Looking for some beautiful places to visit in Northern Italy? Here’s your guide!

After living and traveling in Italy for over a year, I’ve learned that it is simply impossible to see all of this incredible country in just one trip…or even just one lifetime!

If you’ve visited Italy before and are looking to get a little off-the-beaten-path, or you find yourself dreaming of an Italian getaway filled with beautiful lakes, majestic mountains, colorful coastal villages, grand historic cities, and world-class cuisine, then Northern Italy is the perfect destination for you!

To help you plan a once-in-a-lifetime Northern Italian adventure, I’ll be highlighting some of the best places to visit and things to do in each of Northern Italy’s eight regions: Aosta Valley, Piedmont, Lombardy, Trentino-Alto Adige, Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Liguria, and Emilia-Romagna. While I’ve done my best to include the highlights of each region, it would be impossible to include everything in just one post. The following guide to Northern Italy should help you narrow down which regions, cities, and sights are a must on your Italy itinerary!

by Mat Reding via Unsplash

Beautiful Places in Aosta Valley

Visit for: Scenic Alpine Villages, Skiing, Hiking, Castles, Wellness Resorts

Remember when I said that it is impossible to visit all of Italy? Well, I’ll be honest and let you in on a secret-I haven’t actually visited the Aosta Valley. This region is actually the smallest in all of Italy and is nestled between Italy, Switzerland, and France. I have, however, stopped off at a train station near here, and you’ll immediately notice the French and Swiss influences. The architecture, local dishes, and even the official languages (both French and Italian) reflect these different cultures. In this incredibly scenic region, lovers of the outdoors will find plenty of hiking, skiing, and adventure activities in this Alpine destination in addition to historic castles and even Roman ruins!

1. Aosta

The town of Aosta is the valley’s capital city. This historic and charming town is known for its Roman ruins and offers quick access to nearby ski and wellness resorts as well as the Gran Paradiso National Park.

2. Gran Paradiso National Park

This national park is perfect for those who love to adventure and want to take in the scenic surroundings that the Aosta Valley has to offer. Whether you enjoy hiking, cross-country skiing, wildlife spotting, climbing, or other outdoor activities, you’ll have no shortage of things to do!

3. Courmayeur

This Alpine resort town is a can’t miss when in the Aosta Valley. In this quaint village, you’ll discover unforgettable landscapes, the impressive Mount Blanc, and be perfectly situated for skiing and hiking.

4. Aosta Valley Castles

If you’re a history lover, be sure to save time in your itinerary to visit a few of the many charming castles scattered throughout this delightful region.

Beautiful Places in Piedmont

Visit for: Turin, Alpine Views, Lakes, Wine

Piedmont is another region which borders both France and Switzerland, and of course the Alps. Piedmont is known for its grand capital city, Turin, mountainous terrain, wine production, and it also borders the beautiful Lake Maggiore.

5. Wine Country

Piedmont is famous for its wine production, particularly in the Langhe region. Wine lovers will relish in the opportunity to visit the vineyards which produce some of Italy’s most celebrated wines, such as Barolo and Barbaresco. In addition to wine tasting opportunities, many of these vineyards are situated near scenic and historic hilltop towns and offer stunning countryside views. If you prefer white wines, consider trying Asti Spumante, a sparkling wine native to the town of Asti (and a personal favorite!).

6. Turin

As the capital of Piedmont, Turin is an impressive city that boasts a variety of architectural styles including Baroque, Renaissance, Rococo, and Neo-Classical. The grand avenues, large public squares, and palatial complexes point to the city’s historic political and economic importance. You won’t want to miss the Royal Palace, Mole Antonelliana tower, the Egypt Museum, and the Duomo di San Giovanni which houses the famous Shroud of Torino to name just a few of the important cultural and architectural highlights waiting to be discovered in this city.

7. Lake Maggiore

Lake Maggiore shares its borders with Piedmont, Lombardy, and Switzerland, and it is perfect for those looking to enjoy some time on the water during their Northern Italy travels. Lake Maggiore is the second largest lake in Italy and is known for the Borromean islands, charming lakeside towns, and remarkable villas all beautifully situated with the Alps as their backdrop. While Lake Como may be the more well-known lake, if the idea of visiting the Borromean islands or even popping over to Switzerland intrigues you, then Lake Maggiore is worth a stop!

8. Lake Orta

For those looking to get even further from the beaten path, consider visiting Lake Orta. Here you’ll find beautiful scenery and charm with fewer tourists although there is a bit less in terms of things to do. Great if you’re looking for a relaxing getaway! If you’re torn between Northern Italy’s lakes, check out this guide for a comparison.

Places to Visit in Lombardy

Visit for: Milan, Lake Como, Italian Alps, Quaint Lakeside Towns

While Lombardy often is left off the list for a first-time visit to Italy, it is one of my all-time favorite itinerary add ons for those looking to experience the north of Italy. From fashionable Milan to Lake Como’s stunning mountainous landscapes and gorgeous lakeside villages, this region has so much to offer. It’s no wonder the rich and famous love to vacation here!

Follow me on Instagram @missadventuresabroad for more Italy and travel tips and inspiration!

9. Milan

This city is known worldwide as Italy’s fashion capital, which is especially evident during fashion week! While you’ll find an array of high-end stores and luxury shops, if you aren’t so into fashion, fear not! Milan is also home to many historic and cultural sights. Be sure to stop by the Duomo di Milano, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and the Sforza Castle to see some of the city’s most culturally significant architecture. For lovers of da Vinci, you won’t want to miss The Last Supper, which is housed here. Be sure to get your tickets well in advance though! Discover more of my favorite must-sees in Milan here.

10. Lake Como

One of my favorite destinations in all of Italy, Lake Como is a must if you love the water, mountains, and colorful towns. Just a short journey by train from Milan, I recommend spending several days in Lake Como to explore its beautiful villages, impressive historic villas, and to enjoy the unparalleled scenery of this remarkable alpine lake. For those who love being active, you will find plenty to do in terms of hiking, kayaking, and mountain biking. If you prefer relaxing a bit more, you can easily hop from town to town on the ferry, and shops, restaurants, and scenic cafes abound. Be sure to check out this guide to Lake Como before you visit!

11. Lake Garda, Lake Maggiore, Lake Iseo

Lake Como isn’t the only famous lake in Lombardy! The region also borders several other lakes which are worth visiting as well! I haven’t been lucky enough to visit them all, so try reading this helpful guide for a comparison.

12. Mantua

Situated between 3 artificial lakes, Mantua is a historic city that was once one of Italy’s most important cultural centers. It is the perfect place to spend a day for art and architecture lovers who are looking to get a bit off the beaten path and discover the castle, palace, basilica, and other treasures nestled within this  UNESCO World Heritage Site.

13. Switzerland

You know what they say…when in Lombardy…visit Switzerland? Well, you heard it here first! As Lombardy is located along the Swiss border, what better way to see two beautiful countries in one trip than by popping over to Switzerland? Consider paying a visit to nearby Lake Lugano, which is located in both Italy and Switzerland, if you can’t get enough of the region’s alpine lakes!

by Samantha via There She Goes Again

Beautiful Places in Trentino-Alto Adige

Visit for: The Dolomites,  Access to Switzerland and Austria, Medieval Castles, Skiing

Trentino-Alto Adige borders both Switzerland and Austria, and it is made up of land that historically belonged to the Holy Roman Empire and the state of Tyrol. With such a mix of culture and history, this region certainly has a different feel from the rest of Italy – one that is distinctly, well, Tyrolean. The official languages are Italian and German with a few other dialects that are also spoken. In this region, visitors enjoy a blend of cultures, the Dolomites, access to Switzerland and Austria, plenty of skiing opportunities, and some incredible medieval castles.

14. Trento

Like most Italian cities, you’ll find an impressive cathedral, lovely piazzas, and, of course, plenty of historic buildings. What sets Trento apart is the Buonconsiglio Castle, known for its impressive frescoes. From Trento, you’ll be well-positioned to access the region’s many ski resorts and hiking trails if the outdoors and Italian Alps are calling you!

15. Bolzano

Looking to discover a hint of Germany while in Italy? Look no further than Bolzano, as this charming city feels far more German than it does Italian! After all, it has only been a recognized part of Italy since 1919. This charming city is the largest in Trentino-Alto Adige, and it is the region’s capital. From Bolzano, you can easily explore the Dolomites and visit some of the region’s beautiful castles and churches. You won’t want to miss the opportunity to visit the famous “Ötzi the Iceman,” a natural mummy discovered in the Alps that dates back to 3,400 BC. You can pay a visit to him by dropping by Bolzano’s South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology. If you happen to be visiting Bolzano during the wintertime or ski season, be sure to check out the famous Christmas markets! You’ll really feel as though you’ve been transported to Germany!

16. Lake Garda

Trentino-Alto Adige isn’t just famous for the Dolomites! The region also borders Lake Garda. Lake Garda is actually the largest lake in Italy, and it is known for its clear glacial waters and beautiful waterfront towns. While Lake Garda is a popular vacation spot for Italians, you’ll find fewer foreign tourists here than Lake Como, so it may be just what you are looking for if you are hoping to get off-the-beaten-trail!

17. The Dolomites

Sprinkled throughout Trentino-Alto Adige, you’ll find plenty of ski chalets, wellness resorts, castles, hiking trails, and charming smaller towns just waiting to be explored as you adventure throughout the Italian Alps. If you love mountains and the outdoors, then this region is definitely for you!

Places to Visit in Veneto

Visit for: Venice, Verona, Padua, the Dolomites

Veneto is one of Northern Italy’s most famous and visited regions as it is home to Venice and the canals and waterways that make up this historic and picturesque city. While many first time visitors to Italy make Venice a must on their itinerary, some of the region’s other incredible sites don’t quite make the cut. The region has so much more to offer beyond Venice – from the romantic city of Verona to the mountainous Dolomites to the historic Padua, you’re bound to discover some incredible places when in Veneto!

18. Venice

A visit to Veneto simply wouldn’t be complete without spending some time in Venice. This exquisite city on the water is at the top of so many visitors’ bucket lists for a reason. From the beautiful bridges and canals to the city’s quaint gondolas and grand historic architecture, Venice is magical and unique in every way. It’s no wonder this City of Bridges attracts 30 million visitors per year! Of course, with so many tourists, Venice can feel a bit overwhelming, so I would highly recommend exploring some of Veneto’s less frequented cities if you are looking for a deeper dive into culture.

19. Murano and Burano

If you have the time while you are visiting Venice, I highly recommend popping over to the islands of Murano and Burano. Murano is famous for the Venetian glass which is produced there, and there are several glass factories where you can see a glass-making demonstration and tour workshops filled with completed glassware. Burano is a colorful fishing village which is the stuff of every Instagrammer’s dreams. You’ll find row after row of brightly colored houses on this enchanting island, and can even visit a shop or two where handcrafted Burano lace is made.

20. Verona

I have to admit, as a romantic, Verona is one of my all-time favorite cities to visit in Italy. As the fabled setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, there’s all sorts of fun literary tourist-ing to be done in this endearing and historic town. Stop by Romeo or Juliet’s house, write your very own letter to Juliet, and get lucky in love by touching the statue of Juliet.  Romeo and Juliet not your thing? Enjoy some of the city’s other noted attractions such as the Verona Opera (which is held in the 3rd largest amphitheater in Italy) right in the heart of the city. Verona is an incredibly walkable city that is dripping in history, beautiful views, and so much more! Learn more about why you’ll fall in love with Verona in this post!

21. Padua

Padua is most well-known for its university. Established in 1222, the University of Padua is one of the oldest in the world! That being said, there is much to see in this city beyond the University. Historic churches, palaces, and piazza’s await, including the Scrovegni Chapel which is filled with frescoes by Giotto, for any fellow art-lovers.

22. Dolomites

The Veneto region also contains a portion of the Dolomites, which is perfect for those looking to explore the mountains, hike, or ski. One of the most famous spots in the Italian Alps, the Cinque Torri, can be found within the mountainous portion of this region!

Beautiful Places in Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Visit for: Trieste, Access to Austria and Slovenia, the Adriatic, Dolomites

Tucked away in the Northeastern corner of Italy, Friuli-Venezia Giulia is certainly one of Italy’s lesser-visited regions. I myself have only driven through the region en route to Slovenia! However, if you find yourself making a trip to Northern Italy or are considering a visit to Slovenia yourself, there are definitely several spots worth visiting, and you’ll find the blend of cultures to be quite interesting!

Places to Visit in Friuli-Venezia Giulia

23. Trieste

Trieste is Friuli Venezia Giulia’s capital city. Located just a short drive from the Slovenian border, this port city along the Adriatic has major Slovenian influences. Here you’ll find castles, cathedrals, elegant piazzas, the scenic Grand Canal, Roman ruins, and even a former Nazi Concentration camp, all of which highlight the long and ever-changing history of this region.

24. Slovenia

I know, I know, this is supposed to be a blog post about Northern Italy, so why am I talking about Slovenia? Well, the capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana is conveniently located just an hour from Trieste and is not to be missed if you find yourself nearby! I absolutely love Slovenia, and I took a bus from Trieste to visit this incredible country. From the capital city of Ljubljana to stunning Lake Bled to the fascinating Postojna Cave, there are so many cool places to visit just beyond the Italian-Slovenian border! You won’t have to wander far to pack in some seriously cool Slovenian adventures. Read more about what this destination has to offer here!

25. Dolomites (Again!)

Like many of Northern Italy’s regions, Friuli-Venezia Giulia is also home to the Dolomite mountains. For those of you who simply can’t get enough of the Swiss Alps, there are more scenic views and skiing opportunities just waiting to be had!

Liguria

Visit for: Cinque Terre Villages, Hiking, swimming in the Mediterranean, Genoa

Liguria is Northern Italy’s most coastal region as it follows the Mediterranean from France to Tuscany. For many, this region is a must visit while in Italy, as it is home to the famous five colorful villages that make up Cinque Terre. If you are looking to enjoy the sea, love hiking, or are dying to get that perfect Instagram shot, then be sure to put Liguria on your itinerary!

26. Cinque Terre

Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore are the five scenic towns that are the jewels of the Italian Riviera. While it is best to visit anytime between late spring and early fall if you are looking to swim or enjoy better weather, these stunning towns are breathtaking year-round. Whether you are hoping to hike the spectacular trails which connect the towns or wishing to take the train and absorb the spectacular views from the striking villages themselves, you are sure to be mesmerized by the beauty all around you! It is important to note that Cinque Terre can be flooded with tourists, so be prepared to experience the magic of these small towns along with many others! You’ll want to read this guide to visiting Cinque Terre before you go!

27. Genoa

If you find yourself in Liguria and are looking to get away from smaller villages and experience city life, consider popping over to Genoa. This port city is Liguria’s capital, and it is famous for being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. You’ll find museums, maritime attractions, grand boulevards and piazzas, historic buildings, and more in this maritime capital!

28. Portofino, Portovenere, Santa Margherita

Can’t get enough of the Italian Riviera? There is more to explore beyond Cinque Terre! If you are looking to get a bit further from the crowded towns of Cinque Terre, these other Ligurian locations certainly fit the bill! You’ll find vibrant and historic Mediterranean villages here and tons of Italian vacationers who prefer spending the summer months in these alternative destinations, offering a more local, unique experience!

Emilia-Romagna

Visit for: Excellent Italian Cuisine, Medieval Cities and Villages, Bologna

Last, but certainly not least, we have Emilia-Romagna. This region is perhaps most often recognized for its world-renowned cuisine, which is often regarded as the best in all of Italy. In addition to all of the fantastic gastronomy in the region, you’ll find medieval cities such as Bologna and Ravenna just waiting for you to explore them! This is an excellent region to combine with Tuscany or Veneto, as it borders both regions. You’ll also have access to the Adriatic!

29. Bologna

This medieval city is one of my favorites in all of Italy. It has a truly authentic Italian feel, and some of the best food in the region can be found here! In addition to the many local dishes that await visitors, you’ll find that the city is famous for it’s covered walkways (porticoes) which line practically every street. Bologna is lively and bustling with plenty of historic towers, churches, and landmarks to keep a tourist engaged! Read my 1-day Bologna itinerary here for more inspiration.

30. Ravenna

On my most recent visit to Italy I was lucky enough to visit Ravenna, and I couldn’t believe I hadn’t visited sooner! If you love art, Ravenna is an absolute must as it is home to some truly stunning mosaics which adorn the notable buildings around town. Just an hour from Bologna, this city is the perfect day to spend a day exploring.

31. Parma and Modena

If you are a foodie, be sure to expand beyond Bologna to visit some of Emilia-Romagna’s other culinary gems such as Parma and Modena. Parma is known for Parmesan cheese, while Modena gets its claim to fame from the balsamic vinegar produced there. Though these cities may have a bit less to offer in terms of charm and tourist activities, they make an excellent addition to any visit to Emilia-Romagna.

32. Rimini

Had enough food and ready to relax on the beach? For those visiting Emilia-Romagna in the summertime, Rimini makes for a perfect escape to the Adriatic! You’ll find there is plenty of history and coastline to be explored as you relax and soak up the sun here.

Whew! With so many incredible places just waiting for you to explore, it’s safe to say that Northern Italy has something for everyone! Which destinations caught your eye?

For more travel in Italy

• The 10 Best-Kept Secrets In Florence You Won’t Want to Miss
• An Instagram Guide to Trastevere, Rome
• 4 Reasons to Visit the Amalfi Coast in the Off-Season

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Florence was one of my favorite stops on back when I was backpacking Western Europe! Here are some secrets you won’t want to miss.

Florence, Italy is visited by over 16 million tourists each year, and it is easy to see why. In my year living and working in this city straight out of the Renaissance, I completely fell for the charm, history, and culture in Firenze. It can be hard to find the best-kept secrets in Florence, so we’re going to help you out.

In a city so filled with tourists, it can be easy to get caught up in Florence’s main attractions. While San Lorenzo, the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Uffizi truly are amazing, if you are planning a visit to the city, you’ll want to make time to see some of Florence’s hidden gems. To help you discover the city’s lesser-known treasures, I’m sharing the top 10 best-kept secrets in Florence! Shh…don’t tell…or do! ;)

Best-Kept Secrets In Florence

1. The view from San Miniato

If you are looking to take an amazing photo of Florence or watch the sunset over the city, most people will direct you to the famous Piazzale Michelangelo. While the view from the Piazzale is excellent, just a short walk away you’ll find San Miniato. This 12th-century church is one of the oldest in Florence, and the view is simply incredible. You’ll also find that it isn’t packed with tourists, as the Piazzale often is.

2. Artisans in Florence

We love buying from artisans, whether it’s on a shopping tour in India or searching for the best deals in Morocco. Europe, of course, is no different.

In Florence, you are sure to encounter plenty of “artisans” selling their wares on the streets. While you may find genuine art on the streets of Florence, keep an eye out for mass-produced souvenirs, and try visiting an artisan instead. My personal favorite is the “secret” jewelry workshop of Giuliano Ricchi. There is no sign to find the building where the workshop is located, and you must know which buzzer to press when entering. Despite the lack of signage, inside the shop, there is an abundance of handmade jewelry at fair prices. Giuliano himself may actually give you a tour of his workspace! You can read more about where to find this artisan here.

3. Shh…it’s a Secret…Bakery

The secret bakeries of Florence are quite popular among night owls and study abroad students, but these late-night bakeries often go unnoticed by visitors to Florence. The reason why? The secret bakeries of Florence often don’t open until 2 AM or later. If you find yourself awake and looking for a late night snack, be sure to stop by one of these bakeries. You won’t find a sign, you’ll just have to trust your nose and follow the scent of freshly baked croissants (or the sound of college students heading home from the clubs). For 1 euro, you’ll end up with a delicious freshly baked good long before the local cafes are open.

4. The Vasari Corridor

The Vasari corridor is a hidden passageway in Florence that connects the Palazzo Vecchio with the Palazzo Pitti. The corridor was originally built by the Medici family to connect the Uffizi to the palace where the family resided. Today, you’ll have to make reservations in advance to visit, as much of the corridor is closed to the public.

5. The Apennine Colossus

Just a bus ride away from Florence lies the amazing Colosso dell’Appennino or Appenine Colossus. While I wouldn’t recommend a visit if you are only in Florence for a short time, if you have some time to play with and really love art, then you won’t want to miss this gigantic 16th-century statue. If you don’t have time to visit the park, the famous Boboli gardens in Florence now house many works that were relocated from the Villa Demidoff. You can learn more about the park and how to get there here.

6. Street Art Everywhere

Okay, so if you are pretty observant this one won’t be a secret for you, but for those of you struggling to take your eyes off the beautiful architecture of the city, you may overlook the street art scene in Florence. Throughout the city, you’ll find plenty of street art done by local artists. I especially recommend trying to find Blub’s underwater scenes. You’ll also see many street signs that have been cleverly re-designed by Clet. He is so popular there is even a retail location in Florence where you can purchase your own print or sticker!

7. Rooftop Bars

The rooftop bars in Florence are some of my favorite places to spend an afternoon, sipping cocktails with friends enjoying amazing views of the city. While these bars aren’t exactly hidden, they aren’t easy to detect from the ground! You’ll find many of them above hotels, or even above the popular shopping center La Rinascente. Be sure to treat yourself to evening relaxing at one of my 5 favorite rooftop bars in Florence!

8. The city’s smaller museums

Florence is famous for its museums, particularly the incredible Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia. These museums are certainly worth a visit, but I’m also so in love with Florence’s many smaller museums. The Bargello and Museo di San Marco are two of my favorites, and they usually don’t have lines!

9. Florence’s best restaurants

There are so many places to eat in Florence, which can be really overwhelming to a first time visitor. To help you sift through the tourist traps and get to the best food in town, I’ve compiled a list of the top 30 places to eat and drink in Florence. From the best fancy restaurants to the most delicious pizza and gelato, your taste buds will thank you for taking the time to seek out the yummiest food in town!

10. The side streets of Florence

Many times when walking around Florence it can feel like there are tourists (and selfie stick salesmen) everywhere. So go ahead and get lost-often times the best-hidden gems I’ve discovered when walking outside the beaten path and main tourist locations. One of the best places to escape the crowds is Oltrarno or the “other side” of the Arno river. This neighborhood is far less crowded and has a more low-key and local vibe.

So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and get lost in my favorite city, and discover Florence’s best kept secrets for yourself!

For More Italy Travel Guides

• Travel tips for Venice
• Reasons to Visit the Amalfi Coast Off Season
• Rome
  • Tips for Vatican City
  • Luxury Guide to Rome
  • An Instagram Guide to Trastevere

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feature image from Instagram @andreatunon_

Amidst all the beautiful chaos that is Rome, there is one place that remains a safe haven for those looking to explore this historic city at a slower pace: Trastevere.

With its colorful façades, traffic-free streets and the sounds of the Tiber as it peacefully flows by, this medieval quarter almost seems like an impossible dream. But its quaint charm is definitely real and, best of all, super Instagrammable!

Whether you’re looking for that typical Italian street to make your Instagram 100% #goals or you’re just looking for a spot in Rome to take a peaceful stroll in the late afternoon, Trastevere is where you’ll find it.

Below, find the best route to explore this charming neighborhood – and take many photos along the way! And if you’re wondering how to spend 4 days in the city, check this Rome itinerary guide.

An Instagram Guide to Trastevere Neighborhood in Rome

Ponte Sisto

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There is no better introduction to Trastevere than Ponte Sisto. With its graceful arches reaching across the two margins of the Tiber, Ponte Sisto is a beautiful combination of Rome’s elegant architecture and stunning city views.

This is your northern gateway into Rome’s most unique neighborhood. Behind you lie the historic monuments and ruins of the Eternal City; ahead, you’ll find quirky shops, winding cobbled streets and plenty of postcard-perfect views.

Via Corsini

And since you’re starting to explore Trastevere from its northern tip, your first stop will be Orto Botanico. But first, enjoy the photo-ops at Via Corsini. It’s here that you’ll catch this beautiful façade of an 18th-century palace. Inside, you can visit its opulent rooms and view a collection of antique art in its galleries.

Orto Botanico

Just behind Palazzo Corsini is where you’ll find this secret garden in the center of Rome. Housing over 7,000 unique plant and flower species, Orto Botanico is one of the city’s many stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It offers plenty of shade and unique shots of a different side of Trastevere.

Orto Botanico is open between 9 am and 7 pm daily and tickets are €10.

Gianicolo

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Just above the gardens, you’ll find the eighth hill of Rome. Gianicolo, though not included one the list of the official seven historic colli (hills) of Rome, is actually where you’ll get one of the best panoramic views of the city. The climb to the top is long (about 20 minutes) but definitely worth it!

Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere

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A short 10-minute walk will take you from Orto Botanico into the heart of Trastevere at Piazza di Santa Maria. But if you want to take your time, head into the smaller alleyways with crumbling buildings and faded façades. Via del Moro is perfect if you also want to check out some of the local shops and restaurants.

Once at Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere, you’ll want to grab a coffee at one of the cafés that line the square and do some people-watching. The 15th century fountain is frequently the stage for musical and cultural events by day and the perfect meeting point for partygoers by night.

Basilica di Santa Maria

And while you’re at the piazza, your eyes will likely immediately be drawn to the gorgeous façade of the basilica that dominates the square. Considered to be the oldest church built in Rome, Basilica di Santa Maria started being built all the way back in the 3rd century.

Its façade is adorned by ancient Latin inscriptions and, inside, the scenery is just as breathtaking. Golden details embellish the high ceilings and ancient mosaics decorate the apse.

Via della Lungaretta

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It’s time to wander the streets of Trastevere again and Via della Lungaretta will take you all the way from the main piazza to the southernmost tip of this magical neighborhood. Flowerpots on window sills, pastel-colored villas and majestic doorways will fill your Instagram gallery with wanderlust and style.

Via della Lugaretta is also where you’ll find unique local shops, like the incredible Open Door Bookshop, and delicious restaurants to grab a quick bite in the afternoon. Don’t forget to stop by the Fior di Luna for some of that delicious Italian gelato!

Isola Tiberina

As if the quiet streets of Trastevere didn’t already feel like the polar opposite from the bustling avenues of Rome, entering Isola Tiberina is like stumbling upon a magical world. Here, a mysterious and tumultuous heritage creates an enchanting atmosphere where the sound of the Tiber flowing by guide you to discover a historic church, an ancient hospital and a charming restaurant.

From Via della Lungaretta, just turn left onto Piazza della Gensola, then take the first right to get to Lungotevere degli Anguillara and in less than 5 minutes you’ll be crossing Ponte Cestio to get to this magical island.

In all, this route takes about 45 minutes to complete without stopping.

If you include stops for photo-ops, a sweet gelato or just a few moments to take in the picturesque views, you’ll be plenty busy for a good afternoon!

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Ines is the awesome guest poster who contributed this blog post.  You can follow more from Ines at The Wanderlust Factory or on her incredibly gorgeous Instagram page.

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Visiting Southern Italy, more specifically the Amalfi Coast, during the winter is an entirely different experience. I am going to explain why you should visit the Amalfi Coast in the off-season instead of peak tourist season – there are a number of reasons that this is ideal!

Why You Should Visit the Amalfi Coast in the Off-Season

There’s something about feeling that Italian sun on your skin in the middle of December that makes you appreciate it that much more. There are many other perks and advantages that come with experiencing the Amalfi Coast during the off-season.

Whether you’re trying to save money, beat the crowds, or find a last-minute flight — I can’t recommend enough choosing Italy for your winter destination.  If these photos aren’t convincing enough, I’ve come up with my top reasons for visiting the Amalfi Coast during the off-season.

1. Accommodations are much cheaper.

Traveling anywhere during off-season is typically going to be less expensive, but I was still shocked by the price difference of accommodations in the Amalfi Coast from summer to winter.

You can easily save as much as 50% on hotels, Airbnbs, and holiday flats simply by going when it is less crowded.  Supply and demand at its best!  Granted, because the demand is a lot less in the colder months, many hotels do close from December – March, but fortunately, there is still an abundance of options.

Just think, European breakfast buffet without the crowded lines and loud hotel lobbies — yes, please!

To give you an idea… you can book places for $250 less a week, simply by going during the cooler months.  Think about all of the pizza and gelato you could buy with your extra spending money?

2. Weather is perfect.

Coming from cold, wet Germany, really anything above freezing with a bit of sun was going to seem like paradise for us.  Even if you’re coming from the Southern United States, taking a break from the rainy, winter months to sit on a warm, Italian patio is always a good idea.

During our time at the Amalfi Coast, the temperatures were in the low 60s during the day and high 40s at night — perfection.  We did have one rainy day while visiting Pompeii, but once we purchased some super trendy ponchos, everything was right in the world.

It wasn’t until after we arrived back to Germany and spoke with a few friends about their time in Positano during the summer, did I realize how great the weather was during the colder months.  Our friends said it was 100 degrees every day during their summer trip and other than going to the beach, it was too hot to do much more.

I mean, gelato might be refreshing in boiling, hot temperatures, but not when it’s melting down your hand before you can finish it. Right?

3. Driving and traveling through the villages is easier.

Italians are the wildest drivers I have ever witnessed.  It probably doesn’t help that the roads winding through the Amalfi Coast barely fit two Fiats at once.

The most stressful part of our vacation, for me, was the driving.  My husband, on the other hand, loved it (he said it was exhilarating?). Nope. You guys, I am talking 6 cars in one lane trying to make it through a roundabout, while 20 more cars attempt to pile in.  I am shocked that we didn’t get in a wreck or at least side swiped.  Pro tip: buy the rental car insurance, at least for the peace of mind while driving around, it’s worth it for your sanity.

We were able to explore so much of the Amalfi Coast by car.  From Positano, to Sorrento, to Pompeii, then to Naples and finally Salerno with ease, however, during the summer that would have been nearly impossible.

4. Smaller crowds, shorter lines, & quicker service.

Okay, this is a no-brainer.

But really, being able to experience the beaches and watch the sunset with just a few people and the locals, is a much better experience than having your views blocked by all the iPhones, cameras, and selfie-taking tourist.

Also, when you’ve been walking all day, the last thing you want to do is wait for 1-2 hours for a table at a restaurant.

Walking through Positano during this time is magical, you hear people speaking Italian everywhere, young families playing on the beach, and the restaurant owners have time to talk with you and give you a true, Italian experience.

To see more photos of my time in the Amalfi Coast, you can find my photo gallery here.

Don’t get me wrong, there are wonderful things about visiting Southern Italy in the summer.  Swimming in the Tyrrhenian Sea, taking a boat ride to Capri, and getting a killer tan while sipping on Lemon Cello.  Yes, yes, these are all lovely.  However, if you’re looking to save money, beat the crowds and heat, and have a relaxing stay, then I cannot recommend visiting Positano in the winter months enough.  Ciao!

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Welcome to Backpacker’s Boutique. Every Sunday, this spot will feature a new travel blogger. Some weeks it will be a really fun interview about packing, fashion, and fitness so you can snoop inside their bags & lives a little bit and other weeks it’ll be a detailed luxury guide to a city the featured blogger/expat knows very well. E-mail me if you’d like to be featured.

feature image: Moyan Brenn

This guide is all about how to spend a more luxurious time in this iconic city. Whether you’re in Rome for 3 days, a week, or more, here’s all you need to know!

A Luxury Guide to Rome

Tell us a little about yourself and tell us why you’re an expert on luxury travel in Rome.

After I finished my degree in English Literature at Oxford I decided to follow my dream of moving to Rome and writing novels. I’d been to Rome several times as a tourist, but during an internship at Keats-Shelley House I fell in love with the city, and was determined to come back for good.

Over the past two and a half years I’ve got to know Rome really well, exploring the streets and visiting the best bars and restaurants, and my work with Through Eternity Tours has led me to discover another side of the city. My “expertise” isn’t limited to where to go shopping, or where to get the best gelato – I’ve also got an endless supply of random trivia about Rome. For example, did you know that there’s an elephant buried under the Vatican? Or that there’s an Ancient Roman fire station in Trastevere?

What makes Rome a perfect destination for travelers seeking a glamorous trip?

This is the city of La Dolce Vita – Rome is always glamorous! Well, not so much the area around Termini (the main train station), but everywhere else…The city centre is so breathtakingly beautiful, from the piazzas to the hills. You’ll find Roman history and Renaissance art on every corner, along with some of the best designer shops and most luxurious hotels and restaurants.

What 5 star hotel is the best in Rome?

I’ve never personally stayed in any, having only experienced a cheap hostel as a student, and then my apartment in Testaccio, but there are lots of excellent five star hotels in Rome. The St Regis is one of the grandest, and the Cavalieri is famously luxurious, with the only three star Michelin restaurant in Rome.

What about boutique hotels in Rome, of them all, which would you send your friends or family to stay at?

I’ve heard good things about Babuino 181, a boutique hotel located near the Spanish Steps, and the Kolbe Hotel looks lovely – it’s in a fifteenth century palazzo (and former convent), right near the Roman Forum.

If you’re on a tighter budget but want comfort and a bit of peace and quiet after a long day of sightseeing, I’d recommend the Beehive Hostel.

Are there any fun activities for the adventurous traveler?

It depends on your definition of “adventurous”, but exploring the ruins of Rome always feels like an adventure to me. Many of my most memorable days in Rome have been spent cycling down the Appian Way, a Roman road that used to go all the way to Brindisi. It’s such an atmospheric place, surrounded by catacombs, statues and the ruins of Roman villas.

I also recommend visiting the Domus Aurea – the remains of Nero’s pleasure palace. It’s not always open to the public, but if you’re lucky enough to go on a tour, you’ll be given a hard hat and taken into the dark hallways of the most haunting place in Rome.

If you’re looking for a meal to remember, have dinner with a local through BonAppetour. You can even dine on the terrace from Roman Holiday!

Where are the best hang outs during the day?

The Villa Borghese is a huge, shady park full of umbrella pines and peaceful places to sit with a book. Visit the Galleria Borghese – an incredible art gallery with masterpieces by Bernini and Raphael – and then relax in the park.

In the summer, escape the heat of the city and go to the beach for the day – Santa Marinella or Sperlonga.

If you have a big date night, what are the most delicious restaurants in Rome and what are their best dishes?

My neighbourhood, Testaccio, is home to many of the best restaurants in Rome, including Da Felice, Da Bucatino, and Flavio Al Velavevodetto. My ideal meal – cacio e pepe (a traditional Roman pasta dish made with pecorino cheese and black pepper), cicoria ripassata or puntarelle (two very distinctive chicory salads) and tiramisu. And wine, of course!

Another personal favourite is Osteria al 16 in Monti. The pasta section of the menu is never-ending, and everything I’ve eaten there has been delicious.

Let’s talk desserts- what place makes the best?

For tiramisu, Pompi wins hands-down. The main branch is near Re di Roma, but there’s also a small takeaway branch near Piazza di Spagna. Their traditional tiramisu is excellent, but the strawberry or pistachio versions are also worth a try.

The best gelato in Rome is definitely a question of personal taste, but I think the best is Fassi, a gelateria which used to serve Hitler and Mussolini. The gelato is creamy and delicious, and portions are generous. I also love my local gelateria, Panna & Co, which only uses natural, seasonal ingredients. Try the mango and ginger.

Tell us all the hot shopping spots; who’s carrying the trendy local designers? 

Monti is the place to go. This lively neighbourhood is only a five minute walk from the Colosseum, but it’s refreshingly un-touristy, and there are lots of cool clothes shops. You’ll find boutiques run by up-and-coming designers, as well as a good selection of vintage shops. Visit at the weekend and check out Mercato Monti, which has lots of stalls run by young local designers.

What are a couple of the best salons and spas in Rome?

There’s a hammam tucked away in the Jewish Ghetto. After soaking in the pool at Acquamadre you can have a massage or a facial. For an even more luxurious experience, try one of the hotel spas, such as the Hotel de Russie.

If you want a haircut and you’re nervous about something getting lost in translation – I know I was, when I visited an Italian hairdresser’s for the first time – visit Noi. The staff at this smart salon in Piazza del Popolo speak English.

Time for a great sunset view… where would you go?

You’ll get a spectacular sunset from any of Rome’s seven hills, so it’s hard to choose. A personal favourite is the view from the Giardino degli Aranci on the Aventine Hill. It’s particularly romantic at dusk, and you have a stunning view of St Peter’s. The view of the Forum from the Capitoline Hill or the Palatine Hill is also unbeatable. Gazing at the ruins of the Ancient Rome, listening to the swallows as the sun sets…there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.

Now that the sun’s gone down, fill us on the best places to go for some evening drinks or a great pre-gaming spot.

Trastevere is a beautiful neighbourhood with a great choice of bars. It’s getting a bit too touristy, but there are some lovely places in the side streets, like my favourite bar Chakra. It always feels really relaxed and cosy, and they play great music from the 70s and 80s

Overall I prefer Monti, which has a healthier local to tourist ratio. The piazza is always really lively at night, with lots of young Italians drinking on the steps of the fountain. I enjoy having an Aperol spritz in the café in the piazza, but in Monti you’re really spoilt for choice. It’s one of the few places in the centre of Rome where you’re bound to find something new every time you visit, and there are still so many places on my “to try” list, such as the cocktail bar Suburra 1930.

If you want to well and truly escape the tourist trail, take the tram to Pigneto. Compared to the centro storico it feels like another world, and it reminds me a bit of Camden in London, but sometimes it’s nice to see another side of Rome. It’s cheaper too.

For more practical tips on Rome, check out this post.

If you end the night at a fancy club, which one do you head towards?

I’m really not into clubbing, which is a shame, given that I live so close to some of the most famous clubs in Rome! There are lots of clubs huddled around the base of Monte Testaccio, an artificial hill formed of broken Roman pottery. L’Alibi is a popular gay club. Try Caruso Café for samba, or Akab for electronic and dance.

Alexandra Turney grew up in London and now lives in Rome, where she works as the content editor for tour company Through Eternity. She loves Rome and travelling around Italy, and writes about expat life on her blog Go Thou to Rome. She also writes novels. Her latest, In Exile, is about Dionysus corrupting teenage girls in 20^th century Rome.

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Western europe was the first trip I took abroad. I was so new to travel I didn’t think of it as Western Europe because I was completely unfamiliar with the East. It was just Europe! I’ve put together a sample Western Europe Itinerary that could be done over the course of 1-2 months, or of course longer if you want to travel slower.

This is the route I took my first time abroad. It’s not perfect; I missed some cool places but I did hit the popular “highlights”. I’ve written about each place already but thought it would be helpful to see it all in one post.

In order to travel this route, it was all by train, metro, and local bus once. I actually never had to take a cab. Okay, there was also some hitchhiking. I bought a Eurail pass & did have to make reservations in the popular cities. I visited during summer. Each city has a link to a blog post written about it with tips.

Before you start planning your Western Europe itinerary, make sure you…

1. Find a cheap flight on using my tips.
2. Get travel insurance with World Nomads. Here’s a comparison of plans and price calculator.
3. You can usually stay just 90 days as a tourist.

Backpacking Western Europe Sample Itinerary

Sample Western Europe Itinerary

1. London, UK. A staple in any itinerary to Europe, London has so much to see that you’ll NEED at least 3 days but could of course spend more time here. Your feet will hurt after all the sightseeing but from Big Ben to the London Eye and Westminster Abbey, it’s pretty dreamy. I see people walking to and from work past such amazing architecture and think maybe I could do a 9-5 if it was in London. Here are some Luxury tips for London and here’s a guide for a revisit to London.

2. Paris, France. Of course you should spend a couple of days in Paris. Beware it’s a little hard on the budget. Before the movie “Taken” came out, we were in a train station in Paris trying to think of where to spend the night when a cute young Parisian guy noticed we were lost and offered us his home. It was awesome and we saw Paris with him over the next few days. Sometimes travel is about taking risks, and this one paid off!

3. Zurich, Switzerland. Certainly not my favorite place on this list, but a hub nonetheless. We were forced to go here when trying to leave Paris for Rome and realizing the train was full for two days. This is a problem sometimes in the popular summer months. We showed up the day of the Summer Parade and it was WILD! Again, we couchsurfed but stayed only 1 night because it wasn’t part of our itinerary.

4. Finale Ligure, Italy. We wanted to go somewhere that was on the coast, but not as expensive. I saw online this castle you can stay in Italy for 20 bucks so I emailed them right away to make a booking. It was a cute town and a great introduction to Italy. We stayed 3 days.

5. Rome, Italy. WOW! This is a city that takes some time to see (Colosseum, Vatican city) . We made a mistake of not staying long enough. It is a bit overwhelming so I suggest taking a free walking tour through your hostel. Another suggestion is stay somewhere a bit pricier if it means you’re closer to the center of town. You’ll save on transport- not only money but more importantly TIME.

6. Florence, Italy. Florence was just stunning. I’ve never forget walking the market with gelato and watching the sunsets. You’ll need to save extra with the intention of buying leather in Florence and other goodies like pashmina scarves (which are clearly fake since they are 5 usd). I stayed 3 days here.

7. Venice, Italy.  I know I should go back to Venice because I was a little worn out and didn’t really enjoy my time there. I feel like all I saw were tourists and it was packed to the brim. People go for a reason tough: the little lanes of water and boats instead of cars. Expect high tourist priced food here that won’t be as good as other places. Stay 1 or 2 days. Here are some Venice travel tips.

8. Vienna, Austria. This was also during my “burnt out” phase and also we showed up on a Saturday night, Sunday everything was closed, and Monday we left. I’ve been back since, actually this month, and got to see a lot more. A post on that is coming soon!

9. Salzburg, Austria. The COOLEST place in Europe, maybe!? I loved Salzburg. Talk about a fairytale land. It’s incredible. We went to a beer garden first, got drunk, realized we had nowhere to stay, and crashed with new friends we made at the cutest little Austrian farm-house. Unreal little town! Stay a couple of days at least. The museums and fortress are really cool. A little peak into the magic of Salzburg’s fortress.

10. Interlaken, Switzerland. If you’re traveling solo, this is a town you’re sure to meet some people. There are two popular hostels and lots of youngsters hanging out for extended amounts of time. Hang-glide, paraglide, sky dive, ice climb, rock climb, kayak, or canyon; this is the epitome of adventure in Europe. Situated between two glacier lakes, with the Swiss Alps in the background, it’s the most beautiful place I’ve seen. Stay 4 days or more so you can do more activities and budget for them. Read more; Guide to Interlaken and Canyoning Interlaken.

11. Berlin, Germany. Berlin is the “cool” city of Europe. It’s trendy, fashionable, has great clubs and bars, and has some very open-minded people. Overall, I never hear travelers say a bad thing about Berlin. I think it was a bit cliquey and many cool places are hush-hush, so Couchsurfing and meeting locals is imperative here. I also LOVED the free walking tour of Berlin and learned a lot.

12. Amsterdam, Netherlands. Amsterdam is full of history, but it’s also full of “coffee shops” and you’ll need to make a bit of an itinerary so that you can be sure to see what’s there. I was 19 and did not see all that I should have. Walking the streets and seeing the lifestyle and everyone riding around on bicycles is adorable so even if you did nothing, you’d see a cool scene.

13. Delft, Den Haag, Maastricht. I’m putting all this together because they’re all very small towns in Holland. I changed my flight and stayed solo when my travel buddy went home and Couchsurfed to these towns. They were very cute and fun. I recommend seeing one country a little more in-depth and I chose Holland (because it seemed safe). Couchsurfing Holland was ideal because I had a host and I really got to see the towns the way locals do. Delft was my favorite.

A few extras…

You’ll have noticed I missed biggies like Ireland and Spain. They usually require flights which I couldn’t afford, so I waited and hit these up on my next trip to Europe, before I traveled onward to Eastern Europe. I don’t want to write about Ireland and Spain in my “Eastern Europe” post as it’ll confuse people, so will mention them here, now.

• If you have the budget, add Dublin to the top of this list, and head to Spain after France, before Italy.

Dublin, Ireland. One of the many places that I wish I’d had more time in- but not in Dublin. Two days were enough in Dublin, but I wanted a week to see the countryside (a week which I didn’t have). I did take a train out and see a bit, but it’s truly gorgeous so don’t spend too much time in Dublin downing Guinness. 7 Travel Tips for Dublin.

Madrid, Spain. Madrid was culturally impressive but for me, a little boring. Many people argue about which is better: Madrid or Barcelona? But I think they are so different you can’t really compare. Madrid seemed more old-fashioned to me. Tips on backpacking Madrid.

my couchsurfing hosts in Madrid who showed us everything!

Barcelona, Spain. The party place! I had a BLAST in Barcelona, even though I got pickpocketed and had to call my couchsurfing host from jail. Eating delicious food, downing sangria, checking out amazing art like Park Guell, and enjoying the incredible nightlife. Nowhere has such life in it like Barcelona.

Valencia, Spain. Valencia was much more chilled out, kind of like a typical beach town- but old school. I really enjoyed my time here although didn’t stay in “Old Town” as we should have. The beach was stunning and we had a blast at the bars. I did find the buses hard to navigate mainly because of language barriers. Tips for Visiting Valencia.

Read next | sample itinerary for Eastern Europe

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When I read my journal about my first time abroad in Europe I literally laugh out loud at how dumb I was. I am glad I have grown and learned from traveling. Reading my journal reminds me of just how much I was living in a bubble. Before I left the country, the biggest cities I had been to were Salt Lake City when I was 12 and D.C. with a school group. 

The journal I’m referring to is from five years ago, when I was 19.

 11 foreign ideas I couldn’t get over

1. I still remember listening to the English air stewardess in awe while flying from JFK to London. I wrote two pages about her accent and new words that I hadn’t heard before. Thank god my boyfriend has an English accent, because I love them. Although I don’t like that they always sound smarter, like, a 5 year old with an English accent sounds smarter than me. Damnnit.

2. Every guy seemed charming just because he had ANY accent at all. “You’re from another country? Just knowing that makes me like you so much. You are so cultured and smart!”

3. My first metro ride. Getting around the London Tube was as hard as I’d imagine diffusing a bomb with a 10 second countdown is. Maybe I shouldn’t use London tube and bomb in the same sentence. Twice.

4. When I found out that Europeans put tobacco in their joints! What is this nonsense? Why can’t I stop coughing? I still to this day am shocked by how almost every European I’m friends with smokes tobacco and I don’t have a single friend I can think of right now in the states that does. I guess I can thank to the “Just Say No” campaign and DARE programs telling us we were going to get cancer and die.

5. Train reservations. I had already bought the Eurail pass, why were they charging me more? Why were there never any seats left on the cities I wanted to go to? It was pretty sad to find out this pass didn’t mean a free seat on any train I wanted.

First photo I took in Europe… I was a super tourist, but not the 2nd time around

6. A man dressed as a Roman soldier outside the coliseum wanted a photo with me. Cool! “3 Euros”. What? He wants me to pay him? Why didn’t he tell me before we took the photo? I didn’t pay him because I thought he was lying, and as punishment I was called a “mean lesbian” but I learned my lesson: no more photos with people dressed up, or people handing me animals unless I’m prepared to give them money.

after we learned the rules we happily gave this guy some cash!

7. Sitting at the base of the Eiffel tower at sunset, feeling pretty damn well travelled, having been out of the country 5 days. Why yes, I’m an American in Paris. No American has ever done this before me.

8. My first mysterious travel rash. Pretty sure that one was bed bugs but I put a ridiculous amount of time into writing about the other deadly possibilities. Young me would have never made it through India due to the numerous mysterious rashes this place has given me.

9. Being constantly kicked off private beaches in Italy. How can someone possibly own sand? What do you mean pay to use the ocean? Don’t be silly.

10. Hanging my laundry out on the train to dry. Might as well have told the passengers, “I am American, I am entitled, and you are going to have to stare at my thongs for the next 4 hours.” Seriously… I can’t believe I did that.

11. WHY ARE THE PORTIONS SO SMALL!? Oh, you mean in America ours are too big? Parisian portions were sad but it was made up for in Italy (unless you were supposed to share the pizza in which case, whoops.) As for ice cream in Zurich: pathetic.

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Having the security guard tell me, in the pope’s elevator, that the pope was on holiday in the Alps might not have happened if I hadn’t offered a bribe. Seems wrong considering I was in Vatican City, but it was completely unintentional… and totally worth it.

My time in Rome started out innocently enough, getting a tour through Rome and learning all about their ancient days. I was feeling very well rounded, smart, and like I was behaving just as a tourist should. The free walking tour we took was full of stories about the Roman’s week long parties where they ate so much, they stuck a feather down their throats and puked it back up. The party could continue! We snuck around the ruins, past the signs saying do not enter (this is very bad, I know…)

The mistake.

Rome was stressful because Amanda and I were lost most of the time, and because our campground put a random German man in our bungalow (each one fits 3), and he was not fond of clothing or showering. We had plans to leave on a 1 o clock in the afternoon on the train. So in the morning we got up at 7 went to Vatican City and were some of the first in line to go up the Basilica of Saint Peter, just to be told we couldn’t bring our backpacks in. Rookie mistake.  We hung our heads and went back to the train station to lock them up. Upon returning, the line was so long we’d never make it and get back to catch our train.

The bribe.

I walked up to beg the security man to let us cut everyone; I offered a bribe of 5 Euros. Normally, I wouldn’t think to ask something like this- especially not at the Vatican, but because of our mistake, I was feeling pretty desperate to actually get in. Who knows if I”ll be in Rome again! Not surprisingly, he declined saying absolutely not; it was completely unfair to the people waiting in line. He was annoyed I’d even asked. I thought yeah, he’s right I shouldn’t have asked. Maybe he just changed his mind because he felt bad, but he called out, “Come back, I’ll sneak you in” as we walked away. Nice! 

The reward.

We went through a side door so no one saw us cut, and to our amazement he walked right past a red rope of the church lifting it up for us to come in and we went into the back of the cathedral. He hit up on the elevator, and we asked, as if we knew the man, “so what’s the pope been up to?” That’s when we found out where he likes to holiday. When the elevator stopped, we were shooed into the stairwell that winded the rest of the way to the tippy top of the basilica.

I love when lucky things like this happen. I was nervous to ask to cut, because it’s wrong, we had been the ones to mess up by poor planning, and most likely I’m told no. In this case, it worked out, and that goes to show it never hurts to ask. I think sometimes when you travel, the world is happy you want to see it- so it will give a little when you need it to. We ended up not even paying the original fee to gain entrance. We made it in time for our train, and sent a message for him to tell the pope we said Hi!

Have you ever taken a chance or made a bribe to get something you desperately wanted? Tell me about it!

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I have to admit my time in Venice was not well spent. You know when you’ve been traveling too long and you just feel tired? You don’t want to take any photos, talk to anyone, or sightsee? That was my Venice. Although, that didn’t stop me from shopping, nothing does. I bought beautiful Murano hand-blown glass, a Venetian porcelain mask after trying on over 30, and as usual, spent my entire food budget on gelato. Check out my 10 travel tips for Venice at the bottom of this post!

Regardless of my tired eyes, I couldn’t miss the beauty right in front of me, like Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. Venice is quite easy to walk around and before you know it you’ve seen quite a lot, by accident! Couples holding each other as the gondola floated through the canals, decadent old buildings in San Marco square, and even a few marriage proposals! This is the place to go to with someone you love. There are so many hidden corners of Venice to explore.

Venice was full of tourists just like us, and sadly we never met any Italians there. Because sightseeing wasn’t on our list, we did what any normal, bored, sad to not have boyfriends, girls would do: sat by the canals, got drunk, and waited on a boat to drive us around.

Hitchhiking Venice

The boat that came was a paramedic boat. The 3 men spoke no English. We brought our 2 bottles of wine on board and took off into the open water, past Murano Island. We drank and laughed because no one knew what was going on due to the language barrier. That was until they got a call… an emergency call. We were quickly dropped off, definitely not where we started… and were a bit too drunk to find our way. When traveling I cannot let being lost damper my mood or I’d be annoyed every day.

Headed to Rehab

We decided to take a nudie swim and trespassed across someone’s lawn to what looked like fresh clean water. It was out by the sea, not the canals. We went for a swim and then realized we had some peeping eyes. We couldn’t stay in the water forever so we got out, the men offered us an outdoor shower and towels. We were invited to dinner. Being on a budget, we stayed, even though the guys were oddballs, and had some veggies by the campfire.

Eventually I started to sober up, and I questioned why are these 20 men having dinner at a campfire together… all living in this house? When we couldn’t come up with a plausible answer we decided it was best to leave. On our way out we saw the sign: “Men’s Rehabilitation Center”. Just one look at the cotton-candy sunset made me forget what nonsense the day was, and we were off for more gelato.

10 Tips for Venice:

1. Only get a tourist water transit pass to save money on rides if you want to ride on the Grand Canal very often. It probably won’t be necessary as most attractions are in the main square.

2. Be prepared that everything costs money & it’s VERY crowded, check out the sights in the morning! Sit by the edge and stare out at the teal water

3. A cafe near a tourist location will charge you maybe up to 5 times the cost of the drink you order, if you sit down. They can call it either a service fee or a “listening to the band” fee.

4. St. Marks Basilica, like all the great ones in Italy, has a very long line

5. Be prepared to have a difficult time finding budget accommodation like hostels. We ended up in a hotel for about 40 a night which was well over our budget

6. Taking a map probably won’t help. It seemed like everyone was a little lost, all the time. Just ask for directions, but remember most people are tourists just like you. Target shopkeepers! If you are on a tight time frame, take a tour! Sometimes hearing a local tell you the history of a building can make sightseeing 10x more fun. For all the things to do here, check out a walking tour of Venice to make it a little easier.

7. Like most major cities, you can get a museum pass. As always, only get a pass like this is you want to visit all the museums. You can even do a hop on hop on tour of Venice.

8. Because there are far more tourists in Venice than locals, you will have to look really hard to find quality local food. Most restaurants we went to were pretty crap and really over priced. If you have a kitchen at hotel, try to make a few meals at home, not only will it save money but it might taste better!

9. Take a trip to Murano to see the hand blown glass. Some boats will take you for free hoping you buy something, but be sure they don’t say you “have” to buy something

10. Don’t stay in Venice too long… Check out my tips for visiting the Vatican City in Rome.

Did you get more out of Venice than I did? let me know, so I can plan better when I go back!

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Imagine a beautiful walk down the ­­­­coast of the Gulf of Genoa, part of the Italian Riviera having a chocolate gelato, and heading up to take siesta in your castle overlooking the sea.

You can stay in a castle in Italy for about 15 euros a night.

In western europe, that’s a decent hostel price, but a castle? Unbelievable! But it’s real… promise.

I found ­­­­Vuillermin Castle Hostel on a Google search of most unique hostels in the world. It was in a commune called Finale Ligure in Liguria that I had never heard of. Google images looked nice enough, and my travel partner and I were off to be princesses.

Beautiful Amanda at the top of the stairs leading toward the castle

 The place was no joke! Pro: It is a castle turned hotel but still looks authentic with old castle walls.  Con: You do have to walk up a MILLION tiny stone stairs to get to the doors. Little did we know, we were about to find out just how good they were at keeping trespassers out of this fortress.

inside the courtyard

this is why the castle price is low: dorm style rooms. luckily, no other girls were there at the time!

Mission Impossible: Castle Break-in

The castle had a curfew we didn’t take seriously enough while we were out skinny-dipping. When we came back with some silly British boys who were also staying there it was locked. How dare they do what they said they would! Outraged and wasted, we created a Mission Impossible: Castle Break-in. After a serious 2 minutes of planning, we were on our way climbing to the only windows we could find. They were on the top towers, the ones that Rapunzel would have flipped her hair out.

Being the smallest, I was pushed up first onto the perimeter wall only to find out those Italians were intense back in the day! There were shards of glass cemented into the wall cutting and scraping as I put my weight down on them. I warned the other drunks, but they assured me they weren’t afraid of pain.  We may or may not have stolen some seat cushions to soften the blow.

An eternity later, we made it to the top of the tower, where with our luck obviously the windows were locked. I like to think if I was a princess I would be IN the tower in a plush down comforter bed, but seeing as I was only a drunk American girl it seems fitting I slept outside on the watch tower. But hey, sleeping under the stars with your best friend and cute boys on the tower of a castle is not a bad way to spend a night in Italy.

All in all, Finale Ligure was a cozy little stop-over on my backpacking trip in Italy. It is a lesser known area for western tourists, but a well known one for Italian tourists.

• Many families were on vacation, the beaches were a little crowded, and the nightlife was imaginary. If you want to relax and take a break from the chaos backpacking can cause, this is like a retreat.
• We booked ahead of time, and had to do so by e-mailing many times (the website is lacking).
• If I could go back I would add on Cinque Terre, as many travelers we met had just come from there.
• Upon arrival, we were surprised to be forced to buy a youth hosteling card in order to stay (some hostels apparently impose this- it is a discount membership card) and they are still the only place I have been that uses the card.
• The rooms are by no means luxurious, and they do offer dorm rooms, so don’t confuse this castle with a honeymoon destination!

I was in no way reimbursed for this review, actually, I hope they don’t see it because I think they would be angry we snuck in and stole cushions (Sorry!)… remember to subscribe below! ciao! 

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One of my favorite places I’ve shopped is the San Lorenzo Market in Florence, Italy. Don’t get me wrong- I like to travel so I can soak in the culture, but here are my top three things to do while traveling 1. Outdoor adventure 2. Shop 3. Take photos of little kids (in a non-creepy way). Before I go anywhere I like to know what I can BUY there. I pack less so I can shop more.

When I look back at all the places I have been shopping, the markets of Florence still call me back. My biggest travel regret from my first trip was not buying a leather jacket that I bargained down to 100 euro. Its magnificence haunts my dreams. Here are my tips and guide maneuvering the San Lorenzo market of Florence.

San Lorenzo Market Florence

The main market, Mercado di San Lorenzo, is the trap that got me. A friend that lived in Florence gave me a talking-to about the rip-offs. Many of the items here are straight from factories in Asia, and although still real leather, they aren’t the always GOOD leather Italy is known for. You’re hoping to pay 50-80 Euro for a nice bag that maybe cost them 20 Euro. Though, her and I both did get amazing deals here. I have a grey handbag and purple leather wallet that have lasted 4 years without signs of breakdown. I bought leather driving gloves (that I’ve obviously never worn because I’m not a car-racing, scotch-drinking, gentlemen.) I bought scarves for presents back home that were supposedly pashmina/silk. Scarves are one of the hardest things to shop for because the many materials vary in extremes of price and it’s difficult to notice the differences. After being around so much cashmere in India, now I can tell if the scarf is really cashmere.

If you want quality, luxury leather I suggest you do research for acclaimed shops in Florence. I don’t have advice on this because I am just fine with mediocre Italian leather from San Lorenzo Market. An equivalent to the bag I got in Florence would have cost me over 300 in the U.S. guaranteed. I adore Fossil bags because of the soft leather, and that’s how so many of the bags in Florence were. No matter where I see leather bags, I picture the market in Florence and regret not buying more colors or at least a cross-body!

I like to shop in the evening, near closing time. This is because I get two things at once- a sunset and a good deal. Closing time means the vendor is getting his last deals of the day and may lower prices for that extra bit of cash. In the morning this never happens because they have the whole day ahead of them. For a sunset that will sear into your brain, look for views from Ponte Santa Trinita (Holy Trinity Bridge).

As always, negotiate the cost. I got quite a large handbag made of extraordinary leather for 55 Euro that started out at 110 Euro. If buying more than one item, you should make sure to get a deal for quantity. Negotiate the lowest price for each individual item you want to buy, and then add those prices together. Say, you want 3 things each offered to you at 40 euro, then discounted to 20, tell the vendor you’ll take all three for 50.

Remember, if the vendor is mean to you, there are going to be more of the same product just another stall down. Don’t be afraid to walk away, many times they will call after you and agree to your price.

Lastly, make sure you’re happy when you’re shopping. Sad people don’t like anything and you’ll find yourself out of Florence, cheered up, regretting not buying all the beautiful jewelry, bags, and scarves. Best way to cheer up from homesickness or lovesickness in Italy: Gelato!! Gelato and Pizza.  Head to Piazzale Della Michelangelo for great views from atop the hill and some delicious gelato, then do your shopping. By the time you’re done shopping, all you will want to do is sleep!

Other things to do in Florence:

Practice your photography skills in the alleys of this renaissance town

Check out beautiful marble of the Duomo, named the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

Enjoy the copy of Michaelangelo’s David in the main square, Piazza della Signoria. To see the real thing, head to the Galleria dell’ Acedemia. There are plenty of other statues to admire as well.

Do some jewelry shopping along Ponte Vecchio, another great place to watch the cotton candy sunset. There is nothing better than an Italian cotton candy sunset! Stroll along the bridge for street performers, shopping, and great views.

Pin this little guide to the San Lorenzo Market in Florence for later and check out this other blog post for Florence

• 10 Best Kept Secrets in Florence You Don’t Want to Miss
• Also, read up on how to fly all around Europe to 9 cities in 7 countries for just $355 using my tricks!
• Love to shop when you travel? I have guides for India, Morocco, and Singapore.

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