How to See More of Italy Without Changing Hotels Every Few Days

When people dream of an Italian vacation, they often imagine moving from city to city—Rome, Florence, Venice, the Amalfi Coast—dragging suitcases behind them and checking into a new hotel every few nights.

But there is another way to experience Italy: choose one great home base and make day trips.

It is easier, more relaxing, and can allow you to see far more than you might expect.

Step 1: Choose a City With Excellent Transportation

Rome is an ideal base because it sits at the heart of Italy’s high-speed rail network. From Rome Termini, you can reach Florence in roughly an hour and a half, making a day in Florence surprisingly easy.

The trick is to choose a hotel that is convenient to transportation and central enough that you can enjoy the city when you aren't traveling.

Step 2: Mix Big Adventures With Easy Days

Don't schedule a major excursion every single day.

Spend some days exploring Rome at your own pace—visit the Colosseum and Roman Forum, explore the Vatican, wander through charming neighborhoods or simply sit in a piazza with a coffee.

Then choose a few special day trips.

Florence is perfect for Renaissance art, architecture and shopping. Pompeii and Herculaneum offer an unforgettable glimpse into ancient Roman life. And Tivoli, with Villa d'Este and Hadrian's Villa, provides a beautiful escape from the bustle of Rome.

Step 3: Let the Train Do the Work

Italy's high-speed trains make this style of travel possible. Rather than spending half a day checking out, traveling, checking in and finding your bearings, you can simply board a train in the morning and return to your own hotel that evening.

For destinations that are less convenient by train, consider a private driver. This can turn a complicated excursion into an effortless day of sightseeing.

Step 4: Don't Overplan

The secret is knowing when to stop.

Leave time for long lunches, wandering without a destination, an afternoon espresso or an unexpected discovery. Some of the best Italian memories happen when nothing is scheduled.

The result? You unpack once, settle in, and still experience an extraordinary amount of Italy.

Sometimes the smartest way to see Italy isn't to keep moving.

It's to stay put—and let Italy come to you. if you could experience some of Italy’s greatest treasures without packing and unpacking every few days?

We can help you put this together. In fact we can make it a reality for you and your group of friends, family, or just two people. However you prefer to travel.

See here our favorite stay-in-one-place trip!
Italy In One Place
Email Us Right Now

The Greek Way to Eat Well: Meze, Sharing & Savoring

One of our favorite ways to eat in Greece is also one of the most delicious—and surprisingly economical: order meze and share. We live in Greece for most of the year, and when we sit down at a traditional Greek taverna, this is often how we order our meal.

Meze simply means small dishes or appetizers, and a traditional taverna menu will usually have an entire section devoted to them. Rather than ordering one entrée per person, we suggest choosing several different meze to place in the center of the table and share.

Start by choosing a few that catch your eye. Perhaps some tzatziki, grilled vegetables, fried zucchini, saganaki, stuffed vine leaves, grilled octopus, or whatever looks especially tempting that day. Add a Greek salad, a basket of fried potatoes, and your drinks of choice.

Then do something very Greek: relax and let the meal unfold.

When the dishes arrive, everyone shares. Take a little of this, try a bite of that, and discover something you might never have ordered for yourself. If something is particularly wonderful—and there is still room—order another serving to share.

This is more than simply a way to save money. It is one of the best ways to experience Greek food. You get to taste many flavors, linger over the table, and enjoy your meal as Greeks do: slowly, socially, and together.

And don't worry about ordering too much at the beginning. Greek meals are meant to evolve. Leave a little room for dessert—or perhaps a small glass of ouzo or tsipouro to finish the evening.
​
Our insider tip: Don't rush to order everything at once. Start with a few dishes, see how hungry you are, and add more as you go. The best Greek meals aren't about getting to the next course—they're about enjoying the moment you're in.

​See our favorite Greece trip here
Email us any questions you have here