Too often, European vacations fall victim to “so much to do; so little time.” Here are five tips to taking your Italian vacation deeper and creating unique memories that will last a lifetime.
Rent a car. Don’t worry – Italians drive on the “correct” side of the road; they just do it with a bit more gusto than most Americans! When I took my oldest son to Italy for his graduation trip, our rental was a manual Smartcar – the first time I had ever driven one – but we found it very useful for maneuvering the tight Italian streets once I got the hang of it. Having our own transportation allowed us to travel between our unique bed and breakfasts, go farther off the beaten path, and get to places that most visitors to Italy never see. It also allowed us some one-on-one time (as opposed to riding in a coach bus with 60 other strangers!) that became the hallmark of a very special trip.
Stay in a B&B or an agriturismo. Privately owned, these accommodations provide a unique and personalized Italian experience that is not even comparable to staying in chain hotels. In a city like Rome or Venice, small inns often come with attentive service and daily check-ins. At our accommodations in Rome, owner Alessandro brought us breakfast on a tray each morning and offered suggestions for our day’s adventures. We came “home” each day to fresh fruit and a stocked fridge. At an agriturismo in Chianti (that closest door in the picture was the entrance to our suite), we stayed on a working olive grove and vineyard where the few visitors would gather for breakfast each day before setting off or relaxing on the property. Since we had access to a communal kitchen, we even cooked a few times, inspired by the fresh Italian cooking all around us and the produce available in the many local markets.
Learn a Little Italian! Once you get off the beaten path (and even in the cities), many people do not speak English. Knowing basic Italian words and phrases can go a long way. During a stay on one Umbrian agriturismo at which we were the only visitors, our host family did not speak English at all. Fortunately, I had studied enough Italian that, with Donatella’s patience and her daughter’s help when she came to visit from Perugia, we were able to have long, fun conversations! She was quite impressed that I could understand much of what she said, even if I couldn’t speak it back.
Because we could communicate through simple Italian and a lot of gesturing, we had a rich, immersive visit. One of the best parts was that Nonna (grandmother) made an authentic Italian dinner from scratch every night and it was meravigliosa!
Culture Tip: Private farms and families who live in the country often own their own vineyards and grow their own wine. If they offer the “house wine,” try some and compliment it (it’s rude not to)!
Do some Research. To appreciate fully any historical site – but especially in Italy, with its rich and varied past, familiarize yourself with its history. Knowing that the Pantheon was built about 2000 years ago, for example, and being able to stand in its shadow, touch its columns, and walk on its stones – stones that men and women stood by, touched, and walked on thousands of years ago – is a moving experience, if you let it be. Do yourself a favor and do your research before you go, and your experience in Italy will expand in depth a hundredfold.
Rent a Bike. With a little research, you will find that there are so many side trips that can take you off the beaten path and help you make memories unique to you and your fellow travelers. When my son and I rented bikes and spent a day on the Appia Antica – The Appian Way, it ended up being among our most memorable time in Italy. Look for those hidden gems, paths, walkways, and trails that will help you see a side of Italy that most people never take the opportunity to find. You won’t regret it!
Whether you do the research yourself or depend upon the trusted advice of your travel advisor, taking time to get off the beaten path will help you make the kind of memories that last a lifetime.
What are your favorite hidden gems in Italy? Share them below or message me! I’d love to hear all about them!
