Tips on traveling to Italy?

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chrisgaffrey

My advice is that, if you want to plan such a trip up and down Italy, is to spend more than 9 days here. You need at least 2 days to see Rome, and that would be the minimum. You need at least a day to see Florence (two would be nice, but it can be done in one day if you skip visiting the major museums). You need a day and a half for Naples (counting traveling time etc). Venice needs at least two days. The think also about Milan, Assisi, Naples, one of the Neapolitan islands (like Capri or Ischia is a must see, though I would recommend bringing all the food and water you need for your day trip there... Capri out of this world beautiful and out of this world expensive... 5 euro for an espresso!). They say the Amalfi coast is also a must see. Sienna is a must.

What I recommend is that you plan your trip in a circle. For example, you could fly into Milan and then plan your trip so that you can take the train to your next destination. You could go south from Milan making your way to Genova, Pisa, Florence and Sienna, then to Rome, then to Naples, then back up by plane to Bologna or to Venice (depending on if you want to see Bologna. You could then take the train again to Venice). From Venice you can go to Verona (Padua is on the way). And from there, make your way back to Milan for your return flight. There are several nice towns on the way from Verona to Milan.

The train is pretty reliable here, and it lets you see the countryside. There are several low cost airlines for intercity travel, which could help you make a big hop if you need without spending all day in the train and without exhausting your funds.

Here are a couple of sites which can help:

For cheap flights :http://www.tui.it/default.aspx (only in Italian, unfortunately) but I'm sure you can find other cheap airfare sites in English.

For TrenItalia, the Italian Railroad company : http://www.trenitalia.com/en/index.html

Enjoy. If you need any tips on what to see while in Rome, let me know. You can send me a message from my profile.

Happy Trails

lupococ

Italy is so extraordinary in so many ways...and a singular experience for anyone. Best to fly into Rome...to capture the majestic nature of the history and immerse yourself in the urban culture.....move on by train to florence...and fall in love with the youthful spirit of such an ancient and noble town. Walk everywhere!!!!!! Find a way to Siena..San Gimignano, and Lucca...when you get to Lucca....spend 2 dollars and rent a bike to ride around the top of the walled city, the most sentimental 45 minutes you might ever have.
Try to learn as many Italian words as possible....they seem disinterested and impatient at times...but have a great sense of humor and are filled will kindness and a helpful nature.
They speak authoritatively....you should as well.
Eat pasta...its cheap!
When in Rome sit on The Spanish Steps at night....with everyone else!
Dont drive a car...they are CRAZY!!!
and most of all.. smile and acknowledge older Italian woman....they will guide you and care for you!
Have the time of your life!

mareeclara

I had 11 days in Italy and went from Verona, Venice, Montepulciano, Rome, Florence and Bologna....Now I had 2 nights in Venice and 3 in Rome...It was barely enough to see things and I am a quick traveller (ie I am in for quantity not quality). I also did a day trip to Pompeii when I was in Rome (which had the option of Capri and Sorrento...which I would suggest you take)....
I did a circuit based on where I could get my cheapest flights (Verona and Bologna) but it depends on where you get flights into and out of. You wil not be able to do many places in 7-9 days, so select ones you REALLY would like to see.
There is real variety in Italian cities with places like Venice unlike others (but a full day would be ample to see it), Florence is lovely Renaissance galore, but very very busy!! and maybe a couple of days would be needed there (you can easily get the train to Pisa for a half day to see the leaning tower...there is nothing else of note in the town...also a little place nearby called Lucca is a nice escape too and again easy to get there on train from Florence).
Rome...a must see, lots of Roman history and as I said you can easily get day trips to Pompeii which would save you getting it organised (and it includes lunch, tour guide etc). Naples did not seem the nicest place to visit).
Siena and Bologna are more medieval...I would suggest maybe Siena over Bolgona. I was supposed to stay in Siena, but instead it was the Siena region...70km away!! But it was a lovely hillside village of Montepulciano which was lovely to escape and see a different type of village....a bit harder to get there, but you can get buses from Siena.
I think you should do some research on cities or places to see, then chose those which are a must and work your way into a route to try and see them....you will probalby not see them all to the best, BUT you will get a good overview.

Lushbabe4ever

You better buy a good travelling book and I recommend Lonely Planet (Italy), it's too helpful for travellers. (--,)

Check out their website for Italy.
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/europe/italy

jacqueline susan

definately go to rome and tuscany area. You should also go to venice .. although some people say its not their favorite, its a personal opinion and its just interesting to see it, considering you've probably heard a lot about it

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