Italy had been on the high 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 supplied one thing utterly totally different. If you happen to’re planning an Italian journey from South Africa, right here’s every little thing you should know on visas, flights, budgeting and an itinerary that allows you to expertise among the greatest Italy has to supply.
Journey By 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. It will value roughly R2,000. The applying course of is easy however prolonged, so apply at the very least 4–6 weeks earlier than your departure date.
All the time examine the Italian consulate and VFS web sites for up-to-date information.
One of the best time to go to Italy
One of the best 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 might get scorching scorching. In Spring, Italy is alive with festive vitality. 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 presently no direct flights between South Africa and Italy, so that you’ll want to attach by one other worldwide hub.
We flew with Ethiopian Airways from Cape City to Rome through Addis Ababa. The layover was brief and environment friendly, making the journey surprisingly clean. Each legs of the flight had 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 value? 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 individual for an 18-day journey:
| Expense | Approximate Price |
| 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 |
| Points of interest and excursions | R3,000–R6,000 |
*We opted for extra budget-friendly lodging as younger working professionals.
A practical finances is round R40,000–R60,000 per individual, relying in your journey fashion and lodging selections.
Italy Itinerary – Metropolis Breakdown
Rome
The 5 days we spent in Rome had been the right introduction to Italy. It’s like an open-air museum, the place historical ruins sit alongside vigorous cafés and piazzas. I used to be shocked by how busy Rome is. It’s tourist-heavy, particularly throughout the summer season months. If you happen to’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 had 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 unimaginable Renaissance masterpieces and wandered Florence’s winding streets.
A favorite reminiscence of mine is watching the sundown from Piazzale Michelangelo. A whole lot of strangers gathered to see town aglow, as native buskers performed the background music to the second.
Why are the Statue of David’s arms so massive?
Enjoyable Details: Because the statue was initially purported to high 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 in contrast to anyplace else I’ve visited. The three days there have been the spotlight of the journey. Our exploration went past vacationer spots. We wandered by 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 among the tastiest meals of the complete journey. Nevertheless, as a vegetarian, I discovered eating somewhat tougher right here than the opposite cities. Most of the conventional dishes function pork or cured meats, so it’s more durable to seek 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 enduring Leaning Tower (and chuckle at everybody attempting to get the right “holding up the tower” photograph), soaked up the Mediterranean sunshine in Viareggio and rounded off our stick with a tour by Tuscany’s well-known wine area. Sampling native wines and olive oils whereas driving by rolling vineyards and picturesque hilltop villages was the right 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 finances for Italy?
Based mostly on our expertise, roughly R43,000–R69,000 per individual for 18 days, relying on flights, lodging and journey fashion.
Is Italy costly for South Africans?
It may be, notably due to the rand-euro alternate fee, however trains, advance bookings and finances lodging might 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 gradual tempo.
Is Italy Price It?
Completely. Italy affords unforgettable experiences of historical past, tradition, world-famous delicacies and breathtaking landscapes. Each metropolis has its personal character, from Rome’s historical grandeur to Florence’s creative appeal, Venice’s romantic canals, Bologna’s unimaginable 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 somewhat preparation and the best itinerary, it’s a visit you’ll bear in mind for the remainder of your life.
