1– One great thing about low cost airlines and Italian trains are their fares. Low! With the airlines on the other hand, Its important to understand their game and how they make extra money off of you if you don’t pay attention.
Don’t Get Fooled
2– Train station are the most common place to find pickpocketers so be aware of your surroundings. Gypsies and Roms often gather in groups and while one or two get your attention the others picks your wallet out of your purse or pocket.
As a precaution, don’t engage in a conversation with a stranger unless they are speaking English and or look lost. In bigger stations such as Centrale in Milan and Naples no one is allowedon the platform without a ticket so usually those people are travellers. Nonetheless“occhio“. Keep an eye open as they say in Italy and you’ll be fine.
Know Your Way Around
3– Shuttles often run from train stations to airports but you need to make sure they run when you need it.Give yourself plenty of time as traffic is pretty intense in major cities. If you are taking a taxi ask how much it’s going to cost youbefore you enter.Remember that they may tag on charges for luggage and after hours rates.
Effective April 2018 Uber is illegal in Italy.
If it isn’t an official taxi…walk away
4– Do not let anyone who is not an official taxi take you anywhere. These abusive drivers are all over the sidewalks as you exit the airports or train stations. Sometimes they are right at the arrival areas. Although they are a nuisance and illegal, authorities can’t really get rid of them.Stick with the original visible taxies.
5– Trains are well maintained and comfortable. You don’t have to book a 1st class ticket. I recommend a reservation if you travel in the summer. If you do have a reservation, make sure you get on the right train car otherwise you’ll never get to your seat if the train’s hallway is congested with passengers and their luggages.
In Italy your luggage stays with you at all times, therefore travel light if you can.
Avoid reserving seats, if you don’t mind seating away from each other save your money. Most flights within Europe are for a short distance anyways..
Are you travelling to Italy and are interested in my assistance, or would like to comment on my post? Just drop a line below or contact me privately at info@italiabound.com.
“I’m going to be in Italy but I don’t want to drive everywhere.”
“Then, take planes and trains! “
“Won’t that be too expensive?”
” Not necessarily…”
Alternative ways of Travelling
If you are planning a trip to Italy and want to explore just a region or two then the best way is to rent s car. Especially if the countryside is what you are interested in. If you are limited on time or wanting to see a lot of the country, then maybe you should look at possible alternativessuch as planes and trains.
Flight costs have come down drastically in the last decade thanks to European deregulations and competition. There are several low cost air carriers that offer not only great deals but reach many cities throughout the peninsula.
You need to be a bit pro active and plan ahead. Figure out the in and outs of these low cost air carriers because if you don’t, the costs can go up pretty fast.
Great Prices and Save Time
How cheap can you fly? Well, about Milan to Paris for 20€ or Milan to Olbia for 36€. I’ve flown from Berlin to Milan for only 9€. That’s right, those prices are dirt cheap but they need to be booked in advance. All of your boarding passes need to be printedin advance as well. If you don’t, you could face fees from the airline. Checkout www.tripsavvy.com for a rude wakening on these discount airlines extra fees. If you do everything they say then you are on “easy” street… or flight.
Often the airports that these airlines use are not the common ones that you may be familiar with. Check which airport you are actually landing in, and plan accordingly. For instance if you travel from Berlin to Milan with Ryan Air, you actually land at Bergamo airport. Although only 50 kilometres from to Milan, Bergamo is an other city entirely.
The Smaller the Airport the Better
Sometimes it’s actually better because these airports are smaller and therefore easier to get in and out. But, for instance, Milan is your final destination, you still have some traveling to do. An other example: Easy-Jet has the whole terminal 2 to it self at Milano Malpensa. A bit tricky for your car rental return, as the drop off is at terminal 1. You need then shuttle to terminal 2 once you dropped off your rental.Nonetheless it’s worth the hassle if you consider that it cost me only 110€ for my whole family of 5 to fly one way to Paris. Luggage fees, assigned seats, taxes included. Soon terminal 2 will have rental pick up and drop off.
Planning is Key
Discount airlines often land only in selected airports so you might need to have a strategy in place. For instance you want to visit Milan, Rome Florence and Sicily.The airline of your choice flies from Milan to Rome but not from Rome to Sicily but it flies out of Pisa to Sicily. I, then suggest to go to Sicily first from Milan visit the island and then get on a flight to Pisa, visit Florence as it isonly 70km away and then take the train to Rome. Enjoy the capital and all its beauties and then you are offto your next destination from one of Rome’s Airports. Of course if you have time at your disposal you could also drive to all these places. Planning is key.
What I’ve done as well in the past, is booking far enough in advance so the costs are really inexpensive and then book two departure days from the same airport just in case I want to spend extra time there. If the price is low and sometimes it’s as low as 9 euros, I would then forfeit one ticket. That’s always less expensive than calling the airline and pay for a change in dates. You’ll know when you do your budget how much you want to spend in transportation and then make decisionsaccordingly.
Easy, Relaxing Train Travel
Trains in Italy are easily available, fast and on time 86% of the time( 2016 Trenitalia statistics ). Second class is just fine and naturally less expensive. Trenitalia is the main train company and their trains hit just about every possible town.
But if you are wanting to see passes in the Dolomites, the poppy fields in Tuscany or the lakes in Veneto, then you need to adda car to your trip. Book your train to the town closest to where you want to go and then rent a car to continue your trip. Make sure car rentals are available at those stations. Because trains are often and fast, it makes planning that much simpler.
Milano-Roma on the Frecciarossa for instance is less than 3 hours. That’s 620 km.
The great thing about train travel is that it always arrives and departs downtown. Making iteasy and inexpensive to get to the stations.
Great destinations at your finger tips
Some cities have more than one train station so check to see which works for you. In bigger centres, you can use the public transportation to get to the stations instead of taxis which are expensive and sometimes … questionable. That could be a blog all in itself. Small towns are also connected by train so it makes perfect sense if you are interested in seeing as much as the countryside as possible. Visit www.trenitalia.com and see where you would like to travel to.
Personally I always rent a car as soon as I arrive at the airport and almost alway use it to move about.
I often don’t use a car if I travel between major cities especially if I’m going there for just one or two days. For instance if on one visit I want to go to Milan from my home of Novara, I would take the train. Ittakes only 25 minutes to get there. Parking alone would take that long to find in Milan.
And the best part I just show up at the station as a train usually will be by every 20 minutes. If I miss it, I’ll have a caffè al bar and wait for the next one.
Buying tickets can be done online, at a kiosk in the station or airports or in biglietteria ( ticket booth) in the station.
In bigger centres I would avoid the latter. It can be a long wait as many foreigner flock these counters. The kiosks are fast and in any language. It makes the whole process easier.
Online is an other option but at times, I noticed that certain departure times and trains are not available for purchasing. When you purchase on line you are restricted to that particular time departure that you’ve booked. At a kiosks you have the option to get a different train that may be arriving sooner since you are already there.
Which ever choice of transportation you choose is totally based on budget, flexibility and time at your disposal.
Trains are clean well maintained, frequent and fast which makes for a better travel experience.
Till then… Buon viaggio
Are you travelling to Italy and are interested in my assistance, or would like to comment on my post? Just drop a line below or contact me privately at info@italiabound.com.
Whether I travel with my family, a group or alone, farmhouses –agriturismo- are my favourite types of accommodations in Italy.
An Agriturismo as well as a Relais such as the one below, set the mood for any vacation. Imagine waking up in a century old villa, or spending some time visiting and even helping out on a working farm. Perhaps indulging in a spa in a XVI century castle.
Beautifully attended rooms with all the amenities yet surrounded by farms, rolling vineyards or century old woods. Often prices are less than hotels and because you are in the outskirts of town you will feel more relaxed, alive and immerse. You’ll feel at home.
Choose you accommodations wisely
Often you will need a car if you plan to stay in these places. If the plan was to only see Italy by train you’ll need to rethink your trip or your accommodations.
If you have no alternative but to use the public transportation, hotels in the cities are easier for your travels.
Some agriturismi may be able to shuttle you to town or lend you bicycles, but it makes it somewhat more expensive to only rely on shuttles and taxis to get to and from. Everything is possible but often it’ll come with a price.
Book Hotels in the City Only as a Must
If you have a car on the other hand, I would discourage anyone from staying in hotels in the cities. Parking is at a premium. Most cities have ZTL (zones where traffic is limited) if not restricted all together.
The traffic itself is heavy even if you may know where you are going. Some hotels are in such old buildings that don’t even offer parking at all. In most cases you book hotel through booking sites, you find a great deal on the room but the parking costs are not mentioned. And, if they do offer parking, sometimes you may have to walk a few blocks to an authorized parkade. Street parking is impossible at best and you’ll likely get a ticket.
Florence for instance is €68 for a parking infraction. I once helped a client who at all costs wanted to stay in downtown Florence. I found the hotel for the price he wanted but the parking was extra- 35€ per night extra, at that time. The problem was also that the garage was quite far and the concierge had to book a pick up time at least two hours before my client needed the car. Hardly convenient, but like most centri storici (an old part of town) the buildings were built way before cars were invented.
Other options of course are AirBnB and VRBO but even then if they are in the city core, parking may come at a premium. Plus, you have to pay in advance and often have no cancellation refund policies. Still, it’s a good alternative for some.
Things to Know Before Booking in an Agriturismo or Farmhouse
When planning your trip, check out the locations and areas you want to visit, and then find an agriturismo that is central, yet has all the amenities that you need.
You would want to change accommodations as less often as possible on your holiday, so a well located place makes all the difference. Also, some places may require a minimum night’s stay. So, the more nights you stay, sometimes the lower the nightly rate.
Ask Questions
It’s also a good idea to check what’s included in the daily rate. At some places, the meals are included, and in others just the breakfast. Some are rooms only, others may offer full kitchens. If they offer meals, they may ask you in advance what your meal preferences are.
Once, I stayed in a farmhouse that included a full meal plan (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), and because we were sightseeing during the day they prepared beautiful lunches to take in beautiful picnic baskets. However, that’s not always the case. Always just ask first. And if you are planning to be away lots, maybe a half meal plan or no plan at all is better for you.
Many places offer a lot more than a place to sleep. Research the agriturismo and see what else they offer. You might modify your stay because of the extra curricular activities that they offer. You’ll never know what they have in store for you. Cooking classes, horseback riding or even… picking olives.
Agriturismi are in the countryside and far enough from the centers that a car is necessary. If you don’t have one, make sure that they have a shuttle or some kind arrangement with a transport company. Tour guides will pick you up as well and I’ve arranged for bikes or mopeds to be delivered by rental companies in advance for customers to use.
Ask More Questions…
In many places, English is spoken very well. So although you can book online, I would recommend calling them personally and asking all the questions before booking. Because often, they are family owned and not franchises, the individual on the other line is always very helpful, as negative ratings don’t help their business. So, get acquainted with them. Sometimes prices are better when you call as opposed to simply booking online.
Your Holiday. Make it the Best Ever
Accommodations are a big part of your experience as well as a good chunk of your budget therefore spend the right enough time and money so thatyour holiday is not ruined by it. The more you research the region and the type of accommodation the easier it is in the long run to enjoy a truly amazing adventure.
‘Till then… Buon Viaggio
Don’t forget to read other favorite posts from Italiaboud.com.
Are you travelling to Italy and are interested in my assistance, or would like to comment on my post? Just drop a line below or contact me privately at info@italiabound.com.
One of the top questions or concerns I get when people book their holidays in Italy is about traffic and driving in Europe. Many people have heard of the Autostrada – the speeds, the fancy cars, and crazy European drivers – and are intimidated by the thought of having to do it themselves.
I’ve even heard many clients tell me that they will only take trains or buses as they did not even consider driving in Italy as an option given their fears. This would be a HUGE mistake as not only would you be missing out on views you would not otherwise see, but also, you’d be missing out on some of the most unique adventures that you can have that you otherwise would not enjoy if you only used public transportation.
These are my top three tips for driving on the Italian highways:
Limited Traffic
City centers are often closed off from traffic for environmental reasons. And those that are not usually have ZTL signs. That means area (zona) has limited (limitato) traffic (traffico) which means you need a pass to permit. Most GPS systems will tell you that.
In some cases only certain streets are viable and a wrong turn will net you a photograph and a fine. So for instance, Google ZTL Firenze and see the times, locations and parking that is available if you choose to go to Florence by car.
Gas Stations not Always Open
Gas stations are run just like any other business in Italy. They are mostly closed for lunch from about 12:30-3pm or 3:30pm. They are not open on Sundays or holidays. So make sure your car is filled on Saturday for instance. Automated 24 hour stations are available but make sure you have a 4 digit pin card (whether it’s a debit card or credit card). Cash is not a problem. You will need to spend some time figuring out the pump at the automated one, and English translation is not always available. The best bet is to go to one when it’s open and fill up there. Usually an attendant will fill it up for you. On the autostrada, stations are always open. Here, fuel can be more expensive and prices do very from city to city.
Rent a Car… But Be Wise
Visiting Italy by car is by far the best way to see the country. The one great thing about renting vehicles in Italy is that you can drop the car off in any other city within Italy and not have to pay a drop-off fee. In Italy, all rentals come with CDW coverage so you can’t take advantage of your credit card to cover that cost. Airport pick-ups have extra fees, so the best way to save some money is to figure out when you need the car and rent accordingly. For instance, you arrive in Rome Fiumicino airport and your plan is to spend four days in Rome and then head to the Amalfi coast for four more days.. Take a shuttle, a cab or Uber to your hotel in Rome. Rome is best enjoyed by foot and a car would only be an expensive inconvenience.
Use Train as Alternative
Train stations are always in the downtown of the cities therefore on your forth day you can take the train to Sorrento and pick up the car there. You need a car for the windy Amalfi coast and the surroundings such as Pompei, Ercolano or Salerno. Using public transportation here would only add lots of time and extra expenses as well you would not be able to enjoy those sights at your own pace.
The savings are substantial. Just parking in Rome alone for four days could cost you €150. Unless there are four or six of you, the train to Sorrento is way cheaper than tolls, gas and time spent trying to get out the congested Italian capital. Since you are also renting the car in the city and not at an airport, you will be spared the extra airport tax that all rentals have. There is no tax if you drop off the car at an airport.
Unless you are renting a compact car most cars are diesel (gasolio). If you do have a choice, get a diesel car. The fuel is about 20-30% cheaper than gas and the mileage is much better. With my last car, I averaged about 5,5L per 100km or 43MPG. And at € 1.40 per litre, you would want good mileage
Check out my other post on the Italian autostrada ( freeways ) for more insights on driving in Italy.
“Till then…Buon viaggio.
Are you travelling to Italy and are interested in my assistance, or would like to comment on my post? Just drop a line below or contact me privately at info@italiabound.com.
‘I hear you are going to Italy this summer…. will you be driving there?”
“No way! They are crazy drivers over there.”
Not Really Crazy Drivers
It’s certainly fair to say that Italians don’t drive defensively, but to say they are crazy drivers is certainly overkill.
Not all Italian drivers are aspiring Formula One drivers and you will find all sorts just like anywhere else in the world. I think what makes tourists a bit squeamish about driving there, is that it isn’t so much the drivers on the road, but the roads themselves and the country’s landscape. Italy can put a road where only Italians can see it fit.
Driving in the country, you’ll notice beautiful landscapes, but paying attention to the roads is a must, as often they serpentine through fields of poppies or lavender while climbing to small towns that don’t even seem to have roads- just very narrow mulattiere (old mule trails that are now paved).
Towns that from a distance look as if they sit on top of a rock somehow have narrow streets that fit and run through them. Of course you also share narrow roads with a bicycle, a Vespa or motorcycle, which tend to pass cars at any moment they feel like it- solid lines or not. Then, you arrive in a larger center of a town, only to find out that traffic is often limited or prohibited all together, especially in the centrostorico(the historic part of the city or town). At least here you can walk and not worry about getting run over… But still look out for those Vespas!
Driving in Italy actually is very much like anywhere else in North America or Europe. They drive on the same side as the US and Canada. The rules are pretty well the same and although speed limits are in kilometres instead of miles, generally Italian drivers tend to respect the law as well. But really, the beauty of driving in Italy is the civilized way that they constructed theirautostrade(freeways). Hands down, no other freeways are like the Italian ones. Even the autobahn fails in comparison. Yes, you have to pay for them, but here you get to enjoy reaching your destinations in no time.
The Autostrada…Italy’s Toll Highway
Firstly, all autostrade signs are always green, where as stradastatale (state or other roads) signs are in blue. The casello (or tollbooth) is the only place where you can enter the autostrada and exit. All exits are always to the right and well indicated. When you enter the autostrada you take a ticket- it’s not likely you can enter without taking one anyways, as the arm will not lift and let you continue- but what’s important is that once you do take the ticket, you don’t lose it. You will be fined heavily. Just look for a sign that says biglietto (ticket) and the drawing of a driver reaching for a ticket.
Push on the big red button and a ticket shoots out. Once you enter the freeway, it’s like entering a race track. However, the similarities end there. There is a speed limit of 130 km/hr. It’s less in the tunnels (110 km/hr) and less yet if there is construction. Drive at your own pace as long as you follow the rules of the land. Another great thing about the autostrada is the constant signage telling you how far the next stazione di servizio (gas station) is, as well as signposts pointing out point of interest such as an XI century castle or a XV century monastery, for instance. When the exit sign is posted, you usually have another sign that points out all the other destinations when taking that particular exit. That’s very handy, because often the place that you are going may be on that sign although the exit itself may not be called that..
Everything you Need in the Autostrada
What’s great is that gas stations are just like a pits stop on a race track. Put your signal on, slowdown, stop at the pump, the attendees runs out fills the tank, you pay and you merge into traffic. It’s impossible to go in the wrong direction, unlike here in Canada and the states where you don’t have to leave the freeway and head out searching for a gas station. Incidentally, if you are using diesel, in Italy it’s called gasolio and gas is benzinaor senza piombo. The gasolio handle is yellow but sometimes blue. Benzina is always green. But wait… although the pit stop can be quick, the best part of the autostrada is the pit stop itself. In particular, the Autogrill. Some are so large that they sprawl over all six lanes of traffic.
Autogrill Driving Experience
Here you will find the opportunity to refill your stomach with great local foods, panini, pastries cappuccini and of course great local gastronomic gifts. Although Autogrill is a franchise and found all over the autostrada(e), they all have a distinct local feeling. For instance, if you’re driving through Emilia Romagna you will find Prosciutto diParma or Culatetto, as well as other typical foods the area. But if you are driving in the vicinity of Trento in the north you will find Speckor maybe Pancetta Stesa e Affumicataon their shelves. These Autogrill are sometimes so big that they straddle all six lanes of traffic, with sit down restaurants, self service buffets and/or quick service grab and go eateries. It’s unlikely that you wouldn’t find something to satisfy your appetite, even if you are not hungry.
A couple of rules to follow: the parking lot is an ideal place for individuals who prey on tourists and on cars full of luggage, so pay attention to your surroundings. I’ve stopped at Autogrill probably a thousand times and nothing has ever happened, but I still check my surroundings every time and hide things visible in the car. I know it’s common sense but nonetheless worth mentioning.
How the toll System Works
Exiting the freeway is quite simple. Look for signage above the tolls that say Viacard and/or Carte in blue (credit cards) or Telepass in yellow. Avoid the yellow painted lane directing you to the Telepass. That’s for those who have a device installed in their vehicles and are billed at home.
As a tourist, you likely have a car rental and won’t have that device. So avoid it and head for the one with Euro bills and coins on it if you are paying with cash or follow the blue painted lane with Viacardwhich accepts credit cards.
When you arrive at the booth, insert the ticket that was handed to you earlier, with the arrow pointing into the slot and then insert the credit card in the same slot. The machine will spit out your card so don’t panic. The bar will rise and a lovely voice will tell you “arrivederci.” If you want a receipt, press the button before inserting the card.
Know When to Choose and Limit the Autostrada to Save When Driving
Using the autostrada is not inexpensive. Budget 10-15 cents per kilometre travelled. The time that you will save is irreplaceable. For instance, the threehour drive from Florence to Rome on the autostrada equals to 8 hours if you decide to take the free Via Cassia or SS2 as you go into every little town and village on the way. You will hit all the lights and stop signs, roundabouts as well as dealing with traffic in general. The surroundings may be spectacular and the scenery breathtaking but… it comes down to time and what is more important. That’s usually where I come in with options and recommendations with clients. Sort of choosing your battles. Maybe dividing up the trip between autostrada and the statale(country roads) based on what you want to see, where you need to be and how much time you have at your disposal.
Also important to know, on the autostrada the gas stations are open 24 hours and 7 days a week. But in the city or throughout the countryside, they open at 7am, usually close for lunch 12:30-3 or 3:30, and close again for the night at 7:30-8pm depending on the season and the area. Often they are closed on Sunday, so filling up on Saturday if you are planning a drive the next day is a good idea. There are automated gas stations, you just have to spend some time trying to figure them out.
Excellent Signs and well Marked Directions
Although traffic signs are pretty well the same as rest of Europe and North America, one thing for sure is that you can not turn right on a red light. Since they drive on the right hand side of the road, it eliminates the worry of figuring out the traffic flow and direction.
Another interesting thing is that on the autostrada police will often have the Tutor Speed Control Systemset up to catch speeders, but they need to “advertise” that they are there. Often you’ll see electronic signs warning that “controllo di velocità” is active.( There will be a separate post on avoiding speed traps)
Polizia cars on duty always drive with their emergency lights on, so you can see them from a distance. It’s unlikely that they will pull you over. Usually they just pull up, enter your license plate in their system and move on. Tutor is the way they catch speeders. Also, as I mentioned earlier, tunnels have 110km/hr limits so those nice cameras often are set up just outside the mouth of the tunnel. Ideally you hit the brake just as you exit and you are good. Police will use the Tutor in the autostrade, and the autovelox system on all other roads. Just remember the speed limits and you are ok.
Stay in Your Lane and You’ll be Fine
Unlike North America, the lanes on the autostrada have minimum designated speeds. For instance, on a three lane the right lane is for busses, semis or any slow moving vehicle (maybe a motor home too). They can move to the center lane only to pass a slower car, but must return to the right lane right away. The middle lane is for anyone that is traveling at the speed of at least 90 km/hr up to 130 km/hr and the left lane is left for those that need to pass the middle commuters. DO NOT use a lane to the right to pass under any circumstance. The fines are high if not a complete license takeaway.
Headlights must always be on in the freeway and if it is raining heavy you should use the rear fog light. So as you read this, driving in Italy is not crazy at all. It’s simply a matter of getting used to their ways which are not so different from ours. For myself, I always rent cars when I arrive at airports,- make sure you have a international driver’s licence. You can easily purchase onet at any AAA or CAA agencies.
If you want to save money you can plan to rent cars only for the days that you must drive. Use the trains where it is most convenient. When I work with a client and we plan the trip, I always look at opportunities in minimizing the use of the car. Not so much because they are “crazy drivers” but because it can be expensive if not used wisely. Gasoline is expensive and also parking in major cities can be very expensive and hard to find. At the hotels downtown, I’ve seen parking as high as €50 per night so it would make sense to plan your car needs so as to avoid unnecessary expenses.
Are you travelling to Italy and are interested in my assistance, or would like to comment on my post? Just drop a line below or contact me privately at info@italiabound.com.