With Italy’s vast cultural offerings and many regions boasting a variety of gastronomic delights and scenic wonders, getting your travel plans in order can seem like an intimidating prospect. To get the most out of your time in Italy with all the right experiences for you and your travel companions, here are a few things you should know before planning a trip to ensure a seamless adventure.
Know the best time to go for your itinerary
The middle of the Australian winter (July and August) coincides with the European school summer holidays, which means many Aussies looking to escape the winter chills find themselves among the crowds of Italy’s peak tourist season in popular hotspots.
When planning your trip to Italy, don’t underestimate the difference a couple of weeks can make. While June typically promises all the benefits of summer weather, even the most well-trodden destinations are still relatively quiet making it easier to get around and see the sights and make restaurant reservations. Similarly, tourist numbers drop off quickly heading into September despite Italy’s continued summer-like conditions and sunshine.
Get off the tourist trail
Many of Italy’s towns, cities, coastal resorts, and wine regions are world renowned but have faith that Italy’s lesser-known destinations are filled with equally high-quality travel experiences. From stunning small towns like Praiano on the Amalfi Coast and the lakeside town Baveno in Piedmont to the underrated wine regions of Umbria and Le Marche, there might be more to explore in Italy than you first thought.
Familiarise yourself with Italy’s regions
With so many differences across the regions from local food and wine to landscapes and climate, where you go in Italy can depend on the type of travel experience you’re looking for. For example, while Lombardy in the far north is home to the fashion hub of Milan and the northern lakes, the central region of Abruzzo boasts both the Apennine mountain range and stretches of the Adriatic coastline. At the bottom of Italy’s boot, you’ll find plenty of peace and tranquillity among the mountains of Basilicata – one of Italy’s most sparsely populated regions and home to the ancient city of Matera.
Shop the markets
When it comes to food and produce, Italy puts real meaning into the concept of farm to plate, and you’ll see markets popping up along streets and on piazzas across the country. Visiting the markets is the best way to learn about local delicacies from cured meats and cheeses to vegetables and locally grown fruits and vegetables, and it’ll save you money compared to shops and supermarkets.
Book train tickets in advance
Operated by state-owned Trenitalia and the private operator, Italo, Italy prides itself on its fast and efficient high-speed train network, making it easy for travellers to cover more ground during their trip. Once, you’ve got your Italian itinerary planned, keep in mind that ticket sales typically open online around 3 months prior to travel and will always be cheaper (and less stressful) than buying at the station.
For the best food experiences, eat on ‘Italian time’
If you’re looking for a real foodie adventure on your escape to Italy, you’ve come to the right place, but make sure you’re in sync with the locals for the most authentic experiences. Most Italians dine around 9pm, which means if you’re eating earlier, you’ll either be surrounded by tourists or lacking the ambience of a lively, buzzing atmosphere, depending on where you are.
