Calling all Italy experts – what question do you get asked the most?
 

Hi Fodorites,

We are working on a blog story about most frequently asked by people planning a trip to Italy and we would love your help! Some of you have been with us here on the Forums since our beginning, so I’m sure you’ve seen some repeat questions over the years.

What questions do you see the most often and what is your response? What are some things you think every Italy traveler should know? What’s your favorite tip or insider secret for Italy?

Tips (all regarding preliminary planning/rough outlines):

1) You CANNOT "see Italy" in one trip. Choose a spot or region.

2) When in the South, allow at least 3 days for Naples - a true gem that too often gets (very) short shrift.

3) The heat in southern Italy in Summer is BRUTAL. Don't do it - go in Fall or Spring instead.

4) Rome is many, many times bigger than Florence or Venice, has a proportionally longer list of must-see sites, and deserves a proportionally longer stay (about 3X longer than a Venice stay or 5X longer than a Florence stay).

5) Yes, it cost more to stay in Venice proper - suck it up. Staying outside the city is not even worth considering. A hotel IN Venice, even with a shared bath, no A/C, no elevator, etc., is an infinitely better experience than a stay in a larger room with all the extras in Mestre.

Most commonly asked questions:

how many cities can we fit into a week? [answer - 2 max, one better]

how many days to spend in ....

is it worth spending more than 2 nights in Venice? [or variants thereof]

we've only got 9 nights, how many to spend in Rome, Florence and Venice?

we're going to Rome/Venice/Florence in May/June/July - should we book in advance?

What are the highlights in Rome?

what every traveller should know:

Italy is not just Rome, Florence and Venice.

the Amalfi and the CT are not the only coasts worth visiting.

it is possible to spend a week [or longer] in virtually anywhere in Italy and not run out of things to do.

you don't always have to book in advance outside major tourist centres.

my hot tip: hire a car, take a map and a guide book, and take off and explore.

and what bardo said.

MCAQs -

Where can I find the BEST gelato in Rome, Florence, fill in the blank

Where can I find the BEST pizza in Rome, Florence, fill in the blank

Where can I find the BEST fill in the blank in Rome, Florence, fill in the blank.

I'm always asked (in person, not necessarily here) not just where we stayed but HOW I find/pick hotels.

Travel planning tips:

Know why you're visiting a place and what you want to see/do there. Study some guidebooks, watch some travel shows or videos, talk to friends who've been there.

Either decide how many days your trip can be (based on work, budget, whatever) and learn what's possible in that time frame (after studying maps, public trans timetables, driving times), OR figure out how much time you need to see everything on your list. For example, don't plan a trip that requires 2 weeks or more when you only have 10 days. Don't buy your airline tickets until you've resolved this basic issue.

Either pick your base/hotel based on what you can see within a reasonable distance/time, OR figure out what you want to see and then pick a base/hotel that is in the right geographic position to work either by car or public trans. See prev. ref. to studying a map.

Pack light.

One more tip:

After your basic itinerary is determined but before you buy airline tickets, consider whether flying into one city and out of another will work to your advantage. For example, a round-trip fare in/out of one city may be cheaper, but consider the cost (in time and money) of returning to the original city at the end of the trip. When comparing air fares, don't search two one-way fares but, rather, a "multi-city" (sometimes called "open jaw") ticket.

Shorts/clothes in churches.

Hello Amy,
You never call or write---are you well?

Where do I start? I have done this since 1996 and it has not changed much over the years. Let me try to add some:

1. " Given our 10 days[or 12 or 15] how do we prioritize our destinations"
2. " How much time to spend in Venice[Rome etc]"
3. " Can I see Tuscany without a car?"
4. " How much do I need to budget for 10 days?"
5. " Where should I stay?[ Answer: tell me your budget]

Most of the answers really call for more information than in the original question [ it depends--tell me more]

Do we need A/C in August?

What do I wear to fit in?

What is the best way to get from Florence to Siena, the bus or the train?

is the leaning Tower "worth it?"

Which one of the lakes is best?

One of the best recent questions: Are the road signs in English?

Questions about security and pickpockets? Are they really that Bad. No, been to Rome a total of four weeks in the last sox years and have yet to see a pickpockets. Wear your money belt and forget about it.

Meals, where to eat,and the best places for ..... Never have a good answer because we tend to wonder down side streets look for crowded place and then forget to write down the name.

What area to stay in? We prefer Termini simply because it is easy to reach the hotel from the train and about every bus, tram in Rome goes to Termini - not every one but a lot do.

Would you return? Every chance we get.

How should I dress? Can I wear shorts? tennis shoes? I would not because we tend to dress a bit better than the average American tourist. When the pickpocket is looking for his mark, we think our dress and mannerism shifts his attention to someone else.

Where/how to get money? Debit cards at bank owned AMTs. How do we find ATMs? We don't, they find us.

After that it tends to break down to what to see and do and how much time and our basic recommendation to go to your local library and check out books and DVDs.

Hope this helps though I think it is pretty routine.

Opps, forgot the really big one.

Can we borrow your packing list? You mean that is all you take! Have for fifteen years and works well for us. It is learned behavior. Our first trip 20 years was a disaster for luggage. Never again.

1. Is it possible to visit Pompeii from Rome? Yes, but probably not enjoyable. It's about a 3 hour ride and makes for a very long day. You'd be better off visiting it from either Naples or Sorrento. It's a very short trip from either of these. Or, you could visit the site on your way back from Naples/ Amalfi Coast to Rome.

2. Should I stay over night in Capri or just take a day trip there? Staying over night will give you a much better feel for the island and you won't have to contend with all the day trippers who arrive each morning in the summer months.

3. Is Naples dangerous? Only certain neighborhoods, which are easily avoidable.

4. Where should I stay in Rome? I like the historical center of Rome, which puts you within easy walking distance of most of the sightseeing you'll want to do.

5. Can I take photos of the costumed gladiators and 'live' statues near the Colosseum? Yes, but if you do, be prepared to pay for them.

6. What are some of your favorite sights in Rome? I like the famous "Aventine Keyhole", in one of Rome's most exclusive neighborhoods. If you look through the keyhole of the green door in the villa, you'll see St. Peter's Basilica, framed by two rows of green ( cypress??) trees. It's worth taking a cab there to see it! Also check out the Bocca Della Verita, made famous by Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn in the movie, "Roman Holiday." Tradition says that if you are telling a lie about something, and you stick your hand in the mouth (bocca) it will bite you.

7. Should I bring Euros with me or change my money at the airport? I like to bring enough so that I don't have to deal with changing money for the first day or two. Then I use ATMS for the rest of our trip.

bobthenavigator on Jun 26, 12 at 2:21pm
Hello Amy,
You never call or write---are you well?

This should go in the book too :))

Or am I the only one to see the irony?

What should I see in ........?

We want to see Venice, Florence, the Cinque Terre, Rome, the Amalfi coast, and Sicily. We only have 7 days. How do we get around?

We want to see Como and the Cinque Terre. We're flying in and out of Rome. How do we get to Como? First question: do you mean Como town or Lake Como?

We want to do a driving trip of Italy, with stays in Venice, Florence, the Cinque Terre, and Capri. What's the best route?

bobthenavigator and Dukey1 have nailed it, I think.

Although there's also "I want to see Italy. Where should I go there and what is there to see?". Of course, you want to say, "Why do you want to go if you don't know where or what? Read a guidebook first!

Don't think anyone has covered this one:

Is it safe to drive in Italy?

my best travel tip-- if you want free water, rather than bottled, and don't want to feel "less than"-- just hold up an open hand with pills in it(vitamins ok) and ask for water (not in english, of course! they generally run to get you water.

hubbie's best travel tip-- never be afraid to use the italian G.P.S. which he says stands for Gentile Persone in la Strada.
just ask, listen politely to the long answer... follow the first part of the instructions, then ask again!

most frequent question for me in a city is always the same-- what's the Cheapest Hotel in the Most Central and high-end possible location?

1) Can I see Florence in a day?
2) Is seeing the tower of Pisa worth it?
3) When you say that some towns in italy are not designed for cars what do you mean?
4) I want to get to the Cinque Terre, what should I look at when I get there.

Ok these are some of the worst.

The secrets of a good trip, learn a little Italian (top 50 words may do), slow down you are on holiday not in an inane movie about touring Italy. World class museums require research, make sure any guide book has some advice at least.

Use the train for getting around and then buses. Use cars as a last resort.

Understand the geography, a bit of the politics and make sure your plans make sense, as someone above says, Italy is regional.

Do not hesitate to ask for help in the town square, often the GPSs are bored out of their brains looking for something to do and helping a lost tourist can be fun, though I suspect those in Rome and Florence have probably had enough.

I think Fodors, could give some basic advice on how to order in a cafe, it is a little odd.

One thing that does worry me is that most people on Fodors want to go to the big three, Rome, Florence, Venice. Once you get beyond the next 4 of naples, pisa, siena, cinque terre there are so many great cities to see. Giving advice you feel that you are pushing water up hill about going anywhere outside these top areas, which is crazy.

I'm not an expert but a question I see a lot "how do you get to the Amalfi Coast from Rome?

I'm not proclaiming myself as an expert either, but I see lots of people seeking advice on their respective proposed itineraries who seem to have failed to consider that there is (sometimes significant) travel time required between destinations. If adequate time is figured in, that leaves them with half a day to see, e.g. Rome.

I don't know about being an expert but I have been more than a dozen times and sometimes colleagues or neighbors ask questions.

I think Venice is the hardest thing for people to get. Even when you explain there are canals instead of streets they still ask questions that make it apparent they don't really get it. One neighborkept insisting that there had to be a taxi t oher hotel. I said a water taxi - but since her hotel didn't have a private dock perhaps not the best choice. I finally had to print out a bunch of photos before she accepted there are NO streets.

Another thing that should be mentioned not just for Italy, but most European cities, is PACK LIGHT! It can be a total nuisance to drag heavy suitcases on and off trains etc.

Also leave the high heels at home! You'll be walking on cobblestone streets.

What everyone above said!

Don't say 'ciao' to strangers--it is overly familiar. Say 'arrivederci' to most and 'arrivederla' to older folks to show highest respect.

Step out of the way of others if you are having a problem--don't block the folks who do know what they are doing. Use the TI when you need help. Especially in the train station.

Don't be alarmed when no one forms a line!

Don't be alarmed when no one forms a line!

TDudette-LOL!!!

Reminds me of the B&B owner in Florence who had participated in the NY Marathon some years before. When I asked him what he liked best about his NY visit, his reply "how everyone queues".

"What are some things you think every Italy traveler should know?"

From my own errors;

Check to see what type of gas the rental car takes.

Have them show you how to put the car in reverse (The "pull up on the ring" effect).

AND..

although I've never screwed this one up, make sure they know there are forbidden zones in cities where you can pay a hefty fine if you make the mistake of driving in them.

((H))

Two questions - one often asked, one grumpily implied in later moans - crop up often. There's a dearth of hard data easily available.

1. The topography of the Vatican, and the practicalities of movement between St Peter's, the Vatican Museum and the excavations widely thought to be around the tomb of St Peter (often called the Scavi here). The current official policy on Basilica-side (as opposed to Piazza-side) passage into St Peter's from the end of the Scavi tour and from the Sistine Chapel changes every year or so. Explaining the current policy (and layout) and how to exploit it can easily save an hour in a busy day.

2. The problem of ZTLs, fines and hired cars. Especially important for Americans (less familiar than Europeans with icon-based road signs) and in the summer (when foliage often makes signs invisible anyway). The costs of ZTL fines, and the inaccessibilty of lucid bureaucrats to submit appeals to, probably cause more sour tastes in American tourists' mouths than any other aspect of an Italian holiday.

A very good point about the Vatican, flanneruk. It's rather a walk from St. P's to the Vatican museum. And when one takes it only to find a line longer than feasible, it can, be a downer.

Most folks are overly optimistic about the whole time-management thing!

And then "Walk me through arrival at Venice Marco Polo airport " pops up!

maitai, thanks for the memory about your trip! Thanks, Margaretlb.

Thanks for all of these great suggestions everyone and please keep them coming!

Also "hi" to @bobthenavigator. I am doing well, thank you. I had a feeling you'd be popping up on this thread :-)

I may have missed it but didn't see anyone asking the #1 question everybody asked me--Do Italians speak English? In my opinion based on 6 weeks there, mostly Tuscany but also Rome and Venice--with the exception of Venice, most Italians do NOT speak Italian. I found that the Italian I had studied for a few months before my trip was absolutely necessary, esp. because I was traveling alone without a tour guide. I am good at languages though and not very worried about making mistakes. But it's always polite to learn to say Buongiorno, Signora, Signore, etc. Grazie, prego, etc. Italians are very appreciative at any attempt to speak Italian. Bring a phrasebook and practice a bit before you go. Che bella lingua!

Also learn the Italian names of the cities you're going to, like Firenze, Napoli, Venezia, Genova, Torino, Livorno (though I don't think anyone says Leghorn any more).

Margaretb, I'm reminded of the time we flew from Catania to Gatwick, having spent 10 days in Sicily. In the airport before the flight I couldn't understand why there was such neat queues in the gift shop, etc. Then the light dawned; it was because the passengers were all Brits.

Livorno (though I don't think anyone says Leghorn any more). >>

except when we're talking about breeds of hen, mimar.

Great responses I get many of the above and more.
My favorite is "Can you keep me from getting pickpocketed"
and
"I have 7-10-14 days can I do just about every (name cities)in Italy in that time"

I invariably tell people to get a guidebook or two. I don't understand how anyone travels without consulting guidebooks. I even got a guidebook for our driving trip to our neighboring state of Montana--and I've lived in Montana.

I even got a guidebook for our driving trip to our neighboring state of Montana--and I've lived in Montana.>>

ditto me, Peg. last weekend we went to somerset - about 150 miles away - and we took the guide book. actually my ancient copy of the Michelin Green guide to the West country, which I bought about 30 years ago when we visited cornwall, where we now live.

i usually have a guide book to the next place that we are going to by my bedside to dip into as i find that I need quite a long time to get the "shape" of a new place into my head.

My favorite questions being asked on the airplane as a flight attendant on the way to any city in Italy(particularly Rome) are:

Do I have to know any Italian to get around?
Can I use my credit card for everything?Because we don't want to carry any money with us.
Do you know of a hotel with a vacancy for this week?(as we are practically landing)
Do you have a favorite restaurant? How much? Why do I have to wait to eat so late there?
Do you know where can I get an ice tea with sweet and low in Rome?
Will they let me put ice in my wine?
Heard many times in restaurants-"how come they don't have hot sauce or salsa?"
Which guided tours should we take? Again,"how much?"
Have you ever been to________?
Do you have any idea where we can get a wheelchair for my mom for a week's stay when we arrive in Milan,Rome, Venice,etc.?
Do you think that we will be pick pocketed or robbed at night in ______?
How much time should we allow for Pompeii?
How much is the train to Cinque Terre?
I only brought flip flops-are the cobblestones really that bad in ______?
Whats the cheapest way to get to the cruise ship from FCO?
Do you have any idea how we can bypass the line for the Vatican because we don't want to wait? We only have 7 hours for Rome.

Well you get the idea.
On the contrary, I really do like to hand out business cards of some of my favorite restaurants in certain cities;tell them where to get a great deal on something or which red wine they might like.I always tell people about ordering from menus over there;buying bus,metro or tram tickets and validating them before and other things that people didn't read up on.I really like sharing special museums or daytrips that they might not have thought about- the town of Fiesole above Firenze or the science museum with Gaileo and DeVinci's science equipment behind the Uffizzi.
Unfortunately there are so many that quote nothing but Rick Steves's books and never go outside of that box of guidebooks!

Having just gotten back from a 5 day mini vacation in Rome with my daughter, the things that I would tell people to do would be to dress like you are in a Catholic country(more modestly)so maybe if you are a teacher leading a "People to People" group and you are over 200 pounds, you might not want to show off your cheesy thighs in "Daisy Duke" type shorts.Perhaps a nice tailored pair of capris? I have never seen such overweight tourists in their wife beater undershirts;shorts up to their cracks,etc.but maybe it was because it was so darn hot?

Flip flops are the stupidest shoes to bring to any major city in Italy (don't get me started on the number of people we bring back on our return flights with broken ankles or legs,sprained ankles,etc.)

Read up on the places you are visiting before you land in Italy-don't expect a Cliff Note version to hit you from a stranger.
Understand what a bread charge is and how much Americans particularly overtip in a country where the waiters make really great money and have healthcare!

I had better get off my soapbox as I could go on-forgive me as I do love "newbies" to Italy and the thrill on their faces whenever we land on their vacations.I also enjoy hearing about their travels when we return from the US .Italy is the one place in the world where I have never heard anyone say they wouldn't go back!

Where can you get the best gelato?