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Marker Map

All recommended sites & everything else can be located & checked out with a few clicks - most have 10 photos showing views, food, beds, scenery, facilities, goods - everything you need to make an informed decision & links to all of them.

 

 Just click on any marker, then on the traffic arrow           and a 2nd location for instant detailed public & private travel information including routes, distances, times, frequency, transfers & stop locations.

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A picture of a red Vespa

Your holiday - Your way

Country Guide
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COUNTRY GUIDE

Aeolian Islands

Italy south aeolian islands vulcano calm night full moon stunning scenery

Photo by Matt Lamers on Unsplash

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BEST TIME TO GO TO - April - June and September - October.

  • July to September is peak tourist season and peak prices.

  • August is the worst month for humidity and swarms of tourists.

  • Winters in the north are cold with rain and snow.

  • October and November are the wettest months.

  • In Rome and the south it is not too bad all year round.

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STAY - Most hotels are available on Booking.com unless otherwise stated. It's best to get bookings with free cancellation and pay on site when you get there. Hotels chosen are usually 3*** or 4 or 5 if they are good value. They are chosen firstly for their location, value for money, positive testimonials regarding cleanliness and service and features like rooftop terraces and great views. 

Since the end of Covid a lot of prices have gone through the roof. So if the selected hotel is out of your price range click on the location map and choose something cheaper nearby. Or you might prefer something else but try to stay in the same area.

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VISAS - Click here for information

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TIPS -​

  • Read these Handy Tips before you go

  • Carry a photocopy of your passport at all times

  • You can also scan other important documents and keep them in an e-mail

  • It's always good to take an International Drivers License with you

  • Download Maps.me app and the appropriate maps onto your phone before you go

  • Book everything as far ahead as possible so all you have to do on the trip is relax and    enjoy yourself - places like Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast book out very quickly

  • Try to minimise your luggage as much as possible. There are numerous boat trips and hilly villages with limited vehicle access.

  • You're going to be tempted by a lot of delicious looking gelato on your trip. But looks  aren't everything and you should know how to avoid the fakes and get yourself an   authentic gelato.

  • Take some old bathers for the mud bath on Vulcano in Southern Italy

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FLIGHTS - TICKETS

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  • Cagliari Airport (CAG) - is an International Airport with direct flights to 73   destinations in 16 countries around Europe and one to Senegal. (Sardinia)

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AIRPORT TRANSFER -  Rome Leonardo Da Vinci International Airport (FCO)         24 KM

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  • Rome Ciampino - Giovan Battista Pastine Airport (CIA) 21 KM - take the train into Termini and change there. It also takes half an hour or so.

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Once you've bought your tickets get some travel insurance to cover yourself.

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BUDGET - 

It's Western Europe so it's expensive. Double the budget to €140 per person per day travelling as a couple or pair sharing accommodation and then add some for things you don't want to miss out on and a few treats. One way to save a few dollars on food is to take advantage of the free food provided during pre-dinner drinks.

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POPULATION - 58,906,000

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CAPITAL - Rome (strength, power)

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RELIGION - Roman Catholic

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ETHNICITY - Italian 95%, Albanians, Romanians, Ukrainians, Africans

 

LANGUAGE - Italian

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NATIONAL DRINK - Campari, Aperol Spritz, Prosecco, take your pick

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NATIONAL DISH - Ragu alla Bolognese

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GOVERNMENT - Parliamentary Republic

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BIRTHDAY - 2nd June 1946

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BIG MAC IN $US - $6.30

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LITERACY - 99.15%

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MINIMUM WAGE ANNUAL IN $US - There is none set by law

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CURRENCY - Euro €1 = $1.075

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LIFE EXPECTANCY - 83.4

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FUN FACT - As of 2021 Italy has the most number of UNESCO sites for any country      with 58. China comes 2nd with 56.

 

TOURISTS PER YEAR - 64.5 million

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NO.1 TOURIST SITE - The Roman Colosseum

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CHEERS - Salute, Cin Cin

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Have a look below for jump the queue and other tours in Rome and the Vatican. For a whole lot more in your local neighbourhood of Trastevere have a look here. 

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Rome Tours 1

RT1
North Italy
HP Italy Nth
Rome 1

           NORTHERN ITALY 26N         

map of your Italian vacation holiday to Rome Florence Pisa Parma Cinque Terre Modena Venice Bologna

       HIGHLIGHTS - La Dolce Vita

 

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Rome 4N

 via Florence 3N 

Pisa 1N - (Cinque Terre)

Riomaggiore 2N

Vernazza 2N 

Parma 2N 

Modena 2N

Bologna 3N

San Marino 2N

Venice 2N

Trieste 3N = 26N

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  • The Vatican

  • Trevi Fountain

  • The Coliseum

  • Vecchio Bridge

  • The Buffet of Pork

  • Harry's many Bars

  • Florence Cathedral

  • The Capital of Coffee

  • Disneyworld for foodies

  • Luciano Pavarotti's house

  • The Leaning Tower of Pisa

  • Vespa ride in the Bologna Hills

  • Michelangelo’s Statue of David

  • Birthplaces of the Bellini and Prosecco

  • San Marino and Slovenia Double Bonus

  • CinqueTerre - 5 very scenic coastal villages

  • Walk around the world's only pedestrian city

  • UNESCO World Heritage Listed Sites every step of the way

  • Try to get a passport stamp in the world's smallest country

  • Motor Valley -  Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Pagani, Ducati

  • Food Valley - Parmigiano Reggiano, Parma Ham, Balsamic Vinegar, Mortadella, Truffles,      Tomato, Lambrusco, Pasta, Artisanal Gelato, Cooking class in the food capital of Italy,        Tagliatelle   al Ragu cooked by a Bolognese

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1 - 4  Rome - 4N​​​​​​​​​

Photo by Gab on Unsplash

Ferrari

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A map of your walking tour of rome including the Vatican Trastevere Trevi fountain colosseum Spanish steps Pantheon St peters Basilica

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Trastevere Tours 3

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  • Fly into Rome and stay in the fun neighbourhood of Trastevere. ​​Take the train from Rome Fiumicino Airport to Roma Trastevere. It takes ½ an hour and there are 66 per day. From here it is a short taxi ride to your hotel.

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  • Rome is quite compact and you can walk around to most of the attractions. Buses and  trams are the next best way to get around. To see the sights there is the Hop on Hop off Bus. You won't have to travel far to get some of the best Suppli in Rome. Just a 10 minute walk away across the river is the rooftop bar Hey Guey. On top of the hotel Chapter Roma   it has a Mexican theme and great views. There are 4 Harry's Bars on this trip, so if you    want to commit to the trail the first one is here in Rome. Unfortunately more than one    drink in at least 3 of them will probably break the bank. This is one of those 3.

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Rome Trastevere map of where to eat and drink restaurants bars special places

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  1. Stay at or near the Hotel Trastevere *** - excellent location near the tram stop and all the action in Trastevere, 20 minute walk to the Vatican, free breakfast, bar

  2. Locanda San Cosimato - same area and a bit cheaper

  3. There are also good deals on Airbnb

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5 - 7  Florence - 3N

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Italy Florence sunset art statue of david Michelangelo leonardo da vinci ponte vechio

Photo by Jeff Ackley on Unsplash

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  1. Stay at or near the Hotel Machiavelli Palace *** - set in a 14th Convent in an excellent location in the old town close to the major sites, near restaurants and bars and only 300m from the train station, rooftop terrace bar (Happy Hour) with fantastic views of the historic centre of Florence, Tour Desk 

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  • Have a look at these tours in Florence and around Tuscany - 

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Tuscany Tours

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Map of the treasure troves of Florence art open air museum Michelangelo classical arts world class

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  • Like all areas of Italy Florence has her specialties such as gelato which is said to have been invented here. Try these places for some of the best. For an interesting and delicious     lunch head over to the Sant'Ambrogio Market where you will be spoiled for choice.     Come sunset it will be time to head to one of these rooftop bars. Santa Croce is the    centre of night life in this town.

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8  P I sa - 1N

  • Take the quick and cheap train to Pisa. It's a 20 minute walk to the hotel so a taxi is  probably best. Do the tower then check out the other highlights nearby in the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Square of Miracles. Don't forget to pre-book your skip the line tickets. You can and should climb the tower. Stroll around relaxing and taking in the other sights around town.

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  • Have a look through these skip the line and other activities around Pisa - 

leaning tower of Pisa

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Pisa Tours

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Map of your pub crawl through the leaning tower of Piza major tourist attraction icon italt

  • Stay at or near the Hotel Grand Duomo **** - excellent location close to the tower, visible from the 5th floor rooftop bar and in amongst the lively old town, 20 mins walk from the train station, 2 restaurants, free buffet breakfast, ATM

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  • If you want a view of the tower outside your window go to the Residenza d'Epoca Relais l Miracoli - excellent location literally a stones throw away from the tower and close to bars and restaurants, bidet, Cafe / Bakery, don't forget to book a room with a view

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9  (CInque Terre) RioMaggioRe - 2N

Italy Cinque Terre stunning coastline major tourist attraction 5 towns

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Cinque Terre Tours

  • Back to the train station and off to the Italian Riviera at the UNESCO World Heritage    Listed Cinque Terre National Park. As good as the photos look they still don't capture how spectacular this place really is. Work out your days so that you get to see and do all of the things you want to. The distances between the villages are small and quickly covered by train. There is a discount train card you can buy. You can also go up and down the coast    on ferries. Have dinner and drinks in a neighbouring town and catch the late train home.  Lay on a beach (be wary of currents and heed any warning signs) and go for hikes along    the many trails, boat trips,  drink coffee, people watch, eat lunch, stroll the old villages,  drink sundowners and soak in the spectacular scenery. 

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  • Have a look through these places to stay at, they are all located in good positions in different areas around town and should be good value -

  1. Scorci Di Mare - close to the beach​

  2. Alla Marina Affittacamere - by the harbour

  3. La Dolce Vita - great location on the main street near bars and restaurants

  4. Banchi - great location on the main street 

  5. Al castello - amazing views from rooftop terrace

  6. Or this one with a terrace and a view and some climbing involved on Airbnb - Villino Caterina Luxe & Relax

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  • Spend a few days exploring the 5 villages where cars have been banned for over ten     years. It is a very popular area so book ahead for everything you can to avoid disappointment. 

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Cinque Terre Italy breathtaking coastline stunning towns must see swim amazing

Image by Julius Silver from Pixabay 

Manarola - Cinque Terre

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Cinque terre italy Riomaggiore walking tour restaurants bars hotel stunning

  • RIOMAGGIORE - Castello di Riomaggiore, sunset from the water, the rocks or you could catch the train to Monterosso and take the Sunset Cruise back to Riomaggiore (see boat trips above). Swim off of the rocks, go kayaking (see boat trips above)

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  • MANAROLA - busy main street and waterfront, hike up to stunning Nessun Dorma for a drink, a feed and the Pesto Experience, there is a popular sunset viewpoint up the same track, swim and sunbake in the harbour, jump off the rocks

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  • CORNIGLIA - the only place you can see all 5 villages, it is the plainest one, huge climb  from the train station, no boat access, but there is a shuttle bus. A lot of people skip this  one which means it will be less crowded than the rest.

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10  Vernazza- 2N

  • Stay in 2 different places so you'll have plenty of time to get to know all the villages and  pick your favourite. This one is known as the prettiest and is the half way point on the      Blue Trail. 

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  1. Stay at or near Affittacamere Elisabetta - excellent location 170 m from the train station (there is a luggage transfer office just below the station if you need it) and 1 minute from  the beach, close to the centre of town, furnished terraces with 360 degrees views of the town and the sea, minimarket

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cinque terre vernazza italy breathtaking coastline swim restaurants bars beaches swim sunsets sundowners

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  • EATING - Specialties, Anchovies (they have 2 festivals each year), Lemons (only get 1 festival, try the Limoncello - Gelateria Ice Cream II Golosone (hidden away in the old  section of town)

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11 - 12  Parma - 2N

  • When you're ready catch the train back to La Spezia and then on to the UNESCO      Creative City of Gastronomy - Parma, which takes about two and a half hours altogether. Located in the Emilio Romagna Valley it is a land of slow food and fast cars. Have yourself    a Parma Ham, Parmesan Cheese and Balsamic Vinegar tour booked for tomorrow (see the tours below the map). You'll need to be up early to see how the King of Cheeses is created. They will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel.

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  • Today you can look around town, there is an electric "train" that leaves from the main square nearby. The Tomato and Pasta museums are located in the same place about half   an hour out of town.  the Parmigiano Reggiano Museum is even further out in the other direction. Then there is the Parma Ham Museum also half an hour out down a different  road. And there's others. And then there's the Labirinto Della Mason a huge bamboo labyrinth 17 kms west of town. The centre contains a courtyard with two luxury hotel suites and a museum of the late owners private art collection housed in a museum. If you need    to organise transport their is a Concierge service at the hotel. A 10 minute walk from the hotel across the river is the Arturo Toscanini Birthplace Museum. He was the most famous and influential conductor of the 20th century.

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  • The evenings entertainment is just around the corner in Via Farini so you won't have to   walk too far. Try out Da Pepen to see why it's so popular with the locals.

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  1. Stay at or near the Hotel Button *** - excellent location less than 100m from Via Farini the main action street and only slightly further to the main square and a 5 minute walk to   Parma Cathedral, bar, cafe and snack bar, minimart, barber / beauty shop, the train     station is 1.5 kms away

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  • Below the map you will see a range of tours where you can taste the big 3 and see how they are made. Parmesan Cheese - Parma Ham - Balsamic Vinegar. You can leave the Balsamic part until you are in Modena if you like - 

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Parma italy parma ham parmesan cheese balsamic vinegar food gourmet

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Emilia-Romagna Tours

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Ferrari Formula one car

13 - 14  Modena - 2N

  • The train to Modena today takes less than half an hour. Modena is famous for many things. It is the birthplace of Enzo Ferrari and Luciano Pavarotti. It is the home of Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale the best  Balsamic vinegar in the world. It is also the Supercar Capital of the world with the factories of Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Pagani and previously Ducati (now made in Bologna if you want to got to the factory / museum at the next stop) and De Tomaso based here. 

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  1. Stay at or near Room & Breakfast Canalino 21 - parking available in the street, excellent location in the centre next to the Albinelli Market - walking distance to everything - close   to the (3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites - the Albinelli Market, Cathedral and Bell Tower),  in a former Palace, bidet, washing machine, minimart

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  • There is plenty to see around town but if you want to get out to the car places it may pay   to hire a car for a day or two. Or have a look in the tours for Lambretta scooters. There are other attractions and it will be nice to have a drive around the countryside.

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  • There are various tour options including eating and cooking at the Corte Leonardi   Balsamic Farm. Another one worth a visit is the oldest one around. Acetaia Giusti has    been around since 1605 and it is just north of town. They run 6 x 1 hour long tours in   English per day and they have a museum. There is the Pavarotti Museum the last house    he lived in. Next door is Ristorante Europa 92 aka Ristorante Pavarotti where he ate quite often and which still serves his favourite meals. You can visit the Opera House in Modena named after him for a tour or to see a show or both. Visit a Lambrusco Winery while     you're in the area.

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  • At Maranello you can drive various models of Ferraris and Lamborghinis on the racetrack.  As you can imagine it's not cheap but it is a once in a lifetime thrill. There are much   cheaper drives through the streets and hills of Maranello. Even cheaper is the realistic F1 simulator. There is a similar program at the Autodromo di Modena which is out near the Panini museum.

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  • Have a look through these tours below. You can offset some of the cost by not having to rent a car. Some are from nearby Bologna but can be done from Modena as well or you can wait until you are in Bologna - ​​​​​​​​​​​​

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Modena Tours

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Map of Modena motor valley ferrari Maserati Pagini Luciani Pavarotti Panini Mudetec Lamborghini

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  • If you really want a meal to remember take your credit card to the 2018 best restaurant in the world and most famous in Italy the 3 Michelin star Osteria Francescana. Just    remember to book a looong way ahead. Or you could try the cheaper, poorer sister restaurant Franceschetta 58. You'll still need your credit card and your booking. In fact Modena is a world class place to eat and you should try as much of the variety of local specialties as you can while you're here.

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15 - 17  Bologna - 3N

  • Another quick trip down the rails to the food mecca of Bologna. It also has UNESCO    status with the Porticoes of Bologna  measuring an extraordinary 62 km long. It is also known as La Dotta (erudite - due to it's University), La Rossa (red - due to the colour of       it's roofs and left leaning politics especially during the fascist years) and La Grassa (fat -  due     to the delicious food). Including the famous and sometimes huge (200 kg)       sausage known as mortadella. 

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  1. Stay at or near Gran Suite Piazza Maggiore - T&T communications - excellent location near the centre and close to Mercato di Mezzo and 2 minutes walk to Piazza Miaggiore 

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  • Just like Curry the world's favourite pasta dish Spaghetti Bolognaise doesn't really exist.     In fact not only does it not exist it's not even spelled correctly. What they really eat here     is called Tagliatelle al Ragu Bolognese. Be sure to try some as they have the best in the world. As it's all about the food here why not do a cooking class or a food tour. Go and     see how Mortadella is made. Who doesn't want to see a 200 kg sausage. You may need    to spend the whole day out there because it is located in FICO World Eataly a 25 acre   food-centric theme park known as the Disneyworld for food. It just on the edge of town. 

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  • Also in town are the twin leaning towers of Garisenda and degli Asinelli. At 97m the taller one Asinelli is open to the public and you can climb up to the top. Like everything on this trip book well ahead.

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  • Hire a Vespa and head for the Bologna Hills. Have a relaxing day cruising around the countryside on the iconic Italian freedom machine. Stopping off where ever you like. Just out of town is the Gelato Museum Carpigiani which offers a range of experiences from tasting to a master class. Also out this way is the Ducati Factory and Museum where you   are welcome to come and look around. The factory has a tour in the morning and one in the afternoon. The people at Travelhoo can give you recommendations and a map. Here's  a suggested route.

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Map of Vespa Tour Ducati scenic ride through the mountains

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Bologna Tours

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  • You're certainly spoiled for choice when it comes to eating here. Here are a few places     you might want to look at. Also there is The Osteria, which has been around since the    15th century and Da Bertrino Restaurant who have been serving traditional Bolognese dishes since 1957. Try these top 10 local specialties as you go around. 

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  • Have a look through the tours above☝️  for more food experiences and some local tours.

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18 - 19  San Marino - 2N

castle-San Marino song festival UNESCO historic centre old town breathtaking views Italia in miniature

Image by Volker Glätsch from Pixabay 

  • Take the train from Bologna to Rimini and then the Bonelli Bus #72 to the duty-free micro     - country of San Marino. Buy your tickets across the road at the Tabbacheria to the left of Burger King then go wait at the bus stop. There are 6 buses per day. You may want to visit Italia in Miniatura while you're in town. See where you've been and where you're    going to. It is 6km north of the train station.

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  • San Marino has never lost a war and Abraham Lincoln was a citizen here. The historic   centre and Mount Titano are UNESCO World Heritage Listed Sites. The currency used  here is the euro. Being a duty-free port of call the shopping is good here and boutiques  line the streets.

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  1. Stay at or near the Hotel Cesare **** - excellent location with spectacular views and in the pedestrian area of the old town close to everything, free buffet breakfast with home made pastries, terrace, restaurant, bar, landscaped gardens, bidet, cafe, shuttle service

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  • Check out some of the tours below the map -

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Walking tour of San Marino scenic views UNESCO old town museums Towers castle

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San Marino Tours

  • Walk around the historic centre and you'll find no shortage of good places to eat and   drink. For something a bit special try La Terrazza. The local cuisine is called Sammarinese and these are four of the favourites.

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20 - 21  Venice - 2N

  • Next stop is one of the world's great cities - Venice. Take the bus back to Rimini then take the train to Venezia Mestre Station. As accommodation is so expensive in Venice proper  and so is getting your cumbersome luggage moved around you will split the visit     between two locations. Stop off and check into your hotel one station out from Venice    and straight across the road from the station. Leave your luggage behind and head in to  this city of canals unencumbered. Just watch out for those green steps. (they're very  slippery with seaweed and moss). Take your first look around, have a night out and catch  the last train home. There are 200 trains a day, the trip takes 10 minutes and the last one leaves at 11.51 pm. Young Venetians actually come over here for their night life and      places stay open a lot later. The station in Venice is called Venezia Santa Lucia. The next   day come in with your day pack, and check into your fancy Venice hotel and leave your  main packs in left luggage at the other hotel. 

Map of train line to venice from the mainland italy

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  1. In Venezia Mestre stay at or near Hotel Plaza **** - excellent location directly across from Venezia Mestre Train Station - Venice is a 10 minute train or bus ride away, left luggage, restaurant, bar - Happy Hour, snack bar, ATM, 24 hour desk

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  1. In Venice see if you can get a good rate at some of these: Hotel Rialto **** - one of the   best locations in Venice on the Grand Canal next to the Rialoto Bridge, terrace with      views of the Grand Canal, free buffet breakfast while enjoying views of the Canal and the Bridge, rooms with canal views, water bus stop linking to the train station

  2. Hotel Dona Palace **** - 14th century building 2 minutes from St Mark's, garden bar, very good free breakfast, cafe

  3. Albergo Cavalletto & Doge Orseolo **** - opened in 1308 it is one of the oldest hotel's in Venice, it is set right behind St Mark's Square and has it's own private pier, some rooms,    the bar and breakfast room all have views overlooking the canal

  4. Hotel Casanova **** - 70m from Piazza San Marco, 100m from Harry's Bar, good breakfast included

  5. 40.17 San Marco - located on a small canal, half way from the Rialto Bridge and Piazza San Marco (St Mark's Square), coffee machine in the rooms, bidet

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Gondola venice canal italy full moon night time romance gondalier happy couple

Image by 6557056 from Pixabay 

  • As Venice isn't your average city there are a few things worth learning. To get around     you'll either be walking or in a boat. Some things can be very expensive so it's worth   being aware of them too. As mentioned earlier keep an eye out for those green steps. Private water taxis can blow the budget so learn how to catch the water bus - the  Vaporetto. They can be a good way to go for a cheap cruise down the Grand Canal if it's not too crowded. .

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  • Being so popular with tourists means there are a lot of tourist traps about. Avoid these    and you'll have a much better time. As you can see by this story there's no such thing as a free lunch in Venice but the authorities are trying to keep on top of things. The best way     to not have this happen is to eat where the locals do and avoid tourist restaurants like the plague. You'll get a much better meal and without the bill time hassles. Just ask hotel staff or locals for a recommendation and move away from tourist attractions. Here's a few giveaways that it's a tourist restaurant. Venice is a safe city but be careful of pickpockets. Here's a few more do's and don'ts for this unique city.

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  • If you want to visit some of the iconic attractions it's best to get skip the line tickets rather than wait in a crowded line for hours. A ride on a gondola should cost around €90 for the whole boat and regardless the number of passengers. See the tours just below 👇-

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  • Living in the middle of a lagoon means the local cuisine is based on seafood. Local specialties to try include these dishes. The oldest cafe in town is the Florian which has   been here since 1720 and the oldest restaurant is the Poste Vecie at the fish market. Originally a Post Office it has been around since the 16th century.

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Venice Tours

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Map of Venice Bars Italy Harry's Bar St Marks Square Doges Palace famous tourists

  • Bars aren't hard to find in Venice. Here's a few worth hunting down. Having a Bellini at Harry's Bar where it was invented is a rite of passage. You'll be following in the footsteps    of many famous people. Try to be in a west facing alfresco or rooftop bar for sunset. They can be more than spectacular. The nightlife here tends to finish early compared to other party towns.​

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22 - 24  Trieste - 3N

  • Spend your next day seeing what you want to in Venice. When you're ready head back to the hotel in Mestre, pick up your gear and catch the train to Trieste - Capital of Coffee. It takes an hour and a half.

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  • Ironically the final city you visit is the least Italian of them all. It is more like Austria and Eastern Europe. Trieste has had an interesting past and many influences which gives it a multi-cultural character. This makes it a great place to visit. It was the main port for the Austro-Hungarian Empire for more than 500 years. It is the main coffee port in the Mediterranean and home to the famous Italian coffee brand Illy. In fact it was the port through which coffee entered Europe. Unlike other parts of Italy coffee is lingered over      for hours often in some very famous old cafes such as the Caffe San Marco. Some of    which  were frequented by James Joyce when he lived here for 15 years. He even has a museum. The food is more akin to Central European than Italian featuring the mandatory Buffet of Pork complete with sauerkraut and mustard. There is a huge town square facing the waterfront, a historic old town, Roman ruins, castles, caves, sunset promenade, great day trips and far too much to fit into 3 days. ​​

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  1. Stay at or near the Hotel Centrale *** - perfect location in the pedestrian area in the heart  of town, 800m from the train station, restaurant, bar, cafe

  2. Or Casa Pepe Rooms & Apartments - also well located and a bit cheaper

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  • Rent a scooter and head out for a daytrip into Slovenia and up the coast. ​You're probably wondering where the UNESCO site is for this leg of the journey. Don't worry The     UNESCO World Heritage Listed Grotte di San Canziano aka Skocjan Caves Park are the first stop today. There's a good chance you've been drinking a reasonable amount of prosecco on the trip so far and today you will be calling in at it's birthplace - Prosecco.    Pick up lunch in a little town somewhere when you get hungry.

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Map of Trieste scooter road trip Prosecco castle Skocjan Caves Grotta Gigante Italy

  1. Grotta Gigante - the World's largest tourist cave

  2. Miramare Castle - and the curse

  3. Sunset Bars - along the coast north of Trieste - take your pick

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  • With so many interesting places to eat it's hard to make a decision. Try a few of these suggestions. For something sweet the Pirona Pastry Shop is a local institution and was opened in 1900. In fact James Joyce started writing Ulysses in this shop. For a special  coffee in this coffee capital Torrefazione La Triestina offers tastings and has teas as well.

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Map of Trieste cafes restaurants bars Caffe San Marco Harrys Bistro & Bar

  • After sunset you should be down by the waterfront with drink in hand. The Pier on the    Roof is a nice spot to sit, take in the view, drink and eat.

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  • If you're on the Harry's Bar trail there are 2 in this town to tick off the list. Harry's Bar #1 is good for breakfast to cocktails and everything in between. This one is the least      expensive. Harry's Bar #2 is part of the Venice one and has a bar, Pasticceria, bistro and Michelin Star Restaurant attached.

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  • Check out the Trieste tours at the bottom of the page 🔻 - 

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  Rome & Beyond

  • Their are quick and cheap flights back to Rome airport where you can link up to your departure flight. If you want to spend a few more days in Rome you can catch the train  back. If you want to see Southern Italy keep on scrolling down. 

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Trieste Tours

Florence
Pisa
Cinque Terre
Vernazza
Parma
Modena
Bologna
San Marino
Venice
Trieste
Rome 2
TT3
South Italy
South Italy

  1. Stay at or near Casa dell'Avventura - free public parking nearby, excellent location with fabulous views of the the town and across the valley from the balcony, bidet, outdoor  dining area, kitchen. Or another two good options are Casa delle Stelle and Casa del  Mago, all on Booking.com.

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  • Spend the two days exploring two of the most beautiful villages in Italy and taking in the views. You can walk or hire normal and e-bikes to get around. If you're looking for a       good example of the local cuisine try Al Becco Della Civeto. There are plenty of family places around. Try to find an al fresco place with a sunset view when it's that time of the  day. Later on have a stroll around and check out a few of the bars.

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11 - 12  mATERA - 2n

  • You would be forgiven for thinking that after two such amazing locations everything else  will be a bit of a let down. But fear not, the highlights will keep on coming. And coming. And coming... Many of these stopovers appear on the most beautiful towns and villages     in Italy lists. The next stop is the world's third longest continually inhabited settlement    and 2019 European Capital of Culture -  Matera. It is the oldest city in Italy and Europe     and one of the most spectacular. In fact it is so old you will go back to dwelling in a cave.

         SOUTHERN ITALY 40N       

Map of your trip around southern Italy Rome Amalfi Matera Pizzo Stromboli Palermo Mt Etna Sardinia Stintino Olbia

HIGHLIGHTS - Stunning towns & beaches

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​Rome 3N

Naples 2N

Amalfi Coast 3N

Castelmezzano 2N 

Matera 2N

Pizzo 2N 

Tropea 2N

Stromboli 2N

Malfa 2N

Lipari 2N

Vulcano 2N

Taormina 3N

Cefalu 2N

Palermo 2N

Cagliari 2N

Putzu Idi 1N

Cala Gonome 1N

Stintino 1N

Castelsardo 1N

La Maddalena 2N

Olbia 1N = 40N

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  • Vatican

  • Trevi Fountain

  • Coliseum

  • Amalfi Coast

  • Pink Flamingos 

  • Limoncello tour

  • Garibaldi's House

  • Sicily & Sardinia

  • Onion Ice Cream

  • Road Trip Sardinia

  • World class diving

  • Sardinian Beaches

  • Lunch in Buggerru

  • Angel's Flight Zipline

  • The Path of the Gods

  • The Coast of the Gods

  • Stromboli and Vulcano

  • The anti-Mafia museum

  • Pompei and Vesuvius

  • UNESCO Aeolian islands

  • UNESCO Listed Cefalu

  • UNESCO Listed Mount Etna

  • UNESCO  Sicilian Puppet Theatre

  • The best place in the World

  • The World's best Capers

  • The World's best Ice Cream

  • The World's most beautiful Prison Island

  • Night time visit to a Volcano spewing fire every 20 - 30 minutes

  • The Birthplaces of Pizza, Tartufo (one of the world's greatest desserts), Cannoli, Cassata, Granita      & Amaro Lucano

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1 - 3  Rome - 3N​​​​​​​

Positano on the Amalfi Coast

Photo by Jordan Steranka on Unsplash

Positano

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Walking tour of rome Vatican St Peters Basilica Trastevere Colosseum Trevi Fountain Spanish Steps Pantheon

  • For the best results you will need to time this trip with the one way ferry from Tropea to Stromboli. Usually it runs from June to September which would mean starting this trip in mid May or early September. July and August can get very busy, hot and expensive. You could also travel via Milazzo which will mean travelling most of the day with a few      different legs, but easily doable. To check and book the one way direct ferry from Tropea   to Stromboli click on Check Availability.

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  • Fly into Rome and stay in the fun neighbourhood of Trastevere. ​​Take the train from Rome Fiumicino Airport to Roma Trastevere. It takes ½ an hour and there are 66 per day. From here it is a short taxi ride to your hotel.

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  • Rome is quite compact and you can walk around to most of the attractions. Buses and  trams are the next best way to get around. To see the sights there is the Hop on Hop off Bus. You won't have to travel far to get some of the best Suppli in Rome. Just a 10 minute walk away across the river is the rooftop bar Hey Guey. On top of the hotel Chapter Roma   it has a Mexican theme and great views. There are 4 Harry's Bars on this trip, so if you    want to commit to the trail the first one is here in Rome. Unfortunately more than one    drink in at least 3 of them will probably break the bank. This is one of those 3.

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  • Trastevere is a fantastic place to eat and drink. Have a look below at the many activities available and for more tours and skip the line tickets around the highlights of Rome have a look here.

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Trastevere Tours 4

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Map for eating & drinking in Trastevere Rome Restaurants bars suppli

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  1. Stay at or near the Hotel Trastevere *** - excellent location near the tram stop and all the action in Trastevere, 20 minute walk to the Vatican, free breakfast, bar

  2. ​Magenta Collection Manara 4 - same great location, cheaper, clean & friendly

  3. There are also good deals on Airbnb

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4 - 5  Naples - 2N

  • "See Naples and Die" - so said Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. It is a well known quote which could have been on the original bucket list. He wasn't wishing you an early departure, what he meant was that Naples was so beautiful, once you had seen it you could happily die as you would never see anything better. It's a little worn in parts but these days it's quite safe. It should still be on the bucket list for the food alone. The Old Town (Centro Storico) is a UNESCO World  Heritage Listed Site.

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  • To get here go to the main train station in Rome and it is just over an hour away.

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  • It has a lively nightlife for you to head out and celebrate the beginning of your trip. Here are a few bars for starters.

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  1. Stay in or near the Hotel Piazza Bellini & Apartments **** - in a great spot in the Old Town next to Piazza Bellini and the night time action.

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6 - 8  pOSITANO - 3n

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  • STAY - Have a look at these 3 places which are close to each other and well situated on the hill for sea views, close to some restaurants and bars and only a 10 minute walk to the town centre and both beaches. Unfortunately they are very, very expensive.

  1. Hotel Villa Gabrisa **** - the Junior Suite has a hot tub on the balcony.​

  2. Positano Art Hotel Pasitea **** - free parking and swimming pool at sister hotel    2 minutes away.

  3. Villa Yiara - breakfast on the terrace

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OR

  • You could catch the ferry to Sorrento and stay somewhere much cheaper like the Unconventional Sorrento Coast ***. There is plenty to see and do in Sorrento plus you can hire a scooter and explore the coastline during the day. Then take the ferry, train, or bus to Salerno and continue the trip.

  • Or if you want to save time and money take the train from Naples to Salerno. But it would be a shame to skip this spectacular area.

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9 - 10  cASTELMEZZANO - 2n

  • Catch the ferry from Positano to Salerno. It takes around an hour and to give yourself   plenty of time the 9 am one would be a good choice. To make everything a lot easier   you'll be renting a car🚗 here in Salerno and you'll need it for four days. There are a heap      of rental shops between the ferry and the Salerno Railway Station (500m from the ferry). Drop it off at Lamezia Terme Centrale Railway Station on the way to Pizzo. If you cant do it here you might need to drop it off in town or at the nearby Lamezia Terme International Airport (HUH). It is 1 hour 40 minutes to drive to the stunning hillside destination of Castelmezzano, said to be the birthplace of the Italian mafia. There are no petrol stations here so fill up at Potenza on the way. You can get petrol again at Grassano which is 45 kms towards the next stop Matera. You will have 3 or 4 choices on where to park when you arrive.

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  • Nearby Pietrapertosa has just as amazing a setting and can be reached by the mystical   Path of Seven Stones (2 km) or "the Angel's Flight" fly by wire zipline at 120kmh for the brave hearted. Fly one way and then walk back. As the sun sets and night closes in the magic really starts to happen. Arthur Frommer of the guide book fame called this "the    best place in the world".

Hire car instructions

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Castelmezzano Italy stunning mountain village the Angels Flight

Photo by Paolo Santarsiero on Unsplash

Castelmezzano

  1. Stay at or near Casa dell'Avventura - free public parking nearby, excellent location with fabulous views of the town and across the valley from the balcony. Bidet, Outdoor dining area, kitchen.

  2. Or another two good options are Casa Delle Stelle and Casa del Mago

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  • Spend the two days exploring two of the most beautiful villages in Italy and taking in the views. You can walk or hire normal or e-bikes to get around. Or you could go exploring on a quad tour.

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  •   If you're looking for a good example of the local cuisine try Al Becco Della Civeto. There are also plenty of family run places around. Try to find an al fresco place with a view for sundowners. Later on go for a stroll and check out a few of the bars.

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11 - 12   MATERA

  • You would be forgiven for thinking that after two such amazing locations everything else will be a bit of a let down. But fear not the highlights will keep on coming and coming . Many of these stopovers appear on the most beautiful towns and villages lists in all of Italy. The next stop is the world's third longest continually inhabited settlement and 2019 European Capital of Culture - Matera. It is the oldest city in Italy and Europe and one of the most spectacular. In fact it is so old you will be living in a cave.

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Matera Italy stunning mountain village European Capital of Culture cave dwelling UNESCO old town

Photo by Luca Micheli on Unsplash

Matera

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  • Also situated high in the hills on a rocky outcrop. In the 1950's people were still living with animals in their houses and it was known as Italy's shame. Then they cleaned it up and realised it's potential. Now you can spend €500 a night to stay in a cave. There are cheaper ones and it's an unique experience to have here. Get lost exploring the amazing UNESCO Heritage listed Old Town on foot enjoying the local sights and traditional food.​

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  • Stay at or near Le Corte Dei Pastori - secure parking nearby for €20 per day - reservation needed, cave house with a view, excellent location in a historic building in one of the   oldest cave dwellings with a panoramic terrace, free exceptional breakfast, outdoor fireplace, outdoor dining area, BBQ facilities, Sun Terrace, cafe, tour desk

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  • Have a look at the Matera tours below - 

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Matera Tours

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Walking tour of Matera Italy night life Casa Cave dwelling UNESCO old town

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13 - 14  pIZZO - 2n

  1. Early start today so you have plenty of time to relax on the way. First off head for Pisticci   the "White City" for a look around and morning coffee. Enroute to this hidden gem is Pisticci Scalo the birthplace of a famous Italian liqueur called Amaro Lucano. You might  want to pick up a bottle and have a look at the museum.

  2. Continue down to the coast and have a swim at the Blue Flag beach of Marina di Pisticci. Keep going south along the coast to Lido Capri Il Ristaurantino and have a seafood lunch by the beach.

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Map of road trip to Matera to Pizzo Italy hot springs coast of the gods blue flag beach

  1. Next stop is for a soak in the hot springs at Grotta della Ninfe - Cerchiara Calabra, aka   Cave of the Nymphs.

  2. Last leg with the car and drop it of at the Lamezia Terme Centrale Train Station out near   the Airport.

  3. Catch a train from the station to Pizzo which is about 20 minutes and there is roughly       one per hour.

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  • You have arrived on the Coast of the Gods and the gorgeous little town of Pizzo. If you could invent your perfect Italian sea side town it would probably look like this. One of the specialties here is a delicious chocolate dessert called Tartufo. It is one of the world's      best and a good place to try it is Bar Gelateria Ercole in the main square. You will also      find different versions with lemon, white chocolate and pistachio. The main town square is set high on a cliff affording great views, sunsets, restaurants, bars, gelataria terraces and a castle. Another good spot for sunset is the rooftop bar at the Piccolo Grand Hotel also up the top. There is a great strip of bars and restaurants down at sea level too. The hardest thing will be deciding whether to stay up or down. There are unique things to see and do here while you aren't eating and drinking as well. 

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  1. UP (Old Town) - Stay at or near B&B Casa Angelieri - excellent location with sea views and close to the town square, free superb breakfast on the terrace overlooking the sea, also   has a sea facing garden with sun loungers, tables and chairs, great views from the rooms and balconies (which most rooms have) too, BBQ, ATM, bidet, Jacuzzi, cafe, tour desk, shuttle service for a fee.

  2. DOWN (Beach) - Stay at or near Residenza Nausicaa - excellent location 50 m from the beach and right behind the restaurants and bars, modern interior in old building,      amazing views and sunsets, fully equipped kitchen and dining area, bidet, some units have  a terrace.

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15 - 16  tROPEA - 2n

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Spectacular cliff Tropea Italy beach sunset swim Pearl of Calabria most beautiful village in Italy

Photo by Petr Slováček on Unsplash

  • ​It's one spectacular location after another. The next one is is Tropea with its    sheer cliff, white sand beach, seaside castle, cobblestone streets and     memorable sunsets. It was founded by Hercules after he had finished mucking around with   his Pillars. There is a range of transport options to cover the less than an hour transfer here. First job here is to check on your ferry ticket to Stromboli which you have organised online. Try to get the direct one otherwise you'll be backtracking to islands that you are going to anyway. It is at the same place where you can rent scooters.

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  • Just in - Tropea "the Pearl of Calabria" has been voted the most beautiful     village in Italy. It has a lot of good eating and drinking places and is famous for it's sunsets and red onions. So sweet they make gelato out of them. You can try    it at Gelateria Mimmo or Gelati Tonino Tropea. Try some of these other local specialties as well (some also featuring red onion). Another special treat was invented just up the road in Pizzo and you'll find plenty of it in Tropea. Tartufo     di Pizzo - the world's best ice cream.

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Map of the beaches of Tropea stunning coastline Pearl of Calabria most beautiful village in Italy

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  • Stay at or near Le Due Sicilie *** - with a rooftop terrace and a one minute walk from the central square - Piazza Ercole, superb free breakfast on the terrace, bar, cafe, tour desk

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Map of the stunning Aeolian Islands cruise Tropea Stromboli Santa Marina Salina Lipari Vulcano Porto Milazzo

17 - 18  StROMBOLI - 2n

  • Time to go and visit that volcano you've been looking at during sunset for the last 4 days. You may not have seen it depending on the weather conditions but don't worry it's there and it's full of life. A week out on the UNESCO Heritage Listed Aeolian Islands would make anybody in the know jealous. Most of the tourists who visit here are Italian. You'll need to be on the dock half an hour early which makes it 7.15 am at the time of writing. The direct ferry arrives at 9.30 am. Organise with the hotel to pick you up when you get there.​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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Lava volcano eruption Stromboli Italy Aeolian Islands Tourist attraction

Image by Tibor Janosi Mozes from Pixabay 

Stromboli Volcano

  • Stromboli is the northernmost and most dramatic of the Aeolian Islands and home to a very active volcano. The fun thing to do here is watch jets of fiery lava spewing forth against the night sky. There are several ways to achieve this going from enjoying a few drinks in a boat off shore to climbing the volcano with a guide. Another great way to experience the half hourly eruptions is to have dinner at l'Osservatorio which is situated  on a panoramic viewing terrace. Be sure to book your place on their shuttle bus or you might have a long walk. The Sciara del Fuoco Viewpoint at 400m is past the restaurant and you don't need a guide. You can combine a walk and a feed as well as a sunset. Don't forget water and your torch.

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Map of Stromboli Island Volcano acive eruption lava climb beaches

  1. Stay at or near Hotel La Sciara **** - great location 2 minutes from the beach, outdoor   pool and garden with bar / snacks and breath taking volcano views, free breakfast, restaurant, live music and entertainment, terrace, cafe, there are a couple of bars within       a 4 minute walk, La Tartana Club with live music is a 7 minute walk away,  Ficogrande   Beach - the most popular one is 600m away

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19 - 20  Malfa (Salina) - 2N

  • Time to start island hopping. There are at least 3 daily ferries to the next island Salina. It takes slightly over an hour to get to what is also called Isola Verde (Green Island) which some people consider is the prettiest in the archipelago. From the arrival port of Santa Marina Salina catch the bus to Malfa which is less than 10 kms away. The twin peaked   island is famous for it's capers and wines (includes Lipari and Vulcano wineries) On the    first Sunday in June they host a caper festival.

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  1. Stay at or near the amazing Hotel Ravesi *** - stunning infinity pool with bar worth the   price alone, sublime coastal views of the bay and the islands, surrounded by gardens,        e-bikes and electric scooters for hire (book in advance), close to the central square, set in renovated farm buildings from the 19th century, bidet, cafe, snack bar, Happy Hour, free parking, tour desk. (Since the end of Covid a lot of hotel prices have gone through the   roof. Not so in this case - they have more than trebled and gone into outer space. What was amazing value is now a joke. Maybe they'll let you in to use the bar and amazing    pool).

  2. Stay next door at the Le Sette Perle *** - best location close to everything, 5 mins from     the beach, garden, terrace, bidet, very good breakfast included, coffee maker.

  3. Another good option is the Vico San Lorenzo - Camere a Salina which has a terrace,   scooter hire and is a short stroll away from the beach and the village with its great restaurants.

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  • This is a quiet and scenic island so what better than grab a scooter and go exploring.      This guide covers pretty much all you need to know. If you're looking for a restaurant or  bar just wander out of the hotel, turn left down Via Roma and follow your nose (or left     then right from Vico San Lorenzo - Camere a Salina).

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Salina Island Aeolian Islands beautiful island amazing hotel beach swim sunset sundowners terrace bar

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21 - 22  lIPaRI - 2n

  • Lipari is the largest and most populous island in the archipelago. It's going to seem a bit crowded after the last two but on the upside there's lots to see and do and nightlife aplenty. Find a nice terrace for sundowners. Hit the main street for an evenings entertainment. There are 16 ferries per day and the crossing takes 20 - 40 minutes.

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Beautiful port of Lipari boats restaurants

Image by Walkerssk from Pixabay 

Lipari Port

  1. Stay at or near B&B Farglione - brilliant location close to Via Giuseppe Garibaldi and  Marina Corte, renovated Liparian building with authentic ceilings and floors, Roof Top Terrace, bidet, coffee machine

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  • It's such a pleasant old town and marina here you really don't need to go anywhere if you don't feel like it. Just stroll around, check out the shops and do a spot of people      watching outside a cafe somewhere. Climb up to the castle for some exercise. 

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Lipari Island Aeolian Islands Italy scenic stunning drive around ride around it on a scooter sunset cruise

  1. Osservatorio Geofisico di Lapiri - monitoring seismic activity and a magic viewpoint

  2. Porticello Beach - white pumice beach with interesting shades of blue water

  3. Cave di pomice Punta Castagna - an ex pumice quarry

  4. Chiesa Vecchia di Quattropani - a spectacular church

  5. Belvedere Quattrocchi - stunning coastal viewpoint

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23 - 24  vULCANO Island - 2n

  • There are 22 daily sailings​ from Lipari that take from 10 - 20 minutes to Isola Vulcano.   This is the volcano that all other volcanos in the world take their name from. So  that makes it kind of special. So do the two hot therapeutic volcanic mud baths Acqua del Bagno and Acqua Bollente. Climb the crater, hit the mud baths, swim   in the warm waters and relax on the beach. Take a taxi tour around the island, or  a boat trip. Watch the dolphins swimming while you wait for one of the best sea food lunches around at Trattoria da Pina in the little fishing village of Gelso. You can rent scooters, e-bikes and cars to get around or use the various taxi drivers.

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  1. Stay in or near the Hotel Faraglione ** - only 50m from the ferry with restaurant and rooftop terrace with harbour and volcano views.

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  • Try these local specialties while you're in the island. There are plenty of  restaurants and bars a short walk from the hotel and some other nightlife to be had such as a night time swim under the stars.

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Vulcano the original volcano Aeolian Islands Italy climb beach healing mud

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  1. Sunset Vulcano Ponente - Just the spot for Sundowners

  2. Spiaggia delle Acque Calde - Enjoy the fumaroles

  3. I Fanghi di Vulcano - Time to get muddy - take some old bathers

  4. Sky Bar Martini - Nice views with live music

  5. Chiosko bella vista Salita al Cratere - Refreshing and healthy

  6. Piscina di Venere - The beautiful, natural Pool of Venus

  7. Trattoria da Pina - Authentic food outside under the porch looking over the beach

  8. Gelso Beach - Black sand and clear waters

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25 - 27  tAORMINA - 3n

  •  There are 20 sailings to Milazzo from Vulcano per day and they take around an hour.      Take the train from Milazzo to Messina Centrale 20 minutes / every hour and then on to   Taormina / Giardini 40 minutes hourly.

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  • Spectacular Taormina the "Jewel of Sicily" was once an important stop on the Grand Tour the genesis of tourism and is the tourist capital of Sicily. A magical   hill town that is connected to its surrounding beaches by cable car. See the   sights of this wonderful town then head down the beach to relax. Don't forget    to make it over to stunning little Isola Bella. On your other days here take a trip   to Mount Etna (see tours below) and go for a scooter ride out into the countryside of the Godfather.

Mount Etna Taormina Sicily Italy ancient Greco Roman Theatre Godfather D H Lawerence

Image by 6657176 from Pixabay 

Mount Etna

  1. Stay in or nearby B&B Casa al Vicolo - with a rooftop terrace, close to the beach funicular and the bars and restaurants of the old town. Also very close to the Ancient Greco Roman Theatre - it would be good to see a performance if there    is one on. They still have performances here often in May and June so it would be worth checking out. 

  2. If you'd like to spend a bit more for something special and unique have a look     at this place.

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  • A day trip to UNESCO Heritage Listed Mount Etna is a must. There are a whole range of options on how, where, what and how long you go for. If you want to go to the summit you'll need to go on a tour and it's probably easiest to go on one anyway. Have a look through these and find something that suits you.

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  • Another good day out involves hiring a scooter or car and going out for a day   trip  to Savoca, one of Italy's most beautiful villages. A scooter will be more suitable due to some narrow roads and lack of parking spaces in certain spots. Take the SS114 north which runs parallel to the main highway. Have lunch in the iconic Bar Vitelli from The Godfather movie. The town has a few more places of interest including a talking donkey. On your way out there have morning tea at  the Penis Cafe aka Bar Turrisi in Castelmola. Pick up a (penis shaped) bottle of   the local tipple - Almond Wine. Or vice versa and have afternoon tea on the     way back. You'll want to spend a few hours wandering around the winding lanes   in this interesting town as well.

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  • Have a look at the wide range of tours available for Taormina below the map - 

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Map of a Road Trip by scooter trip from Taormina to Bar Vitelli Godfather wedding Penis Bar stunning coastline

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Taormina Tours

28 - 29  cEFALU - 2n

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Cefalu Italy Beach stunning town swim old townpanoramic terrace

By tamás szabó under CC - 2.0 

Cefalu

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  1. If you can afford it stay in Hotel Riva Del Sole **** - on the beachfront, with a restaurant featuring a panoramic terrace overlooking the sea.

  2. Otherwise stay at Rael just 70m up the side street - it has a fully equipped   kitchen, washing machine and a bidet.

  3. Or half way between the beach and the old town with a beautiful rooftop      terrace with town and sea views and surrounded by cafes and restaurants at the Scirocco.

  4. All are in a great location and it is only a 10 minute walk from the beach to the main square in the centre of the old town - Piazza del Duomo. And all are surrounded by al fresco places to sit, eat and drink.

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  • Nearby Gangi is the most beautiful town in Italy so why not hire a scooter and go and    have lunch with a view there. Try to get outside on the terrace at Trattoria Sant' Anna, Baglio Tramontana or Panorama. It is an interesting place and you can buy a house for     one euro! It's a pretty scenic journey to get there and you can do a loop (anticlockwise)     so there's no backtracking. Pick up some sweet treats while you're there. On the way there Scillato is an interesting little village worth stopping in for morning smoko. On the  way back stop in at Stazione Vucciria for a couple of Sundowners. It's 15 minutes from     here back to Celafu

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Map of motorbike trip around Gangi the most beautiful village in Italy mountains lunch terrace trattoria Cefalu

​30 - 31  Palermo - 2N

  • Just 45 minutes west along the coast by train (18 per day) is Palermo the capital of Sicily   the jumping off point for your next island adventure to Sardinia. Sicily is the birthplace   of the Mafia and you can visit nearby Corleone the village of mobsters and see the  Anti-Mafia museum. You could do a half or full day tour or you could hire a    scooter or car and drive yourself. These days it is the Nigerian mafia they have to   worry about. There are two other mafia museums here as well as the Mother Theresa house. One is the Godfather's House and the other is the CIDMA the International Documentation Centre on the Mafia and the Anti-Mafia Movement. This last one has guided tours of which the English ones run on the hour from 11 am to 5pm. They need       to be booked ahead via e-mail. You'll find the information on their website. If you are interested in this subject you should spend the day out here. There is also the No Mafia Memorial and the Wall of Legality in Palermo to have a look at.

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  1. Stay at or near the Hotel del Centro *** - centrally located in the old town near  the train station, best restaurants, taverns, bars and historical sites. Here's a few suggestions for drinks and nightlife. Plus they have a free beach shuttle.

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  • Have a look through the Palermo tours here - 

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Palermo Tours

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Map of amazing road trip around Sardinia blue waters Mediterranean beaches caves sardines boat cruise

 Road Trip

  • Sardinia - “lost between Europe and Africa and belonging to nowhere.” – D.H Lawrence

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32 - 33  Cagliary - 2N

  • Sardinia has fantastic beaches and crystal clear waters. Because of this it is known world wide as a top diving spot. There is a wide variety of fish, shipwrecks and other surprises      to add to the attraction. It's a good place for beginners to learn and experienced divers   will get excited about the underwater tunnels and lakes at Alghero. It is also famous for   it's thermal waters which have been soothing and curing for many years. For horse lovers   there is some great riding along the various coastlines. 

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  • Fly over to the Sardinian capital, Cagliari. The ferry only leaves once a week and flying is much cheaper and quicker. It has a fantastic marina featuring shops, restaurants and      great views. It has many historic buildings including a Roman Amphitheatre. Poetto Beach  is a good place to hang around for a feed and a drink and a dance.

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  • There are a couple of areas around town that you can see Pink Flamingoes and Poetto Beach is one of them, often in May. You'll need to get a hire car for 7 days and you'll want to pick it up in Cagliari and drop it off at Olbia near the airport or perhaps the ferry. It's cheapest to book it online🚗  before you get here.

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  • To wash it down you may want to try File ‘e Ferru a brandy that translates to iron wire. In   the old days they would bury the brandy to avoid taxes and marked the spot with some wire. It is unique to Sardinia and quite strong. If you're looking for a meal with a view try       La Paillote. Get there in time for Sundowners while you're at it.

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  • As you're travelling around remember to get your lunch early before they shut down for siesta or riposo as they call it here. Another option would be to grab a picnic lunch so you don't get caught out. It would be a good idea would be to buy a cheap drinks cooler to keep your food and drinks fresh and cold.

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Stunningly Blue dardinia perfect beaches swimming clear water powdery white sand

Image by Walkerssk from Pixabay 

Stunningly blue Sardinia

  • Stay at or near Le Suite Sul Corso - fantastic location in the heart of the city at the top of  the pedestrian street and by the main square Yenne where all of the popular shops,      cafes, restaurants and bars are, ultra modern in a historical building, all rooms have a  private balcony. ​

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34 - Putzu Idu - 1N

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Southern Sardinia Road trip amazing scenery blue water white sand beaches swim sunset bars golf

  • Cagliari - Chia Head south to seaside Chia for a swim and some morning smoko. If you're lucky you might see some Pink Flamingoes in the lagoons behind the beaches. Take the scenic route on SP71 along the Costa del Sud. Work up an appetite with a quick dip at     the magical secluded beach of +Cala Domestica.  Continue around the coast and have lunch and a look around at Buggerru. Get yourself an I💗Buggerru t-shirt or something similar. Not only does it have a funny name it has some good food too.

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  • Then it's off to one of Sardinia's best beaches Spiaggia di Piscinas  with it's sixty meter  sand dunes. It's one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Keep following the untamed Green Coast around to Is Aruttas for your afternoon swim. It is considered one    of the ten most beautiful beaches in the world. Overnight by another beautiful beach at Putzu Idu. Golfers may want to make time to visit the hidden jewel that is the Is Arenas   Golf and Country Club. Come sunset head to the bars along the narrow spit of Spiaggia   di Putzu Idu.

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  1.  Stay at or near Hotel Da Cesare Maluentu *** - excellent beachfront location and views, free  breakfast included on the terrace by the beach, free bikes, organises fishing, horseback riding and island visits, bar, beachfront restaurant, free private parking nearby, bidet

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35 -  Cala Gonome - 1N

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Sardinia Italy Putzu Idu Cala Gonone beach scenery

  • Putzu Idu - Cala Gonone across the island for a look around the Athens of Sardinia - Nouru. Have lunch a bit further along at Su Gologone. Madonna came here so it must be good. You'll need to book on their website. Make your way to the East coast and  Cala Gonome where you will spend the night. It's a great little town with a particularly pleasant beachfront and it makes a good base to see the Golfo di Orosei and all it has to offer. Which is plenty. 

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  1. Stay at or near Hotel Cala Luna *** - private parking nearby for 12 euros per day - reservation needed, excellent location beachfront across from pizzeria and beachside bar, close to marina, rooftop bar, 3 restaurants (open from June to October), bar - Happy Hour, Spa and Wellness Centre, free breakfast included, bidet, sun terrace, outdoor furniture, cafe, tour desk

  2. If you want a farm stay up in the countryside with a big terrace looking out on a fantastic view stay at Rifugio Gorrupu - free parking, excellent location, superb breakfast with homemade pastries included, great food and views for dinner, restaurant, bidet, activities, cafe, packed lunches. It's 10 km from town and a 20 minute drive.

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36 - Stintino - 1N

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Cala Gonone to Stintino road trip bird watchers paradise waterfront lunchbeautiful beaches swim

  • Cala Gonone - Cala Brandinchi known as "Little Tahiti" because it's so good and there is the chance to see Pink Flamingoes in nearby Stagno San Teodoro as well other water    birds in this bird watchers paradise. Time to cross the island again and visit the natural   gem that is Neptunes cave on the west coast. The Catalan town of Alghero is worth a    look around and a great spot to have lunch on the waterfront along Bastioni Marco Polo.

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  • Argenteira is a  ghost town to have a look at on your way to Stintino. Spend the night     here before more exploring in the area tomorrow. If you have time head up to  Spiaggia della Pelosa,one of the most beautiful beaches on this island of beautiful beaches for a swim and and a Sundowner, even though you're facing east. It is 20 minutes north of Stintino.

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  1. Stay at or near the Lina Hotel ** - free public parking nearby, excellent location with     lovely views over the harbour, 450 m from the beach and a short walk to the restaurants     in the centre, popular on-site restaurant, free exceptional breakfast included with pastries 

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37 - Castelsardo - 1N

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Stintino road trip sardinia Asinara National Park Castelsardo miniature albino donkeys

  • Stintino - Asinara Take the boat over to the island to see the miniature albino donkeys     and Fornelli Prison. The donkeys are indigenous to this tiny island that was recently a     high security prison for Mafia types and the Red Guard. You have to go on a tour to do  this. There is a whole range to pick from and you'll have most of the day as it's only an  hours drive to your next destination Castelsardo. A charming medieval village included among “The most beautiful villages in Italy”. Go up to the top of Castello di Doria for      the views. 

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  1. Stay at or near Hotel Meli *** - free private parking nearby, excellent waterfront location with bar and panoramic sea view terrace across the road looking up at the castle and perfect for Sundowners, free Italian breakfast with cappuccino included that you can      have on the terrace, 1 minute from the beach and 10 minutes walk up to the old town,  close to cafes, restaurants and a supermarket, restaurant, café, activities, tour desk

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38 - 39  La Maddalena - 2N

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Map of road trip in Sardinia Italy stunning blue waters white sand beaches swimming ferry to Corsica upper crust yachties

  • Castelsardo - Spaggia Rena Bianca is a great spot for a morning swim and you can see across to Corsica. Have smoko or lunch at the beachside Marlin Restaurant if you like.   From here make your way to Palau to catch the car ferry across to La Maddalena. They    run every 30 minutes and take 15 minutes to get there. Book ahead to save disappointment. This area is a favourite with the upper crust yachties who make their       way up here from the Smerelda Coast.

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  1. Stay at or near the Excelsior **** - free street parking, excellent location very close to the ferry, old town, cafes, restaurants and bars, very good buffet breakfast included which      can be eaten on the panoramic terrace overlooking Santo Stefano island, bikes for rent,  bar, ATM, bidet, emotional shower

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  • Wander the Old Town visit the fish market, walk around the island on the scenic coast    road or just hang out in the Piazza Garibaldi. Just as Sardinians don't see themselves as Italian, Maddalenini don't see themselves as Sardinian. Up until 2008 this was home to a very large NATO naval base so you will notice the locals are quite adept at speaking English.

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  • If you are looking for a flash seafood meal by the water head on up to La Scogliera up    near the top of the island. Because the island is so small it's only a 15 minute drive.

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Sardinia Island Italy spectacular blue water and beaches boats swim

Image by GBSurf from Pixabay 

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40 - Olbia - 1N

Map of Sardinia Road Trip gorgeous coastline and beaches celebrities Pevero Golf Club Costa Smerelda lunch

  • La Maddalena - Costa Smerelda. On your way to Olbia stop off  for lunch and a bit of celebrity spotting  in Porto Cervo the main centre on the Costa Smerelda. The rich and famous are attracted here every summer. Grab a spot at the Piazzetta di Porto Cervo to enjoy some celebrity spotting. If you prefer to be a little more active try the Pevero Golf Club. A hilly course, designed by Robert Trent Jones with stunning views towards the sea.   If you don't play they also have a Health Trail. It is 13 kms long and has 11 fitness stations along the way. Make your way to Olbia drop your bags off at the hotel then drop the car  off. You've earned a(nother) drink. Stay in the historic centre. Enjoy some seafood and a   few drinks on the last night of your trip on this magical island.

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  1. Stay at or near the Hotel Centrale **** - excellent location in the centre of town on the pedestrian street Corso Umberto 1 amongst the many restaurants and bars, very good buffet breakfast included, bidet, coffee maker in rooms, café, snack bar, massage,       airport shuttle - charged

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Rome & Beyond

  • Time to make your way back to Rome for that inevitable last night flight of the trip. You could always hang out here for a few more days. Soon you will start thinking about where you're going on the next trip.

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Sardinian Tours

A map of Bari
Rome 3
Castelmezzano
Olbia
Naples
Positano
Matera
Pizzo
Tropea
Stromboli
Malfa Salina
Lipari
Vulcano
Taormina
Cefalu
Palermo
Cagliary
Putzu Idu
Cala Gonome
Stintino
Castelsardo
La Maddalena
Ferry to Corsica
TT4
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