Where to Start When Planning Your Trip to Italy
Transportation:
Rome:
Rome only has two metro lines that can get you to walking distance of just about any touristy destination. You can buy your daily pass or one time token at any of the metro stations.
Florence:
Getting from the airport to the city center during the day you can use the tram, only costing $1-$2. Taxis will cost you around $24-$26 depending on the time and how much luggage you have (they charge $1 per piece of luggage).
Train from Rome to Florence:
The easiest and cheapest way to get from major cities in Italy would be using the train system. Unlike flights, the train station is located close to the city center. Making getting to and from the train station much more convenient. Tickets from Rome to Florence typically cost around $15-$30 and only takes about an hour and half to reach the other city, if you take the direct route. If you take the slower train it only takes three hours to reach the other city.
My favorite platform to order tickets is Omio, it’s user friendly, safe, and convenient.
Things to Consider:
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Best Time to Visit: March-May or September-November
Language: Italian
Drinkable Tap Water: Yes
Haggling: Yes in open-air markets for goods, not in stores
Tip: No, unless you had exceptional service
Cash or Credit Card: Credit card can be used about everywhere
Cultural Tips:
When meeting someone a handshake and smile are common and if you are visiting relatives or close friends you will greet them with an air kiss on both cheeks.
What We Wish We Knew:
- When grabbing a cup of coffee most cafes will either serve a small cup of espresso or cappuccino where you will drink it standing at the bar, if you do want to sit down it will cost extra, usually about 1-3 euros more.
- Don’t come to Italy expecting American Italian food; you will be disappointed. Pizza, pasta, and salads are different from what you might be used to at home. The pizza crusts are typically thinner, not as many toppings (there might not even be cheese on top of the pizza) but the quality is amazing and absolutely mouth watering. Come with an open mind and you will be blown away.
- Do not use Uber in Italy, unless you want to spend more money. They will cost you double what a taxi will cost. Apparently to get qualified to drive for Uber in Italy takes more money and permits, therefore the drivers charge more.
Our Itinerary : Italy
Day 1: Rome
Experienced a food tour in the morning. Afterwards we explored iconic spots in Rome; Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Pantheon for the rest of the evening
Day 2: Rome
Colosseum and Palatine Hill guided tour
Explored the rest of the iconic spots we did not get to the first day
Day 3: Rome
Vatican City guided tour in the morning and had a restful afternoon
Day 4: Florence
Traveled to Florence via the train.
Explored the city center in the evening
Day 5: Florence
Rented a vespa and drove to Piazzale Michelangelo for a sunset viewpoint
Drove around Florence trying as many gelato stops our stomachs could handle
Day 6: Florence/Venice
Early in the morning, we drove our vespa around the cute little town of Fiesole (right outside of Florence). Returned the vespa and traveled to Venice via the train
Day 7: Venice
Originally planned a trip to the cute little island of Burano. However, due to some inclement weather we spent the day in Venice trying to stay dry by going to cafes and going to an opera in the evening.
Tip:
*When planning your trip you can easily squeeze in the Colosseum and the Vatican City in one day, if you need to shorten your time in Rome.
*If you want to save on some money, the guided tour of the Colosseum was amazing and worth the extra money, however, you can skip the guided tour at the Vatican City. It really did not add to the experience.
