Postcards from DLAK: Insider Tips for Exploring Italy
Three members of the DLAK team recently traveled through Italy. Here are their favorite discoveries, practical travel tips, and a few hidden gems to help you make the most of your own Italian adventure.
By Jenny Cyrus
Dreaming of Italy? So were three members of the DLAK team—Will, Elliott, and Kathleen—who each explored different parts of the country this year. When they returned, we asked them to share the places that surprised them most, along with a few practical tips they wished they'd known before they left.
Whether you're planning your first trip or your fifth, here are a few ideas worth adding to your itinerary.
✈️ Before You Go
Ride the Rails Like a Local
Italy's train system is one of the easiest ways to travel between cities. Download the Trenitalia app before your trip so you can purchase tickets, check schedules, and manage your travel on the go. Setting up an account only takes a few minutes.
Renting a Car?
If you plan to drive in Italy, you'll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your U.S. driver's license. You can obtain one through AAA before you leave home.
Pack a Great Guidebook
The Rick Steves Best of Italy guidebook earned high marks from our travelers for practical advice, sightseeing recommendations, and money-saving tips.
Traveling with Kids?
One unexpected perk: families with young children are often moved through customs more quickly.
More Than Just a Place to Stay
If you're using Airbnb, don't overlook the Experiences section. You can book cooking classes, walking tours, wine tastings, and other local activities directly through the app.
Eat Your Way Through Italy
Looking for an introduction to regional cuisine? Our travelers recommend an Eating Europe Food Tour. The company partners with multigenerational family-owned businesses and highlights authentic local specialties in many of Italy's major cities.
🍝 Insider Dining Tips
- Skip restaurants with oversized picture menus or hosts trying to wave you inside. They're often geared toward tourists.
- Walk just a block or two away from the busiest attractions, and you'll often find restaurants where the locals eat.
- Visit neighborhood markets and artisan stalls. Vendors are usually happy to recommend favorite restaurants, cafés, and lesser-known galleries.
📍 Destination Highlights
Milan
Milan is famous for fashion, shopping, and impressive architecture, but our travelers also found it to be the most tourist-heavy city they visited. Unless luxury shopping is high on your list, you may want to spend more time elsewhere.
Turin (Torino) ★ A Hidden Gem
Looking for a more authentic Italian experience? Turin was one of our team's favorite surprises.
Known for its elegant boulevards, grand piazzas, historic cafés, and royal architecture, Turin offers incredible history with noticeably fewer crowds.
Recommended stops:
- L'Uliveto in the San Salvario neighborhood
- Restaurants around Piazza Castello
- Gelateria Biraghi in Piazza San Carlo for some of the city's best gelato
Rome
Rome is unforgettable—but it can also be a lot to take in.
Our team's advice:
- Visit during the spring or fall for the most comfortable weather.
- If you're planning to see several regions of Italy, one full day is enough to experience many of Rome's major highlights.
- Rob agrees with this recommendation!
Don't miss:
A nighttime Colosseum tour with access to the arena floor. It's a unique experience that many visitors overlook.
Lake Como
One of Italy's most breathtaking destinations.
Must do:
- Ride the Como–Brunate Funicular for spectacular sunset views over the lake.
- Explore the lakeside villages by ferry. Fast ferries save time, while slower ferries are less expensive and let you enjoy the scenery.
Genoa
Often overlooked, Genoa offers an authentic Italian experience with far fewer international tourists.
English is spoken less frequently here, which many travelers find adds to the experience.
Don't miss:
Boccadasse, a charming seaside village known for its colorful pastel buildings, beach, and relaxed atmosphere.
Parma
If your travels take you through Parma, make time for a Parmigiano Reggiano cheese tour. It's one of the region's signature experiences and offers a fascinating look at traditional cheesemaking.
As an added bonus, Parma is considerably less crowded than many of Italy's better-known destinations.
🇮🇹 One Last Tip Before You Pack
One of the best parts of traveling through Italy is that no two regions feel exactly alike. Whether you're wandering through Rome, relaxing along Lake Como, discovering hidden gems like Turin and Genoa, or simply lingering over a great meal, don't be afraid to slow down and enjoy the experience.
Hopefully these recommendations from your fellow DLAK travelers will help you discover a few memorable places of your own.
Buon viaggio!