italian towns Archives - Traveler Dreams Traveler Dreams Fri, 01 Jul 2022 18:53:04 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 https://travelerdreams.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/cropped-favicon-32x32.png italian towns Archives - Traveler Dreams 32 32 Driving in Italy Isn’t As Simple As You Think https://travelerdreams.com/what-to-know-about-driving-in-italy/ Sat, 02 Jul 2022 06:47:00 +0000 https://travelerdreams.com/?p=14261 Italy is known for its beautiful cities as well as the beauty of its small towns that dot the country sides. If you’re planning a trip to see these small towns, you may be thinking of renting a car. Rural Italy is absolutely worth seeing, but it is very difficult to get around on public […]

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]]> Italy is known for its beautiful cities as well as the beauty of its small towns that dot the country sides. If you’re planning a trip to see these small towns, you may be thinking of renting a car. Rural Italy is absolutely worth seeing, but it is very difficult to get around on public transportation—so renting a car is a good call. You’ll also get to see the pastoral scenes in between populated areas along the backroads and highways. However, just like anywhere in the world, Italy has its own driving style and culture. Here are some things to be prepared for.

Italian Drivers Meander

Even on the highway, Italian drivers drift from side to side don’t stick to lane divisions as rigidly as in America or Canada. It’s not uncommon for drivers to spend full seconds or even minutes with one set of wheels in the next lane over, often as they try to find a spot to pass slower cars. At the same time, they may be aggressive about passing you if you’re in the fast lane. So it is VERY important to keep a close eye on your surroundings, to stay calm and alert, and to stay in the right (slow) lane unless you’re passing someone yourself.

Don’t Drink and Drive

This may seem obvious, but it’s important to keep in mind that the blood-alcohol limit for driving is much lower in Italy than America. When you’re surrounded by so much good wine and cocktails, you might be tempted to have a glass with dinner before you get on the road. Don’t. If you’re with a group, try to rotate who will be the designated driver, because even one glass could get you in trouble if you’re pulled over.

There’s a Big Difference Between Fast and Slow Lanes

In general, highways usually have a “slow” lane—the right-most lane—and a “fast” lane on the left for passing. In Italy there’s a big difference between the two. The right lane will usually have a lot of Fiats that can’t get up to highway speeds going below the speed limit, while the left lane has more aggressive drivers racing above the speed limit. If you’re going slow in the fast lane, these drivers will get agitated with you. It’s best to stay in the right lane and carefully pass the many Fiats and trucks as you come up to them.

The post Driving in Italy Isn’t As Simple As You Think appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

]]> 3 Cute Villages to Visit in Italy https://travelerdreams.com/3-cute-villages-to-visit-in-italy/ Wed, 15 Jun 2022 16:18:00 +0000 https://travelerdreams.com/?p=18844 Italy is a big and beautiful country and one of the best things to do while visiting is to check out some of its off-the-beaten-path villages. All over the country are smaller villages, many of which still have quite a bit of history and provide a quiet getaway. Wherever you’re planning to travel in the […]

The post 3 Cute Villages to Visit in Italy appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

]]> Italy is a big and beautiful country and one of the best things to do while visiting is to check out some of its off-the-beaten-path villages. All over the country are smaller villages, many of which still have quite a bit of history and provide a quiet getaway. Wherever you’re planning to travel in the country, here are three villages to visit if you’re nearby.

Manarola

Located right on the coastline between Genoa and Florence, Manarola is built up on a rock face overlooking the ocean. It’s got picture-perfect views and a couple of spots for deep-water swimming. It’s also known for Sciacchetrà, a sweet dessert wine popular and known all over the country.

Savoca

For cinephiles who find themselves in Sicily, Savoca is a must-see as it was one filming location of the film The Godfather. Beyond being a part of Hollywood history, it also has lovely historic churches, views of the Ionian see, and cobbled walkways perfect for any getaway.

Monteriggioni

This medieval fortress of a village is not far from Siena, nestled in Tuscan fields and surrounded by a wall dating back to the 13th-century. If you’re visiting in July, it’s a perfect time to check out their yearly Medieval Festival to really experience life in the middle ages!

The post 3 Cute Villages to Visit in Italy appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

]]> 3 of the Most Romantic Towns in Italy https://travelerdreams.com/3-of-the-most-romantic-towns-in-italy/ Sun, 19 Sep 2021 06:00:00 +0000 https://travelerdreams.com/?p=14530 Italy is often considered one of the most romantic countries for a getaway, but where in Italy should you go? There are so many amazing cities and towns and these three are at the top of our list. Do you agree? Verona Romantic cities don’t get better than Verona, the home of Romeo in Juliet. […]

The post 3 of the Most Romantic Towns in Italy appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

]]> Italy is often considered one of the most romantic countries for a getaway, but where in Italy should you go? There are so many amazing cities and towns and these three are at the top of our list. Do you agree?

Verona

Romantic cities don’t get better than Verona, the home of Romeo in Juliet. You can visit Juliet’s house with the famous balcony. The story about them may be fictional, but the house is real and waiting for you. Of course, the rest of the city is breathtaking as well. Check out attractions like Ponte di Castle Vecchio, Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore, and Arena di Verona.

Perugia

If you want to enjoy your trip with romantic alleys with wine bars and beautiful castles on the hills, Perugia is the place you’re looking for. Make your vacation a few days longer and visit the charming villages around the city and Lake Trasimeno.

Positano

Positano is located on Amalfi Coast and is famous for colorful homes, stunning seaside views, and a beach where you can relax and enjoy. It’s definitely one of the most popular vacation locations in the country, so it may be crowded. It’s still worth a visit as this is one of the most beautiful corners of the Earth.

The post 3 of the Most Romantic Towns in Italy appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

]]> You Should Try These Foods in Bologna https://travelerdreams.com/you-should-try-these-foods-in-bologna/ Tue, 11 Feb 2020 10:43:00 +0000 https://stagingtrd.wpengine.com/?p=4409 Bologna is considered the culinary capital of Italy, and sometimes even the entire world. There are so many things to love about this city’s rich, unique culture, but the food might just be the best part. Here are some of the tastiest treats to try in Bologna. Tagliatelle al Ragu Bologna is the hometown of […]

The post You Should Try These Foods in Bologna appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

]]> Bologna is considered the culinary capital of Italy, and sometimes even the entire world. There are so many things to love about this city’s rich, unique culture, but the food might just be the best part. Here are some of the tastiest treats to try in Bologna.

Tagliatelle al Ragu

Bologna is the hometown of the original favorite spaghetti bolognese. However, the dish goes by a much fancier name in Bologna – tagliatelle al ragu.

Tortellini

These decadent stuffed pastas are filled with a dreamy cheese or meat filling and often served in a bowl of warm broth. Tortellini in brodo (in broth) is the best way to bring out the incredible flavors of this pasta. 

Mortadella

The most perfect addition to any Italian picnic basket, mortadella is a unique type of ham with a rich garlicky flavor. Crushed black pepper adds a delicious depth to this lunch meat. 

Green Lasagna

The world’s favorite pasta dish is made even more special by adding pieces of fresh spinach dish to the lasagna itself. Green lasagna is a must-try when traveling to Bologna. The dish is traditionally layered with bolognese sauce (or Ragu) 

The post You Should Try These Foods in Bologna appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

]]> Lago di Como is an Italian Paradise https://travelerdreams.com/lago-di-como-is-an-italian-paradise/ Mon, 12 Aug 2019 08:39:18 +0000 https://stagingtrd.wpengine.com/?p=2700 Have you ever heard of Lago di Como before? This lake, located in the foothills of the Alps Mountains in northern Italy, is one of the most scenic bodies of water on earth. The Lago di Como is a glacial lake with a distinctive y-shape. Located on all three arms of this idyllic lake are […]

The post Lago di Como is an Italian Paradise appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

]]> Have you ever heard of Lago di Como before? This lake, located in the foothills of the Alps Mountains in northern Italy, is one of the most scenic bodies of water on earth.

The Lago di Como is a glacial lake with a distinctive y-shape. Located on all three arms of this idyllic lake are small towns and villages that give visitors a look at a slowed-down, relaxed version of Italian life.

It’s no wonder that celebrities such as George Clooney and Madonna own homes on the shore of Lago di Como.

Even if you aren’t one of the rich and famous, it’s still possible to enjoy Lago di Como. A short train ride away from Milan, ordinary visitors to Lago di Como can travel by boat on the serene and crystal-clear waters of the lake, visiting towns and villages and marveling at the beauty of the lake and the surrounding Alps.

One of my favorite towns on the shore of Lago di Como is definitely Bellagio. The town that lends its name to one of Las Vegas’s most famous casinos is pristine, clean, and has old cobbled streets with small shops and beautiful villas that you’ll never get tired of exploring.

Lago di Como must be on the top of your list on the next trip you take to Italy. It’s the closest thing to paradise on Earth.

The post Lago di Como is an Italian Paradise appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

]]> ersion="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> italian towns Archives - Traveler Dreams Traveler Dreams Fri, 01 Jul 2022 18:53:04 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 https://travelerdreams.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/cropped-favicon-32x32.png italian towns Archives - Traveler Dreams 32 32 Driving in Italy Isn’t As Simple As You Think https://travelerdreams.com/what-to-know-about-driving-in-italy/ Sat, 02 Jul 2022 06:47:00 +0000 https://travelerdreams.com/?p=14261 Italy is known for its beautiful cities as well as the beauty of its small towns that dot the country sides. If you’re planning a trip to see these small towns, you may be thinking of renting a car. Rural Italy is absolutely worth seeing, but it is very difficult to get around on public […]

The post Driving in Italy Isn’t As Simple As You Think appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

]]> Italy is known for its beautiful cities as well as the beauty of its small towns that dot the country sides. If you’re planning a trip to see these small towns, you may be thinking of renting a car. Rural Italy is absolutely worth seeing, but it is very difficult to get around on public transportation—so renting a car is a good call. You’ll also get to see the pastoral scenes in between populated areas along the backroads and highways. However, just like anywhere in the world, Italy has its own driving style and culture. Here are some things to be prepared for.

Italian Drivers Meander

Even on the highway, Italian drivers drift from side to side don’t stick to lane divisions as rigidly as in America or Canada. It’s not uncommon for drivers to spend full seconds or even minutes with one set of wheels in the next lane over, often as they try to find a spot to pass slower cars. At the same time, they may be aggressive about passing you if you’re in the fast lane. So it is VERY important to keep a close eye on your surroundings, to stay calm and alert, and to stay in the right (slow) lane unless you’re passing someone yourself.

Don’t Drink and Drive

This may seem obvious, but it’s important to keep in mind that the blood-alcohol limit for driving is much lower in Italy than America. When you’re surrounded by so much good wine and cocktails, you might be tempted to have a glass with dinner before you get on the road. Don’t. If you’re with a group, try to rotate who will be the designated driver, because even one glass could get you in trouble if you’re pulled over.

There’s a Big Difference Between Fast and Slow Lanes

In general, highways usually have a “slow” lane—the right-most lane—and a “fast” lane on the left for passing. In Italy there’s a big difference between the two. The right lane will usually have a lot of Fiats that can’t get up to highway speeds going below the speed limit, while the left lane has more aggressive drivers racing above the speed limit. If you’re going slow in the fast lane, these drivers will get agitated with you. It’s best to stay in the right lane and carefully pass the many Fiats and trucks as you come up to them.

The post Driving in Italy Isn’t As Simple As You Think appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

]]> 3 Cute Villages to Visit in Italy https://travelerdreams.com/3-cute-villages-to-visit-in-italy/ Wed, 15 Jun 2022 16:18:00 +0000 https://travelerdreams.com/?p=18844 Italy is a big and beautiful country and one of the best things to do while visiting is to check out some of its off-the-beaten-path villages. All over the country are smaller villages, many of which still have quite a bit of history and provide a quiet getaway. Wherever you’re planning to travel in the […]

The post 3 Cute Villages to Visit in Italy appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

]]> Italy is a big and beautiful country and one of the best things to do while visiting is to check out some of its off-the-beaten-path villages. All over the country are smaller villages, many of which still have quite a bit of history and provide a quiet getaway. Wherever you’re planning to travel in the country, here are three villages to visit if you’re nearby.

Manarola

Located right on the coastline between Genoa and Florence, Manarola is built up on a rock face overlooking the ocean. It’s got picture-perfect views and a couple of spots for deep-water swimming. It’s also known for Sciacchetrà, a sweet dessert wine popular and known all over the country.

Savoca

For cinephiles who find themselves in Sicily, Savoca is a must-see as it was one filming location of the film The Godfather. Beyond being a part of Hollywood history, it also has lovely historic churches, views of the Ionian see, and cobbled walkways perfect for any getaway.

Monteriggioni

This medieval fortress of a village is not far from Siena, nestled in Tuscan fields and surrounded by a wall dating back to the 13th-century. If you’re visiting in July, it’s a perfect time to check out their yearly Medieval Festival to really experience life in the middle ages!

The post 3 Cute Villages to Visit in Italy appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

]]> 3 of the Most Romantic Towns in Italy https://travelerdreams.com/3-of-the-most-romantic-towns-in-italy/ Sun, 19 Sep 2021 06:00:00 +0000 https://travelerdreams.com/?p=14530 Italy is often considered one of the most romantic countries for a getaway, but where in Italy should you go? There are so many amazing cities and towns and these three are at the top of our list. Do you agree? Verona Romantic cities don’t get better than Verona, the home of Romeo in Juliet. […]

The post 3 of the Most Romantic Towns in Italy appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

]]> Italy is often considered one of the most romantic countries for a getaway, but where in Italy should you go? There are so many amazing cities and towns and these three are at the top of our list. Do you agree?

Verona

Romantic cities don’t get better than Verona, the home of Romeo in Juliet. You can visit Juliet’s house with the famous balcony. The story about them may be fictional, but the house is real and waiting for you. Of course, the rest of the city is breathtaking as well. Check out attractions like Ponte di Castle Vecchio, Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore, and Arena di Verona.

Perugia

If you want to enjoy your trip with romantic alleys with wine bars and beautiful castles on the hills, Perugia is the place you’re looking for. Make your vacation a few days longer and visit the charming villages around the city and Lake Trasimeno.

Positano

Positano is located on Amalfi Coast and is famous for colorful homes, stunning seaside views, and a beach where you can relax and enjoy. It’s definitely one of the most popular vacation locations in the country, so it may be crowded. It’s still worth a visit as this is one of the most beautiful corners of the Earth.

The post 3 of the Most Romantic Towns in Italy appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

]]> You Should Try These Foods in Bologna https://travelerdreams.com/you-should-try-these-foods-in-bologna/ Tue, 11 Feb 2020 10:43:00 +0000 https://stagingtrd.wpengine.com/?p=4409 Bologna is considered the culinary capital of Italy, and sometimes even the entire world. There are so many things to love about this city’s rich, unique culture, but the food might just be the best part. Here are some of the tastiest treats to try in Bologna. Tagliatelle al Ragu Bologna is the hometown of […]

The post You Should Try These Foods in Bologna appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

]]> Bologna is considered the culinary capital of Italy, and sometimes even the entire world. There are so many things to love about this city’s rich, unique culture, but the food might just be the best part. Here are some of the tastiest treats to try in Bologna.

Tagliatelle al Ragu

Bologna is the hometown of the original favorite spaghetti bolognese. However, the dish goes by a much fancier name in Bologna – tagliatelle al ragu.

Tortellini

These decadent stuffed pastas are filled with a dreamy cheese or meat filling and often served in a bowl of warm broth. Tortellini in brodo (in broth) is the best way to bring out the incredible flavors of this pasta. 

Mortadella

The most perfect addition to any Italian picnic basket, mortadella is a unique type of ham with a rich garlicky flavor. Crushed black pepper adds a delicious depth to this lunch meat. 

Green Lasagna

The world’s favorite pasta dish is made even more special by adding pieces of fresh spinach dish to the lasagna itself. Green lasagna is a must-try when traveling to Bologna. The dish is traditionally layered with bolognese sauce (or Ragu) 

The post You Should Try These Foods in Bologna appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

]]> Lago di Como is an Italian Paradise https://travelerdreams.com/lago-di-como-is-an-italian-paradise/ Mon, 12 Aug 2019 08:39:18 +0000 https://stagingtrd.wpengine.com/?p=2700 Have you ever heard of Lago di Como before? This lake, located in the foothills of the Alps Mountains in northern Italy, is one of the most scenic bodies of water on earth. The Lago di Como is a glacial lake with a distinctive y-shape. Located on all three arms of this idyllic lake are […]

The post Lago di Como is an Italian Paradise appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

]]> Have you ever heard of Lago di Como before? This lake, located in the foothills of the Alps Mountains in northern Italy, is one of the most scenic bodies of water on earth.

The Lago di Como is a glacial lake with a distinctive y-shape. Located on all three arms of this idyllic lake are small towns and villages that give visitors a look at a slowed-down, relaxed version of Italian life.

It’s no wonder that celebrities such as George Clooney and Madonna own homes on the shore of Lago di Como.

Even if you aren’t one of the rich and famous, it’s still possible to enjoy Lago di Como. A short train ride away from Milan, ordinary visitors to Lago di Como can travel by boat on the serene and crystal-clear waters of the lake, visiting towns and villages and marveling at the beauty of the lake and the surrounding Alps.

One of my favorite towns on the shore of Lago di Como is definitely Bellagio. The town that lends its name to one of Las Vegas’s most famous casinos is pristine, clean, and has old cobbled streets with small shops and beautiful villas that you’ll never get tired of exploring.

Lago di Como must be on the top of your list on the next trip you take to Italy. It’s the closest thing to paradise on Earth.

The post Lago di Como is an Italian Paradise appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

]]>