Italy Dreams

Tag: travel

  • 8 Tips to Be a Respectful Tourist in Italy and the Rest of Europe

    Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery in Florence is one of the most popular art sights in Italy. It also may be where you see visitors become disrespectful tourists. Our article shares how you can be respecful when visiting Italy.

    It hit us when we were at the Accademia Gallery in Florence, viewing the famous 500-year-old David sculpture by Michelangelo.

    There was a throng of people around the sculpture, and several of them were taking selfies. Now, all of us (or most of us) do selfies from time to time. Yet there was a casualness to their attitude, as if they were taking a picture of themselves outside their hometown donut shop before continuing on with their day. They would take their selfie and be on their way to the next priceless art piece in the museum, with little thought or care to the history or detail of this famous piece of art.

    It’s partly that attitude–a seeming lack of respect–that’s led several cities in Italy and around Europe to revolt against overtourism in recent years. In June 2025, locals in Italy, Portugal, and Spain targeted tourists with water guns to bring attention to their large numbers. Protesters in Venice spoke out against overtourism and the lavish wedding of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. Tourists bombarded the small town of Sirmione along Lake Garda in north Italy in May 2025, with videos of that overtourism going viral.

    A whopping 70% of tourists to Italy visit only 1% of the country–namely, Rome, Florence, and Venice.

    With that background in mind, let’s break down what you can do to be a more respectful tourist in Italy. The locals will say grazie!

    Tourists make their way through the hilly streets of Bellagio on Lake Como, in north Italy.

    8 Tips to Be a More Respectful Tourist in Italy and Europe

    1. Learn a little Italian. Italians are tickled when you try to speak a little Italian, even it’s as simple as buongiorno, ciao, or grazie. (Pasta seems to be part of the universal language, hahaha.) Even if they speak English back to you, which definitely might happen, speaking a few words of Italian shows that you are making an effort to be respectful of the country’s culture.
    2. Think historically. Italy is not Disney World or Epcot. The history in Italy, just like in many parts of Europe, is very real and delicate. As you walk on the cobblestone streets (hopefully in comfortable shoes) or tour through old buildings or churches, aim to preserve that history by keeping your hands to yourself, throwing away garbage in garbage cans, and following any other rules shared by signs or tour guides.
    Small groups of tourists seen outside Santa Maria Novella Church in Florence.

    3. Watch what you wear. Many churches in Italy will want your shoulders and knees to be covered upon entering. Plus, some will enforce no sandals. Tour leader Renata De Masi of Tuscany observes that many young people don’t dress appropriately when touring around Italy’s more delicate sites. Solutions: Even in Italy’s hot summer, always have a sweater with you to cover up when needed. Wear closed-toed shoes, or at least have a pair with you for days that you’re visiting churches.

    4. DON’T take a selfie. “Italy has an immense artistic heritage,” De Masi says. “There are several occasions when taking a selfie has cost the integrity of artworks and museum displays.” This doesn’t mean you can’t ever take a selfie in Italy. Just be mindful in historical areas of any rules that limit selfies and/or flash photography.

    A busy street in Milan.

    5. Stay out of the way of locals. If you’re from a big city, have you ever had your commute hampered by tourists? Maybe you’re driving through your city and there are tourists in the middle of the road trying to capture that perfect view. Or, they’re standing in the middle of the sidewalk to figure out where the ice cream shop is while you’re scurrying to work? We’ve all been there, and it’s the same in Europe’s big cities. Take up your tourist space when needed, but be super mindful of locals who are living their lives and don’t have the same leisure time that you do while traveling through their country.

    6. Go beyond the big cities. We can’t emphasize this tip enough. As we’ve learned more about Italy’s 20 regions, we’ve seen the allure that each area holds. And yet–we hear again and again about Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan. Don’t get us wrong, those are all wonderful places to visit. Yet we also know Italian people visiting out-of-the-way locations in their country and encountering few to zero tourists while there. Have you thought about spending time in the region of Umbria? Or Sardinia? Le Marche? Abruzzo? They all have wonderful things to see. Our next article will cover several places where Italians like to visit in their own country–and they will be less tourist-focused then the other well-known destinations. Make sure to subscribeto our blog to check out that article, so you can plan your next less hectic trip to Italia.

    Tourists inside the Accademia Gallery in Florence. Note that these were crowds in early March–not the summer, when tourism is especially crowded.

    7. Watch your manners–and your volume. We often hear that Europeans are more polite than Americans. Whether or not that’s always true, we can tell you that using please/per favore, thank you/grazie, and good morning/buongiorno can go a long way toward creating goodwill. While you’re at it, watch your volume when you’re speaking in public. Speaking at a softer volume will help you blend in better.

    8. Read up on local transportation rules. This may be a way that we tourists aren’t intentionally disrespectful, just uninformed. Yet knowing some local transportation rules can help make your time in Italy more efficient and easier. Here are a few tips shared by De Masi:

    a. Avoid a fine on public transportation by validating your paper ticket. This is something that many tourists don’t know so they don’t do it. Here’s a quick video to show you how to validate your train ticket.

    b. Consider using contactless payment methods for public transportation when available.

    c. If you plan to drive in Italy, make sure to get an International Driving Permit in advance of your trip. It’s required. Ifdriving, do some research on local traffic signs as they won’t always translate easily in English. For instance, “ZTL” indicates areas with limited traffic and usually are in city centers. This may limit these areas to only authorities or delivery drivers. Cities will track cars entering these areas by using camera technology and issue heavy fines to offenders.

    d. Know that tourist buses may not be allowed to park near historic destinations. If you’re on a tourist bus, you may need to walk 10 or 15 minutes to where you’re going. Wear good shoes, have water, and be ready to walk!

    The view along a Florence street.

      Want more info on how to be a respectful tourist in Italy? There are several videos on YouTube that you may find helpful. When in doubt, ask your local hotel representatives or tour guides for help. Buon viaggio!

    1. Target Travel Wows the World With Italian Custom Tours

      Stunning Matera in the Italian region of Basilicata. Matera is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and famous for caves and ancient history. All pictures with this story are shared by Target Travel.

      How would you like to see the historical sights of Rome, Italy, at sunrise—where you can beat the crowds and capture some amazing pictures?

      Or, what about a food-focused tour of Italy where you literally follow a food from where it’s grown or produced to where it’s ultimately enjoyed on someone’s table?

      Or, take a local market tour and cooking class with an Italian chef?

      Those types of unique ideas and many more are what Target Travel offers.

      The team at Target Travel.

      Target Travel is a family-run, Venice-based DMC (Destination Management Company) that’s been tailoring tours and experiences since 1985, founded by CEO Daniele Panzarin.

      What sets Target Travel apart from many other DMCs is the feeling of being at home when working with them. You can truly sense the pride they take in helping people discover the most authentic and unique side of Italy.

      With a team of 26 professionals, the company proudly retains the spirit of a boutique destination management company—with deep experience and a warm, family-like atmosphere, where strong interpersonal relationships are always the foundation of everything they do.

      The Bridge of Sighs, Venice Italy.

      2025 is a special year because Target Travel is celebrating its 40th anniversary—a significant milestone that adds even more prestige to the company.

      Target Travel focuses on bespoke tours (tailored tours for couples or families, for instance) and custom small groups (12 to 15 people) looking for unique tourism experiences around Italy. The type of traveler interested in Target Travel tours is usually a U.S.-based premium or luxury traveler wanting to visit Italy. In all situations, the experience is tailor-made for the visitors.

      Taormina, Sicily, Italy.

      What Makes Target Travel Different

      If you’ve visited Italy already, then you’re acutely aware of the large crowds in the country’s popular tourist destinations, such as Florence, Rome, and Venice. These crowds are present even outside of the summer, when tourism reaches its peak in Europe.

      While you may still visit these larger cities on a tour with Target Travel, you’ll have the chance to see lesser known parts of these popular destinations. This could include a private viewing of paintings, a cooking class and a visit to a local market with a chef, or a tour to historic sights at sunrise before the crowds gather.

      Of course, Target Travel also can take you to smaller cities and towns for unique experiences and fewer crowds.

      Alberobello in the Puglia region of Italy. The town of Alberobello is famous for its white buildings.

      “There are so many wonderful regions in Italy and nowadays, everybody says, ‘I want to go off the beaten path. I want to eat and travel like a local,’” says Lisa Zennaro, sales manager at Target Travel. “It’s fancy and trendy right now. But this is something that Target Travel has been doing since the beginning, when the company was founded.”

      That long history also gives reassurance to travelers that Target Travel has the right expertise under its belt, both for its Italy knowledge but also for its administrative acumen. They’ll handle the small details so you as a traveler don’t need to worry about them.

      Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, Sicily, Italy.

      Where Will You Travel in Italy With Target Travel?

      Although Target Travel can tailor experiences and itineraries for free independent travelers (like couples and families) and small groups, it also has typical tours that it offers to popular destinations. Here’s a sampling of what Target offers from around Italy:

      • Italy’s Vibrant South tour covers Sicily and the region of Calabria in 13 days. You’ll fly into Palermo in Sicily and then make your way all around the country’s well-known island, including Marsala (famous for its wine), the Valley of the Temples, the luxe town of Taormina, and Calabrian coastal towns.
      • The Reign of Art and Gastronomy in Milan and Turin guides you in nine days to Milan’s famous Fashion District, the Turin Cathedral with the Chapel of the Holy Shroud, and the Truffle Fair, among other highlights.
      • The Experiential Women’s Journey traverses north Italy and Florence over 13 days. You’ll try wines in the Chianti region of Tuscany and take a bike tour from Siena to Montalcino, explore the highlights of Florence, learn all about cheese-making at the Museum of Parmigiano Reggiano (trying some delicious cheese), and see close up how Venetian masks are made in Venice!
      • Discovering Puglia takes a nine-day tour around south Italy’s beautiful Puglia region, starting in the Baroque city of Lecce (often called the Florence of the south), the fishing village of Gallipoli, Ostuni (famous for its white houses), Matera (one of the world’s oldest cities), and much more before flying out of Rome.
      • Umbria You Didn’t Expect offers a five-day tour around central Italy’s Umbria region, including the olive groves of Panicale, the medieval gates and buildings (and chocolate!) of Perugia, the 15th century paintings in Foligno, and a tour of one of Umbria’s finest farmhouses, specializing in cattle.
      Vieste, Puglia, in south Italy. All pictures provided by Target Travel.

      Of course, you can use these itineraries for inspiration and work with your travel agent to tailor your wonderful trips to Italy.

      Target Travel works with travel agencies and independent travel advisors. Those in the travel industry who want to work with the company can find them online at Target.Travel.

      Buon viaggio!

      The Colosseum in Rome, Italy.

    2. Here’s Your Day Trip Plan From Milan to Lake Como, Italy

      Bellano, Italy, on Lake Como on a Sunday morning, before the crowds came in.

      If you’re visiting Milan, Italy, and want to take a day trip to Lake Como–home to George and Amal Clooney and gorgeous lake views–we’ve got good news for you. Many of the lake towns are just over an hour away by train.

      Surprisingly, the cosmopolitan feel of Milan quickly fades away via train as you reach mountain views. You even start imagining yourself just hopping over the border to Switzerland for some Toblerone chocolate. In fact, the train ride from Lake Como to Lugano, Switzerland, is just 40 minutes.

      Yet for the purposes of our journey, we’re going to stay in Italy and tell you how you can reach three towns surrounding Lake Como for an enjoyable day trip. This is a trip we at Italy Dreams did in early 2025. For context, I’m a female solo traveler but I find it easier to use “we” when writing.

      Cool buildings in Bellagio on Lake Como in Italy.

      Here’s our first set of tips to help you plan:

      —Pick two to three cities around Como that you want to visit for the day. Our itinerary takes you through Bellano, Bellagio, and Varenna in that order, but there are many other towns you can visit, including the town of Como. Bellano seemed to be a good starting point. There are countless online articles online and guidebooks (we always find Rick Steves‘ information helpful) to help you choose destinations.

      —Buy your train ticket online in advance on a site like Italia Rail. If you’re looking to visit more than one town in a day, it’s helpful to plan in advance what time you want to leave Milan and reach your first lake destination. You’ll also want to keep in mind the time it’ll take you to get from where you’re staying to the train station. There are a handful of different train stations in Milan that will take you to Lake Como, so make sure you show up at the right station.

      —Pay attention to the train station signage. It will tell you what time the train is leaving and what platform to use. Note: Many Italian trains require you to validate your ticket while at the station, but we didn’t have to do this with our ticket for some reason. If in doubt, ask at the train station before you board the train.

      A Vespa spotted in Bellano, Italy.

      Things to Do in Bello Bellano

      We arrived in bello Bellano (population: 3,400) on a quiet, cool Sunday morning around 9 a.m. Not quite sure where to go, we followed a few other people getting off the train who appeared to be walking toward the lake. There was a small farmers market with a mix of food products and crafts, and it was the perfect place to take those photos and videos that make you say, “Look, I’m at Lake Como!” You could see how busy the area might get in the summer.

      This view of Orrido di Bellano reminded us of Natural Bridge State Park in Virginia.

      As it was still a little early for shops to be open, we headed toward a gorge called Orrido di Bellano. If you’ve ever been to Natural Bridge State Park in Virginia, it’ll remind you of that. It’s a natural gorge created a whopping 15 million years ago that’s led to the formation of gorges, ravines, and caves. It’s not something you’re expecting to see on your Lake Como visit but it’s definitely a beautiful sight.

      Some tips to visit Orrido di Bellano:

      —Wear good walking shoes. It’s very hilly and you’ll find yourself going over some pedestrian bridges.

      —Take lots of pictures but hold on to your camera or phone tightly. You don’t want it to fall in the gorge!

      Churchgoers on Sunday morning in Bellano, Italy.

      It took us 30 to 45 minutes to make our way through Orrido di Bellano, after which we stumbled upon a church with a Sunday service. We entered quietly (or so we hope!) to listen to some of the service in Italian. It was interesting to see people dressed in winter casual clothing, many still wearing their jackets. There were other tourists like us there toward the back.

      We tried our best in Bellagio to get pics without too many tourists.

      Taking the Ferry to Bello Bellagio

      If you look at Lake Como on a map (it looks like a thin person with long legs running), then you can imagine why taking a ferry is an easier way to get to some destinations compared with driving or even a train. With Bellagio across the water from Bellano, it made sense to hop on the popular ferry, which would be about a 30 minute ride.

      Depending on where you’re visiting around Lake Como, you may also find yourself hopping on the train again but just for a few minutes’ ride to your next destination. Again, do your research on a short train ride versus the ferry and which works best.

      If you can, buy your ferry ticket in advance because otherwise you may find yourself waiting in a potentially long line–and you might even miss the ferry that you want to take. For reasons we can’t recall, we couldn’t buy our ticket online that day and waited in a line.

      At this point in our trip–it was about 11 am–we could feel the crowds. Don’t get us wrong, it was still a beautiful view along the ferry ride, breathing in fresh air and taking pictures (again, hold on tight to your phone!). Yet as the crowd descended on historical, tiny Bellagio, it began to feel like too many people. Overtourism is a real thing in many European destinations, so try to visit at the beginning or end of the day when there are fewer people.

      Lunch in Bellagio was molto buono–and very cheesy!

      Even with the crowds, there was still the charm of Bellagio’s shops, architecture, and scenic vistas. It would have been amazing to spend the night there and see the town first thing in the morning (#futuregoals). We ate lunch at the waterfront restaurant Bar Pasticcheria Rossi–charcuterie board and a rose vino, perfect for Sunday afternoon. After that, it was a stroll by the water and waiting again for the ferry.

      Oh, the places you can go in Lake Como. Note that “Stazione” on the sign means train station.

      Vrooming to Varenna

      The next destination was Varenna, a few minutes away and another popular small town. When you get off the ferry, you’ll likely make your way to the right and walk a few minutes to the congregation of shops right on the water. Again, we could feel the crowds and found the best way to cope was enjoying some gelato by the water from Riva Gelateria…because what would a visit to Lake Como be without gelato?!

      If we were in the mood to check out Every.Shop.in.Town, we could have broadened the time we spent in Bellagio and Varenna–but this was the day before we’d return to the U.S. and we had pretty much gotten the souvenirs we wanted. So, well-fed, we made our way to the train station around 4 p.m. to take a 5 p.m. train back to Milano’s Centrale Train Station.

      Don’t turn down the chance to have gelato when you’re in Italy–this one was enjoyed in Varenna.

      We weren’t the only ones with that idea. As it got closer to 5 p.m., there were many people waiting. The train itself was standing room only (and we were one of the standing ones, as other people had clearly boarded in other Como towns). There’s probably no good way to get around the packed train. If you’re going to pack a lot into your day trip, just know in advance that others will have the same idea. Still, getting to the Como area as early as you can is never a bad move.

      We definitely would do another day trip to Como if we weren’t able to spend the night there. We would likely venture to try other towns around the lake, like the actual town of Como. A trip back to Orrido di Bellano would always be welcome!