Italy had been on the prime of my journey bucket record 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 fully totally different. Should you’re planning an Italian journey from South Africa, right here’s the whole lot you’ll want to know on visas, flights, budgeting and an itinerary that allows you to expertise among the greatest Italy has to supply.
Journey By means of Italy with Kristine, Travelstart’s Social Media & Associates Coordinator.
18 Day Italy Itinerary Fast Overview
| Days | Vacation spot | Major 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 no less than 4–6 weeks earlier than your departure date.
At all times test the Italian consulate and VFS web sites for up-to-date data.
The very best time to go to Italy
The very best time to go to Italy is usually Spring (April to Might) or Autumn (September to October), when the climate is nice and main points of interest are often much less crowded than throughout peak summer season.
We went throughout Summer time (June to August), which is peak vacationer season and may get scorching sizzling. In Spring, Italy is alive with festive vitality. Autumn is harvest season, the perfect time for wine tasting. Skiers and people who need to keep away from crowds of vacationers will need 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 easy. 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 residence.
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 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 |
| 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 individual, relying in your journey fashion and lodging selections.
Italy Itinerary – Metropolis Breakdown
Rome
The 5 days we spent in Rome have been the right introduction to Italy. It’s like an open-air museum, the place historic ruins sit alongside full of life cafés and piazzas. I used to be shocked by how busy Rome is. It’s tourist-heavy, particularly through the summer season months. Should you’re planning to tour points of interest, guide 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 considered 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 fully totally different from Rome. Smaller, walkable and extremely charming, it’s a metropolis the place artwork, structure and wonderful 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. Lots of of strangers gathered to see town aglow, as native buskers performed the background music to the second.
Why are the Statue of David’s palms so huge?
Enjoyable Details: Because the statue was initially presupposed to prime the roof of the Florence Cathedral, Michelangelo made the palms 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 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 through the sizzling summer season afternoons.
Italian Traditions to attempt in Venice
| View the gondolier races | Attend a mask-making workshop | Have fun 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 a bit more difficult right here than the opposite cities. Most of the conventional dishes function pork or cured meats, so it’s tougher 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 residence base for the ultimate a part of the journey. We went to close by Pisa to see the enduring Leaning Tower (and chortle 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 via Tuscany’s well-known wine area. Sampling native wines and olive oils whereas driving via rolling vineyards and picturesque hilltop villages was the right finish to our vacation.
You may take a practice 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 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 trade charge, 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 Value 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 historic grandeur to Florence’s inventive allure, Venice’s romantic canals, Bologna’s unimaginable eats and Lucca’s relaxed Tuscan life-style.
If Italy is in your journey bucket record, contemplate this your signal to begin planning. With a bit preparation and the correct itinerary, it’s a visit you’ll bear in mind for the remainder of your life.