How to Enjoy Your Italian Holiday
Italy is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to visit in Europe whether you are alone or a group of women traveling together.
It boasts of unbelievably fresh delicious food and it is greatly inspired by a very rich culture and history. As you know, it’s where the ancient Romans lived, roamed and conquered.
While there are dozens of must-see cities and towns to stop in while traveling around the country, Italy is best enjoyed slowly. Here is just a starting point to begin planning your own Italian holiday.
The Top 5 Places to Visit in Italy
- Rome
Known as the Eternal City, Rome is home to the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. It is also home to the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican City. Ah … and the incredible Food. We found our best meals by asking some local Romans where to eat.
- Venice
Famous for its romantic gondola rides, Venice is a city that is surrounded by water. Don’t miss out on the Grand Canal, Piazza San Marco as well as Doge’s Palace. You undoubtedly will want to take home a piece of the magnificent Venetian glass.
- Florence
Touted as Italy’s art capital, Florence is where you’ll find the traditional tourist attractions in the Tuscan region. Make sure to visit the Duomo as well as the Uffizi and the Accademia. For a lovely stroll, head over to the Boboli Gardens and the Ponte Vecchio. A group of women traveling together will surely enjoy what Florence has to offer – with its charming boutiques and upscale restaurants. The shopping, the food, the gelato and the bread Oh My!
- Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre – literally translated as the ‘Five Towns’ – is a charming coastal community teeming with colorful buildings cut into the cliff sides. Considered one of the best places to visit in Italy whether you are alone or a group of women traveling together, Cinque Terre is definitely a must-go! We truly enjoyed our day visit to Cinque Terre but next time I would like to hike one of the trails.
- Milan
Set below the Alps, Milan is known as the fashion capital of Italy. Make sure to visit the city’s very own Duomo, as well as the Santa Maria delle Grazie which houses Da Vinci’s famous “The Last Supper” painting. Of course – shopping is also a must if you’re with a group of women traveling together. Milan boasts of world-famous brands such as Prada and Miu Miu.
There are other opinions about the best places to visit while in Italy. Check out Fodor’s article about ‘What to skip and Where to Go Instead’ for some more ideas.
Best Times to Go to Italy
While Italy is beautiful all-year round, the best months to visit are from April to June and mid-September to October. This is mainly because the temperatures are usually comfortable, the rural colors are so much richer and the crowd is less intense with tourists. The higher temperatures usually begin everywhere in May, often lasting until sometime in October, but it can especially feel sticky and muggy during a July or August hot spell.
Useful Tips While Traveling around Italy
Avoid eating around the tourist attractions
Italy is known for its delectable cuisine, so it is hard to get disappointed with the food wherever you go. However, locals are particularly wary about eating out near the tourist attractions – not only can the quality of the food be compromised, it can also be highly overpriced, and of course the places will be crowded. My best suggestion is to ask the locals where to go, they know where to find the best food.
Make sure to pack appropriately
Packing for Italy can be quite a challenge if you want to look chic and comfortable at the same time. If you want to blend in, it’s best to pack clothing in muted colors and comfortable walking shoes or sandals. You don’t want to look like a tourist with athletic shoes and colorful garb. Also, it is best to dress modestly when visiting religious sites like The Vatican. If you would like a complete packing list, check out our The Ultimate Travel Journal ~ A Woman’s Blueprint for crafting meaningful moments, unforgettable adventures and memories to last a lifetime.
Watch out for pickpockets
Italy – just like anywhere else in the world that receives millions of tourists each year – can have pickpockets walking around. They sometimes are called ‘gypsys,’ and surprisingly can be little children. You need to be wary in all public places and keep your purse close to your body.
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