An Italian Holiday
Joseph and I recently embarked on an Italian Adventure with our sons, Eli and Hub. I'm excited to share how effortlessly we traversed from the northern tip to the southern heel of Italy. Our chosen mode of travel? The country's extensive rail network. Not only did the trains whisk us to our destinations with remarkable speed, but they also treated us to unparalleled vistas of the Italian countryside.
Here are some essential pointers for navigating Italy:
Exercise extreme caution with your personal belongings, especially in bustling tourist hubs like the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, or the Pantheon. I opted for a cross-body bag from Lululemon, while Joseph kept his wallet in his front pocket. I only carried a minimal amount of cash, along with my credit cards and passport, securely zipped in my bag, always in front of me. Backpacks are acceptable, but avoid stashing valuables like passports, credit cards, or cash in them.
Avoid carrying large sums of cash. I brought along $500 in total. Every legitimate business in Italy is mandated to accept credit cards. Just inform your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to ensure smooth card usage.
Italian dining establishments fall into three categories:
- Ristorante: Traditional Italian restaurants where you're seated by a hostess, provided with menus, and sometimes offered wine pairings by a sommelier.
- Osteria: Cozy wine bars embodying local Italian culture, serving light dishes meant to complement your drink.
- Trattoria: Often family-run, these restaurants offer home-cooked Italian meals, reflecting authentic local flavors at affordable prices. Opting for a Trattoria ensures an authentic culinary experience.
Train travel is the ideal way to hop from one town to another in Italy. Download the Trainline app to easily book tickets. Trains are reliable, safe, and remarkably affordable. Plus, children travel for free.
European hotels differ from those in the US, typically much smaller. Don't be surprised when you have to carry your luggage up several flights of stairs. Some hotels do not have elevators. When selecting a hotel, prioritize cleanliness, safety, and proximity to attractions.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring Italy's streets. Italians take pride in their attire, favoring jeans, slacks, blazers, dresses, and sneakers. Leggings and sweats are a no-go.
Ensure seamless communication by enrolling in your cell phone provider's international plan upon arrival in Italy. This allows you to use your phone as usual, avoiding reliance solely on Wi-Fi.
Utilize Google Maps for walking directions to attractions and amenities. Simply search for your desired location, and let Google Maps guide the way.
When in doubt, opt for Uber, available in Italy for hassle-free transportation.
Purchase a European outlet adapter and consider investing in a luggage scale and compression bags for convenience.
With countless attractions to choose from, prioritize based on personal interests and budget constraints. Save where possible and splurge on experiences that truly captivate you.
Now that we've covered all those helpful tips and tricks, let's dive into the main event: an 8-day itinerary through Italy.
Day 1: Arrival in Rome, Italy
· Baggage Collection and Uber to Hotel: We checked in at Hotel Raffaello, Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western. The hotel boasted a generous breakfast spread, conveniently delicious. Positioned a mere 10-minute walk from the train station and within easy reach of attractions, this hotel comes highly recommended. While we had a great experience, there are several other fantastic hotel options available.
The hotel offers luggage storage until check-in time at 2 p.m., following the US standard.
Day 1 was dedicated to acquainting ourselves with the city's layout. Our itinerary included a leisurely stroll to the Trevi Fountain, followed by a gelato break and some light shopping until we could access our hotel room. Given the fatigue from travel, I advise against booking tours on arrival day. Once settled in our room and refreshed, we felt rejuvenated.
Day 2: Exploring Rome
We opted for a guided tour through the Get Your Guide app of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum to bypass long queues and ensure a comprehensive experience, especially for Eli and Hub. The tour lasted approximately 2–3 hours.
Lunch was enjoyed at a Trattoria recommended by our tour guide. Don't miss trying "Suppli," a delicious fried rice ball.
Families with children may consider booking Gladiator School through Viator for an immersive experience.
Take your time exploring as history envelops you at every turn.
Day 3: Further Discoveries in Rome
Our itinerary included a visit to the Pantheon, the world's oldest and best-preserved Roman structure, accessible for a nominal fee of 5 Euros. Conveniently, it was within walking distance from our hotel.
Next, we strolled to the Spanish Steps, surrounded by designer shops and numerous dining options. Exercise caution with personal belongings in this bustling area.
Later that afternoon, we visited the Mouth of Truth made famous by Audrey Hepburn in the movie, Roman Holiday.
Day 4: Venice, Italy
We embarked on a train journey to Venice, approximately a 3-hour ride, offering picturesque views of Italy's countryside, particularly Tuscany. Departure was at 5 a.m. to maximize our time in Venice.
Gondola rides, priced around $100 per person, are a popular activity in Venice. While we didn't partake on this trip, it's worth considering for a future visit.
Must-see attractions include St. Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace, and the Grand Canal. A ferry trip to Murano to witness glass blowing and lace-making is also recommended.
We returned to Rome via train later in the day.
Day 5: Florence, Italy
Florence, one of my favorite cities in Italy, was our next destination, accessible via a 2-hour train ride. The scenic journey into Florence is truly enchanting.
Highlights of our visit included Michelangelo’s David, awe-inspiring even for non-art enthusiasts. Skip-the-line tickets were booked through Get Your Guide for convenience.
Visitors can ascend Brunelleschi’s Dome or marvel at it from the outside.
The Leonardo da Vinci Museum proved to be a hit with our children, offering interactive exhibits showcasing da Vinci's genius.
A stroll to the Ponte Vecchio bridge is a must, with Florence being renowned for its leather and gold craftsmanship.
We returned to Rome by train later in the day.
Day 6: Pompeii, Italy
A train journey to Pompeii marked our next adventure, with backpacks packed for an overnight stay in Naples. The scenic ride along the Mediterranean added to the excitement.
Skip-the-line tickets for Pompeii were booked through Get Your Guide, with a guided tour recommended for first-time visitors. Pompeii remains a personal favorite of mine.
After exploring Pompeii, we visited the Cellini Gallery Cameos, located at the entrance, for an insight into cameo craftsmanship.
Pompeii's vast expanse necessitates ample time for exploration, consuming most of the day's itinerary.
We returned to Naples via train and stayed overnight at Domus Studio 25 Bed and Breakfast, receiving excellent recommendations from the host for dining and activities.
Day 7: Naples, Italy
Our day was dedicated to exploring Naples, offering a less touristy experience.
Ferrying to Capri or venturing to Sorrento from Naples is highly recommended for first-time visitors, both offering unique experiences such as Limoncello tasting and indulging in authentic Margherita pizza.
The ferry ride to Capri takes approximately an hour, with advance ticket booking advised, especially for the Blue Grotto tour when you arrive in Capri.
Sorrento, a picturesque coastal town, is easily accessible via train from Naples.
We returned to Rome by train late in the afternoon.
Day 8: Vatican City and Leisure Day
An Uber ride from the hotel took us to Vatican City, where we marveled at the magnificent Sistine Chapel. Skip-the-line tickets were booked through Get Your Guide, with guided tours also available.
St. Peter’s Basilica, with free entry albeit long queues, offered another glimpse into the Vatican's splendor.
The afternoon was spent revisiting favorite spots and grocery shopping for Italian delights, packing an entire carry-on with culinary treasures.
Day 9: Departure from Rome
This trip marked my third visit to the breathtaking landscapes of Italy, and it was truly unforgettable, especially as I had the joy of playing tour guide for my husband and our two boys.
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