Kay's Guide to Italy

My mom and I have long dreamed of visiting Italy together, and we finally had the chance to experience the true wonders of this country!

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WHEN TO GO:

The ideal months to visit Italy are May or September/October.

We chose to travel in May, and I'm thrilled with our decision. The weather was perfect, aside from the occasional rain, and it wasn't too hot or too cold.

WHERE TO STAY:

Florence - We stayed at the La Gabbia del Grillo Apartments and absolutely LOVED it! The location is perfect, right in the heart of everything, and the place was stunning with a wonderful view of the Duomo!

Rome - We stayed at the SuityRHome RioneMonti37 and absolutely loved it! It was ideally situated in the center and nestled in a peaceful neighborhood that provided a great sense of safety!

PAYMENTS:

Cards are widely accepted throughout Italy, with VISA being the most preferable option. While we primarily used a card, it's advisable to carry cash, as taxi drivers and small local markets often only accept cash. ATMs are readily available in cities and are easy to locate, though there will be a fee for their use.

TRANSPORTATION:

Trains - We utilized the Trenitalia app, which was incredibly straightforward to use. By using this app, you won't need to worry about validating your train ticket. The trains are simple to navigate. Make sure to arrive early and stand where the trains are listed to find out your platform number. Before the trains arrive, gather your belongings and wait by the door to make disembarking easier.

Taxis or Ubers - We met many people who used Uber, although we had been informed by friends or locals in Italy that it was illegal. We opted for the taxi app FreeNow (which worked excellently, but only in Rome), or we waited at taxi stands where taxis frequently arrived.

ATTIRE:

PACK LIGHT!! This cannot be emphasized enough. You'll be carrying your suitcases, especially when traveling from city to city. We managed to fit everything into a carry-on. Nothing can truly prepare you for the amount of walking you'll do. We averaged about

25,000 steps each day! I brought my Veja shoes based on numerous reviews about their comfort, but I ended up buying different shoes during the trip.

Bring a variety of clothing options because the weather is genuinely unpredictable. It rained on days it wasn't forecasted to, and it was sunny on days it was supposed to rain.

Make sure to pack modest clothing since some churches or museums require your knees and shoulders to be covered.

FOOD:

Undoubtedly, Italy is renowned for its incredible cuisine. You can't truly understand it until you experience it firsthand.

The pasta is exceptional, and you never feel heavy after eating it. The pizza simply melts in your mouth.

Make sure to venture away from tourist spots and explore the alleyways—that's where you'll find the best, most authentic restaurants.

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Be cautious of these tourist traps -

• Restaurant staff standing outside inviting you to dine inside.

• Menus featuring multiple languages (it's common to see English translations, but when you notice French, Japanese, and others, it can be a warning sign).

  
  
  
  

BRIEF ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive in Florence/Explore - Michelangelo's David

Day 2: Day trip to Tuscany

Day 3: Day trip to Venice

Day 4: Free day to Explore - Ponte Vecchio, Carousel, Wine Window

Day 5: Train from Florence to Rome - Colosseum, Explore

Day 6: Day trip to the Amalfi Coast & Positano

Day 7: Free day to Explore - Trevi Fountain, The Vatican, Cooking Class

Day 8: Depart from Rome

FLORENCE (Day 1-4)

Florence is acknowledged as the birthplace of the Renaissance and is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Highlights

Day Trip to Tuscany

We took a day trip with Get Your Guide, visiting Siena and San Gimingnao, where we enjoyed a Tuscan winery experience with wine and authentic Italian cuisine. Finally, we went to Pisa to see the renowned Leaning Tower. The day trip was incredible, but we definitely want to return and spend more time in a villa!

Michelangelo's David

The statue embodies independence and strength, perfectly capturing youthful beauty. It was another stunning sight to behold. We explored the museum and observed this ourselves without any issues.

Wine Window

Wine windows originated during the bubonic plague as they provided a safe method to sell wine and food with minimal contact.

You can check a map to locate one nearby. The well-known one is Babae, but we had one just down the street from our accommodation.

San Lorenzo Leather Market

Leather is very significant in Florence, with the market bustling with vendors offering a range of products from wallets to bookbags.

We purchased a lot of leather, but be ready for some vendors to be quite aggressive or impolite if you decide not to buy from them. We encountered a few who were unpleasant and rude, but we simply continued on our way.

Piazza della Repubblica

This is among the most stunning squares in Florence, bustling with music, dining, and artists. Don't miss the chance to ride the renowned Carousel too!

Ponte Vecchio

Make sure to visit the renowned bridge, which is lined with charming shops and restaurants.

Day Trip to Venice

FUN FACT: Venice is encircled by water, and the only way to get around the entire city is by walking or taking a boat!

On one of our days in Florence, we opted to take a self-guided day trip to Venice.

It's entirely possible to explore Venice in a single day. Every street or alley connects to another, offering breathtaking views at every corner. Our main highlight was the gondola ride, which you can enjoy privately for 90 euros for 30 minutes.

ROME (Day 5-8)

Rome is renowned for its ancient history, impressive archaeological sites, and significant landmarks!

We stayed in a location roughly between the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain. This was ideal because everything was within walking distance, and if you got tired, you could conveniently take a taxi.

Highlights

Colosseum

Constructed in 80 AD, the Colosseum remains the largest amphitheater to this day, hosting events like gladiatorial games.

It's an awe-inspiring sight, and I believe everyone should witness it. Imagining the people who stood there before you is incredible. We explored it independently without a guided tour.

Trevi Fountain

As the legend goes, tossing a coin into the fountain with your right hand guarantees a return to Rome.

I had heard that the Trevi Fountain becomes quite crowded as the day progresses, so we arrived around 9-9:30 am. Although there were people present, it wasn't overly crowded, allowing us to enjoy it.

Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica

FUN FACT: The Vatican holds the title of the smallest country in the world! It serves as the heart of Christianity. St. Peter's Basilica is renowned as the burial place of St. Peter, the leader of the twelve Apostles of Jesus.

We explored the church independently, but we missed our 4 pm tickets to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel because there were no signs indicating the way. Because of this, I regret not opting for a group tour. Remember this when planning your visit.

Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

During the era of the republic, the Roman Forum served as the venue for public gatherings, legal proceedings, and gladiatorial games. Palatine Hill housed grand imperial palaces and is regarded as the origin of the Italian capital.

It's possible to spend an entire day exploring this area, but since we weren't particularly interested, we only visited a few sites before continuing with our day.

Pantheon

The Pantheon was built as a temple for the Gods and later served as the burial site for numerous notable individuals, including renowned artists and kings.

We purchased tickets for our day off at the kiosk just outside the Pantheon and had no trouble acquiring them and entering. We explored the site independently without a guide.

Cooking Class

I strongly suggest taking a cooking class! On our final day, we participated in a class with a professional Italian chef, and it was an incredible experience. The class size was around 12 people, creating a relaxed and intimate atmosphere. We booked the cooking class through Get Your Guide.

Day trip to Amalfi and Positano

During our time in Rome, we joined a day trip to the Amalfi Coast and Positano with a group via Get Your Guide. We appreciated this experience because it allowed us ample time in each town to explore, shop, or dine. The stunning view of these towns perched on a mountainside by the Mediterranean Sea is truly remarkable. I would love to return and spend a few days here.

Visit as many churches as you can. The sheer beauty and artistry within each one are truly awe-inspiring and deserve your attention, whether you are religious or not. Just remember to be respectful during your visits!

The city is dotted with natural water fountains. Make sure to take advantage of them!!!

The water is incredibly fresh, and it's a great way to avoid constantly buying bottled water.

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If you're unsure about traveling to Italy, consider this your sign to book that trip!! Italy is a stunning country, and regardless of how much time you spend there, you'll never experience everything it has to offer.

I hope and pray that one day I'll have the chance to return and explore more!

xoxo

Keeping up with Kay