italy trip report

An Italian Mama's Guide to Italy

How to spend 13 days in Italy with kids: itinerary + trip report

How to spend thirteen days in Italy with kids: a detailed itinerary and trip report to help you plan your own family vacation in Italy.

Planning a trip to Italy with kids can be great fun.

It can also, however, be overwhelming.

There is so much to see and do in Italy, and so many ways to go about it, you can easily spend weeks or months doing and undoing itineraries and this gets tiring fast.

To help make the task easier, I love sharing sample itineraries and trip reports by real families that you can then tweak and make your own.

Recently, I shared itinerary ideas for 10 days in Italy with kids .

Today, I am sharing a 13 Italy trip with kids that covers some of the most coveted areas in Italy: Rome. Venice, Florence and Tuscany.

The itinerary follows the trip by mama Lauren and Jack (her 6-year-old son), who visited Italy in March 2022 and generously shared their experience with us.

Lauren and I have been in touch before her trip and she took on board many of my recommendations.

She has however also put a lot of work into finding places herself so this amazing Italy itinerary is very much down to her research skills too!

The truffle hunting experience in Tuscany, for instance, is all her doing and sounds like great fun.

She inspired me to go try it with my own kids and I am sure you will also find yourself inspired by the end of this trip report.

This is Lauren and Jack’s itinerary, as it happened.

In it, you will also find the link to book the same experiences and Lauren’s observations about what worked and what she would do differently.

The read more links and stock photos are mine. Photos of Lauren and Jack have been generously supplied by Lauren and published with her permission for us on this article only.

Please note: this post contains affiliate links. Should you make a purchase through them, we might make a small commission at no extra ost to you.

If you want to discuss your own itinerary and find tips and advice, I recommend you join the private Facebook group: Italy with kids travel tips and advice. You will find all the tips for planning your family vacation in Italy and a super supportive group of parents too!

If you want even more help or you have any questions, please in my FREE Facebook group about traveling to Italy with kids: I will be happy to have you there and the tips from me and the other members are FREE!

• 50 fun and interesting things to do in Rome with kids
• Family Guide to Florence with Kids
• Family guide to Venice with kids
• How to travel Italy by train

13 days in Italy with kids itinerary at a glance

Lauren’s itinerary in detail, day 1 – rome: arrival and settling in.

• Arrive in Rome at noon
• Check into Airbnb in Travestere
• Welcome to Rome Exhibition about City (great for intro to city – good to do first)
• Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Spanish Steps

Useful links and info:

How to get from Fiumicino airport to your accommodation in Rome | Trastevere Travel Guide | Rome main attractions at a glance: how to plan Rome sightseeing

Day 2 – Rome: ancient Rome, Jewish Ghetto, Piazza Navona

• Morning Colosseum and Roman Forum and Palatine Hill with tour by The Tour Guy
• Lunch in Rome’s Jewish Ghetto
• Afternoon Piazza Navona

Useful links and info: Tips for visiting the Colosseum with kids

Day 3 – Rome: Vatican City, Children Museum

• St. Peter’s Basilica
• Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary – In the center of Piazza di Torre Argentina lies a large archaeological site and refuge for cats. (free)
• Walked around the city
• Explora Children Museum – Il Museo dei Bambini (book ahead of time – fills up fast)

Useful links:

Our tips for visiting the Vatican with kids (+ how to decide whether to include the Vatican Museums or skip them) | Our review of Explora Children Museum

Day 4 – Venice: arrival and settling in

• Train to Venice (3.5 hours with Italo Treno)
• Check in Airbnb in Venice city center
• Walked around city

Useful link: our complete guide to visiting Venice with kids

Day 5 – Venice and its islands

• Trip to Islands via Airbnb Experiences

Editors’ note: there are several pretty islands in the Venice Lagoon, well connected to the city center by easy to use ferries.

With children, the best ones to visit are Murano and Burano .

Murano is famous for its glass making workshops: one of them, Ferro Toso, offers the chance to have your kids make their own murrina

Burano is a smaller island, famous for having pretty, colorful houses and exquisite lace. It is a cute place to visit with kids.

While there isn’t much to do, the pretty houses and the lack of cars make it a pleasant stop. Kids are also likley to enjoy tasting the local specialty: buranelli biscuits!

Day 6 – Venice: city highlights

• Parco delle Rimembranze
• St Mark’s Basilica
• Doge’s Palace and Museo Correr (included one ticket)

Day 7 – Florence: arrival and Uffizi Gallery

• Train to Florence (2 hours on Italo Treno)
• Check into AirBnB in Florence
• Uffizi Gallery

Day 8 – Florence: city highights and pasta making class

• Galleria dell’Accademia
• Museo Archeologico (use ticket from Uffizi)
• Pasta Making Class via Airbnb Experiences

Day 9 – Tuscany countryside and wine tour

• Train to Ponsacco (purchased at station)
• Check into Le Colombaie Country Resort
• Wine tasting at female owned and operated winery Castelvecchio

Day 10 – Tuscany countryside and truffle hunt

• Truffle Hunting Experience with Savini Tartufi

Day 11 – Travel day to Rome

• Train to Florence (purchased at station)
• Train to Rome @ 1:28 (booked on Italo)
• Explora Children’s Museum (again)

Day 12 – Rome

• St Angelo’s Castle : booked then canceled
• Covid testing
• Walked back to Trevi and Pantheon and Spanish steps to see again
• Packed and relaxed

Day 13 – Departure from Rome

Tips and observations by lauren about this italy itinerary.

Best things I did:

• Packing in backpacks and then buying a suitcase for trip home with purchases (most of which were made in the last two days)
• Using the train system – so easy!
• Building in downtime for my son at local parks or at the airbnb
• Staying in Airbnb’s with washing machines and washing clothes every few days
• Highlights for 6 year old were: Explora children Museum in Rome, Pasta class, cat sanctuary, Spanish steps, playing in parks and squares, lots of pasta, gelato, and snack breaks

Mistakes I made:

• I think in retrospect I would have rented a car for the two days in Tuscany. We only got to see one winery and very little countryside. A taxi cost me $40 one way to the winery.
• I would have made the trip maybe 2-3 days shorter. The last couple of days we were exhausted.
• The last two nights I stayed near the main train station at a hotel in Rome. It was convenient, but that area doesn’t feel very safe in the evening*.
• I should have booked more hands-on experiences and less tours (for my son). We took two long tours (first day in Rome

*Editor’s note: the area around Termini station in Rome is mixed in terms of feel and safety.

While there are some excellent high-end hotels in the area, I usually recommend moving even just 10 minutes down the road to the area of Monti. You can find my guide to the Monti area here .

How to spend a fortnight in Italy with kids – pin this!

Marta Correale

Marta Correale is an Italian mama of two. Born and raised in Rome, Marta has a passion for travel and especially enjoys showing off Italy to her kids, who are growing up to love it as much as she does! A classics graduate, teacher of Italian as a second language and family travel blogger, Marta launched Mama Loves Italy as a way to inspire, support and help curious visitors to make the most of a trip to Italy and learn about Italian culture on the way.

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Privacy overview.

One-week Italy by train itinerary

Posted on Last updated: June 5, 2024

Explore Italy by train in just one week on this rail itinerary packed with culture, history, food and wine as you travel across the country from Venice to Sicily via Florence, Rome, Naples and Sorrento.

* This site contains affiliate links , where I get a small commission from purchases at no extra cost to you.

Feast on fabulous Italian culture, history, food and wine on this journey across Italy by train. This rail trip takes you from the top to the toe of Italy in one week, sampling some of the highlights of one of my favourite countries in the world along the way.

Starting among the canals of Venice, you’ll head south to experience Renaissance art in Florence, 28 centuries of history in Rome, delicious pizza in Naples, sunset views in Sorrento and temples and beaches in Sicily. This Italian rail itinerary will show you which trains to take, how much they cost, how to book and what to see and do at each stop.

Day 1: Venice

Start your Italy by train adventure with a full day in Venice. You might have to dodge the crowds at St Mark’s Square, the Doges Palace and Rialto Bridge, but Venice still has plenty of charm to go around. Climb to the top of the Campanile for a bird’s eye view of the city from its tallest point, admire the Bridge of Sighs and watch the gondoliers in action.

You’re guaranteed to get lost in Venice’s confusing maze of canals and bridges, so embrace it and see what you can discover – a tucked-away chapel, crumbling palazzo or shady square to stop in for an Aperol Spritz and some tasty cicchetti bar snacks.

Venice is built on 118 islands, so take to the water to explore, whether in a traditional gondola or on one of the vaporetto public water buses which shuttle people around the city and out to the islands – choose from Lido with its sandy beach, Murano with its glass-makers, Burano with its brightly painted houses or Torcello with its historic cathedral.

Where to stay in Venice: Live like a Doge for the night in a restored 12th-century palace – without too much of a regal price tag – at the Hotel Antico Doge *, close to the Rialto Bridge. Inside the hotel’s lavish interiors feature antique furniture, original paintings, chandeliers, gilt mirrors and jewel-coloured brocade fabrics.

Day 2: Venice > Florence

Early the next morning, take a 2-hour high-speed Frecciarossa train to the Tuscan capital Florence, departing Venezia San Lucia at 07.26 and arriving into Florence Santa Maria Novella at 09.39. Then spend rest of your day in Florence exploring the city (if you need to store your bags, there’s a left luggage office near the station at 1a Via Valfonda).

The birthplace of the Renaissance is heaven for art and architecture lovers, with its cobbled streets, grand palazzi , frescoed churches, museums and galleries. Admire artworks by Carvaggio and da Vinci at the Uffizi Gallery ( book in advance * if possible as queues are crazy in high season) or visit Michelangelo’s David at the Galleria dell’Accademia.

Climb up the 436 steps to the top of the Duomo or check out the views over Florence’s rooftops from the Piazzale Michelangelo. Or cross the River Arno on the city’s most famous bridge – the Ponte Vecchio, a covered bridge lined with shops dating back to 1350. And try fresh local produce at San Lorenzo Market, the city’s oldest and largest food market.

Where to stay in Florence: The 4-star Hotel Santa Maria Novella * is only five minutes’ walk from the train station. Its 71 rooms are spread across three townhouses, and come with marble bathrooms and splashes of colour. There’s also a sauna and gym, a bar and a rooftop terrace which looks down on the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella.

Day 3: Florence > Rome

The following day, take a short 90-minute train journey to Rome. High-speed trains run from Florence’s Santa Maria Novella station to Rome Termini around every 15 minutes, so you can decide how early a start you want to make. There’s so much to see in Rome that one day is never going to be enough, so choose a few highlights to focus on.

This audioguide walking tour * takes you through some of the city’s iconic landmarks, from Piazza del Popolo to the Colosseum. Explore more Roman sites at the Pantheon and Roman Forum. Or head to a another country with an afternoon in Vatican City, where you can admire artworks at St Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums.

Tick off some of the classic Roman experiences – throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain, climb the Spanish Steps, listen to street performers in Piazza Navona and stroll through the gardens of Villa Borghese. Or head across the River Tiber to the bohemian neighbourhood of Trastavere with its boutique shops and terrace bars – perfect for a sunset aperitivo .

Where to stay in Rome: The eco-friendly Beehive is a luxury hostel close to Rome Termini station, with a mix of dorms and private rooms with shared or en-suite bathrooms, a courtyard garden and cosy lounge. The friendly owners also run a bagel business and organise communal dinners, aperitivo evenings and cookery classes.

Day 4: Rome > Naples > Sorrento

Follow the coast south on the 70-minute high-speed train journey to the gritty city of Naples, departing Rome Termini at 08.00 and arriving at Naples Centrale at 09.13. Store your bags at the station for the day and explore the historic buildings of the centro storico before lunch – Naples is famous for its food and is where pizza was first created.

Then head underground to explore the network of catacombs and wartime shelters underneath the city streets. Or visit the Museo Archeologico Nazionale to see some of the archaeological treasures unearthed from sites like Pompeii and Herculaneum.

Next catch a train to from Naples Garibaldi station (located beneath Naples Centrale) to Sorrento. It takes around 70 minutes by Circumvesuviana local train or 45 minutes on the Campania Express tourist service (which only runs from April–October).

Circumvesuviana trains are fairly basic and can get pretty busy, but the views of Mount Vesuvius and out across the Bay of Naples make up for it. Campania Express trains come with a few more extra frills like air conditioning and luggage storage.

Aim to arrive into Sorrento in time for sunset and head to the clifftop Villa Communale Park where you can watch the sun dip down into the bay before dinner. And make sure to leave room for the amazing local gelato from Gelateria Davide.

Where to stay in Sorrento: If you feel like splashing out, the uber-stylish Maison La Minervetta * is built into the cliffs above the port of Marina Grande, just outside the centre of Sorrento. Owned by an interior designer, it mixes whitewash and splashes of colour, with multiple terraces to soak up the view – one with a whirlpool bath – and a private beach.

Read more: Sirens and sunsets: The best things to do in Sorrento

Day 5: Day trip from Sorrento

Spend the next day exploring Sorrento or head out into the Bay of Naples, with a good range of day trips to choose from. You can take the Circumvesuviana train north to visit the ruined Roman cities of Herculaneum and Pompeii , which were buried and preserved underneath metres of volcanic ash when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD.

It takes 25 minutes to reach Pompeii Scavi or 45 minutes to Ercolano Scavi. Or you can catch a bus from either station to Vesuvio National Park. Once you arrive it’s a 20-minute walk to the edge of the crater for steaming vents and panoramic views.

Or take a boat from Sorrento and explore some of this beautiful stretch of coastline’s islands and cliffside towns. Ferries run along the Amalfi Coast * to the towns of Positano and Amalfi. Or you can visit the islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida and go shopping with the A-list, visit the dazzling Blue Grotto sea cave or soak in thermal baths.

Read more: 9 of the best day trips from Sorrento

Day 6: Sorrento > Sicily

Make an early start for a long travel day to Sicily. First take the Circumvesuviana train from Sorrento back to Naples, allowing time to change stations before catching the 09.50 InterCity train from Naples Centrale south along the coast to Sicily.

It’s one of Europe’s most unusual train journeys as the whole train gets on board the ferry for the short journey across the Straits of Messina to Sicily. Once you’re back on land, the train carries on through Sicily where you have a choice of final destination.

There’s the resort town of Taormina (arrival 16.40) where you can visit the Greek amphitheatre and relax on the beach at Isola Bella with a lemony granita (crushed ice). Or you can carry on to Catania (arrival 17.25) where you can explore the city’s spectacular Baroque architecture, shop the street markets and learn to cook like a Catanian.

The train splits into two sections in Sicily, so as well as heading south to Taormina and Catania, you could also head east to the city of Palermo (arrival 19.25). Palermo is Sicily’s capital, a buzzing city famous for its imposing cathedral, puppet theatre shows, lavish Teatro Massimo opera house and the creepy catacombs with their mummified bodies.

Where to stay in Sicily: In Taormina, the small but perfectly formed Hotel Taodomus * in the heart of the historic centre comes with a small terrace and honesty bar. In Catania, the historic 4-star Palace Catania * has a knockout view of Mount Etna from its roof terrace and restaurant. Or in Palermo, the Casa Nostra Boutique Hotel * is close to the cathedral with a terrace, outdoor pool and some rooms with balcony spa baths.

Read more: Churches and cannoli: The best things to do in Catania

Day 7: Sicily

Spend the final day of your Italy by train trip seeing more of Sicily – and make sure to eat a few cannoli before you leave. If you’re flying back home, both Palermo and Catania have international airports which are connected to each city by bus. Or you can pre-book a transfer to either airport with an English-speaking driver though Welcome Pickups .*

If you’ve got more time to spare, there’s plenty more to see in Sicily – you can climb Mount Etna, visit the Valley of Temples in Agrigento, take a boat out to the volcanic Aeolian Islands, explore the Greek and Roman ruins in Siracusa and hike through the Riserva Naturale Orientata dello Zingaro nature reserve.

Or if you fancy adding another country onto your trip, ferries run between Sicily and Malta once or twice a day. Take a train or bus to Pozzallo in the south-east of Sicily, where the ferry takes around 90 minutes to reach the harbour in Valletta .

How much does it cost?

When you’re planning a European rail trip, you can either book individual tickets or get a railpass, which can be a better deal if you’re under 28, want more flexibility or are booking late. Here’s how the prices break down for the two different options on this route.

Individual tickets

Ticket prices vary depending on how early you book, with a limited number of cheap tickets available. So book as early as possible (on most routes you can book 3–4 months in advance) but beware these tickets are non-transferable so you’re tied to a specific train. Using the cheapest fares, the cost of trains on this route starts at €79 per person.

• Venice > Florence: from €19.90
• Florence > Rome: from €19.90
• Rome > Naples: from €9.90
• Naples > Sorrento > Naples: €9 (can’t be booked in advance)
• Naples > Sicily: from €19.90

The railpass option

There are also various rail passes available through InterRail (for European residents) and Eurail (for non-European residents), which cover individual countries or the whole region and are valid for different periods of time, varying from four days to three months.

The Italy by train itinerary involves four travel days in one country, so the best option is the One Country Italy pass for 4 travel days within 1 month . This pass costs €153 for adults, €126 for youths (aged 12–27) or €138 for seniors (aged 60+) in second class.

As well as the pass, you also need to pay an extra compulsory reservation fee if you’re using Italy’s high-speed, long-distance trains or sleeper services. For this trip, the extra fees come to €42, broken down as below, meaning the overall railpass cost starts from €168.

• Venice > Florence: €10
• Florence > Rome: €10
• Rome > Naples: €10
• Naples > Sorrento > Naples: €9 (Circumvesuviana trains aren’t covered by railpass)
• Naples > Sicily: €3

Reservations can be made at any train station or online through the InterRail/Eurail reservations service for a fee of €2. I’ve recommended the quickest and easiest routes. But you can often avoid reservation fees by taking local trains which usually don’t require reservations – though they’re likely to be slower with more changes along the way.

How to book

There are a variety of websites where you can book European train journeys, but often the best deals are though the official railway company sites for each country, which is Trenitalia for Italy. The site is available in English, but you need to use Italian place names (so that’s Venezia instead of Venice, Firenze instead of Florence, Napoli instead of Naples, etc).

You can also book tickets for train travel in Italy with Omio * or The Trainline . The advantage is these sites are in English, you can see prices in €, £ or $, use international credit cards and print or use mobile tickets, but they do both charge a small booking fee.

Don’t want to do it yourself? You can also book this One-week Italy by train itinerary * as a package through our partners Byway, the world’s first flight-free holiday platform. And you can save £100 off your first booking using the code LUCE100 if you book before the end of June 2024.

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Wednesday 23rd of March 2022

Coming in July. Can’t wait to use your suggestions.

Lucy Dodsworth

Thursday 24th of March 2022

Fantastic, hope you have a wonderful trip!

Michelle (@littlewanderblog)

Monday 18th of January 2021

Great article! This trip is one of my bucket list ventures! I once went to Rome to Venice on the train, spending 3 nights in each place, but definitely would love all the sights listed on this one! Michelle

Monday 25th of January 2021

Thanks Michelle, hope we can both get to Italy again before too long!

Jan (@Chimptrips)

Wednesday 29th of April 2020

Hi Lucy - This sounds like a great trip and a good way to see lots of Italy. We had planned to take the train from Rome to Naples at Easter, but will just have to go another time! Jan

Wednesday 3rd of June 2020

Ah hope you get to do the trip sometime soon, that's a great journey!

12 amazing ways to experience Italy

Jan 11, 2024 • 8 min read

Few joys compare to discovering the beauty of Italy with friends © MStudioImages / Getty Images

With its awe-inspiring art, architecture and culinary delights, Italy has been a star of the world stage for millennia.

The epicenter of the Roman Empire and the birthplace of the Renaissance, this European virtuoso practically groans under the weight of its cultural cachet. The challenge for any visit to Italy is not so much where to go – an amazing experience is honestly assured wherever you end up – but rather how to go about it.

The following advice on the best things to do from a veteran visitor can help you turn every trip into a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

1. Glam it up on the dramatic Amalfi Coast

Whether you follow the rugged cliff-laced coast in search of a wild swimming spot or live the high life with spritz-sipping A-listers in Positano , the Amalfi Coast is one of Italy's most glamorous destinations. This dramatic coastal strip has thrills and spills to suit every taste and budget, from hunting down traditional marquetry in Sorrento's maze-like old town to garden-hopping in Ravello .

Planning tip: Make time for the Sentiero degli Dei ("Path of the Gods") – a rugged hiking trail that delivers on its name with positively celestial views.

2. See artwork as part of Tuscany's sustainable tourism project

Most Tuscan tours begin in the UNESCO-listed city of Florence , a cinematic feast of Renaissance palazzi (palaces), medieval-frescoed chapels and art museums brimming with Botticelli and Michelangelo masterpieces .

At the historic heart of Florence is the Uffizi , whose unmatched Renaissance masterpieces are ogled by millions of visitors each year. To take the art journey further, the five-year Uffizi Diffusi project started in 2021 to encourage art buffs to trek across Tuscany's backcountry – on foot, by bike or by car – following an untrodden trail to Italian masterpieces.

Designed to diffuse Florence's heavy tourist load, this sustainable tourism project is bringing pop-up galleries to remote chapels, fortresses, hilltop villages and other unconventional spaces. Not only does it lead visitors off the beaten track, but it also allows artworks to be admired among the very Tuscan landscapes that inspired the artists – think iconic terrain of rolling hills dipped in morning mist, timeless cypress alleys, silver olive groves and terraced rows of vines. Check current venues on the Uffizi website .

3. Tour Rome, the epicenter of empire

Working out the best way to spend your time in the Italian capital is a cultural conundrum. Rome is the former caput mundi (capital of the world), the epicenter of the Roman Empire, the spiritual HQ of the Christian world and the repository for over two millennia of European art and architecture. The city exudes must-see sights from every pore.

Zooming around Italy's Eternal City on the back of a Vespa moped to sightsee at speed is one option and a great way to sample the dolce vita (good life). From the Colosseum (buy a "Full Experience" ticket to access the underground vaults), the Pantheon  and the Roman Forum to Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums , there's history and culture at every turn.

Planning tip:  There's simply too much to cover in a single visit – so before you leave, toss a coin into the pool below the wild horses and cascading rockfalls of the Trevi Fountain to ensure a return visit to this captivating city.

4. Spend time on one of Italy's many idyllic islands

Italy's prized island collection hovers around the 450 mark, meaning il bel paese ("the beautiful country") has a beach-laced island with your name on it. Myriad islands dot the Mediterranean, Ionian, Adriatic and Tyrrhenian Seas. Venice alone is made up of 17 islands, and Sicily and Sardinia – the country's biggest and busiest islands – offer an enticing mix of outdoor thrills and living history.

Unblemished Capri , a boat ride from Naples, attracts celebrities and the super-rich (as does posh Panarea in Sicily's Aeolian archipelago). Volcanic Ischia is awash with thermal spas and manicured gardens.

Planning tip: Traveling with nature lovers? Then head to the peaceful salt marshes and mudflats teeming with birdlife in the pristine Grado lagoon , on the country's northeast border with Austria and Slovenia in little-explored Friuli Venezia Giulia .

5. Help to save Venice

Venice is impossible to ignore – which explains the hordes of tourists who pile into this dreamlike city of romantic canals and ethereal fogs. In an average year, some 25 million arrive to snap selfies beneath the Bridge of Sighs and glimpse heaven (in fresco form) in Basilica di San Marco . To curb future crowds, turnstiles at city entrances and advance reservations via an app to enter the city are all on the drawing board. And 2024 will see the long-awaited implementation of a tourist tax  designed to make sure day-trippers contribute to the city's survival.

Planning tip:  To make a positive impact on Italy's most mobbed city, come out of season , and don't duck in and out on a day trip. Instead, stay for a few days using the community-powered, home-sharing platform Fairbnb and meet and learn from Venetians who are passionate about their city through Venezia Autentica . At mealtimes, favor lagoon-caught seafood in local restaurants over tourist joints with English-language menus.

6. Get off-grid in rural Abruzzo

The Abruzzo region doesn't have the Amalfi's natural glamour or the cultural gems of Rome, but for travelers seeking an immersive, emotive brush with rural Italy and its people, it definitely hits the spot. Cradled by the gritty Apennine mountains and unforgiving Adriatic sea, the region was hit by an earthquake in 2009. Yet Abruzzo is slowly rebuilding itself and reclaiming its rich heritage.

In the quiet town of L'Aquila, a new outpost of Rome's MAXXI (National Museum of 21st Century Arts) is just one sign of this cultural rebirth. In remote Santo Stefano di Sessanio, the Sextantio albergo diffuso program hosts visitors in rustic rooms scattered around this pretty mountain village. Spotting rare Marsican bears padding around the Parc Nazionale d'Abruzzo is the icing on the cake.

7. Follow the Via Francigena pilgrim trail

Cycling and walking are great ways to get under the skin of Italy's diverse landscapes, and there is no finer long-distance trail than the medieval Via Francigena . A perfect, less-trodden alternative to Spain's Camino de Santiago, Italy's most celebrated pilgrim route wends its way for 1900km (1180 miles), running all the way from Canterbury in England to Rome.

The scenic Italian section unfurls at a meditative snail's pace through Tuscany and Lazio , breaking for breath at beautiful hilltop villages, volcanic lakes, Etruscan ruins , remote monasteries and enchanting emerald hills around Lucca ; the UNESCO-protected Val d'Orcia ;  Viterbo ; and other gloriously overlooked spots.

8. Enjoy the drama and excitement of Naples' street life

As Italy's most spirited urban hub, this highly charged, charismatic city in the country's deep south is a curious potpourri of nail-biting history, classical art and a grungy grassroots cocktail of frescoed ruins, frenzied markets and epicurean adventures . Drama is the order of the day in boisterous Naples , where street life unfolds like a grand opera.

Shop for swordfish heads and sweet ricotta pastries at Naples' oldest market, ogle street art in the Centro Storico, admire Mt Vesuvius views from the Lungomare seafront, explore subterranean catacombs , then follow the lead of locals and join the after-dark passegiatta (promenade) on Via Chiaia. Whatever you do, count on drama 24/7.

9. Savor slow food in Piedmont

Rare white truffles from the vine-striped countryside around Alba offer the most grassroots gastronomic experience in all of Italy. Once these fabulous fungi are tracked down by dogs in the woods, ceremoniously sniffed and greedily scoffed, there is no going back.

Truffles aside, the northwestern region of Piedmont , birthplace of the Slow Food movement , entices gourmets with sweet, creamy hazelnuts from the rolling Langhe hills and silky chocolate and myriad cocoa creations in gilded cafes in elegant Turin . Nebbiolo grapes metamorphose into magical Barolo and Barbaresco wines, and lavish banquets pair these treats with sacrosanct aperitivo (pre-meal snacks to eat with a drink and open up the appetite).

Planning tip:  Go hungry and savor the slow feast, one delicious mouthful at a time.

10. Soak up the timeless beauty of Sicily

The eternal crossroads of the Mediterranean, the island of Sicily dazzles with a brilliant diversity of landscapes and cultural treasures. In the southeast, honey-hued Syracuse was the largest city in the ancient world – bigger even than Athens and Corinth – and played an important role in classical Greece. Its hypnotic archaeological ruins, rising out of lush citrus orchards and the sparkling blue Mediterranean, continue to encapsulate Sicily's timeless beauty.

Planning tip:  Greek dramas still flourish in Syracuse's great amphitheater, alongside contemporary theater, live music and more. Plan to see a show beneath the stars on the antiquity stage at Teatro Greco – and expect an unforgettable and spellbinding spectacle.

11. Harvest grapes in the Cinque Terre

Nothing matches Cinque Terre's stunning setting – five teeny, sherbet-colored villages pinned to a jaw-dropping backdrop of terraced vineyards, wave-carved cliffs and blue sea on the Italian Riviera. Summer packs these celebrity villages to bursting point, but the autumn vendemmia (grape harvest) ushers in quite a different scene.

Planning tip:  Come in the fall for mellow days of strolling along quiet cobbled lanes and hiking through vertical vineyards and hillsides perfumed by macchia (herbal scrub) to ancient sanctuaries. The sight of local pickers gallantly harvesting the grapes that go into the Cinque Terre's sweet, fortified Sciacchetrà, and sipping the resulting vintages in a Corniglia or Riomaggiore wine bar with vertiginous views is an experience that will stay with you forever.

12. Hit the ski slopes and hiking trails in Valle d'Aosta

Ringed by some of Europe's highest peaks, including Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa and Gran Paradiso, the Aosta Valley sports some of the best winter sports facilities on the continent. In fashionable Courmayeur , winter skiers descend hair-raising runs into France and Switzerland, crossing glaciers and returning via lofty cable cars.

And when the snow melts, spectacular hiking trails in the Parco Nazionale del Gran Paradiso and around Mont Blanc await. Whatever the season, keep your ears peeled for Franco-Provençal (also known as Valdôtain), the Franco-Italian valley's distinctive local language.

This article was first published Oct 21, 2021 and updated Jan 11, 2024.

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Our Italy Trip Report - Lots of Notes and Details - Italy Forum

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http://erinharvey.blogspot.com/search?q=italy

We spent a lot of time planning our trip to Italy, so we decided to help some of our friends with their trip planning. It got bigger and bigger, so we eventually just wrote all our notes down from the trip.

For those planning their trip, we wrote all our notes here:

http://www.erinchris.com/italy/

If there is something you are curious about that we left out, let me know. We're still trying to get the site nice and pretty, but hopefully the info will help others plan their trip.

Wonderful trip report Erin & Chris.

Your photographs are amazing and all the info will be a great help to many people I'm sure, including me.

(Assuming this never ending recession doesn't stop me going of course)

Thanks so much for putting it together, and for sharing.

You should think about posting it in the relevant forums, because the Italian forum moves so swiftly and posts get lost in a very short time.

Gorgeous pics. Brings back memories-

Thanks for posting :-)

Glad to hear you liked it. If in your planning, you realize I didn't answer something, let me know.

I'll post in the individual cities too later.

Juat saved your informaton to my favorites. Looks like it will come in handy. Thanks for all your hard work.

Beautiful photographs! I will be going in March 2012 and this gets me even more excited. I hope the weather is as nice when I am there. I too will bookmark your trip planning notes!

Glad to hear it gets you excited. We were super lucky. We were on the ground for 10 days and didn't have a single drop of rain. Such beautiful weather on our trip.

Great trip report, Erin & Chris. Just starting to plan our 25th wedding anniversary trip for May 2013 and we are so excited!! I have saved your report to my favorites and intend on referring back to it as we start making our plans more definite.

Thanks for your opinion!!

One more thing - your pictures were absolutely BREATHTAKING !!!!

Can't wait to see all of it in person!! Thank you for sharing!!

I would recommend going down into the Amalfi Region and staying at least a night there so you can see both sites (Pompeii and Herculaneum) on one day and the coast on the other.

With 12 days on the ground, you can read our thoughts on longer trips at the bottom of our Itineraries page and you'll see that from our perfect 9 day trip, we would then add 1 more day in Tuscany (10 days on the ground), then add Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Almafi if we had another 2 days on the ground.

http://www.erinchris.com/italy/itineraries/

3 days in Venice is a lot in our opinion. It is a very crowded city and can be seen pretty well in a full day, and very well in 2. It was our least favorite city on our trip and all of our travel friends agree. Just something to think about. A day in Tuscany would easily be nicer than a 3rd day in Venice to me. Also, consider flying into Rome and then finishing out the trip in Venice and flying out there. The price was the same to fly that way as it was to fly R/T to Rome.

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Through Mountains

Self sufficient human-powered adventures

Trip report: Sentiero delle Orobie, Italy – 8 day solo hike

I did the Sentiero delle Orobie in the Orobie alps just north of Bergamo. Since one of my best friends was getting married in the area i figured i should take advantage of going there anyway. It turned out to be quite challenging for different reasons (knee problems, infection, heat) but i managed to get through it. The challenges i went through just made the sense of pride and self belief even greater when i finished.

It is a great trail going from hut to hut with great people along the way. Since i was going in august i was looking for less touristy places to go and this one definitely lived up to that. I only met one swiss couple on the whole trip, everyone else were italian. The huts (rifugios) in general were quite busy and lively and very welcoming. I carried both tent and food and had no problems camping (for free) next to the huts. They serve both breakfast, lunch and dinner and you can buy simple cheap sandwiches throughout the day (4 euros). The food in general is good and plentiful but a lot of the same since you are in the mountains (polenta, pasta, meat, bread, cheese). A full dinner meal is around 20-25 euros and they serve you 3 courses. Many times i found that one was enough and then you can just pay for one dish. The price for accommodation, dinner and breakfast is 55 euros, so by bringing my tent i saved around 30 euros per night. The downside of course is the extra weight you carry in the mountains. To me it’s worth it – i love sleeping in my tent.

Transport from Bergamo is pretty easy. Take the bus to Clusone and change to the one going to Ardesio, in Ardesio you switch to a minibus going to Valcanale where the trail starts. Only thing is that the buses don’t always fit well together so sometimes you have to wait a bit for the next, but hey…it’s part of the adventure. A good thing is that buses are extremely cheap.

Bear in mind that my times listed below in general are slow because of a heavy pack, bad knee and taking lots of pictures. Breaks are not included.

Anyway… Here are the numbers, notes (from a notebook I carried), pictures and maps:

Day 1, Valcanale – Rifugio Gemelli

Time: 3:39 h (decent pace)

Distance: 8,8 km

Asc: 1043 m

Notes: They have a great red ale draft beer in rifugio Gemelli, lots of good campsites next to the hut, got bitten by an insect. Many good camping sites

Day 2, Rifugio Gemelli – Rifugio Calvi

Time: 3:54 h (very slow)

Distance: 12,5 km

Notes: Pretty easy relative flat trail. I was very slow because i got infection from the insect bite, foot and ancle very swollen and head spinning. Many good camping sites

Rest in Rifugio Calvi, foot and ancle still very swollen.

Day 4, Rifugio Calvi – Rifugio Brunone

Time: 5:12 h (decent pace)

Distance: 11,4 km

Notes: Foot doing way better, not much swelling. Legs and knee starting to feel much stronger already. Once i got over the valbecca pass there was no shade for 3 hours – very hot day but very beautiful and fun stage, a bit more technical. Many rivers along the way so don’t need to carry to much water. A lot of ibex´s on the pass. Not many campsites at rifugio Brunone, but also not many campers – i was the only one.

Day 5, Rifugio Brunone – Rifugio Coca

Time: 4:55 h (slow)

Distance: 7 km

Notes: Most technical stage. A lot of chains and using hands – a lot of fun and very beautiful. Brunone and Coca were probably my favorite huts and also the most remote. Had to stay the night in Coca because of a thunder storm. Looked like there was a bunch of good camping sites.

Day 6, Rifugio Coca – Rifugio Curó

Time: 3:35 h (decent pace)

Distance: 7,7 km

Notes: Short and beautiful stage with only one mountain pass. Rifugio Curó is beautifully located next to a lake with many good camping sites. Very busy hut.

Day 7, Rifugio Curó – Rifugio Albani

Time: 7:05 h (decent pace)

Distance: 18,7 km

Asc: 1264 m

Dsc: 1233 m

Notes: Very long and very beautiful day. First half to the chapel is pretty flat. Party in rifugio Albani with lots of grappa. A couple good camping sites.

Day 8, Rifugio Albani – Ardesio (standard route, not the via ferrata)

Time: 5:24 h (decent pace)

Distance: 17 km

Dsc: 1716 m

Notes: Relative long day with a lot of downhill. Some fun downhill sections through the woods.

If you want to do the whole route faster and you are in good shape i would go directly to rifugio Calvi from Valcanale (and get to Valcanale early) and then maybe do day 5 and 6 together. If you use the huts accommodation and food you don’t have to carry a lot. I believe there’s a supported FKT registered on 8:52 hours on this trail.

Route map :

https://www.strava.com/activities/6152602266

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Author Topic: Italy Trip Report June 2023 (Venice, Tuscany, Rome, Amalfi)  (Read 3062 times)

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Re: Italy Trip Report June 2023 (Venice, Tuscany, Rome, Amalfi)

Goldilocks99.

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Interesting report, thanks for sharing. We did a similar trip a few years back, visited similar places but with very different timing in each place. Here follows a very short synopsis: We left Wednesday night from JFK and arrived Thursday morning in Venice. Explored many differenent areas of Venice on Thursday, and on Friday visited the nearby islands of Burano and Murano. Spent Shabbos in Venice (Carnival Palace, ate at Gam Gam). Left Venice early Sunday morning and took a fast train to Florence where we stayed at San Firenze Suites & Spa. Explored the city on Sunday. We hired a private driver to take us around nearby Tuscany on Monday. Visited the awesome Terra Di Seta Winery (highly highly recommend). In hindsight, should've perhaps skipped Florence and spent a night sleeping in a castle in Tuscany. After lunch at the winery visited and explored Siena (also highly recommend). Left Monday night on a fast train (3 hrs) to Naples. Took a taxi striaght from the station to Sorrento. Next morning we went on a private driving tour of the many villages along the Amalfi Coast. First stop was Pompeii, and then we visited the glorious towns of Ravello, Positano and Amalfi. Wednesday morning we were picked up from our hotel for a semi-private boat transfer to Capri. Highly recommed to visit. Spent the day exploring Capri, going up to Monte Solaro with a chairlift (one-seat chairlifts, very interesting experience), then continued with our boat tour exploring the Blue Grotto, Faraglioni and other interesting grottos, and we also had a chance to swim in the Tyrhennian Sea. Left early Thursday morning on a fast train for Rome. Did a private guided tour around the Collosuem and Roman Forum (highly highly recommend). Tried the many different kosher restaurants (good but NYC is better). At night explored Rome and visited the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, etc. Checked out of hotel Friday at dawn, left on early morning flight and arrived home Friday afternoon (JFK) around 1-2 pm. Note: this was a very intense trip with lots of traveling around different parts of Italy. Even so we did not manage to visit even half the places we wanted to see (think Sicily, Lake Como, Pisa, Cinque Terre, etc.) Also, we didn't have a need to rent a car for this trip.

excellent report. did you need reservations in any of the rome or venice restaurants? or just open for all.

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Excellent Trip Report ! A few point that might be helpful. When unsure about an exchange, ask for the opposite you need, say that you want to buy USD, when really you need EUR. Then reverse the question. if those numbers are very close to each other, you are good. Make sure you specify up front, and say:"So 100 USD gets me 120 EUR, correct?" If that is approved, you should be good. Unless you know who you are dealing with, NEVER use an unofficial exchange on the street. They WILL rip you off. They can even give you a very good rate, and give you fake money or currency from another country, else tip off their pickpocket friend.... Question 1: Why did you go back to the airport to get a rental car? There are rental cars close to the station. Question 2: Why did you not return the car in Rome itself? You could have dropped off your luggage and returned it in the center. (I know that with an Airbnb, dropping luggage might be a little more complicated) Question 3: You keep on mentioning this Rick Steves App. I see it barely has reviews, and not a crazy amount of downloads. While I trust you that it is a good app, how did you fall on it? You make it sound like the travel app  ;-)

All good questions:) Answer 1: Close to what station - Venice? I didn't see many there, if any. That may have been because I had my filters set to returning at a different location and automatic which removed alot of the car rental places. Besides, it was actually pretty easy to rent from the airport given the water taxi picked me up right near my hotel and dropped me off at the airport where the rental place was so didnt require much schlepping. That being said, if you do find a place near the Venice station go for it, that would be slightly easier. Note I also did try many other iterations such as taking train to Florence renting and returning there, and train to Rome but didnt really save time and I enjoyed having the freedom to go wherever/whenever I wanted. Answer 2: 2 reasons, 1) we were staying in the ghetto which is a ZTL zone so essentially cant drive there, and 2) we were going returning the car on a big Italian holiday and I couldnt get through to the car rental places in the city center to find out if they were open. If you can find a place to return in city center that would be easier. Though the cab ride from CIA airport was only 31 euro so not really a big deal either way. Answer 3: Learned about it from Dans Deals!. If you go through the forums on Rome you will see it mentioned many times. It's free to download and use. Try it out and see if you like it.

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Electricity

Electrical current in Italy is 230 volts, 50Hz. A variety of plugs are in use, including the European-style two-pin plug.

The official language of Italy is Italian. English is understood in the larger cities but not in the more remote parts of the country.

The euro (EUR) is the official currency, which is divided into 100 cents. Those arriving in Italy with foreign currency can obtain euros through any bank, ATM or bureau de change. ATMs are widespread; credit cards are accepted in upmarket establishments and shops around the cities. Banks are closed on weekends but tend to have better rates than foreign exchange houses.

Tipping is customary in Italy and 10 to 15 percent of the bill is acceptable in restaurants, unless a 15 percent service charge has already been added to the bill. Hotels add a service charge of 15 to 18 percent, but it is customary to tip the service staff extra. Italians rarely tip taxi drivers but a 5 to 10 percent tip is always appreciated.

There are no specific health risks associated with travel to Italy and visitors should be able to travel without special vaccinations and medications. Medical facilities in Italy are good but travel insurance is still recommended for non-EU citizens, as medical attention can be expensive. EU citizens can make use of Italy's health services provided they have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), with UK citizens using their Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). The GHIC replaced the EHIC for UK citizens and allows UK citizens access to state healthcare during visits to the EU. The GHIC is not valid in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, nor is it an alternative to travel insurance. Although it should be possible to get most medication in Italy, travel authorities always suggest taking any prescribed medication in its original packaging with a signed and dated letter from a doctor.

Tourists are vulnerable to pickpocketing in the bigger cities, particularly on public transport, in crowded areas and around tourist sites. It's advisable to be careful when carrying large amounts of cash and valuables. Travellers should be particularly careful around Termini, which is the main train station in Rome. Visitors should be wary of groups of children, some of whom will distract attention while the others try to steal what they can. Strikes by transport workers take place regularly throughout Italy and delays are possible.

Local customs

In Italy, it's an offence to sit on steps and in courtyards near public buildings, including the main churches in Florence; eating and drinking in the vicinity should also be avoided. Shorts, vests or any other immodest clothing should not be worn inside churches.

Doing business

Italians can be very formal and old fashioned, but are also warm and welcoming. Face to face communication is best and often a third party introduction can speed initial negotiations. Business attire is formal and stylish, and handshakes are the norm, with first impressions counting a lot in Italy. Business cards are used. Visiting business people should also expect plenty of gesticulating, interruptions or people talking over each other. Unfortunately the bureaucracy in Italy can slow down deal-making. Business hours are usually 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, but can vary according to season and region.

Travellers over 17 years from non-EU countries do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco. Nor do they have to pay duty on 4 litres of wine, 16 lires of beer or 1 litre of spirits over 22 percent volume, or 2 litres of alcoholic beverages less than 22 percent volume. Other goods up to the value of €430 are also permitted (reduced to €175 for children under 15).

Travellers from EU countries travelling within the EU are limited to 110 litres of beer, 90 litres of wine, 10 litres of fortified wine, 10 litres of spirits and 1kg of tobacco, 800 cigarettes, 200 cigars or 400 cigarellos. Prohibited items include narcotic drugs, medicinal products, arms and weapons, explosives and protected animal and plant species.

Communications

The international access code for Italy is +39. Hotels, cafes and restaurants offering free WiFi are widely available; as international roaming costs can be high, purchasing a local prepaid SIM card can be a cheaper option.

Passport & Visa

The borderless region known as the Schengen Area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and which allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all the aforementioned countries. All foreign passengers to Italy must also hold visible proof of financial means to support themselves while in the country, return or onward tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. Visitors may be refused entry, either for public security, tranquillity, order or health reasons. Extensions of stay in Italy are possible by applying to local authorities. It is highly recommended that travellers' passport have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry requirements

US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay in Italy. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.

UK citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay in Italy. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.

Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay in Italy. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.

Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond their intended stay in Italy. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.

South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond their intended stay, and a valid Schengen visa, to enter Italy.

Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Italy. No visa is required.

New Zealand citizens must have a passports valid for three months beyond period of intended stay in Italy. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.

Useful contacts

www.enit.it

Embassies / consulates in other countries

Italian Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 612 4400.

Italian Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7312 2200.

Italian Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 232 2401.

Italian Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6273 3333.

Italian Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 423 000.

Italian Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 660 1744.

Italian Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 473 5339.

Embassies / consulates in Italy

United States Embassy, Rome: +39 06 46741.

British Embassy, Rome: +39 06 4220 0001/ 4220.

Canadian Embassy, Rome: +39 06 85444 2911.

Australian Embassy, Rome: +39 06 852 721.

South African Embassy, Rome: +39 06 852 541.

Irish Embassy, Rome: +39 06 585 2381.

New Zealand Embassy, Rome: +39 06 853 7501.

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• Cancellations

Argentina’s Milei to travel to Italy for G7 summit

BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) – Argentine President Javier Milei will travel next week to the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Italy, a spokesman for the libertarian leader told Reuters on Thursday, contradicting reports that he had backed out of the trip.

Milei will return to Argentina after the summit, set to take place from June 13-15, the spokesman said. The president will return to Europe at a later date, he said.

A Milei-backed package of proposed market reforms faces a key vote next week, and opposition lawmakers are pushing to pull some key provisions from the text.

(Reporting by Nicolas Misculin; Editing by Leslie Adler)

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South Korea's young shamans revive ancient tradition with social media

With statues of the Buddha and local gods, candles and incense sticks, Lee Kyoung-hyun's shrine looks similar to those of Korean shamans from centuries past.