On The Road For Two Weeks In Italy

I’ve been in Italy for 15 days – that’s just about the maximum I was ever gone from work in a row. After college, I can only remember two times I took that many days off in a row. When my little brother (and only sibling!) got married, I took time off to spend with family. Last year, two friends were getting married in Greece, so I made a European tour out of it. I went to Amsterdam, Greece (Athens, Zakynthos, Santorini) and Copenhagen on that trip. Both trips were a blast and flew by… and my yearly vacation day allotment disappeared. The average American is allotted 15 PTO days a year (that # seems high) so as of today, I’ll have been on more “vacation” than the average American. And it’s only April! And I already went to Guatemala in January!

I’ve been in Italy for 15 days which feels like an eternity in one place compared to my previous travels. I used to fill the day with site after site, making sure I saw everything in a day. I have to remind myself that time is on my side and there’s no need to rush around. The only thing that makes me cringe is the thought that high season/cruise ship season is approaching, leading to higher prices and even more crowds than what I’ve seen. My Instagram isn’t real time (too many photos to post and a lack of internet) so here’s what I’ve been up to so far in case you’re wondering:

• Apr 5: 11pm flight out of NYC
• Apr 6: 6 hour layover in Copenhagen
• Apr 6: Land in Rome at 11pm
• Apr 7-12: Rome and the Vatican
• Apr 13: Travel from Rome to Naples
• Apr 13-17: Naples (including Pompeii)

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• Apr 17: Travel from Naples to Ischia, a small island only a one hour ferry ride away from Naples
• Apr 18-20: Ischia (also in header image)

  

  

  

• Apr 20: Travel from Ischia to Naples
• Apr 21: Travel from Naples to the Amalfi Coast
• Apr 21-24: Smallest village in South Italy – Atrani, on the Amalfi coast
  • Pictures coming soon, the tiny streets and houses piled on top of each other are truly a site to see.
• Apr 24: Not sure yet!! I might add a day onto the Amalfi Coast.

For the most part, I’ve only booked hostels a day or two out from when I need them and it’s worked out great. The weekends are starting to be full in the good hostels, but I hear it’s Spring break for many French and German students. I’ve preferred staying in one place for 3-4 days at a time, so I’m slowing down a bit where I can. On every travel day, I spend hours just trying to find where I’m supposed to be, finding the right ticket booth, finding the right bus or ferry. My public transportation experience in NYC has helped me navigate new places more easily, but not everything is as structured (or on time) here.

Send any recommendations you have for Sicily, Venice, Florence, or Cinque Terre – they’re up next. I also may go to the East coast of Italy for a few days.

Ciao,

Ashley