Travelling in a motorhome in Italy: From North to South, Part One

With an area of approximately 370 km², Lago di Garda is the largest lake in Italy and is located on the border of three regions: the Veneto, Lombardy and Trentino. On the shores of Lago di Garda you will find many picturesque towns and villages such as Riva del Garda, Malcesine, Limone Sul Garda, Sirmione and Bardolino.

It is the ideal place for those who want to spend a holiday full of tourism, culture and fun. Whether you are a lover of active relaxation, history or simply relaxing by the water, there is something for everyone.

Venice is without doubt one of the most iconic destinations in the world. This city in northeastern Italy is spread over more than 100 islands in the central part of the Venetian lagoon. This complex of islands is connected by a network of canals and bridges that create a unique water town. Each island has its own characteristics and history, which adds an extra dimension of interest to Venice and thus attracts millions of tourists every year. That is why we recommend you think carefully when you decide to visit Venice.

One of the most famous symbols of Venice is undoubtedly St Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco), which is considered one of the most beautiful squares in the world. Here you can admire some of the most important monuments, such as St Mark’s Basilica with its Byzantine mosaics, the Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale), where the rulers of Venice resided, and the legendary Campanile clock tower, from where you can admire breathtaking views of the city.

Another unforgettable experience is a gondola ride on the Grand Canal, the city’s main waterway. During this romantic ride, you have the opportunity to admire and photograph the magnificent historic palaces and bridges from a different perspective.

For lovers of art and culture, Venice offers a wealth of museums and galleries. Among the most famous is the Gallerie dell’Accademia, which holds paintings by Venetian masters and modern artists.

Also explore the corners of lesser-known parts of the city, such as the Dorsoduro district, where you’ll find a bohemian atmosphere, cosy cafés and alternative art galleries. Don’t forget to visit the island of Murano, famous for its glass workshops and traditional glassmaking techniques.

And as far as gastronomic delights go, Venice is simply great to eat. Try, for example, risotto al nero di seppia (black risotto), fritto misto (a mixture of fried seafood) or tiramisu, accompanied by a glass of cool prosecco or Italian coffee.

It is recommended to start exploring the city early in the morning and on weekdays, when you should avoid crowds of tourists. The best time of year for us is spring, when it is already pleasantly warm.

Verona, a picturesque town in the northern part of the Veneto region of Italy, is a place where history, romance and culture blend seamlessly. Known worldwide as the setting for the tragic love story of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”, Verona is a city that exudes timeless charm and attracts visitors from all over the world.

There are several parking houses in Verona, we chose the one in Piazza Cittadella. From there we went to Piazza Brà, the square where the Arena di Verona is located. It is an ancient amphitheatre, the third largest in Italy, where various concerts, operas and festivals are still held. Its construction was completed around the year 30, and it is one of the best preserved Roman amphitheatres. Today, it can seat up to 22,000 spectators.

In the centre of Verona’s historic district is Piazza delle Erbe, which is also worth mentioning. In the square you will find a fountain with a statue, nicknamed “Madonna Verona”.

Another tourist destination located in Verona is Juliet’s house – Casa di Giulietta. The house itself is not very interesting, but there is the famous balcony where Romeo professed his love to Juliet. There are a lot of tourists here, in my opinion you can easily skip the visit to the famous balcony and save a few euros that you pay for the entrance and the courtyard itself.

The Scaligero Bridge and Castelvecchio Castle in its typical brick colour are also worth a visit. During the Second World War, the bridge was destroyed by Wehrmacht troops and had to be rebuilt with the original bricks that were pulled from the Adige River.

Florence is the capital of the Italian region of Tuscany and is considered one of Europe’s most important cultural centres. Florence has a rich history, is a centre of art and its architecture attracts millions of visitors every year.

So if you want to avoid the crowds, we recommend visiting Florence outside the high season and on weekends. Even so, you will probably have to crowd in the centre with other tourists. But no wonder, this city offers visitors not only a unique glimpse into the past but also a vibrant atmosphere of the present.

From medieval palaces to Renaissance works of art, Florence is full of historical monuments where every corner of the city tells a story. Florence is known as the cradle of the Renaissance and this is reflected in its architecture and art. The city is full of magnificent churches, palaces and galleries that showcase masterpieces by famous artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli and others.

Florence is not only about art and history, but also about delicious food and wine. Tuscan cuisine is renowned for its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. Don’t forget to try local specialities such as bistecca alla fiorentina (Florentine steak) and wine from the Chianti region. You can’t go wrong with a visit to a classic bakery and a taste of delicious panini, quite the opposite.

And what are the most important sights you should not miss?

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo): an imposing Gothic cathedral with an incredible vault and the famous Brunelleschi dome, the symbol of Florence.

Uffizi Gallery: one of the most important art galleries in the world, home to priceless works by Renaissance masters.

Palazzo Vecchio: Historic palace and former town hall of Florence, now a museum with a rich art collection.

Ponte Vecchio: The oldest bridge over the Arno River, surrounded by traditional shops, especially jewellery.

The Academy Gallery: home of Michelangelo’s famous statue of David, one of the most acclaimed works in the history of sculpture.

The city is also full of art galleries, theatres and cultural events that attract artists and audiences from all over the world. Florence’s surroundings offer breathtaking views of the Tuscan countryside, with its vineyards, olive groves and hilltop villages. For nature lovers, Tuscany and the Florence area in particular is a paradise on earth.

Manarola is one of the prettiest towns in northern Italy, part of the beautiful Cinque Terre region. It is the oldest of the five villages of the Cinque Terre. Manarola is situated on rocky cliffs 70 metres above sea level. Thus, the team you have spectacular views. It is the second village in the Cinque Terre, coming in the direction of La Spezia, and it is one of the most photogenic villages with its characteristic colourful houses on the rocky towers, looking out onto the narrow streets and the main street. Manarola is famous for its sweet Sciacchetrà wine and valuable medieval monuments.

In terms of experiences, Manarola offers a wide range of activities, from tasting local wines to visiting beautiful churches, ancient houses and even a castle. In addition, you can also find picturesque streets and viewpoints in Manarola that are ideal for walking and photography.

There are beautiful vineyards with the possibility of making wine from local production. We recommend sitting there, ideally at sunset.

When it comes to food, you should definitely try the local specialities. Sciacchetrà wine is an excellent choice for a meal and is known for its unique sweet taste. You will also discover local restaurants offering fresh seafood and traditional Ligurian dishes.

If you want to get to Manarola, the best way is by train from La Spezia or other towns in the Cinque Terre. The town is accessible on foot along the hiking trails that connect all the villages of the Cinque Terre. However, expect rather longer walks. From Corniglia, for example, it will take you more than an hour and a half on foot, or four minutes by train. The only parking in the area is at the two car parks of Posella and Acquarino, which are a 10-15 minute walk from town.

Alberobello is a small town in southern Italy, located just an hour’s drive from Bari or 30 minutes from Monopoli. The town is famous for its trulli – white houses with conical roofs, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A walk among these houses in the historic districts of Rione Monti and Rione Aia Piccola offers a unique experience that you must experience! You can also visit Trullo Sovrano, which houses a cultural heritage museum with original furnishings. The Church of Sant’Antonio is also built in the Trulli style and is the only such church in the world. For a great view of the city, we recommend viewpoints such as Villa Comunale Belvedere or Belvedere Santa Lucia. Local specialties like the gelato from Arte Freda or the Pasqualino sandwich are definitely worth trying during your trip.

Transportation to Alberobello is easiest by car. You can get here by train from the neighbouring towns of Martina Franca and Locorotondo, there is a direct bus from Bari and organised tours are also available. Parking is available in pay-and-display car parks for around 6 euros per day, just outside the town centre. Campervan parking is also relatively central. Our tip? If you’re heading out from Bari or Monopoli, we recommend renting a scooter to get relatively close to Alberobello, walk around and enjoy the region, and even park for free and easy! So, are you going to try it?

Although most shops and restaurants accept card payments, it’s a good idea to carry cash for purchases in smaller shops or markets. For an authentic experience, rent a traditional trulli. Alberobello has a number of restaurants and cafes with local and international offerings. As we mentioned, if you’re a gelato lover, don’t miss the local award-winning gelato.

Taormina is a small town located on the east coast of Sicily. It is also one of the most beautiful and desirable tourist destinations in Italy. Perched on a hill overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea and surrounded by breathtaking scenery, Taormina offers a unique combination of history, culture and nature just below Mount Etna.

Taormina is easily accessible from Catania Airport and offers a wide range of accommodation from luxury hotels to cosy guesthouses, making it the ideal place for a holiday in Sicily.

If you are planning to visit Taormina by car, we recommend parking at the Porta Catania car park, located at the entrance to the town. From the car park you can continue on foot to the town centre where it is really only a short walk.

One of the main attractions of Taormina is the ancient theatre, which dates back to the 3rd century BC. With panoramic views of the sea and the Etna volcano in the background, this theatre is one of the most beautiful we have seen in Italy. During the summer months, cultural events and festivals are held here.

If you want to take a break from the tourists and the city, visit the Giardini della Villa Comunale. This beautiful garden offers shade trees, flower beds and impressive views of the coastline.

If you want to enjoy a good coffee, we recommend a visit to Piazza IX Aprile, the central square of Taormina, lined with elegant buildings, cafes and shops. From the square you have a wonderful view of the sea and Etna.

If you like shopping, Taormina’s main shopping street is called Corso Umberto I. Here you can find local shops selling traditional products such as clothing, ceramics, jewellery and local specialities.

Sicily is known for its great cuisine and Taormina is no exception. We recommend trying traditional Sicilian specialties such as arancini (fried rice balls filled with cheese and ragout), caponata (fried vegetables), or cannoli (sweet hard bread filled with ricotta).

Taormina is close to several beaches such as Isola Bella, which is easily accessible by cable car or bus from the city centre. Although Taormina is one of the most famous, there are other pretty Italian villages nearby, such as Castelmola with its breathtaking views. For other activities, don’t miss a trip to Etna National Park to see the active volcanic crater.