Step One: Research all the cities you dream of visiting in Italy.
Step Two: Create an ambitious list of everything you want to experience.
Step Three: Arrive, toss the list, and let Italy guide you.
Roma, Italia (Rome, Italy)
Educators know the value of planning, but Italy is a classroom best approached with flexibility and curiosity. The goal was to immerse in the rhythm—to be intentional yet spontaneous. With a 21-day trip planned, the itinerary became a living document, booking hotels on the fly and trusting the process. The focus was on northern Italy: Florence, Pisa, Venice, Siena, Milan, and Lake Como.
Practical Tips for Smart Travel:
- Listen to locals and experienced travelers.
- Be vigilant with your belongings, especially at busy train stations.
- Skip expensive taxis; public transportation is reliable and affordable.
- Train travel is efficient and cost-effective—a coach seat often feels as comfortable as first-class.
- Educators, accustomed to stretching budgets, will appreciate day passes for buses and light rail, which can cover entire cities for a fraction of the cost of taxis.
Curating Your Own Curriculum in Italy: Italy offers lessons in art, history, wine, and cuisine. Book accommodations through flexible third-party sites, and don’t hesitate to strike up conversations with hotel staff or café owners. Their tips on hidden gems will often outshine any travel guide.
Exploring with Purpose and Curiosity: Tour options abound, from skip-the-line packages to intimate walking tours. For history lovers, sites like the Colosseum and Vatican are non-negotiable. Foodies will thrive in local cooking classes, while opera enthusiasts can find affordable tickets to performances in breathtaking venues.
Evening Lesson Plans: Whether sipping wine in a quiet café or attending a performance by the Three Tenors, Italy’s nightlife caters to every preference. Educators who seek cultural enrichment will find theatre and music events surprisingly affordable.
Key Takeaway: Come with a plan but embrace deviation. Some of the most cherished memories stem from unplanned detours and conversations with locals.
Florence (Firenze): Florence is an open-air museum where the city center pulses with life, and the countryside whispers serenity. Hop on a bus, and you’ll find vineyards, ruins, and rolling hills in under an hour.
Tuscany via Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa: Tuscany feels like stepping back in time. Siena’s charm, San Gimignano’s medieval beauty, and Pisa’s iconic leaning tower each offer distinct experiences. Whether hiking, biking, or strolling, Tuscany invites slow exploration.
Venice (Venezia): Venice feels like a storybook brought to life. While gondolas are iconic, budget-friendly water buses provide equally stunning views. The highlight? Discovering an unforgettable lasagne in a tucked-away café.
Lake Como: At Lake Como, time stands still. Between ferry rides and mountain views, it’s easy to lose track of the day. It’s the perfect retreat for educators needing a true pause.
Milan: Milan is vibrant, stylish, and occasionally overwhelming, with its bustling metro system, crowded tourist spots, and the fast-paced energy of a global fashion capital. One travel hiccup was a reminder of the importance of preparation: maps, schedules, and details matter, especially when navigating a bustling metro in summer heat.
Final Lesson: Italy is best experienced in parts, with openness to detours and surprises. Educators, like students, thrive when curiosity leads the way. Strike a balance between thoughtful planning for security and allowing room for spontaneous moments of discovery, where the most memorable experiences often unfold.
The biggest lesson from Italy is that the best adventures often start when one gets a little lost.
Ciao, until next time!
Written in part by Kendria R. Johnson. Kendria is an educator, traveler, public speaker, author, mother, and life coach.