Italy had been on the prime of my journey bucket checklist for years, and the 18 unforgettable days I spent exploring the nation exceeded my each expectation. From Rome to Tuscany, each vacation spot provided one thing utterly totally different. Should you’re planning an Italian journey from South Africa, right here’s all the pieces it is advisable to know on visas, flights, budgeting and an itinerary that allows you to expertise a number of the greatest Italy has to supply.
Journey Via Italy with Kristine, Travelstart’s Social Media & Associates Coordinator.
18 Day Italy Itinerary Fast Overview
| Days | Vacation spot | Most important experiences |
| 1–5 | Rome | Colosseum, Roman Discussion board, Vatican Metropolis |
| 6–8 | Florence | Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Renaissance artwork |
| 9–11 | Venice | St Mark’s Sq., canals, native neighbourhoods |
| 12–13 | Bologna | Meals experiences and historic centre |
| 14–18 | Tuscany | Lucca, Pisa, Viareggio and wine nation |
Do South Africans Want a Visa for Italy?
Sure, South African passport holders want a Schengen Visa to journey to Italy. This may price roughly R2,000. The applying course of is easy however prolonged, so apply not less than 4–6 weeks earlier than your departure date.
All the time examine the Italian consulate and VFS web sites for up-to-date information.
The perfect time to go to Italy
The perfect time to go to Italy is mostly Spring (April to Could) or Autumn (September to October), when the climate is nice and main sights are normally much less crowded than throughout peak summer season.
We went throughout Summer season (June to August), which is peak vacationer season and may get scorching scorching. In Spring, Italy is alive with festive power. Autumn is harvest season, the most effective time for wine tasting. Skiers and people who wish to keep away from crowds of vacationers will wish to go in Winter (November to March).
Flying from South Africa to Italy
There are at present no direct flights between South Africa and Italy, so that you’ll want to attach via one other worldwide hub.
We flew with Ethiopian Airways from Cape City to Rome by way of Addis Ababa. The layover was quick and environment friendly, making the journey surprisingly clean. Each legs of the flight have been comparatively empty, giving us a complete row to ourselves. Having the ability to stretch out to sleep was a consolation on the lengthy journey dwelling.
How a lot does a visit to Italy price? Full Itinerary breakdown
Italy can swimsuit a variety of budgets, however for South Africans planning a snug vacation, right here’s a tough estimate per particular person for an 18-day journey:
| Expense | Approximate Value |
| Return flights | R10,000–R15,000 |
| Lodging | R15,000–R25,000 |
| Trains and native transport | R5,000–R8,000 |
| Meals and drinks | R10,000–R15,000 |
| Sights and excursions | R3,000–R6,000 |
*We opted for extra budget-friendly lodging as younger working professionals.
A practical price range is round R40,000–R60,000 per particular person, relying in your journey type and lodging selections.
Italy Itinerary – Metropolis Breakdown
Rome
The 5 days we spent in Rome have been the proper introduction to Italy. It’s like an open-air museum, the place historic ruins sit alongside energetic cafés and piazzas. I used to be shocked by how busy Rome is. It’s tourist-heavy, particularly throughout the summer season months. Should you’re planning to tour sights, e-book your tickets months upfront or be ready to queue for hours within the warmth (particularly the Vatican).
We explored at a leisurely tempo. A few of our favorite experiences have been our visits to the Colosseum and Roman Discussion board, and the Vatican Metropolis.
Fast hack: To keep away from the crowds, we seen the Trevi Fountain from the upstairs window of the United Colours of Benetton retailer.
Artsy Locations to go to in Rome
| The Conca d’Oro Market | Pietro Canonica Museum | The Church of Saint Ignatius |
Florence
Florence felt utterly totally different from Rome. Smaller, walkable and extremely charming, it’s a metropolis the place artwork, structure and superb meals come collectively. Over 3 days, we explored the magnificent Duomo and climbed the adjoining bell tower, crossed the Ponte Vecchio, admired unbelievable Renaissance masterpieces and wandered Florence’s winding streets.
A favorite reminiscence of mine is watching the sundown from Piazzale Michelangelo. A whole bunch of strangers gathered to see the town aglow, as native buskers performed the background music to the second.
Why are the Statue of David’s arms so huge?
Enjoyable Information: Because the statue was initially imagined to prime the roof of the Florence Cathedral, Michelangelo made the arms over-large to account for the distortion attributable to perspective. The determine needed to be carved in a twisted pose as a result of the block of marble was slender. And for the lovers… his pupils are heart-shaped.
Venice
Venice was not like wherever else I’ve visited. The three days there have been the spotlight of the journey. Our exploration went past vacationer spots. We wandered via quiet neighbourhoods, visited St. Mark’s Sq. and spent hours getting misplaced within the maze of Venice’s slender streets and canals. We embraced the Italian custom of having fun with an Aperol Spritz whereas strolling round, which cooled us down throughout the scorching summer season afternoons.
Italian Traditions to strive in Venice
| View the gondolier races | Attend a mask-making workshop | Have a good time the Fest del Redentor |
Bologna
Our 2 days in Italy’s meals capital, Bologna, delivered a number of the tastiest meals of all the journey. Nonetheless, as a vegetarian, I discovered eating a bit of more difficult right here than the opposite cities. Most of the conventional dishes function pork or cured meats, so it’s more durable to search out vegetarian-friendly choices.
Vegetarian Meals Spots in Italy
| La Svolta – Cucina di Ragione | Bologna | Il Vegetariano | Florence | Misticanza | Rome |
Lucca
Lucca stole our hearts. Completely preserved Renaissance partitions encompass this Tuscan city, making a peaceable ambiance.
It was our dwelling base for the ultimate a part of the journey. We went to close by Pisa to see the long-lasting Leaning Tower (and giggle at everybody attempting to get the proper “holding up the tower” photograph), soaked up the Mediterranean sunshine in Viareggio and rounded off our stick with a tour via Tuscany’s well-known wine area. Sampling native wines and olive oils whereas driving via rolling vineyards and picturesque hilltop villages was the proper finish to our vacation.
You may take a prepare from Lucca to…
| Pisa (25-35 minutes) | Viareggio (17-25 minutes) | Pistoia (round 45 minutes) |
Your Questions on Your Italy Itinerary
How a lot ought to a South African price range for Italy?
Based mostly on our expertise, roughly R43,000–R69,000 per particular person for 18 days, relying on flights, lodging and journey type.
Is Italy costly for South Africans?
It may be, significantly due to the rand-euro trade price, however trains, advance bookings and price range lodging will help management prices.
What’s the greatest route for a primary journey to Italy?
Rome, Florence and Venice make a powerful first-time route. Bologna is a foodie paradise and Lucca is loved at a sluggish tempo.
Is Italy Price It?
Completely. Italy provides unforgettable experiences of historical past, tradition, world-famous delicacies and breathtaking landscapes. Each metropolis has its personal character, from Rome’s historic grandeur to Florence’s creative attraction, Venice’s romantic canals, Bologna’s unbelievable eats and Lucca’s relaxed Tuscan life-style.
If Italy is in your journey bucket checklist, take into account this your signal to start out planning. With a bit of preparation and the best itinerary, it’s a visit you’ll keep in mind for the remainder of your life.
