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Accommodations

What You Need to Know Before Booking Your Accommodations in Italy

A Home Away From Home

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.

No better accommodations than Relais Canalicchio
Relais Canalicchio. Beautifull relaxing stay in a very suggestive setting. A must when in Umbria

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.

 

acommodations at Hotel Danielli in Venice
Majestic welcome at Hotel Danielli in Venice
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.

limited transit city sign
limited transit city sign

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.

Ponte del Diavolo in Cividale del Friuli.
Ponte del Diavolo in Cividale del Friuli. Narrow streets in medieval town

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.

great accommodations in San Gimignano in Tuscany.
San Gimignano. Consider your interests when planning your stay

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 that  your 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.

 

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Transportation

3 Things to Know About Driving in Italy

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.

limited transit city sign
limited transit city sign

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.

 

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Adventure

Why You Should Go to Italy… It’s An Experience Not Just a Holiday

 “We are going to be in Rome, on the Amalfi Coast, in Tuscany, and near Siena. What other interesting places are there to see?”  This is one of the most asked question to me by friends or clients travelling to Italy.

That question carries a lot of weight. Italy is not a place that has a hundred  interesting things to see nor a thousand. Italy may have its name to claim monuments, but the reality is that on your way from one monument to the next there may be 600 more interesting places and towns to see, and often more beautiful or interesting than what you were on your way to see originally.

Duomo in Milan, Italy
Milan’s Duomo

You could be in a small town station waiting for a train to Rome, for instance, and just by looking around you notice unique architectural delights.

Italy’s Cultural Pride

Italy and Italians over the century had and still do have lots of pride in their everyday work. The buildings were never built with only practicality in mind. They were built to reflect the culture, the people, therefore the times. Nothing says more about an architect, than the style of building that he or she builds. Fountains were designed with grandeur ideas and looks in mind. The “big square box” North American style buildings are never considered even in today’s Italy. Fortunately, laws are in place to prevent that. Milano Centrale, as an example, was finished in 1931 by Mussolini. Its grandeur reflects his ego yet creates pride amongst Milanesi, even if most of them never were or no longer are fascists. It’s a mixture of Art Nouveau, Art Deco and fascism. Oh yes! and trains are supposed to stop there as well.

 

Architecture wonder in Cuneo, Italy
The marble floors and ticket wicket in Cuneo
Small Places as Interesting as…

Cuneo train station, to remain on the rail stations theme, is a beautiful architectural wonder that mesmerizes the average train user. It looks more like a museum. The restoration is meant to recreate what the original designers envisioned.

Details in train station in Cuneo, Italy
interesting details of the brass stairs handle by marble stairs

Cuneo is a town of just around 56,000 people nestled in the southwester area of Piemonte and hardly has the volume of tourists that Milan has. Nonetheless, when you come upon this town and its train station, you will be impressed.

To this day, Italians are leaders as they pour their pride in fashion, automotive, furniture design, and culinary delights, and that’s only the tip of the iceberg. This pride and artistic creativity is represented in everyday living. It makes for a more inspiring environment, therefore everyone benefits from. The way they dress, what they eat, how they socialize and how they live represent centuries of rich traditions, history and pride.

When asked “what else is there to see?”, the only answer that I can give is this: Keep your eyes, mind and senses always open and everywhere you go will never cease to amaze you. Italy is to tourists what a candy store is to a child.

And if you enjoy food see my post 5 things to Know About Dining in Italy because how and when to eat is as much as an art as the food itself.

“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.

 

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3 Easy Hikes at the Foot of the Italian Alps in Northern Italy

Alagna to Rifugio Pastore

An easy hour-long hike  through the Parco Naturale Alta Valsesia in the shadow of the Monte Rosa in Piemonte. Monte rosa is Italy’s second highest mountain, after Monte Bianco, in the Italian Alps. Here you criss-cross rivers and creeks on wooden bridges until you reach at 1575 metres in altitude the refuge. www.rifugimonterosa.it

Relaxing at the Rifugio Pastore

 

 

The hike stars in Wold, one kilometre passed the town of Alagna. You will continue for three kilometre or so on a paved road till Acqua Bianca. At this point you enter trail number 6 and head to the rifugio. There are two ways to get there, both start in Wold and both take the same amount of time. This one just happened to be my favorite.

The rifugio, is  a rock and shale hut built in 1973 to commemorate an avid mountaineer Francesco Pastore who had past away in an automobile accident. It’s purpose is to protect and give refuge to hikers and trekkers during storms, and rest for those continuing on. It’s also a restaurant and shelter for overnight guests.

Stay for lunch, or a merenda ( snack ). But whatever you decide, you must have their homemade cake (torta del rifugio) and a hot chocolate, Italian style. Well deserved treat for accomplishing the climb.

 

Pella to Santuario di Madonna del Sasso

Hike above the breathtaking Lago d’Orta. One and a half hours of easy strolling and hiking but once there, the view is magnificent. Visit the sanctuary before enjoying lunch at the Hotel Ristorante Panoramico. If you do, try the Strangozzi al Ragoût di Cinghiale (wild boar sauce). If the hike is too long, drive most of the way and maybe just walk the last 30 minutes from Artó. It certainly would give you a reason to work off the pasta.

Later, drive back down to Orta, stroll the town and take the boat to l’Isola di San Giulio. Stroll the short pathway around the Benedictine monastery, pick up a souvenir and then have a cioccolata calda in Piazza Motta back in Orta.

Piazza Motta in Orta with the Island of San Giulio in the bachground and the Sanctuary above and behind
An UNESCO Site

If you have the time, the Sacro Monte di Orta is a UNESCO site worth visiting. It’s only 5 minutes by car from any parking lot in Orta. A unique sanctuary with  20 Franciscan chapels and 375 terracotta statues, depicting religious stories.

One of the 20 chapels with terracotta statues.

The construction started back in the late 1500’s and were terminated in 1788. The art work is remarkable and its also free. The whole site sits on top of the mountain with a gorgeous view of the lake. At the very least, if you running short of time you must try to make it back an other day. or do quick visit, it’s certainly worth strolling through. I have spent many of my visits to Italy discovering this beautiful small lake rich of secrets. I don’t know why, but I just love this lake in particular when it’s raining…call me crazy.

 A hike on Lake Como

This is a longer hike but the terrain is plenty easy and the sights are amazing. You’ll need about three hours, but wow! it is certainly the most scenic of the lake of Como. Start the trek at the train station in Dervio. Why the train station? Simply because when you arrive in Bellano‘s train station you can catch any of the local trains back to your point of origin.

Leave Dervio station and head to the church of San Quirico e Giulitta facing the lake. Here is where the actual trail starts and although sometimes it’s paved, you are actually on ancient roads that were used to connect Como and Switzerland. Throughout the hike you will see ruins, mulattiere (mule trails) that date back centuries, and lots of farmland and farm houses, in particular the Cascine dei Ronchi, where you’ll have a marvellous view of the lake.

You’ll walk through the Valle dei Mulini, cross over stone bridges and visit the Santuario di Lezzeno and the church of San Bernardino or the one of San Rocco.

This trail is a wonderful testament to history and earlier civilizations. You will reach the Orrodo gorge, an amazing natural wonder with suggestive waterfalls and gollies. Soon after that you’ll see the church of the Saints Nazaro e Celso before heading to Bellano where the trail actually ends at the train station.

Easy Train Ride Home

Relax a bit, have a cappuccino or lunch pending what time you get there and afterwards take the easy way back to Dervio. Since the train ride is only 6 minutes, yes 6 minutes, and costs about €1,50, you can spend some time just visiting that town.

If you don’t want to hike the total distance, and since the two towns are only six minutes by train, you could hike a few kilometres in each place.  You will get a good feeling about the area and still see some great panoramas, and at the same time you have given yourself a good pat on the back for having done at least somewhat of a good nature walk. Any amount of time amongst nature is time well spent. Good for the body, the spirit… and the appetite.

“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.

 

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Why You Should Add Nature to Your Italian Holiday

We are heading Italy on a holiday and I mustn’t forget my hiking boots. And no! They are not for climbing the many steps of the Venetian bridges. They are for the endless nature walks that you will want to partake.

Nature and the Italian countryside

Italian countryside

 Traveling through Italy is probably the epitome of historic sites, ancient civilizations, architectural wonders and of course great food. But, all that can also be monotonous, if that’s possible. Driving from one city to the next, although completely different, after a while can all start to look the same.

I have often heard people tell me that they ended up not visiting certain sites there because they had seen enough churches or ruins. As sad as that is, I do sort of understand. It could have been a different experience had they known to modify their itinerary, break up their days and incorporate some “greenery.”

Nature and the Outdoors

I love to incorporate nature to all my trips to Italy. In doing so, you quickly realize that the stereotype , “it’s a small country with lots of people” is actually contrasted by the vast amounts of green space.Add fabulous walks, hikes. bike trails, and even horse trails and you have an all-around holiday. It’s worthwhile to add nature to your trip for various reasons. The panoramas are not only spectacular but are full of historical surprises. Roman bridges, medieval castles, war monuments or relics as well as lush forests, waterfalls and rivers. Of course these treks are also great for working up an appetite.

Nature walk in Angera, on Lake Maggiore
Walls of the Rocca of Angera, Lago Maggiore
Relax in Nature

There is nothing better than interrupting your hike in a mountain refuge tasting local delicacies before continuing on your hike. Or perhaps finishing your hike in a town where you just sit and relax with a glass of wine savouring local cheeses and meats. Breathing in fresh air, taking in hikes in one of the many UNESCO parks, for instance, just adds another dimension to your Italian experience that will surpass any expectations. So when you book your next trip make sure to make room in your itinerary to discover the other (green) side of Italy.

“Till then… Buon Viaggio.

See my post  3 Easy Hikes at the Foot of the Italian Alps in Northern Italy for more exciting tips.

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.

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