As you know I moved to the Netherlands a while…
How to plan the perfect Italy itinerary
Italy is the land of romance, comfort food, good wine and beautiful art. However, when planning for a trip to Italy, it is easy to become overwhelmed by all of the fantastic opportunities on offer. Trying to see everything in a short amount of time can be exhausting, and it might leave you in need of another holiday, so preparing an itinerary can really help to narrow it down! It would take months (if not years) to explore Italy fully, but assuming that this is not a possibility for you, continue reading to discover some helpful hints and tips about planning the perfect itinerary for your upcoming Italian adventure!
1. How long have you got?
Obviously, the amount of time you have in a location is going to influence your trip’s itinerary drastically. If you only have five days to experience Italy, then you don’t want to have to spend two of those days travelling from place to place! Italy is larger than it looks, so make sure you take into account how long it takes to travel between destinations. It might make more sense staying in one place to explore that area entirely, rather than hopping from one destination to another and never having time to take it all in.
2. Timing is key
If you are travelling to Italy during the summer, you will need to prepare yourself for negotiating crowds of tourists in the sweltering Mediterranean heat! The best time to visit Italy is usually during the spring and autumn, especially during May and September when the temperatures are relatively comfortable and there are fewer tourists.
3. Location, location, location
The most important question to answer before putting together an itinerary for your holiday is where are you going to be based? Do you want to spend your entire break in Rome? If so, you will be spoiled with things to do, and it serves as a good base for getting around to other destinations such as Naples, Pompeii and the nearby beaches. If you would like a more relaxed holiday, then don’t miss out on Northern Italy’s great lakes, Tuscany or the Italian Riviera.
4. Do some research
Doing no research before reaching your holiday destination is a sure-fire way to get sucked into tourist traps and miss out on beautiful sites and activities. So, be sure to do some research before leaving and you will help make sure that your holiday is one to remember for the rest of your life.
5. Accommodation galore
Whether you are on a strict budget or splashing out on a honeymoon – Italy has something for you. Budget hotels, hostels, camping, caravans, trailers, B&Bs, private rentals, luxury hotels and spa resorts fill the towns, cities and countryside of Italy. If you are staying in one place for your entire holiday then splashing out on a fancy hotel makes sense, but if you want to travel around Italy (either in its entirety or just a part of it) then you might want to consider hiring a car or camper van so that you can enjoy a more authentic (not to mention cheaper) holiday!
