{ "version": "https://jsonfeed.org/version/1.1", "user_comment": "This feed allows you to read the posts from this site in any feed reader that supports the JSON Feed format. To add this feed to your reader, copy the following URL -- https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/category/amalfi-coast/feed/json -- and add it your reader.", "home_page_url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/category/amalfi-coast", "feed_url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/category/amalfi-coast/feed/json", "language": "en-US", "title": "Amalfi Coast Archives - Italy Perfect Travel Blog", "description": "Get the inside information on your Italian Vacation Planning. Great tips, inside information, travel advice and more!", "items": [ { "id": "http://www.italyperfect.com/blog/?p=19723", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/driving-italy-requested-advice.html", "title": "Driving in Italy: Most Requested Advice", "content_html": "

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We have put together some really helpful and practical advice of things you should know about driving in Italy in the blogs linked below. Here are some of the most frequently asked\u00a0questions we get from our guests for our vacation rentals in Italy.

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What is it like driving in Italy?

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The roads are good and the signage is good. With GPS, navigation is usually pretty good. But you do have to pay attention while driving. The roads and the lanes on the highways are narrower than what you are probably used to. Drivers on the highways may drive really fast and may tailgate. Drivers in the larger cities may be aggressive. In cities there are many motorbikes that dodge around moving cars dangerously. Whether or not you are using GPS, the words you hear or read are probably unfamiliar so you have to pay close attention to signs. The traffic signs are totally different and you must review them or you can get into accidents by doing things like going the wrong way on a narrow one-way street or ending up in a pedestrian area surrounded by police.

\n

I’m a nervous driver, do you think I should drive in Italy?

\n

No. If you are a nervous driver and no one else in your group is comfortable driving, then we recommend stays in the cities where a car is not necessary. Italy Perfect\u00a0city guests receive private driver recommendations for relaxing country excursions.

\n

I’d like to explore the countryside in Tuscany, what do you think about driving around there?

\n

It is a lovely thing to do. Just leave your cares behind and let things take as long as they do. Enjoy getting lost and discovering beautiful vistas and charming villages. Don’t combine driving with wine tasting;-) Instead of driving yourself you might go with a small group tour or\u00a0private service who know the best wineries and restaurants for your enjoyment. Beware of the ZTL when driving in Florence.

\n

Since most destinations have several routes that will, eventually, get you to your destination,\u00a0it is best to plan your time in advance if you take\u00a0scenic routes. Especially if you are checking into a vacation rental where there isn’t staff\u00a0on duty 24×7 to welcome you.

\n

We are planning to visit the Amalfi coast by car, will it be a fun trip?

\n

The drivers in that area can be pretty impatient. They have to deal with narrow roads along cliffs that adapt to mountainous geography while tourists bumble along slowing them down. Grrrr. They dart out from side streets forcing you to brake suddenly or careen around you in a curve. If you have a calm and experienced driver in your party, don’t hesitate. If you don’t, take the train and/or hire a driver.

\n

Who should we rent a car from?

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Based on our experience, we recommend\u00a0Auto Europe. They seem to be able to get the best prices. We find, even if we are renting for the next day, we get a better rate from AutoEurope online than if we go directly to the rental office. When a random charge shows up on your bill, just call Auto Europe, they will straighten it out. \u00a0They have some good helpful articles, too. Italy Car Rental FAQ\u00a0and Driving in Italy.

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Links to Italy Perfect’s popular blogs on this topic

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Drive to these lovely Italy Perfect Vacation Rentals

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Riposo Verde in the Hills near San Casciano dei Bagni

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Regina Bella near Montecatini Terme

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The post Driving in Italy: Most Requested Advice appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.

\n", "content_text": "We have put together some really helpful and practical advice of things you should know about driving in Italy in the blogs linked below. Here are some of the most frequently asked\u00a0questions we get from our guests for our vacation rentals in Italy.\nWhat is it like driving in Italy?\nThe roads are good and the signage is good. With GPS, navigation is usually pretty good. But you do have to pay attention while driving. The roads and the lanes on the highways are narrower than what you are probably used to. Drivers on the highways may drive really fast and may tailgate. Drivers in the larger cities may be aggressive. In cities there are many motorbikes that dodge around moving cars dangerously. Whether or not you are using GPS, the words you hear or read are probably unfamiliar so you have to pay close attention to signs. The traffic signs are totally different and you must review them or you can get into accidents by doing things like going the wrong way on a narrow one-way street or ending up in a pedestrian area surrounded by police.\nI’m a nervous driver, do you think I should drive in Italy?\nNo. If you are a nervous driver and no one else in your group is comfortable driving, then we recommend stays in the cities where a car is not necessary. Italy Perfect\u00a0city guests receive private driver recommendations for relaxing country excursions.\nI’d like to explore the countryside in Tuscany, what do you think about driving around there?\nIt is a lovely thing to do. Just leave your cares behind and let things take as long as they do. Enjoy getting lost and discovering beautiful vistas and charming villages. Don’t combine driving with wine tasting;-) Instead of driving yourself you might go with a small group tour or\u00a0private service who know the best wineries and restaurants for your enjoyment. Beware of the ZTL when driving in Florence.\nSince most destinations have several routes that will, eventually, get you to your destination,\u00a0it is best to plan your time in advance if you take\u00a0scenic routes. Especially if you are checking into a vacation rental where there isn’t staff\u00a0on duty 24×7 to welcome you.\nWe are planning to visit the Amalfi coast by car, will it be a fun trip?\nThe drivers in that area can be pretty impatient. They have to deal with narrow roads along cliffs that adapt to mountainous geography while tourists bumble along slowing them down. Grrrr. They dart out from side streets forcing you to brake suddenly or careen around you in a curve. If you have a calm and experienced driver in your party, don’t hesitate. If you don’t, take the train and/or hire a driver.\nWho should we rent a car from?\nBased on our experience, we recommend\u00a0Auto Europe. They seem to be able to get the best prices. We find, even if we are renting for the next day, we get a better rate from AutoEurope online than if we go directly to the rental office. When a random charge shows up on your bill, just call Auto Europe, they will straighten it out. \u00a0They have some good helpful articles, too. Italy Car Rental FAQ\u00a0and Driving in Italy.\nLinks to Italy Perfect’s popular blogs on this topic\n\nTop 10 Frequently Asked Questions About Renting a Car in Italy\nShould We Rent a Car in Italy?\nThe ZTL \u2013 Avoid Restricted Traffic Zones & Fines in Italy\n\nDrive to these lovely Italy Perfect Vacation Rentals\nRiposo Verde in the Hills near San Casciano dei Bagni\n \nRegina Bella near Montecatini Terme\n \nThe post Driving in Italy: Most Requested Advice appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.", "date_published": "2017-07-18T12:33:38-04:00", "date_modified": "2022-04-06T10:06:18-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Italy Perfect", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/italy-perfect", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c1ba51ac97471f227c07dcecf9b744dc9e7df2e53897ae9ef49ce10c4109e12?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Italy Perfect", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/italy-perfect", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c1ba51ac97471f227c07dcecf9b744dc9e7df2e53897ae9ef49ce10c4109e12?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/AmalfiRoads.jpg", "tags": [ "Amalfi Coast", "Italian Culture", "Tourist Information", "Travel Planning" ] }, { "id": "http://www.italyperfect.com/blog/?p=6018", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/villa-rental-questions-answered-even-didnt-know-ask.html", "title": "Villa Rental Questions Answered\u2026Even Those You Didn\u2019t Know to Ask!", "content_html": "

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AFAR magazine, a leading travel publication, recently interviewed Italy Perfect founder Lisa Byrne\u00a0for their April 25, 2017 article\u00a0“How to Rent a Villa in Italy“. \u00a0The article offers practical advice and insights that range from\u00a0how far ahead to reserve to what to expect in terms of price and amenities. The bottom line is\u00a0that its easier than you think to rent a wonderful villa in Italy\u00a0if\u00a0you have help from an expert.

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If you are dreaming of a wonderful vacation with family or friends to a country or seaside villa in Italy, we can help!\u00a0We personally inspect and “test drive” every villa we offer to understand the special features, so that we can match your needs and wishes to the villa. Not all villa inspections are as glamorous as you might imagine; we reject many that don’t meet our standards, sharing\u00a0laughs and frustrations when,\u00a0upon personal inspection, a promising villa\u00a0disappoints with negative\u00a0aspects not obvious in\u00a0flattering photos or dreamy\u00a0descriptions. Memorable rejections\u00a0include an impressive villa that\u00a0–\u00a0surprise, surprise\u00a0–\u00a0was within earshot of a\u00a0high speed train that roared\u00a0by every 30 minutes! \u00a0A villa we nicknamed\u00a0the “Chair Museum”\u00a0was\u00a0filled with museum-quality antiques– with many\u00a0chairs and sofas roped off, so you couldn’t sit in them!\u00a0 Our funniest was the villa we dubbed\u00a0‘Fawlty Towers’\u00a0where a workman accidentally cut the power\u00a0line\u00a0on a\u00a0sweltering August day; it was\u00a03 days before an electrician showed up. To top it off there was a church directly next door with loud bells that rang every hour all\u00a0day and night!

\n

In addition to the useful information in the AFAR article, here are some handy tips to help you find the perfect villa for your Italy stay. There is still some summer 2017 availability, but best to plan 6 to 12 months in advance for best selection. Contact the Italy Perfect experts.\u00a0\u00a0 Email: reservations@italyperfect.com \u00a0Phone: 1.888.520.2087 or 1.424.223.5669

\n

Where should we stay?

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There is much beauty in Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast to enjoy. These are world-class destinations for good reasons: gorgeous views, scenic towns, wonderful food and wine, and a rich cultural heritage. Destinations that are a short drive to a town or village, preferably with a train station, tend be the most popular. If the villa is a short drive to town it provides some autonomy to make day trips by train without having to always stick together as a group. Some can lounge by the pool while others go forth to sightsee and shop.

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Cassa Rossa in San Casciano is a classic Tuscan farmhouse near Florence.

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For families, locations that have a pool for fun downtime in summer and things to do that are enjoyable for kids \u2013 think pizza-making class, horseback riding, bicycling\u00a0through vineyards, easy day hikes or a ride on a funicular. For romantic getaways, consider an “agriturismo” a converted farmhouse that can be organized into several smaller units that provide peace and tranquility but are well situated for day trips to medieval villages, wine tasting and have a nearby town for a romantic dinner.

\n
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Divine Dante is an elegant villa in the Florentine hills.

\n

Can we walk to town?

\n

The truth about \u201cWalk to Town\u201d is that villas where you can walk to town\u00a0are few and far between. The nature of country properties tends to be based on an agricultural setting, where there is ample land for growing grapes and olives, so they tend to be outside of town, not far, but typically not easily walkable on a country road. In-village villas may be appropriate but please be aware that then they are in urban or suburban locations without the vistas across the hills, vineyards and orchards, less privacy, and possibly subject to in-town noises like traffic.

\n
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Vista Serena sea view in Amalfi coast.

\n

Do we need to rent a car?

\n

If you are\u00a0staying in the countryside\u00a0you will need to have a car or two to get around to see the sites, reach restaurants, small village with no train station, or even for destinations things like a pharmacy or a quaint country trattoria. A private driver can be a good choice for day excursions so you can enjoy the ride, taste the wine and views without fear of getting lost

\n
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Large Medici apartment in Florence, great for a gathering with lots of space for get-togethers and multiple apartments in the building.

\n

If you stay\u00a0in a city you don’t need a car. You won’t be staying in a villa however, but in an apartment. For some, a city stay instead of a country villa is just as interesting, and gives families and friends the ability to be independent from the group for a bit, such as young adults\u00a0who might not want to be with mom and dad the entire time. Groups of friends can break off to pursue separate interests, whether it is taking a tour, a cooking class, sitting at an outdoor caf\u00e9 or shopping without having to coordinate agendas with everyone,\u00a0while enjoying cocktails and dinner together. Day trips into the beautiful countryside that surrounds the cities are easy and round out the experience with wine-and olive-tastings in a vineyard, visits to fortified hill-towns, and peaceful vistas.

\n

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What are the best values?

\n

Multi-unit Tuscan properties that offer extra services such as hikes, cooking classes, winery tours are great for smaller parties or a larger group when everyone doesn\u2019t have to be under the same roof. A shared pool can be fun for kids to meet other children to play with. We have beautiful properties where grandma and grandpa can have their own cottage, while the rest of the family are in their own villa on the same estate, they can enjoy ample time together but can take respite in separate quarters, providing vacation harmony. Another nice feature is estates with multiple units that also have private on-site restaurants for their guests. Italy Perfect\u2019s Bucine, Borgo and Villa Mare-Villa Sole villas are good examples of multi-unit properties that offer good flexibility for a group. Full details at www.ItalyPerfect.com.

\n

Will the villa be air conditioned? A private chef? Daily housekeeping? Is the road paved?

\n

The shortest answer is “It depends”. Each villa is a unique home so the features vary. Read the property details carefully and ask for more information if it is not clear.

\n

Here are some pointers:

\n

Find out if the road to the villa is paved. If not, how far on unpaved roads.

\n
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Riposo Verde is an elegant Tuscan villa with resplendent views among gardens, orchards and vineyards.

\n

Pools are usually not heated. If a property has a heated pool you may have to pay an extra fee to have the pool heated during your stay. Pools are typically not maintained in winter; being prepared for the summer season by early June and closing in early-to-mid September.

\n

Air conditioning is not pervasive yet throughout Italy. There is AC in most city properties but there are many exquisite country properties that do not have AC. You\u2019ll severely limit your choices if AC is a must-have in the countryside where breezes and thick walls ensure a cooler experience than in the cities. If it lists AC, ask which rooms.

\n
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The Panorama villa near Montecatini is large and lovely with all the amenities.

\n

Window screens are not common either. More properties are adding them but there won\u2019t be any screen doors, so even if the windows have screens, a pesky mosquito can still find its way in through open doors. Bring mosquito repellent.

\n

Most villas\u00a0have washing machines, few have clothes dryers.

\n

Luxury villas that include an on-site housekeeper anticipate a tip in the range of \u20ac100 Euros/couple/week.

\n

Quality of Wi-Fi is often an issue at country properties where thick walls, remote locations might mean only one spot on the premises with a strong Wi-Fi signal. Time to get into vacation mode and unplug!

\n

The relative tranquility of a country setting still has its noises, so don\u2019t expect absolute silence: anticipate roosters, farmer tending to crops, a dog barking in the distance and the rumble of farm vehicles.

\n

Most villas rent Saturday-to-Saturday during the high season, so plan your travel based on that. On the other hand, most city properties can take shorter stays and have flexible arrival dates.

\n

The post Villa Rental Questions Answered…Even Those You Didn’t Know to Ask! appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.

\n", "content_text": "AFAR magazine, a leading travel publication, recently interviewed Italy Perfect founder Lisa Byrne\u00a0for their April 25, 2017 article\u00a0“How to Rent a Villa in Italy“. \u00a0The article offers practical advice and insights that range from\u00a0how far ahead to reserve to what to expect in terms of price and amenities. The bottom line is\u00a0that its easier than you think to rent a wonderful villa in Italy\u00a0if\u00a0you have help from an expert.\n\nIf you are dreaming of a wonderful vacation with family or friends to a country or seaside villa in Italy, we can help!\u00a0We personally inspect and “test drive” every villa we offer to understand the special features, so that we can match your needs and wishes to the villa. Not all villa inspections are as glamorous as you might imagine; we reject many that don’t meet our standards, sharing\u00a0laughs and frustrations when,\u00a0upon personal inspection, a promising villa\u00a0disappoints with negative\u00a0aspects not obvious in\u00a0flattering photos or dreamy\u00a0descriptions. Memorable rejections\u00a0include an impressive villa that\u00a0–\u00a0surprise, surprise\u00a0–\u00a0was within earshot of a\u00a0high speed train that roared\u00a0by every 30 minutes! \u00a0A villa we nicknamed\u00a0the “Chair Museum”\u00a0was\u00a0filled with museum-quality antiques– with many\u00a0chairs and sofas roped off, so you couldn’t sit in them!\u00a0 Our funniest was the villa we dubbed\u00a0‘Fawlty Towers’\u00a0where a workman accidentally cut the power\u00a0line\u00a0on a\u00a0sweltering August day; it was\u00a03 days before an electrician showed up. To top it off there was a church directly next door with loud bells that rang every hour all\u00a0day and night!\nIn addition to the useful information in the AFAR article, here are some handy tips to help you find the perfect villa for your Italy stay. There is still some summer 2017 availability, but best to plan 6 to 12 months in advance for best selection. Contact the Italy Perfect experts.\u00a0\u00a0 Email: reservations@italyperfect.com \u00a0Phone: 1.888.520.2087 or 1.424.223.5669\nWhere should we stay?\nThere is much beauty in Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast to enjoy. These are world-class destinations for good reasons: gorgeous views, scenic towns, wonderful food and wine, and a rich cultural heritage. Destinations that are a short drive to a town or village, preferably with a train station, tend be the most popular. If the villa is a short drive to town it provides some autonomy to make day trips by train without having to always stick together as a group. Some can lounge by the pool while others go forth to sightsee and shop.\nCassa Rossa in San Casciano is a classic Tuscan farmhouse near Florence.\nFor families, locations that have a pool for fun downtime in summer and things to do that are enjoyable for kids \u2013 think pizza-making class, horseback riding, bicycling\u00a0through vineyards, easy day hikes or a ride on a funicular. For romantic getaways, consider an “agriturismo” a converted farmhouse that can be organized into several smaller units that provide peace and tranquility but are well situated for day trips to medieval villages, wine tasting and have a nearby town for a romantic dinner.\nDivine Dante is an elegant villa in the Florentine hills.\nCan we walk to town?\nThe truth about \u201cWalk to Town\u201d is that villas where you can walk to town\u00a0are few and far between. The nature of country properties tends to be based on an agricultural setting, where there is ample land for growing grapes and olives, so they tend to be outside of town, not far, but typically not easily walkable on a country road. In-village villas may be appropriate but please be aware that then they are in urban or suburban locations without the vistas across the hills, vineyards and orchards, less privacy, and possibly subject to in-town noises like traffic.\nVista Serena sea view in Amalfi coast.\nDo we need to rent a car?\nIf you are\u00a0staying in the countryside\u00a0you will need to have a car or two to get around to see the sites, reach restaurants, small village with no train station, or even for destinations things like a pharmacy or a quaint country trattoria. A private driver can be a good choice for day excursions so you can enjoy the ride, taste the wine and views without fear of getting lost\nLarge Medici apartment in Florence, great for a gathering with lots of space for get-togethers and multiple apartments in the building.\nIf you stay\u00a0in a city you don’t need a car. You won’t be staying in a villa however, but in an apartment. For some, a city stay instead of a country villa is just as interesting, and gives families and friends the ability to be independent from the group for a bit, such as young adults\u00a0who might not want to be with mom and dad the entire time. Groups of friends can break off to pursue separate interests, whether it is taking a tour, a cooking class, sitting at an outdoor caf\u00e9 or shopping without having to coordinate agendas with everyone,\u00a0while enjoying cocktails and dinner together. Day trips into the beautiful countryside that surrounds the cities are easy and round out the experience with wine-and olive-tastings in a vineyard, visits to fortified hill-towns, and peaceful vistas.\n\nWhat are the best values?\nMulti-unit Tuscan properties that offer extra services such as hikes, cooking classes, winery tours are great for smaller parties or a larger group when everyone doesn\u2019t have to be under the same roof. A shared pool can be fun for kids to meet other children to play with. We have beautiful properties where grandma and grandpa can have their own cottage, while the rest of the family are in their own villa on the same estate, they can enjoy ample time together but can take respite in separate quarters, providing vacation harmony. Another nice feature is estates with multiple units that also have private on-site restaurants for their guests. Italy Perfect\u2019s Bucine, Borgo and Villa Mare-Villa Sole villas are good examples of multi-unit properties that offer good flexibility for a group. Full details at www.ItalyPerfect.com.\nWill the villa be air conditioned? A private chef? Daily housekeeping? Is the road paved?\nThe shortest answer is “It depends”. Each villa is a unique home so the features vary. Read the property details carefully and ask for more information if it is not clear.\nHere are some pointers:\nFind out if the road to the villa is paved. If not, how far on unpaved roads.\nRiposo Verde is an elegant Tuscan villa with resplendent views among gardens, orchards and vineyards.\nPools are usually not heated. If a property has a heated pool you may have to pay an extra fee to have the pool heated during your stay. Pools are typically not maintained in winter; being prepared for the summer season by early June and closing in early-to-mid September.\nAir conditioning is not pervasive yet throughout Italy. There is AC in most city properties but there are many exquisite country properties that do not have AC. You\u2019ll severely limit your choices if AC is a must-have in the countryside where breezes and thick walls ensure a cooler experience than in the cities. If it lists AC, ask which rooms.\nThe Panorama villa near Montecatini is large and lovely with all the amenities.\nWindow screens are not common either. More properties are adding them but there won\u2019t be any screen doors, so even if the windows have screens, a pesky mosquito can still find its way in through open doors. Bring mosquito repellent.\nMost villas\u00a0have washing machines, few have clothes dryers.\nLuxury villas that include an on-site housekeeper anticipate a tip in the range of \u20ac100 Euros/couple/week.\nQuality of Wi-Fi is often an issue at country properties where thick walls, remote locations might mean only one spot on the premises with a strong Wi-Fi signal. Time to get into vacation mode and unplug!\nThe relative tranquility of a country setting still has its noises, so don\u2019t expect absolute silence: anticipate roosters, farmer tending to crops, a dog barking in the distance and the rumble of farm vehicles.\nMost villas rent Saturday-to-Saturday during the high season, so plan your travel based on that. On the other hand, most city properties can take shorter stays and have flexible arrival dates.\nThe post Villa Rental Questions Answered…Even Those You Didn’t Know to Ask! appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.", "date_published": "2017-04-27T12:54:41-04:00", "date_modified": "2024-10-01T07:49:49-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Italy Perfect", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/italy-perfect", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c1ba51ac97471f227c07dcecf9b744dc9e7df2e53897ae9ef49ce10c4109e12?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Italy Perfect", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/italy-perfect", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c1ba51ac97471f227c07dcecf9b744dc9e7df2e53897ae9ef49ce10c4109e12?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Villa-Roncovisin.jpg", "tags": [ "Amalfi Coast", "Italy Perfect Vacation Rentals", "Tuscany", "Villas in Italy" ] } ] }