Italy had been on the prime of my journey bucket listing 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 completely different. For those who’re planning an Italian journey from South Africa, right here’s every part it’s essential to know on visas, flights, budgeting and an itinerary that permits you to expertise a few of the greatest Italy has to supply.
Journey By way 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. It will value roughly R2,000. The appliance course of is simple 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.
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 points of interest are normally much less crowded than throughout peak summer time.
We went throughout Summer season (June to August), which is peak vacationer season and might get scorching sizzling. In Spring, Italy is alive with festive power. Autumn is harvest season, the perfect time for wine tasting. Skiers and those that 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 have been comparatively empty, giving us a complete row to ourselves. With the ability to stretch out to sleep was a consolation on the lengthy journey dwelling.
Joburg to Rome
How a lot does a visit to Italy value? Full Itinerary breakdown
Italy can go well with 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 type and lodging decisions.
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 stunned by how busy Rome is. It’s tourist-heavy, particularly through the summer time months. For those who’re planning to tour points of interest, 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 completely 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. 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 Info: Because the statue was initially purported 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 slim. 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 by quiet neighbourhoods, visited St. Mark’s Sq. and spent hours getting misplaced within the maze of Venice’s slim 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 time 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 few of the tastiest meals of your complete journey. Nonetheless, as a vegetarian, I discovered eating somewhat tougher right here than the opposite cities. Most of the conventional dishes characteristic 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 dwelling base for the ultimate a part of the journey. We went to close by Pisa to see the long-lasting Leaning Tower (and snort at everybody making an attempt to get the right “holding up the tower” picture), 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’ll be able to 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 type.
Is Italy costly for South Africans?
It may be, notably due to the rand-euro change price, however trains, advance bookings and finances lodging will help management prices.
What’s the greatest route for a primary journey to Italy?
Rome, Florence and Venice make a robust 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 persona, 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 listing, contemplate this your signal to start out planning. With somewhat preparation and the correct itinerary, it’s a visit you’ll bear in mind for the remainder of your life.