I’ve always had an innate sense of direction and an abundant level of courage when traveling in Italy. At times, my level of curiosity creates an ability to wander down an unbeaten path. With that being said, over the years my husband and different travel companions have given me the nickname, The Human GPS. I am typically the primary driver, guide, and facilitator, likely awarded that infamous title, after we picked up our rental car on our first trip to Italy.
The built-in GPS system was programmed in Italian. A very simple change in "device settings” I'm sure, however neither of us were successful at figuring out how to change the setting to English. So, for the first two very long days of our 16-day journey by car, we were at a great disadvantage. Fortunately, in preparation for our first trip to Italy years ago, my husband had learned some simple words and phrases in Italian, which fortunately included destra (right) and sinistra (left). These are two very important words to know, especially when you don’t know how to switch a GPS system over to English!
Planes...
We live in Atlanta, GA, a city with an international airport, which provides a multitude of options when traveling to Italy. Delta Airlines has daily direct flights in and out of Rome (FCO). We typically travel with Delta using the Rome airport, because we prefer nonstop direct flights. Rome is also pretty central for traveling north or south in Italy. It also tends to be a less expensive, non-stop option from Atlanta. We choose this option for lots of reasons. First, many airlines have very restrictive luggage weight requirements. When traveling with Delta, be aware of baggage weight restrictions and fees that are associated with flying Economy versus Business or First Class. For example, When flying business class with Delta, you are allowed two free checked bags, with a maximum weight of 70lbs. each.
We have also traveled out of the (JFK) John F. Kennedy International Airport on Alitalia Airlines. Believe it or not, we have found fares to be very different between Delta Airlines and Alitalia Airlines, so really do your due-diligence. Being a creative and flexible traveler can sometimes have great benefits.
www.Delta.com Delta Airlines
www.alitalia.com Alitalia Airlines
Trains (Treni)...
When traveling Italy and most of Europe, trains can sometimes be a great option to consider. While our family prefers driving via rental cars, and the ensuing adventures of journeying to new and often unfamiliar locales, trains are certainly a viable alternative option. So here are a few tips for train traveling:
www.trenitalia.com
www.ferroviedellostato.it
www.Italiarail.com
The built-in GPS system was programmed in Italian. A very simple change in "device settings” I'm sure, however neither of us were successful at figuring out how to change the setting to English. So, for the first two very long days of our 16-day journey by car, we were at a great disadvantage. Fortunately, in preparation for our first trip to Italy years ago, my husband had learned some simple words and phrases in Italian, which fortunately included destra (right) and sinistra (left). These are two very important words to know, especially when you don’t know how to switch a GPS system over to English!
Planes...
We live in Atlanta, GA, a city with an international airport, which provides a multitude of options when traveling to Italy. Delta Airlines has daily direct flights in and out of Rome (FCO). We typically travel with Delta using the Rome airport, because we prefer nonstop direct flights. Rome is also pretty central for traveling north or south in Italy. It also tends to be a less expensive, non-stop option from Atlanta. We choose this option for lots of reasons. First, many airlines have very restrictive luggage weight requirements. When traveling with Delta, be aware of baggage weight restrictions and fees that are associated with flying Economy versus Business or First Class. For example, When flying business class with Delta, you are allowed two free checked bags, with a maximum weight of 70lbs. each.
We have also traveled out of the (JFK) John F. Kennedy International Airport on Alitalia Airlines. Believe it or not, we have found fares to be very different between Delta Airlines and Alitalia Airlines, so really do your due-diligence. Being a creative and flexible traveler can sometimes have great benefits.
- Tip: (Pros) We have used Skymiles to fly from Atlanta to JFK roundtrip, and then traveled from (JFK) on Alitalia to Rome (FCO). This can be a substantial savings. (Cons) You cannot check your bags through to Rome, unless you purchase the ticket as a connecting flight.
- Tip: We do like to book our flights directly through “an” individual carrier, rather than purchasing through consolidators. We’ve found that booking directly provides us more control of our itinerary. We also prefer direct flights from Atlanta instead of traveling multi-city itineraries when possible. It is a personal choice.
www.Delta.com Delta Airlines
www.alitalia.com Alitalia Airlines
Trains (Treni)...
When traveling Italy and most of Europe, trains can sometimes be a great option to consider. While our family prefers driving via rental cars, and the ensuing adventures of journeying to new and often unfamiliar locales, trains are certainly a viable alternative option. So here are a few tips for train traveling:
www.trenitalia.com
www.ferroviedellostato.it
www.Italiarail.com
- At the (FCO) Rome Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino airport, there is a train called The Leonardo Express. After clearing customs, follow the signs for Trains (Treni). The Leonardo Express takes approximately 40 minutes, leaving every half hour from (FCO) to one of two stations. There are two trains that leave from the Airport; one goes to Termini, which is the main station in the center (Centro) of Rome. The second train goes to Tibertina, which is just outside of the central area of Rome. If you are traveling by train to connect with a bus route to Siena, you will want to take the Tibertina train.
- Be careful when purchasing tickets in advance, make sure to buy tickets that give you change flexibility on site (at the station). They are a little bit more expensive, but well worth the cost should you miss a train or need to make schedule changes at the station.
- Be mindful not to use adjacent seats for propping feet. This is conveyed as rude and inconsiderate to other travelers.
- While reservations are not required, it is highly recommended, especially for popular transit routes.
- Many, but not all train stations throughout Italy now have ticket machines with English instructions. These machines except cash or credit cards. Schedules are also available from these automated machines. Prior reservations and or the use of the available automated machines will reduce waiting times at a traditional ticket counter.
- Trains come into and go out of the stations pretty quickly, try positioning yourself midway on the platform, enter the train and then move to your ticketed car (First Class or Economy). This can make the difference in catching or missing your train.
Important lingo....
Here are some key words or phrases to know while traveling Italy.
Right (Destra)
Left (Sinestra)
Plane (Aerei)
Trains (Treni)
Motorcycle (Moto)
Automobile|Car (Auto/Macchina)
Bus (Pullman)
Reservation (Prenotazioni)
Check (Conto)
Ticket (Biglietteria)
Where is the bathroom? (Dov'è il bagno)
Highway (Autostrada)
Police (Polizia)
Conductor (Controllore)
Center (Centro)
Here are some key words or phrases to know while traveling Italy.
Right (Destra)
Left (Sinestra)
Plane (Aerei)
Trains (Treni)
Motorcycle (Moto)
Automobile|Car (Auto/Macchina)
Bus (Pullman)
Reservation (Prenotazioni)
Check (Conto)
Ticket (Biglietteria)
Where is the bathroom? (Dov'è il bagno)
Highway (Autostrada)
Police (Polizia)
Conductor (Controllore)
Center (Centro)
Automobiles (automobile)
Driving in Italy can actually be fun and will give you the ability and freedom to wander off of the beaten path. Being the driver and predominant guide all of the years we've traveled throughout Italy, I have found these to be helpful tips:
Driving in Italy can actually be fun and will give you the ability and freedom to wander off of the beaten path. Being the driver and predominant guide all of the years we've traveled throughout Italy, I have found these to be helpful tips:
- When traveling by car, make sure you are traveling with euros, both bills and coins (some autostrade tickets can be purchased with a credit card).
- Most of the highways (autostrade) are toll roads. Typically when you enter, you will go through a controlled area, where you will either pick up a ticket, or pay a set toll fee to travel a particular stretch of highway.
- Keep the retrieved ticket (biglietto) close. You will need to produce this same ticket when exiting the highway at your desired exit.
- As you approach the toll stand after exiting the highway, you will see an option with a sign displaying a "hand holding euros/coins". This is the best option, because it typically means there is a human who will advise the toll charge for the miles you have traveled and can also produce change, if you do not have the exact toll amount.
Rented Automobiles on the Amalfi Coast (Source: The Local Italy)
First introduced in 2020, and will once again be enforced to help ease the pressure on the coastline's teeming thoroughfares. As of June 15, 2022, alternate driving license plate rules will apply on the 50km stretch of road between Positano and Vietri sul Mare, known as the SS 163. Vehicles with license plates ending in odd numbers will only be allowed through on odd number days, and those ending in even numbers on even number days. The rule currently only applies between 10am and 6pm on weekends, but will be in force every day throughout the month of August. From the 1st to the 30th of September, the rules will once again apply only on weekends.
The narrow roads connecting the tiny towns along the Amalfi Coast quickly become congested in the summer months.
Taxis, buses and local residents are exempt, as are vehicles displaying the 'H' sign indicating a disabled person is on board (provided they are carrying the disabled person in question). In addition to Positano and Vietri sul Mare, the rule affects travel between Praiano, Amalfi, Atrani, Ravello and Cetara, popular tourist towns which all fall on the SS 163 route. The measures have proven popular with some residents, but not everyone is pleased with the restrictions. In the absence of private transport, tourists staying in the area will either need to travel by taxi or public bus on days when their vehicle are not allowed on the roads.
First introduced in 2020, and will once again be enforced to help ease the pressure on the coastline's teeming thoroughfares. As of June 15, 2022, alternate driving license plate rules will apply on the 50km stretch of road between Positano and Vietri sul Mare, known as the SS 163. Vehicles with license plates ending in odd numbers will only be allowed through on odd number days, and those ending in even numbers on even number days. The rule currently only applies between 10am and 6pm on weekends, but will be in force every day throughout the month of August. From the 1st to the 30th of September, the rules will once again apply only on weekends.
The narrow roads connecting the tiny towns along the Amalfi Coast quickly become congested in the summer months.
Taxis, buses and local residents are exempt, as are vehicles displaying the 'H' sign indicating a disabled person is on board (provided they are carrying the disabled person in question). In addition to Positano and Vietri sul Mare, the rule affects travel between Praiano, Amalfi, Atrani, Ravello and Cetara, popular tourist towns which all fall on the SS 163 route. The measures have proven popular with some residents, but not everyone is pleased with the restrictions. In the absence of private transport, tourists staying in the area will either need to travel by taxi or public bus on days when their vehicle are not allowed on the roads.
Buses (Pullman):
The Intercity buses...
ATMS (Bancomat):
Credit Cards (Carte di credito):
Cell Phones (Cellulare):
The Intercity buses...
- The buses for the Florence and Siena area are called SITA. There is also RAPIDA that travels between both cities.
- There is a bus that travels between Rome and Siena. The travel time is approximately three hours and is non-stop. This bus stops in one of two places. The center of town, or the train station in Siena. In Rome, the bus stops at Tiburtina, just outside of the city. This is a great connection between Rome (FCO) Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicini and Siena. Here is the website for fares and schedules between Rome and Siena: www.sena.it
- If you are traveling from the Florence airport, there is a fairly regular scheduled shuttle called Volainbus that travels to the center of Florence. Tickets can be purchased on board and are €4.00
ATMS (Bancomat):
- I highly recommend using this as your source of cash and replenishment of funds, rather than traveler’s checks. Bancomat’s will give you the best “real time” exchange rate and you won’t have to wait in line at Banks. If you do need to exchange for Euros, most Banks require your Passport to do so.
Credit Cards (Carte di credito):
- Credit cards are a wonderful way of taking advantage of “real-time” exchange rates, however it is strongly advisable to review your credit card agreement to understand possible hidden fees that your bank could potentially charge for European purchases. Typically by calling the 1-800 number found on the back of your credit card, you can learn about possible fees.
- Prior to leaving your homeland, it is strongly advised to contact each of the credit card company’s that you plan on using while in Italy and inform them of your travel dates, including ATM cards. This will help to alleviate credit card charge holds (fraud alerts) while traveling abroad.
- Helpful Tip: Prior to traveling overseas, we make color photocopies of the front and backs of all credit cards, driver’s licenses, passports and all other important or official documents that we are traveling with. We fold those photocopies, sealing them in an envelope and hide them in a carry on bag for back up, in the event that the real documents are misplaced, lost, or stolen. We typically lock this envelope in our hotel room safe or ask the hotel to hold such documents in their safe.
Cell Phones (Cellulare):
- Never travel without a cell phone in Italy. Check with your local cell phone carrier and understand international rates, as they pertain to your personal cellular plan before leaving your homeland. Coverage can be limited in certain rural areas of Italy, and data rates are extraordinarily expensive, especially with At&T! For example, with AT&T, an International plan can be added for a significant charge to reduce costly data per GB and can reduce cellular phone charges, however we've never purchased one that lasted more than a couple of days, before being warned by AT&T that we were beyond that plan!
- T-Mobile's services are superior while traveling throughout Italy.
