Tips for city trips to Italy and traveling in Italy in general

As a child my family took me to Italy every year and also now we are goung to Como or other cities practically every year. Here are some tips that should help you, when you go to this country.

The journey down there is always a bit of a hassle, only when you're driving though. If you can fly, go ahead. The traffic at the Gotthard tunnel is really long, especially in summer, so you either get up really early and drive through the tunnel or you drive over the pass.

Generally it's good to arrive early in an Italian city, because the stores are open in the mornings until about one o'clock and then they re-open at three. This counts especially for the Italian boutiques and stores. Some department stores are open though. I would advise to have lunch during these two hours and go back to the shops afterwards.

The parking situation is usually not easy in these curies, try to find a parking garage on Google Maps before hnd and then let your GPS take you there.

Italians don't really like having to speak English, so if you order something or buy something in a shop, try it in Italian, it's some simple words and phrases and then you're good.

When you have lunch or dinner at a restaurant be prepared to pay extra for "coperto". That means you are basically paying for sitting down and that everything is ready on the table, you can also call it cover charge. Usually tips are not expected though. Bread in Italian restaurants is also different most of the time, not salty and it's used for a different purpose. Many restaurants only open at 7 pm in the evening, so be prepared to eat late. In touristy places the restaurants tend to be open earlier.  

Italian coffee is the best. So make sure you have a least one while you're there. And of course the gelato, so many choices!!!

Ladies with small feet, Italy is your paradise!!!

In Italy it's best to have a car. Buses and trains have a schedule, but they always run late and are not reliable at all. 

It's good to always carry around cash, some places don't accept credit cards and if you want to split the bill, it's easier. 

ITALIA - One of my second homes

Rome

Some of you probably already know, but for the ones who don’t: I’m half Italian. Both my names are Italian and I still have some relatives down there. When I was younger we visited them a lot. They live in Conegliano, that’s where the famous Prosecco comes from. My nonna (grandmother) lives here in Switzerland and she always tried to speak Italian to me. Well, I always responded in German, I regret that right now. I still picked up quiet a lot and I understand almost everything. At school I chose the language as a subject and learned it properly.

Riva del Sole, Castiglione

I have a deep connection to this country, not only because of my relatives, but also because I’ve spent my holidays in Tuscany almost every year as a child and also now I try to go back as often as I can.

We always stayed in Castiglione della Pescaia, a little village in Southern Tuscany. That’s how I fell in love with the sea and the beach. I always enjoyed myself so much down there, it almost feels like going home.

We extended our holidays with trips to close cities or areas. I really enjoyed visiting Pisa, Siena, Florence, Torino and many more cities. The landscapes are breath-taking and there is so much to see and do in this wonderful country.

Rome II

I also visited Rome twice, both times with school. It’s a great city with lots of beautiful places and history.

Italy is really close to Switzerland land and I love to go to Como or Milano for a day or two to go shopping. Shopping down there is great for me, because they have smaller sizes and gorgeous clothes.

I’d now like to share some pictures with you, and of course I’ll also explain them.

I can’t wait to get back to Italy with my two besties Ana and Mary this spring or summer. We still have to figure out where to go ;) LOVE YOU LADIES ♥ ♥

Siena

Riva del Sole

Castiglione della Pescaia

Florence