HOW TO REACH ROME FROM FIUMICINO AIRPORT

Rome’s airport, Fiumicino, is one of the main airports servicing the city of Rome. It’s the largest of the area and manages most national and international flight arrivals and departures. Unless you plan to stay in Fiumicino, you will need to explore and decide on your transportation to the main city of Rome. There are many options to connect these points so here we would like to outline the main options to help you make an informed decision! There are plenty of train, bus, and taxi solutions and many can be booked in advance or on-the-spot either at the ticket booths or inside the transportation vehicles themselves.

FROM FIUMICINO TO ROME BY TRAIN

If you’d like to take a train, you have two options. The Leonardo Express directly connects Fiumicino Airport to the Roma Termini station. If you are staying near this area, this train is the best option. It costs around €14/person and only takes about 30 minutes. You can see the train schedules and book online . An additional and much cheaper option is taking a regional train also booked through Trenitalia. Trains run every 15 minutes from 6:00–23:30 for €8/person. The train, however, makes 10 stops on the way to the Roma Termini station. The stops include Roma Ostiense and Roma Tiburtina so if you’re staying by those stations in Rome, this train option may be a better fit for you.

FROM FIUMICINO TO ROME BY BUS

Traveling by bus from this airport to Rome offers at least 5 options. The least expensive option is through the company, Terravision. The tickets can be booked in advance and cost about €5.80. Terravision busses start the earliest in the morning and go very late into the night also. The busses through Schiaffini cost about €6.90 and are only available between 6:30–21:50. These tickets can be booked online  Two other companies offer prices around €6–€7; they can be booked at the respective websites for each company: Cotral  and Tam Bus.

Lastly, there is a shuttle bus offered by Sit Bus. This bus goes to the center, but stops at address Via Marsala 5 as opposed to Roma Termini and the price is €11/person. While this is the most expensive option, if your accommodations are closer to this address, it may be a better option for you. This bus also runs until 00:30.

FROM FIUMICINO TO ROME BY TAXI

While you may be certain of your arrival time, the unexpected could always occur. If you anticipate delays or want to be more flexible with timing, a taxi may be the best option. Taxis from Fiumicino Airport function at a fixed rate of €48/person, including all nights and holidays.

If a taxi driver tries to charge more or starts a meter when leaving the airport, get out and take another taxi that assures you the fixed rate. If not, you could easily pay double the price. Some drivers may try to take advantage of tourists in this way so proceed with caution when accepting a taxi ride outside the airport.

ITALY’S 10 MOST BEAUTIFUL GARDENS

One of the many things which distinguishes Italy from many other countries is its unique combination of the unparalleled collection of ancient art and its Eden-like gardens. The nature, beauty, culture, and historical aspects of many of the following gardens are huge differentiators. The regions of Lazio, Tuscany, Liguria, and Lombardy feature the 10 most beautiful gardens and parks in this most beautiful country.

FRIULI VENEZIA GIULIA

PARCO DEL CASTELLO DI MIRAMARE, TRIESTE

The Castle of Miramare is already something of fairytales, situated on the sea. But, This enchanted garden area is home to a beautiful butterfly garden, featuring about 150 species of butterflies and moths. It seems a matter of fantasy while among this beautiful patch of lush greenery. The area overlooks the Gulf of Trieste and is teeming with various plant species also, viewable through the winding paths and lining the ponds of varying sizes throughout the park as well.

VENETO

PARCO GIARDINO SIGURTÀ, VALEGGIO SUL MINCIO

The Garden Park of the Sigurtà family is best known for its springtime flowers, such as tulips, daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, and more tulips. It’s the best in Italy and Southern Europe for these flower types. Over the long history, this garden has been the property of a variety of owners. However, the current owners, the Sigurtà family, took over in 1941. This garden adds a special value to the special combination of historic culture and nature that is the region of Veneto.

LOMBARDY

VILLA CARLOTTA, TREMEZZO

The Villa Carlotta looks over the spectacular waters of Lake Como and the peninsula of Bellagio. The view of the alps as the backdrop will take your breath away. With the variety of plant species, your eyes can charm with different uniqueness at every turn. Various azaleas totaling around 150, camellia hedges, tropical plant species, rhododendrons, a valley of southern ferns, and ancient conifers are magnificent sites of nature’s magic. The bamboo garden and the pergolas of citrus plants allow for views within the gardens of intense difference to the surroundings and will completely captivate you. The climate of the area allows for this wide amount of plant species to thrive. The villa itself also has a collection of art.

PIEDMONT

VILLA TARANTO, VERBANIA

Also among the most beautiful in the world is the garden of Villa Taranto. It is split into sections to support each of the unique contents: flower beds, herbariums, greenhouses, and lush terraces. The terraces are comprised of seven kilometers and tens of thousands of varying greenery.

LIGURIA

VILLA GROCK, IMPERIA

This Villa opens to the public from 2010, while the gardens opened first in 2006. These openings after a very long process of restoring liberty, oriental, art-deco, and rococo elements. The villa received its name after the famous Swiss clown, Charles Adrien Wettach whose stage name was Grock. Europe’s greatest clown, a field of work appropriate in naming such an peculiar and oddly magical place.

TUSCANY

PARCO TEBAIDE, SIENA

The unique name of Tebaide Park comes from a desert in the upper region of Egypt. The Hermits populate This desert in the Middle Ages, following Christianity. The paths of the gardens show statues of many friars in praying positions, religious chapels with marble frescos, and statures of saints. Additionally, through the wooded area are stone crosses along the paths. This park was constructed between 1698–1705 and is located inside the Villa di Cetinale complex.

VILLA MEDICEA DI CASTELLO, FLORENCE

The Medicean Villa of Castello is split in three terraces among the hills and countryside of Florence. 16 lush rectangular garden beds are spread across the first terrace with a great fountain situated in the middle. The second was named the garden of citrus fruits and features plants potted in wildly ornamented decorative pots totaling around 500! A thick oak forest makes up the third terrace.

UMBRIA

LA SCARZUOLA, MONTEGABBIONE

The garden, La Scarzuola, is a surrealist’s imagination bring the life. The structures are odd and features various monuments, theaters, statues, and staircases amount the many paths throughout the wooden area. You may feel as though nymphs or fairies may just pop out next to you at any moment in this fantasy-like garden. This was the vision and creation of Tomaso Buzzi, a well-known architect. He creates a world of utopia for the visitor. This is a unique experience you will be glad you didn’t miss.

LAZIO

GIARDINO DI NINFA, CISTERNA DI LATINA

“The most beautiful garden in the world,” –The New York Times. This is a spot you must see in your lifetime. The Ninfa River crosses through the garden, giving birth to water bank plants and a variety of others on the gardens other areas. There are plenty of streams which spider off of the river also. The restoration and development of this property was the responsibility of Lelia Caetani who built it on top of Ninfa, a Medieval town which was in ruins. This is a lovely spot to venture through, world-renowned in the region of Lazio.

REAL ESTATE AGENTS IN ITALY

QUALITY ASSURANCE OF REAL ESTATE AGENTS

Italy has a strict policy on real estate agents. Each one needs to be registered with the camera di commercio, or chamber of commerce in their locality. The local commune will provide a certificate ensuring that the person is registered. Of course there are unlicensed agents but if you find a reputable agency, you can be assured that many have gone through a set of qualification checks. Each person is different though. If you find that your agent seems lazy or uninterested in what you are looking for, doesn’t ask specific enough questions, and pushes their own interests on you, you should switch agents or agencies altogether.

Again, this market is supposedly regulated by Italian laws so you’ll be aware of who is and isn’t on your side when working with them. Not only are they required to hold a certification, register, and have indemnity insurance, but they also typically have deposits of the sellers and the buyers. This will insure the safety of the transaction so the seller is not able to just run off with your money.

ADDED FEES & COMMISSION

FIXED COSTS

Agents work on commissions of varying sizes. You should be sure to check beforehand how much the fee is for the property you plan to buy. Some fix their costs as around €2,500 for €50,000 properties or €12,000 on larger properties around €300,000 or more. However, some also work with percentages, around 3%–6% of the property selling price. The commissions are split 50/50 with the buyer and seller. Normally, cheaper properties have a higher fee percentage.

ADDED COSTS

Agents can also charge fees for other things such as visits without you present or showing the property multiple times before buying, even utility setup. It’s best to check before about these additional fees, commission pricing, and timing of payments. It may be upon completion of the sale but often, agents may require their fee payments during the preliminary contract phase. Be sure this is refundable if something goes wrong! Italian and foreign agents working together split fees many times. Therefore, typically don’t need to pay more working with a foreign agent versus directly with an Italian one.

FOREIGN / LOCAL REAL ESTATE AGENTS

Some Italian agents work to make themselves known abroad as well, especially if they speak good English or have English speaking employees to work on their behalf. If you don’t speak Italian, it is very possible to still go directly to an Italian agency if you would like to purchase property. However, Italians are known for being relaxed and taking their time. Their life is not their work, which is very opposite of some other western cultures. They many times see foreign buyers and think they must be rich. Therefore, some may try to inflate prices.

TRUST

If you know someone local and are able to trust them, it may be best to consult and deflect price negotiations with them. Depending how you start in the beginning, the more expensive can be foreign agents if there are many players involved. Just be careful and stay aware. Also, make sure to be well aware of property costs in the area. If a price seems normal to you, it could very well be that that that area is typically much cheaper. Just do your homework before trusting exactly what agents will tell you.

Real Estate Agency in Italy *

There is no national database of properties in Italy. Local agents may be working with a portfolio full of friend’s properties, meaning your interests are of third priority. First themselves, then the friend, then you. Also, many agents are quite competitive and secretive with many properties. This in order to avoid competition getting wind of things that could hurt their business or lead to stolen customers.

LANGUAGE

If you want to buy from a private owner, you will need to speak Italian or hire a good translator that is mother tongue Italian or your specific language of choice. It’s a shame because it does eliminate many properties from foreign buyers. However, the market has plenty of options regardless. To search for agents in specific locals, search ‘agenzie immobiliari’ in the internet. However, there are also national franchises and and companies that offer easy search ability in specific regions or areas.

No matter how you go about buying your property, it’s just best to be aware at all times. Real Estate agents in Italy can be a tricky thing, but like anywhere, it’s good to trust your instincts. Happy house hunting!

WHERE TO EAT IN ITALY?

When talking about summer holidays, everyone should visit Italy; if not every year, at least once in a lifetime! Why? In addition to the fact that the magical cities of Siena, Rome, Tuscany, Venice, and Florence are undeniably beautiful to vacation year round, the atmospheric condition and sumptuous heat of the summer add to the exceptional and amazing characteristics of Italy.
Seasoned tourists know that one of the best ways to enjoy every bit of what a place has to offer is to engross themselves in the cultural activities and zeitgeist of the place. Also, it’s easy to forget yourself completely in an Italian dish and if there’s one thing to recommend doing in Italy, it’s enjoying the cuisine! You can hardly walk past the countless doorways of one street of an Italy town or city without salivating over the aromas of foods coming from different angles.

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If you have never heard of the phrase “sotto casa”, which literally means under my house, visiting Italy will give you the opportunity to hear it again and again. Ristorante sotto casa is the community eatery, which can be easily found down the road. It is not uncommon for tourists to have more trust in restaurants recommended to them by food bloggers and travel websites. These websites, however, often tend to forget including local eateries to their lists. The truth though, is that you will may be missing an even better deal and meal if you don’t take the chance to visit these local restaurants.

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Trust your gut and select a restaurant based on the atmosphere! If you happen to wonder or stroll through the square, you cannot help but perceive the sweet aroma of tomatoes and garlic that’s diffused through the thin air. Just trust your instinct. Sit and when the waiter comes by, place your order or, if you’re feeling spontaneous, ask him to recommend a dish for you. Eat like Italians! Enjoy your meal slowly and people watch. If there’s one thing Italians don’t rush, it’s their valuable time to eat.
Do not twist things up with the impression that a meal should be prepared with elaborated ingredients before it can look presentable and be delicious. In Italy the best of dishes can be achieved with the most basic of ingredients. This also means you may not have to spend a fortune to enjoy sumptuous meals.

Trattoria *

To avoid falling into traps regarding purchasing overly priced meals in Italy, simply keep in mind the following clues when deciding on the restaurant.
° Don’t visit eateries filled with gimmicks. For example, some restaurants display foods through the window with combo deals like free soda and pizza, a restaurant employee may stand outside to give flyers to passersby – do not fall for such “cheap” deals, meals in those places may actually be very expensive!
° Avoid eating too close to the tourist attractions. Restaurants located at tourist spots or extremely close to the centers of tourism, like the St. Peter’s Basilica or the Colosseum tend to charge more because they can; the demand is always high. However, many less expensive and even more delicious options can be found venturing just a few streets away!
° Do not eat at Italian restaurants that don’t have Italian dishes on their menus. A restaurant that has only or mostly English meals on its menu is basically set to treat tourists visiting who may not have an appetite for foreign food yet and will want to stick with what they are used to. Eating at such restaurants is sure to hurt your wallet!
Note: Gratuity is not common in Italy. Many waiters receive good pay and other governmental benefits like paid holidays and health benefits. It is therefore not uncommon for fancy sit-down restaurants to charge you a token that would cover for bread and water before meal, known as il coperto and 10% – 15 % service charge, known as servizio incluso. So, if you have received outstanding services, you are advised to drop a Euro or 2 on the table. Better still, watch what the locals do and follow their step.

Italian Ice Cream *

Enjoy your stay in Italy by having a gelato every day. Your summer vacation to Italy will not be complete without consuming the unique, national frozen dessert over and over again. Yes, ice cream is in every country and you must also eat it at home, but the special Italian ice cream, you will not want to miss it!

THE BEST OUTDOOR THEATERS OF OPERA IN ITALY

Italy’s most touristic season is during the summer months. Whether for the seaside or the rich cities and culture, or the gelato, people from all over the world and Italians themselves spend summer holidays here in this beautiful country. However, the weather can be quite hot, especially in the cities. Many older buildings do not have or do not use air conditioning also. When planning your trip you might be thinking about incredible cultural experiences and what to book in advance/what to look for an do. Well, look no further. By far the best and most unique experience, especially during the very warm months, is visiting the open-air opera theaters. We’ve developed a list of the most spectacular outdoor theaters.

TEATRO ANTICO OF TAORMINA

This theater was built by Greeks at first back in the 3rd century BC and then expanded by the Romans in the 4th century BC. With a view of Sicily’s famous volcano, Mount Etna, imposing the backdrop and the ancient architecture of this structure is one of the most magnificent things you will see in your life. It attracts people from all over the world every year for plays and concerts and also to bask in the view during the days without performances.

Teatro antico di Taormina

ARENA OF VERONA

The Arena was built between the 1st century AD and the 3rd century AD. After, it has undergone many restorations and now is one of the best preserved amphitheaters in Italy. The summer is a magical time here, full of concerts, performances, plays, and an amazing traditional opera season. It’s become a symbol of the city of Verona.

Arena di Verona, Veneto, Italy

THE MACERATA SFERISTERIO

Originally this structure especially built for football matches however, its has become a great venue for concerts and operas like for its fantastic acoustics. In the center of the city of Macerata, it hosts the Macerata Opera Festival every year for over 50 years.

Sferisterio of Macerata, Marches, Italy

GRAND OUTDOOR THEATERS OF TORRE DEL LAGO

We thank Torre del Lago for giving birth to one of the most amazing Italian Opera singers in the history of opera, Giacomo Puccini. Every year a festival is occur in honor of him and has been for the last 80 years! It truly put this small village on the map. It’s the most famous open-air opera house in Tuscany for this Festival of Torre del Lago.

VISIT ITALY IN APRIL

Since May is now part of the high summer season. When Italy welcomes a larger number of tourists, April is now the month leading up to the craziest times. The end of the spring season, is the perfect period for visiting and making the most of your holidays in Italy! While weather conditions cannot be predicted as accurately as January or June. It is likely that you’ll begin to have more sun than rain in April. The weather begins to break and some days can be really mild, depending on the area of the country you are in.

Isola d’Elba, Tuscany, Italy *

In April, the crowd volume may not be as reduced as you’s expect in a shoulder season. This may be due to the slow decrease of rain and the famous Catholic holiday/other spring ending events taking place in April. But this is exactly why you should book your trip for April. If you have decided on visiting during this month, keep reading. We’ve outlined some important details you should know.

APRIL’S WEATHER CONDITIONS IN ITALY

In April, the spring season is gradually transitioning to the summer. It does not mean that it will be all sunny, especially because summer is just beginning to set in. Aprils weather can’t be predicted so accurately, as it’s a transitional month, but it is usually sunnier than wet. In the north, April often experiences a little more rain and cooler weather than in the south. So, it will not be a bad idea to have a few pieces of appropriate clothing or gadgets in your luggage, like a rain jacket or umbrella.

Saltern in Marsala, Trapani, Sicily, Italy – photo by Giuseppe Costanza

However, you will also want to be prepared for sunny weather, so bring a pair of sunglasses.
In April, the average ranges of temperature in different regions in Italy are:
– Southern Italy: 55 – 60°F (13 – 18°C)
– Central Italy: 50 – 65°F (10 – 18°C)
– Northern Italy: 40 – 50°F (5 – 16°C)
Before you leave for Italy, you can check as well for the extended forecast of the places you will be visiting. It’s best to understand beforehand when you’re set to leave, if you are supposed to have more warm or cooler weather.

FESTIVALS AND HOLIDAYS IN ITALY

Easter does not happen on the same date every year, but it often occurs in April. On the Italian calendar, the week before, or holy week, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday are major holidays. A lot of people love to experience the Easter holidays in Italy and typically visit the Vatican for the mass which takes place.

Easter in Vatican *

In Italy, the 1st of April has its equivalent April fool’s day, which is known as Pesce d’Aprile or April’s Fish.

WHY SCHEDULE THE VISIT FOR THE “OFF-SEASON?”

The winters can be quite cold, and April is the perfect option for that in-between transitory weather break. Smaller crowds, decent weather, and good prices are all benefits of the shoulder seasons. Easter is one of the biggest holidays in Italy and the period that surrounds the Easter celebration may be exceptions in terms of crowds and prices. That does not imply that you cannot and should not visit Italy during Easter, you should just be prepared. You should book your accommodation well in advance, try not to travel to Italy physically on Easter Sunday or Easter Monday. Also, book your train tickets and make your reservations well in advance. Because trains and other public transportation operate on limited holiday schedules during this period. It will be best to enquire about which attractions will be open during this period. Also, as some may not be functioning during their normal hours.

Piazza IV Novembre, Perugia, Umbria, Italy *

While April could be sunny, there are moments when there would be seemingly-spontaneous storms that could drench your summer outfit. So, You should always prepare with an umbrella or a jacket to keep you warm. If you are traveling on a tight budget, you are advised to be prepared with these things. So that you do not spend unplanned money if you end up needing them. However, if it’s your aim to visit Italy and lounge on its beaches for tanning, then a summer trip is more appropriate.

Although the weather condition in April cannot be predicted, visiting Italy in April can still be excellent! People visiting the country for the first time get to see the biggest attractions without having to face the thickest crowds. Those making a return trip can as well dodge the ordeal of facing heavy crowds. Make out time to sip hot chocolate as you await the rainstorms to calm – don’t be in a rush!

ITALY DIFFERENT ACCOMODATION

WHERE TO SLEEP IN ITALY

Planning to visit Italy? You obviously must have your to-do-list by now and on the list will be an item related to accommodation. After all, you will not be sleeping outside or on the street when you get there! Although, some travelers believe finding accommodation when you get to your destination allows more flexibility. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to book beforehand. This way you can avoid the stress of securing a place when you arrive, especially in the late hours. Whichever way you have decide to make it happen, you should become familiar with some of Italy’s different accommodation terms.

Lodging is pretty standard in Italy, as you would expect. However, while many terms are familiar or in English, there is some words in Italian that you may have never seen before.

HOSTEL

Right from the earliest days, hostels were constructed in the dormitory style and were only occupied by young people. However, in the modern world we live in today, age restriction has been taken off hostels, meaning people of any age can now occupy hostels because they are now constructed for private room/facility options. You can even find some suites with baths and more luxurious amenities, although they’ll definitely cost you.

In Italy, the use of the term “hostel” isn’t always used, even if, in fact, the place is a hostel. Some are described as a guesthouse or hotel. Nonetheless, a hostel can easily be spotted by its price. If the price of an advertised accommodation is quite cheap or is said to have dormitory-styled rooms, then it is probably a hostel or low star hotel. The equivalent word for a hostel in Italy is ostello and it is pronounced as aw|STEL|oh.

bed and breakfast in Italy *

HOTEL

Yes, it is what it sounds like – a hotel. However, in the Italian language, it is pronounced without the H, so it goes like OH|tel. In Italy, a star system, which might not be the same as the start ratings used in other places, is used for hotels.

Like many other places, the facilities presented by each hotel may vary. While some will have many of the amenities found in world class hotels, like elevators, some may not have. The star system with which a hotel is rated is what gives an idea of what amenities it has. The facilities in a hotel may also depend on its age. Therefore, to get information about where to sleep in Italy, we suggest you read the descriptions fully either on the booking website or, if it has one, the hotel’s website. This is the Italian word for hotel, it is pronounced as al|BER|go. Refer back to Hotel – the same applies here.

Hotel in Rome *

B&B (BED AND BREAKFAST)

If bed and breakfast were to be translated into the Italian language, different letters will definitely make up that phrase. However, in Italy, the acronym “B&B” is often used. Since Italians are not really into the breakfast culture, you may not see the full continental breakfast you are used to. Instead, what may constitute as breakfast in your B&B may be a fridge stocked with items like yogurt, fruit and items for making coffee. It also may provide a simple buffet however, Italian breakfast is typically a cappuccino and a croissant. So don’t be surprised if you don’t find bagels, bacon, and an omelette bar.

AGRITURISMO

Agriturismo would literally translate to mean “farm holiday”. While the actual meaning of an agriturismo may not be fully grasped in English. It is another accommodation option in Italy, where there is a bed and a breakfast on what appears to be a working farm. Don’t worry, they’re not expecting any farming from you. So you won’t need to brush up on your milking technique in order to enjoy your cereal.

Grabbing this type depends on the farms available in the area but in general, this is a popular accommodation type in Italy. It may include cooking classes or outdoor activities and at least a meal or more will be included. Agriturismi (the plural form of the word) are usually situated outside the cities and getting there without a means of transportation, like a car may be a bit difficult. At times, you may find an agriturismo on the listing of a hostel because it’s either less expensive or rustic.

Agriturismo room in Tuscany *

CONVENTS AND MONASTERIES

Throughout history, convents and monasteries served as hostels for travelers and that tradition is still in practice today. Although they have been enhanced to more comfortably accommodate all your needs. While not every convent and monastery welcome tourists as guests, the ones that do typically gave inexpensive beds. There may also be curfews, whereby the doors will be locked after a particular time. In addition, a man and a woman, even if they are married, will not be allowed to stay inside the same apartment. There are separate quarters for men and women. While some of the restrictions may seem inconvenient, don’t rule them out. Especially if you’re not staying for a long period of time. If you’re traveling alone, this could be a great option to ensure peace and quiet, safety, and will keep your wallet happy!

VACATION RENTAL APARTMENT RENTAL AND VILLA RENTAL

If you are planning on staying back in Italy for quite a number of days with family or friends, a vacation rental may be the accommodation for you! At times, they may be advertised as apartment or villa rentals. The bookings should include photos so be sure you look through a place thoroughly to be sure it matches what you need.

So to summarize, there are plenty of different types of accommodations in Italy. Whether you are single and traveling solo, married and traveling with your spouse/family, or with a large group of friends, you will have plenty of options. Check out the options to find the one that best suits your trip!