Italy in May/June

[dizzyfreedom]

Hi all! I'm planning a trip to Italy for the 1st time and have no clue where to go. I prefer the non touristy approach. Love living like the locals and going to small towns. Any ideas on what cities to hit and for how long? I'll be there for 3 to 4 weeks. Also, any suggestions on accomodations and travel between cities?

Thanks for the tips!

Susan

[madamtrashheap]

Welcome dizzyfreedom/Susan!

I can suggest lots of places, but have a look through the other posts on the boards in the interary, city/country and pre-travel sections for ideas as Italy is a favourite destination around here (where isn't? ;D). Here are some recent ones to get you started:

pretravel.proboards1.com/index.cgi?board=intinary&action=display&n=1&thread=7205&page=1
pretravel.proboards1.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&n=1&thread=2959&page=1
pretravel.proboards1.com/index.cgi?board=CCadvice&action=display&n=1&thread=3813&page=1
pretravel.proboards1.com/index.cgi?board=intinary&action=display&n=1&thread=7196&page=2
pretravel.proboards1.com/index.cgi?board=Accommodation&action=display&n=1&thread=6656&page=1

As far as transport, if you are just concentrating on Italy, then you'll find the trains to be your best options. There is a single country rail pass available for Italy through RailEurope (use the link on the home page of this site) that might suit you. Again it depends what route you decide to take, but sometimes a ferry might work (say to Sicily). Try to spend good amounts of time (rather than 1 night stops) in places - that way you'll get a feel for the country, locals and culture. As far as 'non-touristy" approach - well tourists are pretty much everywhere (we all want to see the cool stuff!) so it can be unavoidable in some places.

Sort out the places that you've wanted to visit, do a little reading on the other places then put together a draft and you'll find suggestions just fly at you! Divertirti!

[lia]

Hi Susan and welcome! or, better.."benvenuta"! nice to hear that you're planning a trip to Italy - and in a splendid period! not too touristic, but already good for the seaside! In 3/4 weeks you could get to see pretty much, but, just like madamtrashheap, I'd suggest you to stop a while in each place you decide to visit, since you've got time..so that you'll get to "live" it a bit, instead of being just a passing tourist. anyway, you want small towns? you'd avoid cities, like rome, florence, venice and naples..? well, that's a choice - and it could be very interesting, actually.. enjoy your planning and let us know how it developes!