Main Menu

Italy Travel Tips

/ Europe, Italy / By

I chose to travel in May to beat the crowds and intense heat.

SIM card for overseas can be ordered ahead of time with TravSIM or purchase card from TIM cellphone store  (don’t get it at airport as they charge you more).  I got 70G of data and unlimited Italy calls good for 30 days for €35.  It was a god send for navigating.

*Car rental:  Auto Europe (autoeurope.nl) or    Knowleggi (Florence)

  • I booked ahead of time with Knowleggi and they were great.  Competitive rates and friendly, helpful staff
  • for road trip thru Tuscany set Google Maps to  “Avoid Highways and Tolls” so you’re not on the highway as you’ll miss all the beauty of the area
  • If you do take a toll highway, it’s €.70 and there’s an English option on the machine so easy to figure out.  Just have change handy!
  • Need International Driver’s Licence
  • Take photos of vehicle, inside and out, before leaving pick-up

TRAINS

  • no need to buy tix ahead of time for regional trains (ie Pisa to Florence, Florence to Siena).  Tix are non-refundable and non-changeable so better to wait.  Buy tix at station from ticket office or self-service Fast Ticket machines (English option & take credit cards), validate in the green/yellow validating machines at the entrance of the platform (pay fine if you don’t) and sit in any empty seat. If you do buy your tickets online you do not need to validate them!!
  • buy tix ahead of time for long distance trains (ie Rome to Florence, Milan to Venice).  All seats are reserved so can sell out.  Trenitalia has cheap advance purchase fares such as cheap economy or super-economy fare with limited or no refunds or changes.  Book with ItaliaRail.com.  Usually ticketless and you give PNR booking reference on board train.  ItaliaRail charges a processing fee but will refund it if you email them at seat61@italiarail.com quoting your booking reference.
  • platform times may be posted only 10-20mins before departure so don’t panic
  • If you purchased your ticket ahead of time and it’s ticketless (email only) you will need to find the entrance in the station that doesn’t require you to scan a bar code.  It’s not clearly marked and the staff isn’t always super helpful.  Be sure to arrive early
  • Your carriage is marked on the platforms so you know which car to get on to if you have an assigned seat
  • Italia Rail doesn’t have a schedule per se.  You need to plug in the info like you’re buying a ticket to find out the train departures.  If you’re close to the time you’re wanting to leave and want to see a schedule, choose the same day of the week, a week later to see all the times 
  • If you have a connecting train be sure to give yourself at least 15 minutes between connections as the trains are often late
  • The transport workers go on scheduled strikes quite often so be aware you may need to rebook.  See the staff at the station 
  • www.raileurope.com books international trains

TRAIN STATIONS:

  • Rome:  Stazione Termini is main station and walking distance from sights.  Take high speed Frecciarossa & Frecciargento trains to Venice, Florence etc.  Check times & fares at www.italiarail.com.  Reservation required.
  • Vatican City:  has it’s own suburban station, Roma San Pietro
  • Venice:  Venice Santa Lucia is main station within Venice.  Venezia Mestre is on manland so always book to Santa Lucia
  • Florence:  Firenze Santa Maria Novella is main station (abbreviated to SMN) within city centre.
  • Milan: Milano Centrale is main station in city centre.  Milan Porta Garibaldi is also central and a 6euro taxi to city centre.  Some Malpensa airport trains arrive at Milan Cadorna, a small terminus also located in the city centre, although other Malpensa airport trains run to Milan Porta Garibaldi and Milan Centrale.  Take high speed Frecciarossa & Frecciabianca trains to Venice, Florence, Rome etc.  Check times & fares at www.italiarail.com.  Reservation required
  • Lake Como: Como San Giovanni
  • Verona: Verona Porta Nuova is main station
  • Pisa:  local train from Florence will take you to either Pisa Centrale station (2km from Tower) or Pisa S Rossore station (5-10min walk to Tower).  Some trains go direct to Pisa S Rossore, 1 stop beyond Pisa Centrale and others require a change at Pisa Centrale station.
  • Siena:  one station which is at the foot of the hill.  Series of escalators and moving walkways that take you to the top of the hill to Porta Camollia at the entrance to the old town.
  • Cinque Terre: Main station is in La Spezia and all trains go here.  Most regional trains stop at Monterosso.  The other 4 villages are linked by the regional trains between La Spezia and Genoa

AIRPORT TRAIN CONNECTIONS:

  • Milan Malpensa Airport:  regional trains from airport to Milan Centrale every 30mins, journey time is 52mins, fare 12euro and purchase tix at station
  • Rome Fiumicino Airport:  Leonard Express trains run from airport to Rome Termini every 30mins, journey time is 32mins, fare 14euro and purchase tix at station
  • OR from Terminal 3 of the Fiumicino Airport, you take the SIT shuttle bus (the cost is 7 euros) and get off at VATICAN stop (Via Crescenzio) and from here in few minutes on foot you arrive at Colonna Luxury Suites

CITY BUSES:

  • using Google Maps they’re easy to navigate as Google tells you what bus to take ,  where to catch it and the schedule.  Can buy tix at tabacchi shops or on board for a little more 
  • When you see your bus stick your hand out as they don’t always stop at every stop
  • Be sure to validate your ticket on board if you purchased your tix ahead of time 

Rome

  • Colosseum (go at night too). Easily accessible by subway.  Doors open at 8:30am but arrive earlier to avoid crowds or buy ticket in advance.  I highly recommend Roman Vacations for a tour and be sure to book the floor option!
  • Arch of Constantine next to the Colosseum
  • 10min walk to Roman Forum and Palatine Hill (ticket purchased for Colosseum gives access to these)
  • lunch at Humus Bistrot
  • Piazza Venezia to see Altare Della Patria (Vittorio Emanuele II Monument) that has panoramic view of entire city.  If you want to go to the top, you have to purchase a ticket.  Not allowed to sit on monument or stairs. 
  • Castel Sant’Angelo (go before 9am as tours start at this time)
  • St Angelo Bridge
  • Pantheon at Piazza Della Rotonda
  • Trevi Fountain (go at night too)
  • Spanish Steps (not allowed to sit on steps)
  • get Gelato at Gelateria Valentino
  • Piazza Navona
  • winding streets of Trastevere (most romantic neighbourhood)
  • for view go to the Ponte Garibaldi and go down along the Tiber River until you see the arches of Ponte Sisto and the dome of St Peter’s Basilica
  • Campo de Fiori (ringed with cafes, wine bars and restaurants)
  • via Condottti
  • lunch at Cencio La Parolaccia in Trastevere area
  • Gelato at Gelateri Valentino
  • Pizza at Bonci (best pizza in Rome)
  • best area to stay are aournd Vatican City or near Termini Station.  I stayed near the Vatican at Colonna Luxury Suites.  They have single rooms but also apartments.

       TIPS:

  • Rome has two airports.  Fiumicino is connected to Rome Termini (main train station) by express train for 14euro.  Ciampino has shuttles buses that will drop you at the subway station in the middle of Rome.  
  • Getting around Rome:  has a subway system thru entire city but doesn’t run thru much of historical centre.  Single ticket is 1.5euro to anywhere in the city.  Buses are slower but can help you reach areas that subway doesn’t go.  Bus tix purchased at Metro stations and Tavacchi (Tobacco) shops.  If you buy Rome Card, you can use public transport for 3 days in a row tourscanner.com 
  • Good to visit year-round with comfortable temperatures in winter (November to March).  Spring is best weather to walk around in (April – May)

Vatican City

  • Go early!  Everything opens at 7AM and a line will already be forming
  • purchase tickets ahead of time.  I used Get Your Guide to purchase my after-hours ticket for the Sistine Chapel to avoid the crowds.  Could be closed on Sundays.
  • St Peter’s Square
  • You can visit St Peter’s Basilica for free (will need to arrive first thing in the morning to avoid a very long line), but if you want access to the Dome use Get Your Guide to book St Peter’s Basilica with Dome climb (definitely recommend).  I recommend booking an early morning tour to avoid the crowds.  OR you can go without a tour and visit St Peter’s Basilica and pay 10euro for the dome.  Opens at 7AM and a line will already be forming.  Avoid the weekends!  (dress appropriately with knees and shoulders covered).  TIP:  If planning to visit the Vatican Museum, you can go directly to St Peter’s Basilica via the museum and skip the line
  • Vatican Museum.  
  • Sistine Chapel
  • lunch at Cafe Meme Bistrot

Florence, Tuscany 

  • best way to reach Florence is by train.  From Rome, 80mins on high-speed train
  • start the day early at Palazzo Vecchio, town hall. Can go inside from 9am-7pm. Buy tix at tourscanner.com Skip-the-Line Tickets to the Palazzo Vecchio
  • Piazza Della Signoria
  • continue to Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore.  Free to visit unless you want to climb to the top of the dome which is 460+ steps.  Buy tix weeks in advance as it sells out tigets.com/en/florence
  • If you just want to visit the Cathedral part I suggest going later in the day as the line-up when it opens is massive.  It’s usually open 10:30-5pm.  I went at 3pm and only waited 15 mins.
  • walk towards Arno River to Ponte Vecchio (visit early morning to watch sunrise and avoid crowds).  Have a snack at S.forno
  • Cross Ponte Vecchio, turn right and wander through the streets on the other side of the river.  Less visited and nice getaway from the busy streets.  Make your way to Ponte Alla Carraia.  Before you cross get a Gelato at Gelateria La Carraia
  • Piazza Santa Croce and the Santa Croce Basilica
  • Michelangelo’s David sculpture at Galleria dell’Accademia (buy tix ahead of time to avoid long lines).  Get Your Guide Florence: Accademia Gallery Fast-Track Ticket
  • Piazza della Repubblica (carousel in the square)
  • Boboli Gardens (not really worth the €10)
  • View the city from the river on gondola type boat (goes under Ponte Vecchio)
  • Check out a Vespa tour outside of the city (I wish I had done it as I heard rave reviews from a fellow traveler)
  • Sunset/sunrise at Piazzale Michelangelo (view of city and the Duomo).  
  • Sunset from a rooftop bar  La Terrazza or Robiglio
  • Sunset at Piazza del Duomo
  • Absolute best sunset view is from rooftop of B&B La Terrazza Sul Duomo (must stay there to view)
  • lunch at Osterio All’antico Vinaio (best focaccia bread sandwiches).  There will be a huge line but don’t panic as they actually own 3 shops all next to each other that sell the same stuff
  • lunch at Nerbone in Mercato Centrale. Try tripe sandwich which is specialty of Florence
  • snack at S.forno
  • Gelato at Gelateria La Carraia
  • Dinner at Trattoria San Pierino or Ristorante Brandolino
  • Best pizza at Berbere Santa Croce
  • Drinks with a view at Osteria Ponte Vecchio (door is hard to find but walk through to the end and you’ll see small tables on a patio overlooking Arno River)
  • stayed at Cimatori B&B.  Fantastic location, clean rooms and not too pricey considering it’s locale.  The breakfast consists of muesli, yoghurt, pastries and coffee/cappuccino 
  • best day trip from Florence: Siena, Pisa and Tuscan countryside w/ lunch and wine tasting.  Get Your Guide From Florence:  Tuscany Day Trip with Optional Lunch and Wine OR rent car and do on your own (see below)

Colle di Val d’Elsa

  • Sentier Elsa (The Elsa Trail) is a stunning, secluded walking path along milky blue waters and waterfalls close to Colle di Val d’Elsa (30mins from Siena)
  • easiest to reach by car or can take local bus #130 or #131 from centre of Siena
  • 2.5km trail ending at Diborrato Waterfall
  • trail starts at Ponte di Spugna (Spugna Bridge) located in Colle di Val d’Elsa or San Marziale Bridge (better starting at Spugna Bridge and ending at waterfall).  On both bridges there’s a path indicated with signs of the trail
  • great for swimming but watch out for hidden boulders
  • no toilets or change area
  • plenty of free parking spaces on nearby streets but make sure there aren’t any blue lines on the street as this indicates paid parking
  • busier on weekends so go early
  • wear good shoes as the trail can be slippery at points (I wore sneakers and I was fine)
  • mosquito spray!!

Siena, Tuscany

  • Piazza del Campo
  • climb 400 steps to top of Torre del Mangia for view
  • every July 2 and Aug 16th city hosts a huge horse race known as Palio 
  • Chiesa di Santa Maria in Provenzano
  • Duomo di Siena
  • most parts of the centre aren’t accessible for cars but can park for free at Parcheggio Pubblico Gratuito Il Campino for free and walk 10 mins to centre
  • eat dinner at Osteria Permalicoa, breaky at Caffetteria Fiorella (Torrefazion Fiorella)
  • stay at hotel that is near the centre (I stayed at Hotel Duomo which is very basic with great location but very dated., thin walls and subpar breakfast. I wouldn’t recommend.  Better places to stay)
  • drive to Saturnia from Siena and see the villages and beautiful landscapes including view with the famous trees of Tuscany at Strada Provinciale del Pecorile

Saturnia, Tuscany 

  • spa town with thermal hot springs, Cascata del Mulino di Saturnia, heated by nearby volcano located between Siena (2hr drive) and Rome (3hr drive)
  • best option is to rent a car and spend the night
  • NOT part of the spa resort and FREE to visit 24/7 (best to be there before 7am)
  • no changing facilties so change in car or arrive in your swimsuit
  • may want to wear water shoes due to the small pebbles (I wore socks and was fine)
  • I stayed at B&B 8380 – Pian Del Molino which is a 10 min walk to the springs.  Basic but clean, quiet and very welcoming.  Breakfast was meats and cheeses, cereal, yoghurt, bread  and pastries.  
  • explore little village of Montemerano (great restaurants)

Pienza, Tuscany 

  • quaint historic town with lots of charm and hidden alleyways (loved it!)

Montepulciano, Tuscany

  • perched high up on a hillside it affords some amazing views of the countryside
  • Beautiful town with great restaurants 

Pisa, Tuscany 

  • day trips from Florence by train from Santa Maria Novella station (express train 50-60 mins) and from Rome by train is a long day as you’ll go from Florence to Rome (2hrs) and then on to Pisa
  • leaning tower of Pisa located in Campo dei Miracoli (visit early morning)
  • purchase tix ahead of time if you want to climb it (www.towerofpisa.org/tickets).  Entry is every 30mins.  All bags have to be left with security.
  • Cathedral di Pisa
  • Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri
  • Piazza dei Cavalieri
  • The Baptistery
  • Arno River
  • Lungarni di Pisa viewpoint and then head east for more churches and palazzos
  • If staying overnight can stay at Five Roses B&B or Pisa Train Station Guest House OR Gialel Pisa (I stayed at B&B Retrò which was basic but great location and clean.  Lots of food for breaky incl pastries, bread, meats & cheeses and fresh fruit.)

Cinque Terre, Liguria 

  • go in off season to experience it without a lot of tourists.  Vist before 9am and after 4:30pm as majority of visitors make a day trip
  • if driving, you will need to park outside of the villages (easier to take train from La Spezia if coming from Florence/Rome OR take train from Levanto if coming from Milan/Genoa)
  • can visit all 5 towns in a day but will be rushed.  They all connect by ferry or train.  Easiest way to get around is by train which runs every 20-30 mins.  Can purchase single train ticket for 4 euro, a Cinque Terre day pass for 16 euro or multi-day day pass for how many days you need.  Purchase tix ahead of time at italiarail.com.  If you do buy your ticket online ahead of time, you don’t have to validate it using the green machines at the station (after a frustrating 15mins of trying to figure out how to scan my ticket, I finally confirmed with an employee I didn’t need to!
  • You can hike between the villages on the Sentiero Azzurro trail which connects all 5 villages and will take approx 5hrs (11km) but remember to purchase your park pass.  OR you can take the ferry which runs from April 1 – Nov 1 for 25 euro for a day pass (the ferry doesn’t stop in Corniglia). 
  • Scola Tower (off the coast of La Spezia) unsure how to visit
  • perfect home base is Riomaggiore village as it’s closest to La Spezia and the largest village.  Stay at Hotel Villa Argentina (views, private patios, basic rooms) OR stay in La Spezia where you can find cheaper accommodation
  • I stayed in La Spezia in an Airbnb called Art-Architecture studio.  Not a scenic town but cheaper than staying in Cinque Terre.  Apartment was decent with small kitchen if you want to cook and a laundromat around the corner.  
  • I wish I had paid a little more money and stayed in Riomaggiore or Manarola.  Better atmosphere and you’re in the heart of Cinque Terre
  • If you stay in La Spezia a great place for an afternoon drink on the harbour is Piccolo Faro

Riomaggiore: largest village.  View of harbour.

  • great breakfast at Old School Cocktails & Food
  • Picturesque 

Manarola: oldest village, less visited and good walking routes.  View from Nessun Dorma terrace

  • eat at Trattoria del Billy (worth the climb. Great food and beautiful view.)
  • Wine at Cantina Burasca (comes with a small food plate incl cheese, tomatoes, etc)
  • Best sunsets 

Corniglia: least visited, is only accessed by taking the stairs up from the train station (train doesn’t stop in the centre) or by shuttle bus from the station

Vernazza:  Castello Doria and Chiesa di Santa

  • didn’t find this one as picturesque as the others despite what others online said

Monterosso:  beaches.  Not as beautiful as the other villages

  • rent a sun bed & umbrella at one of the lidos.  Usually open at 9am so get there early to have your choice of bed.  Usually €25-50 & have toilets, changing areas, restaurants, etc but when I visited in May I got a bed & umbrella for €10 for the day and it wasn’t too busy.

Portovenere: not part of Cinque Terre but worth a visit.  Medieval village lots of little streets, harbour with terraces, Chiesa di San Pietro.  Can get here by taking bus from La Spezia

Bologna, Emilia Romagna

  • go to centre of the old town, Piazza Maggiore (walk around the square. Don’t cut across it. Bad luck!) and go to Basilica de San Petronio and Palazzo dei Banchi, then head through the archways to Via Pescherie Vecchi 1 (cool street with cafes)
  • The Two Towers (book ticket in advance)
  • Piazza Santo Stefano (beautiful square) and check out Church of Saint Bartholomew and Cajetan, and Chiesa del Santo Sepolcro, and Abbazia Santo Stefano along the way
  • experience Aperitivo time, when drinks flow with free snacks (try local wine Lambrusco or Sangiovese)
  • dinner at L’osteria dei Grifoni near the old centre (semi-underground family run restaurant)
  • famous for it’s food, including gelato so take a gelato tour starting at Piazza Maggiore:
  •     Stop 1:  La Torinese 1888
  •     Stop 2: La Sorbetteria Castiglione
  •     Stop 3: Cremeria Santo Stefano
  •     Stop 4:  Cremeria Cavour 
  • Bologna University (oldest university in Western world).  Be sure to visit the anatomical theatre, Palazzo Poggi, the Reale Collegio di Spagna and Palazzo dell’Archiginnasio.  Try to book a ticket for a performance at Teatro Comunale de Bologna or at least join a tour to see it during the day by booking the evening before.
  • Finestrella (canals within the city)
  • Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca (can walk or take the tourist train that leaves from Piazzo Maggiore).  Beautiful views of the city and great for sunset.
  • walk through the Porticos (40km of them in Bologna!) back down to the city centre
  • Mercato di Mezza (marketplace open late with food and shops)
  • dinner at Trattoria Ana Maria
  • drinks at Ghetto Ebraico
  • Pizzeria Due Torri for lunch (quick service and cheap for a quick slice)
  • stay near the city centre.  It’s a bit of a trek from for the train station but nice to be near all the sights.  
  • I stayed near Piazza Maggiore at Casa Isolani Santo Stefano which I loved.  Very clean, quiet and my room had a view of the two towers and church spires.  It was in a square with a beautiful church and great little restaurants with massive patio seating.  The breakfast was at a nearby patisserie and was typical Italian fare with a croissant, tea/coffee and juice.
  • I found 2 days was more than enough in Bologna and used the 3rd day to do a day trip to Ferrara

Ferrara, Emilia Romagna

  • good day trip from Bologna (30 mintues from central train station if you pick the right train)
  • Can hire a bike to explore (I walked it easily)
  • Castello Estense in city centre (go to rooftop for view)
  • Cathedral of Ferrara
  • Diamanti Palace
  • Palazzo Municpale and Piazza Savonarola
  • walk the old city walls
  • Volte Street 
  • Rotonda Foschini
  • Le Mura Di Ferrara
  • Porta Paola
  • Chiesa di San Cristoforo alla Certosa
  • sunset at Canale di Burana (outside of town)

Venice 

       Day 1

  • Ponte di Rialto (Rialto Bridge) Visit at 630AM to watch locals unloading veggies and fish from the boats.  Walk down the bridge to the square at Sotoportego de l’Ebaria for fresh croissant & espresso.
  • From Rialto Bridge walk to the rooftop of Fondaco Dei Tedeschi for amazing view (shopping mall and free to visit but limit of 40 people so must make reservation inside mall.  Amazing at sunset but almost impossible in high season.
  • Libreria Acqua Alta (cool bookstore)
  • the back canals are quieter with tiny bridges spanning the narrow lanes and the gondolas gliding by
  • gondolas have fixed prices (approx 80 euro for 30 min.)  Don’t go on Grand Canal (too busy).  Gondolier LuckyLuca6@hotmail.com or WhatsApp +39 340 5216063 is rated the best in the city and will take you through the quieter neighbourhoods. 
  • eat lunch at Farini
  • Take vaporetto ride from San Marco-San Zaccaria “E” or “F” to San Giorgio Maggiore church. Entry is free, but €6 to access tower for view (cash only)
  • Try fritoin (seafood on a stick) at Frito Inn

       Day 2

  • St Mark’s Square at dawn to avoid crowds
  • Doge’s Palace.  Visit at 830AM (I highly recommend booking a tour for the Basilica and Doge’s Palace to skip the huge lines.  I used Get Your Guide to book my morning tour.
  • Basilica De San Marco (St Mark’s Basilica)
  • Bridge of Sighs (only accessed through Doge’s Palace)
  • lunch at Pako’s Pizza & Pasta
  • dinner at Ristorante Rosa Rossa

        Day 3

  • Scala Contarini del Bovolo (spiral staircase leading to the top of the building with panoramic views of the city).  6 euro
  • Cross Ponte dell’ Accademia bridge and walk around the student area called Dorsoduro and make your way to tip of the island towards Basilica Santa Maria Della Salute
  • Visit Cannaregio (area where locals live).  Look for Fondamente de La Misericordia (fave canal-side street)
  • lunch at Panini e Vini da Babbo
  • Church of Santa Maria Assunta
  • visit Basilica di San Pietro di Castello in Old Venice (area is beautiful with old, colourful buildings, cheap food, few tourists and friendly locals)
  • optional trip is to Burano Island.  1hr boat trip from Venice.  Small island with colourful painted buildings.  Don’t do a tour as it’s easy on your own and you can take your time 

       TIPS

  • Best Viewpoints:  Rialto Bridge, Ponte de Sospiri, Ponte dell’Accademia, Ponte Chiodo, Ponte del Paradiso, Ponte dei Pugni, Ponte Maria Callas
  • Dorsoduro District over Ponte dell’Accademia is pretty
  • Cannaregio and Old Venice pretty areas to explore
  • Make sure to try a mezzo-mezzo or Spritz Veneziano drink (noon onwards)
  • Eat cicchetti!  Try it at Al Squero and Cantine del Vino già Schiavi
  • Restaurants:  Il Paradiso Perduta, Al Timon (spritz & cicchetti), Vino Vero (wine & cicchetti), Bacaro Risorto Cannaregio (spritz & artisan beers), Farini (best croissants), Pako’s Pizza & Pasta (cheap, fresh pizza near Piazza San Marco)
  • If you enjoy classical music go to Scuola Grande DI San Teodoro for a live concert with the musicians dressed in 18th century baroque costumes.
  • getting around:  ACTV water buses run every 5-15mins depending on stop and can check departure times with Google Maps.  One-way tix is 7,50euro but can buy one or multiple day card starting at 20euro
  • I stayed at an Airbnb in the Cannaregio area which was fantastic (called Apartment Overlooking Canal).  Tiny patios overlooking the canal, lots of great restaurants, very clean, kitchenette, and the host Sofia is lovely (she welcomed me with fresh fruits, yoghurts, tea, coffee, etc).  Takes about 25 mins to walk to Piazza San Marco or can take a water bus and cut the travel time in half

Verona 

  • Casa di Giuletta (Juliet House from Romeo and Juliet). Opens at 9am.  Very crowded
  • amphitheater (The Verona Arena)
  • west of the amphitheater and towards the river, walk across Ponte Castelvecchio (medieval bridge with lots of viewpoints)
  • Castelvecchio castle is connected to one end of the bridge
  • Wander through Centro Storico (historic centre)
  • View from Torre Dei Lamberti
  • Piazza dell Erbe
  • walk across Ponte Pietra
  • Climb to Piazzale Castel San Pietro (best views of Verona)
  • Basilica of St Anastasia (opens at 10:30 – 5:30pm Mon-Fri)
  • Basilica Di San Zeno Maggiore (opens at 10:30-1pm, 2:30-5:30pm Mon-Fri)
  • Arco dei Gavi (Roman gate)
  • Arche Scaligere (tombs)
  • Chiesa di San Fermo Maggiore
  • Ponte Pietro for sunset over the Duomo
  • Eat at Caffè Monte Baldo.  Amazing food and excellent service in a quaint restaurant with outdoor seating in a quiet alley
  • I stayed at Scalzi Hotel which is in need of a reno but the staff were great, I was allowed to check in at 8:30am, the location was perfect and breakfast in the courtyard was really nice.  Of note, my shower was so small I couldn’t move so that was the only real downside.

TIPS

  • purchase the Verona Card if you plan on visiting many of the sites as it gives you free entry.  Can choose between 24 – 48 hr time frame.  Purchase online and then exchange your voucher for the card at the tourist info office
  • Some of the more popular sites have limited entries so reserve ahead of time online even if you’ve purchased Verona Card.  Deselect the default option to purchase a ticket and select the Verona Card
  • In the summer there are live shows at The Arena.  From what I saw online it would be an amazing experience.  I didn’t get to go as I was there too early in the year.  You can check the schedule at www.arena.it

Milan 

  • Arco della  Pace in Piazza Sempione
  • Milan Cathedral (one of the largest churches in the world) in Piazza del Duomo
  • Grand Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (gorgeous shopping mall)
  • Castello Sforzesco
  • Sant’Ambrogio
  • Piazza dei Mercanti (Pallaza della Ragione, Pallaza delle Scuole Palatine and Loggia degli Osii)
  • Piazza Gae Aulenti (three fountains in the square)
  • Cimitero Monumentale (largest cemetery)
  • Bosco Verticale (high rise apts w/ overflowing green plants)
  • Santa Maria Delle Grazie church where da Vinci’s “Last Supper” is housed
  • Parco Sempione (relaxing park)
  • Brera District (cobbled streets) in between Borgonuovo and Broletto (Pinacoteca de Brera and Orto Botanico)
  • Chiesa di San Maurizio (beautiful frescos and paintings inside)
  • Palazzo Morando
  • San Lorenzo Columns
  • Chiesa di San Bernardino alle Ossa (ossuary decorated with bones of the dead)
  • 10 Corso Como (photography exhibits)
  • walk down Naviglio Grande canal (on Sundays there’s a big flea market)
  • Via Lincoln (colourful street)
  • Basilica di San Lorenzo (one of the oldest churches in Milan)
  • Torre Branca (large observation tower within Parco Sempione)
  • Rotonda della Besana (perfect for relaxing)
  • Piazza Affari (look for Maurizio Catalan’s Il Dito)
  • art deco planetarium designed by Piero Portaluppi (beautiful spot to look at the stars)
  • have brunch at Pave
  • best Neapolitan-style pizza is at Marghe
  • best street food is at Luini’s: panzerotto (fried pizza dough parcels stuffed w/ cheese and tomato), Macelleria Popolare (meatballs called mondeghili or tripe sandwiches called lampredotto)
  • best aperitivo (Italian happy hour) is at Fonderie Milanesi (best buffet and like being in a country house in the city) or Bar Basso (historic bar and a more classic aperitivo experience)
  • I stayed at an Airbnb in the downtown fashion district which was a great location.  Everything within walking distance and very quiet.  It’s only good for a single person and had a small kitchenette.  
  • I would stay in the fashion district or Brera district as they’re close to most sights, have good restaurants and nice areas.

Varenna & Bellagio on Lake Como, Lombardy (North Italy, near Milan)

  • Train to Varenna & then take ferry to Bellagio early morning to avoid crowds
  • Visit Basilica di San Giacomo
  • Visit Melzi Gardens
  • Fishing village of Pescallo
  • Take a 1 hr boat cruise or take ferry to Menaggio
  • In Menaggio visit Piazza Garibaldi, walk along the water, Chiesa di Santa Marta, stroll Via Calvi, St Stephen’s Church, Chiesa di San Carlo (if you have more time, lots of hiking in from here)
  • From Bellagio or Menaggio take ferry back to Varenna to explore for the afternoon
  • Chiesa di San Giorgio
  • Chiesa Santa Marta
  • Church of St John the Baptist
  • Milan Riva Grande
  • Varenna Como Lake Beach
  • Passeggiata degli Innamorati di Varenna (do this walk as soon as you arrive in Varenna before going to Bellagio as it gets very busy later in the day).  Great photo opportunities. 
  • Villa Monastero (nice garden)
  • Make the climb to Castello di Vezio
  • I purchased a ferry ticket at the Varenna terminal for €15 that was valid for the ferry from Varenna – Bellagio – Menaggio – Varenna