99% of Tourists DON'T KNOW the basics of Traveling in Italy 🇮🇹

[@GregorBrown]

*NEVER* do THIS when visiting Italy! kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqPSm5dnfb6nma8

[@willowmallow]

Underpacking is a great tip… I took the largest size of British Airways carry-on luggage (wheelie case) and still struggled dragging it along the Florence streets! When I got back home, I took a photo of the clothes that I wore the most and I will use this as a template for a capsule wardrobe for my next trip.

[@dukx3986]

Great idea!

[@M0odyBlue]

Smart!

[@sleshflex4170]

As a florentine all i can say is that i hope we are giving you back at least some of the love you are giving us and helping foreign people to really enjoy what we have to offer and not fall into scams.

[@GregorBrown]

For sure, this is a great city.And happy to call it home

[@renferal5290]

Florence is so beautiful. It was the first place I went to when visiting Italy for the first time.

[@reginafromrio]

Florence is my favorite city in the world and I've traveled to many countries. You're blessed to live there! I've been 5 times and lived in Potenza Picena for 6 months. I can't wait to return!! I think I need to meet an Italian to exchange passports too.😅

[@Bishoppawn0304]

Just spent two days in Florence and I didn’t want to leave . Looking forward to going back already

[@jeffchastain2977]

@@sleshflex4170 We enjoyed our 10 days in Italy (Venice, Florence, Rome) before boarding our Greek Islands Cruise. Being our first trip to your beautiful country, I have to say that Florence was my favorite city of the 3 we spent time in.

[@markbernard8312]

2nd of September we land in Rome for the start off 4 weeks in Italy 4 days Amalfi, 1 week Sicily, 1 week Tuscany, 1 week Cinq Tere , 3 days Como😊

[@alicetwain]

On your way from Cinque Terre to Milan (and forth to Como) I strongly suggest you avoid the faster trains. Go the slow route, from La Spezia to Parma by train, and from there from Parma to Milan and from Milan to Como. The Parma-La Spezia is a considerably slower route, but a highly scenic one. Now, there are two train options to go from Milan to Como, one is the regular train from Milano Garibaldi, the other is the former Ferrovie Nord route from Cadorna. Most trains to Parma arrive at Milano Centrale, stopping en route at Milano Lambrate, if you go all the way to Centrale you will have to negotiate a very large although nice station, and take a subway to either Porta Garibaldi or Cadorna. Get off the train in Milano Lambrate (a bit ugly, but easier to navigate). If you want to go the easy way, hop on the first train headed north and get off just five minutes later at Milano Greco Pirelli. All trains to Como departing from Porta Garibaldi stop at Greco. These trains will take you to the north side of the center of Como, at the Como San Giovanni station, which is fine. As an alternative, get off at Lambrate, head towards the highest numbered tracks, and take the subway and go directly to Cadorna. The trains from Cadorna are more scenic and arrive at Como Nord Lago, which is an art nouveau station directly in front of the lake. As a non Milanese what you want to avoid at all costs is to have to navigate Porta Garibaldi. This is somewhat smaller than Centrale, but it's a station that expanded by stratification and it's nowadays made of three train station and two subway stops, plus it's used as an underpass to reach the Isola neighborhood. It's for us hardened Milanese and even us can get lost (once I found a route that allowed me to go from the station to the subway's green line without paying the ticket, but I could never retracce it, except occasionally I go through that route when leaving the subway!). Really, Porta Garibaldi has the secret route to access fantasy fantasy realms and probably a couple gates to Philip J. Farmer's World of Tiers. Stay away from it unless you have an expert Milanese guiding you through its meanders.

[@markbernard8312]

@@alicetwain gracie for this. A really well thought out reply. It will assist us greatly.

[@doreenfriel7039]

@@alicetwain, this is the most amazing comment I’ve ever seen on KZbin!

[@rbejva]

The power strip is a great one. Language: before going to Italy this summer I took an online language course so could have a basic conversation. The Italians were absolutely delighted and were shaking me by the hand. When the rental car ran out of AdBlue, I can tell you, my simple Italian saved my life. The main thing it missed though was Salvé, which every shopkeeper seemed to be using. Great video, and really great recommendations!

[@GregorBrown]

thanks so much. Glad you enjoyed it and your Italian adventures. When's the next trip?

[@rbejva]

@@GregorBrown Hopefully after Christmas, but we'll visit the south this time!

[@supersonique001]

My advice for 1st timers book an Insight tour especially if you don't speak the language. You will see more, bypass line ups and learn more than blundering your way through Italy and paying too much!

[@JamesLaird-ui7bc]

ATM tip. Do not use ATMs you find conveniently on most streets. They have HIGH fees in addition to the exchange rate. The ATM at a bank or post office is the best and cheapest way to get cash. Also avoid the currency exchanges - too many fees.

[@paulgerrard9227]

Look for the cirrus or meastro label. Use main bank atms and there is no issue.

[@tls453]

Thanks!

[@GregorBrown]

🎉thanks so much

[@filippobardazzi2080]

I recommend to choose typical food, for a greater experience Milan ---》cotoletta Florence ---> steak Rome -‐--> pasta Seafood is very good everywhere within 20 km from the sea Pizza is good almost anywhere

[@gabrielesantucci6189]

If you come in july or august be prepared for the heat. In italy it's hot , very hot in the summer. It is hot in almost all of europe but especially in the south (portugal spain italy south france greece etc.) so you have been warned. If you don't like strong heat come at other times of the year not in the middle of the summer. If italians all go to the beach and don't stay in the cities to cook, there must be a reason. 👍😉

[@GregorBrown]

Yeah, good point. July and August are pretty rough with the heat as it is.

[@gabrielesantucci6189]

​@@GregorBrownvery rough! Si bolle proprio, specialmente quest'anno!😂😂😂

[@jeffchastain2977]

It was over 100 degrees at our home in the Nevada desert when we went to Italy in July of this year. So it was a bit cooler than staying home would have been.

[@reneknaap1745]

I agree with that ‘first time itinerary.’ When I visited Italy September/October for three weeks about ten years ago I visited Rome, Florence and Venice. As an extra Assisi for a small town experience and super easy to access from Rome.

[@philpuglise6688]

Perfecto! We just finalized our trip yesterday, the very day this was posted.. and where to? The big 3! Wedding in FLR then taking trains to FCO and VCE. So looking forward to it, and SO thankful to watch and enjoy your videos and gain the utmost of pertinent information to get the most out of our travels. Grazie! And look forward to more of your presentations Gregor!

[@GregorBrown]

That is awesome!

[@reginafromrio]

Hostels are great if you just want a place to sleep. People have their alarms on early for flights so bring earplugs, but you can extend your stay by settling for a shared room. It's sooooo much cheaper than a hotel.

[@mhtammi]

Totally agree about the train system. It was great. I also agree with back pack not suitcase. Trains and cobblestone streets are easier with a back pack. And yes, cash. I found that especially useful in Venice when shopping in little shops or with street vendors.

[@DavidHarberRadio]

Gregor. Thank you for your videos. I'll be taking the wife to Firenze next month because of your excellent video guides. Grazie.

[@alicetwain]

Regarding cash only, currently the Italian law requires all businesses to be able to accept digital payments. If any business asks for cash only it's doing so to evade taxes. Does it mean you should not have cash? Nope, do keep a 20 euro bill in your wallet, just for emergencies. Also, I strongly suggest a prepaid credit/debit card for everyday use. You can top it up from your e-banking, and the big advantage is that in case it gets stolen or cloned you only risk the 2-300 euro you have on the card, not your whole lifetime savings.

[@susannaanna1340]

Ottimo consiglio per tutti.

[@pzycoman]

On chargers, I made sure to get everything, phone, camera, powerbank, smart watch etc all onto USB C, and bought a bulk order of USB C cables in different lengths, so I only need one plug. You can get high powered USB C chargers that will charge 4+ devices quickly. On cable length, a 2 meter cable is the perfect length to keep the power bank in your bag.

[@GregorBrown]

Wow, that's great, and thank you for sharing your tips. And I wish everything was usb c In my life.

[@TonyVsSportsShortsandMore]

Thanks for the great info. Just recently discovered your channel, really enjoying the content. Going for the first time (literally tomorrow!) and appreciate the tips. Have an incredible day.

[@michaeldianewynne8414]

When using a credit card always pay in the local currency. Your home bank will use the best exchange rate: shops restaurants always cost more if you insist on using your home currency

[@GregorBrown]

Yes, that's exactly right.Always choose the local currency

[@lisacottrell2173]

# 3 1/2 weeks and we will be there for a couple of weeks in the south of the country !!!! can’t wait !!

[@dylanclements2485]

The best holiday destination in the world, hands down. Don't drive! use public transport which is very good in Italy 💕

[@GregorBrown]

Totally agree!

[@tls453]

Thank you for your REALLY informative videos! LOVE THEM!!!

[@GregorBrown]

You are so welcome!

[@helenalima3552]

You are great! Amazing info. Thanks 👍❤

[@GregorBrown]

You are so welcome!

[@rubythomas1765]

Beautiful Florence!

[@itsmetaran]

Very helpful indeed! Thank you.

[@GregorBrown]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ElbertTreble]

I’m going to Italy next month good tips

[@GregorBrown]

thanks!

[@gmnewlook]

For now, since my wife is a grade 6 teacher in the Québec education system, we can only travel during the summer cause the school year ends on June 23rd at the latest (June 24th is a provincial holiday, Fête Nationale) and starts on the last week of August. We're both set to retire in about 10 years, so by then we'll have more flexibility to travel to Europe. We already have our airline ans destinations picked, all that'S left is hammer out the details. We know we want to go on the Amalfi coast after Rome, so we'll take the Frecciarossa to Salerno and take the SITA Sud bus to Amalfi or Positano for a day or two. Then, Sorrento by bus (SITA Sud again) for 4 nights, then rent a car for the rest because going to Larino by train is a real hassle and can take up to 6.5 hours instead of 3 by car. Both times we went to Paris, I left my wallet at the hotel or Airbnb and only brought only my credit cards, some Euros and my transit pass for the métro, bus, tram, RER, Transilien and put them in places where pickpockets would not get easy access to them. The eSIM is an interesting option instead of buying a SIM card once at the airport (which we forgot to do when we got to CDG last summer). I'll look into seeing if it's available in Canada for Italy.

[@joeuwest489]

Thanks for the info

[@GregorBrown]

Any time!

[@dcallan812]

Its funny in Venice when it floods and you see tourist with cases on thier heads that must weigh the same as they do 🤣 You can buy items you forgot or extra as you go But to haul your entire wardrobe across Italy is only going to tick you off every time you close the suitcase and try to get on public transport or taxis Great video 2x👍

[@ladyphenom84]

I’m visiting Florence next month, September 2024, so this was very helpful!

[@GregorBrown]

I'm happy to hear that and thank you so much

[@gilleslafreniere]

We'll meet you there as we will also be in Florence in September 2024 (and Venice, Verona, Rome).

[@GregorBrown]

hope you meet up!! happy to have this growing community here!

[@toshtosh2000]

Same haha Coming to florence sep 1st

[@simbeam]

Same 😂 but like end of September 🎉

[@georgk7390]

Yes booking in advance can save you lots of time by skipping the lines. Make shure you uset he official apps (eg Parco Colosseo for the Collosseo and the Foro Romano) or the Arena di Verona. NEVER EVER buy from walking dealers in Front of the Monuments

[@jasonalper7898]

We flew into Napoli and taxi to Sorento, From Sorento back to Napoli, then took the bullet train to Roma, Then back on the bullet train to Florence, From Florence took a normal train to Tuscany, Rome was unreal. Florence was more laid back, or favorite was Montepulciano was out of this world, Want to go back so we can go to Venice. Travel tip if you take the Metro train not the bullet train, The Metro Train learn how to open the door, you need to open the door yourself at the stops, we almost missed our stop to Montepulciano.

[@danielprout3837]

Fantastic good guidelines

[@GregorBrown]

Glad you think so!

[@cristinacucconi7411]

Mi piaci tanto, spieghi molto bene tutto, e si sente che ami l'Italia, grazie ❤ . Ho condiviso un tuo video con amici qui in texas 😉

[@greenb6149]

Very helpful

[@GregorBrown]

Glad you think so!

[@Earl-c9r]

Thanks

[@GregorBrown]

No problem

[@theresahutch168]

Thank you so much for these fun/clear videos! Curious to know if people work on laptops in cafes in Italy?

[@GregorBrown]

In some more modern, hipster coffee shops, you find that this is accepted, but in traditional coffee shops, they frown on it. And yes, Italians would never do so. When you see people on their laptops, it is mostly foreigners, and mostly Americans in the case of Florence. Young students.

[@Antonia_Frazer]

We are going to Italy by train next month!

[@pammysue1020]

Thank you! I knew tipping wasn’t necessary in restaurants but was unsure about taxis. What about a tour guides?

[@jafongaro]

I’ve been enjoying your reports on Italy. My wife and I typically get to Italy twice a year. We always fly into Milan Linate, since it’s a 6 mile ride into the city center. We also always stay at the Gallic Excelsior, which is across the street from Milano Centrale. This past February, the Gallic has added at tip section to the bill at their bars- is. This something new in Milan?

[@GregorBrown]

Probably, their used to Americans visiting so they are taking advantage to try to get tip money.

[@SteT-ry6ur]

You will be happy to know that now there is a new underground line (the blu line) from Linate airport to Milano center (San Babila).

[@gilleslafreniere]

We will be travelling to Venice, Verona, Florence, and Rome, from the 25 th of August to October 1 2024. Your travel tips are very usefull and I am eagerly watching your videos. Sadly, my wife does not believe in light packing!

[@GregorBrown]

Have fun!

[@alessandroroveda2859]

Ahahahahahahahaha!

[@dcallan812]

Just remind her you can buy ANYTHING you forgot or need at the destination. Its a good excuse to shop for new outfits too. 👍

[@deckard1970]

Pro tip, when use an ATM here in Italy to withdraw your cash, always look to those attached to actual Banks agencies or Post offices, never ever use those you find around newsstands, souvenirs shops etc., most of them apply exchange rates from hell.

[@undisgraziato]

I’ll get a Rimowa as soon as they open up a Factory Outlet store in the US. I’ve been banned from the Beverly Hills location for asking if it was an outlet store 😂😂

[@sarahyannone5547]

When you say “book in advance” for tours in Florence, etc. How far in advance do you recommend? Also, can you book train tickets day before without issue in general or do they sell out quickly?

[@GregorBrown]

yeah, for the big items like the Ufizzi, I'd consider 2-3 months out.

[@paulgerrard9227]

Some do. Then they resell them for insane prices to tourists who think it costs $100 to enter the collisuem or vatican museums. Tripadviser is a scalpers site.

[@alessandroroveda2859]

"Fiorentina" in Florence!!!

[@angiemyhre.photography]

Do you take small groups on tour to Italy? Or does anyone have recommendations for a tour once you’re over there ?

[@GregorBrown]

No sorry I don't

[@brewswithviews]

Our first trip to Italy is Lake Garda in less than 2 weeks. We plan on a day trip to Verona. Any tips for Verona?

[@GregorBrown]

One night stay there is good, it's a great small city in Italy. Def Go!

[@SteT-ry6ur]

In Verona the are Arena (ancient roman theatre like colosseo but still used for concert and opera), Giulietta house and Castelvecchio

[@coltonadams6936]

Does anyone have any recommendations on tour guides and trips for multiple cities like if I wanted to see Venice, Florence Rome, and Milan. I know it sounds silly, but I fell in love with the idea of going to Italy from the assassin’s Creed games however, I learned that I have some Italian heritage as well and really want to visit and take as much as I can maybe two weeks.

[@GregorBrown]

I don't but maybe someone else here will.

[@enzodelbosco5272]

To be honest I don't really think you need a tour guide unless you're really looking for deep explanations on what you'll be visiting. What you're trying to do forces you to go Milan/Venice first, then Florence and Rome at the end. Or backwards Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan. Either way being three of the biggest airports in Italy (Milan, Venice, Rome) you shouldn't have problems finding flights. Since they're all big main cities trains and flights are daily available mostly aswell so that won't be hard aswell. The only thing I would suggest is to prepare a clear plan on transportations in the cities themselves you'll be visiting so you can manage you're time better. I'd say for a tour like this you need at least 2 weeks.

[@JackRyan-USMC1943]

Interesting you suggested Bologna as a possible alternative, albeit smaller airport, to the larger options in Rome & Milan. So I checked and wow, I can save $1300! 🎉. Curious though, is there enough going on in Bologna to justify more than a two night stay?

[@bcwestern]

Hi there! I'm a Canadian who lived in Dublin, Ireland for 2 decades and am now living in California. I just wanted to chime in on your query and say that Bologna is a real gem of a place to visit for a few days (or more) and to use as a base to travel elsewhere! For example, it takes less than 40 mins to get to Florence by train from Bologna and it's a lovely, scenic, albeit short, journey. My family and I have spent a lot of time in Italy (and happen to be going back for a visit in a couple of weeks). Enjoy it when you get there!

[@GregorBrown]

You could stay for one night. Food is amazing. Plus that airfare is a bargain.

[@SteT-ry6ur]

In Bologna you have to eat "piadina"

[@chrisdobrowolski2783]

How often do you wear shorts in other countries? Also any rule to the length of the shorts. Also did you buy your shorts in USA or other country- I am taking about the ones who wore in the video, this video was a black one and I think you had another video and you wore white shorts in that one. Thanks.

[@coltonadams6936]

I was gonna say something about ciao and Salve but then you have that person mention it and I was also gonna say something about arrivederci 😅 i’ve been using Duolingo for a year now so I can maybe have some basic conversation when I finally get to visit Italy so I’m like is it bad to say salve and Caio you always say just say Bongiorno or buonasera

[@GregorBrown]

Salve is the best go to for greetings, works day and night. leaving you can say: Arrivederci if you want to be form or ciao grazie if not.

[@alessandroersettighpicinic4567]

Rome isn´t down in the south! Is in the middle of Italy

[@GregorBrown]

It's south.

[@andreeaxdk08]

@@GregorBrown Naples is in the south

[@BabiV76]

​@@GregorBrown The South begins with the Campania region 😊

[@stevebartley628]

If possible, also have 2 ATM cards

[@andreiareggiani]

hi

[@marcocarlson1693]

👍👍👍👍

[@dukx3986]

Yes, cash - always, esp if you're somewhere outside the major cities that don't have 24 hr public transport. Twice i needed to bribe strangers for a ride late at night. Don't do that - im Lucky to be alive. Also be prepared for very little to no english in the smaller towns. Put an app on your phone that you can talk into and will audibly translate.

[@umbertoarrigotti2030]

Don't worry guys, Venice wont sink

[@renferal5290]

I just came from Rome. I stayed with a lovely lady who didn't speak any English. I really loved seeing the Vatican and Sistine Chapel . It was so bloody hot!! lol. Next time I'm going to try a E sim.

[@GregorBrown]

wow, good experiences, to last a lifetime!

[@sisandbigpopsculture7237]

We leave for Italy a week from today... and all this info makes me so nervious

[@GregorBrown]

Take a deep breath. Don't worry. Everything will be great and you'll have so much fun.

[@kathytheesfeld5849]

Tipping police🤣😂🤣thanks again Gregor I’m heading back to Italy in April maybe I’ll run into you again like last year💗😊

[@GregorBrown]

haha, thanks.

[@CAIrondad]

Good video... we just got back from 2 weeks in Italia, and loved it... BUT, I strongly disagree with the Venice recommendation.... my wife and I liked it least of the places we visited. WAY too touristy, cheap souvenir shops, and repetitive cafes with the same menus. And how much gelato can you eat in a day? We won't be back. Hey, even the gondola drivers tended to be on their cell phones while paddling the boats. They seemed disinterested.

[@GregorBrown]

Thanks for sharing! Yeah, it's a shame Venice can be that way. It's a unique place in the world, and it needs time and patience to discover. But I'm glad you loved your trip overall.

[@micumatrix]

The Euronet atmˋs in Europe are a ripoff!

[@kathleen4083]

Car rental- request & insist on car 🚘 that is not hatchback. They will see your luggage etc & breakin stealing everything. I got car with locking trunk 🚘 🇮🇹

[@HaiDouzo]

Not going to lie, I absolutely despised Venice but loved everywhere else in Italy. You feel nickeled and dimed everywhere in Venice. Sure you can "get lost" down the alleys, but it still isn't enough to redeem that shell of a city. The beauty and novelty of the floating city wore off after about 12 hours there. I still think you should go there. But I think it's more worthy of a day trip. Not trying to be a naysayer, just trying to give another perspective that I wish I heard before I went. Italy is incredible and I felt like Venice robbed me of a couple days of experiencing it. I'm also from a heavily touristed city, so maybe I'm extra sensitive to touristy things, but Venice was just too far for me.

[@rbejva]

We stayed in Castello just outside the most touristy part of Venice and it was better. Being up early I visited some small local shops and the people there were hugely generous.

[@omegadeep1]

Avoid Rome, Florence is the top destination in my opinion. Rome has become a basket case for tourism.

[@vincetaylor3948]

I’m going next week and I’m afraid of the city situation how bad is it really I booked 4 days in Rome. This is for my honeymoon

[@JamesMarshall-lj3ub]

I lived in Italy for two years; it was alright, although if you don't like cheese or tomatoes, then you'll starve. Their women are reasonably attractive too, until they hit 30, then they age in dog years. I dated an Italian girl for 6 months, which was fun, but I wasted 3 of those months shaving her back.

[@GregorBrown]

😆 🤣 😂

[@GregorBrown]

Because it's funny.

[@michaelk4865]

😂