Traveling ITALY? – Expert Tips & Tricks To Know!

Traveling ITALY? – Expert Tips & Tricks To Know!
I’m thrilled to share 50 pro travel tips to make your Italian holiday easy and enjoyable. With over a decade of guiding experience in this beautiful country, I’ve crafted tips on the best time to visit, accommodations, exploring attractions, dining, transportation, and more. To kick things off, let’s dive into my list of the top 10 places to visit in Italy.

Italy Travel Guide Content:
00:00 Intro
00:24 Top 10 Places in Italy
03:12 Best Time to Visit Italy
06:17 Accommodation in Italy
07:30 Tourist Attractions in Italy
09:58 Food & Dining in Italy
13:45 Transportation in Italy
17:16 Other Tips & Tricks

My Favorite ITALY Tours & Tickets For Most Popular Attractions (affiliate links):
ROME – https://gyg.me/UTck3vL9
VENICE – https://gyg.me/33khTmHE
FLORENCE – https://gyg.me/SHhIpaYf
SIENA – https://gyg.me/F01phqho
SAN GIMIGNANO -https://gyg.me/VVynFQRm
SICILY – https://gyg.me/A9RZ0yDO
LAKE COMO – https://gyg.me/lvzoElZG
CINQUE TERRE – https://gyg.me/zZNU3ulO
AMALFI COAST – https://gyg.me/PHNUHS18
DOLOMITES – https://gyg.me/IhdORC1B
MILAN – https://gyg.me/2LIOmDWE
VERONA – https://gyg.me/i2taHJKD

If you have any questions about Italy, leave them in the comment section. Also share your thoughts, your ideas and your experience about traveling to Italy.
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Thank you,
Rok Goes Around

P.S.: Rok is a traveler, a youtuber and a tour guide. On this travel channel he is combining his 23 years of traveling experience, his 13 years of filmmaking experience and his 12 years of tour guiding experience.

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Hi, guys! I’m thrilled to share 50 pro travel tips  to make your Italian holiday easy and enjoyable.   With over a decade of guiding experience  in this beautiful country, I’ve crafted   tips on the best time to visit, accommodations,  exploring attractions, dining, transportation,  

And more. To kick things off, let’s dive into  my list of the top 10 places to visit in Italy.  We start with part of the Italian Alps, the  Dolomites, as they offer breathtaking landscapes.   Majestic Alpine peaks create a paradise for  hikers, climbers, and skiers. The striking  

Landscapes, with towering limestone formations  are adorned by charming alpine villages.  Next on my list is the largest Mediterranean  island, Sicily. Island is boasting stunning   landscapes and serves as a melting pot of  cultures. In Palermo, immerse yourself in a   blend of Arab-Norman architecture. The Valley  of the Temples in Agrigento preserves ancient  

Greek ruins, and Europe’s most active volcano,  Mount Etna, looms majestically over the island.  You should consider visiting San Gimignano,  a Tuscan hilltop town famous for its medieval   towers, which offer stunning panoramic views.  Well-preserved architecture provides a glimpse   into its medieval past, along with renowned  gelato, saffron, and white wine, Vernaccia. 

Another Tuscan jewel not to be missed  is the medieval town of Siena. The town   enchants with its cobblestone streets and  well-preserved medieval architecture. The   unique shell-shaped main square serves as the  beating heart of the city, with the awe-inspiring   Cathedral standing as its centerpiece. Next on the list is a stunning stretch  

Of coastline known as Amalfi. It features  colorful cliffside villages like Positano and   Amalfi with pastel-colored houses on the cliffs,  offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean.  Of course, the famous Lake Como is also on this  list. Nestled in the foothills of the Alps,   it boasts picturesque landscapes and  a serene atmosphere. Charming towns  

Like Bellagio and Varenna grace its shores,  adorned with elegant villas and lush gardens.  Another stunning coastal area is Cinque  Terre, consisting of five picturesque   villages renowned for their colorful houses set  in a remote and steep landscape. The villages   are connected by scenic hiking trails, offering  breathtaking views of the turquoise waters below. 

Italy is also the birthplace of the Renaissance,  which originated in Florence. Renowned for its art   and culture the city is dominated by its  cathedral with an iconic red-tiled dome.   Florence also features the Uffizi Gallery  and unique attractions like Ponte Vecchio. 

Naturally, I couldn’t forget the most famous city  built on water, Venice. Known for its canals,   historic architecture, and landmarks  like St. Mark’s Basilica. Adorned with   the Grand Canal and elegant bridges,  including the famous Rialto Bridge.  No list of Italy is complete without its  capital, Rome. Once at the heart of the  

Mighty Roman Empire, the city is renowned  for its rich Roman history. It is full of   architectural marvels and landmarks, including  the iconic Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the   Pantheon. Beyond being a city, Rome uniquely  encompasses an entire country, Vatican City,   housing St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine  Chapel, adorned with timeless masterpieces. 

But choosing the right time can greatly enhance  your Italian holiday. As a year-round destination,   Italy has a diverse climate, so let’s look at  the pros and cons of visiting in each season.  Spring, from April to June, is a  wonderful time to visit as Italian  

Landscape comes alive with vibrant colors. Due to Italy’s diverse climates, coastal   areas typically enjoy mild weather, while northern  regions may still experience cooler temperatures.  Big advantage of visiting Italy in  spring is the lower number of tourists.  Pack layers, including a jacket  and sweater for cooler evenings. 

At the same time, pack wisely and don’t bring  a large suitcase as cobblestone streets aren’t   luggage-friendly, and some small hotels in  historic buildings don’t have elevators.  Summer, from June to August, marks the  peak of the tourist season and weather   is typically hot throughout the country. Southern Italy, in particular, can experience  

Intense heatwaves. It’s crucial to be prepared and  plan accordingly, as outdoor activities may pose   challenges due to the soaring temperatures. Apart from the heat, dealing with crowds   becomes a significant consideration.  Urban areas are bustling with people,   and even coastal regions experience an influx  of visitors seeking the refreshing sea breeze. 

On the other hand, summer brings  with it longer days and many towns   host vibrant festivals and events during  this season, creating a lively atmosphere.  Given the popularity of summer in Italy, it’s  advisable to plan and book accommodations,   tickets to attractions and guided tours well  in advance to avoid disappointment. That is why  

Autumn, especially during September and  October, is a much more favorable time.  Daytime temperatures are generally  pleasant. As October progresses,   you can expect slightly cooler temperatures.  In the southern parts you can enjoy swimming   in the sea and relaxing on the  less crowded beaches all the way  

In September and even early October. Fall sees fewer tourists and visiting   popular sites and attractions is much more  pleasant experience. The milder temperatures   and diminished tourist numbers allows you to  appreciate the beauty of Italy at your own pace.  While daytime temperatures are generally  mild, it’s advisable to pack layers,  

Including a jacket and sweater, as evenings  can be cooler. Winter weather, spanning   from December to March, varies significantly. Winter marks the skiing season in the northern   regions, especially in the Dolomites, home  to some of the best ski resorts in Europe.  Meanwhile winter is the off-season in  Italian southern regions. This could  

Be an excellent opportunity if you prefer a  quieter and more intimate travel experience   along with a milder winter climate. However, it’s essential to be aware   of the challenges posed by the winter months,  primarily the significantly shorter daylight   hours and reduced opening times. Some  places may even close temporarily for  

Maintenance or due to adverse weather conditions. That is why be sure to check the opening hours   and any closures of attractions you plan  to visit before finalizing your itinerary.  If you don’t plan to ski, consider planning your  Italian holiday during the shoulder seasons of  

Spring and fall. The weather is pleasant,  and there are fewer crowds. You will have   a much more enjoyable travel experience,  also allowing you to find more affordable   accommodation options on better locations. And good location can greatly enhance your   experience, often eliminating the need for  public transport, as most Italian historical  

City centers are compact and easily navigable  on foot. This not only saves you a considerable   amount of time but also provides convenient  access to most tourist attractions, restaurants,   shops and easy access to vibrant nightlife. Also consider that many accommodations are   inside historical houses and that means  less spacious rooms with less amenities. 

If you need more space look for accommodation  outside the historic city centre where   you can find more modern buildings. Charming historical buildings may not   be well-equipped with modern amenities  such as elevators or air-conditioning.  It’s crucial to check whether these amenities  are offered, especially if you plan to visit  

During the warmer months. Also be aware that  most cities in Italy charge a tourist tax,   typically a few euros per night. This tax is sometimes not included in the   booking price, and you’ll need to settle it at the  reception desk during check-out. In some cases,  

You will need to pay in cash. Next tip is very obvious one,   but it is often underrated. Especially during  peak seasons book accommodations well in advance   to secure the best rates and locations. Now I’d like to share a few straightforward   tips when visiting Italy’s most breathtaking  tourist attractions starting with the most  

Obvious yet crucial tip, to book tickets  online and well in advance. Many tickets   come with specific time slots, allowing you to  skip long lines and make the most of your visit.  If tickets for a specific attraction are sold  out, check out guided tours as they often have  

Reserved slots, even when individual tickets  are unavailable. This alternative allows you to   experience the attraction with the added benefit  of a knowledgeable guide to enhance your visit.   I’ll put links to guided tours for some of Italy’s  most popular attractions in the description below. 

Also be sure to check out city cards as many  Italian cities offer special tourist passes. They   provide discounted entry to multiple attractions  and often include public transportation. They can   be a very convenient and cost-effective way to  explore various cultural and historical sites . 

I am often surprised how few people try to beat  the crowds by planning early morning visits to   popular attractions. This not only allows  you to enjoy a more peaceful experience but   also provides better photo opportunities  without the hustle and bustle of the day. 

Sightseeing in Italy can be tiring, especially  in the summer heat. As a tour guide I’ve noticed   that people often forget to stay hydrated. Fortunately tap water is generally safe to   drink and you can find free water stations  throughout historic city centers. So be  

Sure to carry a water bottle and pack some  snacks to keep your energy up during the day.  Some museums in Italy offer free entry on  specific days, often the first Sunday of   the month. Plan your visits accordingly to  take advantage of these opportunities. Keep  

In mind that free entry days can attract  more visitors, so plan to arrive early.  It can be shocking how crowded can Italian  hotspot be at the peak of the season. But at   the same time just few blocks away you can  find charming old neighborhoods and small  

Local museums that are almost deserted even in  places like Venice, Rome, Florence and Pisa.  You should also consider a guided tour to enhance  your understanding of Italy’s rich history.   Local guides can provide valuable insights,  anecdotes, and historical context, making your  

Visit more engaging and informative. Booking  a guided tour is very easy and you can find   some of the best ones in the description bellow. Visit of all churches in Italy is free of charge,   but visitors are expected to adhere to a  dress code. Ensure your shoulders and knees  

Are covered, and consider carrying  a scarf to cover up when needed.  But besides visiting cultural sites, dining can be  as important an aspect of the Italian experience,   as Italy is renowned for its exceptional cuisine. So, here are a few tips to enhance your dining  

Experience, starting with the fact that you  can’t simply walk into a restaurant at any time,   as they typically have specific opening hours. In Italy, restaurants commonly open for lunch   from noon to 3 pm and reopen for dinner around  7 pm. However, don’t rush for dinner at 7 pm,  

As you might find yourself alone in a  restaurant; dinner often starts later,   especially in southern regions. Speaking of regions, each Italian   region has its own unique and diverse culinary  traditions. While variations of pasta dishes can   be found across Italy, Italian cuisine extends  well beyond the popular staples of pizza and  

Pasta. Be sure to explore local specialties and  desserts unique to each region. To highlight just   a few examples, in Liguria, fresh herbs, seafood,  olive oil, and pesto take center stage. Meanwhile,   Lombardy is renowned for its exquisite risotto  and the slow-cooked veal dish known as ossobuco. 

Dinner begins with antipasto, an appetizer,  followed by primo, the first course,   which typically features pasta, risotto, or soup.  Secondo, the second course, is more substantial,   emphasizing the main protein component, often  meat or fish. Contorni are additional side   dishes complementing the secondo. The meal  concludes with dolce or dessert, and coffee.  

If you prefer a lighter dining experience,  skipping a course is perfectly acceptable.  Regarding drinks restaurants serve bottled water,  which is reasonably priced. Also don’t be afraid   to try the house wine; it’s often of good quality  and cost-effective. You can order by the liter,  

Half-liter, quarter-liter, or by the glass. Also don’t expect the same pace of service   as you might experience at home, and  most importantly, don’t stress about it.  Talking about the service, tipping is not  as generous as in some other countries as  

Service charges may be included in the bill. Many restaurants apply a coperto or cover charge   that often includes bread. Additionally, your bill  may already include a servizio or service charge,   serving as a tip. It is customary to  round up the bill or leave a modest tip. 

You should also be familiar with basic Italian  coffee options. Espresso, served in a small cup,   is known for its strong and concentrated flavor.  A Macchiato is espresso with a few drops of milk,   offering a balanced contrast. Caffe Americano is  a milder and less concentrated black coffee and  

Is a popular choice among tourists. In the  morning, Italians often enjoy a Cappuccino,   which consists of steamed milk, frothed milk,  and espresso, providing a creamy and rich flavor.   For breakfast, Caffe Latte is also a popular  choice, combining espresso with steamed milk. 

My next great pro tip combines cheap coffee and  free toilet. If you need to use a toilet make a   swift visit to the bar counter for a shot  of espresso. While coffee at the table can   be expensive, same coffee at the counter  is significantly cheaper. Typically the  

Price for espresso at the counter ranges  from around €1 to €1.50. That is also the   price of most public toilets in Italy,  but with this hack you get a great coffee   and gain access to the bar’s facilities. When indulging in the experience of tasting  

Gelato in Italy, look for local gelaterias,  particularly in smaller towns. These hidden   gems frequently boast unique and regional flavors.  Some of the best gelaterias in the world can be   found in a small Tuscan town of San Gimignano. The next tip encourages you to explore local  

Italian food markets, renowned for their fresh  produce. Opting for these markets can be a   fantastic alternative to a traditional restaurant  lunch, offering a lighter meal. It’s an excellent   way to immerse yourself in the local food scene,  and vendors often provide delicious free samples. 

With all delicious food available don’t  stress too much about calorie intake because,   in Italian historic city centers walking  is often the best mode of transportation.  Expect to cover a lot of stairs  and considerable distances on foot,   especially in areas with limited traffic. Be sure  to pack comfortable footwear to make the most of  

Your experience. Otherwise public transport  is generally well-developed and efficient.  Cities have good bus and tram networks.  Several major cities like Rome and Milan,   also have efficient metro systems. Timetables  are generally reliable, although it tends to   be more on-time and reliable in the northern  part of the country. Most public transport  

Systems allow for seamless transfers between  trams, buses, and metros using the same ticket.  Transport tickets in Italy are available at  all metro stations and some major bus and   tram stations. Additionally, you can purchase  them at kiosks and Tabacchi or tobacco shops.  

Many cities now also offer the convenience  of purchasing tickets through mobile apps  While it’s possible to buy tickets on the bus  or tram, this method may not always be reliable,   as the machines may be broken. But simply buying a ticket is not  

Enough as it must be validated before use.  If asked to present your ticket and it’s   not validated, you will face fines. In the case of trains or metros,   validation machines are at the start of the  platform. Insert your ticket and the machine  

Will stamp the date and time. For buses and  trams, validation is usually done onboard the   vehicle. It’s essential to ensure your ticket  is properly validated to avoid any penalties.  When using taxis choose official ones with  a clear taxi sign and a visible license as  

They all use taxi meters. In Italy it’s not  common to flag down a taxi. Instead you can   pick one up on designated taxi stands  usually located at transportation hubs,   major squares, and busy areas. You can also ask  your hotel or restaurant to call a taxi for you,  

Or use taxi apps, where available. Be aware  that narrow one-way streets can cause taxis   to take a much longer route to a nearby location.  In such cases, walking can be much more efficient.  An increasingly popular option in major Italian  cities is the use of electric scooters offered by  

Various scooter-sharing companies. To get started,  download the corresponding scooter-sharing app   and complete the registration process. The  app provides all the instructions you need,   allowing you to immerse yourself in the renowned  experience of navigating Italian traffic.  To cover distances between towns, Italy  offers an extensive and well-connected  

Train network. High-speed trains  efficiently connect major cities,   providing a fast and comfortable travel option. If you plan to rent a car, it’s important to   be aware of ZTL zones, or Limited Traffic  Zones. They can be found in many Italian   city centers with high pedestrian  traffic and historical significance. 

Monitored by surveillance cameras  recording license plate numbers,   access is typically restricted to residents,  authorized vehicles, and those with special   permits. If your hotel is situated within a  ZTL zone, it might still be accessible by car.  However, it’s crucial to provide your  hotel with the license plate number of  

Your vehicle before your arrival. Entering  a ZTL without a permit can result in a fine,   often issued months after your return home. When driving on Italian Autostrada or toll   road motorway take a ticket upon entry, and when  exiting, pay either with cash or credit card.  

It’s important to avoid the yellow Telepass lanes,  which are reserved for those with special device   allowing toll payment without stopping. Now let’s finish with few other   practical tips and tricks about Italy. Consider leaving valuables in the hotel  

Safe and avoid carrying large amounts of cash with  you as pickpocketing is a concern in major cities   and crowded tourist hotspots. Stay vigilant  by keeping a close eye on your belongings.  Despite concerns about pickpocketing, it’s  advisable to carry some cash. While credit  

Cards are widely accepted, there may be instances  where the electronic payment system stops working,   or at least that’s what you might be told. Type C plugs have two round pins, commonly used in   many European countries. Type F plugs feature two  round pins and a grounding pin, while Type L plugs  

Have three round pins in a row. You can encounter  all three power sockets in one hotel room. So the   best option is to get a Type C plug adapter as  it can work with the other two socket types. 

I’m sure that these pro tips will make your  Italian holiday both easy and enjoyable. If you   share my passion for Italy, explore my favorite  tours and tickets in the description below,   and you’ll be set for an amazing experience.  Don’t forget to check out my Italian playlist  

For more detailed travel guides. Thanks  for watching, and see you next time!