We have so much information at our fingertips that planning a trip to Italy can be a daunting, overwhelming task. Which places to include, where to stay, how long to stay, travelling between destinations, local experiences, where to eat - it can become stressful. Travel is fraught with the unknown and the unexpected, especially if travelling to a different country. Even when you arrive, it’s easy to spend more time figuring things out than actually experiencing them.
How you choose to explore can shape your entire trip, whether you’re seeking relaxation at a romantic villa in the Tuscan countryside; hungry to eat your way around Italy; or wanting total immersion in the history and culture.
Whichever way you travel, it should include enough time to truly understand and appreciate the essence and soul of a place. Unforgettable memories are created by having time to enjoy aperitivo in the main piazza, eat at the local trattoria, meet some locals, take an early morning walk on cobblestone streets, capture a sunrise and sunset.
It is easy to fall into the trap of fitting in as much as possible when travelling a long way. Time is limited and a holiday in Italy may only happen once. I get it, but how often do travellers return home with a thousand photos of Rome, Florence, Venice, Cinque Terre, Amalfi Coast and memories of a bad meal, rude taxi driver, long queues, wasted time and too many tourists. Where were the local experiences, wonderful conversations and new friendships with beautiful Italian people?
Tips for independent travellers
You have total freedom because you choose your itinerary, set your own pace, make spontaneous choices, sometimes stumble upon hidden gems by accident. Every year I travel independently before and after tours when I am researching new itineraries, so my best tips for independent travellers are:
Take a guided walking tour if visiting a city for the first time. Guides are often passionate locals or experts who love their city and know its history and culture inside out. You’ll find yourself walking down streets you may not have discovered on your own and pick up recommendations for where to eat.
When visiting a city with famous attractions, for example the Colosseum in Rome, always book a guided tour before you arrive. Being approached at the Colosseum does not guarantee an expert guide. Booking with a reputable company means avoiding the long queues to enter a site. A good guide doesn’t just tell facts and dates. With enthusiasm, passion and incredible knowledge, they explain why it matters, telling you stories that make history come alive in a way that you will remember. It’s a vastly different experience to walking around the Colosseum on your own and feeling awestruck, but having no idea what it all means.
Learn some basic language and don’t be afraid to use it. It makes a big difference when you know the correct words for greetings, please and thank you. It doesn’t matter if you get it wrong because Italians appreciate it when tourists make an effort.
Understand the ‘Do’s and Don’ts of Italian Etiquette’ because it can be the difference between a bad experience and a great experience. Believe me, there are many food rules.
Understand the culture. There’s no point getting impatient at the local market when the fruttivendolo is deep in conversation with Nonna catching up on local gossip, even though there are six people waiting. If they are Italian, they are patiently waiting for their turn because that’s just the way it is. If you have finished your meal and have been sitting there for twenty minutes waiting for a bill, don’t get angry. You have to ask for your bill because Italians consider it rude to bring the bill to the table before you have asked for it. Can I have the bill please - “posso avere il conto per favore”.
Trevi Fountain, Rome
Get up early and visit iconic attractions, no matter where you are. It’s the best time of the day without tourists. Tourists who complain about crowds are the ones who try and visit at the same time as everyone else. Don’t even think about visiting the Trevi Fountain after 8:00am.
Always, always talk to locals. Ask for recommendations. They know. Far better than Trip Advisor!
A surreal experience traversing the slopes of Mount Etna
Advantages of Small Group Tours
Many tour companies offer small group tours for 15-25 people. That’s not a small group. A Ciao Italy tour will never be more than twelve people. A small group tour should provide peace of mind, with the planning and logistics organised down to the smallest detail so that all you have to do is pack a bag. This is what you can expect from a Ciao Italy tour that began with an idea 17 years ago.
Fifteen years experience travelling the length and breadth of Italy (lost two years to Covid).
Itineraries designed with cultural depth to expose you to traditions, art and history.
Three night stays so there is time to explore and enjoy the daily rituals of Italian life.
Opportunities every day, everywhere, to meet locals, whether an artisan, chef, guide or owner of our accommodation.
Hand-picked accommodation that is family owned, intimate, authentic and perfectly located.
Places less explored that you may never have heard of, or are difficult to reach.
Knowledge and experience on where to eat the best Italian food, generally where the locals eat.
Private transfers and no time wasted in travelling from one destination to the next.
A choice of soft adventure activities guided by amazing locals and unique local experiences.
Options every day to appeal to different interests with free time to wander at leisure.
Experience in knowing how to visit popular destinations and avoid tourists on mass.
A favourite bar in Gallipoli, Puglia
However you choose to experience Italy, embrace every moment of every day with enthusiasm, curiosity, respect, energy and excitement because Italy has it all - history you want to devour, incredible art, diverse landscapes with extraordinary beauty, the best food on the planet (as recognised by UNESCO in 2025), warm, friendly people and a culture that you want to totally immerse yourself in.
Ci vediamo la prossima settimana.
Deb