17 Days in Italy

Two of our friends recently spent a couple weeks in Italy and were nice enough to give some tips and advice about their experience.


"Ahhhh, Italia. Ryan and I spent 17 days playing in this beautiful country and it breaks my heart to be away. We decided to fly into Milan (as this seemed to be the cheapest option). We were told by many people that Milan is not worth the stop. However, Ry and I were glad to be able to spend the day exploring the city; walking on the top of the beautiful Duomo, exploring La Scala Opera house, window shopping, indulging in copious cups of gelato, etc.

From there, we took the train to the stunning Cinque Terre - now one of my favorite places on earth.

We booked a room at La Dolce Vita Rooms (which I highly recommend if you choose to stay in this town) in the southern most town of Riomaggiore, which is charming, but not my favorite of the five. Next time, we will be staying in Manarola. The fish was the freshest I have ever tasted (try La Lampara in Riomaggiore, but have a reservation or be prepared to wait quite a while) from mouthwatering anchovies to enormous mussels - you can't get anything close to that in the States.


We hiked the easiest two trails our first day, then dedicated one day to each of the remaining three. Couples, don't forget to bring a padlock for Villa del 'Amore! Simply breathtaking.

I shed a few tears as the train pulled away from Cinque Terre, but we were onto Venice for Easter Weekend. I had been to Venice before, so I knew what I was getting into. Arguably, the most touristy city in Italy. Overpriced and, quite frankly, disappointing food, extremely expensive lodging and C-R-O-W-D-E-D. It is definitely a "must see" once in your life, but I would not stay longer than two days. Buy LOTS of Murano glass. We ended our weekend there with Easter mass at St. Mark's and an Easter egg hunt in the square.
Tuscany. What's not to love? We spent three days in Florence, one of my favorite cities and stayed in a GREAT hostel - The Archi Rossi. I could have spent a few more days there (in fact, I could pack up and move there tomorrow). Go to the Antica Sosta Degli Aldobrandini. You can create your own paninis and salads and relax outside with a Moretti. Beware of gypsies and restaurants serving frozen pizzas!
We left for Siena, where we spent two days in the beautiful Medieval city. You can explore the sites in a half day, so be sure to plan some sort of tour, for it is the only way to see the Tuscan countryside. Ry and I chose to do the Brunello Wine Tour, which was AWESOME.

Finally, Rome (but not before making a pit stop in Florence to our favorite panini place... we missed it). We purchased the Roma Pass, which was great. Free entrance into your first two sites (and skipping the lines!), unlimited Metro pass and lots of discounts. Totally worth it. Stay away from the tour guides outside of the Colosseum - worst tour we have ever taken. Definitely do the "Night Walk" through the city from Campo de' Fiori to the Spanish Steps (step by step tour through Rick Steves' Italy Guide!) - it was definitely one of the highlights of our trip.

What else can I say? It was a truly magnificent trip and I am dying to go back. Thanks to Krystin, Scott and the Red Wine Web site for all the help!"