10 Mistakes Tourists Keep Making in Italy

[@paolopagliaro980]

I am a 57 years old Italian. The advises and suggestions by this couple are accurate, informed and realistic; actually, I'd find them useful also for many Italians. I wonder how many times have they been here, to know my country so well. In particular, what i believe is the most precious message is to visit a few things, but taste them deeply and slowly: the experience and insight will be with you for all your life.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! We first visited Italy in 1989 and then a number of times 1990-2001. Then not till 2015, when we decided to think about buying a house. (We tell that story and show the house in some of our other videos). We’ve been to Italy 4 times this year for about 110 days total. So we probably know a bit more than most tourists, but we have a lot to learn!

[@tommasovai]

You're doing a great job promoting tourism in Italy. We need more tourists like you-respectful of the places they visit and aware of their actions. Thank you! Many people think our country is just an amusement park.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! We do see tourists who exhibit poor behavior and we’re embarrassed, especially if they are Americans.

[@kilbyholt4861]

Please know, when we visit your beautiful country…we do want to sit and have a leisurely lunch and or dinner, but we also want to see as much as we can. It is no disrespect, at all, to Italian custom. In addition, we are usually worn out by 6 pm (thus wanting to eat dinner earlier), so we can get to bed and start again the next day. Thanks for understanding.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Agree.

[@giorgiodifrancesco4590]

Finally, a realistic and respectful video. Bravo!

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Grazie!

[@TmRst]

Excellent tips. Thank you. ❤

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

@TmRst Thanks!

[@ticiotix]

All really fair! Just a little corollary to advice #7, the one about tourist traps . It often works to do what we Italians also do in cities that aren't our own: go, as you rightly said, a little outside the centre, walk past a bar, and if there is an old man sitting there reading the newspaper, ask him where the good food is.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Great advice! Thanks.

[@Maha_s1999]

As an Italian who often watches these sorts of videos out of curiosity, I have to say this is - hands down - the absolute best video about how to properly enjoy your visit in my country. All narrated with obvious love and respect for the country and devoid of the usual condescension I find in 99.9% of the other videos, which rely on shock value about cultural shock and the usual tropes. Golden nuggets, right there. Just watch it. I certainly enjoyed it. Mi scusi tanto per non aver trovato il suo nome signora, comunque volevo complimentarmi con lei per l'ottimo video. Spero di incontrarla un giorno e di poterle offrire perlomeno un caffè! Un abbraccio.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Mia moglie si chiama Anne. (Io sono Ed.). Apprezziamo il tuo complimento dal cuore. Sentire che è il migliore “hands down” è “musica alle orecchie “ come diciamo in inglese. La opportunità di incontrarci sarà un piacere.

[@lizharmon3451]

Finally! After hundreds of videos, I find a useful, no nonsense plan for my only trip to Rome Italy. Keep the videos coming because I'm gonna need um - nice job!

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! We appreciate it. Enjoy your trip!

[@mauriziocanale1669]

Complimenti ......siete due Americani che hanno fatto tesoro di ciò che l' Italia può offrire e mostrano il giusto modo di viverla......siete già un po' italiani comunque😊

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Un bravo complimento! Grazie.

[@robertogiustiniani6863]

​@@OurBigItalianAdventureUn "bel" complimento, in italiano bello è bravo sono due cosa differenti. Voi avete capito molto della vita in Italia: "BRAVI"! Vi è piaciuta molto l'Italia: "BELLO"! Tornate spesso in Italia perché vi piace: "BENE"! Complimenti, siete dei turisti "PERFETTI"! 👍

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

@robertogiustiniani6863 Grazie! Ogni giorno è una nuova esplorazione per noi.

[@carlobellinaso4974]

I must say that you have covered almost all the topics that a foreign tourist should know before coming to my country. I especially appreciate the fact that you are encouraging people to visit other places besides the classic ones like Rome, Florence and Venice. Italy can be a real surprise for many from this point of view and each region has its "treasures" to discover. The fact that you have voluntarily ignored some of our weaknesses clearly shows that you are an intelligent person and that you love and respect my country.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! We see what might be called “weaknesses”, but most are differences. And we’re not from a country without weaknesses, by any stretch of the imagination.

[@joecesa1013]

This is everything I say to people, get out of your comfort zone. My best experiences--in Italy or elsewhere--is when I wander into a neighborhood and eat where the locals do. Even if it's baked good, fresh cornetto, espresso pulled in front of you , and eavesdrop on people interacting with each other. And respect their culture and customs.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

It is good advice. Too few follow it.

[@Milaperadotti]

You should try Calabria Italy that southern Italy there’s so many small towns there. I’m not sure if you visited that area but it is awesome. I loved hanging with the locals and watching the band at night. Beaches are beautiful also

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

That’s one of the regions we are yet to visit. Maybe next year!

[@naveconterosso]

@@Milaperadotti Actually it's the region with the biggest mob related problems

[@marcorossi2854]

I'm very glad that you suggested to visit also the provinces and not only big touristic cities, cause that's the context most of us italians live in. In that way a foreigner especially northern americans can grasp what's really like livng in Italy

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! It’s a losing battle, but most Americans think of just Rome, Venice, and Florence as Italy - probably in that order.

[@johnpayne1503]

Two years ago, the first time I took insurance, I passed out on the street in Florence and spent three days in the hospital. Doctors were insistent I had my heart valve replaced. We held our ground, cancelled the remainder of our trip, and flew home to have the surgery. The hospital bill was over $3k and handled by the insurance. Now, I will always take insurance for long trips.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Wow! I hope you recovered and are well.

[@johnpayne1503]

@@OurBigItalianAdventure Yes, thank you. Completed our 19 day trip this spring. Our third trip to Italy. Planning a less-stressful, more culture-focused trip in two years. We've done the mandatory churches and museums.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

I’m glad. For more cultural, less stressful, I’d consider a trip to Puglia. A number of nice towns, some interesting sights that aren’t museums or churches, and good food. If you can do an October or May trip, it won’t be cold or crowded.

[@johnpayne1503]

@@OurBigItalianAdventure We love Florence and will go in April-May. Probably, a few days in Amalfi/Sorrento as well. I will research Puglia. As a US Naval Officer, I spent lots of time in Naples, but didn't take advantage of hitting the other towns.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

We had our first trip to Naples in January and really liked it, though I think it’s either love or hate for most people. If you like Roman and Greek sites, beyond Pompeii and Herculaneum - each worth a day and easy to get to from Naples - a bit further away is Paestum, south of Salerno. It’s a breathtaking sight. We were in Sorrento in January, so off season. It was a nice town, but nothing particularly special. It’s mostly a beach town and a jumping off place for Amalfi. We haven’t been to Positano in 30 years, but I understand it’s become overcrowded, though probably less so outside of May/June through September.

[@StefanoDAnna_mf2098]

just a couple of remarks: 1) in Rome there are two trains from the Leonardo Da Vinci airport to the city, one is the Leonardo Express mentioned in the video that goes directly to Roma Termini train station, the other is a regional train that's more like a metro line and travels across Rome with several stops within the city before proceeding north. Depending where one has to go from the airport to Rome one train or another may be more convenient. 2) Milan is served by two airports, Milano Malpensa, which is actually near Varese, and Milano Linate, which is very close to the city of Milan. The transfer quoted in the video refers to Milano Malpensa and the train, Malpensa Express, going from that airport to Milano Cadorna or Milano Centrale train station, while Milano Linate airport in connected to the city by a short trip by urban bus or a metro line.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks. That’s good detailed info that we didn’t go into.

[@RobertMarinoDiPositano]

Thank you for such a great video. All your suggestions are spot on and carefully thought out.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thank you so much!

[@lmusima3275]

I visited Italy 🇮🇹 recently for the fourth time planned multiple destinations. I was there 8 days in Milan looking to go to Verona, Lake Como and Switzerland 🇨🇭. But I due to exhaustion and stress of delayed travel to Verona back and forth, I couldn’t do anymore travelling beyond Milan. I missed a train as I booked online and didn’t get the right platform. Stress 😣 I tried to make the best of the city visiting local areas as well as tourists areas. My trip was nearly ruined but it gave me much needed experience.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

I’m sorry to hear of your experience. Will you try Italy again?

[@michaeljohnangel6359]

I've lived in Florence since 1989. You two guys make excellent videos!! Bravi!

[@occhiodisauron25]

1889?😆

[@michaeljohnangel6359]

@@occhiodisauron25 Whoops! I'm old, but not that old!! Thanks for catching that.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Grazie mille!

[@chriskberks5471]

Another very informative video. I love your presentation style.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Wow! Thanks! We appreciate it.

[@etherdog]

Very sensible advice! On the phones, esim is the way to go. I've used Airalo and like it a lot as it has very broad coverage and is way less expensive.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

👍

[@gamacaluso]

I just discovered your video and really appreciate all your information and reminders. My husband and I along with a few family members went to Italy in 2018 with a tour group and now I’m planning a trip to Sicily on my own. Thank you and I look forward to watching more. 🥰

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! We appreciate it. Enjoy your trip. Sicily is wonderful.

[@silmaril8420]

1:34 hello from the beautiful Verona 😉

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks!

[@paolopagliaro980]

Verona is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

[@occhiodisauron25]

I recommend some places to visit! 1) prato e pistoia 2) the Viareggio carnival🥳👺🎉🎊 3) the hunters' festival in Monteridolfi🤠 4) naturalistic excursions on the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines🚲 5) Palmanova in Friuli (I served in the military there)

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Grazie! We haven't been to any of these places yet, so we will definitely put them on our list!

[@nkjoep]

Italian ministry of tourism should use your video to give tips

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! Do you have any friends in high places there? 😉😉

[@geppettogeppetto6236]

@@OurBigItalianAdventure 🤣Magari rivolgersi al Papa. E, non hai la sicurezza.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

👍😎

[@naveconterosso]

First of all, as an Italian native, I thank you for your love for my country. Don't get me wrong but... #3 - In case of a 3 member family, public transit from the airport might cost the same of a taxi and often tickets can't be purchased in advance. #4 - I wonder why Americans believe that things are like in the US: things are different everywhere! And remember that things in Italy (habits, history, wealth, education, attitudes, shop opening hours) change from region to region. #5 - Skipping the art museums in Italy is like skipping a swim when your are on a beach in the Bahamas! Are you serious? And then: architecture in Italy covers 20 centuries of history. How can you avoid to see a church because you've already visited one? #6 - When you travel, walking is normal! I did it in each of the 50 foreign countries of 5 continents I visited in my life #7 - I agree #8 - Health care is free in Italy and in the rest of EU. Insurance is good to cover the airlifting back to the US. Flights cancellation are in charge of the airline A final comment. Please, don't use the music of "mandolin" in a video concerning Italy! We never use it, we don't have songs with it and is an old instrument played in some parts of the south just for American tourists. Thanks anyway for your interest! We are looking forward to seeing you back in Italy! Ciao.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

You make some good observations. The video is targeted at first-time visitors who may not know these things. Sorry about the mandolin. We’ve been struggling to find music that says “Italy” to most people.

[@murtila4456]

You haven't heard of italian composers?​@@OurBigItalianAdventure

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

I have, but I’m not sure about our audience. We probably should try some Vivaldi or Puccini.

[@monica656]

😂😂😂yes please stop with mandolin each and every video on Italy made by US people has this soundtrack. Something tratta sound vero old or regionale.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

@monica656 Point well taken.

[@petermalbin1629]

Very practical video, well presented

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! We appreciate it.

[@MassimoStorytellerGuide]

I am a seasoned local tour guide in the city of Rome. What they are saying in the video is Legit. Great job 👏👏

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Wow! That’s a great compliment. I hope we can keep meeting that standard. We’re thinking of a best street foods in Rome video. Do you have suggestions of foods and places to get them? Thanks.

[@MassimoStorytellerGuide]

@@OurBigItalianAdventure Alright. To start with, you need to take into consideration that 2025 will be a Jubilee year, and as hard as it can be to believe, Vatican City estimated that probably over 50 million visitors will come to Rome for religious purposes. Of course, they won't come all at the same time but this is an estimation for the year as a whole. Consequently, my advice is to avoid the city center. That said, the Testaccio neighborhood has several great places for lunch and dinner. Besides, the Testaccio market is a great and very local experience to live in Rome. However, even the Pigneto neighborhood offers many good options, especially considering that it is now connected to the subway metro C line. The Garbatella/San Paolo neighborhood is also a good option. These areas are a bit far from the historical city center, but they are connected with the subway metro system. Considering how crowded Rome's city center will be in 2025, these neighborhoods will provide a great experience while still being relatively centrally located

[@forrest1216]

As a tour guide I was about to drop exactly the same comment

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! We plan to avoid the center next year, so your neighborhood suggestions are valuable.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks!

[@gabrielesantucci6189]

In italy we have dinner at 8/8.30...some at 9... rarely at 10...never at 11!!! We are not Spain🤷‍♂️😂😂😂

[@ssanti66]

My sister and brother in law do have dinner around 10:30 p.m., if they go out even 11 p.m. I guess it depends on your work schedule.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Maybe it’s just the places in which we’ve eaten, but we often see the restaurant not fill up till after nine. But I won’t argue with your Italy knowledge.😎

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

👍

[@francescospinosa4219]

it's totally normal and fun to start having home dinner at 11 pm ( maximum 10 pm start in restaurants ) in summertime ( June - September) from south of Rome down to all of Sicily 😁

[@ledatufarulo7316]

​@@francescospinosa4219beh,può accadere di fare tardi,ma normalmente l'ora di cena è 20.30-21. mia madre era del sud e cenava anche un po' prima,alle 20

[@aaronstielstra6055]

Very accurate video. Travel time also needs to include strikes e molti cancellazioni 😮 re: trains.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Excellent point.

[@NowUrEmpowered]

Outstanding video. Lots of great ideas and suggestions. Very helpful and supportive. Grazie 🎉

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! We appreciate it. Enjoy your trip.

[@NowUrEmpowered]

@@OurBigItalianAdventure Thanks! We will do it!

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

👍

[@elnaferreira8418]

Thank you for wonderful advice! ❣️

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! We appreciate it.

[@AnderDoUrden]

Your 3rd point is PERFECTLY PUT. I own and run a B&B on Lago Maggiore and I'm shocked by the amount of American guests who just arrive at the airport and expect to find a cab or an Uber to reach a small town in the country 😅 and when they find out it does not exist they expect to find a bus or a train instead, to reach places that barely have roads 😂 So they call for a taxi and sometimes they cancel the reservation and stay at a hotel basically inside the airport for one night, when they find out that they have to wait for an hour or pay 100 euro for a 20 minutes drive. So every time I see a reservation from USA I IMMEDIATELY contact them to tell them to rent a car or to make a reservation for a shuttle with a nearby hotel I specifically made a partnership with to deal with this issue 😅 (but then they have no means of transportation when they are here)

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! I think there might be two groups of tourists. One who expects everything to be different and are intimidated by it, and the other who expects everything to be the same and makes no preparation for it. I guess we’re trying to address both groups. Lago Maggiore is wonderful! We spent a few days in the area a couple of years ago and were quite taken by it.

[@majicboca1905]

Excellent, thoughtful advice. Thanks for you very useful tips! ❤🎉

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks!

[@celiabarker]

I think it is mainly advice for American tourists. ‘today is Tuesday, it must be Italy’. Don’t be a tourist………be a traveller. Also, you are not in Italy unless you experience colpo d’aria or aperitivo . Great advice. It’s a wonderful country…..experience it!

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! We appreciate it.

[@jihuff1]

I agree totally with your advice about regional travel. I think it's easier after you've been to see Rome, Venice and Florence. We used Bologna as our hub and then traveled to Verona, Ferrara and Ravenna. Later we traveled to Civitavecchia for a cruise.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

I agree it’s easier to allow yourself to do it once you’ve seen Rome, Florence, and Venice. But it’s certainly a way to discover some lesser-known sights.

[@jefff6167]

Your videos are very informative and helpful. Thanks for taking the time to create them. I’m a subscriber 👍

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! We appreciate it. We hope you’ll like the videos coming up.

[@dizzyflores1778]

Molto bene. Bello. Informazioni utili e corrette. Molto interessante. Grazie.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Grazie! La confermazione della verità è utile.

[@roberta9833]

This video is extremely useful for us Italians too, at home or abroad. Thank you very much ☺️

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! We appreciate it.

[@stemon83]

Another thing I would add is that in Italy (but this goes for almost all Europe) regional variations are strong. And this goes for meal times for example (earlier in the North, later in the South), types of food, public transportation, language and accents, etc.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Excellent points. That applies to the US, but to a lesser degree. We’re more homogeneous in many ways.

[@m.d.5036]

Best way from Rome Fiumicino airport to the city center is by taking the LEONARDO express train. It leaves from the airport and goes straight to termini station. Much cheaper than taxi, uber and better than the bus.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

The train is a good option, for sure.

[@naveconterosso]

The service is poor. Tickets costs 13 € per person. This means that a 3-person-family would pay 39 € simply to reach the main train station. Then, unless their hotel is a few minutes walk from there, you need a cab because public transit is dodgy.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Yes, it depends on the size of your group.

[@chathammkm]

Thank you for this. It was straight to the point!!

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks!

[@marielaberge6897]

Great video. Thank you for sharing 👍

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! We hope it’s helpful for trip.

[@felcofb4750]

#4 must be teached in every school around the world to everyone. It is a must for every nation, it is respect for our human being.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Agree entirely. Thanks!

[@eleonoradini2371]

Very good. I'm Italian and I must admit that, with the exception of small inaccuracies, I am really very impressed. Mistakes (well, I wouldn't say "mistakes", but you know what I mean) are mainly because of the fact that Northern, Southern and Central Italy are very different. Moreover, you could find enormous differences even in the same region! For example, come to my small region (Marche) and from South to North, from East to West you could notice many huge differences in food, dialects, architecture, way of living etc...

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks. We are going to start pointing out that there are these differences.

[@DG-mb1us]

I plan to spend more time exploring the Marche region, my paternal grandparents were born in Santa Veneranda, small area outside Pesaro ..

[@eleonoradini2371]

@DG-mb1us Santa Veneranda! About 30 minutes from my hometown!

[@DG-mb1us]

Glad to hear you know this region! So much to explore, unspoiled.

[@jimbro.]

Thanks, been to Italy 2x,, very sensible advise. The Duomo can be cool, chill out from heat.. also, make reservations ahead of time, may save you undue duress

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! And good advice about the Duomo.

[@itsmetaran]

Great tips - thank you.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! We appreciate it.

[@128pancho]

great advice, thank you!!👍🏼👍🏼

[@stephencannizzaro1103]

Great Advice....I'm in Rome for all of October...thank you 😊

[@VYLV-b3j]

Very good presentation (very clear and talking at the right speed for me) 👍🏼

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thank you!

[@salvatoreemma]

Super well done video. 👍

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! We really appreciate it.

[@Adrinacolacoprakashsinha]

Totally agree ! I follow all of these. I always buy a local sim everywhere and also take an absolutely basic pre paid plan from my provider at home . I use the local sim for google maps . It’s extremely useful for directions and even public transport times etc . Nowadays most of the tickets are stored on apps and local transport systems have their own apps so data is absolutely essential.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

👍

[@AuroraCardi-in9zt]

Just found your channel and your suggestions in this video were spot on! Just subscribed

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@Test_1-2-3-i1h]

Airport transfer plans are a must. We arrived in CDG without a plan. We figured it out but it took a while to gain our bearings with some frustration.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

We certainly agree. Large, unfamiliar airports can be confusing, to say nothing of transportation options.

[@M.C.K.111]

In the north you can hv dinner from 6.30/7.00 up to 10. In the south after 8.30!/9.00 pm

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Good point. We could have been clearer.

[@amrita8815]

Not really. Even in the North, you don't sit at a restaurant table at 6.30 pm, that's usually for the restaurant staff to eat before they start working. If you find a restaurant opening its kitchen at 18.30 beware, it probably is a German tourists trap on Lake Garda or Rimini. Even though at home some Italians do eat at 6.30 p.m., serious restaurants never open their kitchen before 7.00. 😊

[@M.C.K.111]

@amrita8815 I live in the North and I usually hv dinner at 7/7.30 never later

[@amrita8815]

@M.C.K.111 we live both in the North then (Brescia here) 😉 Most of my neighbours do have dinner at 6.30/7.00, but at home, not in restaurants, that's all I meant. Ciao! 😊

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

@amrita8815 Good info. Thanks.

[@alcozome]

Excellent video - Thank you!

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! We appreciate it.

[@stella-gx8ne]

You must visit Terni and Ussita!!! The Serbillini mountains are gorgeous.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Yes. Our house in Marche and you can see the Sibbilini out our back doors. Great view! Thanks for the recommendations.

[@earthn1447]

It is not that Italians are opposed to AC, it is just that most of the architecture keeps cool much of the year and Mediterranean prevailing breeze is a bonus of being in Italy. There is no need for it. Especially when you simply slow down during the heat of the day, rest in the shade - this is why dinner is later - in the cool of the evening. Italians live with the earth not against it.

[@naveconterosso]

You muppet: tourists come to visit a country, not to rest in the shade! Italy is very hot during the cummer and AC is a blessing. Late dinners happen (perhaps) in summer, not during the rest of the year. Using AC doesn't necessarily mean being against the environment. You're a left wing person. For sure.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Excellent points.

[@Ekphrasys]

Well I always lived with air conditioning and when I don’t have access to it I miss it so much….

[@naveconterosso]

Using AC doesn't mean being against the Earth: it simply means to use brain istead of stomach. By the way: during summer time the heat in the Mediterranean is rreeeeeeally heavy. How can you state it's cool?

[@Norad11]

great video , thank you!

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! We appreciate it.

[@michaeldianewynne8414]

If going to the Naples area you must keep your eye on the volcanic problems. Vesuvius has recently started some activity and is overdue for an eruption. North-eastern part of Naples is a super-volcano called Campi Flegrie which has been having a lot of earthquakes recently and is causing a lot of concern.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

I wasn’t aware of this activity. Thanks for pointing it out.

[@naveconterosso]

@@OurBigItalianAdventure Last time that volcano erupted was in 1944. But nothing to worry about. Earthqakes are a problem

[@Milaperadotti]

Calabria, which is in southern Italy is absolutely beautiful. Many small, beautiful towns I loved interacting with the locals and watching the bands at night and the beaches are absolutely beautiful.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks for the suggestion. We’ve never been, but will go in the future.

[@naveconterosso]

@@OurBigItalianAdventure Skip Calabria: poor services and mob

[@loripenzato5247]

Great advice!!! We are going to Florence for 4 nights, Vico Equense for 2, and Rome for 4 . We were thinking of going to Venice from Florence but decided to do a quicker train ride to Bologna!!! We have been walking 4 miles a day!!!

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thank you- Have a wonderful trip!

[@lindab5789]

Love your videos and this one contains more great advice! Very helpful. Thank you! BTW, using an e-sim is another very inexpensive and easy option for using data (only) on your phone. It should also be purchased and downloaded before leaving home.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! We appreciate it. Good suggestion. We briefly covered that in our How to Use Your Phone video from last spring.

[@Alby_Torino]

Great job!!! Remember that if you arrive at Milan LInate airport there's the metro line 4 connected directly to the airport.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! I didn’t know that. We’ll include it next time.

[@gigiogu]

This video was just what I was looking for! So concise! Excellent! I am planning a two week vacation May/June 2025. I love how you suggested to stay at least 3 nights and choose just a couple of regions. I am all over the place because I would like to visit La Garda Lake, Venice, Florence, Rome, Millán, Tropea and Apuglia. Cinque Tere was on my list but seems so crowded. I don’t want to be riding trains for 5-6 hours so I need to narrow it down😉Thank you!!!

[@ACozzo]

🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄 in 2 weeks????🙄🙄🙄🙄

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Just to reinforce our point, we did 18 days in Puglia this spring and could have stayed longer.

[@YogaBlissDance]

Don't do more than 3 areas, depending on how lonog your total trip is.

[@gigiogu]

@@YogaBlissDance Thank you! So far I would love to visit Lake Garda and I absolutely love all the videos of Tropea Calabria! But I would be traveling from one extreme to another. My vacation will be for two weeks. I just might just stay in the Southern region of Italy and skip all the very crowded places until another time🥴🤷🏻‍♀️.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

👍

[@gary860]

Excellent video. The advice is spot on. I wish you would have mentioned something about the theft in big cities like Rome.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Good point. That may be a separate video.

[@clydekimsey7503]

THE thief? That sounds like only one thief per town 😅

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

😁

[@KathrynMueller-d8x]

​@@clydekimsey7503 theft not thief.

[@doreencostabile6020]

I always enjoy your videos. I absolutely agree with your advice to visit the smaller and/or less touristy towns. We did that last year, and I was surprised how much my husband enjoyed it. We found we didn't enjoy some of the overhyped towns as much as the lesser-known ones. Safe travels.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! We love the famous places for some of the sites, but the smaller cities are wonderful and they are a lot of them. We’re making a video now and again about these small places. You might like the ones about Urbino and Matera.

[@doreencostabile6020]

@@OurBigItalianAdventure We visited Matera last year. Have not been to Urbino. Which region is Urbino in?

[@enricacantori2984]

​Marche, Centro Italia

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

👍

[@nicolanobili2113]

You're right about expecting to visit too many places in too short a time. I vaguely remember an episode of "The Robinsons", the American sitcom from the 1980s. The eldest son had just come back from a trip to Europe and mentioned he had been to Rome. They asked him whether he had seen the Colisseum. He answered: "Yes, I could see it from the window on the right side of my bus" or something like that

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Great story! Thanks.

[@KingFrog2811]

I am Italian, finally a foreigner who says that there are not only Rome, Florence and Milan. In all of Italy, there are beautiful cities, even small ones, but extremely pleasant. Thank you.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

You’re welcome. We’re trying to expand horizons beyond R, V, F.

[@alexj9056]

Well done, nice list

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! We appreciate it.

[@sylviedhancarville4486]

north Italy is different from south or center..you can have a meal 7.30 p.m

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Yes. We’ll try to talk more about regional differences in future videos.

[@sylviedhancarville4486]

@OurBigItalianAdventure the difference between a Milanese, or Turin person, northern Italy, and Sicily person is the same as between a Swede and a Tunisian😉

[@paulodacosta82]

Ne scrivi cose senza senso...e stereotipate

[@sylviedhancarville4486]

@@paulodacosta82 forse x lei, per me che vivo al nord è così

[@yelinmanu7204]

Super. Thanks ❤❤

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! We appreciate it.

[@giorgiosantonastaso8954]

Really a good point to limit your vacation to 1/2 regions! And nearly all regions have naturalistic values as well. In many you'll have a full service of seaside, hillside AND mountains. 🤗

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Yes. Very true.

[@mimmoz01]

Great Video! as Italian it's also good to improve my small english, thank you :)

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Glad you liked it!

[@dorismeusburger]

First topic is totally correct.... It would be the same if I would like to tour the USA within 2 weeks....

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Yes. Maybe even more so because of the long distances between cities and natural wonders. But a trip to either of a few months isn’t really enough.

[@nicolanobili2113]

Another interesting point is the amount of walking you mentioned. I agree, when I lived in the US, I noticed that people do not walk much, they drive all the time and even have their coffee or perform a bank operation while sitting in their cars, which was shocking to me. In Europe in general, not only in Italy, many places are within walking distances, which I think is a useful think to reduce the "dead time" you waste moving from place to place, save money and enjoy the sights and landscapes. You should be aware of it, though

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Agree entirely. Thanks!

[@eugeniobb]

I'm an Italian who lived in the US, and I approve this message ;)

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Hah! Great comment. What PACs are funding your campaign? 😉

[@ZForce5496]

I have never regretted trying to see it all when traveling to Europe. So much to see and I have FOMO. I love getting all the sites in. Yes it’s exhausting, but I sleep well at night.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

👍

[@phoenix-xu9xj]

I’ve even seen some Americans on here thinking they can ‘do’ London in a day and the U.K. in a week. Of course you could, but you wouldn’t be able to see much except the rail network 😂

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Yes. It’s understandable to want to see everything, just not realistic.

[@christiantheill9125]

Apprezzo molto i tuoi consigli e osservazioni. Ma la passerggiata delle Cinque Terre l'ho superata con i mei amati loafers di cuoio in mezzo a stormi di Americani in tenuta da trecking o alpinismo spinto

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Grazie! Penso che tu sia una capra di montagna!

[@nicolanobili2113]

As for the dinner time, that is highly dependable on the part of Italy you live in. In the South, where it is generally scorching, people indeed have dinner late, sometimes after 9 p.m., but in the North it is not necessarily so. At 7 p.m. all restaurants are open. If you have a little child, as we do, it is not unusual to eat early. Obviously, "early" does not mean 6 p.m., though

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Yes. Even 7:30 is late for most Americans. It might be fairly common for a restaurant meal, but at home something closer to 6 is the most common.

[@marysalluce5475]

Great video!

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks!

[@micheleg.2244]

As an ita emigrated abroad I found it interesting and I do agree. My opinion is that one month is not enough to visit Rome or Florence. I'd add only that around Padova there are lots of beautiful villages. Same in Tuscany. Regarding this last I'd really suggest to go to Lucca which is 30mins by train from Pisa; half a day can be enough. Also Volterra but this needs a car (more than an hour from Pisa)

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Good advice.

[@naveconterosso]

1 month in Rome and 1 month in Florence? Are you serious? To do what?

[@micheleg.2244]

@@naveconterosso Thanks for the question. It depends on the kind of experience you looking for. We all know that they are big cities, especially Rome. If you want to do a part of the usual sightseeing maybe 7 days rushing are enough in Rome. In both there are plenty of churches and museums, and other kind of attractions. Some people spend even hours in museums like those. But if you want to do something more than a stressful touristic visit (which is what I suggest) and live the city, the mood, the life, shops, food, etc. do you think a month is enough? It isn't, in my book. It all depends on how you "see" the things...

[@fabiog352]

Tutto quello che hai detto e' condivisibile👍

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

👍👍

[@lidiyajohnson7460]

Brilliant!

[@lorraineguidetti7602]

I live in Italy..Northern Italy we have dinner at 7.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks for letting us know.

[@signorellil]

@@OurBigItalianAdventure It's one of these things were the north / south divide is big. In the south eating at 10pm is normal, while in the north 7/8 pm is the rule

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

@signorellil Thanks! We love new information.

[@giancarlabadulli9330]

Ma non è vero!!! 🤣 Una volta, forse. Io vivo a Brescia ( venite a trovarci. Abbiamo uno dei laghi più belli d'Italia, il lago di Garda 😘) e alle 7 stiamo ancora bevendo l'aperitivo in piazza 🥂. Comunque, i ristoranti aprono verso le 19, 7pm. Ciaoooo!!! 😁

[@lorraineguidetti7602]

@giancarlabadulli9330 Ben tu tesoro io sono vecchietta

[@b.christensen9669]

I got the highest amount of traveler insurance because my mom is in her 90 's. But I tripped and fell in Madrid. They gave me 8 pins and a Stryker plate in my shoulder. My American doctor said they did a great job.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Sorry to hear of the fall. But, as you say, I think European health care is in general very good.

[@michaeldianewynne8414]

If you only have time to see either Pompeii or Herculaneum then do the latter It is far better preserved than Pompeii and much more interesting.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

And less crowded.

[@francofrascuratti4693]

Hi, this is a great video! When you both will visit the places where i live, the stunning Dolomites? Have you ever seen them?

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks! We really appreciate it. In fact, the Dolomites are one of the few places we have not visited in Italy. We had planned a trip there for January but we’re unable to come because of a small medical issue. It will stay at the top of our list for future trips.

[@francofrascuratti4693]

@OurBigItalianAdventure Good! The best month for visit them is September/ October. January it's ok for a snow vacation!!! Love that!

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

@francofrascuratti4693 👍

[@milo23-v4s-z7y]

Im good with toilette $ 😊 Nice great tips! Thank you.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks!

[@suelo9720]

Excellent video and good advice. I watched several of your videos and all of them are very informative and helpful. Would you do a video on Naples please? And how to go from the Naples airport to the hotel in town? I watched your video on Rome airport transfers too. I am afraid that Naples may not be as organized. Thanks for any advice you can offer.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks. We appreciate it. We are planning a Naples video for later this year. Unfortunately, we’ve never used the airport there, so we can’t help on that count.

[@boatlover1875]

My wife has been in the hospital in Venice for a week now awaiting transport home. Our travel insurance provider has been wonderful so far. Regarding pre-existing conditions, they do normally cover them if you obtain the insurance within a few days of making your first travel arrangements. If you are from the US, you will find medical care here is not what you are used to back home. Not judging, just a different system. Very little English is spoken by the providers and they really don't seem to care for "Americanos" I've heard that word spoken in a derisive manner several times. Don't leave home without travel insurance! We cruise several time a year and it was adding up but glad I got it.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

It’s great that you have the insurance. I hope your wife recovers quickly. You might want to look into an annual travel insurance policy if you are traveling frequently.

[@rgives1870]

At 2:07 looks like Itzamal in Mexico. Long day trip from Italy.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Good call. We got our photos mixed up. Sorry.

[@DarlowMaxwell]

I had a GREAT experience with Uber. We were picked up around 5:30 am. The car was a Mercedes Benz and the driver had on a suit and looked like a chauffeur. At that time in the morning you can’t depend on any other transport from your Vrbo to Termini station. A little pricy but worth it.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks for sharing

[@joeuwest489]

Very good advise: we will limit our trip to Florence: Pisa and Rimini in two weeks

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

If you have time, consider a day trip to Lucca from Pisa and from Florence to Siena and think about Ravenna from Rimini. They’re all wonderful towns.

[@manuelabertazzoli9295]

Rimini? Are you sure? Not exactly a first choice...

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Except for the Fellini museum.

[@manuelabertazzoli9295]

@@OurBigItalianAdventure You must be really a big fan of Fellini for visiting Italy, in two weeks, and selecting among hundreds of beautiful places Rimini. Freedom of choice, but nevertheless...

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

@manuelabertazzoli9295 Agree

[@tomdemeo2708]

Absolutely correct enjoy your city for 4to 6 days at least

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Yes. It takes time to soak it all in.

[@urbangreek]

Very informative and true in regards to the A/C we Americans love our A/C in Italy not so much.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Thanks for stopping by our channel!

[@leedilorenzo4701]

Breakfast starts from 5-8 am lunch 12-2 usually 2pm and dinner 9 pm

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Good information! Thanks for sharing it.

[@doug1863]

The pay toilets, well, my wife is from Ecuador. You used to have to pay and still do in many places. But there, you had to buy also buy the TP and you didn’t get a lot. Now they are starting to put TP in some of the bathrooms, BUT , it’s one role in an area outside of the stalls. Better be good at gauging 😂

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Hah! I can see that could be quite the challenge. Thanks.

[@doug1863]

@ that’s an understatement 🤣

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

@doug1863 😁

[@Inigo_The_Son]

Good stuff. Regarding public bathrooms, I often saw women cleaning the mens room while the men were still using it. That is something you definitely do not see in the USA. I never heard anybody say that cold air is unhealthy, and that certainly is not the belief among my family in Frosinone. Summers can be brutal in Italy. The grocery stores are interesting. They are far smaller than our supermarkets, but they still carry everything, just not the huge variety. For example, they sell toilet paper and bars of soap, but just one kind, not an entire row of different brands and scents. On the other hand, a tiny market may have 10 different kinds of prosciutto, while Kroger has one. 😄

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

It’s partially a question of whether you’d like 10 different kinds of toilet paper or 10 different types of prosciutto. I think it’s an easy choice, but maybe my fellow countryman don’t feel that way!

[@angeloguidi5566]

Very clever

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

😎

[@vuotopieno]

Anne sei sempre deliziosa e precisa. Vorrei solo aggiungere che nel nord Italia mangiamo prima, in genere verso le 19, massimo 20, e in molti alle 18 o 18:30. Questo chiarmente in casa, nei locali o ristoranti e più come il resto d'Italia. I add this in English for your followers. When you go to a restaurant or a bar and there is something that is not clear, always ask, including the bill, and always ask for the receipt; it is within your right. We Italians are generally very hospitable and correct, but there are some clever ones, if you are not satisfied with the explanations they give you, tell them that you will call the Guardia di Finanza or the police. Therefore always read the menu very carefully to avoid unpleasant surprises. Ciao e salutami tuo marito.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Ti ringraziamo per l’informazione sulle ore di cena e l’avviso in inglese. Sarà utile per gli altri visitatori.

[@MrCoronelvivida]

AT&T is now $12 per day. However, after 10 days in a row, they do not charge you until your next billing cycle begins. They just increased the cost from ten to twelve. The other option of buying a SIM card in Italia is not possible for iPhone users with newer phones as they do not have SIM cards anymore.

[@Eatgardentravel]

You can get an e-sim instead.

[@MrCoronelvivida]

@@Eatgardentravel thank you for letting me know as we spend about three months a year in Italy!

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Yes, eSIMs are widespread and will replace physical sims as people update their devices.

[@simonelandi4346]

T-Mobile gives you free data access in Italy. That means you can use WhatsApp for calls and messages at no charge (direct calls and SMS are still charged). I've just switched back to T-Mobile after being charged too many times by AT&T during my trips outside the US.

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

@simonelandi4346 yes, if you have TMobile it’s the best solution.

[@markbobich6335]

Hey I live only a few hours drive away from Izamal in Mexico. I didn’t realize I can have Mexico and Italy at once! 🤣🇲🇽 🇮🇹

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

Did we say Izamal? I don’t recall

[@markbobich6335]

@ No. I was referring to the accidental photo of Izamal in your video. Sorry, I was just teasing. 😉 Anyway, good luck on growing your channel. I’m enjoying it!

[@OurBigItalianAdventure]

@markbobich6335 👍