Hi, We’re planning to visit southern Puglia over 9 nights and I’d love your thoughts on our itinerary. We’ll fly into Bari and out of Brindisi, picking up a rental car at the airport. We enjoy sightseeing but aren’t big on museums, and we’d like to swim.

First idea: 1 night in Matera – 4 nights in Monopoli to explore Alberobello, Conversano, Locorotondo, and Ostuni – 4 nights in Gallipoli or another southern town. Second idea: 1 night in Matera – 2 nights in Monopoli – 1 night in Taranto – 4 nights in Gallipoli – 1 night in Ostuni.

Thanks for your tips!

Hi everyone,

For the May public holidays, we’ve planned a 5-day trip to Puglia (which feels a bit short, but we couldn’t do otherwise—work commitments!).

We’ll be staying in Bari and plan to explore the surrounding villages on day trips or half-day trips. We’re struggling to decide which ones to visit.

What do you think is doable/reasonable in 5 days? Are some places more worth it than others?

Off the top of our heads, we were considering: Lecce, Ostuni, Alberobello, Brindisi, Matera, and Polignano a Mare... I think we won’t be able to do it all, so we’re thinking of cutting some destinations—but which ones?

Thanks in advance! Tyflore

Hello, We’re heading to Puglia at the end of May. We’re a senior couple. We arrive in Bari, where we’ve booked accommodation for 2 nights. We’ve rented a car. Day 1: Bari Day 2: Polignano a Mare – Monopoli Day 3: Ostuni – Brindisi Day 4: Lecce Day 5 & 6: Exploring the coast from Otranto to Santa Maria di Leuca Day 7 & 8: Gallipoli area Day 9 & 10: Matera

We’re considering renting a place near Lecce for 5 days and using it as a base to explore the region.

Thanks for your thoughts!

Best regards, Jean Michel

Hi there, I’m wondering about spending a week in Basilicata in southern Italy in mid-to-late March. Initially, I was talking about Puglia, but I realize that in my imagination it was actually Puglia—but no, it’s really the timeless charm of Basilicata that I want to discover.

We’d be leaving from Nice. Do any of you have any tips? People who’ve been there recently—how about transport? Accommodations? A possible itinerary? Maybe fly into Naples and rent a car? Thanks for your feedback!

Have a great day,

Barbara

Planning a trip to Italy in October. I’d love to hear about your experiences. Thanks!

Hi there, We’re planning a trip for October to visit Naples (6 nights) and the Amalfi Coast (5 nights). We’ve already got the historic center and the Lapis Museum in Naples, Pompeii, Herculaneum, Procida, Sorrento, and Ravello on our list. Any suggestions, addresses, or tips? Thanks for your help.

Hi there, I live in Quebec and I’m planning a trip to Italy. We’re thinking of visiting Rome, Florence, Venice, and Tuscany. Here are a few questions I haven’t been able to find clear answers to online. If anyone can help, I’d really appreciate it—thanks in advance!

- There are different City Passes for Rome. I’ve found the differences between them, but whenever I try to simulate a purchase, I’m always redirected to another site like Tiquet. Is there an official Tourism Office website for these?

- Is it easy to get around Tuscany by public transport, especially in the Chianti region?

- For guided tours (or not), which company do you prefer? Get Your Guide? Viator?

Looking forward to your recommendations—thanks again!

My daughter and I are planning to visit Puglia in September. We won’t have a car. We’re thinking of staying in Bari for a few days, then exploring the surrounding area before heading to Lecce and finishing in Matera. Do you have any recommendations for hotels or Airbnbs?

Hi everyone,

The last time we saw the Dolomites—briefly—was back in 1982. Obviously, things have changed dramatically since then, as few Italian tourist spots are spared from crowds these days.

So, I have two questions:

1) When? Which period offers relatively good weather and moderate crowds? I was thinking October, but are the cable cars still running then? And what about accommodations?

2) Where? Which "must-see" spots should we skip? On the other hand, which places should we prioritize?

We’d like to do a few hikes—moderate in terms of time, distance, and elevation gain.

Thanks for your tips!

Hi there, 🙂

I’m about to book 4 nights in the Italian capital and I’m wondering where the best place to stay would be.

- A neighborhood that’s not too noisy - A neighborhood well served by public transport (airport and the city’s main sights) - A neighborhood with restaurants and supermarkets - A neighborhood with relatively reasonable prices

Public transport is essential. We gave this trip as a gift to someone who won’t be able to walk long distances like we usually do.

I also don’t want to be too far from the historic center.

Termini and Monti seem to fit these criteria? Is Termini a bit sketchy? But sketchy like dangerous or sketchy like homeless people just looking for a place to sleep?

We’ll be traveling off-season.

Thanks for your ideas !

Hello, We (two adults) would like to visit this legendary place. Recommended time to go—I’m currently planning for early June. Road trip with my car starting from Belgium.

Day 1: Belgium - Innsbruck Day 2: Innsbruck - Lago di Braies: Visit Innsbruck, then head to Lago di Braies. Day 3: Lago di Braies - San Vito di Cadore: Visit Lago di Braies, then Lago di Landro and Misurina. Day 4: San Vito di Cadore: Tre Cime Day 5: San Vito di Cadore: Cinque Torri (5 Torri) Day 6: San Vito di Cadore: Lago di Sorapis Day 7: San Vito di Cadore - St. Maddalena: Lago di Dobbiaco - churches in the late afternoon Day 8: St. Maddalena - Alpe di Siusi Day 9: Alpe di Siusi: Compatsch Day 10: Alpe di Siusi: Seceda Day 11: Alpe di Siusi - Venice: Lago di Carezza Day 12: Venice Day 13: Venice Day 14: Return trip

Thanks, Louis

Hi there,

This year, we booked a rental in Colonno, Italy, by Lake Como.

Everything was going well until my wife wanted to see Milan... Out of 11 days, why not spend a day there, even though I’m not really a "city" person? Then I discovered ZTLs (Zona a Traffico Limitato)...

A 90 € fine if you’re unlucky enough to drive into one, and another 90 € if you drive out... While I was looking for info on where to park without risking a fine in Milan (any tips?), I found out that Como also has a ZTL. (Any parking advice there too?)

My question is: is there a map showing all the cities with ZTLs? Because if it means getting hit with hundreds of euros in fines 9 months later... 😕

The more I look for info, the more I come across unsettling stories... Like people who pass a ZTL sign, turn around immediately, and still get hit with two 90 € fines in 3 minutes... I don’t want to ruin the vacation over a small mistake...

Thanks in advance,

We’re 4 adults traveling to Italy in April/May for a month. We arrive in Marseille and will spend 2 days in Avignon. We’re renting a car and heading to Rome. We’ll visit Cinque Terre and Pisa. We’re looking for accommodations where we can leave the car and explore using nearby public transport. I’d love suggestions for places to stay in Cinque Terre and Rome. If you have any tips for scenic routes (avoiding highways), that’d be great too. Thanks

Hi, I’m planning my trip to La Spezia and I’m struggling to find nice places to visit besides the Cinque Terre and Portovenere. Budget: Mid-range NO hiking

Can you help me out?

Thanks!

Hi there,

I’ve found some great deals on flights to two destinations: Menorca in the Balearic Islands and Alghero in Sardinia.

The flights would take us from Bordeaux to Menorca on the evening of 9/07 and return to Bordeaux in the evening on 13/07. Or to Alghero very early on 10/07 (departure at 6 AM) and return in the mid-afternoon on 13/07. We love beautiful landscapes, the sea, snorkeling, walks (hiking), and the charm of villages. We want to spend some quality time as a couple without our kids and mix discovery with relaxation.

I can’t make up my mind. The transport costs are roughly the same when you factor in parking for Sardinia since the early departure means no public transport from home.

We’ve never been to Menorca, Sardinia, or Italy at all. I’ve been to Majorca, though. Menorca would be 4 nights and 4 days, while Alghero would be 3 nights and 2.5 days. Also, what itinerary would you recommend for Alghero and Menorca? Where to stay?

Thank you so much for your insightful traveler tips.

Have a great day, community!

Virginie

Hi everyone! I’m looking for any info that could help us with the excursions on the MSC Fantasia—Barcelona, Ibiza, Sardinia, Rome, Florence, and Cannes. Places to visit, tips to save us time… The cruise is from July 29 to August 5, 2026. Thanks!

Hi everyone,

I’d love to get your thoughts on the following itinerary (late May). I like to take my time in ruins and museums, and beaches don’t interest me. I’ll be staying in hostels and using public transport. Do you see any major omissions or things that aren’t worth it? Thanks!

Day 1: Arrival in CATANIA Day 2: Catania – visit (fish market, cathedral, Biscarri Palace, etc.) Day 3: Mount Etna (day trip)

Day 4: Morning trip to TAORMINA, visit the town Day 5: Alcantara Gorge (day trip) + more time in Taormina

Day 6: Trip to SYRACUSE, visit Ortigia Day 7: Ortigia Day 8: NOTO (day trip) (or another Baroque town?) Day 9: Syracuse Archaeological Park + more time in Ortigia (or leave for Enna?)

Day 10: Transport via Enna? TO BE RESOLVED (long, 2 or 3 changes, limited accommodation in Enna...)

Day 11: AGRIGENTO: town and Scala dei Turchi (optional) Day 12: Valley of the Temples + archaeological museum

Day 13: Departure for TRAPANI (4h), afternoon: town (+ salt flats?) Day 14: Segesta (day trip) + town/Erice Day 15: Monte Cofano Nature Reserve (hike + summit) (day trip) Day 16: Zingaro Nature Park (coastal route out, ridge route back) (day trip)

Day 17: Departure for the AEGADIAN ISLANDS: Levanzo and Favignana (bike), overnight if possible Day 18: Egadi Islands

Day 19: Departure for PALERMO + first visits Day 20: The city Day 21: The city (Monreale?) Day 22: Options: - Capo Gallo hike (3.5h round trip) (via Mondello) - Cefalù (45 min by train) Day 23: Return flight

Hi, I'm looking for info on Tuscany with the idea of taking a family vacation at the end of August, but we're not into cities or crowds. We're more into wild nature, beaches, and hiking... I've heard about southern Tuscany—is it too urbanized? Where else should we look? Thanks so much

Hi there,

I’m heading to Sicily for the 3rd time at the end of August. I’ve planned to spend 2 nights in the Aeolian Islands. I know you’ll say—rightly so—that it’s too short, but I can’t do any better. I’ve already been to Vulcano.

Which island is the most worth visiting for its stunning landscapes and views?

At this point, I was thinking of spending 1 night on Stromboli (and doing the ascent) and 1 night on Lipari, Salina, or Panarea.

Thanks for your tips, personal experiences, and have a great weekend!

Virginie

I’d love to know if there are any shuttles or other easy and cheaper ways to get to Civitavecchia from Rome Airport, which should be about 70 km away. Thanks in advance for your great tips!

Hello, I’m planning a trip for about ten people—seniors—to Friuli Venezia Giulia in September 2026.

Day 1 – We’ll likely arrive in Treviso and head first to UDINE for two nights. Day 2 – Morning in Udine, then an afternoon visit to Cividale del Friuli. Travel by local train. Day 3 – We’ll leave for a quick visit to Gorizia before heading to TRIESTE for one night. Day 4 – Visit Trieste and Miramare. At the end of the day, take the train to Cervignano, then a local bus to Grado. Stay in Grado for three nights. Day 5 – Explore central Grado and take a boat tour to the island of Barbana. Day 6 – Relaxation day in Grado (as requested by the participants). Day 7 – Visit Aquileia and possibly Palmanova.

Day 8 – Return to the airport or maybe a quick detour to Venice. For the three days in Grado and the surrounding area, I was thinking of hiring a small bus with a driver. It seems like it’d be simpler—what do you think? Any ideas or suggestions? Thanks for your feedback! MADAPOLAM

Hello, VoyageForum friends, and happy holidays! I’m planning a trip with my 19-year-old grandson to Milan for Easter Saturday, Sunday, and Monday in 2025. I’d love your insights on what we can visit in Milan that would interest both my grandson and me (I’m 75). Of course, I’m thinking of the must-sees, but not just those—cozy little restaurants, trendy neighborhoods, and anything else you’d recommend. I’m also looking for a comfortable hotel in the city center that isn’t too expensive!

I’m sure the VoyageForum community will help me uncover some hidden gems! Looking forward to your replies.

Hi everyone, My husband and I will be celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary. We’d love to return to Italy. We’re torn between Venice and Lake Como in Bellagio. Could you share your thoughts? We visited Venice exactly 10 years ago—we loved it, but I’m not sure if Lake Como is worth it even more. Is it a truly romantic and heart-stopping destination for this special occasion? Thanks for your advice! Sarah

This year, I’ve decided—I’m heading to Venice with my 12-year-old daughter between October 23rd and 28th. Despite my research, I still can’t figure out how the Museum Pass works. I bought it thinking it would give us easier access to some must-see spots. Now, I’m reading that we need to make a specific time reservation for each museum. When I try to do that, all I can do is pay for our entry tickets *again*. This is the case for the Doge’s Palace, the Campanile, St. Mark’s Basilica, and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.

An email to the tourist office didn’t get a helpful response. So now, I’m too nervous to even book a transport pass in advance!!!

If anyone could shed some light on this, it would be amazing.

Hi there! I'm heading to Venice from September 17th to 21st. I'm looking for an itinerary, great tips, hidden gems in Venice, and good deals for gondolas, tours, etc... Thanks in advance for all your advice!

Hi everyone,

I bought a Trenord train ticket online from Milano Centrale station to Como. While I’ve been to Italy several times and taken trains before, this is my first time traveling with this company.

The app says the QR code will be available when the ticket becomes valid, which is at the train’s departure time. But I was wondering if there are turnstiles like the ones in French stations, and I’d like more details on how to use tickets with Trenord. I tried looking for information but couldn’t find everything I needed.

Thanks in advance! 🙂

Hi, I saw that you can take the navebus to Pegli. Could you tell me where to catch it, and are there other ways to get there? Also, which is better to visit: Pegli, Bocadasse, Nervi, or Camogli... if you're spending 6 full days in Genoa and have a bit of time to dedicate to one or more nearby spots? Thanks in advance for your answers.

Hi! I’m an amateur photographer and I dream of photographing the Venice Carnival. I’m not really much of a partygoer, so I’m wondering how I’d feel at this event—I’m afraid I might feel a bit like an intruder... I know I’m overthinking it since hundreds of photographers go there. How did you feel about it? Thanks!

Anyone have experience with a trip to Cinque Terre in early June? How’s the tourist crowd and the heat? Any nice accommodation recommendations? Thanks a bunch!

Hi everyone, so happy VoyageForum is back up and running! I’m planning to explore Sardinia at the end of April and in May 2025. Could anyone tell me what the must-see spots are for this destination? I know there are tons of stunning beaches and, like everyone, I’m drawn to them. But I’m actually more interested in visits (towns, remarkable sites, curiosities) than the usual touristy spots. Looking forward to your enlightened tips!