Whom do I tip, and how much?

This is usually how the conversation starts. The short answer is that tips are not necessary, but if you are happy with a service, you can tip 10%. It’s a little more nuanced than that so I’ve gone in to more detail below.

Here are a few things to know about tipping in Italy

Tipping at restaurants in Italy

Two-thirds of Italians leave no tip at meals (link in Italian), but leaving a small tip or no tip makes many North Americans uncomfortable, so if you are happy with the service, leave a 10% tip. If you weren’t thrilled with the service but it was fine and you don’t want to leave nothing, you can leave 5%. Remember a few things, though:

• Know that your server is already being paid a living wage and does not depend on your tips in order to make ends meet.
• Look at the breakdown of your bill. You will very likely see a cover charge, called a coperto, in the amount of about 2-3 euros per head. This is completely normal and should be an expected charge on your bill anytime you sit down anywhere, even if all you order is a glass of water. (The key words there are “sit down”. If you stand at a bar, you will not get charged the cover.)
• Note that some restaurants add an additional service charge, listed on the bill as servizio. A servizio charge is usually about 10% and should not be a surprise at the time you receive the bill. It should be written on the menu, and often applies to specific scenarios like for parties of 8 people or more. This charge is the tip, so if you ever see a charge for servizio, do not leave anything additional.

There is one final thing I’d like to mention here: some Italian servers in places with lots of tourists (like the centers of Rome, Florence, and Venice) are now so accustomed to receiving tips from North Americans that I have heard stories of them asking whether the customer needs change (if let’s say, you give them 60 euros for a 55 euro bill). In the US, this is not a bad question from a server, but in Italy it is incredibly rude. If any server ever asks you whether you need change, then of course you do.

Tipping taxis and other drivers in Italy

You can give your taxi driver a bit of extra money, but it’s not really a tip. Think of it more as rounding up the fare a few cents so that nobody has to deal with small change. So if your taxi fare is 19 euros and 70 cents, you can give the driver 20 euros and tell them to keep the rest. If your fare is 18 euros and 70 cents, you can ask for 1 euro back in change.

For drivers who quote a fixed fare – for example an airport fare or a pre-paid fare – there is no need to add a tip. Let’s say you have booked a driver in advance who meets you at the airport holding a sign with your name on it, and you know the flat rate is 70 euros from the airport to your hotel. Give the driver the 70 euros (or give them more but expect change in return) and say thank you.

Tipping tour guides in Italy

It’s very difficult for North American travelers to spend several hours with a guide and then not give the guide a tip. It seems to be embedded our DNA! Keep in mind that local guides do not depend on or expect tips. However, they are aware that if North Americans tip, it means they are happy with the service, so the gesture is definitely appreciated. Again if you are looking for guidance, tip 10%.

Tipping at hotels in Italy

A rule of thumb for tipping a bellhop for transporting bags to your room is 1 – 2 euros per bag. If a concierge spends a significant amount of time helping you with recommendations, booking tickets, or making dinner reservations for you, a tip will also be much appreciated.

Tipping in Italy: a cultural note

The reason Italians don’t tip as much (or as often) as North Americans is cultural. Apart from the fact that they know the tip is not needed in order to make ends meet, Italians view tips as highlighting the power dynamics between the tipper and the tippee, where the tipper is more powerful and the person receiving the tip is akin to a subordinate. For this reason, don’t ever tip the owner of a business. (I went to a hairdresser in Milan recommended by a friend, and I had to making a point of finding out whether the person cutting my hair was the salon owner or an employee. Owner = no tip ; employee = tip).

Of course, in our minds, tips have nothing to do with a power dynamic and are simply a way of showing appreciation for good service. Italians who give service to North American travelers are usually aware that tips represent gratitude and thus genuinely appreciate the gesture.

Photo of our lovely server Sabine at the Hotel Conturines Posta in San Cassiano

From the rugged hills of the Gargano to the broad plains of the Salento to the sun-drenched, white sand beaches of the Adriatic and Ionian coasts, Puglia provides visitors with a vast array of experiences. The heel of Italy’s boot with the Adriatic Sea on its east and the Ionian Sea on the west, is also its breadbasket and sends its bounty of fruits, vegetables, seafood, wine and, most notably, olive oil, throughout Europe.

Gallipoli by Jessica Coup

We live in central Puglia, in an area called the Valle d’Itria, a collection of whitewashed hilltop towns surrounded by swaths of olive groves, vineyards and orchards. From our home in the quaint, peaceful town of Cisternino, it is an easy drive to many of the interesting places in the region.

Trulli homes in the Valle d’Itria by Jessica Coup

What to see in Puglia? Let’s start with our recommendations in Trani, Gallipoli, Lecce, Grottaglie and the Valle d’Itria.

What to see in Trani

Perched on the Adriatic Sea between the Gargano Peninsula and the major port of Bari is Trani, a city that is full of surprises. The harbor hosts yachts that would look perfectly at home in Portofino and the restaurants and bars that ring the harborfront serve the freshest seafood and locally-grown produce. A short walk through the old town of Trani brings you to the Cathedral of St. Nicholas the Pilgrim, a magnificent example of Romanesque architecture. A little further on is Castello Svevo, the castle/fortress built by Frederick II in 1249. Stroll through the narrow, winding streets of the historic center of Trani and take in the ambiance of life hundreds of years ago.

Cathedral of St Nicholas the Pilgrim in Trani by Jessica Coup

What to see in Lecce

A trip to the Salento, the southern portion of the heel, would not be complete without a stop in Lecce, the Florence of southern Italy. The centro storico includes one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters and churches of significance in the Catholic world. The amphitheater adjacent to the Piazza d’Oronzo was built by the Romans in the 2nd century and, still today, serves as a venue for concerts, holiday celebrations and other cultural events. The Chiesa di Santa Croce has a spectacular façade complete with dragons, gargoyles, snakes and other creatures that draws crowds of tourists with clicking cameras. A short walk will bring you to the Piazza del Duomo, the Cathedral of Lecce, an imposing edifice dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. The nearly-400 year old structure and its campanile (bell tower) dominate the large square and, if open, merit a visit inside to see its Last Supper painting and twelve altars.

Piazza Duomo in Lecce by Jessica Coup

What to see in Grottaglie

Between Lecce and the Ionian coast is the town of Grottaglie, a place famous for the creation of Pugliese pottery. The historic center of the town contains the Castello Episcopio (Archbishop’s castle), the Chiesa Matrice (mother church), and a Jewish quarter, but the highlight for visitors is the host of storefronts behind which ceramics are made and sold. Since the time of the Greek domination of Puglia the clay soils around the town have been turned into plates, cups bowls and decorative items such as the pumo, a good luck totem in the form of a ceramic acorn.

Surrounding Grottaglie is one of the region’s most productive grape growing areas and the wines made from these grapes are becoming recognized throughout the world for their quality. Have lunch in the old town of Grottaglie and wash it down with a local wine. Your mouth will thank you.

A potter in Grottaglie by Jessica Coup

What to see in Gallipoli

One of the most pleasant walks in all of Puglia takes you from the harbor of Gallipoli, along the Ionian Sea and the town’s battlements and back to the harbor. Vestiges of its Greek roots can be seen in the whitewashed buildings and the views of the sea are dotted with the fishing boats that bring seafood into port each day. Gallipoli, while not a place to find sites of cultural or historic significance, is a quintessential Pugliese experience. Take advantage of the caught-that-day seafood at one of the many sea-view restaurants and do what the locals do: relax and enjoy.

Gallipoli seafood by Jessica Coup

What to see in the Valle d’Itria

Alberobello and Ostuni – respectively, the town of the trulli (photo second from the top) and the white city – are the best known of the Valle d’Itria hilltop cities but others are definitely worth a visit. Ceglie Messapica has developed the reputation as a culinary attraction and new, edgy restaurants have brought traditional Pugliese cuisine into nouveau times. The inhabitants of Martina Franca are certainly among the best dressed Pugliesi since many of the clothes that are designed in the fashion houses of Milan are actually made in this most beautiful of the valley’s towns.

And nothing is better than sitting at a bar overlooking the Valle d’Itria in our town of Cisternino with a bubbly rosé, a bowl of locally-grown olives and a basket of taralli (small crackers in the form of a doughnut) watching the sun set.

Taralli crackers from the Valle d’Itria by Jessica Coup

No matter what your holiday happiness requires—world-class cuisine, clean, sandy beaches or a taste of history–the heel of Italy’s boot sets them in front of you and invites you to mangia.

Photographer Jessica Coup and author Scott Bergstein have been living in Puglia since 2013. You can see more of Jessica’s gorgeous photos at www.jessicacoup.com and read more of Scott’s hilarious accounts of travels at www.souloftheheel.com

My father would like to take us on a big adventure and we decided Italy is the place to go! Our family has never been to Europe before, although my dad is well-traveled.

There’s a lot of planning that goes into an Italy itinerary like theirs, but after several months of putting together activities and hotels that everyone, including their three boys, would enjoy, we came up with a fabulous two week Italy itinerary! This family used our Gold level itinerary planning services.

Their two week Italy itinerary started with a few days in Venice.

In Venice, a local guide introduced them to Venice’s vast history and main sights with a private walking tour, and they had time on their own to explore (and get lost in!) Venice’s small streets and canals. They also had some downtime to recover from the travel and adjust to the six hour time difference.

Venice, also known as Venezia

We booked the family on a rowing lesson which everyone enjoyed! Betsy said:

Our guides were great and in addition to sharing lots of information about the canals and boats, they gave us a sense of what it was like to grow up in Venice. Very cool!

Learning to row in Venice

Next stop on their two week Italy itinerary: Florence!

It was so helpful to have all of our train tickets for each leg of the trip! We’ve never traveled by train before and the kids really liked it. We were so thankful that we decided not to rent cars at all. Traveling by train was easy and relaxing.

Florence, also known as Firenze

They started their visit with a segway tour of Florence.

We loved the Segway tour! Our guide was wonderful. It was so incredibly hot and humid in the city – over 100 degrees. If we had been on a walking tour, the boys never would have made it. We got to see a ton in a relatively short amount of time.

Seeing the sights of Florence on a segway!

Their visit Florence also included a visit to the famous Uffizi Gallery, of course.

The Uffizi tour was great. The guide was very interesting to listen to. She was very dramatic in her delivery and clearly passionate about art history. She led us efficiently through the gallery focusing on only about 20 paintings that really captured the Renaissance. I have to say, I was most intruiged by her fearlessness in creating space! She wasn’t worried about getting in anyone’s way and spoke to us as though only the seven of us were in the entire gallery.

Uffizi Gallery, Florence

They also spent time relaxing by the hotel pool and chatting with the locals.

The bartender at the hotel bar was one of our favorite people we met on our trip! He was about 65 years old, on his third wife, has a five-year-old. He was like a character from the Godfather.

Since they decided not to have a rental car, we booked them with a private guide for a day trip exploring the Tuscan countryside.

Our guide was funny and nice and engaging with the boys. We stopped at a vineyard and toured the cellar and had a wine tasting – first time for the boys! They enjoyed it as much as we did. Then we went to a farm and had the best meal of the entire trip.

Farm in Tuscany, the best meal of the trip!

Before leaving Florence, they did a pizza and gelato making class, always a hit but kids especially love this class!

Making pizza in Florence

Then they did a day trip to “Motor Valley” where they visited the Lamborghini and Pagani factory floors, drove Ferraris, and visited all three museums.

Everyone enjoyed our tours at Pagani, Ferrari, and Lamborghini. This was a highlight of the trip for my dad!

This Lamborghini ain’t light!

Next stop on their two week Italy itinerary: the Amalfi Coast!

From their base in the town of Amalfi, they explored the iconic towns of the Amalfi Coast, and spent a day renting a private boat.

The boat rental was great. Domenico suggested a place to eat lunch in Nerano and told us if we pulled up in the boat someone would meet us in a smaller boat and lead us to a buoy to moor and give us a ride to the restaurant. We thought “really? They will just see us and come get us?” That’s exactly what happened. We had a great lunch of seafood and pasta.

View of Positano from the sea

They even braved the Path of the Gods hiking trail in 100 degree heat!

The views were amazing and we were so glad we did it, but this hike nearly killed us!

Hiking on the Path of the Gods, high above the Amalfi Coast.

On their last day in the Amalfi Coast, they stopped to visit Pompeii with a private guide.

The trip to Pompeii was the most efficient sightseeing ever! Our driver delivered us right to our guide, who brought us to the luggage storage area and got our luggage set. Pompeii was so hot and sunny and crowded, but he brought us around and avoided crowds, always stopping in a shady spot. I can’t imagine trying to do all that without a guide or in a large group. It was perfect having him there to give us a great synopsis of the history of the place. He led us around for approximately 2 hours, got our luggage, led us to the train station, bought our tickets for us, and put us on the train. Perfect!

Listening to the guide in Pompeii

Last stop on their two week Italy itinerary: Rome!

They kicked off three days in Rome with a night tour of the Colosseum:

We were so glad to be doing this at night without the crowds and without the heat! It was really cool seeing it with all the lights. Our guide was great.

Colosseum at night

They also visited the St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican museums (of course), a tour that included a VIP early visit to the Sistine Chapel before everyone else was allowed in. But they all loved the vespa tour the most.

This was absolutely a highlight of the trip for all of us! Even my dad, who was wary of the safety of this tour before we got started, absolutely loved it! We got a wonderful overview of Rome and its history. Valerio was great, as were all of the other drivers. I think I might need to buy a Vespa because that was so much fun.

Visiting Rome by vespa!

When they returned from their trip they wrote to us:

We had a wonderful trip! We did so many amazing things and experienced many wonderful places yet never felt like we were running ragged. Everything moved along seamlessly. It truly was the trip of a lifetime.

All photos belong to the Italy Beyond the Obvious client, and were used with permission.

First-time visitors to Rome are often enchanted by the vintage glamour from the classic mid-century films set in the Eternal City. A happy-go-lucky Audrey Hepburn atop a vintage Vespa zipping through narrow, winding streets or a gorgeous Anita Ekberg splashing around the Trevi Fountain set the bar high for many visiting Rome. While the stars gracing the silver screen may have changed over the years, the vintage glamour in Rome is far from gone.

For those seeking to follow in the footsteps of the vintage elite, this list is for you! Read recommendations below for restaurants, shopping, art and architecture, as well as locations for an afternoon picnic and bike ride to live out your dreams for your very own Roman holiday.

Restaurants on Via Margutta in Rome by Margutta Glamour Studios

Experience Vintage Glamour in Rome: Restaurants

Let’s start with the most famous: the street Via Veneto, still one of the most prestigious in Rome, opens onto the south-east edge of Villa Borghese gardens, winding its way to Piazza Barberini. The street was immortalized as a destination for the who’s who of cinema starlets when it was featured in Federico Fellini’s 1960 film La Dolce Vita, especially the Café de Paris (Via Veneto, 90) and Harry’s Bar (Via Veneto, 150) which still serve up espressos to VIPs today.

There’s nothing more glamorous than a meal with a view, and Rome can deliver with some fabulous al fresco terraces. The terraces belonging to the iconic Hotel Hassler, the Cavalieri, the Grand Hotel Palace, and Hotel Minerva, are some of the most distinguished locations with celebrity chefs serving award-winning menus amidst stunning panoramic views that have hosted the vintage glamour crowd for decades. If you’d like to indulge at one of these hotels without breaking the bank, just grab a prosecco at sunset. Rome at dusk is nothing short of spectacular.

Via Margutta, a “hidden” parallel to Via Babuino off Piazza di Spagna, holds many local claims to fame. It was here that John Bradley, Gregory Peck’s character in Roman Holiday, lived at no. 51. It was also the residential street for many of Rome’s celebrities through the decades, including Federico Fellini and Picasso for a brief stint in 1917. Today the charming street is lined with galleries, small artisanal shops, and restaurants, including Osteria Margutta (Via Margutta, 82), historically known as the meeting place for many of the internationally famous artists who lived and worked here, including Italo Calvino, Giorgio De Chirico, and Pier Paolo Pasolini to name a few.

Missoni Store, Piazza di Spagna, Roma by Roberto Ventre on Flickr

Experience Vintage Glamour in Rome: Shopping

The most glamorous shopping district in Rome remains the Tridente district, delineated by three ‘prongs’ that lead to Piazza del Popolo – Via di Ripetta, Via del Corso, and Via del Babuino. The cross streets in this area are home to international and local boutique ateliers for fashion, art, home decor, and antiquities. Here you’ll find all of the global fashion houses – Gucci, Bulgari, Fendi, Prada, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton, and so on. Here you’ll find Via Condotti, the so-called “5th Avenue” of Rome and a very popular street to see and be seen. If you’re looking for a taste of local fashion, organize an appointment with local personal shopper Barbara Lessona, who has access to not only exclusive showrooms like André Laug (who used to dress Audrey Hepburn!) but also the lesser-known, specialty stores like G’local in Campo Marzio. Or for one-of-a-kind finds, head to La Bottega Margutta on Via Margutta, 58 or get a personalized marble engraving for as little as €15 from the Bottega del Marmoraro di Sandro Fiorentini also on Via Margutta.

Palazzo della Civilta’ del Lavoro by Pietro Motta on Flickr

Experience Vintage Glamour in Rome: Art and Architecture

Of course Rome is known for its wealth of ancient, Byzantine, and Renaissance art and architecture but the vintage glamour scene lends itself to a different era – that of modern art from the early 20th century and onwards.

The Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna near the north-west end of the Villa Borghese gardens has an impressive permanent collection and a constantly changing wealth of temporary exhibitions. Or if you’re looking for something a little more intimate, head back to Via Margutta where you’ll find plenty of local artist-run galleries featuring both vintage and contemporary works.

The architecture in Rome is an extraordinary tapestry of contrasting styles from different centuries built on top, next to, and inside each other. To stroll characteristically charming narrow streets in Rome, check out the Monti neighborhood (the area north of Via Cavour) or the Jewish Ghetto (near Campo de’ Fiori and Largo Argentina). It’s easy to get lost around Campo de’ Fiori, but head to nearby Via Giulia for an exceptionally stunning walk.

The Esposizione Universale Roma, or EUR neighbrohood was a massive urban planning project in the 1930s under Benito Mussolini. Destined to be the host for the 1942 World Expo but ultimately never took place due to the Second World War, the quarter is known for several Fascist Era architectural monuments, such as the square colosseum and artificial lake. The stark architecture contrasts with that of the center but brims with mid-century elegance. A lovely stroll and coffee along Via Europa or around the artifical lake, laghetto dell’EUR, feels like a step back in time.

The Temple of Asclepius, Villa Borghese, Rome. Photo from Wikimedia Commons

Experience Vintage Glamour in Rome: Picnics and Bike riding

The vintage glamour of summer in Rome is immortalized by movie stars on bicycles, vespas, and indulging in lazy picnics in Rome’s beautiful parks. Bicycles and Vespa rentals can be rented through a many different companies, but the most popular is Bici Baci, which has several rental locations throughout the city.

The Villa Borghese Gardens have plenty of lovely spots for a picnic with scenic views. There’s a particularly peaceful and shady spot that faces the Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna in the north-west end of the park. Villa Borghese is a great place to rent a bicycle or golf cart and go for a ride. Take your bike to the Giardino del Lago, which features a picturesque pond and manicured gardens.

In addition to Villa Borghese, Villa Doria Pamphili (near Trastevere and the Vatican) and Villa Ada (in the north end of Rome) are the two other largest public parks that are perfect for a giro on 2 wheels. For something more central, right around the corner from the Colosseum is Villa Celimontana. Surrounded by the ruins of prestigious Roman palaces of the Oppian Hill, the park is less vast but features plenty of places to sit down, lay out a blanket and relax for a few hours away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Via Appia Antica, the original road into the ancient city of Rome, is another fabulous bike route where several stops can be made along the way to visit catacombs, ruins of ancient villas, and even drink refreshing spring water from the Ninfeo di Egeria, which is naturally sparkling. The vintage glamour of Rome best marketed by the beautiful women and men in the cinema of the 1950s and 1960s can still be experienced today and add a particularly sophisticated layer to your own Roman holiday.

About the author:

Jonathon Dominic Spada manages Margutta Glamour Studios, a collection of 4 elegant vacation rentals repurposed from historic artist lofts and studios, located on Rome’s distinguished “artists’ street” – Via Margutta. Margutta Glamour Studios are perfect for families or couples seeking to experience the elegant lifestyle of the vintage glamour in Rome. We offer professional wedding and event planning services as well.

For reservations and more information, visit www.marguttaglamourstudios.com

Civita di Bagnoregio by Joe Mack

With a population of only 20 people and access limited to a pedestrian footbridge, the Italian town of Cività di Bagnoregio is a unique destination and a stop I include frequently in Italy itineraries for travelers going between Rome and Tuscany. But it’s not a good fit for every traveler, so read my tips below. Photographer Joe Mack agreed to let me use his gorgeous photos, and I’ve also included some of his comments from his own trip to this stunning town.

Tips for visiting Cività di Bagnoregio

Bring your walking shoes

As you can see in the photo above, the town of Cività di Bagnoregio is at the end of a footbridge, which is a quarter mile long and fairly steep towards the end. To get to the start of the footbridge from the parking lot, there are also some stairs.

From Joe: “The walk up the ramp towards the town was a bit of a challenge. It is approximately a quarter mile long and uphill. Halfway up the ramp, to our bad luck, a storm broke out. We did have an umbrella but the wind kept turning it inside out. So I’m holding the umbrella, a rolling suitcase and helping steady my wife in what felt like 40 mph winds. Needless to say we were soaked by the time we got to our B&B”. 

If you are traveling with small children or people who cannot do stairs or who would have a problem walking up the ramp at the end of the footbridge, a better stop on the way between Tuscany and Rome might be the Bomarzo Monsters Park.

Facade in Civita by Joe Mack

Don’t bring a checklist

Cività di Bagnoregio is not the sort of place with lots of sights and things “to do”. Follow your nose. Get lost. Explore its small streets and just wander. Enjoy the atmosphere and the valley views. Have lunch. You could also visit the Cività di Bagnoregio Geological Museum, to understand how this town, perched atop a crumbling cliff of tufa limestone, can be saved.

From Joe: “The town is very small. A few B&Bs, a couple restaurants, one or two souvenir shops. I don’t think anyone needs to spend more than a few hours there, or at most stay one night.” 

If you are looking for a stop between Tuscany and Rome where there is more to “do”, I recommend Orvieto.

Door in Civita di Bagnoregio by Joe Mack

Getting to Cività di Bagnoregio: Rent a car

It’s possible, but not easy, to take the train to Cività di Bagnoregio: take the train to Orvieto and then a bus to Cività. However a rental car is the best approach. Note that the town of Cività di Bagnoregio is different than the town of (just) Bagnoregio. Cività di Bagnoregio (you can refer to it as Cività) is about a mile from the town of Bagnoregio. From Bagnoregio, you’ll follow the signs out of town towards Cività, and end up in the parking lot where you’ll park your car. There’s a machine where you can pay for parking, then you’ll pay the town’s entrance fee, and walk across the bridge.

Bring small change

You will need to pre-pay the parking and leave the receipt on your dash so bring coins – 10 euros should be fine for a few hours. Cività is also the only town in Italy asking visitors to pay an entrance fee, but it’s just a few euros and goes towards the town’s much needed structural maintenance. If someone in your party wants to avoid the stairs from the parking lot to the footbridge, there’s a also shuttle that costs a few euros, although note that you still need to walk across the footbridge.

Civita di Bagnoregio by Joe Mack

Make a lunch reservation

There are some good lunch options in Cività but if you arrive at the parking lot and see tour buses (Rick Steves loves this place and doesn’t keep it a secret!), you may have trouble finding somewhere for lunch once across the bridge, especially if you’d prefer outdoor seating on a nice day. There really are just a couple of restaurants and a couple of places to buy a sandwich, that’s about it – no hidden gems here! And, if you arrive at the Cività parking lot and find tour buses, you may want to skip a visit and spend a few hours in Orvieto or Viterbo instead.

Your car should appear completely empty when parked

This tip applies anytime you park a rental car anywhere in Italy, especially at any sort of unmanned parking lot. Car break-ins in Italy are extremely common, but thieves are opportunistic, meaning that if a car appears to be completely empty (even if it is not), they will leave it alone.

So before you arrive at the parking lot, put all of your luggage in the trunk of your car (and if you’re not driving a sedan pull the luggage cover closed). Do not leave anything on the seats — by that I mean do not leave out map, or even a sweater, and certainly not anything of value such as a GPS (or a GPS plug, indicating that the GPS is stored in the glove compartment). The Cività parking lot often has some sort of attendant so in theory that might deter potential thieves, but don’t rely on it. Anything that cannot be completely hidden inside your car’s trunk should be taken with you.

My travelers love this town, and with these tips, I hope you will too! I also included the footbridge in my posts about Italy’s best bridges.

About the photographer: Joe Mack has been a professional photographer since 1996 and says Cività di Bagnoregio is his all-time favorite place to photograph. Visit Joe’s website, I Want To Go There Photography, or his Facebook page for more.

Author Susan Van Allen with a lace maker on the Venetian island of Burano

Excerpted from “50 Places in Rome, Florence, and Venice Every Woman Should Go”

Lace Shopping in Burano

The island of Burano has been world famous for lace making since the 1500s. The Venetian legend goes that it started when a man who was heading off to sea gave his beloved an intricate piece of seaweed. Pining for him, she took out her needle and copied the design. The more practical story is that these island women were experts at mending their husband’s fishing nets, so when lace making came along they took to it naturally.

Now Burano, a half hour vaporetto ride from Venice, is a delight to discover–vibrantly painted buildings greet you upon arrival and lace shops cover the island’s center. Be aware that much of the lace for sale is no longer island-crafted, in fact much is made in China, so if you want the real thing, check out my recommendations below. Stop by the Museo del Merletto (Lace Museum), to start your shopping expedition. There’s a great video about the history of lacemaking, and elegant displays. Best of all, there are senior citizen signoras working there who have been making lace all their lives. The star of them is Emma Vidal, a 97-year old spunky type, who makes lace without wearing glasses. “The young people don’t do this anymore,” she grumbled, when I sat next to her, marveling over her quick stitching technique. “All they want to do is dance in the discoteca!”
Museo del Merletto, Piazza Baldassare Galuppi 187, Open April-October: 10:00am-6:00pm, November-March: 10:00am-5:00pm, Closed Monday, www.museomerletto.visitmuve.it.

Tip: The lace making signoras take a lunch break, so stop by between 10am and noon or 2pm to 3:30pm to see them.

Other Lace Shops in Burano to enjoy

Merletti d’Arte Martina, Via San Mauro 307, www.martinavidal.com
Come here for lace blouses, in beautiful colors and stylish designs, and a wonderful selection of table and bed linens. There is also an attached museum of antique lace. It’s close to the vaporetto landing, and their back garden is a pleasant place to enjoy a caffe and those special Buranesi cookies.

Emilia Burano, Piazza Galuppi 205, www.emiliaburano.it
Gorgeous bed and bath linens in this ultra-elegant shop.

Golden Day: Vaporetto to Burano from the Venice Fondamente Nove stop (Vap#12), and enjoy wandering amidst the colorful homes along the canals, lace shops, making a stop at Museo del Merletto to watch the lacemaking signore in action. Have lunch at Trattoria al Gatto Nero, for charming service and great seafood, prepared with risotto, grilled, or fried. (Fondamenta Giudecca 88, 041 730 120, closed Monday,www.gattonero.com)

More information about author Susan Van Allen can be found at her website, including a link to purchase the book. Thank you Susan!

what’s the best way to travel from A to B within Italy, how long will it take, and how much will it cost?

I’ve got lots of advice on driving in Italy and whether to rent a car, but for Italy itineraries that do not require a car, the Italian train system is incredibly efficient, relatively inexpensive, and much less hassle than driving. Here are the most frequently asked questions I get about Italy train travel, in no particular order.

Does the train work with my Italy itinerary?

This is usually the first question people ask and it’s the most complicated question to answer, especially for a beyond-the-obvious Italy itinerary. Italy’s train system is very extensive, so between fast trains and slow trains, travelers can get around most of the country by train. If you’re only traveling between major cities, then the answer is yes, you can do it all by train. If you’re traveling to smaller towns, then the answer is most likely yes, you can travel completely by train, but you will have to check train timetables on Trenitalia.com. The only way to get a definitive answer to this question is to plug your cities into the Trenitalia website and see whether a solution for train travel comes up.

What’s the difference between first class and second class on an Italian train?

Second class on Italian fast trains is actually quite nice, as you can see from this photo.

But, as you can see, this photo is of an empty train (and the older slow trains are not as nice but they often don’t have first class).  The big difference between first and second class on Italian trains is the level of chaos. Second class is where the majority of Italians travel, so it’s louder and more crowded, with more people yakking on cell phones and getting on and off at each station. If you enjoy immersing yourself in the hustle and bustle of Italian culture, then you’ll enjoy the atmosphere of second class. But, first class tickets are not much more expensive so if you prefer a quieter train experience, then buying first class tickets is probably worth it. And if you really value a quiet train, buy the Business Class silenzio tickets, if offered. It’s worth noting that the seats in first class are a little bit — but not a lot — nicer. The difference between first and second class on Italian trains is nowhere near as large as the difference between first and second class on the airlines.

Can I store my bags near my seat?

As you can see from the photo above, there are overhead storage areas above the seats for bags. And while there are several different configurations for trains, overhead storage space is not big enough for suitcases, so you’ll be able to store your briefcase or laptop or jacket or backpack up there, but not your luggage. When I travel with smaller suitcases I put them in the gap in between the seat backs, if they fit. If you’ve booked a compartment, then you’ll be able to store your luggage inside. The only other alternative is to put them in the luggage storage area near the doors, which looks like this:

Is my luggage safe in the luggage storage area on an Italian train?

Yes. At least, you don’t need to travel with a padlock and chain it down. Since the luggage storage is close to the train door, in theory I suppose somebody could grab your bag as they were getting off the train, but I’ve never heard of that happening. That said, if I were traveling with a large Prada suitcase that cost a few thousand dollars empty, I probably wouldn’t put it in that area, or at the very minimum I’d book a seat very nearby to keep an eye on it.

Can I buy food on the train?

Yes, there is a guy with a cart that comes around on some routes, selling sandwiches, snacks, and drinks, but I don’t recommend it.  Unless you buy a bag of potato chips, it’s probably the worst food you’ll eat in Italy. If you are traveling during a meal time, I recommend buying sandwiches in the train station before you get on the train — those are wonderful! And, if your train has a restaurant car, the food there is pretty good.

Picking a sandwich from a cafe in Roma Termini Train station…. so many options!

Are the bathrooms on Italian trains horrible?

The restrooms on the older slow trains should only be used in case of emergency, but the restrooms on the fast trains are modern and have running water, soap, and paper towels. That said, it doesn’t mean they’re clean. I generally try to avoid bathrooms in train stations and on trains if possible.

See? Not so bad, as long as it’s clean (and I can’t guarantee that)…

Do I need to buy Italian train tickets in advance?

I recommend buying train tickets for fast trains in advance for a few reasons. First, the prices are lower compared to buying them at the last minute. Second, every now and then, Italian trains sell out. But, when I travel to Italy, even in high season, unless I’m traveling with my kids I do not buy my train tickets in advance, in order to allow more flexibility in my schedule, and (touch wood / tocca ferro!) I’ve never had a problem. Even if you show up at the train station and the train you planned to take is sold out, trains in Italy run so frequently that there will likely be another train departing within a few hours. To buy train tickets in advance, I recommend using the Trenitalia website. Scroll down to see a video for how to buy tickets on this site. Note that this advice is for fast trains, which are the Frecciarossa or Frecciabianca or Frecciargento. For slower trains like Intercity or Regionale, it’s often not possible to buy tickets online in advance. You’ll have to buy them at the train station — but so will everyone else.

How do I buy Italian train tickets online?

[I buy train tickets for Gold and Platinum trip planning clients, but here’s the advice I give my coaching clients.] Use the Trenitalia website and you’ll get a train ticket sent to you in your email which you can print out and bring with you. But really all you need is the PNR number (see example ticket below). In the video below, I show you how I book tickets on the Trenitalia website. I use the Italian version of the website because it’s very straightforward (and last I checked, the English version of the site was not very easy to use). Note that you cannot buy train tickets online earlier than 90 days before the date of travel. So if you do a search for your route and it says your “solution is not available”, don’t assume tickets are sold out. More likely, it’s more than 90 days in advance or you’re trying to book a slow train.

About five minutes after you’ve completed your purchase, you’ll get an email from Trenitalia with an attachment which is your train ticket. It looks like this:

This ticket is for the fast Frecciarossa train 9572 from Rome’s Termini train station to Florence’s S. M. Novella train station on April 4th, 2015. This train departs at 10.05 am and arrives in Florence at 11.36 am. My clients are booked in carriage #1, seats 12D and 13D. When the conductor comes to check their ticket, all he cares about is that PNR number (which I have blanked out since this trip is in the future). Since I booked the tickets well in advance, they got a great price for a Business class itinerary.

What’s the best way to buy tickets in the train station?

The best way to buy tickets in any Italian train station, hands down, is at an automated machine. Large train stations like Roma Termini have dozens of these machines, and they offer the option of choosing a language so it’s incredibly easy to buy tickets. The main thing to remember when using automated machines in Italian train stations is that Italians have switched to credit cards with smart chips and PIN numbers, so if your card does not have a PIN, you should use your debit card in these machines. Otherwise, you’ll get to the screen that says “enter your PIN”, and you won’t have a PIN, and you’ll have to cancel the transaction and go stand in line to buy tickets from a teller.

One of the many banks of ticket machines at Roma Termini train station

Should I buy a rail pass for Italian train travel?

No. I used to do the math for clients and I finally stopped doing it when I never once recommended to anyone to buy a rail pass, so I’ve stopped spending time on it.

But, if you’d like a longer, more thorough answer with examples, head over to Italy Explained and read my friend Jessica’s excellent and detailed article on how to decide whether to buy a rail pass.

Is taking the train cheaper than renting a car in Italy?

Usually train tickets are cheaper than car rental, but not if you rent from dirt cheap auto dot com (I just made that up but you get the point), and of course it depends on the number of people traveling. The cars I book for my clients are quality cars from reputable car rental companies who offer excellent service and are not dirt cheap, because you get what you pay for. I usually tell people to budget about 80 euros per day for a car that holds 4 people plus luggage, and that price includes the car rental, gas, and tolls. It would be more expensive than 80 euros to buy four one-way tickets from Rome to Florence at the last minute. But, if you buy train tickets in advance (and if you have kids and travel on a Saturday when kids travel free) then it would cost less to buy four train tickets compared to renting a car. Cost should not be the only factor, though. It can be a huge hassle to have a car in Italy.

How do I figure out whether an Italian train station has luggage storage facilities?

If you’re getting off the train to do some sightseeing and then catching another train later in the day, you’ll definitely want to store your luggage at the station. In Italian, luggage storage is called deposito bagagli, and the Trenitalia website lists all services offered in each train station, by region, including whether the station has a deposito bagagli. As an example, here’s the information on all facilities in all train stations in the Veneto region.

I’ve heard about the new Italo trains – should I book with them or with Trenitalia?

Italo is a private train service that launched in 2003 for fast trains only, so that Trenitalia would not have a monopoly on train travel. Italo’s routes are not nearly as comprehensive as Trenitalia’s but its trains are newer. Italo trains use different stations, but those stations are still centrally located in major cities. The ticket prices are in the same ballpark, so if you are doing a lot of train travel on your Italy trip it might be fun to do some Italo and some Trenitalia just to try them both out.  Here’s a good overview comparing Italo and Trenitalia high speed trains.

How far in advance do I need to show up at the train station?

If you already have a train ticket, you don’t need to be at the train station more than about 20 minutes before your train departs. You need to allow time to walk from the front entrance to the departures board and check to see from which platform your train is leaving. Then you just need to have enough time to walk to that platform, and find the car and your seat.   You might need time to buy a panino or have a coffee or use the restroom, and of course, you need leeway because it’s Italy. But that’s it. If you don’t already have a ticket, add 20 minutes to buy a train ticket.

Italian train strikes? What are those?

I’m counting this as one question. Italian trains do go on strike but the good news is that strikes are announced well in advance so if one coincides with your trip, you’ll have time to figure out an alternative method of transport. I’ve written everything you need to know about Italian train strikes here.

Those are the most frequently asked questions I get from clients about Italy train travel, but if you have a question I haven’t covered feel free to leave it in the comments. These are quick questions with relatively short answers, but there’s a lot more to say about Italian train travel. If you are interested in reading more details with examples and lots of additional information about Italy train travel that is not covered here, Jessica from Italy Explained has written an ebook on Italian trains.

Top photo by Mariano Mantel on Flickr; Italo photo by Thierry Ilansades on Flickr. All other photos by Madeline Jhawar

Having access to experiences that are unique and authentic, while also enjoying above-and-beyond service and relaxing in maximum comfort, is an ideal recipe for a luxury vacation in Venice.

Luxury in Venice starts with an opulent hotel with views.

Five star hotels abound in Venice. Splurging on one of Venice’s top hotels means budgeting at least $1,500 per night, per room (and note for families, 4+ person rooms are not common). Maybe you don’t want to spend that much, or maybe you can spend more. But a comfortable hotel where you can relax and recharge is money well spent. For those rates, expect opulent decor, the best views, a centrally located oasis away from the tourist fray, and of course, impeccable service.

On a recent trip to Venice, my kids and I stayed at the Londra Palace Hotel, where I’ve sent many thrilled clients in the past. We arrived by private boat to the hotel’s dock about midnight, and when we awoke the next morning and opened the windows, we were greeted by this view:

Welcome to Venice! Our view from the Londra Palace Hotel.

Ahh, our own private spot to relax in comfort, smack dab in the center of the city and right on the water. While we ate the plate of cookies and chocolates left by the hotel (before breakfast! said the kids) and enjoyed our private view, here were the crowds just underneath that window:

Crowds heading over the Bridge of Sighs on Riva degli Schiavoni, Venice

With its Byzantine history, hotels in Venice often reflect that unique style of decor. I think the word opulent best describes Venice’s classic hotel decor, as you can see from our suite at the Londra Palace. There are of course hotels with modern design but for anyone who wants to experience the quintessential Venetian style, it’s easy to find rooms with heavy drapes made from luxurious fabrics, rooms with gilt details, and glass chandeliers.

Our 3-person suite at the Londra Palace Hotel. That wallpaper was velvet.

The Aman Hotel had recently opened, so after a large buffet breakfast on the terrace, we headed over to visit.  The self-proclaimed “seven star hotel” is right on the Grand Canal and has since made headlines as the location of George Clooney’s wedding. It has a beautiful peaceful inner courtyard, ornate chandeliered ballroom-style-yet-modern lounges, and incredible original frescoes by 18th century artist Giambattista Tiepolo in the common areas and even in some guest rooms.

The Aman Hotel’s most luxurious room, which sleeps two and costs about $5,000 a night, is covered in original frescoes by 18th century artist Giambattista Tiepolo.

Luxury in Venice is traveling by private water taxi.

Even if you’re a down-to-earth traveler, there’s no good reason to spend your valuable vacation time in Venice waiting in lines, fighting crowds, figuring out ticket machines, or jostling for standing-only room on Venice’s public boats, called vaporetti. Take a private water taxi directly from the airport to your hotel’s dock for about 100 euros. Hire a private boat for about 120 euros per hour in high season to take you on a tour of the islands of the lagoon, including Murano, Burano, and Torcello.

Photo of Venice private water taxi parked near the Rialto Bridge, by Mark Altsteil on Flickr

Luxury in Venice means no lines.

Visit St Mark’s Basilica after hours, taking your time to explore the details, with in-depth explanations from your own private guide. If you’re a guest at the Londra Palace, escape the crowds along Riva degli Schiavoni by booking lunch or a sunset aperitivo on their private rooftop terrace, which has 360 degree views of the city. Here’s my video from the top of the Londra Palace rooftop terrace.

The line to enter St Mark’s Basilica.

Luxury in Venice means enjoying authentic experiences.

The hotels are expensive, but there are lots of authentic experiences Venice has to offer that don’t cost much. If food and drink are a highlight of your trip, set aside time every day to partake in Venice’s pre-dinner culture. Don’t miss Venice’s iconic pre-dinner drink, the Bellini, especially if you’re there in high season when the peaches are ripe. I love Bellinis but my favorite pre-dinner drink from Venice is the Aperol spritz (it’s an acquired taste, though). I also recommend hiring a local food expert to take you on a tour of Venice’s small bites, or cicchetti, which are a uniquely Venetian experience and are much enhanced, in my opinion, with some explanation.

Cicchetti, yum! But yes, you’d probably like to know what you’re eating.

Or hire a personal shopper for a few hours, who can lead you through Venice’s maze of tiny streets, past the tourist shops selling glass, past the crowds of tourists snapping photos in front of Prada — to more artisanal stores, where you can meet paper makers, glass makers, wood workers, shoe makers and more. These artisanal stores are becoming rarer, unfortunately, and so are more difficult to find among the ever-growing selection of stores geared to tourists.

Go behind-the-scenes with local experiences: hire a private guide to take you to the glass-blowing island of Murano for private showings with glass-blowers for a more behind-the-scenes look, while everyone else watches the famous glass-blowing demo of the horse.

The bar at the Londra Palace Hotel makes the best Bellini I’ve ever had. This was in high season when the variety of peaches used for Bellini are ripe.

Luxury in Venice is not necessarily about spending your life savings or about getting VIP treatment 24/7. It’s about spending your time, money, and energy well. It’s about having access to good advice and excellent local guides in order to create a top-notch experience. [And, if you agree with these sentiments, you’re our ideal client! Let Italy Beyond the Obvious create a luxury Italy itinerary for your family or friends.]

In the interest of full disclosure: our stay at the Londra Palace Hotel was offered by the hotel.

Our group listening to the guide, who was about to take us on a hike and give an intro to rock climbing for anyone interested.

Multi generational travel tip #1: Carefully consider accommodation

What to think about…. You are taking this trip to be together, but do you want to be in one house or would people prefer to have nearby yet separate spaces? Do you want be in the countryside with a rental car, or would you prefer to get around by train, and be able to walk out your front door to go to dinner? Would you like to have a front desk available with helpful staff to answer questions, an onsite restaurant or bar where you can order a drink — or is a private villa a better fit for your group?

What we did this summer….. The group wanted to spend time together during fun daytime activities, but our family is spread far and wide, and we’re all used to having our own space. Some families needed an afternoon break for naps or downtime, while others had specific breakfast routines and wanted their own kitchen. There were several family members who didn’t know whether they would be able to join, so we were looking to book a place where we could add or cancel rooms if needed, with a nightly (not a weekly) rate. Booking nightly also allowed some travelers to arrive a day later and depart a day earlier and pay only for the days they stayed, which they appreciated. Finally, although the adults in our group were okay with driving in Italy, we wanted to be walking distance to a town to allow the older kids a bit of independence.

In the end we found the ideal accommodation: we booked self-catering accommodation (read: apartments) that were in one building. The building had a front desk with incredibly helpful staff, a playroom for the kids, a breakfast room which they let us use for evening gatherings, a laundry room, balconies and views, and free parking — yet was a short walk into the center of town. If you’re going to the Dolomites and interested in our specific accommodation, I would highly recommend it: Ciasa Antersies.

What I’ve planned for clients in the past...   For smaller groups, a hotel or city apartment works well. Booking 3 or 4 rooms in a centrally located hotel allows people to get around by train, make use of a helpful front desk, not worry about breakfast, and have many options for walking to dinner. Apartments offer the convenience of a central location and the flexibility of a kitchen. Countryside farmhouses, called agriturismi, are also excellent for family gatherings: guests get to know the owners, have breakfast included, and learn about the animals or the wine or olives or other crops produced. I have had many conversations with clients about villas, and a private countryside villa can certainly be a fantastic solution. However a villa has its limitations. First, any countryside location requires a rental car, which means everyone in the group must be okay to drive in Italy. Also, if you’d like to keep accommodation flexible for travelers who may join your group, a villa is not an expandable accommodation. And finally, villa rentals in Italy are in the vast majority of cases, Saturday-to-Saturday rentals only.

Sitting on the terrace of my cousin’s apartment drinking Prosecco after a day of walking in those mountains over there.

Multi generational travel tip #2: Plan and pre-book structured yet flexible activities

What to consider…. Do not book your accommodation and then plan to “see what people want to do” every morning, or you will not go anywhere before noon. Book based on interests and make sure there’s some structure – but not too much – to the trip.

What we did this summer…. We had a set meeting time for a pre-booked activity every morning at 9.30 am, but afternoons were flexible. Even with a planned meeting time, there was always someone who forgot something in their room and just had to run upstairs. [Meanwhile, someone else would order a coffee while they waited, and the kids would run off to play on the swings while they were waiting….]. Our morning activities included guided historical hikes, a cooking class, exploring local towns and museums, wine tasting, and one full day excursion: an easy but long bike ride to Austria. After the morning activity, we’d have lunch and then the youngest and the eldest headed back for naps or downtime while the rest of us extended our afternoon with our local guide. We’d then regroup for pre-dinner drinks and dinner.

What I’ve booked for clients in the past…. Family-friendly tours in art museums such as Florence’s Uffizi Gallery and Rome’s Vatican museums can bring history to life for the whole family. Local guides can lead the family on “scavenger hunt” type city walking tours to trick the kids in to learning about medieval history. Hands-on classes like pasta-making, mask-making, cheese-making or pottery painting are fun for everyone. In towns, the kids will often want to scramble up to the top of a tower while grandma & grandpa wait at a cafe in a nearby piazza, with the 2 year old who is chasing pigeons. Teenagers love adrenaline sports and can even ride in the back of a Ferrari. And, a day or half a day at the beach or on a boat is usually a lot of fun.

Easy – but long – bike ride to Lienz, Austria.

Multi generational travel tip #3: Have a plan for dinner

What to consider…. Breakfasts are often included with accommodation in Italy, and lunches can be figured out while you’re out and about. But don’t let the crowd get hungry and then start thinking about dinner. Wandering the streets of an Italian medieval hilltown at dinner time, looking for a table for two or four and discussing the options can be fun. But this approach for a table for 10 or more will leave everyone hungry and frustrated, or – best case scenario – seated at an ultra-touristy restaurant, looking at a menu in five languages.

What we did this summer…. We brought in pizza, did potluck-style dinners in the common room, booked a private wine tasting with food (and hired a babysitter), and went out a couple of nights for special meals.

What I’ve booked for clients…..  when people have an eating space large enough for everyone to gather, I usually book a private chef for at least one evening (and there are always leftovers). Ordering pizza is always great (call the local pizzeria and let them know you want it “da asporto” which means “to go” — and you may have to go pick it up). Another great way to eat at home without spending a lot of time cooking is to visit the local rosticceria – a sort of deli serving hot food – which has hot, pre-cooked main courses to serve buffet-style. A huge benefit of having a local cooking space is that the kids can eat early (Italian restaurants open for dinner no earlier than 7.30 pm) and then go to bed or play while the adults catch up on the day’s activities over a glass of wine – and then nobody has to drive home.

Several nights, we all contributed to a potluck-style dinner in the common room of our accommodation.

Our fantastic dinner at Pre de Costa restaurant. At sunset, those mountains turned pink.

Multi generational travel tip #4: Set Expectations

What to consider… Italy is a bucket list destination for many travelers. Some of your family members may want to get off the beaten track in Italy while others may want to see the country’s main sights or spend a few days at the beach. Your group may include luxury travelers and budget travelers, so you need to decide what sort of trip it’s going to be (with input, of course) and then set expectations.

What we did this summer… To decide what the itinerary would be, each person got one request. (Interests / requests included: not too hot even though it would be July (!), not too crowded, wine tasting, biking, kid-friendly, good food, cooking class, interesting history, not too far from Padova). We had a few travelers in our group this summer who had never been to Italy before, and when I told them we were spending a week in the Dolomites, they were disappointed that our itinerary didn’t include the main sights of Rome, Florence and Venice. They added ten days to the trip so that by the time they met up with us, they’d already visited Italy’s most famous tourist attractions.

What I’ve done for clients in the past… When I work with people, we spend a lot of time creating the overall itinerary. I brainstorm lots of ideas and send information and links about places and activities and accommodation I think they would like. All the expectations get set during this back and forth discussion, and we make sure that everyone’s priorities are met before we finalize their Italy itinerary.

Multi generational travel tip #5: Don’t be the leader

What to consider…. If you’re the person who is planning to kick start this plan into motion, pat yourself on the back! Planning this sort of trip is a lot of work, and you presumably would like to relax while on vacation with your family. You do not want to fill the role of tour leader for your group. So hire local guides and leave the fun in their hands. Even better, hire Italy Beyond the Obvious and outsource the planning.

What we did this summer….. Having worked as a tour leader in the past, I was happy to take on that role with my family, although I booked one activity with a local guide every day so that I wasn’t in charge of everything all the time.

What I’ve done for clients in the past… The multi generational trips we plan for people at Italy Beyond the Obvious usually start with a conversation in which my new client says that they don’t want to be responsible for creating the trip of a lifetime for every single person on the trip. It’s too much pressure, they tell me. And from there, I take over the Italy planning…

This slideshow does not feature any places in Rome, Florence, Venice, Siena, Pisa, the Cinque Terre, or the Amalfi Coast, and even given that, it was tough to narrow it down to just 23 spots and experiences! The slides in the slideshow below are sort-of-kind-of in geographic order from north to south along the Italian peninsula. Please contact me for further details about any of these places. They are all fantastic spots to include on a unique Italy itinerary!