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ITALY

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CITIES AND REGIONS

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“The Beautiful Boot”

Known fondly by its people as, “Bel Paese,” meaning “The Beautiful Country,” and “Lo Stivale,” meaning “The boot.” Putting the two together as The Beautiful Boot, just makes sense. After all, Italy is world renowned for its shoe-making craftsmanship, among many other things! While, glancing at a map will reveal the easy answer as to where Italy’s “Boot” nickname came from. To fully comprehend the feeling behind Bel Paese, you simply must travel to Italy yourself.

As one of the first international destinations we ever traveled to, Italy holds some of our first core travel memories. It’s romanticism will sweep you away. And while we dont like to play favorites, Italy has to be in our top 5 countries; and is one of the places we think everyone should visit in their lifetime. It certainly keeps pulling us back, time and time again.

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THINGS TO KNOW, BEFORE YOU GO

The basics you should know, before traveling to Italy

LANGUAGE | ITALIAN

CURRENCY | EUROS

CAPITAL | ROME

FLAG | GREEN, WHITE, RED

Known for: History, culture, food, architecture, fashion, art, natural beauty

Religion: The Roman Catholic Church
and The Church of Ferrari (*wink*)

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THE BEST TIME TO VISIT

MAY – SEPTEMBER

Due to the weather, the most popular times to visit Italy are May – September.

If you’re looking for that hot, Italian summer, this is the time to go. Our favorite month is September. When the weather is still good and it is slightly less crowded. Once you get into October, hot weather is not guaranteed, especially the further North you go.

However, Italy is more than just a summer vacation destination. Traveling when the weather is cooler, means far less crowds and much lower prices, on just about everything.

For our snow-bunnies and powder-pigs, there are more than a few ski resorts in the Italian Alps to choose from.

See below for a quick day trip to the Matterhorn, in Switzerland!

However, keep in mind that many French citizens escape the city heat throughout the month of August. So, some restaurants and activities will not be open.

But this didn’t bother us! We love that French workers are entitled to what appears to Americans as, “so much,” vacation time.

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SAFETY

SOLO-FEMALE TRAVEL

Whether traveling solo, or otherwise; Italy is a great country for female travel. There is no gun violence and the crime rate is low.

While, no place in the world is completely safe. The main crime travelers should be conscious of, in Italy, are pickpockets.

How to Prevent Being Pickpocketed on Your European Vacation, coming soon.

EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBER: 112

In case of emergency, 112 is the “911” of Europe. There is no need to add a + or country code. If the need ever arises, just dial 112, and call.

TIP
Add 112 into your phone contacts as “911 Europe” or “Europe Emergency Help” before your trip.
In fact, if your trip is already planned, just do it now!

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PASSPORT

Don’t Forget!

As a US citizen, your passport cannot expire within 3 MONTHS of the time you’re expected to depart The Schengen Zone.

What’s The Schengen Zone?

The Schengen Zone is a group of (mostly) European countries (excluding a few) that have agreed to drop border crossing protocols between each other.

Thinking About A Longer Trip?

A US citizen with a valid passport can stay in The Schengen Zone for 90 days out of 180 without a visa. So, if you’re traveling for under 3 months, you do not need a visa.

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ITALY TRAVEL
THE CAN’T MISS LIST

The Amalfi Coast

Capri

The Cinque Terre

Florence

Lake Como

Milan

Naples

Pisa

Rome

Sardinia

Tuscany

Venice

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A UNIQUE “ITALY” DAY TRIP

A treat-yourself trip, for your Northern Italy bucket list!

Did you know, there’s a ski run that connects Italy and Switzerland? In the past, the only way to travel between Valtournenche, Italy and Zermatt, Switzerland was by hour long ski run.

However, with the opening of The Matterhorn Alpine Crossing in 2023, this route has become accessible to all travelers! Now, the route is open to skiers and non-skiers, alike.

While, the expense of traveling in Switzerland may make the country seem out of reach to budget-travelers. This, treat-yourself day trip, is the perfect way to make a quick visit the country for the day, without breaking the bank.

LUNCH IN SWITZERLAND

After you make your way to Zermatt, don’t miss lunch, at Chez Vrony. Not only is the food at Chez Vrony, core-travel-memory-worthy. But, it’s been in the same family for a century, and is one of the only locally organic restaurants remaining in the area. It may cost a pretty penny, but the food and the view are well worth the price.

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ITALY TRAVEL
THE CAN’T MISS LIST | PART 2

Have you been to Italy a time or two and looking to bolster your itinerary? Maybe you’re searching for roads, a bit less traveled? Here are some lesser known areas, and hidden gems, in Part 2 of our Italian City Can’t Miss List.

Abano Terme

Burano

Dolomites

Genoa

Ischia

Italian Alps

Lake Bellagio

Lucca

Malta

Modena

Murano

Padua

Pompeii

Portofino

Procida

Sicily

Sienna

Sorrento

Verona

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OUR FAVORITE SOUVENIRS FROM ITALY

The best keepsakes to bring home for yourself, or gift to loved ones…or even the person who’s watching your fur babies!

Original Art

Balsamic Vinegar

Ceramics

Clothing

Glass from Venice

Leather goods from Florence

Limoncello from The Amalfi Coast

Olive Oil

Olive Wood Products

Recipes

Sea Glass

Seasonings

Wine

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ITALIAN BITES | THE CAN’T MISS LIST

Eating Italian food in Italy, will have you questioning whether or not you should ever return home.

Balsamic Vinegar

Biscotti

Caccio e Pepe

Cheeses

Espresso

Focaccia

Gelato

Gnocchi

Italian Meats and Seafood

Lasagna

Limoncello

Olive Oil

Pastas (…so many pastas!)

Pesto

Pizza

Ravioli

Risotto

Tiramisu

Tortellini

Wine

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DO YOU KNOW,
HOW TO SPOT AUTHENTIC ITALIAN GELATO?

If you’re looking to get blown away by Italian gelato, make sure you do it right! By finding an Italian gelato shop that uses handmade, authentic, natural ingredients.

One of the easiest ways to check for gelato that doesn’t use natural ingredients, is if it’s piled high. If the height of the gelato exceeds the height of its container, by more than an inch or two? That’s a tell-tale sign of artificial ingredients. Next!

For another fool-proof trick to spotting authentic Italian gelato. Simply, check the color of the Pistachio! Does the color of the pistachio gelato look like it was colored with food dye or does it look, pistachio-colored? Checking the gelato colors for signs of artificial coloring is another great way to spot a “fake.”

Worried they wont have pistachio? Pistachio Gelato is as common as, vanilla and chocolate, in Italy. If they don’t have pistachio, that would be rare, and usually a good sign to try somewhere else.

But don’t worry, there are plenty of gelato shops in Italy! Finding an authentic gelato shop should prove to be an easy feat in any city!

OUR FAVORITE AUTHENTIC ITALIAN GELATO FLAVORS

Straciatella

Pistachio

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COMING SOON

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For our fresh, travel-inspired, cant miss lists. Check out our Pinterest Boards!

TRAVEL INSPO | TRAVEL RECIPES | TRAVEL TREASURES | TRAVEL OUTFITS | TRAVEL NECESSITIES

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What are your favorite things about Italy?

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