GETTING AROUND ITALY, BUT HOW? A TRANSPORT GUIDE

One of the most daunting or potentially perilous aspects of visiting a foreign country can be navigating transportation. Figuring out how to get around in the most time-efficient, simple and safe manner is something that often even locals struggle with. Car-loving Italians tend to jump in their vehicles and (not to massively stereotype here but…) speed seat-beltless from home to restaurant to beach to bar. Not quite so easy for the tourist. While inner city and rural transportation may leave much to be desired, Italy’s high speed inter-city and cross country train system is impressive. Driving can be terrifying, yet it does also open up a world of exploration. Not forgetting Italy’s world renowned coastlines and islands which of course call for boat travel. In this post, I’ll give you some pointers for getting around Italy; city to city, inner-city and daytrips.

Rome International Airport

DIY or VIP?

Tram In Opicina

Not only can you chose between a variety of classes but all areas of these trains include free Wi-Fi and a snack bar. That and some great scenic views enroute – what more could you desire? The TrenItalia website is in English and well worth looking online beforehand as you can usually pick up a bargain advance ticket. Also highly recommended is the company Italo, known as the Ferrari of the train companies, whose network has grown extensively since it began in 2012 and now serves 19 destinations. I’m a big fan of Italo – I find them the most reliable and really affordable for the comfort they provide. Look out for the ‘cinema coach’ where you can wile the time away watching movies on a 19 inch screen!

Scooters In Italy

Wherever you are in Italy there’s always more to see, there’s never enough time and you’re always left wanting more. Which is one of the things that makes this country so wonderful. But practically speaking, you need to get from one awe-inspiring town, monument, view or picnic spot to another. The how is particularly important when you’re on holiday and you want to make the most of the time you have rather than spending hours and energy deciphering timetables or locals advice!

Broadly speaking, the metros are the quickest (and coolest in summer) way of getting about in the main cities – unless that is, you’d like the experience the craziness of Italian traffic in the heat. Both Naples and Milan have more extensive underground systems than Rome so get down and discover! I particularly love that many of Naples’ metro stations have been designed by artists so have real character. And when it comes to Rome’s historical centre (where even taxis struggle to go in many places), the technique here is to walk, but with plenty of gelato and cold beer breaks!

Turin Transportation

Let’s look at some examples of daytrips and transport:

• Ostia Antica outside of Rome. A personal favourite, this is a peaceful, magical daytrip and I recommend this guided tour which will really bring the experience to life. Also, it is an opportunity to sample a Roman train – this is a simple journey from Porta San Paolo station (opposite the city’s pyramid) that runs every 15/20 minutes (at least that’s the idea!) and takes you directly to the ancient ruins.

• Florence is comfortably walkable around its centre, and is easy reached by the previously mentioned train lines. With regards to getting outside of the city, trains can also take you to local towns, but if you can… a car enables you to make the most of Tuscany’s beautiful countryside too. In fact, it is only one hour by car to Siena and from there you could also visit San Gimignano and still be back in Florence for dinner or a night-cap. Why not make it easier and enjoy being driven? This private car allows you to relax, soak up Tuscany’s rolling hills and even enjoy a glass of wine without worrying about navigating the roads back to Florence!

• So you’re on the Amalfi coast – better known as Italy’s slice of paradise – at least for me! Probably wondering why one would ever contemplate leaving any of the perching villages along the coast line. The answer is – the islands. Capri and Ischia are the jewels in the area’s crown and simply cannot be missed. When on the Amalfi, do it in style and rather than queue to bustle onto a ‘traghetto’ boat (the local buses for the sea!) treat yourself to a private boat. This full day excursion picks you up from Sorrento, takes you via some of the lesser visited, but most exciting, sights of the coast line (the Sorrento peninsula, the grottos and more) to Capri. There you can chose to eat aboard your own boat, or instead dine in a restaurant whilst you explore the island. And what better way to finish off a day of sightseeing than reclining on your private boat with the wind in your hair, the warm evening sun and the glorious Amalfi coastline guiding your way home.

• When in Rome Tivoli’s villas are a must if you have the time. A hilltop ancient town whose many villas are both stunning and fascinating. Although a mere 20 miles outside of Rome, trains take an odd route which almost encircles the area before climbing up the mountain to Tivoli. Not unusually for this country, trains run from two of Rome’s main stations and depending on the train you chose can take anything from 35 minutes to 1 hour and 35 minutes. Don’t expect them to depart at regular intervals either! For Villa d’Este and Villa Gregoriano the train station is well placed, however, for Villa Adriana it simply isn’t easy to get there. A taxi would be your only bet. For that reason, a car is preferable. A private excursion allows you to focus on seeing, exploring and enjoying, so if you can, go with this one.

Boats In Rome