I get it. You have one vacation per year that you must make count. If you are coming to ItalyThe temptation to squeeze in as much as you can, especially on your first trip, is strong. The Colosseum in Rome, the Vatican in Florence, the Uffizi Gallery of Venice and the interior of the Basilica San Marco are all worth seeing. Amalfi Coast These places are considered must-visit for a good reason.
The No. In my 16 years in Italy, I have seen countless tourists make this mistake. The best advice I can offer to anyone traveling is: Don’t let a packed itinerary ruin your vacation.
If you make your vacation—and remember, it’s a vacation—If you spend your time ticking off places you have visited and taking photos of landmarks, then hurrying to catch a train back to your home city to continue on with the rest of your itinerary, you will likely be more tired than you were when you first left. You may feel satisfied with your list of destinations but you may not have taken the time to enjoy the slower pace and sweeter life that is Italy.
What is my advice for first-timers as well as repeat visitors? Do less. See less. Slow down. Savor more.
If you have a list of 10 must-see destinations, reduce it by half to allow more time for each one. If you have budgeted for two days in a destination, then spend more time there. RomeThree days is enough (at least). At least one of these days should be left open to explore the city, visit random shops and churches, have a leisurely lunch and relax in a piazza with a drink. This advice is also applicable to Venice, FlorenceYou can visit.
Italy will not disappear. The centuries-old sites, the delicious food and wines, the idyllic scenery, and cobbled streets will all be there for you to enjoy when you come back. If you’re anything like most travelers, you will be hooked on the first taste of la dolce vitaYou will definitely plan a return visit.
