Italy Dreams

Tag: Rome travel

  • 6 Things to Do at the Rome Fiumicino Airport in Italy While You Wait for Your Flight

    A simple espresso at the Rome Fiumicino Airport helped us perk up after a long flight from the U.S.

    The Rome Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport is the largest airport in Italy and the seventh-largest in Europe.

    So, it’s not surprising that you may find yourself going through this famous airport if you’re Italy-bound.

    Perhaps you have a long layover between destinations, leading you to wonder how the heck to fill your time until boarding starts for your next flight.

    Or, maybe you were in Rome and you’ve arrived early for your flight. Now, you’ve got some time to squander.

    Sure, you could spend those extra hours on your phone. Yet why not make it more interesting and explore what the airport has to offer?

    Artwork seen at the Rome Fiumicino Airport.

    In early 2026, I had a five-hour layover at Rome Fiumicino, arriving from Miami in the U.S. and then had to wait for my flight to Catania, Sicily. (You can read lots about my Sicily journey here and in other articles on my blog.)

    That five hours was just long enough time to entertain myself well while at the airport but short enough that I didn’t feel comfortable leaving the airport.

    Then, on the way home back to the U.S., I had another three-hour layover at Rome Fiumicino.

    Our article shares six tips for things to do while you’re at the Rome Fiumicino Airport. First, here are a few Rome Airport facts.

    Architecture seen at the Rome Fiumicino Airport.

    6 Fun Facts About the Rome Fiumicino Airport

    –The airport code (those codes they place on your luggage) is FCO.

    –Locals often refer to the airport as Fiumicino (fee-u-mee-chino) Airport.

    –Rome actually has a second airport called Rome Ciampino Airport, which mostly serves lower-cost airlines like Ryan Air and Wizz Air. Ciampino Airport is actually older than Fiumicino, built in 1916 compared with Fiumicino opening in 1960.

    –Rome Fiumicino Airport is about 19 miles (30 or so kilometers) from Rome’s city center. It’s located in the town of Fiumicino, hence the airport name.

    –You can get to the airport via an Express train, a taxi/Uber, or a shuttle bus service.

    –Any guesses how many passengers fly in and out of Rome Fiumicino? In 2025, it was 51.3 million, a 4% increase compared with 2024. It’s a busy place!

    Workers busy in a Rome Airport cafe in early 2026.

    6 Things to Do at Rome Fiumicino Airport

    Mangia!

    Or should we say, eat?! I mean, come on, you’re in Italy!

    Upon landing around 10 a.m. local time, I promptly bought un espresso e un cornetto, per favore (an espresso and a croissant) along with a coconut water as I needed hydration after the 9-hour flight.

    Later during my five-hour layover, I got a caprese sandwich. The sandwich was not the same quality as I might find in Italy’s famous eateries outside the airport–but it was still Italy so I couldn’t really complain.

    Take your pick of places to eat among the airport’s many sandwich shops or restaurants. Find a full list here, and heads up: Unlike many airports that feature cuisine from around the world, many or most of the options focus on Italian food. Again, not complaining!

    People-watch.

    People-watching is something we love to do in airports and hope it’s not a lost art as more and more people get lost on their electronic devices. You can learn so much about human behavior just by watching people at an airport. Plus, you’ll get a few laughs (we’re talking to you, Atlanta and Miami airports).

    At the Rome Airport, I don’t remember any crazy people-watching sightings but I do remember feeling amazed by the number of people from literally all around the world.

    A partial view of the window where you can watch planes come and go while you sit, relax, and listen to paino music.

    –Meditate or take a nap while listening to lovely piano music.

    Meditate at the airport? For real? Yes! In Terminal 1, near gate A66, there’s an area with huge chaise-lounge style chairs that face a massive picture window looking out at airplanes. You’ll also find there a piano, one of several throughout the airport that give passengers the chance to play their favorite tunes (some performing better than others).

    It was such a nice respite to sit there and passively look outside the window rather than be in a hurry. If you don’t want to fully fall asleep because you want to watch your stuff (understandable), you can still use the spot just to sit for a bit.

    To find more pianos at the airport, search at the map here and type in “piano.”

    Call your Italian friends and family–or meet them at the airport.

    With today’s technology, it’s super easy to see friends and family from around the world using WhatsApp or any other favorite app, right?

    Still, there’s something kind of fun about reaching out to your peeps while you’re in their country. I took a few minutes after my Italy arrival to video call one of my Rome-based language partners. Then, after arriving at the Rome Airport from Catania and getting ready to return to Miami in the U.S., I was able to meet this same friend at a cafe that was inside the airport but on the other side of security. It was a fun, short visit, and all I had to do was go through security again.

    Just ask for help if there’s any confusion over where you should or shouldn’t go if you plan to meet someone without leaving the airport.

    If you truly want to leave the airport and sightsee or meet a friend, it’s best if you have a layover that’s six hours or more.

    A cafe in Rome’s airport before you go through security.

    Shop!

    Any large airport will have a whole selection of stores, from those common “buy some water and a snack” type places to luxury stores to overpriced souvenir shops. The Rome Fiumicino Airport definitely has its share of high-end shops (find a full list here of all of its stores, including Burberry, Cartier, and Fendi).

    Yet my personal interest always veers more towards food, which is why I took my time in a few souvenir or food-themed shops, including the famous Italian-created shop Eataly. Eataly is a large store that features Italian food products as well as several places to eat within Eataly itself. Knowing I was about to be in “Italy,” I knew I didn’t really have a need for “Eataly.” Still, looking around was a way to pass the time.

    It’s also interesting to compare prices for items in the airport versus the prices you see outside of the airport.

    Of course, like any international airport, there are duty-free shops, which also have their share of Italian food products in addition to the usual alcohol and cigarettes. Watch passengers decide if they really need one more limoncello bottle to take home to Aunt Susie.

    Find a list of the airport’s shopping options here.

    A partial view of the “Master of Mistakes” artwork at the Rome Airport.

    Check out some art.

    In Terminal A, the same area with the piano and the large seats, there was a large sculpture called “Master of Mistakes” by Daniele Sigalot, which looked like an enormous ball of crumpled papers (a true master of mistakes, we presume). Yet you can find other art throughout the airport, which makes sense when you consider the airport is named for the master himself, Leonardo da Vinci.

    Find out more about the artwork at the Rome Airport here.

    Some Final Thoughts on Things to Do at the Rome Airport

    Our ideas here reflect what we enjoyed at Rome Fiumicino, but we know there are plenty more things you could do there.

    Like any large airport, there are private lounges and also pay shower areas (25 Euros each).

    Find the airport website here for more ideas.

    Of course, you can also practice speaking and listening to Italian. Yet since you’re at the airport, you’ll also hear plenty of English.

    Feel free to explore more options, but hopefully our article gives you a few starting ideas.

    Buon viaggio!

    Rome’s famous Coliseum (taken by a friend; we still need to make it there).
    Yet sometimes, there’s no place like home.

  • Access Italy Welcomes Visitors to Experience Italia With Passion

    The Amorico family of Access Italy. All photos used in this article are courtesy of Access Italy.

    “Italy isn’t a destination you conquer. It’s one you’re welcomed into,” says Simone Amorico, co-founder of the Rome-based Access Italy, a destination management company.

    “At Access Italy, we’re here to make that welcome feel warm, personal, and unforgettable.”

    He must be on to something when you consider that Oprah Winfrey trusts Simone and his brother/co-founder Marco as well as their father Angelo to plan her Italy trips.

    So do Sylvester Stallone, Stanley Tucci (Mr. Italy himself), Emily Blunt, Jessica Alba, and several other well-known celebs.

    Although Simone discreetly declines to answer questions about his celebrity clients, you can tell they must be happy with the results from the smiling photos these famous folks have posted on social media.

    “What we can say is that what people are really searching for is connection: with the place, with the people they meet, and with the moment they’re living,” Simone explains about his company’s clientele.

    Courtesy of Access Italy.

    What Access Italy Offers

    For Access Italy and its staff of 40, their sweet spot is an itinerary designed exactly around the client’s wishes.

    “Every viaggio (trip) is tailor-made, seamless, and designed around the people traveling, never around a template,” Simone explains.

    The company began in 2009 by Angelo Amorico; Simone and Marco now lead the firm along with their father. The 40 team members are destination experts, travel designers, and local insiders.

    Simone says that their personal relationships with artisans, historians, winemakers, families, and hotels across the country bridge together thoughtful travelers with these locals.

    The vast majority of the guests working with Access Italy are American.

    “They share the same mindset. They don’t want to just see Italy, they want to live it,” Simone says. “They travel with intention, preferring quality over quantity and meaningful moments over rushed checklists.”

    Team members usually work with 2 to 8 guests when designing a trip and sometimes groups of 10 to 14, including extended family. Travel groups may be couples, families, or small groups of friends.

    With a focus on tailored, luxury travel, the travel designers at Access Italy will speak with guests about their exact needs and desires for the trip. This could mean coordinating a completely private visit to a famous museum, choosing upscale Italian hotels and villas, or organizing a Michelin-star dinner with your travel partners.

    Courtesy of Access Italy.

    Of course, don’t forget other classic Italian experiences like:

    –Cooking classes or even a home cooking class with the Amorico family

    –Early-morning visits to famous sites

    –Personalized shopping tours

    –Yacht excursions

    –Private events

    Access Italy also can lead you to fewer crowds at the busiest destinations. Again, just ask Oprah. Here’s a testimonial from her shared on the Access Italy website:

    “If you’re ever in Italy, call these guys! Angelo has been showing me the best of Italy for 30 years now. His sons were toddlers and now Simone and Marco have joined the business. We were in and out of the Coliseum in an hour! Same for the Vatican. Their company is aptly named, cause they have real ACCESS!”

    (Find pics of Oprah and bestie Gayle King’s time in Italy, along with some pics of Angelo, at the link here from Oprah Daily.)

    Another fun way to discover just how a trip with Access Italy might work is a description on the company website of the Anderson family experience. The Andersons collaborated with the company to plan their southern Italian trip in 2023.

    The top areas that Access Italy visits with clients include Rome, Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast/Capri, Venice, Lake Como, Puglia, and Sicily.

    For places a little more off-the-beaten path, their travel designers will direct guests to places like Piedmont (in northeastern Italy), the Dolomites (where the recent Winter Olympics were held), Umbria in central Italy, and the island region of Sardinia.

    “We often combine iconic destinations with lesser-known regions to create balance and surprise,” Simone says.

    Courtesy of Access Italy.

    5 Tips to Plan Your Trip to Italy, Courtesy of Access Italy

    If you’re dreaming of Prosecco and pasta after reading this article, then Simone has a few tips to help you with your Italy plans:

    1. Don’t cram everything into one trip. “Italy is about depth, not checklists,” Simone says.
    2. Balance cities with countryside. “It changes the rhythm of the trip,” he explains.
    3. Take to heart recommendations on when to go to specific destinations. Timing matters as much as where you’re going.
    4. Leave room in your trip for the unexpected.
    5. Contact Access Italy to set up your trip. “Save time and energy. We plan, you Prosecco,” Simone says.

    Find Access Italy online here and their contact page here. You can also find them on Instagram here and on Facebook with the name Access Italy.

    Buon viaggio!

    Courtesy of Access Italy.

  • Byways of Italy Brings You Closer to the Good Life in Italy

    Enjoy views of the Coliseum in Rome or any other sights you wish with a Byways of Italy tour. Picture shared by Jessica Caceres.

    If you’ve ever dreamed of getting to know Italy up close and personal but you’re not sure where to start, then the Rome-based company Byways of Italy is a great place to start.

    Byways of Italy is a tour operator and destination marketing company (DMC) that creates customized travel itineraries and provides experiences at Italy’s iconic destinations as well as lesser-known gems, says founder Manuela Mocci.

    The company began in 2021 in response to a growing demand from travelers looking to rediscover Italy after the COVID-19 pandemic. It focuses most frequently on cultural and food and wine experiences along with a commitment to conscious, responsible travel, Mocci says.

    Florence, Italy.

    What Makes Byways of Italy Different?

    Byways of Italy’s travel advisors work closely with clients to create a customized travel experience.

    “I would say that clients choose us because of the balanced mix in our proposals, combining the most well-known spots with off-the-radar day trips offered at the right pace, and the dedication we bring from the start,” Mocci says.

    The company’s typical client will be a couple or family that’s from Australia, the U.S., Canada, or Latin America. Although Byways doesn’t usually work with large groups, they make an exception for multigenerational families.

    “Our correspondence with clients sometimes lasts months or even over a year, allowing us to get to know their preferences, build trust, and carefully curate every detail of their journey,” Mocci explains.

    A view of Lake Como in northern Italy.

    Although travel options abound online, many people still want the value of working with local experts.

    “Younger travelers often want unique experiences that are hard to find online, and they don’t have much time to dedicate to planning,” Mocci says. “Older travelers can feel overwhelmed by the amount of information available on the web and are looking for someone they can trust to provide guidance and support when needed.”

    A classic view of Venice, Italy. Picture shared by Jessica Caceres.

    Where Can You Go With Byways of Italy?

    Instead of asking, “Where can you go with Byways of Italy?”, perhaps the better question to ask is, “Where do you want to go?”

    Do you want to take a relaxing bike ride along Lake Garda? Live the luxe life on a yacht cruise on Sardinia’s coastline and enjoy an onboard fish lunch? Or, do you just want to meander in the countryside of the region of Marche and sample authentic food and wine while you stay at a local agriturismo (a farm-based home that usually offers activities like tours or cooking classes)?

    All of this and more are possible with the help of Byways of Italy. That’s because it specializes in customized tours.

    “We add special touches to make each trip one-of-a-kind, especially for occasions such as honeymoons and anniversaries,” Mocci says.

    Mercato Centrale in Florence, italy.

    However, Byways also offers classic tours to help you get to know Italy better. Here are a few popular highlights:

    ––The 10-Day Italy Tour features Milan, Venice, Florence, and Rome. Activities you can enjoy include a guided tour of Milan’s Duomo (cathedral), a private boat tour on famous Lake Como, a sightseeing tour of Venice with a Venetian apertif, a visit to a glass factory in Murano, a guided tour of Florence’s famous art museums, and a walking tour of Rome’s main monuments. Of course, no classic Italy tour is complete without wine tasting in the Tuscan countryside!

    ––A Journey of Self-Discovering in Tuscia. Get off the beaten path for this 7-night/8-day tour in Tuscia, located in the Lazio region near the border with Umbria and Tuscany. This remote area helps you enjoy less crowded ancient Italian towns and connect with yourself and your loved ones. Take a guided tour of Tuscania, relish in the thermal baths in the town of Viterbo, spend a day at a family-run winery, and visit the Palazzo Farnese to take in its awe-inspiring frescoes.

    —Northwest Sardinia. For something truly different, book yourself a Byways of Italy tour to Northwest Sardinia. Sardinia is an island off of Italy’s western coast and is one of Italy’s 20 regions. It has famous beaches but still has many parts that are less discovered compared with Italy’s bigger cites. This 10-day/9-night tour includes a visit to Alghero, which has a strong Catalan influence; a panoramic road trip to the colorful and historica town of Bosa, featuring the area’s vineyards; and a visit to the small village of Castelsardo.

    Some of the other tours via Byways of Italy include:

    –Milan and the lakes of North Italy

    –Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast

    –3 Days in the Tuscany Countryside

    –Procida, a fishing island in the Gulf of Naples

    Rome’s Coliseum. Picture shared by Jessica Caceres.

    Tips for Planning Your Trip to Italy

    As you plan your trip to Italy, there are some general travel tips you should follow, Mocci recommends:

    —Begin to plan your trip 6 to 8 months in advance so you have more options and better prices.

    —Keep a running list of useful information and points of interest about your destination, such as attractions, museums, bars/restaurants, streets, etc.

    —Buy those museum tickets ahead of time. “During high season, tickets for the most famous museums sell out quickly and need
    to be booked in advance. This will help you save some time,” Mocci says.

    —Double check schedules in advance. Some museums and cultural sites may be closed when you least expect it, especially in small towns or outside of peak season.

    —Don’t overplan. “Leave space for unexpected discoveries and improvisation, and make sure to leave time to rest, enjoy a coffee in a nice bar, or take a leisurely walk through the center,” Mocci says.

    Mocci shares some final wise thoughts: “Travel isn’t about ticking
    boxes, it’s about finding experiences that feel meaningful to you,” Mocci says. “What one traveler enjoys might not suit another, and that’s what makes every trip personal.”

    To contact Byways of Italy about your Italian trip, find them online at BywaysofItaly.com. You can also message them through the following contact form on their website.

    Beautiful Bellagio in Lake Como, Italy.