ITALY: HOW TO PRIORITIZE YOUR TIME THERE

With so much to see in Italy, what should you see first?  This was the question I was faced with recently as I begin my adventure there.

Having all the time in the world to see everything in the country you are visiting is usually a luxury that many of us can’t afford. Thus having a condensed idea of what is possible in a day helps any traveler immensely.

I started my travels in Italy with my first stop in Rome packed full of wandering and organized chaos. In preparation for my trip, I researched, brushed up on my Italian, and even printed out the directions on how to get to my Airbnb.

Learning your way around somewhere new, especially an unfamiliar country can seem daunting. Hopefully, my tips and daily layout will help you can gain your bearings quickly while seeing some hidden gems in the process.

Italy – Rome, Roma

Day 1 in Italy – Getting your Bearings

On my first day in Rome, I had a tour planned. Any tour that gets you out and walking allows you to learn your new surroundings and helps you to become a little more comfortable. Always do research beforehand in order to know any quirks that come with moving about the city’s transportation. Rome has its fair share of them.

The tour I decided on was the Rome Food Tour with Pizza-Making, Trattoria Tastings & Gelato By Walks of Italy. This tour was invaluable as it gave me insight into the tram system. It also allowed me the chance to walk the streets of Rome with someone who was born there.

This particular tour takes you to some of the hidden gems in the city allowing you to experience Rome as it should, through its food.

Along with all the knowledge you gain on this tour it also places you very close to some of the most popular sightseeing spots. Affording you the opportunity to hit the spots below with ease and just a bit of walking.

• Trevi Fountain
• Pantheon
• Spanish Steps
• Vicus Caprarius – the City of Water
• Piazza Della Rotonda
• Church of St. Louis of the French

Colosseo

Day 2 in Italy – branching out to the Eastside

Now that you have your bearings, it’s time to branch out a bit. On day 2 I headed to the east side of the River Tiber. Here I started my day off viewing the historic beauty that is the Colosseum.

I suggest a tour here if only for the fact that you are able to skip the line and believe me you will want to. There is also so much historical knowledge you will miss out on if you are venturing on your own. Especially if the Gladiator movie is your only historical reference.

While venturing on this side of Rome you should also see the other sites listed below. With them, you will gain a full scope of how the Romans truly lived. Rome is a city built on top of itself, over and over again.

These landmarks will better help you understand the Roman way and give you some amazing pictures in the process.

• Roman Forum
• Palatine Hill

There are lots of restaurants that will be vying for your attention. Most will stand outside and try to talk you into their establishment that’s a very clear sign that it’s a tourist lounge.

If you are like me and want a more local experience. Grabbing dinner and drinks in the Trastevere district would be the perfect way to end your day. Trastevere is young, hip, and bustling at night with lots of bars and restaurants that won’t disappoint.

Vatican City

Day 3 in Italy – can be a full-day experience

You don’t have to be religious to appreciate what Vatican City has to offer. Exploring all of the places below will take you to the west side of the River Tiber.

Start with the Vatican Museums on the northern side of the city-state and make your way to the Sistine Chapel. Note that it is only accessible through the museums as it can’t be viewed on its own. From there St. Peter’s is on the southern side and can be viewed without cost.

Vatican City can be a full-day experience. My only parting words are to be watchful of what day you plan to visit as the Pope gives a Papal Address on Wednesday and an Angelus on Sundays making the crowds substantial.

• Vatican Museums
• Sistine Chapel
• St. Peter’s Basilica
• St. Peter’s Square

Once you have had your fill of Rome or at least spent all the time you can there. Head over to one of the neighboring cities which Rome has no shortage of. Personally, I decided to head over to Florence for a few days and with just a quick train ride it’s more than doable.

Italy – Florence, Tuscany

Renaissance in every essence of the word

My second and sadly my final spot in Italy was Florence. Florence is Renaissance in every essence of the word. The beauty will make you think you walked right onto the canvas of a living painting. I spent all of my time walking as Florence s much more condensed.

I came for the art but wanted to stay for the culture. With only having a couple of days in Florence I wished I had planned for a few more. I spent my days taking in all the art I could. Depending on what museum or activity you want to do, reserved tickets may be required so do your research per place.

The piece de resistance for me was seeing the original David at the Galleria dell’Accademia along with Ponte Vecchio. Hitting these major spots places you right in the middle of everything else.

If you wish to climb to the top of the Florence Duomo, a reservation is required so plan ahead. Major points of interest are listed below and can all be hit in just one day if need be.

• Florence Duomo
• Gates of Paradise
• Piazza della Signoria
• Ponte Vecchio
• Ponte Santa Trinita
• Ponte alle Grazie

Italy has been one place I have longed to go and it did not disappoint. I threw a coin into the Trevi Fountain so as the legend goes I indeed shall return.

Traveling is one of my favorite things to do, and I do it often. With that said I like to travel light; checking bags is not usually on my list of things to do. Find out how to travel like a pro and never check a bag again with my tips and tricks on how to pack the perfect travel bag.

24 hours in Italy – what do you definitely go and see?