Italy

In August 2023, we drove from Frankfurt to Italy by car to explore the country for 2 weeks.

We decided to start in Florence, then continue to Tuscany, Hot Springs, Rome, Alberobello, Tropea, the Amalfi Coast, and spend the final night in San Gimignano.

Florenz

Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is located in the central region of Italy. It stretches along the Arno River and is surrounded by hills, enclosing the city in a picturesque valley. The city has a long and rich history as one of the cultural centers of Europe, particularly during the Renaissance.

Arrival in Florenc

Our journey to Florence started early in the morning directly from Frankfurt. While the car ride was long, after 10 hours we finally reached our destination.

AirBnb

Location: The accommodation was located in a suburb of Florence, away from the city center, contributing to a quiet atmosphere. One could either walk to the center of Florence in about 30-40 minutes, ride a bike for 15 minutes, or use the local train to quickly reach the main train station.

Cost: €100 per night.

Value for Money: The value for money is good.

Positives: A beautiful ambiance, quiet and spacious apartment, complimentary bicycles available, parking space.

Negatives: None.

Florence Central Market

The Central Market of Florence, also known as "Mercato Centrale" or "Mercato di San Lorenzo," is a lively and cultural hub in the historic center of Florence. This historical market spans two floors and offers an abundance of culinary experiences.

On the ground floor, you'll find fresh produce such as fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, and cheeses offered by local vendors. It's a great place to purchase fresh ingredients for your Tuscan cooking adventures.

However, the highlight of Mercato Centrale is the first floor, which serves as a "Food Court." Here, you'll find a variety of stalls and restaurants offering a wide range of Tuscan specialties and international cuisine. From pizza and pasta to paninis and fresh gelato, there's something here to please every palate.

The market is not just a place to eat but also a place to experience the local culture and culinary heritage of Florence. It's the perfect spot to taste traditional dishes and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this historic market.

Opening hours: 9am-12am

We arrived at our accommodation in the morning and spent the entire day there. A perfect place to unwind, relax by the pool, take leisurely walks, and savor authentic Italian cuisine at the hotel restaurant.

Casa Pruno Rosso

Location: Quiet location away from the hustle and bustle.

Cost: €109 per night.

Value for Money: The value for money is good.

Positives: Parking included, beautiful furnishings, and friendly hosts.

Negatives: No Wi-Fi, limited cell phone reception, no air conditioning (only 2 fans, which may not be sufficient during the hot summer temperatures in Italy). These negative aspects may have improved since the apartment has only been rented since July 2023.

Cascate del Mulino-Hot Spring

The Cascate del Mulino, also known as the Saturnia Thermal Springs, are a well-known thermal spring in Tuscany, Italy. These hot springs are famous for their warm, sulfur-rich water flowing over impressive travertine rock formations, creating a sequence of small pools and waterfalls. They are a popular destination for relaxation and are believed to have healing properties due to the mineral content in the water. Visitors can enjoy bathing in the pools while admiring the beautiful Italian landscape. This is a unique and picturesque place to unwind and experience the benefits of natural thermal springs.

Parking facilities: Sufficient parking is available on-site.

Cost: €2.50 per hour.

Rom

Accommodation in Rome

Alberobello

Arrival in Alberobello

If you arrive by car, as we did, it's important to note that the streets in Alberobello are often narrow, and the costs for public parking can be quite high. Therefore, we opted for accommodation that includes parking in the price

Accommodation in Alberobello

Ice Production

At La Bottega del Gelato, there's a special opportunity to observe the making of delicious ice cream from the sidewalk.

Visiting Trulli Houses: The unique architecture of Alberobello comprises the Trulli houses, which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can stroll through the narrow streets and explore these distinctive cone-shaped dwellings.

Visit Trullo Sovrano: This is the only two-story Trullo and serves as a museum. Here, you can learn more about the history and culture of the region.

Culture and History: Visit the Trullo Siamese, a double Trullo, and learn more about the fascinating history of this unique settlement.

Tropea is a charming coastal town in southern Italy, specifically located in the region of Calabria. This picturesque destination sits atop a cliff overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea and is renowned for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and quaint historic center.

The old town of Tropea is a maze of narrow streets lined with historic buildings, churches, and small shops. One absolute highlight is the sea view from the cliffs, which is particularly spectacular at sunset.

The beaches surrounding Tropea are breathtaking and rank among the most beautiful in Italy. The most famous is Spiaggia di Tropea, a golden sandy beach framed by impressive cliffs.

Overall, Tropea is known for its beauty and charm, making it perfect for a relaxing seaside vacation. The combination of picturesque natural scenery, historical heritage, and delicious cuisine makes this place a true gem in southern Italy.

Accommodation in Tropea

A hidden paradise in Calabria, where the golden sandy beach gently merges into the clear turquoise sea.

Surrounded by imposing cliffs and offering a relaxed atmosphere – a dreamy destination for unforgettable moments of relaxation.

Spiaggia Michelino is a gem on the Calabrian coast of Italy. The golden sandy beach stretches out against a breathtaking backdrop of rocky cliffs and the deep blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

This untouched coastal stretch provides the perfect setting for a relaxing day at the beach and unforgettable views of the picturesque landscape of Calabria.

Boat Excursion + Snorkeling

On our tour along the coast of Tropea, we experienced unforgettable moments. The spectacular panoramic views were simply breathtaking, and snorkeling in Grotticelle Bay was a true highlight. The day started at the port of Tropea, where we admired the picturesque towns and beaches. On board, we enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere with music in the background, accompanied by delicious tapas, refreshing aperitifs, and drinks.

• Renting a Boat

• Excursion to the Volcano

The Stromboli volcano is an impressive and active volcano located on the island of Stromboli, which belongs to the Aeolian Islands in Italy. What makes Stromboli so special is its continuous volcanic activity, where lava and ash are regularly ejected, often accompanied by spectacular eruptions.

The island of Stromboli itself is a picturesque destination and a popular spot for visitors who want to experience the natural beauty and volcanic activity up close. Tourists can take boat trips from surrounding towns like Tropea to explore the island and the volcano.

However, it is important to note that the Stromboli volcano, while fascinating, also carries potential risks, especially with closer approach. Tourists who wish to explore the volcano are best advised to do so with local tour operators and while adhering to safety guidelines and recommendations.

The opportunity to observe Stromboli's eruptions at night, when lava shoots into the sky, is an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventurers. Overall, the Stromboli volcano is a unique attraction in Italy and an exciting destination for travelers looking to explore the fascinating world of volcanic activity.

An excursion from Tropea to the volcanic island of Stromboli is an exciting way to experience the stunning natural beauty and activity of this volcano.

Positano, a picturesque coastal village on the Amalfi Coast in southern Italy, is characterized by its colorful terrace houses perched on steep cliffs overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views, explore winding alleyways, and experience the beautiful beaches. The town also offers cultural treasures and culinary delights, including fresh seafood and Limoncello. Positano is a romantic paradise and a popular destination for those looking to experience the beauty of the Amalfi Coast.

We took a bus to the ferry port in Amalfi. The bus stop was only about a 3-5 minute walk from our accommodation.

The ride there was very winding, and after about 45 minutes, we arrived at the port in Amalfi. From there, we took a ferry to Positano. We purchased the tickets online.

Return trip: We bought the tickets back to Amalfi at the ferry port, as it was no longer possible to purchase them online.

Note: You cannot buy bus tickets on the bus. Tickets can be purchased in the respective towns along the Amalfi Coast, at selected kiosks, cafes, or online via an app. Unfortunately, buying tickets through the app didn't work for us, so we had to quickly run to a cafe to purchase the tickets.

Amalfi

Amalfi, a charming town on the Amalfi Coast in Italy, is renowned for its unique beauty. It is famous for its historical architecture and stunning location nestled between steep cliffs and the deep blue Tyrrhenian Sea. Visitors can explore the impressive Cathedral of Amalfi and stroll through the charming alleys lined with traditional shops and restaurants. The inviting beaches offer relaxation and refreshment, while the region boasts delicious seafood and lemon products.

On the way to San Gimignano, we visited an olive oil farm - Mascagni Organicfarm.

Payment Methods: Cash, Credit Card

Address:

AZ. AGRICOLA MASCAGNI BIANCA

Address: Località Casano di Sopra

53026 – Pienza – Siena – Italy

Phone: +39 3381272751

Email: info@mascagniorganicfarm.it

San Gimignano

San Gimignano, a picturesque small town in Tuscany, is known for its medieval architecture and distinctive towers. The town is surrounded by well-preserved city walls and offers visitors the opportunity to wander through winding cobblestone streets and enjoy traditional Tuscan cuisine in cozy restaurants. San Gimignano is famous for its well-preserved medieval towers, some of which can be climbed to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The Piazza del Duomo hosts the impressive cathedral and the Palazzo Comunale, both testament to the city's rich history and culture. San Gimignano is a treasure of Tuscan small-town charm.

Accommodation in San Gimignano

Airbnb

Location: Central

Cost: 100€

Value for Money: Good

Positive: The central location of the apartment is really great. We were able to book our accommodation spontaneously, which was really convenient. Access to the apartment was very practical as we could use a key box where the apartment key was securely stored. This made our late and spontaneous stay much easier as we didn't have to worry about key handover. The apartment even had a sauna, which was a nice extra. This allowed for relaxing wellness moments after a busy day and contributed to our relaxation.

Negative: The bathroom in the apartment could use a renovation. It seemed a bit outdated and showed signs of wear and tear.

Food in in San Gimignano

The Gelateria Dondoli in San Gimignano, Italy, is renowned for its delicious gelato and numerous international awards. In 2006, Gelato Dondoli, owned and operated by Sergio Dondoli, was crowned the world champion in the "gelato" category at the Gelato World Tour. This prestigious title recognizes the exceptional quality and flavor of their gelato, making Gelateria Dondoli a popular destination for tourists and gelato enthusiasts from around the world.

Activities in San Gimignan

Cheese Shop - CPL Parma Consorzio Produttori Latte Soc. Coop. R.L. - Casello Poldi Parma

During our return journey, we made a stopover in Parma to visit a local cheese factory and replenish our supply of delicious Parmesan for Germany. In advance, we had searched for a cheese factory and eventually settled on this one. In addition to Parmesan, the shop offered a selection of other regional products such as pesto and olive oil. Please note, if you plan to make a stop at a cheese factory in this area, be mindful of the opening hours and lunch breaks, as most cheese factories are only open for limited hours per day and close during lunchtime. This allows you to plan your visit accordingly and experience the authentic flavors of this region.

Opening hours: Mon. 9am-1pm, Tue.-Sat. 9am-7:30pm

Closed on Sundays.