Chynna SymoneA few summers ago, a few friends and I went on vacation to Italy for 10 days traveling through 4 different cities. Using my experiences this blog post will inform you of things you should know before you travel to Italy.
Gathering this information in advance will ensure that you have a smooth and enjoyable vacation in one of the most beautiful countries in the world!
This post will apply to Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre and Pisa.
Italy in General
Language
When you travel to Italy, it’s super helpful to learn a few Italian phrases. If you know Spanish is should be particularly easy to pick up a few words/phrases. Many Italians, especially in tourist areas, speak English, knowing basic phrases like “hello” (ciao), “thank you” (grazie), and “please” (per favore) can go a long way since most locals appreciate when tourist make the effort. As a Spanish speaker, there were definitely times where i relied on Spanish to help me through.
Transportation
Italy’s transportation system is extensive and efficient. Trains are a great way to travel between cities, with high-speed options connecting major destinations like Rome, Florence, Pisa, and Cinque Terre.We used buses and trains the entire trip, with trains being super fast and comfortable
Public transportation within cities is also reliable, with buses, trams, and metro systems available. For example if you go to Cinque Terre I would recommend going to the furthest village, Monterosso or Riomaggiore depending where you’re coming from. And then hike or take transportation back to where you came from. It’s less than 10 euros on the train and there’s an option for a CInque Terre Card which is unlimited!
Traveling in Rome
Historical Sites
Rome is rich with historical landmarks that are must-sees for any visitor. Be sure to visit the Colosseum, Vatican City, and the Pantheon. I highly recommend getting tickets in advance and booking them super early in the morning. Rome is extremely touristy so if you don’t want to deal with large crowds I recommend getting up early!
Accommodations
Choosing the right place to stay can either break or make your vacation. Unfortunately we did not stay in a great place for my trip in Rome which soured the trip a little (story for another time), but that’s why I’m here to help!
We stayed in the Prati neighborhood which was great because we were super close to The Vatican. Other popular areas to consider include the historic center (Centro Storico), Trastevere, and Monti. These neighborhoods offer a range of lodging options from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels and Airbnb rentals.
Traveling in Florence
Exploring the City
Florence is a city that I don’t feel requires a ton of time. It’s a great place to explore on foot and view the architecture like the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. For another stunning view, head to Piazzale Michelangelo, which offers a panoramic vista of Florence’s skyline, especially beautiful at sunset.
This may be an unpopular opinion but I didn’t find Florence as exciting as the other cities we visited. I did hear that Florence is a great city for study abroad, so maybe that’s why it seemed kinda dull in August. Spend more time in some of the other beautiful cities Italy has to offer!
Traveling in Pisa
Iconic Landmarks
When you travel to Italy, specifically Pisa, you know what you’re in for, which is seeing the Leaning Tower. To get the best photos of the Leaning Tower, visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the light is softer, and crowds are thinner. For a classic shot, position yourself in the Piazza dei Miracoli and play with perspective to create fun, optical illusion photos. Climbing the tower requires a ticket, so book in advance to secure your spot and avoid long waits.
Pisa is another city that I wouldn’t recommend spending a ton of time in, but I think it’s worth the stop. I also remember eating the best crab gnocchi I’ve ever had and I still think about how good it was until this day. I unfortunately don’t have the name of the restaurant, but if you find yourself in pisa and see a crab gnocchi on the menu definitely order it!
Traveling in Cinque Terre
Overview
Of all of my international travels this is still one of the places that I dream of the most. Cinque Terre is an area in Liguria which means “5 Lands”. It comprises five picturesque villages along the Italian Riviera.
In these beautiful villages you can visit the beaches, walk the hiking trails, eat the fantastic calamari and more! This is the place to bring your best camera and capture some of the amazing views. Here’s my picture from the trip –>
Here’s a brief overview of each village:
- Monterosso al Mare: The largest village, with the most restaurant and hotel options
- Vernazza: Famous for its colorful houses, small harbor, and the Doria Castle. It’s one of the most photographed villages in Cinque Terre. (my favorite pictures were from Vernazza)
- Corniglia: The only village not directly on the sea, perched on a cliff with stunning views and a quieter atmosphere. I only recommend adding this one if you have time or a train card. My friends and I wanted to be able to say we visited all 5 cities so we decided to make the stop.
- Manarola: Known for its picturesque harbor, lovely walking trails, and excellent wine.
- Riomaggiore: The southernmost village, featuring a charming marina and nightlife. I wouldn’t say there’s ragers, but it’s definitely more lively than the other towns.
Accommodation Recommendation
It’s common to stay in nearby cities like La Spezia since the 5 towns tend to be on the smaller side. Below I have a recommended hotel that was recommended to me!
The Poet Hotel in La Spezia
Only a short bus/train ride from Cinque Terre, this eclectic hotel would be the perfect place to stay while exploring the beautiful coastal cities.
Price: Between ~$200-$300/night for Queen Bed Standard
Interested in potential deals and discounts either here or another similar property? Email me here to book with a travel advisor!
To Recap
Before you travel to Italy its super important to know a bit of the language, plan out how you’ll get around, visit those historical sites early, and most importantly try the crab gnocchi!!! There’s tons of other tips I can give about my experiences when I travel to Italy, but these are just a few that came to my head.
If you’re interested in having a travel advisor book your accommodations or experiences in Italy (for next to nothing!) then click the link below to learn more about my services!
