Planning Your Trip to Italy
Italy is a country that enjoys special popularity among the world’s tourists. It’s easy to see why: it offers a blend of natural beauty, history, culture, and world-class gastronomy that’s just about unique.
If you’re planning a trip to Italy, however, it’s best to ensure that you’ve planned thoroughly. That way, you’ll stand the best possible chance of doing and seeing everything you’d like to see.
Planning Your Italian Adventure
To begin with, you’ll need to know exactly when you’re visiting. This might be dictated by your other commitments and by your personal tastes. Generally speaking, spring and autumn offer a good balance between crowds and hot weather—and there are plenty of festivals throughout the country at these times of year. For a beach holiday, summer is often ideal—but you’ll need to be prepared to pay slightly extra and to deal with more tourists.
If you’re thinking of a winter break to Italy, then certain parts of the country are bound to appeal. Christmas markets are on offer in several of the larger towns and cities, and you’ll find plenty of world-class ski resorts in the Dolomites and Italian Alps.
Choosing Your Destinations
It might be that you’d like to build your trip around a single destination. Or, you could book several of them and enjoy a longer tour of the region. An Italy guided tour will often work this way.
Rome is a must-visit if you haven’t been before. It offers a blend of ancient Roman ruins, the Vatican City, and countless other amazing landmarks. For a glimpse into the Italian Renaissance, on the other hand, a visit to Florence is difficult to beat. The canals that run through Venice make it almost unique, and the pastel-shaded villages that line the Amalfi coast are sure to appeal if you’d prefer a driving holiday. Sicily is great for sunshine and sea, while the rolling hills of Tuscany might appeal to those looking to enjoy great food and wine.
Once you have your destinations in mind, you can plan how you’ll travel between them. The Italian train system offers a convenient means of moving around, though air travel might be viable if you need to cross long distances quickly.
If you’re thinking of renting a car, then you should consider whether you’re ready for the high-octane experience of driving on Italian roads. That said, driving offers considerable flexibility, and so it’s worth thinking about.
Get Yourself Involved in Italian Culture
Throughout your Italian adventure, you should ensure that culture plays a big role. If you’re going to be visiting religious sites, including St. Peter’s Basilica, then you’ll need to dress modestly, covering your shoulders and legs. Make sure that you pick up a little bit of Italian for the sake of showing respect and asking for directions.
Additional Tips for a Memorable Trip
Let’s run through a few extra quick tips. You’ll want to carry cash so that you can pay for things at smaller establishments—but don’t carry too much, in case it’s lost or stolen. Book your attractions as far in advance as possible, as the popular ones tend to sell out during peak season. Finally, it’s a good idea to take a leisurely pace. Rush through your trip, and you risk missing out on key elements!