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Egypt is such an amazing place- the history, the culture, the people, the food, the juxtaposition of new and old; it was so high on our list. After traveling to 28 countries prior to Egypt, we consider ourselves pretty experienced when it comes to travel. Egypt challenged us in so many ways- from planning, to avoiding scams. So here is our detailed guide to help you navigate this beautiful country.

Safety 

Is Egypt safe? At the time of writing, according to the US Department of State, Egypt is a level 3 travel risk (reconsider travel). With that being said, we didn’t feel as though we were in danger of being harmed by anyone at any time.

From a female perspective, Joc did experience a lot of men wanting to touch her or “give hugs”, many unwanted compliments about her appearance, and general glaring.

The biggest safety concern in Egypt is the relentless scams. People are constantly trying to do things for you or tell you things and demand money for their “services”.

Although we love to engage with locals typically, it is incredibly important to remain vigilant during your time in Egypt. For this reason, we truly recommend a local guide. They can drive away unwanted scammers.

Visa process

US visitors need a single-entry tourist visa. Cost is $25USD and is valid for 30 days. We completed our visa on arrival with assistance arranged by our local travel guide. 

When to visit?

Egypt is known for sweltering summers, for that reason, it is recommended to visit between October-April.

If you’re looking to skip the temples and opt for beach days, June- September is ideal for visiting the red sea.

Getting around

Getting to Egypt, you will likely fly into Cairo International Airport (CAI).

Egyptian driving rivals our experiences with SE Asia driving. Egypt has a mix of under developed and modern roads, but essentially no road rules. With various police check-points located at random, you never know when you will be stopped or what for (likely a bribe is required).

Due to the driving hazards and general safety concerns, we recommend hiring a private driver. Additionally, we highly recommend the services of an Egyptologist during your visit– their knowledge is truly astounding.

Currency & Preferred payment

The currency in Egypt is the Egyptian pound (EGP). 1EGP is the equivalent of $0.02USD. Although cards seem to be widely accepted, we still recommend carrying EGP or USD as tipping is very customary and expected. 

For ease, we always opt to remove cash at the airport ATM on arrival.

Pro-tip: Make sure to decline the ATM conversion to get the best exchange rate from your bank.

DIY Versus Hiring a Local Agency

We are extremely PRO hire a local agency. We did work with a local operator for the entirety of our stay; they helped arrange transportation, getting entry tickets, going through customs and immigration, and ensuring egyptologists at all sites.

We had formulated our itinerary and allowed a few critiques from them- we vetted multiple agencies and this itinerary format seemed to be the best from multiple sources.

We selected our own accommodations because we felt most comfortable getting a place that would suite our mid-range needs.

While, we can’t recommend our agency’s particular service (we only recommend things we truly believe in), we do recommend reaching out to multiple agencies and finding the best fit for you.

Pro-tip: haggling is part of Egyptian culture. It feels taboo to us, coming from the US, but you NEED to do it.

Driving & Flying Versus Nile River Cruise

We opted to fly & drive because we had heard that the Nile River cruises spend much less time at the sites. We are extremely fascinated by Egyptian history and didn’t want to “cheat” ourselves.

Because of the time it takes to travel through the nile, some sites are also omitted (depending on your route). We wanted to have complete control over our itinerary and ensure we saw everything that we could.

Having done the fly & drive option, we do actually think the cruise would be a fantastic option for people who want a sampling of the history without all the hassling.

That said, you can’t go wrong with either option.

Itinerary

Cairo- 3 days

Where to stay?

For a fantastic, luxury stay (with pyramid view), you should absolutely consider this hotel:

We personally stayed here, which we consider a Mid-range hotel. It has an amazing pyramid view & excellent breakfast included.

A great budget option, with a pyramid view, you should take a look at this hotel:

Day 1

Good morning from Cairo! Since you likely flew into CAI, you will start your journey through Egypt here. Today, you will visit the Giza pyramids, Sphinx, and panoramic viewpoint.

Cost to enter the Giza plateau is 540 EGP. This will get you into the general area, going inside additional pyramids is an extra fee. While at the pyramids you have the option to ride a camel. While we won’t speak to the ethics of this, we will only note that it is an option. 

Pro-tip: the pyramid area is filled with people looking to scam you for a quick buck. Do not allow anyone to take photos for you, do not walk someone’s camel, generally- DO NOT ENGAGE. 

We did an ATV ride in Giza and this was a fantastic and slightly sketchy (AKA a man sat on the front the whole time) way to see a different perspective of the pyramids with less hassling.

Pro-tip: wear light neutral colors to hide the dust on your clothes (obviously, we didn’t do this…learn from our mistake).

Day 2

Today you will visit The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. The cost is 80EGP per person.

Here you will find more than 50,000 artefacts, mummies, and tombs from all across Egypt. We highly recommend the services of an Egyptologist. 

Next you will visit the Citadel of Salah El Din. This is an old palace built as a defense against the crusaders and is complete with the beautiful Mohamed Ali Mosque. The entrance fee is 60 EGP.

Day 3

Today you will visit Old Cairo (also known as Coptic Cairo). Two famous sites in Old Cairo are the Hanging Church and Abu Sengra. Abu Sengra is thought to be the place where the holy family sought refuge. 

Next you will visit the Islamic district in Cairo. This open-air market is said to be the oldest in the middle east. It is vibrant, lively, and where you can buy any item that your heart desires. We recommend heading there later in the evening as Egypt really comes alive at night.

If the night markets aren’t your thing (it’s truly sensory overload), you could also opt for a Nile dinner cruise. We did one and there was belly dancing and loads of unique entertainment. We wouldn’t say its a “don’t miss”, but it does beat sitting in your hotel room.

Aswan

Where to stay?

For a higher end stay, closer to downtown, we recommend staying here:

For a mid-range hotel, with an authentic Nubian vibe, we recommend this hotel: while it is a little out of the way from the downtown area, where else in the world would you experience a stay like this?

For a budget hotel with Nubian themes (although again, further from downtown), this would be a great option:

Day 4- fly to Aswan

After an early morning flight you will have plenty of time to visit the Temple of Philae. Philae temple is one of the most recognizable temples- it was also featured in the Death on the Nile movie.

This temple was relocated after the construction of the high dam and is devoted to goddesses Isis and Hathor. The entrance fee is 550 EGP.

Day 5- Visit Abu Simbel

Get an early start today because Abu Simbel is approximately a 6 hour (round trip) drive by private car from Aswan.

There are two temples located here. The first temple was built by Ramesses II for the god Rahorakhty. The second, smaller temple was dedicated to Queen Nefertari. The entrance fee is 550 EGP.

Abu Simbel is one of the most beautiful temples, but is often excluded from most Nile cruise itineraries (If opting for a cruise, check to see if you can do this as a day trip from Aswan).

Luxor

Where to stay?

For a luxury stay, we recommend staying here:

For a mid-rang stay, we recommend this hotel:

For a budget stay on the East Bank, we recommend staying here

Day 6-Drive to Luxox.

Today you will drive to Luxor and em route, visit two additional temples. To be completely transparent, our guide for the day really rushed us through and because of that, we have SOOO few photos or history to share. Even travel bloggers can’t have wins every day.

The first temple you will visit is the Kom Ombo temple dedicated to Sobek and Haroeris. The entrance fee is 100 EGP. There was a lot of crocodile information here, which was super interesting- they even had mummified crocodiles.

Next you will visit Edfu, the temple of Horus. The entrance fee is 450 EGP.

Day 7- Explore the West bank of Luxor

You will start by exploring the west bank of Luxor. Here you will visit the Valley of the Kings.

This area is filled with tombs (some yet to be found) of Egyptian kings. Interestingly, many tombs are located under pyramid shaped mountains or mounds.

Different tombs are open at different times depending on the environment, but of the ones we saw, they are all stunning. These tombs have the most vibrant and elaborate colorings and hieroglyphics that we have ever seen. The entrance fee is 350EGP.

Next you will visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. This is a mortuary temple, dedicated to the god Amun. Fun fact- they tried to have her erased from history… but clearly they didn’t succeed. THIS TEMPLE IS MASSIVE. The entrance fee is 350EGP.

Day 8- Explore the east bank of Luxor

Start your morning early with a hot air balloon ride. Honestly, this is a core memory. View the temples you saw yesterday from above and take note as you fly over the Colossi of Memnon. 

After your epic hot air balloon ride, you will visit the Karnak Temple Complex. This is the largest Egyptian temple constructed and because of this, it draws the crowds. We recommend starting early here early to avoid the crowds as much as possible. The entrance fee is 600EGP.

Lastly, you will visit the Luxor temple, the second largest temple in Luxor. This temple is dedicated to the deities Mut, Khonsu, and Amun. The entrance fee is 400EGP.

Day 9- Exploring the remaining temples in Luxor

Begin your morning by exploring the Ramasseum temple of Ramses II. While this may not be the most stunning temples, we really enjoyed it.

The temple is surrounded with remains of mud brick storehouses. While temples and tombs were built very elaborately, they were built for the afterlife and deities, respectively. Kings would have lived in modest mud brick homes, so this storefront helps paint the picture of what day-to-day life would have looked like. The entrance fee is 180 EGP.

Lastly, you will visit the Valley of Nobles. Here you will find tombs of the high priests and Egyptian court sophisticates. In contrast to the tombs of kings, which focus on the afterlife and deities, the noble tombs focus on telling the stories of their lives. The entrance fee is 150EGP.

Red Sea

Where to Stay?

For a more high-end stay, we recommend checking out this hotel:

All-Inclusives are very popular in this area. Here is a great mid-range option:

For a more budget option, here is the hotel which still includes breakfast & dinner:

Days 10-13  Red Sea

Today you will transfer to Marsa Alam. It is a 4 hour drive.

 While many people visit Hurghada, we chose to visit the quieter Marsa Alam. Marsa Alam is full of beautiful white sandy beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and aquatic adventures.

Snorkeling and diving opportunities are plentiful in the area. We recommend spending 3 days here and after all your exploring, you earned it!

We personally chose to do 2 snorkeling trips and it was some of the best reefs we have ever seen (and we’ve been to the Great Barrier Reef).

Day 14

Heading home. Flights into & out of Marsa Alam only occur on certain days of the week. If you need to return to Cairo for your flight home and cannot find a flight out of Marsa Alam, you can drive 2.5 hours to Hurghada and catch a direct flight to Cairo from there.

Final Thoughts

Egypt will leave you completely in awe. Being able to witness some of the earliest civilizations (that we know of) is so humbling. The chaos is such a unique culture and it just adds another level to the experience. If you follow this 2 week itinerary, we are sure you will see the best that Egypt has to offer and you will be so glad you finally booked the trip!

The post Egypt Travel Itinerary: How to Plan the Perfect Trip in 2025 appeared first on World Travel Lahrs.

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Planning a trip to Florence and Tuscany, but needing to maximize your time? This three-day itinerary is perfect for you! Filled with a mix of don’t miss highlights and a few hidden gems in there too, this itinerary will make sure you have the best first trip to this beautiful region.

In case you were like us and thought Tuscany is a place, it’s not a town, it’s a region. Florence is essentially the capital of the Tuscany region. Florence is a city filled with renaissance art, most notably, Michelangelos sculpture of David, but it’s also a blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. If you’re into art, medieval charm, and very rare steaks, Florence is definitely for you.

How Many Days Do You Need in Florence?

We recommend 3 days as the minimum time you should plan to spend in Florence (and Tuscany). Personally, we are not the biggest art lovers, so going to gallery after gallery does not appeal to us. Three days will allow you to see the highlights of the city, but not enough time to feel obligated to see every museum/art gallery.

Tuscany is a large region- from vineyards and wineries, to tiny Italian villages, it is vast. You could easily spend two weeks road tripping through this region, but if you’re pressed for time, this itinerary will give you just a hint of what this beautiful place has to offer.

If you are visiting Florence as part of a bigger euro or Italy trip, be sure to check out our 2 week Italy itinerary. It’s full of tips & helpful hints to make the most of your time in Italy.

When To Visit Florence?

Due to fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and cheaper prices, April, May, and September are often regarded as the best time to visit.

Peak tourism season is in the summer months (June-August) with daytime temperatures reaching highs of 80°-90° F. If you are not a fan of heat and crowded art galleries, we recommend avoiding the summer time.

We have visited twice in June and while you certainly are never alone in this city, we found it manageable.

Is Florence safe?

The most common crime in Florence is pick-pocketing, as is common in most larger cities. In order to mitigate your risk of being a pick-pocketing victim, here are a few safety tips we recommend:

• Don’t leave bags unattended
• Always be aware of your surroundings (if people bump into you, they’re not just clumsy)
• Use RDIF protection for wallets and bags
• Don’t display any expensive items
• Use a cell phone lanyard for added protection
• Don’t carry a wallet or valuables in your back pocket (or wear it on your front)
• Use backpacks or bags with antitheft zippers

Getting To Florence

We recommend either flying into Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) or Pisa International Airport (PSA) because both are larger international airports offering more carriers. The main train station in Florence is Firenze Santa Maria Novella.

From Rome FCO airport, take the Leonardo Express train from the airport into the main train station, Roma Termini. From Roma Termini, purchase tickets and take the train to Firenze Santa Maria Novella.

From Pisa airport look for the Pisamover. Purchase tickets in the airport and take the train to the central Railway 2. From central railway walk over to Pisa Centrale station 3 and purchase tickets to Firenze Santa Maria Novella.

Pro-tip: tickets can be purchased in advance at the Trenitalia website for a better price

Where to Stay in Florence

If you’re looking for a high-end feeling hotel right near the train station, we definitely recommend staying here.

For a mid-range hotel near the train station with a duomo view, we recommend staying here.

For a budget option, that feels like a modern hotel, we recommend staying here.

Getting around Florence: 

Florence is incredibly walkable. It’s relatively flat and most notable sights are in close proximity. So, within the city center, we recommend walking.

Because this itinerary does include a visit to the Tuscan country-side, we do recommend hiring a car for one day. Trains can take you out to the country-side, but once you’re there- there’s lots of open space and you will need a car to get around.

Day 1: Exploring Florence

Since you will just be arriving, we suggest an easy day today. Get settled into your accommodation by the early afternoon and then put your explorin’ shoes on.

Afternoon

First stop, Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s ancient bridge. This medieval bridge is the only remaining pre-modern bridge over the Arno river in Florence. While walking along the bridge, you’ll see some shops, primarily jewelry stores, which have been around since the 13^th centrury. Make sure to stop along the bridge and marvel at the reflection of the Florence façade in the Arno. 

Evening

End the night with sunset at the Piazzale Michelangelo viewpoint. In our opinion, this is the best view of Florence with the gigantic Duomo towering in grandeur above to town. This viewpoint is about a 25 minute walk from the Ponte Vecchio with some steps and light hills included in this walk.

Day 2: Getting Artsy

Morning

Start your morning off at the Galleria dell’Accademia. This is where you will find the famous Statue of David by Michelangelo.  You need to book your ticket in advance as it will sell out. Tickets are booked for timeslots ranging from 8:15- 20:45. Tickets can be booked here.

Since this is an incredibly popular place, we recommend that you go first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds as much as possible. In our opinion, we were pleasantly surprised by the crowds. Yes, there are a lot of people, but not nearly the Vatican level of craziness. Let’s put it this way, we were even able to get a few unobstructed selfies with The Statue of David.

 You can do this as part of a tour, but we chose not to. To be completely transparent, art isn’t really our thing, but seeing such an iconic work of art was surprisingly enjoyable to us. 

Afternoon

Stop for lunch and grab one of the famous All’Antico Vinaio sandwiches. I’m sure you’ve seen them on social media, they’ve gone viral (and for good reason). Although this place is now a chain, it started in Florence. 

Next make you way to the duomo… you know, the huge giant thing that you cannot miss. To be honest, we didn’t expect it to be as big as it was and you can’t quite understand how massive it is until you see it in person.

You can go inside & climb the tower, but tickets need to be purchased in advance. Tickets can be purchased here or here:

Evening

Try the Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florence steak). This is a specialty known to the Florence area, this loin steak is cooked on the bone until rare (and don’t ask the chef to cook it anymore, it ain’t happening) . If youre going to try for one of the most famed places to try this delicacy, make sure to make a reservation in advance.

Although Joc absolutely hates any steak that isn’t cooked until it’s chewy leather, she was a good sport and ate a few bites around the edges… even she gave it good reviews. It’s definitely a must-do experience.

Day 3: Tuscany Road Trip

Morning

We recommend hiring a car for the day and starting early; This will give you the most flexibility for being able to explore at your own pace. There are plenty of towns that you can explore, but we have been to Tuscany twice and here is what we recommend for a day trip.

Pro-tip: If you are planning on hiring a car on a Sunday, most places do close early, so you will need to return your car on Monday.

Starting early, drive from Florence to the Val D’Orcia region. This drive takes approximately 2hours (one-way) and is primarily on the Autostradale (interstate equivalent). 

Val D’Orcia is a region in Tuscany where you will find those dreamy picturesque rolling hill vibes. I will never forget our first time here- Zach literally said “when I die, I want to be buried here”.

Although we always joke about moving to another country or city, if given the chance, I wholeheartedly believe that Zach would move here in an instant.  It is such a peaceful place- the tall yellow grass blowing in the wind, the green rolling hills, no hustle and bustle of a city, just stillness, calm, and peace.

I have no specific places to recommend stopping, but more so just wandering: winding down the windows, taking in the views, feeling the peace of this area.

You will likely pass along many Agiturismos featuring long driveways studded with tall cypress trees. Please remember to be respectful because these are people’s homes and therefore, private property, not just places for photo–ops.

Afternoon

After you’ve had your fill of epic views, start your journey back to Florence. At about the mid-point of your drive, you will reach Sienna. This is the perfect lunch stopping point.

Paid parking garages can be found here: 

or Here:

Both are about a 10 minute wak to Piazza del Campo, the main square of Sienna.

Stop for lunch at II Bocconcino. Honestly, these were the best sandwiches we had in all of Italy. We dream about these sandwiches. Please go get one, for us.

After you’ve finished your epic sanwhich, spend some time exploring in the Piazza del Campo. This is the main square of Sienna and is actually a UNESCO heriatige site due to its unique shape & medieval architecture. The piazza is filled with restaurants, shopping, children playing football, but still somehow very calm. 

If you’re needing to stretch your legs after being in the car, you can climb the 300 steps of the Torre del Mangia. This tower stands out in the Piazza skyline and will give you some of the best views of Sienna. You need a ticket, which costs about 10 euros and does need to be purchased in advance.

Evening

Now that you’ve seen the sights of sienna from above and below, it’s time to finish your drive back to Florence. 

If this day sounds too intimidating, there are plenty of tour options here:

Final Thoughts

Florence is the perfect blend of grunge, renaissance art, and Italian charm. Standing in front of both the Duomo and the iconic Statue of David all in the same day is enough to leave you speechless. Meanwhile, the Tuscan countryside offers the exact opposite vibe—tranquility and peace. Driving through the rolling hills will have you pulling up Zillow to daydream about owning your own private villa. While you could easily spend 3 months exploring this region, we believe that this 3 day itinerary will allow you to scratch the surface… and have you planning your next trip back.

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Cappadocia is a magical place. From watching the sun rise as hot air balloons fill the sky, to the streets littered with fairy chimneys, it is truly a bucket list experience.

Why 5 days?

If you are like us, the promise of drifting through the skies in a hot air balloon was enough to inspire your entire trip. Türkiye has very strict regulations on air balloon flying conditions with regard to the weather, they do not fly every day.

Five days will give you 4 full mornings. Although it’s probably more time than you need to see this region, the slower pace is enough to fill your time, but not feel too rushed. Plus, this gives you the best chances to see the balloons fly AND fly in one yourself.

If you read our post on deciding how much time to spend in a destination you know it’s important to give yourself extra time for these magic moments.

So, here is our 5-day guide to give you the best itinerary for exploring Cappadocia.

Safety 

Is Cappadocia safe? At the time of writing, according to the US Department of State, Türkiye is a level 2 travel risk (exercise increased caution).

In our experience, we felt completely safe. The locals were incredible kind and welcoming, never once was safety a concern for us. 

When to visit?

Cappadocia can experience both a hot summer and snow during the winter.

The best time to visit is April- June or September-October. Visiting during these months with give you warm days and cool evenings. 

Getting To Cappadocia

Cappadocia is actually a region of central turkey. When most people refer to Cappadocia, they are in fact, referring to the town of Göreme.

To reach the region of Cappadocia, you will need to fly into either Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR) and drive 1hr to Göreme, or fly into Nevşehir Kapadoky airport (NAV) and drive 40 minutes to Göreme.

Driving in Göreme can be incredibly chaotic and the roads are very narrow (think typical Europe small). For this reason, we opted to get a taxi for our journey to/from the airport. The town of Göreme is very small and incredibly walkable, so we were able to reach most places on foot.

Currency & payment methods

The currency in Turkiye is the Turkish Lira. 1 Turkish Lira (TL) is equal to $0.03USD.

Cash seemed to be preferred in Cappadocia, even our hotel wanted us to pay in full with cash (although they accepted card as well).

Many places preferred cash so much that most world currencies (USD, Euro, AUD, CAD, ect.) were accepted, not just Turkish Lira.

Where to Stay

If you’re coming to Cappadocia, you have to stay in a cave hotel. It’s such a unique experience. Take an old cave dwelling, fill the sky with hot air balloons at sunrise, and somehow it is pure magic.

You’ve probably seen photos of this stunning hotel online. This luxury stay will not dissapoint.

Another fantastic luxury option is this beautiful cave hotel.

We stayed at the Charming Cave Hotel. We would classify it as mid-range budget and HIGHLY recommend it. The breakfast was INSANE (in the best way).

While it’s not a cave house, here is a more budget friendly option. It’s more of a traditional hotel, so if that’s your preference, this is perfect for you! All the Cappadocia magic, without the cave.

Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to Cappadocia! Since you likely arrived here mid-day, it’s time for you to check into your hotel.

Once you’ve settled into your very own cave dwelling, make your way to sunset point for a romantic sunset. To reach sunset hill you will take a short hike up a steep hill. It is 3TL CASH per person to enter.

There are plenty of beautiful viewpoints for photos. This is also a very common place for engagements to take place, so:

Ladies: he might just want to see the sunset.

Fellas: she might think that love valley isn’t the only rock she’s going to see on this trip.

After sunset, enjoy a fantastic Turkish meal- we recommend trying the testi kebabı or “pottery kebab”. It comes as a in a flaming ceramic that is cracked with a tiny hammer right in front of you. 

Day 2

Morning

Time for an early morning! Start your day with a hot air balloon and take in the landscapes as you drift past the fairy chimney villages.

Since the balloon flight is extremely weather dependent, we recommend reserving your flight in the first part of your stay in Cappadocia. This will give you plenty of days to reschedule, if need be. Most other activities in this itinerary start in the later morning, keeping your mornings free for schedule shifting.

After a successful hot air balloon flight, grab a wonderful Turkish breakfast. Turkish breakfast is an experience- we had NEVER seen anything like it. It’s a hearty feast consisting of breads, pastries, eggs, cheeses, among many other accoutrements.

Afternoon

Take a visit to love valley to see the iconic phallic shaped rocks. From the town of Göreme to love valley, it is 3km. We opted to walk as there is a sidewalk for nearly the entirety, but it is not shaded and can get quite toasty.

A taxi can get you there in 5-10 minutes. Once there, you can make your way through the dusty trails and take in the unique formations.

Day 3

Today you will do the green tour. This tour will take up the entirety of the day as there are quite a few stops and lunch is typically included. We selected an operator through get your guide.

The green tour can vary slightly by operator, but most should visit Göreme Panorama, Ihlara Valley, Selime Monastery, Pigeon Valley, and Derinkuyu Underground City. There is also a green/red combined tour, but we felt most things on the red tour were easily self guided. 

The true highlight of this full-day tour is the Derinkuyu Underground City. Derinkuyu is a multilayer city built underground for protection from religious persecution or foreign invaders.

We caution that it can be quite anxiety inducing. So, if you struggle with claustrophobia, please take that into consideration before selecting this tour. A great alternative to the green tour is the red tour. The red tour highlights are love valley & the open air museum. 

Day 4

Morning

After your wonderful Turkish breakfast, make your way to the Göreme open-air museum. The entrance fee is 100TL. Wander along the path and get lost as you admire the fairy chimneys. 

Fairy chimney is the name given to mushroom shaped rock formations. Their formation is actually a geological process where the layered composition allowed degradation faster in certain areas, creating the shape that we see today.

Evening

Prepare yourself for a thrilling way to watch the sunset with an evening ATV tour. Riding ATV’s through the dusty desert, passing through fairy chimneys, culminating with a sunset, is truly magical… and a hint of terrifying.

Be warned though, you will get incredible dusty. The tour operator provided a gator to prevent dust inhalation and a helmet for safety. At the end of our tour, everyone got blown-off (not sure what term is appropriate here) by a high pressure air blower.

Pro tip: Wear some light colored clothing (the opposite of us) to help hide the dust for cute photos.

Day 5

After a slow morning (AKA waking up to watch the dreamy hot air balloons take flight one last time), we HIGHLY recommend this mosaic lantern making class.

The mosaic lamps are very important in Turkish culture and symbolize protection and enlightenment… and who doesn’t need both of those things?

Get creative as you put your own take on these Turkish light fixtures. It is a lengthy and detail oriented process, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time.

On your last night, you will watch the whirling dervishes perform. There are two types of whirling dervish performances: one that is more like a dinner show and the other is more of a religious ceremony.

We opted to do the religious ceremony because we really enjoy cultural learning experiences. This unique ceremony features repeated whirling (circle) dancing, singing, and chanting. This culturally important ceremony symbolizes the spiritual journey towards Allah.

It’s absolutely fascinating how the spinning seems endless and no one ever falls. The whole thing lasted about an hour, so it’s enough to observe, but just know you won’t be spending your entire night here.

You are required to remain quiet, no photography or videography of any kind. This is an excellent culture opportunity, but not some place that we would recommend for small children, due to the quiet nature.

Final thoughts

Cappadocia, the land of breakfasts and balloons. With plenty to do and see, while still maintaining a relaxed feel, Cappadocia has something for everyone. The magical balloons at sunrise and charming cave suites will have you swooning, but the deep culture and amazing food will have you wanting to come back for more.

The post The Perfect 5 Day Cappadocia Itinerary: Hot Air Balloons, Caves & More appeared first on World Travel Lahrs.

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Two weeks in New Zealand is plenty of time to experience the natural beauty and unique customs. From movie sets, to wildlife viewing, geothermal baths, and Maori culture, these epic experiences will have you wanting to come back again.

First: Why Visit Both Islands?

The North and South Island are vastly different- not just in temperature, but in scenery, experiences, and overall vibes. While you could easily spend two weeks exploring just one island, we chose to hit the highlights of both. Achieving this much in a short window was made possible by including 3 in country flights. 

Pro-tip: When your short on time, but high on ambition, choosing at the fastest (which isn’t always the cheapest) transportation option will help you maximize what you’re able to do.

Of course, when planning any adventure, wildlife is a top priority to us, so we chose to hop around a bit in the pursuit of the best wildlife opportunities.

North Island: The North Island is warmer and looks almost tropical with its lush green hills. To us, it resembled a slightly chillier version of Hawaii.

South Island: The South Island is definitely chillier. While on the South Island it felt like we were in a beautiful Nordic adventure land- fjords, glaciers, and epic mountain views.

North Island Highlights (Days 1–3)

Hobbiton 

Is Hobbiton worth is? Absolutely. While it is ever so slightly touristy, it’s still such a cool experience.  They have really put a lot of effort into maintaining the integrity of the set, the experience, and integrating the New Zealand heritage. It must be booked as a guided tour, which truly ensures you get the best view points, photo ops, and stories. 

Joc has adamantly refused to give the LOTR series a try, but even a non-LOTR lover like her enjoyed the experience (I believe she did agree to watch the movies after, but we’re still waiting).

Waitmo caves 

If you’ve read any of our other posts, you have likely seen Joc talk mention her Pinterest bucket list. This is probably the sole reason she wanted to come to New Zealand- THE GLOW WORMS.

There are a few different options for how you can experience this unique bioluminescence phenomenon- by boat or by innertube. Seeing as we were visiting in the early spring, we anticipated the water to still be chilly and opted for the boat, but next time we will do the innertube!

The tour begins by a guided walk through the caves, complete with an explanation of how the bioluminescence works. Then you board a boat and are guided through the water while the worms twinkle above you. You should not miss this experience… I mean worms are gross, but in this case, they’re *romantic*

Rotorua hot springs

Have you ever considered the smell or rotten eggs relaxing? Neither have we. BUT, this might just change your mind. Walk through the bubbling geothermic park, then relax in the mud spa. 

This area has been used medicinally by the Maori people for quite some time. While we can’t say that we felt any different, it sure was nice to relax our tight muscles after that 14hour flight. 

The sulfur smell will remain in your suit, so definitely don’t bring your favorite swim suit. They told us it would come out with a specific detergent, but that was not the case for us. There are swim suits available for rent, should you wish to rent a swimsuit.

Tamaki Maori culture tour

Culture is incredibly important to us when we travel and this was probably one of our favorite experiences. New Zealand is incredible in the blend that they have with the Maori people. Coming from the US and our freckled history with our own indigenous people, it was so wholesome to see how the cultures blended with respect for one another.

This experience was formatted similar to a Luau in Hawaii- it included a show, an example of a cultural ceremony, a lesson on Maori cooking methods, and a fantastic authentic meal. The night ended with Q&A session where nothing was off limits (but there were definitely some questions that could have been more tactful). 

This is run by a local Maori family and you could really tell that they were passionate about educating others and preserving their culture… we are big fans of this!

Brunch at Hill House Café

We had just landed in Auckland after 14+ hours of flying and we were HUNGRY HANGRY. Zach, being the calm in a storm of hanger, was quick to start the “best brunch places” google.We’re not typically the biggest fans of google results for food, but this knocked it out of the park.

Not only was the food amazing, but the café is located in a beautiful park complete with walking trails and epic views of the city. It was the perfect way to start our journey in Auckland and would make an excellent place for brunch any day of the week. We highly recommend the cheddar scone.

Mount Eden

The highest volcanic peak in mainland Auckland. To be honest, even after going, I am still not sure it’s real.

The strikingly green grass was otherworldly. The epic views from the summit make all the steps up worth it. There are hiking trails throughout the area and it is very well maintained. Absolutely a “must see” during a day in Auckland.

South Island Highlights (Days 4–14)

Marlborough sound Dolphin, penguin, birding cruise

If there’s a chance to see birds, you better believe that Zach, our bird nerd, will sign us up. Joc is a big penguin & dolphin fan, so this really suited us both. We booked this experience with E-Ko tours .

We started in Picton and went through the beautiful Marlborough Sounds to the Motuara island bird sanctuary. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the wildlife and local conservation efforts. Since we fancy ourselves to be wildlife naturalists, this was a really cool and unique experience.

We cruised through the sounds while dolphins played underneath us- a cool experience because we didn’t approach them, they were curious about us.  This is a little off the beaten path, so you will be avoiding crowds and is easily drivable from Kaikōura, the whale hotspot.

Stargazing Lake Tapeko

To be completely honest, this was not on the OG itinerary. We ended up needing to spend more time in Lake Tapeko due to weather and booked this last minute. It ended up being a HUGE success. 

Lake Tapeko is one of the best areas in the world for stargazing due to its lack of stray light. We cozied up with the provided blankets and were mesmerized by what we saw. We have never seen so many stars in our lives. They also brought in heavy duty telescopes which even allowed us to see a Saturn (it really looks like the pictures!!). 

Go Tepako Farms Tour

Again, this didn’t make the OG itinerary, but this off the beaten path activity was so fun. Lamb are incredibly common in NZ, in fact, there is a “lambing season” when the new babies are born. Unfortunately, this season can close down a lot of hiking paths, but luckily for us, we visited this farm and got to feed the baby orphaned lambs.

We first went on a tour of the area and learned all about the farming practices and wool collection. We learned about the importance of the farms and how this remote area of NZ functions (they have one electricity source).

While this isn’t full of adrenaline, it’s a wholesome activity that really gives you a better understanding of the life in NZ outside of the big cities. These type of cultural experiences are really important to us and we believe they help us grow. Plus, did I mention we fed the baby lambs? 

Kaikōura whale watching

Kaikōura is a picturesque coastal town known for its abundant wildlife. This area is well known for sperm whales, which typically prefer very deep waters. Because of a shelf located just off shore, the waters tend to be very deep, making it the perfect area to spot them not far off land. 

Although the primary attraction is the sperm whales, this area is also known to have other whale friends like humpback whales, blue whales, southern right whales, and even orcas. While you may spot these other whales on a tour, that is more seasonally dependent.

Sperm whales, Orca whales, Hectors dolphins, and Dusky dolphins can be spotted year-round, but humpback & southern right whales are best spotted June-August.We were lucky enough to have some great sightings of sperm whales and some hectors dolphins. Although we were holding out hope for an Orca or two, it wasn’t our day.

If you’re not too chicken (like us) they also have whale watching flights. I imagine this would be AMAZING. If we could ever get the courage, we would definitely go back just for this.

Hooker Valley Track in Mount Cook/Aoraki

This is the most popular trek in Aoraki/ Mount Cook National Park. With 3 epic suspension bridges, Mueller Glacier views, and Mount Cook looming in the background, this will have you feeling like you’re in the midst of a crazy alpine adventure.

Because of the alpine nature of the area, weather changes incredibly fast. Although this trek isn’t the most physically demanding, be prepared for the elements.

 During our time int the Mount Cook NP area, we had crazy storms. We did finally get some okay-ish weather to try this hike (aka insane wind and some rain), but we were still only complete ½ the trek safely. Better safe than sorry… and we will go back to try again!

Penguin viewing Otago Peninsula

Penguins? Say less. Here you watch from a platform as the Little Blue Penguins (that’s their actual name) come home to their nests for the evenings. With the help of master spotters, you will see them form rafts coming into shore and then be in awe as they waddle past you to their homes. 

We had a little bit of a traumatic experience here as nature was…well, naturing. A predator tried to take one of the tiny guys, but luckily the penguin successfully escaped.

Although slightly traumatic, it speaks to the naturalist perspective and not interfering. They did tell us that they had never seen that happen before, so unless you’re unlucky like us, you should just be able to make heart-eyes at tiny penguins for the evening.

Milford sound Cruising

The vast fjord lands with endless waterfalls and pure moody magic. If you’re coming to NZ, this is likely already on your list, but if it’s not…it should be! 

If you happened to be here while it’s raining, that’s when the waterfalls really shine. Keep in mind, it’s all the more chance to get wet, so dress accordingly (aka bring a poncho). 

 If you’re here when its sunny, you will get to see the beautiful fjords bursting out of the water. Either way, it’s a winning experience.It is also possible to book a multi-day cruise through the Milford sound, but we felt a day cruise was plenty

Isthmus peak hike

As I mentioned above, during lambing season, certain trails are closed (looking at you, Roy’s peak). Because of that, we ended up here. While, I cannot compare this to Roy’s peak, I can tell you that it’s one of the most beautiful hikes we have ever done.

With stunning views over Wanaka and Hawea the whole way up, this 10 mile hike will take your breath away… in more ways than one.

We would say that this hike difficulty is moderate, with 1,000m elevation gain, but the real doozy is the length. If 10 miles isn’t for you, don’t worry, there are various viewpoints where you can stop and call it quits, but still get epic views.

Dunedin wildlife Safari

More wildlife? Don’t roll your eyes just yet… there are MORE PENGUINS.

On this tour, you will head out to Cape Saunders for a look at various wildlife habitats, one being the Yellow-Eyed Penguins. On this half day tour, you will also get the chance to see NZ Fur seals (warning: they are smelly), albatross, and NZ sea lions.

The best part about this tour is it is completely different from the other tours above. You will see different (stunning) landscapes, new wildlife, and we really enjoyed our time with the two chill bros who guided our day.

Final Thoughts: Is 2 Weeks in New Zealand Enough?

Two weeks is enough to make you absolutely fall in love New Zealand and leave you longing to come back. 

Will you see everything? No. However, if you use these 15 recommendations as a guide, you will see some of the best natural and cultural highlights that New Zealand has to offer.

The post 2 Weeks in New Zealand: 15 Epic Things to Do on the North & South Islands  appeared first on World Travel Lahrs.

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Welcome to the Amalfi Coast where Lemons are a love language.

Daydreaming of a visit to the Amalfi Coast? Let’s turn that daydream into a checkmark on your bucket list. Stunning pebble beaches, lemon studded clothing, winding roads, towns built into costal hillsides, and every dish featuring hints of citrus zest. The Amalfi cost is filled with iconic charm that will leave you longing to come back.

Positano and Amalfi town steal the limelight lemonlight, but the Amalfi Coast is actually made up of 13 villages scattered on the hills of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Technically this area could be visited as a day trip from Rome, but we’re here to convince you not to. We believe the culture, food, and views live up to the hype and this area deserves its own time to shine.

When to visit The Amalfi Coast

Beaches = Summer, right? Of course, most people flock to these areas during the summer months. Small villages with summer tourists is not a great mix. We have visited twice during summer and the crowds were near unbearable.

We recommend going during the shoulder season in September while the water is still warm.

The coldest months of the year in Amalfi are January & February where the high temps are mid 50’s (Fahrenheit).

How to Get to Amalfi:

Most people get to The Amalfi Coast from Rome by flying into Roma Fiumicino Airport (FCO), but you can also fly into Naples via Naples International Airport (NAP). If you’re visiting The Amalfi Coast, be sure to check out our 2 week Italy itinerary.

From Rome

Take the Leonardo Express train from the airport into the main train station, Roma Termini. Once at Roma Termini you will need to purchase tickets for Napoli Centrale. Tickets should be purchased in advance here for the best possible price.

Exit the Napoli Centrale station and walk towards signs for Piazza Garibaldi. When you arrive, look for the look EVA S.R.L. trains (Ente Autonomo Volturno) bound for Sorrento and purchase tickets for Sorento or Meta.

Tickets can be purchased at the ticket counter. These are local trains with multiple stops so make sure to get off at Meta or Sorento.

In Sorrento or Meta use the SITA bus station to purchase tickets for SITA bus. When purchasing the tickets for Positano, they will let you know the bus number. These buses make multiple stops so make sure you get off at Pasitano.

Pro tip: You can also confirm the bus number with google maps.

From Naples

From Naples International Airport, you need to make your way to Piazza Garibaldi. You have 2 options: take a direct bus ($6) or a private taxi transfer ($30). When you arrive, look for the look EVA S.R.L. trains (Ente Autonomo Volturno) bound for Sorrento and purchase tickets for Sorento or Meta.

Tickets can be purchased at the ticket counter. These are local trains with multiple stops so make sure to get off at Meta or Sorento stop.

In Sorrento or Meta use the SITA bus station to purchase tickets for SITA bus. When purchasing the tickets for Positano, they will let you know the bus number. These buses make multiple stops so make sure you get off at Positano.

Where to Stay in The Amalfi coast?

We have been to the Amalfi Coast twice. The first time we chose to say in Sorrento, which is technically outside of the Amalfi coast area.

The main reason for choosing to stay in Sorrento is: it’s much cheaper. While we can definitely recommend this option if you’re trying to save money, we felt we missed out on the true Amalfi coast experience and wasted a lot of time in transit. For those reasons, we do recommend staying in Positano.

TL;DR: Stay in Positano, it’s worth the price tag.

If you’re looking for the ultimate bucket-list luxury stay, we recommend this hotel.

For an excellent mid-range option, we recommend staying here.

For another wonderful mid-range option, we recommend this hotel.

Getting around the Amalfi Coast:

Getting between coastal towns is very easy using the ferry, we recommend using Positano Jet. Tickets can be booked in advance here.

Another option using the SITA bus. SITA bus tickets can be purchased prior to boarding at most Tabaccherias.

While we have used both, we definitely don’t prefer the SITA as it can be incredibly crowded aka standing room only- not super fun for the motion sick prone or claustrophobic peeps.

Due to the narrow and winding roads, we definitely do not recommend hiring a car in this area.

Day 1: Positano

Morning:

Positano is a relatively small town and a lot of day-trippers come over using the ferry, so if you’re visiting during peak season, we definitely recommend starting your day early.

With plenty of shops and stunning views everywhere you turn, you definitely won’t regret the seemingly endless steps this town has. Make sure to try a famous Amalfi lemon granita, but be warned, it’s sure to make you pucker.

Afternoon:

Time to cool off. If going to the beach is your thing, we recommend renting an umbrella and taking a dip in the Tyrrhenian Sea. We definitely recommend booking in advance during peak season!

You can book this luxury club in advance online, but it definitely comes with a luxury price tag.

This beach club offers both regular beach chairs and luxury chairs on a rock overlooking the sea.

For a much more affordable option, this beach club has ocean front chairs without the hefty price.

Pro-tip: the pebbles will hurt your feet. Bring some flip-flops or water shoes to prevent injury.

If beaches aren’t your thing, we recommend taking one of the many class options in the area. We chose to do a ceramic painting class and absolutely loved it! Plus, they ship the piece to you once finished, so no need to worry about luggage space.

Evening:

Are romantic sunsets your vibe? Well, a sunset cruise along The Amalfi Coast is the epitome of romance. Take in the views as the sun sets and the twinkling town lights fill the coastline. Seeing the towns from this perspective is truly a unique experience.

Book your sunset cruise here:

Day 2: Amalfi town & Ravello

Morning:

Get your lemon garb ready. Today, you will start your day with a quick ferry ride over to Amalfi using the Positano Jet.

Lemon culture is so prevalent in The Amalfi Coast and the Amalfi lemon is unique to this area of the world. We visited a local lemon farm to learn about the Amalfi lemon, lemon farming, and of course, to try some fresh Amalfi Lemon limoncello. What better way to start your day than with a shot of limoncello?

We booked this lemon tour:

Afternoon:

Amalfi town itself is quite small, so we spent about an hour strolling around the area and felt that was plenty. We decided to spend the rest of the afternoon in Ravello. Ravello seems to get overlooked often, but in our opinion, it has the best views in the Amalfi Coast area.

Ravello is about a 16 minute drive from Amalfi. To get there, you can take a taxi (cost is 40-50 euros one way), use the SITA bus, or Amico shuttle. We highly recommend using the Amico shuttle, however, tickets need to be pre-booked at least a day in advance. Tickets can be booked here.

In Ravello, one of the best view points is located here in the Villa Cimbrone Gardens. The gardens are a beautifully kept area where you could truly wonder and get lost for hours. Cost to enter is $12 and well worth it for the views. Spend the rest of the afternoon wondering around Ravello.

We recommend ending the day with Baffone Gelateria Artigianale. It was seriously one of the best Gelatos we had in Italy. Gelato rankings are not something we take lightly.

Day 3: Pompeii & Mount Vesuvius

Getting to Pompeii

Purchase tickets for SITA bus to Sorrento or Meta or Sant’ Angelo.

Once there, make your way the EVA S.R.L. (Ente Autonomo Volturno) train station and purchase tickets for Pompeii Scavi Villa Dei Misteri from the ticket counter.

Look for trains bound for Napoli Porta Nolana and make sure to get off at Pompeii Scavi Villa Dei Misteri.

Pompeii

Today is a full day trip!

We booked a tour which included both Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius, so transportation between the two was also included. We started our tour at Mt. Vesuvius where we were allowed to climb up and view the inside the caldera.

It was a nice little climb to burn off all our gelatos. However, if treading volcanic sand isn’t your thing we definitely recommend skipping this part.

Pro-tip: make sure to wear closed-toe shoes. The volcanic rock is very slippery and makes it hard to get traction on the way up.

Next, we made our way to Pompeii after a quick stop for lunch. Pompeii is best done using a tour guide. As with Rome, it truly helps the area come to life. We have done the Pompeii tour twice, our first time we had a less than enthusiastic guide and did not enjoy it, but the second time was a redemption for us! Pompeii was truly a humbling experience.

Pompeii was a surprisingly progressive society and it really helped having someone point out all of the little nuances to us (*cough* *cough* phalluses everywhere).

Making your way back to Positano, if you have time and an appetite, we definitely recommend having the Eat, Pray, Love pizza experience in Naples. This pizza was made famous by Julia Roberts and honestly, it’s worth the hype.

Day 4: Capri

Today is another full day trip to one of Italy’s most beautiful islands: Capri. You will need to take the Pasitano Jet Ferry over to Capri. For the best rates, be sure to book your tickets in advance .

Capri is divided into two main areas, Capri and Anacapri. Each area has its own unique vibes and both areas are equally worth visiting.

Probably the most famous attraction in Capri is the Blue Grotto. We have visited Capri twice, the first time we visited as a day trip. During that day trip, we booked the blue grotto excursion. Unfortunately that used up a large majority of our time on Capri island, so we don’t recommend that to day-trippers. If your heart is set on seeing it, here are some options to get you there:

Morning: Anacapri

We recommend starting the morning off in Anacapri. The ferry will drop you off in Marina Grande, from there, make your way over to the ticket station here. Make sure to purchase an all day ticket, this will allow you to use the bus and go anywhere in Capri all day. For bus schedules and prices, click here.

Once in Anacapri, we recommend taking the Monte Solaro chairlift. From the top you will have the best views of Capri and the iconic three rock formations known as Faraglioni. There are trails in the area for walking and you can even walk back down to Anacapri town rather than taking the chairlift. We recommend starting the day here because there is little shade, so starting early gives you the best protection from the intense Capri sun.

Anacapri town is full of little shops and places to grab a bite (or some gelato), so we recommend spending a little time exploring before heading to Capri.

Afternoon: Capri town

After exploring Anacapri, take the bus to Capri. Capri is the bougie area of the island- think high end shopping and celebrity spotting. Here you can leisurely stroll, shop, of grab a Aperol spritz in the piazza.

If shopping ins’t your thing, we recommend a quick hike to our second favorite viewpoint: Belvedere Tragara. From the piazza, it’s a quick 20 minute hike up to the viewpoint, located here. While most people come to Capri for shopping or the blue grotto, this little viewpoint is not as well known, making it the perfect place to sit and take it all in.

Final thoughts

Classic charm, crystal clear water, and lemon love- The Amalfi Coast is a pure dream. It’s the perfect place to get some sun while getting lost in the magical seaside villages. This iconic region needs to be on every bucket list. If you follow this itinerary, we are sure you will fall in love with the Amalfi Coast charm and be itching to come back.

The post The Ultimate 4-Day Amalfi Coast Itinerary: Positano, Ravello & More appeared first on World Travel Lahrs.

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So… how long should you go?  3 days, 3 weeks, 3 months, forever? Just kidding, don’t plan your move yet. You have a destination in mind, you’re ready to start planning, but for how long should you go? Or better yet, do you even have enough time to go? Spoiler: you probably do.

We have a few good rules of thumb to help guide us along when determining how much time we will need in any given destination, which I will share below, but first a few thoughts:

We see people in Facebook groups, Reddit threats, and DMs asking “do I have enough time to visit [destination]?” Our answer will almost always be “yes!”. 

So, maybe it’s not the ideal amount of time, and you certainly aren’t going to see everything that city or country has to offer, but that doesn’t mean the experience is pointless.

Life.Is.Unpredictable. If you’ve always dreamed of going to Italy, but only have 4 days, Go! Take your 4 days and see Rome or the Amalfi Coast.  Hopefully, you can return again later, but if not, you’ll absolutely be glad you did what you could.

Neither of us have jobs with PTO and we don’t have remote gigs, but we’ve made it work- and made it EPIC.  We’ve gone to Iceland for 4 days and went Hawaii for 5 (that’s a 6-hour time zone change for us). We get creative with our planning and explore the world (sleeping is for airplanes, anyway).   

All that to say, never let time hold you back from travel. 

Now, if your time isn’t restricted, but you don’t know how to figure out the duration portion of a DIY itinerary, this is for you.

Here are 10 things to consider when planning your next big adventure.

1.The further the destination, the longer the duration.

 If it takes you 24hrs+ to get there, at least two weeks is ideal.

When visiting places like Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, or Japan, the journey for us on the East Coast is quite long. We will typically lose 2 days in travel/time zone changes getting there and one day on the return (plus a few solid REM cycles).

That’s 3 days off of your itinerary, leaving you 11 traveling days.

2. Determine your travel style

There are usually two different types of travelers: 

Traveler 1 (we’ll call her Joc): thrives on espresso and would prefer to skip sleep completely because they have too many things to see on their itinerary.  

Traveler 2 (we’ll call him Zach): would prefer to sleep in, go at a leisurely pace, see a few sights, but also make time for naps.

Know thyself- it’s important to be realistic about your own pace.

3.What’s the trip vibe?

 Is this a relaxing beach trip? Maybe you will feel completely fine after resting on the beach for 5 days.

Is this a hiking trip where you’re going to want to include rest days? Are you trying to see all the sights of an entire country?

All of these can have different durations, so it’s important to understand your expectations for the trip.

4.At least 2 nights in each city. 

We frequently find ourselves traveling at a fast pace, but we have decided that at least 2 nights is needed in most places.

Because you will likely spend part of the first day commuting, you really are only leaving yourself 1.5 days in exploring time. This is where day-tripping vs. moving cities becomes an important decision. 

5.Determine how much there is to do vs how much there is to see. 

We’ve put cities on our list because of one big-ticket item, only to get there and realize there is absolutely nothing to do beyond that.

Sometimes there are quite a few sights to see, but they end up being fairly close together and you can complete that in an afternoon.

Experiences, or things to do, take time. You’re going to need a few hours to take a cooking class, go on a whale tour, take a hike, etc. In a place with more experiences, you need more time.

6.Determine your likeliness of returning. 

Is this truly a once-in-a-lifetime trip for you? Then do it big, friend.

Some places are so difficult to get to, or are disappearing from climate changes, or are too expensive to come back.

If that is the case, leave no regrets. Do everything you want to do.

7.Set your priorities. 

Maybe you’ve read through our other posts and decided you want to go to a certain location, but not all of our recommendations appeal to you…cut down the days.

You have our permission. Some of “the best” things to do may not appeal to you, that’s okay. We have skipped out on plenty of recommended things because they didn’t fit our interest and have zero regrets.

8.Consider your comfort. 

Traveling is exhilarating, but, at times, it’s incredibly uncomfortable. We’ve been to a few places that are well beyond our comfort zone, to the point that we couldn’t wait to go home.

That doesn’t necessarily mean we didn’t like it or that we regretted going, but we felt the fatigue of being outside of our comfort zone, and that’s okay.

Travel will grow you and stretch you, like many things in life, but it’s completely fine to have boundaries in that experience too.

9.Money talks. 

Time is money, especially when you’re traveling. Longer time away is usually more costly. It’s more meals you’re eating away from home, more days spent in a hotel, more saying “yes” to things you typically wouldn’t. So, unfortunately, budget should be a consideration in determining your trip duration. 

That said, Joc’s girl math says that we can cut our electric bill in half over the summer if we go on a trip and use the AC in a hotel room.

10.The magic moment. 

Are you heading to Amsterdam to see the tulips at their peak? Trying to witness an incredible display of the Aurora in Finland? Itching to head to the Serengeti for the great migration?

Unfortunately, nature doesn’t factor in our schedule. If your goal is to see a specific *magic moment* give yourself more time than you think you’ll need. Trust us, nothing is a bigger bummer than going somewhere to see something specific and not seeing it.

Final thoughts

Sure- gap years are cool, but you don’t need to completely upend your life to start traveling.

Use the time that you do have, be strategic, and start checking off those bucket-list destinations. If you’re feeling lost when planning, use this guide to help walk you through.

The post How Many Days to Spend in a Destination? A Travel Blogger’s Guide to Planning Your Trip appeared first on World Travel Lahrs.

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Planning a trip to Rome? You’ve come to the right place. This jam packed itinerary will check all of your “must-see” boxes. Filled with food, culture, and insider tips, we are dropping all of our Rome travel knowledge here.

They say that all roads lead to Rome…

And after visiting 4 times, with trip #5 in the works, we can confirm that it must be true. Rome has this magnetic charm that just keeps pulling us back in and is easily our favorite city in all of Italy. Rome isn’t just another city, it’s a bucket-list worthy experience.

How Many Days Do You Need in Rome?

We recommend 3 days as the minimum time you should plan to spend in Rome. This will give you enough time to see the highlights. Keep in mind, this itinerary is jam packed, so if you prefer to travel at a slower pace (AKA more gelato stops), you can definitely add more days.

If you are visiting Rome as part of a bigger euro or Italy trip, we definitely recommend checking out our 2 week Italy itinerary. There you will find heaps of helpful tips for getting around and loads of things you shouldn’t miss.

When To Visit Rome?

Due to fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and cheaper prices, April, May, and September are often regarded as the best time to visit.

Peak tourism season is in the summer months (June-August) with daytime temperatures reaching highs of 90°+ F. If you are not a fan of heat and crowds, we recommend avoiding the summer time.

We visit every year in June and while you certainly are never alone in this city, we find it manageable.

Is Rome safe?

The most common crime in Rome is pick-pocketing, as is common in most larger cities. In order to mitigate your risk of being a pick-pocketing victim, here are a few safety tips we recommend:

• Never leave bags unattended
• Always be aware of your surroundings (take note when people bump into you, they’re not just clumsy)
• Use RDIF protection wallets and bags
• Don’t display expensive items
• Use a cell phone lanyard
• Don’t carry a wallet or valuables in your back pocket
• Use backpacks or bags with antitheft zippers

Getting to Rome

You will likely fly into Rome Fiumicino airport (FCO) which is the major international airport, but if you are flying with a low cost budget carrier, you may fly into Ciampino airport (CIA).

Reaching the city from the airport:

Let’s start by saying that taxis are expensive. A taxi from the airport into the city typically costs between €50–€80 one way one way.

Another option is to take a shuttle bus, but keep in mind that your transit time will be affected by traffic.

Because we are saving our pennies where we can and value our time, we opt to take the Leonardo Express train from the airport into the main train station, Roma Termini.

Train tickets can be purchased ahead of time from Trenitalia or Italo’s website, or they can be purchased at the kiosk inside the airport or station.

Trains are our go-to method of travel in Italy for 2 reasons: they’re reliable and fairly inexpensive.

Pro-tip: Make sure to validate your ticket and keep it on you during your ride because someone will check.

Where to stay in Rome?

Roman roads have lasted the test of time, but chances are, your luggage might not last the test of the Roman roads. To avoid pulling our luggage down the old Roman cobble stone roads, we always opt to stay close to a train station, such as the Roma Termini.

Here are our recommendations for places to stay:

For a 5 star colosseum view, we recommend this hotel.

For an excellent mid-range hotel near Roma Termini, we recommend this hotel.

For a slightly less expensive option, but still excellent location, we recommend this hotel.

Day 1: Ancient Roman days & trendy nights

Morning: Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Start your morning off the Italian way, with a cornetto and a tiny cappuccino (be warned: they come much smaller than the American version).

Our favorite cafe near the colosseum is Ciardi Bar Pasticceria. They actually serve big cappuccinos and we love them for it.

We suggest booking a morning tour of the colosseum, which includes the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. If you’re wondering why you need a guide, let’s put it simply: Without a guide? It’s a big old pile of rocks. With a guide, you are walking through history that literally comes alive.

Pro-tip: return to see the colosseum at night for a totally different experience.

Afternoon: Piazza Venezia & Altare della Patria

After a full morning, we recommend a quick carby snack before heading onward. It’s approximately an 18 minute walk, on mostly flat terrain.

Piazza Venezia & Altare della Patria is also known as the “wedding cake building”, for obvious aesthetic reasons. We recommend booking tickets in advance to the panoramic terrace. Tickets cost 18 Euro. This is our favorite view point in Rome.

Evening: Trendy Trastevere

We recommend ending your evening in Trastevere, which is approximately a 26 minute walk from Altare della Patria. This Roman neighborhood is full of charm and carbs.

Rome is, in our opinion, is home to some of the best food in Italy. Try some traditional Roman dishes like Cacio e Pepe or Carbonara at a local trattoria, and don’t forget to add an Aperol spritz.

A food tour is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and food traditions. We try to book one on our first day of a trip. Trastevere is an excellent place to explore food culture. Here are some fantastic options:

Day 2: Iconic sights, piazza, & parks

Morning: Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Campo dei Fiori & Piazza Navona

Good morning, we hope you brought some coins with you! Today we recommend starting your morning bright and early at the Trevi Fountain.

In 2024 the Trevi fountain underwent major restoration for the 2025 jubilee year. Prior to this, you could visit any time, and brave the crowds. Now, between the hours of 9AM-9PM a cueing system has been instituted.

However, if you go to the Trevi fountain prior to (or after) those times, you have full access to the Trevi without the wait. So we recommend getting there first thing in the morning. Think sunrise at the Trevi.

Make sure to toss your coin! Tossing one coin will guarantee your return to Rome (it’s worked for us and we do it every year religiously).

Pro tip:Coin tossing etiquette: toss a coin over your left shoulder, using your right hand.

Next you will visit the Pantheon. The cost is 5 euro to enter, except on Sunday. Mass is held on Sunday, so make sure to take this into account when planning as it may be closed for mass service.

Campo dei Fiori & Piazza Navona, are essentially right next to each other. This area is the perfect Piazza to break for lunch and some souvenir shopping. Take in the views and admire the beautiful fountains in the area.

Afternoon: Castel Sant’Angelo, Piazza del Popolo & Villa Borghese

Make your way over to Castel Sant’Angelo. Make sure to admire the beautiful area and take in the view of the river Tiber along this 10 minute walk. Tickets are 24 euro and can be purchased ahead of time. We did not purchase them in advance and had no issues getting in.

Continuing on to the Villa Borghese, you will pass the Piazza del Popolo (approximately 22 minute walk) . This neat little piazza is one of my favorite little piazzas- it rarely seems crowded and its a nice place to take pause prior to climbing the steps to Villa Borghese.

Villa Borghese, ah a little slice of heaven in Rome. Think Central Park, but the Italian version.

Visit the pond to rent row boats for a romantic Notebook style moment, grab a gelato stroll in shade, or rent an electric bike from either Bici Pincio or Ascol to explore the large area. This is my favorite escape in Rome and I could easily spend an entire day here.

Pro-tip: If you are planning on renting a bike, make sure that you have your ID with you. They will keep it to ensure you return the bike. If you are interested in renting a boat, the cue can get long and you can are only allowed to row for 20 minutes.

Day 3: Vatican vibes

Morning: Vatican Museums & Chapel Sistine

Get ready. Let me warn you, the Vatican is easily the most congested area in all of Rome. Make sure to book your entrance tickets well in advance or be prepared to stand in the cue for hours (and be warned, there is NO shade).

To visit the Chapel Sistine, you will first need to make your way through the Vatican Museum. There are many tours offered, but this small space felt so crammed with people, we wanted to get through as quickly as possible.

Friendly reminder: You are not allowed to take photos in the Chapel Sistine, so now is the time to practice being in-the-moment

Afternoon: St Peter’s Square and St Peter’s Basilica

Next, you will head on over to St Peter’s Basilica. Make sure you came prepared with appropriate clothing covering knees and shoulders because this is enforced.

Entry to the basilica itself is 7 euros, however if you wish to climb the dome (which we strongly suggest), you can buy a combined ticket for 17 euros to climb the stairs or 22 euros to use the lift.

While we personally don’t think these are the best views OF Rome, but the view inside the basilica from the dome is epic.

Final thoughts

Rome, the eternal city. Whether you’re interested in the ancient Roman history or looking for a trendy new food joint, Rome truly has it all. We are absolutely certain that following this itinerary will leave your heart full, your feet tired, and your soul hoping to return.

The post Rome Itinerary: Best Way to Explore Rome in 3 Days (2025 Guide) appeared first on World Travel Lahrs.

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Planning on going to Venice, but not sure how much time you’ll need? We got you. This itinerary gives you first hand experience of how to see all the best things in Venice over two days.

Venice, the only place where it is acceptable to tell someone to “take the bridge” … because there’s literally no other way to get around. Full of endless canals and buildings that look like they’re defying gravity, it’s truly captivating. Sometimes known as the “dirty city”, Venice can get a bad reputation, but it is absolutely worth a visit during your first trip to Italy. 

Why 2 days in Venice?

Compared to other cities (or regions) in Italy, Venice is a much smaller ground to cover. Venice is technically an island- or a collection of 118 islands built in the Venetian Lagoon.

While you can add on more days here and explore the surrounding Venetian islands like Burano, Murano, and Lido, we didn’t feel it was worth sacrificing the time in other areas.

To be completely honest, you could probably see all of the sights of Venice in one day. However, most people are seeing Venice as part of a larger Italy/Euro trip, so we recommend 2 days to account for travel time.

Getting here:

You can fly directly into Venice via Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE). From the airport, the easiest way to get into Venice city center is by taking the ferry.

The ferry leaves directly from VCE and takes you to one of the various ports in Venice, depending on which line you take. Tickets can be booked in advance here.

Alternatively, you can also take a taxi into Venice city center, however it tends to be very expensive. There is also a bus route, but to be honest, we aren’t big fans of navigating buses with all our luggage.

Best time to visit Venice?

As always, April/May & September/October are regarded as top choices for their lack of crowds.

Summer months like June-August will have the warmest weather.

If you’re interested in visiting during carnival, you will likely be planning your trip in February.

Is Venice safe?

As with most Italian cities, Venice is safe. Most crime in the area is related to pick-pocketing and scams. As always, here are our rules for safety regarding pick-pocketing:

• Leave all flashy things out of sight (in fact, if you don’t need it, don’t even bring it).
• Never leave your bags unattended.
• Pay attention to your surroundings.
• Bring antitheft bags or backpacks
• If someone “bumps” into you, it’s usually not an accident. Take note.

Getting around Venice

Because of its smaller size, Venice is very walkable. That being said, it is essentially a giant maze (think cornfield in the fall).

We definitely recommend downloading Google Maps prior to getting there, but be aware that even google maps will get you lost sometimes. It’s all part of the experience.

For further distances (or if you just don’t feel like walking), you can opt to use the Ferry or private transfers. 

Ferry Info:

As we mentioned above, Venice is incredibly walkable, but you may want to use the ACTV ferry system, especially if you are going to the other islands. You can buy a single way ACTV ticket good for 75 minutes of use or ACTV buy day passes which can be purchased online here.

Google maps is your best friend for navigating ferry ports. Each port has multiple ferries going to various locations, so we recommend using google maps to figure out which ACTV ferry to take. 

Where to stay in Venice

For a luxury stay, look no further than this stunning hotel

For an excellent mid-range option, we recommend staying here.

For a budget option, this would be a fantastic choice.

Day 1

Since you’re likely going to have a day of travel today getting into Venice, we are recommending a less full itinerary. No rushing around today.

Afternoon: 

If you’re feeling ready to stretch your legs, head over to the Basilica Santa Maria Della Salute. This beautiful Baroque-style church stands out among the Venice skyline.

You can get there by walking or by taking the ferry. Entry to the Basilica is free, but if you want to visit the Sacristy which has a display of art, there is a 4 euro entry fee.

Remember, to respect the modesty policy and wear something that covers both shoulders and knees.

If you say you’re going to Venice and don’t want a gondola ride, we simply don’t believe you. 1000% touristy, definitely over-priced, but also a must-do. It feels like an Italy rite-of-passage and it’s truly a unique way to see Venice.

You can either pre-book your gondola ride or hire a gondolier at one of the various stations on the island. We be booked ours here.

Be aware that they will still operate rain or shine (unlucky for us, we got rain). They only operate from 9am-7pm at the normal fare and then rates increase, so we do recommend going before 7pm as it is already relatively expensive. 

Evening: Ponte Di Rialto

The real Rialto bridge, not the Vegas one. Walking across this bridge in the evening is definitely recommended. The glow of the lights along the canal bay is absolutely breath-taking.

There are plenty of places to stop for trinkets and treats. While this iconic bridge tends to be quite crowded during the day, crowds lessen at the evening rolls in.

Day 2

Morning: 

Start your morning with a tour of Doges palace. Doges Palace is known for its Venetian Gothic architecture. It has served various roles for the venetian government such as residence of the Doge (the Venetian Republic leader) and even housed a jail. Now Doges Palace serves as a beautiful museum and one of the top things to do in Venice.

On your tour, you will have the opportunity to walk across the bridge of Sighs. This iconic bridge was the named because it was the last sight of the beautiful Venetian façade that prisoners would see prior to being incarcerated, causing them to sigh. Make sure to see it from the outside too for a unique perspective.

Here is a fantastic tour which combines our afternoon recommendation, Saint Marks Basilica:

Afternoon:

This afternoon you will visit Saint Marks Basilica. For some reason, this Basilica reminds me of a fancy merry-go-round and I find it incredibly beautiful (for the record, Zach and I are not typically lovers of visiting endless churches, so that says something).

Because this is a church, remember modesty is important, so dress accordingly (covering knees & shoulders).  

Tickets are 3 euros for basic entry and an additional 10 euros to climb the bell tower. We HIGHLY recommend climbing the bell tower– the views are absolutely incredible and this is probably the best view of Venice from above (in our opinion).

Evening:

After you’ve finished exploring Saint Marcs, you will be right in the Piazza San Marco. Grab a bite to eat, walk through the piazza where music and dancing often happens, and enjoy those Venetian vibes.

Alternative recommendations

If you have extra time, we would definitely recommend exploring some of the Venetian islands. Here are some options to get you there

Final thoughts

Is Venice worth visiting on your trip to Italy? Absolutely. Embrace the grittiness and you be captivated by the sound of gondoliers singling and spending hours wondering through the canals. Full of unique charm and history, this area is a different change of pace from other large cities in Italy, giving it a “must-visit” recommendation from us.

The post What to Do with 2 days in Venice: A Complete Itinerary appeared first on World Travel Lahrs.

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Planning your first trip to Italy? I know it can seem overwhelming. We got you. This itinerary covers Rome, The Amalfi Coast, Florence, Cinque Terre, and Venice. It is packed with highlights, don’t miss items, and best of all- no fluff.

Italy will always hold a special place in our hearts. It’s truly the place that opened our eyes to the beauty of travel. Unique culture, amazing food, stunning views, epic history- Italy has it all.

Italy was our first real international trip- I’m talking long haul flights, changing cities, multiple hotels, and public transportation. It was incredibly overwhelming and we had absolutely no clue where to begin. 

What we did know, was that there were a handful of cities we had always dreamed of visiting. No real hidden gems, but the big cities that scream ITALY. So, that is how this itinerary was born- we were essentially wanting to hit the highlights. 

Are you planning your first trip to Italy? Let us take the stress of planning away and follow this epic itinerary for your two- week intro to Italy.

Why Visit Italy for 2 Weeks?

Ah, Italy. The little boot, food heaven, a place where many of us Americans proudly claim to have ancestors. Italy is comprised of 20 regions, each with its own unique blend of history, culture, and, most importantly, food. We’ve been going to Italy every summer for the past few years and still haven’t made our way through each region. You could probably spend years here, but most of us don’t have a few years PTO built up. Two weeks is ideal because it will get you to see most of the “highlights”, without rushing around too much. However, if you have less time, don’t write off visiting Italy, see our article here for what to do with limited time.

Who this itinerary is for?

This itinerary is perfect for anyone who loves culture, food, and getting their steps in. Our days are packed with things to do, but not leave you needing a vacation at the end of your vacation. We prioritize local culture and things we feel are actually worth recommending, no extra fluff You won’t find us recommend visiting every church or museum in the city (although, you can if you want to), just the highlights.

Here is the itinerary breakdown:

• Rome: 3 days
• Amalfi Coast: 4 days
• Florence: 3 days
• Cinque Terre: 2 days
• Venice: 2 days

When to Visit Italy

If you’re wanting fewer crowds and cheaper prices (but still decent weather), May and September are for you. We personally choose to visit Italy every summer in June and while it is still crowded, we love the weather and don’t find the crowds to be too much to manage. Places like Rome and the Amalfi Coast do tend to experience more mild winters (with average highs in the mid 50’s Fahrenheit), but you would certainly have to plan accordingly.

Essential Italy Travel Tips

Italy uses type C electrical outlets, which have two round pins. If coming from the US, make sure to back your electrical outlet adapter.

Our go-to app recommendations:

In most major cities, you will likely do a lot of walking. We always recommend downloading the google maps for your planned cities ahead of time. This will allow you to have directions, even in areas with poor reception (plus you won’t be using all your data).

If Italian isn’t your spoken language, download the offline version of google translate for help with communication. We’ve had plenty of full conversations using google translate!

Pro tip: you can use the camera feature for help reading the menu. Just be aware that somethings don’t translate well, so leave room for error.

How to Travel Italy by Train: Tips for First-Timers

It is very easy to travel to most large cities in Italy via train. Here is our Step-by-step on how to plan your route with trains:

1. Use Google Maps to plan your route. Google maps is an excellent resource to see the distance between your accommodations and attractions. It will help you establish a realistic sense of travel time.
   1. Use the google maps date & time feature to get accurate train schedules. Tap the departure time to adjust for your time and date preferences. We love this feature for planning as you go.
   1. Click routes to find operator information. Once you’ve selected your route, day, and time, click to see the details of the operating company (usually Trenitalia or Italo)
   1. Book in advance. If you can, it’s best to book in advance (especially for those long routes). Ideal booking time is about 2-3 months prior to your trip, especially during peak season.
   1. Pay attention to booking options. Both Trenitalia and Italo offer different booking classes and inclusions (Standard, Premium, Business, Quiet zones). If you’ve got a long trip planned, you’re probably going to want to book an outlet seat so plan in advance.

Tickets can also be purchased at a kiosk or ticket office. Look for “biglietto” which means tickets.

Trains run on time in Italy, so give yourself leeway to make sure you don’t miss it.

Make sure that you validate your ticket prior to boarding, otherwise you could receive a fine. Validation stations are the tan & green machines found on the platforms.

ALWAYS have your ticket with you. They will check. If you don’t have a ticket, you will be fined.

Italian Food Etiquette

Dinner is typically served very late in Italy. Standard dinner time is 8pm-10pm. Most restaurants will close for a small window prior to opening for dinner service. Make sure to plan accordingly.

Italy’s food is very region specific. Each region is known for specific dishes and pasta shapes. You can find things outside of that, but it is most common to find regional dishes. Except pizza, pizza is a universal love language (although the crust varies by region). Don’t go to Rome expecting to get lasagna- can you find it? Yes. But you are more likely to find Cacio e pepe or Carbonara. 

Types of Restaurants in Italy

Pasticceria’s are bakeries. Typically, they serve espresso and have cases filled with pastries. The selection varies by region, but there are a few popular goodies that can be found throughout Italy. This is Joc’s favorite place to frequent.

A bar is typically more of a coffee shop or café. Expect to find pastries, coffee, and maybe even gelato during the day. In the evening, they may start to serve alcoholic drinks & aperitivo. Bars are our favorite place to grab a little treat.

Enoteca’s are a wine shop or a place that serves regional wines.

Ristorantes are standard restaurants. You can expect to be seated and have table service. There is usually a “coperto” or cover charge per person which covers the table service. It is usually 1-5 euros. Tips or gratuity are not expected and you will likely need to ask for the check.

Trattoria’s are less formal than Ristorantes, typically family-run eateries serving regional dishes. Usually cheaper prices (and in our opinion, better food).

Osteria’s are very similar to trarrorias. Cheaper food, less formal atmosphere. Some wine and small plates are common, but others serve full meals. 

Is Italy safe?

Currently the US department of state has Italy listed at a level 2 (exercise increased caution). However, we have never felt unsafe in Italy. Italy is known for petty type crime, such as pick-pocketing or scams. In fact, if you are purchasing a train ticket at a kiosk, they warn you during the process to be aware of pickpocketing. 

Here are a few tips we use to stay vigilant against pick-pockets:

• Leave all flashy things out of sight (in fact, if you don’t need it, don’t even bring it).
• Never leave your bags unattended.
• Pay attention to your surroundings.
• Bring antitheft bags or backpacks
• If someone “bumps” into you, it’s usually not an accident. Take note.

Rome: Days 1-3

Rome will always be our favorite city in Italy. It’s the perfect blend of ancient history and city. It’s also important to note that, in our opinion, Rome has the best food. So that obviously moves it up to #1 for foodies like us.

If you’re looking for ALL the tips for Rome, checkout our detailed 3 day guide to Rome.

Getting to Rome:

We started our trip in Rome. One excellent argument for starting an Italy trip here is that Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) is a major international airport and Rome itself is relatively centrally located in Italy. From Rome, most places can be accessed by taking a train. We recommend taking the Leonardo Express train from the airport into the main train station, Roma Termini.

Where to Stay in Rome:

For a 5 star colosseum view, we recommend this hotel.

For an excellent mid-range hotel near Roma Termini, we recommend this hotel.

For a slightly less expensive option, but still excellent location, we recommend this hotel.

Day 1

• Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Arguably the most famous sights to see in all of history, it seems only natural to put this first. Make sure to book a tour because tickets do sell out and you will learn so much more having someone guide you through this ancient wonder. Book your tour here:

• Piazza Venezia &Altare della Patria, and Trastevere

Altare della Patria is also known as the “wedding cake building”. Book a ticket in advance and head to the panoramic terrace- the view is a dream. 

Spend the evening in Trastevere, enjoying carb heaven with some fresh carbonara. 

Day 2:

• Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Campo dei Fiori & Piazza Navona

Start early at the Trevi, a new cue is in place for this 2025 year, but heading there before 8 am will get you in before the cue begins. The Spanish steps, Pantheon, Piazza Navona are all in walkable distance from each other. It’s a perfect way to spend the afternoon wondering around with a gelato in hand.

• Castel Sant’Angelo, Piazza del Popolo & Villa Borghese

Enjoy views of the Taber River at Castel Sant’Angelo. The Villa Borghese is a little slice of heaven in Rome. Visit the pond, rent a bike, or enjoy a walk in the shade with gelato in hand.

If you’re looking to get less steps or interested in a unique take on todays itinerary, we definitely recommend checking out one of these tours:

Day 3

• Vatican Museums & Chapel Sistine

Marvel at the Vatican & Chapel Sistine, but make sure to have your tickets purchased ahead of time or risk the long cue. Fair warning: it’s always crowded, so be mentally prepared. Tours can be purchased here.

• St Peter’s Square and St Peter’s Basilica

Purchase tickets to climb the dome for epic views of the basilica from above. Don’t forget to wear clothing that covers your knees and shoulders because the dress code is strictly enforced.

Amalfi Coast: Days 4-7

The Amalfi Coast is Italy’s glittering coastline where iconic charm and Italian vacation vibe together harmoniously. Beautiful seaside villages, winding roads, history, lemon flavored… everything. The Amalfi Coast is a post-card picture place to relax in the Italian sun.  

We recommend basing yourself in Positano for its central location and using ferries or the SITA bus system to move around.

Getting to Positano:

From Roma Termini you will need to purchase tickets for Napoli Centrale. Tickets should be purchased in advance here for the best possible price.

Exit the Napoli Centrale station and walk towards signs for Piazza Garibaldi. When you arrive, look for the look EVA S.R.L. trains (Ente Autonomo Volturno) bound for Sorrento and purchase tickets for Sorento or Meta.

Tickets can be purchased at the ticket counter. These are local trains with multiple stops so make sure to get off at Meta or Sorento.

In Sorrento or Meta use the SITA bus station to purchase tickets for SITA bus. When purchasing the tickets for Positano, they will let you know the bus number. These buses make multiple stops so make sure you get off at Pasitano.

Pro tip: You can also confirm the bus number with google maps.

Where to Stay in Positano:

If you’re looking for the ultimate bucket-list luxury stay, we recommend this hotel.

For an excellent mid-range option, we recommend staying here.

For another wonderful mid-range option, we recommend this hotel.

Day 4: Positano

• Explore Positano. This small, seaside town packs a punch with charm and views. Spend some time wondering around the small shops.
• Want to be a beach bum for the day? Rent an umbrella and set up shop. This a place where locals and tourist love to get the best souvenir- an Italian tan.
• Try a ceramics class! It’s the best way to stay out of the sun, but have a blast. We recommend this one:
• Enjoy the iconic sunset on a sunset cruise. Perfect time to get that Instagram photo. Book your cruise here: 

Day 5: Amalfi town & Ravello

• Visit a lemon farm and learn all about the famous Amalfi lemon. Bonus: limoncello is included. Book here:
• Wonder around Amalfi town- don’t forget to stop into the Nino & friends for some chocolate samples (plus some chocolate to bring home too).
• Take the winding roads up to Ravello and get lost in the Villa Cimbrone Gardens
• Stop for Gelato at at Baffone Gelateria Artigianale– it was seriously one of the best Gelatos we had in Italy.

Day 6: Pompeii & Mount Vesuvius

Getting to Pompeii

Purchase tickets for SITA bus to Sorrento or Meta or Sant’ Angelo.

Once there, make your way the EVA S.R.L. (Ente Autonomo Volturno) train station and purchase tickets for Pompeii Scavi Villa Dei Misteri from the ticket counter.

Look for trains bound for Napoli Porta Nolana and make sure to get off at Pompeii Scavi Villa Dei Misteri.

• You can’t visit this region without taking a trip to Pompeii. Booking a tour is the best way to experience this area and bonus point, you can visit Mount Vesuvius too!
• Try the Eat, Pray, Love pizza experience in Naples. This pizza was made famous by Julia Roberts and honestly, it’s worth the hype.

Day 7: Capri 

Getting to Capri

From Positano, purchase ferry tickets for Capri. We used Pasitano Jet and had no issues. You can book your tickets in advance here to save time.

• Visit Anacapri and take the Monte Solaro chairlift to the top for the best views of the Faraglioni.
• Anacapri town is full of little shops and places to grab a bite (or some gelato), so spend some time here exploring. 
• Take the bus to Capri for some high-end shopping and celebrity spotting in the Piazza. 
• Hike up to Belvedere Tragara for a quiet ecape with some epic views.

If you’re looking for an easy way to see Capri, you can definitely consider a tour. Here are some great options.

Florence & Tuscany (days 8-10)

After all that sun, it’s time to head to Italy’s art capital. Florence is an incredibly walkable city filled with Renaissance culture, artsy vibes, and incredibly rare steak. Rather than recommending you do endless museum marathons, we’re mixing art, nature, and epic views to show you the best of this region in 3 days.

Getting to Florence:

If you are following this itinerary exactly, you will be coming from Positano. You will need to purchase tickets for the SITA bus heading to Sorrento, Meta, or Sant’ Angelo. Confirm the bus stop number with google maps.

After exiting your bus, walk to the EVA S.R.L. (Ente Autonomo Volturno) train station and purchase tickets on the local metro for Piazza Garibaldi. You need to take the train bound for Napoli Porta Nolana and get off at Piazza Garibaldi.

Walk out of Piazza Garibaldi terminal and look for signs for Napoli Centrale, there you will purchase tickets for Firenze Santa Maria Novella. Take the train to Firenze Santa Maria Novella.

Pro-tip: tickets should be purchased in advance here in order to get the best possible price.

Where to Stay in Florence

If you’re looking for a high-end feeling hotel, right near the train station, we definitely recommend staying here.

For a mid-range hotel near the train station, with a duomo view, we recommend staying here.

For a budget option, that feels like a modern hotel, we recommend staying here.

Day 8: Exploring Florence

Since you will likely be arriving on this day from Amalfi, we have only included a few things to do. No need to rush around, you will have plenty of time.

• Visit Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s ancient bridge. The only pre-modern medieval bridge remaining over the Arno river in Florence. Bring some cash because there is plenty of shopping.
• Experience sunset at the Piazzale Michelangelo viewpoint. In our opinion, this is the best view of Florence. You will definitely be able to spot the duomo.

If you’re interested in seeing the city with a guide, here is a fantastic option:

Day 9: Getting Artsy 

Morning:

• Visit the Galleria dell’Accademia to see the famous Statue of David by Michelangelo.  You need to book your ticket in advance. You can do this as part of a tour; here is a great tour option:
• Try the famous All’Antico Vinaio sandwiches. They’re famous on social media and definitely worth the hype.
• See the duomo! It’s kinda a big deal here (pun intended). Climb the tower if you wish, but make sure to grab your tickets in advance.
• Try the Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florence steak). This steak is a specialty known to the Florence area. Warning: it’s going to come rare. Make a reservation in advance.

Day 10: Tuscany road trip.

• Drive from Florence to the Val D’Orcia region. Val D’Orcia is a region in Tuscany where you will find those dreamy picturesque rolling hills vibes. Spend a few hours getting lost in the best way.
• Visit Sienna and stroll the Piazza del Campo.
• Stop for lunch at II Bocconcino.  Honestly, these were the best sandwiches we had in all of Italy. We dream about these sandwiches. Please go get one, for us.
• Climb the 300 steps of the Torre del Mangia for the best views in Sienna.

If driving is too scary, here are some fantastic tour options

Cinque Terre (days 11-12)

Are you missing the sun? Perfect because its back to the coast we go! Cinque Terra, 5 old fishing villages dotted along the coastline. You can explore the villages by foot by hiking the coastline trail or by train.

To be honest, although Cinque Terre is worth visiting and incredibly picturesque, we didn’t find there to be much to do, so we were glad to spend our days hiking. Because of this, 2 days is the optimal time to see all the towns without feeling bored. If you want to go at a more relaxed pace or spend more time having beach days, feel free to adjust accordingly.

If you plan on hike, due to landslides or natural disasters, part of the trail can sometimes be closed, which is why this itinerary is written the way it is. Always be sure to check prior to heading out. Updated information can be found here.

Getting to Cinque Terre:

From Firenze Santa Maria Novella station, purchase tickets for Pisa Centrale or La Spezia Centrale. These are local trains, so make sure to get off at either Pisa Centrale or La Spezia Centrale stop.

Once at Pisa Centrale or La Spezia Centrale, purchase tickets to Monterosso using the Cinque Terre Express.

Where to stay in Cinque Terre

Because these are five tiny towns, hotel accommodations are quite limited. Therefore, here are a few recommendations we can make if you’re looking to stay as close to the villages as possible.

For a stunning stay in Riomaggiore, we recommend booking here.

Another more budget friendly accommodation in Riomaggiore is this hotel.

Day 11

Today is a shorter day due to travel time, but we still managed to make time to get a hike in and explore 2 of the 5 towns.

If you’re not staying in Cinque Terre (or even if you are, but don’t feel like hiking), then take the Cinque Terre Express train to Riomaggiore and begin exploring.

Spend some time exploring in the town grab some of the famed fried fish in a cone and then take the blue trail hike over to Manarola. It’s will take approximately 1 hour to get over to Manorala and it is definitely worth the views. End your evening sampling some of the local wines, taking a boat tour, or just watching an epic beach sunset.

If relaxing and doing a tour seems less overwhelming than hiking (or if the weather just isn’t on your side), here are some options for you.

Day 12

Begin in Monterosso, the biggest village. Depending on where you are coming from, you may need to take the Cinque Terre express to get here. In Monterosso you will find beaches, shopping, stunning views.

Hike from Monterosso to Vernazza. A beautiful scenic pathway which takes approximately 2 hours. Make sure to pack sunscreen & start early because shade is limited. 

Vernazza, is the colorful village with vibes similar to Positano. Once here, you can explore the town, take a dip in the ocean to cool off, or grab some stunning Instagram worthy selfies.

Next you will hike from Vernazza to Corniglia. This hike takes about 1.5 hours. Once in Corniglia, you can kayak at sea, explore the local village, and be sure to try some local Cinque Terre wine.

Venice (Days 13-14):

Venice, the magical floating city with more dead ends than a corn maze. Built upon 118 islands and connected by over 400 bridges, this beautiful city is sure to test your sense of direction.

At this point in your two-week itinerary, your feet are probably hurting and you are likely craving a break. Good news! Venice is a fairly small territory to cover compared to other areas like Rome and the Amalfi Coast. These next two days will have you cover the highlights with time to enjoy an Aperol spritz in the afternoon.

Getting to Venice:

If you are following this itinerary directly, you will need to head to the Monterosso station and purchase tickets for Pisa Centrale or La Spezia Centrale. These are local trains, so make sure to get off at either Pisa Centrale or La Spezia Centrale.

Once at Pisa Centrale or La Spezia Centrale, purchase tickets for Firenze Santa Maria Novella. Take the train to Firenze Santa Maria Novella.

Once you arrive at Firenze Santa Maria Novella purchase your tickets for Venezia Santa Lucia.

Where to Stay in Venice

For a luxury stay, look no further than this stunning hotel

For an excellent mid-range option, we recommend staying here.

For a budget option, this would be a fantastic choice.

Day 13

Since you’re likely going to have a day of travel today, we are recommending a less full itinerary. No rushing around today. 

Visit the Basilica Santa Maria Della Salute. This beautiful church stands out among the typical Venetian façade- that alone piqued our interest enough to make a stop.

Take a Gondola Ride. It’s pricey, but absolutely a core-memory. Go before 7pm to avoid an even steeper price.

Ponte Di Rialto. Walk across the iconic bridge, visit the shops, but go in the evening for a stunning view of the canals (and less crowds).

Day 14:

Piazza San Marco. Grab a pizza, listen to the music, and just enjoy the venetian vibes in this beautiful Piazza.

Doges palace: a place of stunning beauty and important history. We recommend taking. A tour. We listed a few tour options below.

Bridge of sighs. You will likely walk across this bridge during your Doges Palace tour, but make sure to see it from the outside too for a change or perspective.

Visit Saint Marks Basilica. This stunning Basilica stands out in all the best ways. Make sure to climb the bell tower for the best views of Venice.

If you’re looking for more Venice info, visit our detailed post on how to see the best of Venice in 2 days.

Getting Home

From Venice, you can either catch a flight out of Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), or make your way back to Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO). We personally chose to fly out of VCE due to time constraints, but you can easily hop on a train back to Rome to make a flight there.

Final thoughts

Whew! A two week trip to Italy will leave you feeling exhausted, but yearning for more. There’s something so charming about each of these towns (and all the small towns in between). We are sure that you will be returning home with a full heart, heaps of memories, and a desire to return again.

The post 2 Weeks in Italy: The Ultimate Itinerary for First-Timers appeared first on World Travel Lahrs.

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You’ve just come back from having the most amazing week of your life- sipping margaritas poolside, checking items off of your bucket-list, taking in the most dramatic scenery, falling in love with the leisure life. Now reality sets in and it’s as if you just experienced a super harsh landing. We get it. Traveling every month leads us to experience this, well, every month. If there is one thing I hate more than returning to work on a Monday after being away, it’s returning to a long to-do list. So, Ive created a list of 5 things I do before going away to ensure a smooth transition to being back home.

1. Stock Your Fridge With Essentials

I know, I know this sounds like a cardinal sin. Aren’t you supposed to clear the fridge before you leave? Well, yes. We do purge the refrigerator of all the perishable items (fresh veggies, meats, ect.) prior to leaving, but we also stock the fridge with non-perishable must haves. Unless you are going on an exuberantly long trip, chances are you will be able to help your future self out and buy some essentials.

Here are the essentials we always make sure to have on hand:

• Almond milk
• Eggs
• Our favorite snacks (chips & salsa for Zach)
• Meat (beef, pork, fish, or chicken) in the freezer
• Frozen veggies

These items aren’t going to expire in a week or two and can be made into a meal. I could live off breakfast foods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Or I can pull the chicken breast and frozen broccoli from the freezer. While I will still need to go to the grocery store in the future, I don’t feel the pressure as soon as the plane touches down.

2. Wash Your Sheets Before You Leave

Returning home and facing reality sucks, there’s no way to sugar coat that. After a long (and always uncomfortable) journey flying or driving home, I just want to go to bed.

There is absolutely nothing better than your own bed. But you know what makes it even better? Fresh, clean sheets. Even when I am stressed getting everything ready for a trip, adding this one simple task to my to-do list is worth it.

3. Refill Everyday Household Items

You know what I absolutely despise? Going to use something, only to find it empty. There is nothing that grinds my gears like this. Imagine it happening 4x over? This used to be us. 

4. Do a thorough basic home cleaning

I know, another item added to your busy before-vaca to-do list, but hear me out. It’s actually a fact that a cluttered and messy environment creates feelings of stress. Jet-lag is stressful, returning to work is stressful, facing the scale post-vaca is stressful, don’t add any unnecessary stress to your life. You don’t need that. Now, I’m not talking about a sterile environment type of clean either, just the basics.

• Clean kitchen surfaces
• Tidy bathrooms
• Take our trash
• Sweep or vacuum floors
• Run the dishwasher

5. Do laundry on your trip

If we are going somewhere for more than a week, I plan a laundry afternoon into our travel itinerary. Coming home with heaps of dirty laundry makes re-packing a nightmare and creates a seemingly endless to-do list for returning home. Plus, planning to do laundry while away is a major space saver for those of us who are #TeamCarryOn.

While laundry isn’t the most fun or relaxing vacation activity, you might find that it’s not that big of an inconvenience either. We got sun on the beach while doing laundry in Australia, paid $8 for someone to do our laundry in Bali, and took a nap away from the summer heat of Japan while our clothes were in the washer.

Foreign hotels sometimes make it incredible accommodating to do laundry, so I make note to always check the laundry facilities when booking a stay.

Final Thoughts

Coming home is hard, especially after an incredibly trip. With some planning and a little extra effort, coming home can be calm, stress-free, and maybe even a little relaxing. Plus, with all the stress you save rushing around, you might even have some time to start planning your next adventure!

The post 5 Simple Ways to Make Coming Home from Vacation Less Overwhelming appeared first on World Travel Lahrs.