Your Italy Itinerary
Rome
Great news for WA residents, you can now fly non-stop from Perth to Rome with Qantas!
If you haven’t been to this city yet, then give yourself a day to visit all the greatest hits. It is a city filled with buildings that are over a thousand years old, allowing you to walk back in time and glimpse life during the Roman Empire. At the top of the list to visit are the Colosseum, the Pantheon, Sistine Chapel, The Vatican and of course, throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain. You can travel around the city on foot, Vespa or via the metro and bus network.
However, if you’ve seen and done that before…when in Rome, do as the Romans do.
This means long, leisurely mornings spent in picturesque streetside cafes, watching passersby in their stylish Italian fashion whilst sipping on an espresso and enjoying a cannoli. Be sure to buy some fruit from the vendors on the streets near the Roman Forum, it will be the best nectarine you’ve ever had. Also off the beaten track, have a look at the Vespa Museum or the Stadio Oliympico, a tour here is a must-do for soccer and sports fanatics. Better yet, book tickets and watch a match!
The Trevi Fountain, Rome
The Amalfi Coast
A popular tourist destination, but for a good reason, there’s plenty to see and do amongst or away from the crowds along the Amalfi Coast. Catch the train from Rome to Sorrento and hire a rental car from there and continue to the Amalfi region to enjoy one of the most stunning stretches of road in Europe.
To see the Amalfi Coast properly, you can base yourself centrally and explore all the 13 villages and towns that make up the coastline, from Salerno to Positano, Praiano, Amalfi, and everywhere in between. These towns have some of the best hotels and restaurants the region has to offer. Amalfi is known for its seafood and abundance of lemons. The saying should be a little different here, “When life gives you lemons, make limoncello.”
You should also make time to spend a nice long day at one of the beaches under the iconic striped umbrellas. Keep in mind that on a lot of the beaches you will need to book a day bed for a small fee.
If you need to burn off some of the pizza and gelato, you can go for a hike in the mountains. This is one of the best ways to get far away from the crowds, while taking in some unique views of the coastline that most tourists don't get to see. The hike down to Fiordo di Furore from Agerola is particularly picturesque, winding past ruins, churches, and finishing at a quiet inlet.
Although the weather is almost always sunny in the summer there are plenty of things to do if it isn't a perfect beach day. Why not join a pasta making class or visit the Coral Museum of Ravello?
Amalfi Coast
Florence
It's time to catch a high speed train headed back north to Florence. Prepare to appreciate Italian Renaissance buildings, and admire the glorious rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside.
Allow yourself two to three days in Florence as you will want to spend some time wandering the cobbled streets with one of these self-guided walking tours. Marvel at the architecture, shop for some of the finest fashion and food, watch a craftsman work on world-class leather along the Via Giovan Battista Zannoni, and of course, who could forget a visit to Michelangelo’s Statue of David?
Florence’s most iconic landmark is the Piazza del Duomo. Constructed during the 15th Century, Brunelleschi’s red-tiled cupola attracts thousands of art-lovers to admire the Italian Renaissance architecture, which is beautiful on both the interior and exterior. You will need to book tickets if you wish to make the climb to the top of the Dome. Keep in mind, this is not for the faint of heart; this is a very steep climb through some tight spaces, but the view is well worth the 463 steps.
Piazza del Duomo, Florence, Tuscany
The Tuscan Countryside
We highly recommend exploring outside the city, to admire the beautiful Tuscan vistas, sip on fine wine and indulge in cucina contadina (farmers kitchen), as the culture of this region is in perfect harmony with the land. There are tours and guided daytrips you can take to some of the nearby towns, or hire a car and make your own itinerary to any of the quaint, medieval villages.
A favourite for both locals and tourists, San Gimignano is best known for its medieval towers and weird and wonderful gelato flavours such as saffron and pine nut. Worth the wait in line, try out world famous (and self-proclaimed best) Gelateria Dondoli.
For accommodation that offers more than just a place to rest your head, book a stay at the luxurious Borgo Pignano. This magnificent rustic old estate has private villas, cottages or hotel suites and offers a pool overlooking the stunning countryside, a day spa, cooking classes and a restaurant that would almost have you content to never leave.
Other Tuscan towns that are well worth a day trip are Pitigliano, Bagni San Filipo, PIsa, and the fabulous World Heritage site, Val D’Orcia.
Val D'Orcia, Tuscany
A unique experience is a visit to Terme Di Saturnia hot springs, which has been used since Roman times, but has grown in popularity amongst tourists in recent years, and for good reason. These turquoise hot springs are stunning and are rich in minerals that will have you feeling wonderfully rejuvenated after a soak.
For another stunning waterfall destination that exhibits the same milky blue but will be a welcome cool plunge under the warm Italian sun, is Diborrato Waterfall, a 2.5km hike along the Elsa Trail.
Terme Di Saturnia hot springs, Tuscany
Cinque Terre
Catch a train or bus from Florence to perhaps the most picturesque coastline in Italy, the Cinque Terre. While this can be a day trip, you’ll probably want to stay a while once you arrive, and it’s easy to see why.
There are five villages dotted along this impressive coastline: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso. Colourful and vibrant, the villages were separate enough to develop their own unique cultures.
Cars are not permitted to travel between the villages during the peak season, so your options are to walk or take the bus. Walk if you can; the view is worth it as you travel through winding trails, past quaint villas, market gardens, fishing boats, and rugged cliffs.
Booking accommodation along the Cinque Terre can be tricky in summer, but La Spezia is just a 7-minute train ride away and a small port city, often overlooked, but well worth exploring.
Cinque Terre, Italian Riviera
Whilst it may seem like there are too many choices, you are guaranteed a trip to remember no matter where you decide to visit on your Italy itinerary!
Buon Viaggio!
Getting there
- Book direct flights from Perth to Rome with Qantas.
- Book your car hire with Perth Airport
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