Episode #313: Your Italy Travel Questions - Rome, Puglia, Luggage Tips and Getting Around Italy

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Planning a trip to Italy beyond the tourist checklists? Our special Q&A episode answers thoughtful listener questions – from navigating train travel with large suitcases to uncovering hidden gems for families, food lovers and seasoned explorers – to help you design a trip that feels uniquely yours.

Contents

Summary

In this episode, Katy Clarke hosts a much-anticipated Italy travel Q&A, answering thoughtful listener questions. From managing luggage on Italian trains and choosing the best bases in Puglia and the Amalfi Coast to uncovering lesser-known experiences in Rome, we share practical, experience-based advice. You’ll also hear tips for travelling with kids, planning a second trip, finding memorable local food experiences and slowing down to truly enjoy the countryside.

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What you'll learn in this episode

Tips on train travel and luggage logistics. How to manage larger suitcases on Italian trains, the difference between high-speed and regional services, why business class offers more space, and practical security tips like locking bags and positioning yourself early for departure
Smarter decisions for Rome and the Amalfi Coast. Discover our trusted food tour options in Rome, why exploring the Amalfi Coast by private boat transforms the experience, realistic expectations for visiting the Sistine Chapel, why a Florence day trip from Rome is too rushed, and meaningful alternatives beyond the usual highlights
Learn some family travel strategies – how to pace an itinerary with kids, combine cities and downtime, use destinations like the lakes, Venice and Emilia-Romagna for balance, choose engaging guided tours, and even leverage gelato as motivation
Itineraries across southern and northern Italy – when to fly between Puglia and Sicily versus driving scenic coastal routes, how to approach long-term rentals, choosing the right Amalfi Coast base, and building a relaxed second trip around places like Milan, Lake Como, Liguria, Lake Garda or the Dolomites.
Choosing the right home base for slower, deeper travel. Structuring Tuscany and Umbria stays between Siena and Val d’Orcia or towns like Todi and Spoleto, using Vico Equense as a calmer base near Sorrento, and identifying countryside locations in Umbria, Liguria or South Tyrol that work even without a car

Timeline Overview

05:38 Practical advice on navigating Italian train travel with luggage and choosing high-quality food tours that deliver authentic, local experiences
10:04 Ideas for discovering lesser-known spots in Rome, moving beyond the major landmarks to find neighbourhood favourites and unique experiences
11:19 Tips for travelling in Italy with kids, including choosing destinations and activities that balance culture, downtime and fun
19:39 Comparing Capri, Sorrento and Positano as Amalfi Coast bases, plus key highlights and how to decide what suits your travel style
24:41 Planning a more relaxed second trip to Italy, including thoughtful pacing, alternative regions and guidance on destinations like Vico Equense for a slower stay

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Italian places, foods and concepts mentioned

Places

Sistine Chapel – Vatican City chapel famous for Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes
Palazzo Massimo – former palace in Rome, now containing a museum of classical art
with ancient frescoes, mosaics, and statuary
Baths of Caracalla – Rome’s second largest Roman public baths, first built in the early AD 200s and operated until the 530s. Virtual Reality headsets are also available
Sorrento – coastal town in Campania overlooking the Bay of Naples, popular base for exploring the Amalfi Coast and Capri
Amalfi Coast – scenic UNESCO-listed coastline south of Naples known for dramatic cliffs, seaside villages and boat excursions
Amalfi – historic maritime town on the Amalfi Coast, popular for its cathedral, lemon groves, and beaches
Atrani – tiny seaside village beside Amalfi, prized for its authenticity and peaceful vibe
Praiano – town between Positano and Amalfi, offering beautiful sunsets and relaxed charm. The name derives from the praia, or beach
Maiori – Amalfi Coast town known for its long sandy beaches and family-friendly atmosphere
Ravello – elegant hilltop town above the Amalfi Coast, famous for gardens, classical concerts, and sweeping views
Vico Equense – seaside town near Sorrento overlooking the Bay of Naples
Gelateria Gabriele – celebrated gelateria in Vico Equense, awarded “3 cones” by Italy’s gelato authorities
Puglia – southern Italian region forming the “heel” of the boot, known for olive oil, seafood and whitewashed towns
Martina Franca – Baroque town in Puglia’s Itria Valley
Sicily – Italy’s largest island, known for layered cultural influences, seafood, citrus and volcanic landscapes
Bari – capital of Puglia, Adriatic port city and major transport hub
Brindisi – port city in southern Puglia with ferry and flight connections
Catania – eastern Sicilian city at the foot of Mount Etna, gateway to Sicily’s east coast
Cisternino – classic Puglian village, renowned for its butcher restaurants serving grilled meats
Origini – a recommended restaurant in Martina Franca, Puglia, for local dishes
Matera – atmospheric city in Basilicata, renowned for its ancient cave dwellings and stunning stone landscapes
Reggio Calabria – southernmost city in mainland Italy, facing Sicily across the Strait of Messina
Tropea – scenic Calabrian town perched on dramatic cliffs, beloved for its beaches and charming old center
Scilla – picturesque fishing village in Calabria, famed for its mythological ties and pebbly beaches
Dolomites – mountain range in northeastern Italy famous for alpine scenery and hiking
Vicenza – Veneto city known for Palladian architecture
Verona – northern Italian city famed for its Roman arena and opera performances
Mestre – mainland district of Venice often used for transport connections
Bolzano – alpine city in South Tyrol, gateway to the Dolomites
Siena – Medieval Tuscan city known for the Palio horse race and Gothic architecture
San Gimignano – Tuscan hill town famous for its medieval towers
Pompeii – ancient Roman city near Naples preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius
Milan – cosmopolitan capital of Lombardy, known for fashion, art, and vibrant urban energy
Lake Como – scenic lake in Lombardy surrounded by mountains and elegant villas
Genoa – (Genova in English) is a historic Ligurian port city and the birthplace of pesto
Portofino – upscale fishing village on the Ligurian coast
La Spezia – Ligurian city and gateway to the Cinque Terre
Levanto – laid-back Ligurian town near Cinque Terre, popular for beaches and hiking
Lake Garda – Italy’s largest lake, popular for outdoor activities
Val d’Orcia – UNESCO-listed region south of Siena, known for rolling landscapes, picturesque towns, and cypress-lined roads
Umbria – landlocked central Italian region known as the “green heart” of Italy
Perugia – capital of Umbria, historic hilltop university city
Frasassi Caves/Grotte di Frasassi – extensive cave system in the Marche region, known for dramatic limestone formations
Gubbio – evocative Umbrian hill town, notable for medieval streets, unique festivals, and peaceful atmosphere
Todi – charming Umbrian hilltop town with sweeping vistas and a relaxed pace of life
Assisi – spiritual town in Umbria, birthplace of St. Francis, with stunning basilica and medieval views
Spello – enchanting Umbrian town famous for flowers, Roman ruins, and charming lanes
Spoleto – historic city in Umbria, renowned for its festival, Roman theater, and charming streets
Orvieto – striking Umbrian town sitting atop volcanic rock, with a breathtaking cathedral and Etruscan heritage
Marche – central Italian region on the Adriatic, known for diverse landscapes and lesser-known gems
Pienza – Renaissance gem in the Val d’Orcia, praised for its pecorino cheese and exquisite town planning
Montepulciano – historic Tuscan hill town, famous for red wine (Vino Nobile) and stunning views
Parma – foodie city in Emilia-Romagna, home to Parmigiano cheese and prosciutto
Modena – lively city in Emilia-Romagna, famous for its balsamic vinegar and bustling market

Food / Drink

orecchiette – the little ear-shaped pasta from Puglia
cime di rapa – broccoli rabe used in local dishes in Puglia
stuffed artichokes – a traditional Puglian dish featuring artichokes filled with a variety of savory mixes, highlighting the region’s love of vegetables
fava beans with cicoria – classic Puglian comfort food, creamy fava bean puree served with sautéed chicory greens

Words / Concepts

Trenitalia – Italian-owned train company
Italo – private train company in Italy
Full Belly Tours, LivTours, Devour/Walks of Italy – our go-to choices for food tours in Rome
Antenati Cultura – useful website if you're researching your family history

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Podcast episodes

Episode #313: Your Italy Travel Questions – Rome, Puglia, Luggage Tips and Getting Around Italy