I agree with everything Mark said in this video. However, the only “dislike” or “hate” that really had any impact on our trip in September was the crowds in Rome and Florence. While the crowds were unbelievable at times, every minute spent in Italy was worth it. The other negative aspects covered in this video are real but they are just part of the experience of visiting this wonderful country.
@@texasflood1295Venice, Florence, Rome are among the most visited cities in the world, what did you aspect that there were no crowds? This Is normal not only in Italy but also in the major european art cities! 😉👍
Great video. Italy is the best country in Europe in my opinion, for the culture, the delicious food, and its people. In the three big main tourist cities (Rome, Venice, Florence) crowds are a problem. It's better to avoid the high tourist season, because too many tourists is not a pleasant experience. But there many other great cities in Italy, and it's better to travel during the low season if you intend to visit Venice, Rome, or Florence to avoid the crowds. I slighlty disagree about the toilets. At the airport toilets are always very clean.
Awesome list. We went for 10 days across Rome, Venice, Florence and sienna. Honestly, we only had pizza once and it was when we were in between tours and didn’t want to get mcdonalds. The pizza was still phenomenal but totally agree, get the LOCAL cuisine wherever you are, it’s absolutely off the chain
Prebooking tickets is so awesome. Highly recommend! The crowds are annoying, but if you look at them as part of the experience, that helps. Embrace it if you can. Aperitivo is great, especially since you get snackies w it! It's a great time to just sit, especially outside, and just take a deep breath and absorb!
Were there in October. LOVED the trains. Im retired and on vacation... not concerned about delays. Yes, a train from Florence to Rome took about 5 hrs instead of 1.5 hrs due to an electrical issue... and had to go to Rome Tiburtina instead of Termini. Meh. We figured it out. Had lots of great pizza and Gelato in US, so I thought it was good in Italy, but did not lose my mind about it. Now the osso bucco and risoto Milanese were awesome! Had it more than once. I found ALL restaurants were touristic restaurants, no matter how far from attractions. There are attractions every few blocks, so unless you want to take a train out to some bedroom suburb...
This channel is the best travel channel I have ever subscribed to. I just returned from my first trip to Italy and Mark hit the nail square, as always. My wife and I watched multiple posts from them channel and It made the trip so much more pleasant.
I’ve been to Italy. He’s exactly right about the people. The best. Italian time is great. Very relaxed. Another thing to love are the high speed trains
When I went to Florence, a couple of years ago, I had no issues at all, other than not being able to speak the language. I'm wanting to go back again this year.
Just have to say, Sorrento Italy might be my favorite place in the world (after Berlin). Als Mark, you're standing where my favorite laptop/phone/desktop background image was taken. In 2018 my travel buddy and I did a day trip from Naples to Sorrento, fell in love with that town. The viewpoint around Mariana Grande looking over that cove, is simply stunning. Though we weren't dating then, and still aren't now, we both knew no matter who we marry, Sorrento was for sure going to be in our honeymoon travels.
I’m just finishing up a long Europe trip, and I went to both Berlin and Sorrento and I could not think of two places so different! It’s awesome that you have a diverse taste
@@clayton8829 Just want to say, I've been thinking about this reply all day, because I'm both happy for you and your trip, and pleasantly surprised that anyone engaged with this comment, and in such a positive manor, that's kind of rare on the internet, and wanted to acknowledge that put simply, if I could move anywhere tomorrow, it would be Berlin, there are no equals or near peers ,,es ist das einzige" (It's the only one, but more like nothing else compares with [Berlin]). But if I could escape to anywhere in the world for a weekend, or for a month, or whatever, Berlin included, Sorrento is the only acceptable answer. Quaint, scenic, lovely, and unique, it's got it all as far as I'm concerned.
not respecting punctuality is a commonplace. We manage free time, such as having dinner at a restaurant with friends, in a non-frantic manner (as during the day), but we respect punctuality. In Italy we have an aperitif at 7pm and dinner later. It's simple, we just have habits of different times :)
you're right, I'm italian and I'm always at time, rather earlier. And so are all people I know. Definetely a commonplace, like the one of the cappuccino after 11 am...
Yep the Italian cops are great! Got my wallet stolen by a bunch of gypsies outside the coliseum and I got it back in a matter of minutes… Lesson learned: keep wallet stowed more securely and never go near there again 😂 I wanna go back eventually though. The food really was amazing!
Went on my first trip abroad, Italy the last two weeks of September. Rome was still extremely hot, to the point I almost passed out midday. It's true about the Italian people-- everyone I encountered was absolutely fabulous and the men must have flirting in their DNA because they were very flirtatious but never disrespectful. I went with a tour group and noticed a couple times where we were served "Americanized" food, which I still don't understand why and if it was the tour leader's discretion or what. I want to go back as soon as I can but at cooler time of the year. My favorite was Sorrento. The Amafli Coast is beautiful! Tuscany was beautiful. Want to go back to Florence for some shopping on the Ponte Vecchio. The tour felt rushed. Next time I will go on my own, take my sweet time.
I agree about being scammers everywhere. You've got to have Spiderman reflexes at times to evade them. And better not have a wallet at all. Money belts would really be your friend, or simply stash your money in your bag's inner pockets. That said, don't let them be a hindrance to your enjoyment as it is a wonderful country.
Our trains' experiences were fine. Stresa to Milan, Milan to Florence (2015) and Rome to Venice (2018). Bought tickets in advance and had no trouble finding our seats.
Leaving for Italy for my first visit on June 1st and I can't wait! (I do wish it were a month earlier to slightly reduce the crowds, but I can't help it).
I always go at the end of September. Less crowded, more hotel options and not as expensive plus the weather is not as crazy hot as it would be in June or July.
Thank u Wolters to share this video about my country, it's very interesting to see Italy through the eyes of a tourist. I knew everything but not about toilette problems 😂
Let me comment some points. 1) toilette. You mean that in the US you have free and perfectly clean toilettes everywhere? No, I don't think so. In the restaurant yes, in the shopping malls yes. Exactly as in Italy. 2) Trains. You may note how they are crowdly, not in time. But you can go almost everywhere by train. Not like the US where you need the car. 3) Punctuality. If you have appointments for business and you are always late you will be kicked off.
Actually there are tons of free toilets in the US-in stores, public toilets, etc many places. Not always clean, but very available! And always free. I’ve never paid for a toilet in America.
I have been several times over the years and now one thing I hate is having to plan in advance to visit things. The coliseum now needs a 3 day ticket advance to get a ticket, the Vatican museum needs a few days also, even in the winter months. I don’t go in the summer anymore, too crazy.
I found the trains very good--- but I stuck to the high speed ones. The buses were awful particularly the sita buses on the Amalfi coast. Toilets were an issue occasionally. All in all I absolutely loved Italy and spending some time waiting for a bus or lookin for a bathroom is a small price to pay
What is there not to love in Italy? If you drive, get used to the potholes and that Italian drivers are - let's say unique. But at the same time, people are mostly wonderful and it is true. You don't have to speak the language, mostly they will try to communicate. And beware: Italy is certainly not a quiet place, communication is loud, with hand gestures and raised voices. But this is normal here, this is Italy. Just go with the flow and you will most certainly enjoy it!
If by unique you mean they're perpetually speeding, on your ass all the time and overtaking you in the diciest of curves then yes, unique indeed. Frankly, it's a little too exciting esp if you have kids in the car.
I would love to get your advice on a minimum number of days in a location to be able to truly experience the culture and the people of a place (not just the touristy places). Also, Squatty Potties are “okay” as long as they are clean. Had to use them all over China-and those were not always clean which was extremely disconcerting.
I may not be Mark, but I recently took a year long trip around Italia, so I may be able to provide an answer to your question. In all fairness it is completely subjective, as people travel at different paces, but personally I would say 4 or 5 days at the very least, especially in the major cities like Roma, Firenze, Bologna, Venezia, Milano, Torino, Napoli, Palermo, Genova. In these places there is such a density of historical and cultural attractions, and depending on what you like to visit and how long you like to spend admiring them then some of the attractions like particularly large museums and art galleries have enough exhibits that could keep you busy for most of a day. And then there are the simple pleasures like taking a stroll through a pretty neighbourhood, ducking into historic churches, pausing at a bar for a coffee and a pastry, enjoying a long lunch of local dishes. These things are worthy of time and are a lovely part of the Italian experience. And there are often also small cities/towns/villages not far from major cities that can be easily seen as a day trip, so those must be taken into consideration too. Since I had the luxury of time, I spent a week in most places, but around 5 days should be enough in most of them if you're just looking for a generous taste of what these places have to offer. In regards to squat toilets, they're not exactly everywhere but they can appear anywhere, mainly in small bars, even in major and fairly modern cities like Milano.
We are the side of Lovve Italy, travel is like that - Just found this channel but just love following along - thanks Zahra & Paul @twoheadnorth (Australia Overlanding to Iceland)
As an italian i've to point that 1) pick-pocketing is a real problem for tourists. Gypsies target them like there is no tomorrow 2) Trains are terrible but at least there are plenty of them and plenty of busses ...and are usually fairly cheap 3) restaurants are often tourists traps (better to ask around for advice) 4) There arent only the famous locations, italy is full of awesome minor villages and cities. 5) Italians are happy only with tourists, between us we consider ourselves the most unfortunate population in the world 6) Kipling said "one italian = one great friend, two italians = a great conversation, three italians = three parties" and he was so spot on 7) Often in Italy we dont keep all the beauties we have clean and well maintained. France in that is slightly better (but we win with variety and food ...)
Thank you for your great reviews of Italy. I am planning my second visit this year. We are flying into Rome. Is it possible to visit Ostia Antica from the airport after we just fly in? And if we have tickets on day 2 in Rome for the Coloseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum should we even bother struggling to secure lugguage while shuttle to and from the airport to see Ostia Antica? Would seeing both just be too redundant? Thank you again. Gina
@@sergiobertoni4074 of course you do, italy is the only country on the planet with stressfull cities to drive in, we totally believe you... ever tried getting out of rome or napels you genius?
Respectfully, I have a tough question & I apologize if it comes off as gaslighting. I've had different family members tell me they were treated poorly in different parts of Italy and they were convinced it was racial in nature. Can anyone chime in on if these were more likely one-offs, or are there general undertones of dislike towards AA tourists in Italy. I've traveled to many parts of the world and have only personally experienced anything like this in one, unrelated region. Sorry if this subject matter is too heavy but Italy is one place I have never gone to that my wife has always had at the top of her list to visit
Someone tried to pick my pocket (wallet) on the Rome subway, but I felt a tug on the chain that runs from the wallet to the metal loop on my suspenders, so I just jerked my hip away. As for the food, near my hotel in Florence was a gelato and cannoli place, so each evening I had a couple of cannolis, and had gelato for breakfast on a few mornings. Picking up a salad at a trainstation grocery store can save you a ton of money. As to time, one tour anniounced they were operating on German time NOT Italian time. As for tourist, expect a lot of them, and for them to blunder and stumble around like stricken cattle. You missed one - the sidewalks are chopped dog manure. Lumpy, bumpy, uneven, loose tiles, random pitches and dips, just trash. Some of the streets are not much better. Wiped out on one right near the tour bus at the end of the tour. Lots of folks learned new and innovative ways to swear in English from yours truly. However, it was near the train station, so I hustled to the pharmacy, got some Band-Aids (plasters) and anti-biotic ointment, and continued on the next day as if nothign happened. A second one you missed - if you have mobility issues, you will have issues, as many places do not have accessibility ramps. Lots and lots, and lots of stairs. So many stairs, and that includes hotels. Read up on your hotels to see if they have an elevator, but be wardned it may be semi-ancient.
Biggest turnoff to me were the TOURISTS (yes, I know I was one of them :/) Rome and Venice were crowded to the hilt in MID NOVEMBER. That's right, temps in the 40's (farenheight) and people were still out and about in force. Hard to enjoy Italy when it's hard to see actual Italians!
Where exactly do you go where locals talk to you? My wife and I, and I think we're reasonably friendly people, were in Rome for a week and no one spoke a word to us.
The “hate” for me is that now we find app’s and QR codes everywhere in Italy. Rome, Florence, Venice and bigger cities are fine with signal coverage. However I’m the middle of nowhere in Tuscany there’s no way to get information! We had this experience last year and even though I Had AT&T and a local cellphone company running, it was almost impossible to use the QR’s code. Italy is my favorite country ever! My passion for Italy was born with my grandfather back when I was a kid back in my home country and I’ll always love Italy! One of my favorites cities is Cortona! I’ve been there more then 15 times!😂😂😂 Mamma mia! The obter thing i font like is small and compacts Italian cars! 😂😂😂😂
We just spent 3 weeks in Italy (Nov 2023) and the crowds were horrendous. All the tours make it impossible to enjoy the museums and monuments. Having been to Italy before this time was a disappointment. Too many Instagram tourist that only want the picture and don't even bother to learn about the place or even read the signs.
Our recent visit to the Vatican Museums left a lot to be desired. I may actually recommend skipping. Seemed like we went there only because that's the way to the Sistine Chapel. Thats a one-and-done for me. Shoulder to shoulder and SUPER rushed.
Jocelyn didn’t seem to like the lemon drink. I heard Mussolini got the trains to run on time. Definite bucket list. Need the kids out of the house to travel at off season.
#1 hate - hordes of foreign tourists who are clueless. Try to travel in the off season. Toilet hate - there is a toilet, but no seat! Travel hate - getting around Venice. I've been twice and twice is enough. Taking the water bus is not fun. Other public transport is not bad. I've never had a bad experience on the train. Fast trains or not.
Who made Italy so wonderful...Slavs? Oh no, that was Italy making Russia as in it's only 2 great cities, St. Petersburg and Moscow were mostly designed and built by Italians. And it was Italians that taught Russians how to make quality bricks and firearms that saved Russia. And it was Fiat that taught Russia how to make a decent car. Not to mention Italy has the #1 history achievements and made western civilization.@@SERGEYTIMOFEYOVICH
Italy is a top 10 economy, military, trading nation, wealthiest citizens...Russia a top economy only because of it's natural resources, 60% of it's GDP, as to wealth, Italy far ahead and without those resources Russia would be on par with Africa.@@SERGEYTIMOFEYOVICH
Negatives for me - poor organization of … everything, including trains. Also, the food is phenomenal but it gets heavy after multiple meals. And yes, the crowds in some places. But these are minor in comparison with all that is wonderful about visiting Italy.
Hard to hate many things there. Except the Blue Grotto. Complete ripoff and tourist trap. You can easily skip that one. The lack of toilet seats was a pain in the butt (pun intended).
It's a shame that the Italian authorities and presumably the Italian people themselves don't care about the huge amount of pickpocketing and scams that go on. In some places at certain times, there can be as many pickpockets as there are tourists. You may see carabinieri not far away just taking it easy and not giving a damn. There is so much to love about Italy but for me one trip to Rome was enough, I don't enjoy having other people's hands in my pockets.
In the touristy spots, yes. Outside the centre's you can eat fairly cheap. I will say that Italy is really spoiled with so many tourists, so food more often than not is average at best. They just have so many people who only come through for one meal, they really stop giving af. So food is a VERY mixed bag. The best pizzas I had weren't in Italy.
To be fair don't expect people in Northeastern and Northwestern Italy to be so stereotypically welcoming and open. I'm Piedmontese and I know what I'm saying. In particular if you address them using the fake "mario bros" Italian accent so common in the anglosphere. The same used by him in this video, sorry.
The time management you're talking about is not a widespread attitude as it seems by your video. If in Milan you schedule an appointment, particularly for business purposes, it's not accettable to show up half an hour after the scheduled time without an excuse. Just to make an example.
But also in everyday life I'd say. It's more a Rome thing than a northern thing. Probably they are right, I should say, but to show up with an half an hour delay in Milan or Turin would be considered extremely rude.
I travelled in Italy last summer. People were not super gregarious nor friendly, toilet were ok, and while I love Italian food, I find it often better outside of Italy. I have not seen people looking remotely like a pickpocket, not even in the center of Rome. Train were ok except that I would not recommend night train as the mattresses are hard, and in the North, they have crazy ticket validation system that nobody except them understand (yes, you have to validate your ticket). What I love was the North, especially Turin. It was nice, elegant, neat and people were helpful, nice and friendly. What I hate is that in Rome and Naples, it was most inefficient and disorganized than Central and South America. In the center of Rome, they sold me something by mistake and the drugstore was unable to give me a refund. It took more than 30 minutes because they did not know how to do it. And yes, tourist hords in Rome and September were a real pain. As a woman travelling alone, it was aggressing. I have not met another tourist alone. I wonder why. And while Romain in general were friendly, it was not the case of people working at the tourist offices and in museum. And the Museum card sold by the Rome tourist authority is a real scam. What a shame! Seriously Walter, I don't understand why you love Rome. Visiting the Coliseum and the Vatican were a real pain with all guides speaking louds, pointing their pole in my eyes, etc. Perhaps it is more fun to go to Rome once these "mandatory visits" are done? I was so happy to get out from there go back to the civilization in Paris :). I would go back to Milan, Turin and the region of lakes in North Italy anytime. But I am not exactly in a hurry to go back to Rome and Napoli.
More disorganized than South America? That's when you know someone is talking nonsense. Civilized Paris full of Muslims, Africans, riots and strikes every month...lolol
I gave up all pretense that I enjoy Italy at all. Food is just food. All that Art can be seen on UTube. Everybody is preoccupied with food in Italy. I don't like anything made with flour. Art is something nobody cares about anymore. Italy has too many tourists. This year I stayed home and had a good rest
Everyone has a right to their opinion but I respectfully disagree. I recently visited and every expectation I had was met or exceeded. I would go back tomorrow if I could.
I agree! I went there this summer for the first time in my life and was quite disappointed overall. I found quite a few people to be rather rude and unhelpful. Also, I found there to be tons of scams! I definitely prefer Greece!
The funniest things about pickpockets is that are not played by iyalians, but from peruvian people and rom people...in florence also marocco and tunisi people
I agree with everything Mark said in this video. However, the only “dislike” or “hate” that really had any impact on our trip in September was the crowds in Rome and Florence. While the crowds were unbelievable at times, every minute spent in Italy was worth it. The other negative aspects covered in this video are real but they are just part of the experience of visiting this wonderful country.
The crowds in Venice April 1988 were so bad to me that I won't go back.
But you were part of this crowd 😅.
@@kerrys5540 Thanks for your observation.
@@texasflood1295Venice, Florence, Rome are among the most visited cities in the world, what did you aspect that there were no crowds? This Is normal not only in Italy but also in the major european art cities! 😉👍
@@timmmahhhh They're restricting numbers now. The locals hate it too!
Art, architecture, food, drinks, nature, geography. From Alto Adige to Sicily: Italy is the most aesthetic country in the world.
I'm Italian but I think France is more Aesthetic.
Disagree
Northern France is actually pretty depressive
@giovanni007 I don't think so, Brittany, Normandy, Grand Est. Hautes de France is a bit boring I've got to admit.
Southern Italy sucks. Below Rome, everything looks like Mexico.
...Italy is truly a special country...!!
Great video.
Italy is the best country in Europe in my opinion, for the culture, the delicious food, and its people.
In the three big main tourist cities (Rome, Venice, Florence) crowds are a problem. It's better to avoid the high tourist season, because too many tourists is not a pleasant experience. But there many other great cities in Italy, and it's better to travel during the low season if you intend to visit Venice, Rome, or Florence to avoid the crowds.
I slighlty disagree about the toilets. At the airport toilets are always very clean.
Awesome list. We went for 10 days across Rome, Venice, Florence and sienna. Honestly, we only had pizza once and it was when we were in between tours and didn’t want to get mcdonalds. The pizza was still phenomenal but totally agree, get the LOCAL cuisine wherever you are, it’s absolutely off the chain
Mark, I thought one of the things to hate about Italy would "having to go home." 😀
Italy has great culture and the people are always happy
" Always Happy " seems like an exaggeration!!! Don't you think???🤷😊
When we are downcast, we pretend we're happy anyway most of the time, because: who wants to see a depressed person?
Pick pockets and taxi scams are a problem in most European countries. It's a shame too but just take precautions and be safe and you'll be fine
Prebooking tickets is so awesome. Highly recommend!
The crowds are annoying, but if you look at them as part of the experience, that helps. Embrace it if you can.
Aperitivo is great, especially since you get snackies w it! It's a great time to just sit, especially outside, and just take a deep breath and absorb!
Were there in October. LOVED the trains. Im retired and on vacation... not concerned about delays. Yes, a train from Florence to Rome took about 5 hrs instead of 1.5 hrs due to an electrical issue... and had to go to Rome Tiburtina instead of Termini. Meh. We figured it out. Had lots of great pizza and Gelato in US, so I thought it was good in Italy, but did not lose my mind about it. Now the osso bucco and risoto Milanese were awesome! Had it more than once. I found ALL restaurants were touristic restaurants, no matter how far from attractions. There are attractions every few blocks, so unless you want to take a train out to some bedroom suburb...
This channel is the best travel channel I have ever subscribed to. I just returned from my first trip to Italy and Mark hit the nail square, as always.
My wife and I watched multiple posts from them channel and It made the trip so much more pleasant.
following since 8yrs, always great content
I’ve been to Italy. He’s exactly right about the people. The best. Italian time is great. Very relaxed. Another thing to love are the high speed trains
Love Italy, especially Tuscann5. In Rome my favorite historic place is actually Circus Maximus, even if there is not much to see.
When I went to Florence, a couple of years ago, I had no issues at all, other than not being able to speak the language. I'm wanting to go back again this year.
Just have to say, Sorrento Italy might be my favorite place in the world (after Berlin). Als Mark, you're standing where my favorite laptop/phone/desktop background image was taken. In 2018 my travel buddy and I did a day trip from Naples to Sorrento, fell in love with that town. The viewpoint around Mariana Grande looking over that cove, is simply stunning. Though we weren't dating then, and still aren't now, we both knew no matter who we marry, Sorrento was for sure going to be in our honeymoon travels.
I’m just finishing up a long Europe trip, and I went to both Berlin and Sorrento and I could not think of two places so different! It’s awesome that you have a diverse taste
@@clayton8829 Just want to say, I've been thinking about this reply all day, because I'm both happy for you and your trip, and pleasantly surprised that anyone engaged with this comment, and in such a positive manor, that's kind of rare on the internet, and wanted to acknowledge that put simply, if I could move anywhere tomorrow, it would be Berlin, there are no equals or near peers ,,es ist das einzige" (It's the only one, but more like nothing else compares with [Berlin]). But if I could escape to anywhere in the world for a weekend, or for a month, or whatever, Berlin included, Sorrento is the only acceptable answer. Quaint, scenic, lovely, and unique, it's got it all as far as I'm concerned.
not respecting punctuality is a commonplace. We manage free time, such as having dinner at a restaurant with friends, in a non-frantic manner (as during the day), but we respect punctuality. In Italy we have an aperitif at 7pm and dinner later. It's simple, we just have habits of different times :)
you're right, I'm italian and I'm always at time, rather earlier. And so are all people I know. Definetely a commonplace, like the one of the cappuccino after 11 am...
Yep the Italian cops are great! Got my wallet stolen by a bunch of gypsies outside the coliseum and I got it back in a matter of minutes… Lesson learned: keep wallet stowed more securely and never go near there again 😂 I wanna go back eventually though. The food really was amazing!
I really missed the "Love & hate", thank you so much for bringing it back
I found some of the cleanest 😊toilets in Italy!
Thank you for sharing!! This makes me even more excited about my upcoming trip!!!
Very nice presentation about Italy.
The first time I went on a tour I enjoyed every country but when we hit Rome it felt like home.
Went on my first trip abroad, Italy the last two weeks of September. Rome was still extremely hot, to the point I almost passed out midday. It's true about the Italian people-- everyone I encountered was absolutely fabulous and the men must have flirting in their DNA because they were very flirtatious but never disrespectful. I went with a tour group and noticed a couple times where we were served "Americanized" food, which I still don't understand why and if it was the tour leader's discretion or what. I want to go back as soon as I can but at cooler time of the year. My favorite was Sorrento. The Amafli Coast is beautiful! Tuscany was beautiful. Want to go back to Florence for some shopping on the Ponte Vecchio. The tour felt rushed. Next time I will go on my own, take my sweet time.
I agree about being scammers everywhere. You've got to have Spiderman reflexes at times to evade them. And better not have a wallet at all. Money belts would really be your friend, or simply stash your money in your bag's inner pockets.
That said, don't let them be a hindrance to your enjoyment as it is a wonderful country.
Hey Mark, awesome video
Our trains' experiences were fine. Stresa to Milan, Milan to Florence (2015) and Rome to Venice (2018). Bought tickets in advance and had no trouble finding our seats.
Man come to Sardinia too next time ;)
Leaving for Italy for my first visit on June 1st and I can't wait! (I do wish it were a month earlier to slightly reduce the crowds, but I can't help it).
I always go at the end of September. Less crowded, more hotel options and not as expensive plus the weather is not as crazy hot as it would be in June or July.
Surprised you didn't mention the driving as a hate 😂
Regarding the crowds. Remember: you're one of them 😊
Great video!
Thank u Wolters to share this video about my country, it's very interesting to see Italy through the eyes of a tourist. I knew everything but not about toilette problems 😂
Let me comment some points. 1) toilette. You mean that in the US you have free and perfectly clean toilettes everywhere? No, I don't think so. In the restaurant yes, in the shopping malls yes. Exactly as in Italy. 2) Trains. You may note how they are crowdly, not in time. But you can go almost everywhere by train. Not like the US where you need the car. 3) Punctuality. If you have appointments for business and you are always late you will be kicked off.
Actually there are tons of free toilets in the US-in stores, public toilets, etc many places. Not always clean, but very available! And always free. I’ve never paid for a toilet in America.
I'd recommend renting a tuk tuk. They're so much fun. It's like a cross between a moped and a van They're so much fun to drive
I have been several times over the years and now one thing I hate is having to plan in advance to visit things. The coliseum now needs a 3 day ticket advance to get a ticket, the Vatican museum needs a few days also, even in the winter months. I don’t go in the summer anymore, too crazy.
I found the trains very good--- but I stuck to the high speed ones. The buses were awful particularly the sita buses on the Amalfi coast.
Toilets were an issue occasionally.
All in all I absolutely loved Italy and spending some time waiting for a bus or lookin for a bathroom is a small price to pay
Delayed trains? - Germany entered the room.
Congratulations! You are a Good Observer! and if I say so, You can believe it! 😉🤗✊
What is there not to love in Italy? If you drive, get used to the potholes and that Italian drivers are - let's say unique. But at the same time, people are mostly wonderful and it is true. You don't have to speak the language, mostly they will try to communicate.
And beware: Italy is certainly not a quiet place, communication is loud, with hand gestures and raised voices. But this is normal here, this is Italy. Just go with the flow and you will most certainly enjoy it!
If by unique you mean they're perpetually speeding, on your ass all the time and overtaking you in the diciest of curves then yes, unique indeed. Frankly, it's a little too exciting esp if you have kids in the car.
I would love to get your advice on a minimum number of days in a location to be able to truly experience the culture and the people of a place (not just the touristy places). Also, Squatty Potties are “okay” as long as they are clean. Had to use them all over China-and those were not always clean which was extremely disconcerting.
I may not be Mark, but I recently took a year long trip around Italia, so I may be able to provide an answer to your question. In all fairness it is completely subjective, as people travel at different paces, but personally I would say 4 or 5 days at the very least, especially in the major cities like Roma, Firenze, Bologna, Venezia, Milano, Torino, Napoli, Palermo, Genova. In these places there is such a density of historical and cultural attractions, and depending on what you like to visit and how long you like to spend admiring them then some of the attractions like particularly large museums and art galleries have enough exhibits that could keep you busy for most of a day. And then there are the simple pleasures like taking a stroll through a pretty neighbourhood, ducking into historic churches, pausing at a bar for a coffee and a pastry, enjoying a long lunch of local dishes. These things are worthy of time and are a lovely part of the Italian experience. And there are often also small cities/towns/villages not far from major cities that can be easily seen as a day trip, so those must be taken into consideration too. Since I had the luxury of time, I spent a week in most places, but around 5 days should be enough in most of them if you're just looking for a generous taste of what these places have to offer.
In regards to squat toilets, they're not exactly everywhere but they can appear anywhere, mainly in small bars, even in major and fairly modern cities like Milano.
We are the side of Lovve Italy, travel is like that - Just found this channel but just love following along - thanks Zahra & Paul @twoheadnorth (Australia Overlanding to Iceland)
Crooks always have the best personalities
Italy has 59 milions people and host each year 62 milions foreing tourists and all of this in a country as big as California.
Good observation!
@@Lorre982 Italy is a lot smaller than California
As an italian i've to point that
1) pick-pocketing is a real problem for tourists. Gypsies target them like there is no tomorrow
2) Trains are terrible but at least there are plenty of them and plenty of busses ...and are usually fairly cheap
3) restaurants are often tourists traps (better to ask around for advice)
4) There arent only the famous locations, italy is full of awesome minor villages and cities.
5) Italians are happy only with tourists, between us we consider ourselves the most unfortunate population in the world
6) Kipling said "one italian = one great friend, two italians = a great conversation, three italians = three parties" and he was so spot on
7) Often in Italy we dont keep all the beauties we have clean and well maintained. France in that is slightly better (but we win with variety and food ...)
Thank you for your great reviews of Italy. I am planning my second visit this year. We are flying into Rome. Is it possible to visit Ostia Antica from the airport after we just fly in? And if we have tickets on day 2 in Rome for the Coloseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum should we even bother struggling to secure lugguage while shuttle to and from the airport to see Ostia Antica? Would seeing both just be too redundant? Thank you again. Gina
I would add driving - not necessarily as a hate, as that's probably too strong a word. But driving in Italy can be...challenging.
you are right. I'm italian and I hate driving in my country, too stressful. I love driving in all other countries of Europe and overseas...
only if you're in rome, naples, milan or driving alonf the amalfi coast
@@sergiobertoni4074 of course you do, italy is the only country on the planet with stressfull cities to drive in, we totally believe you... ever tried getting out of rome or napels you genius?
The love ❤️ and hate about Italy 🇮🇹 it's also the weather not mentioned in this video.
Omg the boats on lake como have a hole in the floor inside a closet as the bathroom Great place como though
Respectfully, I have a tough question & I apologize if it comes off as gaslighting. I've had different family members tell me they were treated poorly in different parts of Italy and they were convinced it was racial in nature. Can anyone chime in on if these were more likely one-offs, or are there general undertones of dislike towards AA tourists in Italy. I've traveled to many parts of the world and have only personally experienced anything like this in one, unrelated region. Sorry if this subject matter is too heavy but Italy is one place I have never gone to that my wife has always had at the top of her list to visit
I'm Italian and I'm very sorry your family has been treated poorly here. Keep in mind you will find idiots in every country. Not the majority of us.
Someone tried to pick my pocket (wallet) on the Rome subway, but I felt a tug on the chain that runs from the wallet to the metal loop on my suspenders, so I just jerked my hip away. As for the food, near my hotel in Florence was a gelato and cannoli place, so each evening I had a couple of cannolis, and had gelato for breakfast on a few mornings. Picking up a salad at a trainstation grocery store can save you a ton of money.
As to time, one tour anniounced they were operating on German time NOT Italian time. As for tourist, expect a lot of them, and for them to blunder and stumble around like stricken cattle.
You missed one - the sidewalks are chopped dog manure. Lumpy, bumpy, uneven, loose tiles, random pitches and dips, just trash. Some of the streets are not much better. Wiped out on one right near the tour bus at the end of the tour. Lots of folks learned new and innovative ways to swear in English from yours truly. However, it was near the train station, so I hustled to the pharmacy, got some Band-Aids (plasters) and anti-biotic ointment, and continued on the next day as if nothign happened.
A second one you missed - if you have mobility issues, you will have issues, as many places do not have accessibility ramps. Lots and lots, and lots of stairs. So many stairs, and that includes hotels. Read up on your hotels to see if they have an elevator, but be wardned it may be semi-ancient.
Biggest turnoff to me were the TOURISTS (yes, I know I was one of them :/) Rome and Venice were crowded to the hilt in MID NOVEMBER. That's right, temps in the 40's (farenheight) and people were still out and about in force. Hard to enjoy Italy when it's hard to see actual Italians!
Where exactly do you go where locals talk to you? My wife and I, and I think we're reasonably friendly people, were in Rome for a week and no one spoke a word to us.
The “hate” for me is that now we find app’s and QR codes everywhere in Italy. Rome, Florence, Venice and bigger cities are fine with signal coverage. However I’m the middle of nowhere in Tuscany there’s no way to get information! We had this experience last year and even though I Had AT&T and a local cellphone company running, it was almost impossible to use the QR’s code.
Italy is my favorite country ever! My passion for Italy was born with my grandfather back when I was a kid back in my home country and I’ll always love Italy!
One of my favorites cities is Cortona! I’ve been there more then 15 times!😂😂😂 Mamma mia!
The obter thing i font like is small and compacts Italian cars! 😂😂😂😂
We just spent 3 weeks in Italy (Nov 2023) and the crowds were horrendous. All the tours make it impossible to enjoy the museums and monuments. Having been to Italy before this time was a disappointment. Too many Instagram tourist that only want the picture and don't even bother to learn about the place or even read the signs.
Our recent visit to the Vatican Museums left a lot to be desired. I may actually recommend skipping. Seemed like we went there only because that's the way to the Sistine Chapel. Thats a one-and-done for me. Shoulder to shoulder and SUPER rushed.
Jocelyn didn’t seem to like the lemon drink. I heard Mussolini got the trains to run on time. Definite bucket list. Need the kids out of the house to travel at off season.
#1 hate - hordes of foreign tourists who are clueless. Try to travel in the off season. Toilet hate - there is a toilet, but no seat! Travel hate - getting around Venice. I've been twice and twice is enough. Taking the water bus is not fun. Other public transport is not bad. I've never had a bad experience on the train. Fast trains or not.
Traffic cameras everywhere and no drive zones that aren't clearly marked so you can avoid them.
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Before bashing trains, try buses, those are the worst. As residents, we really appreciate trains in Italy as the best means of public transport.
Just got back from Italy for are honeymoon and didn’t realized how dirty Rome is other than that had a wonderful time
Time is relative in Italy... but time is relative everywhere for all observers ;)
Visita anche Modena , il Duomo è patrimonio Unesco insieme alla Ghirlandina .
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Just got back from an epic birthday celebration trip to Rome and Florence! What’s not to love!🇮🇹
Italians
Who made Italy so wonderful...Slavs? Oh no, that was Italy making Russia as in it's only 2 great cities, St. Petersburg and Moscow were mostly designed and built by Italians. And it was Italians that taught Russians how to make quality bricks and firearms that saved Russia. And it was Fiat that taught Russia how to make a decent car. Not to mention Italy has the #1 history achievements and made western civilization.@@SERGEYTIMOFEYOVICH
@@spaniardsrmoors6817 Just because I don’t like Italians does not means I love my country either nice try 😂. Btw Russia in recent history >>> Italy
Italy is a top 10 economy, military, trading nation, wealthiest citizens...Russia a top economy only because of it's natural resources, 60% of it's GDP, as to wealth, Italy far ahead and without those resources Russia would be on par with Africa.@@SERGEYTIMOFEYOVICH
@@SERGEYTIMOFEYOVICHRussia
Negatives for me - poor organization of … everything, including trains. Also, the food is phenomenal but it gets heavy after multiple meals. And yes, the crowds in some places.
But these are minor in comparison with all that is wonderful about visiting Italy.
We were there in October. I think the US National Park Service should organize the tourist sites for them. Yes, chaotic.
@@b.w.9244addirittura!!!!!
What I hate the most in Italy is the overtourism. Especially since the EUR became cheap.
The bracelet thing is in Athens, too. Generally African migrants. Just say no, thanks and drive on.
Giulietta balcony is a skam , is fake . it exist , only for turist
We’re anxious. We want to enjoy your trip because we dread that you might have a negative opinion about us 😢
Biggest hate: leaving 😢
Hard to hate many things there. Except the Blue Grotto. Complete ripoff and tourist trap. You can easily skip that one. The lack of toilet seats was a pain in the butt (pun intended).
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Love the art, architecture and food... However, they are not nice especially in Rome. Most are rude.
It's a shame that the Italian authorities and presumably the Italian people themselves don't care about the huge amount of pickpocketing and scams that go on. In some places at certain times, there can be as many pickpockets as there are tourists. You may see carabinieri not far away just taking it easy and not giving a damn. There is so much to love about Italy but for me one trip to Rome was enough, I don't enjoy having other people's hands in my pockets.
Horse Ragu? 😮 won't be having that. Horses are pets.
So, the thieves and scammers, are they Italians, or foreigners?
Younger female travelers might have a different complaint not mentioned here
My wife just got back from Italy and she said the food was really expensive, especially compared to France
In the touristy spots, yes. Outside the centre's you can eat fairly cheap. I will say that Italy is really spoiled with so many tourists, so food more often than not is average at best. They just have so many people who only come through for one meal, they really stop giving af. So food is a VERY mixed bag. The best pizzas I had weren't in Italy.
Italian time hmm...? I guess I'm going to Germany.
To be fair don't expect people in Northeastern and Northwestern Italy to be so stereotypically welcoming and open. I'm Piedmontese and I know what I'm saying. In particular if you address them using the fake "mario bros" Italian accent so common in the anglosphere. The same used by him in this video, sorry.
I think I'd rather go to Japan over Italy (:
Echissenefrega
The time management you're talking about is not a widespread attitude as it seems by your video. If in Milan you schedule an appointment, particularly for business purposes, it's not accettable to show up half an hour after the scheduled time without an excuse. Just to make an example.
True. Business meetings are different. However the video is for tourists, not business people 😀
But also in everyday life I'd say. It's more a Rome thing than a northern thing. Probably they are right, I should say, but to show up with an half an hour delay in Milan or Turin would be considered extremely rude.
I agree. It is a north/south divide. Even Italians acknowledge that.
I travelled in Italy last summer. People were not super gregarious nor friendly, toilet were ok, and while I love Italian food, I find it often better outside of Italy. I have not seen people looking remotely like a pickpocket, not even in the center of Rome. Train were ok except that I would not recommend night train as the mattresses are hard, and in the North, they have crazy ticket validation system that nobody except them understand (yes, you have to validate your ticket).
What I love was the North, especially Turin. It was nice, elegant, neat and people were helpful, nice and friendly.
What I hate is that in Rome and Naples, it was most inefficient and disorganized than Central and South America. In the center of Rome, they sold me something by mistake and the drugstore was unable to give me a refund. It took more than 30 minutes because they did not know how to do it. And yes, tourist hords in Rome and September were a real pain. As a woman travelling alone, it was aggressing. I have not met another tourist alone. I wonder why. And while Romain in general were friendly, it was not the case of people working at the tourist offices and in museum. And the Museum card sold by the Rome tourist authority is a real scam. What a shame! Seriously Walter, I don't understand why you love Rome. Visiting the Coliseum and the Vatican were a real pain with all guides speaking louds, pointing their pole in my eyes, etc. Perhaps it is more fun to go to Rome once these "mandatory visits" are done? I was so happy to get out from there go back to the civilization in Paris :).
I would go back to Milan, Turin and the region of lakes in North Italy anytime. But I am not exactly in a hurry to go back to Rome and Napoli.
De gustibus we say…
More disorganized than South America? That's when you know someone is talking nonsense. Civilized Paris full of Muslims, Africans, riots and strikes every month...lolol
fuori dall'Italia il cibo italiano non esiste, ti fanno piatti finti spacciati x italiani.
If I'm being honest, I. didn't really vibe with the people in Italy that much. Yet again, it could have just been a bad experience.
Were you in Liguria?
No problem then
@@masterjunky863 no, Rome, Venice and Palermo
@@nicolettastrada5976 I was quite disappointed…
What do you mean by really vibe, in what way?@@rebeccavl97
I gave up all pretense that I enjoy Italy at all. Food is just food. All that Art can be seen on UTube. Everybody is preoccupied with food in Italy. I don't like anything made with flour. Art is something nobody cares about anymore. Italy has too many tourists. This year I stayed home and had a good rest
Good for you. Stay where you are and enjoy your tv and your couch.
Who still carries a wallet in 2023?? 😂😅
I think Italy is the most overrated country
Everyone has a right to their opinion but I respectfully disagree. I recently visited and every expectation I had was met or exceeded. I would go back tomorrow if I could.
I agree! I went there this summer for the first time in my life and was quite disappointed overall. I found quite a few people to be rather rude and unhelpful. Also, I found there to be tons of scams! I definitely prefer Greece!
@@rebeccavl97Rebecca we got it!
@@nicolettastrada5976 this is MY opinion! I have a right to it…
@@texasflood1295 looks like you had a good experience! Sadly I can’t say the same. 😢
Are you a Freemason?
The funniest things about pickpockets is that are not played by iyalians, but from peruvian people and rom people...in florence also marocco and tunisi people