From its proliferation of hand gestures to holding the title of the birthplace of our favourite carbs, Italy has a never-ending offering in all twenty of its regions. Whether it’s rugged cliffs and a blue sea or quaint narrow Italian streets, here are my quick travel tips and guide on Italy, a country that has it all.
When to visit
Italy is an all-rounder but to maximise its potential go in either spring (April to June) or autumn (September and October). Over the last few years their Septembers have become hotter but expect some light showers regardless. If you’re by the coast or high in the mountains, you’ll find a slight bite in the breeze regardless of the time of year.
What to see
There is no denying that Italy has a lot to offer culturally, historically and gastronomically. If you’re in the bigger cities, the likes of Venice, Rome, Sicily and Naples, you’ll find the Colosseum, St Mark’s Basilica in Venice and plenty more historically acclaimed sites. Our tip is to spend a day heading to another area in the region. Rome has fast Trenitalia train links to other towns in the Lazio region. From here you can head to Tivoli for a large walled hidden garden and a canyon walk around waterfalls, or Gaeta for less crowds, a rugged cliff edge jutting into the sea and some classic fresh seafood dishes. Going that little further to the less beaten track can give you another perspective on authentic Italian living.
What to eat
Rule of thumb in Italy, eat the flavourful and refined local regional specialties. In Lazio go for a Romana pizza, in Veneto rice is their staple and risotto al nero di seppia doesn’t disappoint with squid lending a black colour to the risotto while their wine, onions and tomatoes give it a punchier finish. If you’re in Veneto during Carnival then eat dozens of fritole, a deep-fried doughy mix dusted in sugar. If you’re in Sicily; we’re talking arancini, caponata and don’t forget sugary cannoli.
Getting around
You need to stamp your train ticket in a stamp machine before embarking the train. All the ticket machines have an English option so we would steer clear of help from loiterers.
Careful with platform numbers as for example platform 3b can be on the other end of the train station to platform 3.
A platform can also divide into two, platform 14 can be further down platform 13; we recommend arriving earlier for your train and getting a feel of the station.
The buses run by the same stamping rule, there’s a machine to put your ticket into and once it’s stamped, you cannot use it again. Buy your bus tickets from the tabaccheria; the local newsagents.
What to pack
Home to one of the major fashion capitals in the world, this may come as a shock but do not forget your comfiest trainers. The best way to explore the cities is walking and you don’t want a blister to ruin your week!
Where to stay in Italy
Castello Banfi il Borgo
This Tuscan hotel was founded in 1978 and is home to a magnificent winery. Situated in the small town of Montalcino and run by the Mariani family, Castello Banfi il Borgo has 14 unique rooms and exceptional cooking classes throughout the year, including truffle hunting in the winter.
Villa Crespi
Every season is a given for picturesque views at Villa Crespi on the shores of Lake Orta. Indulge in their Ayurvedic massages after a day of exploring the village of Orta San Giulio. This magnificent Moorish-style villa has a depth of history as the place of respite for Italian poets and nobles. Sink into contemporary Italian cuisines on your evenings and fill your days with the numerous activities, especially if you’re a lover of sports.
Lagacio Hotel Mountain Residence
In the Dolomites of Italy you will meet a contemporary design at the Lagacio Hotel Mountain Residence. Think locally-sourced pine, floor to ceiling windows and views over the Alta Badia mountains. This is a skiing haven during winter and a hikers daydream in the summer months.
No Comments