Here are some of our favorite highlights from our adventure in Italy!

(5 days in Rome, 3 days in Florence, 3 days in Venice)

Things to know ahead of time:

  • Prebook! Save time and avoid having to wait in line! Train tickets, Accademia Gallery in Florence, Basilica de San Marco in Venice, the Vatican in Rome…
  • Cell Phone: Turn off cellular data and data roaming on your phone to avoid unexpected cell charges. Consider adding an international data plan to your cell service.
  • Skype: download the phone app and use wi-fi to call the US for cheap.
  • Get the iphone app Rome2Go: The app tracks your location on the map with passive GPS so you can use it without wi-fi or cell service!
  • Cafe etiquette: locals eat their snacks and coffee standing up at the counter because sitting down at a table usually costs more. The standard breakfast in Italy is a cappuccino and cornetto (croissant).
  • Taxi: The fare from the Rome airport (FCO) into the city is a fixed price: ~45euro. Don’t pay more!
  • Walking: Crossing the street is dangerous in Rome! Even if there is a crosswalk, cars tend to run right through them with little regard for people. Bring comfortable walking shoes!
  • Fashion no-no: Wearing shorts (even on a hot day) is frowned upon in Italy!
  • Things we loved:
  • Rome food tour by Eating Italy. Awesome intro to the city and its food. They also give you tons of restaurant recommendations.
  • Underground tour of the Colosseum by Walks of Italy.
  • Cinque Terre hiking trek by Walkabout Florence is a must! If you go as a couple, bring a padlock with you. There’s a section of the hike where couples leave locks along the trail to symbolize the strong bond of their love.
  • Night walks in Rome: The crowds at the Pantheon and Trevi fountain are absolutely horrendous during the day, but at night you have the place all to yourself!

Food recommendations:

[envira-gallery id=’7190′]