aggressive drivers.
Taxis
In most cities, you’ll be able to find taxis. Taxis can be convenient in some cases but keep in mind they can get quite expensive.
Alternative modes of transportation
Exploring a city on foot is an excellent way to experience a new place. I love getting to know a new city by walking everywhere. It allows me to take my time, discover hidden gems and truly immerse myself in the culture.
If walking isn’t for you and you want to cover more ground, many cities offer electric bike or scooter rentals. These rentals can be accessed through apps like Lime, Bird, or Jump. All you have to do is download the app, put in your card information, and scan the QR code to unlock your ride. Once you’re done with your trip, simply take a picture to show that you’re leaving the bike or scooter in good condition, and you’ll be charged based on the amount of time you used it. Just be sure to follow local traffic laws!
PRACTICAL TIPS
Now that all the logistics are figured out it’s important to know some practical tips for visiting Italy.
First, let’s talk about crowds and long lines. Especially during peak season, it’s a good idea to plan ahead and book tickets in advance to avoid long lines. Traveling during off-peak season will also ensure you enjoy all the amazing sights with fewer crowds. If you can’t avoid crowds, keep an eye out for pickpockets and keep your belongings close.
Remember also to respect the culture. An example can be keeping the noise down in residential areas during siesta time (usually from 1 pm to 4 pm). Or more importantly, covering shoulders and knees when visiting religious sites.
When it comes to clothing, it all depends on the place and the season you decide to travel to. As a general rule remember that for the summer light and breathable clothes are your best bet. During spring and fall it can get pretty hot during the day but chilly at night so pack some warm clothes too. If you’re visiting during the winter, make sure you bring some winter wear like coats, scarves, and gloves.
Now, lastly, let’s talk about the language. Italian is our official language, but don’t worry if you don’t speak it fluently. You’ll do fine using English in most places and locals always try to help tourists out when they don’t know the language. That being said, we love it when visitors try to learn Italian.
BEST THINGS TO DO
Italy offers so many amazing activities, many that I’ve done myself and many that I still haven’t had the chance to try. This is why I asked for the help of friends and family to come up with a perfect list. So let’s dive into it!
Visit Rome: the Eternal City
Of course, you can’t miss Rome, home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks. Just to name a few, we have the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Trevi Fountain. And don’t forget Vatican City.
Tour the Tuscany Region
If you’re a wine lover, you’ll definitely want to take a wine-tasting tour in the Chianti region, where you can sample some of the best wine and olive oil Italy has to offer and enjoy the beautiful countryside.
While you’re in this beautiful region, don’t miss Florence: the birthplace of the Renaissance. Here walk around the city’s cobbled streets, and visit the Duomo and the Uffizi where you can admire works by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo.
After Florence, you can visit the medieval city of Siena, or take a picture with the leaning tower of Pisa!
Celebrate Carnival in Venice
Have you ever celebrated Carnival in Venice? Visit this beautiful city on the water during the carnival season for an incredible experience and immersion in Italian culture. This is one of the most famous events in Italy, dating back to the 13th century. The highlight of the carnival is the Grand Canal Parade, where decorated boats and gondolas sail along the canal.
Drive a Vespa along the Amalfi Coast
For a truly unforgettable experience, rent a Vespa and drive along the Amalfi Coast. You’ll love its picturesque towns, welcoming locals, and great food.
Discover the charm and beauty of Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is a collection of five towns along the coastline of Liguria. The five towns are Corniglia, Manarola, Monterosso, Riomaggiore, and Vernazza. Each one of them has its unique charms and breathtaking views. So hike along the cliffside trails or swim in the crystal-clear waters and try the fresh seafood.
Ski in the Italian Alps
The Italian Alps offer some of the best skiing in Europe, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skier. Afterward, you can relax in the world-class resorts and admire the breathtaking scenery while enjoying the local cuisine.
Visit the lakes in Lombardy
From the world-famous Lake Como to lesser-known gems like Lake Iseo and Lake Maggiore, Lombardy is home to some of Italy’s best natural scenery. So don’t miss out on this beautiful region!
Take a cooking class
Taking a cooking class is a fun way to learn about Italian culture and cuisine. If that’s something you’re interested in, taking a cooking class with an Italian nonna is a must. You’ll get to learn about traditional dishes and try your hand at cooking them.
Shop at local markets
Lastly don’t forget to check out the local markets. There are many all over Italy, in big cities but also small towns. Here you can shop for souvenirs, clothing, and locally produced foods. What better way to immerse yourself in the culture?
WHAT TO EAT AND DRINK
Of course, everyone knows about pasta, pizza, and gelato, but Italian cuisine is so much more than that. That’s why this post couldn’t be complete without a guide to Italian food. So let’s take a closer look.
Not many people know that Italy wasn’t a united country until the 1800s. Before that Italy was divided into kingdoms, cities, and provinces. This means that every region, sometimes even every city has different dialects, traditions, and cultures and that includes food.
Northern Italy: the cuisine is heavily influenced by the nearby countries of Austria, Switzerland, and France.
Southern regions: you’ll find an emphasis on seafood, tomatoes, and olive oil.
What specific foods should you try?
Tuscany: the dishes often feature simple yet flavourful ingredients, such as fresh herbs, garlic, and earthy beans. In this region, you will also find flavorful meats. A few of the most loved dishes are pappa al pomodoro and bistecca alla fiorentina.
Emilia-Romagna: this region is famous for its cured meats like prosciutto di Parma and mortadella, as well as its rich pasta dishes like lasagne and tortelli.
Sicily: you’ll find unique flavors such as capers, sardines, and sweet ricotta cheese used in dishes like pasta alla norma and cannoli.
Veneto: this region is known for its aperitivo drinks – Spritz made with prosecco and Aperol or Campari. Aperitivo is a pre-dinner drink served with small snacks that Italians enjoy with friends and family.
There are twenty regions in Italy and these are just a few examples of its culinary tradition. But I really believe that by exploring the different regional cuisines of Italy you can gain a deeper appreciation for the country’s diverse culinary heritage and the local ingredients, traditions, and flavors that make it so special.