Bella Italia: Female Traveler’s Picks

Step into “Bella Italia: Female Traveler’s Picks” and journey through Italy that’s as authentic as it gets! Italy’s not just big; it’s a whole world of wonders waiting to be explored. And guess what?

One visit won’t even scratch the surface of all it has to offer. But hey, that’s the beauty of it! Returning to Italy for me, gives me the chance to dive into its real treasures, living life the Italian way. I get to uncover even more hidden gems in small towns like Assisi. Or indulge in pasta, gelato, and aperitivos like a true local in Rome. No FOMO here! With so much to see and do, I’ve got you covered with the top cities to hit. These include Cinque Terre’s coastal wonder and Naples rugged vibes.

This guide covers tips on getting around, where to chow down, and a handy tourist attraction map. This guide is your ticket to navigating Italy like a pro. So grab your passport and let’s make some pasta-filled memories!

Bella Italia: Female Traveler’s Picks Table Of Contents

Plan Your Bella Italia Visit

Flight	Stay	Do	Drive
Skyscanner	Agoda	GetYourGuide	Rentalcars.com

Italy Travel Tips

Money Accepted:	Credit cards are accepted in most places but many places will still accept cash if you have this and ATMs are available in most places.
Safety In Italy:	As a Latina female traveler, I’ve always felt safe in Italy especially in the smaller towns and villages like Rimini and Assisi. Bigger cities can feel a bit more overwhelming so I would always suggest safe travel practices in cities like Rome, Genoa and Naples.
Friendly To Tourists/Latinas:	People are friendly and welcoming and if you have a doubt if they are, I always suggest a smile. It goes a long way.
Length Of Stay:	Italy is massive so revisiting is kind of a must. Don’t try to pack it into one or you will not fully allow yourself to enjoy yourself. For a major city like Rome and Florence I would recommend 3 days. For towns and villages depending how big they are I would say 1-2 days is enough. Towns in Cinque Terre can be seen in 3 days, Assisi/San Marino in a day and Pennabilli in a 1/2 day.

Ways To Get Around Italy

Fly	Check out cheap flights using Skyscanner – your new and trustworthy travel companion.
Train	I booked trains using Omni and they were very reliable and affordable. Even with delays, which are common in Italy, they keep you updated.
Bus	Local bus’ in Italy are available and the quality of service does vary city by city. Most bus’ allow you to pay by tapping your debit or credit card which makes it easy to navigate the city this way. (In Rome, for example, they are very strict and check riders to ensure they have paid.)
Omio	Omio operates in Italy with many routes and buses available between cities in Italy and other countries in Europe. Find your bus journey.
Car Rental	Renting a car will be a cheaper option if you want to see more of Italy and explore the smaller towns and villages. I recommend exploring Cinque Terre and the surrounding area of Bolognia via car. Book your car rental.
Car Share	Italy has done a great job of keeping car share companies like Uber away from Italy so taxis rule the world. With this in mind, do know that taxi’s are very expensive.

Bella Italia Must Visit Cities

Rome

Rome Highlights

Step into my heartwarming journey on my Father-Daughter Rome Retreat. It was exciting to be a seasoned travel blogger and lead my father through the enchanting streets of Rome on his first European adventure. Together, we discovered the city’s timeless wonders, from the majestic Colosseum to the Vatican. Each moment was meticulously curated for an extraordinary experience using the help of my Italian friends because this trip needed to be extra special. Join us as we indulge in the finest Italian cuisine and create unforgettable memories against the backdrop of Rome‘s rich culture and vibrant atmosphere.

Plan your own magical escape with my comprehensive Father-Daughter Rome Retreat guide, offering insider tips, must-see attractions, and unique experiences to make your visit truly unforgettable.

Naples

Naples Highlights

Join my papi and I through the vibrant and rugged streets of Naples, where every corner exudes the essence of Italy. My father and I fell in love with the magnetic charm of this city. We ate world-renowned pizza and explored the historic underground system. With Naples, I’d gladly return to explore other surrounding cities like Salerno and Sorrento. My Naples guide below is filled with insider tips and recommendations that have been tested out by my papi and I. So, whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a curious explorer, there’s something special awaiting you in the heart of Napoli.

Read the full article: Latina’s Napoli Tour With Papi

Genoa

Genoa Highlights

Discover what you can see and do in Genoa, Italy in just a day or two. We visited during spring which means that during this time Genoa transforms into more than just Christopher Colombus’ & pesto’s birthplace. And goes beyond just another transit point for the Ligurian coast when visiting Portofino or Cinque Terre. Convenient direct flights also begin to operate during this time of year and the city’s coastal charm makes it a perfect spontaneous getaway. For my full Genoa 2-day guide on dining, attractions, and a two-day itinerary, check out our detailed article below!

Read the full article: Genoa Italy During Spring

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre Highlights

After hearing so much about Cinque Terre and Genoa, I decided to see for myself what the fuss was about. During a weekend getaway in Italy, we stumbled upon this captivating region, meeting all my expectations for indulging in Italian cuisine and culture. Little did I know, I would uncover much more than anticipated. Introducing the top tips for Cinque Terre & Genoa, your go-to guide for navigating this picturesque area along the Ligurian Sea.

Read the full Cinque Terre article: 10 Tips for Visiting Cinque Terre & Genoa

Bolognia + Northern Italy

Bolognia + Northern Italy Highlights

Bologna – The lively and historic capital of Northern Italy is known for being a foodie hub. Don’t miss going up the two towers, seeing Piazza Maggiore and whispering to the wall archways of Palazzo Podestá. where tradition says was where lepers confessed their sins in the middle ages. P.S. Be sure to grab my Bella Italia Google Map & Guide below that will give you some of the best places to dine at in Bologna for traditional eats. Rimini – Beautiful coastal town along the Adriatic Sea known for its beach side, bars and restaurants. A great escape from a busy modern life. Sights include the Arch of Augusta, Rimini Beach, Malatesta Temple, Tiberio Bridge, Plaza Cavour, Rimini Marina and San Giuliano district. Pennabilli– A stunning village known for poet Tonino Guerra, its connection between the culture of Tibet & the view across the Montefeltro area used as the scene that Leonardo da Vinci used as the background in the Mona Lisa. Don’t forget to visit the L’Orto dei Frutti Dimenticato aka the Garden of Forgotten Fruits while here. San Leo – Hilltop town with breathtaking views of the Italian countryside. Be sure to visit the fortress and cathedral that sit here. Bagno di Romagna – First founded by Romans for their baths due to the thermal springs. Thermae Santa Agnese is the place to indulge in thermal spa care as it incorporates relics from the original ancient roman bath built on this very site. If you are looking to unwind in nature be sure to visit Lago Pontini & Lago Lungo. Balze – This village is a great starting point for your hike to Mountain Fumaiolo. Be sure to visit Sant Alberico and pass by the Cascata Del Tevere springs during your hike.

Read the full article: Locally Inspired Italy Trip Itinerary: An Italian Summer

Assisi

Assisi Highlights

Include Assisi in your Italy itinerary when visiting Rome for a transformative experience. Despite the three-hour train journey each way (which can be shortened to two hours based on the train you take), the city’s religious significance and serene charm make an Assisi day trip worthwhile . Whether you’re a believer or not, Assisi offers a unique perspective on Italian living that will surely be a highlight of your travels. For me, it was its unhurried beauty and quintessential small Italian town charm that made for an unexpected highlight during my multiple visits.

Discover how easy it is to visit: Assisi Bound: Rail Journey From Rome

Additional Italian City Suggestions

 Milan – Explore Milan’s fashion, landmarks, and lively city vibe. Don’t forget to grab a slice of authentic Italian pizza and book tickets for the Last Supper in advance. This will help you avoid missing out on this must-see masterpiece.

 Venice – A very popular destination given its canals, gondola rides and historic sites. Consider staying in one of the nearby towns which will be more budget-friendly. You can utilize the convenient ferry system for affordable and easy access to the city.

 Florence – Florence boasts famous art galleries and museums, but what I really loved was casually strolling its charming streets. They’re filled with local artisans and shops. Make sure you grab a bite of authentic Tuscan cuisine at those cozy family-owned trattorias. You will find these all over the city.

Pisa – When visiting Florence, you can easily add a 1/2 day trip to visit the leaning tower of Pisa. It’s just a short 30 minute train journey. Aside from the tower, I didn’t think there was anything else in the city worth visiting.

Check train times using Omni.

 San Marino – Yes, San Marino is its own country. But, if exploring Bolognia or Northern Italy, it would be a shame to not explore San Marino as well. It can be visited in under 24 hours and makes for a great day trip. You’ll be delighted by the burst of culture from the 5th smallest country in the world. That happens to be in Italy.

Read the full article: San Marino In 24 hours: A Thrilling Day Trip From Italy

Italy Food Guide

This Italian Foodie Guide below explores the traditional Italian cuisine I keep coming to Italy for. This ever growing article includes a list of the must-try dishes and drinks across the country.

Read my Italian eats guide per city to help you taste some of the best Italian items on a menu.

Bella Italia Google Map & Guide

To facilitate your exploration, this handy Italy Google map, provides a comprehensive list of restaurants, attractions, and more. It includes additional tips from my “Bella Italia: Female Traveler’s Picks” adventure in the notes section too. Be sure to add this list to your Google Maps.

More Bella Italia: Female Traveler’s Picks Related Content

Explore more articles about Italy and my adventures as a Latina traveler exploring this beautiful country. Dive into these extra resources to uncover additional gems to enhance your experience to the fullest.

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