Why Italy

tips for touring italy?

Public Comments

1. Milan is a definate. Visit the Duomo and San Sero stadium. Verona is gorgeous and Lake Garda is fantastic for hiring a speed boat and going out onto the lake (reasonably priced too). Shopping is a must, the designer stores are great. Use the metro not taxis. Its easy when you get the hang of it. The food is amazing. You will prob need a fair bit of cash though. Italy is not cheap.
2. Do not expect things to run like to here. Take lots of patience. and a good attitude. The last time I flew there, the plane was diverted to a different city & we had to take a train to Rome and then find our luggage at the airport. When we went to Sardina, the airport was closed because the runway was broken (?? that was the reason given) just before our flight back to Rome so we had to be bussed across the island to the other airport. We were 8 hours late meeting our friends. In the middle of the two airport problems, we had a private driver and a great tour.
3. Hmm its a great country. I offer some tips for touring europe in general... There is way to much to write out here but you can check out my blog at: http://www.scottstravelblog.com
4. THere are so many wonderful cities there!!! Scenery is really lovely in parts too. My tip is transport...don;t forget to "franc" or validate your tickets when you get on trains (buses....I tihnk too) otherwise you can get fined (I think mine was 5 euro...a pain more than anything).....also when you catch a bus, make sure you go in the right direction...I got on the right numbered bus, but it was going in the opposite direction to where I wanted and consequently missed the last bus to my destination (and then got fined for not validating my ticket on the train (my alternate transport)...NOT a good day!! Also make sure you get on the right train....my first train was going to Venice, but I got to appreciate Eurostar!! Lovely..All I had to do was pay the difference in ticket price (which was double!!..but luckly it was only about 11 euros)...little things like that can really make your trip stressful, but on the whole the train system is very good, reasonably cost effective and effeicient (Trentitalia). Lots of places to go and see...do your research so you don't miss out on some stunning places.....Don;'t overload yourself either....If you are going on a long trip, put aside a day or half a day to do nothing or very little as you get very tired (trying to jam pack in all the great things to see). Sometimes pre booking everything saves time and effort, but give yoursleve some flexibility to...ie have a few days up your sleeve here and there to do the things you find out about on the trip!
5. - there are non-smoking sections in the trains - definitely don't pre-book your seats on trains - if you miss the train, you pay the booking fee again (up to 60 euro for two) - definitely have pizza from southern italy - definitely go to chinque terre! amazing scenery, amazing food - and...take it slow
6. I have to correct chuckwood: smoking is forbidden on ANY train since last year; for train like Eurostar you must book (it's mandatory) although you can do in the railway station before the train starts, but you risk to find all booked yet. If you miss a Eurostar you booked, you can ask for a "changing of booking" (booking on another Eurostar) with no additional fee. If you booked another kind of train other thatn ES, you can get a refund, as like for any other ticket you buy if you don't use it. http://www.trenitalia.com/en/index.html
7. Keep you wallet in your front pocket