Planning a Trip to Italy: 20 Common Questions

June 3, 2008

Here are some tips from users on Fodor's Travel Forum

What are my car rental options?

Thank you so much for the suggestion to rent a car through Hertz Italy. We went to that website and got a much better rate than what we were quoted through the Auto Club and Auto Europe. For the exact same car and coverage, the rate through Hertz Italy was 79,32 Euro less than the other two companies' rates. -- SCFoodie

Will a trip to Italy in August be miserable?

I live in the Rome area. It is usually very hot in August, and sticky. Not ideal for walking around sightseeing. The heat reflected off the pavements is tiring to say the least. If you do come, make very sure you have air conditioning (not all hotels in Rome have it). -- Cymreag46

Is Pisa one big tourist trap?

I went on a whim and I thought it was breathtaking. I just ignored the kitsch and carts around it and looked at the trio of buildings for what they are themselves (stunning, IMHO) and I really enjoyed it. I did it as a half day from Florence and would do it again if I had the chance. -- amyb

Should we use the luggage handling services offered by porters at our destination?

We expected to have an easy time with porters, but there weren't any around when we came into either port for our hotels. I would email your hotels and let them know specifically when you are arriving and from where so you make sure you get help. I'm not sure you can do it without! -- amyd

Do you have a suggestion for a cooking class in Tuscany?

I can recommend Accidental Tourist. They took a small group of us on a tour of a family run winery and olive oil business that operates from a gorgeous villa then we made our own pasta. -- thegilbeys

Do I need a converter to charge phones, ipods, or even a hair dryer?

Look at each appliance for the voltage markings (110 or 110-240). If your chargers and appliances are dual voltage (110-240v) then you will only need a plug adaptor, not a converter. -- kybourbon

Should I reserve tickets in advance to view Michelangelo's David in Florence?

The easiest and cheapest way to get reservations to the Accademia (David) and other museums is to e-mail your hotel and ask them to get the reservation. We always do that in whatever city we are going to and they are always happy to do it. No phone calls, no extra fees and no problems. -- Ann1

Where should I begin my search for a villa rental in Tuscany for a large group?

This villa (on VRBO.com) is within your price range, has 10 bedrooms, 2 pools (1 inside and 1 outside), etc. It is located near Todi. Easy access to Montepulciano, Florence, Assisi, Orvieto, etc. We are trying to get a family reunion planned and will book this for our family. -- granbury

Would staying in Trastevere or the Vatican area put us too far away from Rome's action?

We recently stayed in the Piazza Navona area, and it was lively but touristy. I much preferred the Trastevere area, and if we return, that is where we will stay. The walk to historic Rome is certainly longer, but also certainly doable. I believe the northern end of Trastevere would be best — more active, and closer in. -- butnotrmpt

Should I buy my train tickets in advance?

I have never had a problem buying my tickets ahead of time on Trenitalia.com. The ticketless option is great. They will send you an email, which is your confirmation. Print it out and take it with you. No need to validate a ticket. When the conductor comes around, just show him the confirmation. -- SusanP

Any advice for planning a trip to Italy with a reluctant spouse?

Your husband will probably like Italy but maybe he just doesn't like traveling. If that is the case, I'd make the travel stuff as easy on him as possible — direct flights, centrally located comfortable hotels (in Rome try near the Pantheon rather than the Spanish steps), traveling when it isn't too hot (April seems fine), not moving around among too many places. -- Sally30

Do you have any advice for touring wineries in Italy?

On one tour (Fonterutoli) we were the only people on the tour. It was awkward but we had the full tour. So much history! Be aware of your appointment times and distances from each other. We were forced to cancel an appointment because the distance was further than we expected. -- ricerco

What do we do with our rental car in Venice?

We've been to Venice three times, each time driving directly to the large carpark which is located right where you will be able to catch a vaporetta to your hotel. It's ever so simple and stress free. -- caroltis

Do you have any advice for traveling with older parents in Italy?

Be flexible enough to adjust your plans if they should tire. If they are not walking regularly, they should start now to build stamina — work up to at least 2 miles in comfort. It will make a real difference in their enjoyment. Pompei will most likely be the most challenging because the of the uneven footing, distances you will cover and lack of shade — carry water when you go there. -- basingstroke2

How many nights is ideal to stay in the Lake Como area?

The longest I've stayed just on Lake Como was 4 days, but one year I did a tour of the Northern Italian Lakes and spent a total of 14 days among the 5 largest lakes and never tired of the beautiful scenery and lovely peace and quiet. You could do a week on Como with day trips by car or train to some of the other lakes, but... -- JulieVikmanis

Can we visit Capri and Pompeii on the same day coming from Naples?

We did a tour as part of a cruise ship itinerary where we left from Naples (by coach) toured Pompei, had lunch in Sorrento, went to Capri and returned on the last hydrofoil to Naples. On your own, I wouldn't risk it. -- John_T_Cuttino

What do I need to pack to ensure that my toddler is happy and well fed?

I would definitely buy baby food there. Yes, they do have lamb, rabbit and veal flavored food, but they also have standard apple, pear, blueberry, apricot, etc. Plus, you can always buy bananas and just feed those to your baby. Same with oatmeal, etc. -- dexters

What's so great about Sicily?

I walked off some of the calories by exploring the southern end of the island, finding access to the castle at the very tip completely blocked off. The more time I spent on its back streets, the more I liked Ortigia. Yes, there were tourists around, but not that many. Yes, there were tourist shops, but not whole streets of them. Yes, the buildings were often baroque, but not aggressively so. Mostly, I think I liked the town because of the variety. -- thursdaysd

What should I wear to be able to entire Italy's churches and duomos?

Shoulders and upper arms covered (t-shirt sleeve length is fine), knees covered (so no shorts, capris are fine). -- quokka

What should our itinerary be for our first and ONLY trip to Italy?

If that's the case, I suggest you pick the 3 places you REALLY want to see, and arrange your itinerary around them. Otherwise, plan on the basis that you will come back and do the other bits, and try to make your life as easy as possible. As Rome and Milan are the easiest airports for you, it makes sense to use them and plan your travel accordingly. -- annhig

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