Italy Itinerary

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Find the itenary here

Italy is all ancient architecture. There are a few things you need to consider before you start your bookings and begin your travel.

  1. Transport –
    1. Public Transport-
      1. Intra city – Italy is well connected by public transport. Travelling within the city is easy but can be time consuming. Day passes are recommended. Busses and trains are stroller/wheelchair friendly and are very similar to California busses and light rails but very crowded.
      2. Intercity – We did not use public transport for inter-city, hence can’t comment on it.
    2. Rental Car – Another less expensive option. If you have not driven in Mumbai or Pune, driving in Italy cities can be very painful. Driving is easier for intercity. But use public transport for intra city. Most of the attractions are within the no entry zones for private cars. So, you will have to walk a bit anyways.
      1. Transmission Type – Make sure you choose the right transmission type when book your car, else you will get a manual.
      2. Toll – Driving on highways requires you to pay tolls. Always, always and always enter the lane which accepts cash. You will have an option to pay by credit cards if it is attended by someone. If you enter the wrong toll lane, you may not have a chance to backup.
      3. Gas type – Get diesel cars. It’s cost effective. Regardless, fuel is almost double as that of US.
      4. Traffic Rules – Learn traffic rules, signs. Fines are steep. Honking is illegal unless it’s an emergency. Memorize a few words like Entry, Exit, hours, parking, ticket etc.
      5. Parking – Same as SFO. Street parking is scarce. Garage parking and hotel parking can be expensive.
      6. Garage Parking payments – Pay the ticket before you return to your car. This is very similar to the SFO terminal parking. You may not be able to backup at the exit.
      7. Street Parking – if the meter does not accept credit cards, it will accept only coins. Be prepared to use exact change.
      8. Maps – Google maps work just fine. Load the maps before you start your journey.
  1. Lodging – A lot of options including hotels, hostels, guest houses, apartments. Try Trivago, Hotels and AirBnB. Consider the following when booking your stay
    1. Transport –
      1. Renting – driving 15 mins to your destination should not matter. Most hotels will charge you for parking. If the hotels don’t have parking, consider the distance to a nearby garage. Finding street parking is next to impossible. Contact the hotel and book a parking spot.
      2. Public transport – If you are using public transport and time is short, book near a public transport station.
    2. Weather – When we went (June), the weather was hot. Most hotels do not have AC or fans. If they do have AC, its namesake. We barely experienced any breeze through the windows. It is better to call the hotel and ask your requirement. Most will provide you with a table fan if you ask them.
    3. Kitchenette – There are a few veg options. For Jain restrictions, hotels with kitchenette are a good option. Make sure the kitchenette is equipped with needed utensils. Otherwise, rely on homemade theplas, and capreese and pizzas.
    4. Elevator – A lot of hotels dont have elevators.
  2. Cash/Credit cards –
    1. Cash – Do not carry a whole lot of euros before your travel. Carry just enough to get by first 2 days. When you are out of cash, use local ATMs.
    2. Credit card – Italy accepts cards with a Chip and Pin technology. In USA you get only Chip and Sign credit cards. Get whichever card you get with No foreign transaction fee. The chip and sign will work almost everywhere. I got Chase Sapphire Preferred and had no problems using it.
  3. Accessories –
    1. Cell phones – Compare between international data plans (International calling not required) and getting a local SIM card. Trust me; you will need a data plan. For calling, use Hangout Dialer app. Preload it with 10 euros
    2. Converters – Most phones are equipped to work on dual voltage. However, don’t risk burning the most important item you have on the trip. Get a step-down converter.
    3. USB splitters – Get a USB splitter. Connect the splitter to the converter and charge multiple devices at same time.
    4. Power banks – Carry one or more power banks. One 25A power bank was enough for us for a day
    5. Bag Pack – Invest in a good bag pack. You will not regret it.
    6. Photo enthusiasts – if you can invest, invest in full frame cameras, wide angel lenses, additional battery packs and memory cards.
  4. Apps – Download and learn to use the following apps.
    1. Hangout Dialer – to call anywhere in the world for a few cents.
    2. Camera translator – Use your phone camera to foreign language and translate it any other language live.
    3. Google Translate
    4. Apps to access your reservations – Hotels.com, etc.
    5. Via Michelin – Calculates your trip cost, including fuel and tolls.

 

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