You have 10 days to travel and you are struggling with decisions. Don’t worry, you are not alone. How about I give you my top 5 tips for creating a perfect itinerary when you are short on time in my Take 5 Live Video.

10-Day Itinerary Ideas

I have created a few sample itineraries using my rule of thumb, absolutely no more than 3 stops. The sample trips below are by no means exhaustive but meant to inspire. Hopefully this can help you get the wheels turning and keep you dreaming of Italy.

Northern Italy

Milan, Lake Como, Venice

Venice, Dolomites, Florence

Lake Como, Cinque Terre

Venice, Le Marche

Central Italy

Florence, Cortona, Tuscany countryside

Florence, Siena, countryside

Rome, Cinque Terre, Tuscany

Rome, Florence, Bologna

Southern Italy

Rome, Amalfi Coast

Matera, Puglia

Amalfi Coast, Matera, Puglia

Who we are:

Once in a Lifetime Travel is a passionately run company focused on mindful and fearless travel through authentic experiences and connections. We feature small, fully

guided group tours to Italy for women

. Our

Italian travel consultant

services feature focused itinerary reviews and detailed

Italy travel planning.

Go Travel, and Travel Fearless.

Andi Brown, Once in a Lifetime Travel

©copyright 2019

The post Travel Tips for a 10-day Italy Itinerary appeared first on Italy Travel Planner | Consultant | Once In a Lifetime Travel.

Only have 7 days to travel and no idea where to start? I give you my top 5 tips for creating a perfect itinerary when you are short on time in my Take 5 Live Video.

7-Day Itinerary Ideas

I have created a few sample itineraries using either one location as a home base or flying open jaws and staying in two areas. The sample trips below are by no means exhaustive but meant to inspire. Hopefully this can help you get the wheels turning.

Rome

Home Base with day trip options south to Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento or north to Florence, Orvieto, Ostia Antica or with the outskirts to Tivoli for Hadrian’s Villa and Villa d’Este.

Rome and a plus one.
Rome and Florence, Rome and Sorrento

Florence

Home Base with day trip options to Siena, Pisa, Cortona, Bologna, Tuscany.

Florence’s plus one.
Florence and Venice, Florence and Tuscany, Florence and Bologna.

Venice

Home Base with day trip options to Florence, Verona, Bologna, Padua, Vicenza, Trieste, Ravenna, time on all the outer islands.

Venice and a second locale.
Venice and the Dolomites, Venice and Milan, Venice and Lake Garda.

Who we are:

Once in a Lifetime Travel is a passionately run company focused on mindful and fearless travel through authentic experiences and connections. We feature small, fully

guided group tours to Italy for women

. Our

Italian travel consultant

services feature focused itinerary reviews and detailed

Italy travel planning.

Go Travel, and Travel Fearless.

Andi Brown, Once in a Lifetime Travel

©copyright 2019

The post Travel Tips for a 7-day Italy Itinerary appeared first on Italy Travel Planner | Consultant | Once In a Lifetime Travel.

I love Rome. Not everyone does.

The city can be described as dirty, loud, overwhelming and obnoxious. All of that would be true. Rome is also striking, surprising, and addictive.

Many factors determine whether or not Rome will be a hit. Time of year, weather, holidays, where you stay, how you see and plan the sites.

Little tips like seriously, just take a taxi can make or break you day (and your feet).

Most of my clients are introduced to Rome through a first experience in Trastevere. This is a neighborhood just across the river but still in the center of ancient Rome without being on the tourist treadmill.

Trastevere holds my favorite restaurants, bars, a real morning market and a striking church. Trastevere also lets me pretend like I belong while kids walk to school and friends pour from the bars into the square at night.

When your first moments in a great big new city are more “Wow!” and less “Whoa!” you start your adventure off on the right foot.

Things to do in Trastevere:

• Take this foodie tour on your first night.
• Visit the beautiful Santa Maria church, one of the oldest in Rome.
• Have a sit and a gelato in Piazza Trilussa.
• Walk across to the Isola Tiberina or Tiber Island.
• On Sunday check out the Porta Portese flea market.
• Drink from a fontanella like a local.
• Wander.

Where to eat in Trastevere:

• Da Enzo, although you will be rushed through your meal if seated early.
• Le Mani in Pasta
• Impiccetta, and know matter how hungry you think you are do NOT order a large pasta.
• Spirito di Vino, ask to see the cellar.
• Ombre Rosse for drinks.
• Innocenti, the best bakery around.

Where to stay in Trastevere:

• Arco del Lauro is my secret and well priced B&B.
• Arco dei Tolomei is right next store and just a bit fancier with staff that is more available.

Who we are:

Once in a Lifetime Travel is a passionately run company focused on mindful and fearless travel through authentic experiences and connections. We feature small, fully

guided group tours to Italy for women

. Our

Italian travel consultant

services feature focused itinerary reviews and detailed

Italy travel planning.

Go Travel, and Travel Fearless.

Andi Brown, Once in a Lifetime Travel ©copyright 2019

The post Trastevere Rome Visitor Guide appeared first on Italy Travel Planner | Consultant | Once In a Lifetime Travel.

Cortona is no secret, thanks in part to the famous book and movie, “Under the Tuscan Sun.”

Without the fame, Cortona would still be a stand alone stunner.

This hill town has everything a traveler could hope for: sweeping views, amazing restaurants, architecture, art galleries, shopping and museums. Cortona is home to some of my favorite accommodations in Italy. Train connections make this a perfect home base for those not wanting the stress of a car. Drivers love the proximity to sites and villages for exploration.

When planning for my clients, Cortona is my secret weapon. There is something here for every travel style and budget.

Would it surprise you if I said that despite all my raving so far, that is not what puts Cortona on my favorite list?

The atmosphere, the intimate culture and connection of the people. That authentic vibe everyone is grasping for. Cortona has it, and then some.

Things to do in Cortona:

• Walk up to the top of the town to visit the church
• Walk the stations of the cross.
• Visit Le Celle, a nearby hermitage
• Antique shop
• Shop in general
• Have a cappuccino and people watch in the morning.
• Have a spritz and people watch in the late afternoon.
• Take a cooking lesson from my dear friend Alessandra.

Where to eat in Cortona:

• Ti Amo for your mandatory gelato
• Trattoria Dardano, hands down our family favorite for a local and casual atmosphere.
• La Bucaccia and Osteria del Teatro
• Ristorante La Loggetta (think view of the square)

Where to stay in Cortona:

• Casa Chilenne for a quaint B&B and a hostess with the most-ess
• La Corte di Ambra for a stunning and pampered stay

Cortona in the evening.

Le Celle

Trattoria Dardano

Hamming it up with some local gentlemen.

In love with the views

Window shopping

Taking coffee seriously

Picture perfect at every turn

Market magic

Who we are:

Once in a Lifetime Travel is a passionately run company focused on mindful and fearless travel through authentic experiences and connections. We feature small, fully

guided group tours to Italy for women

. Our

Italian travel consultant

services feature focused itinerary reviews and detailed

Italy travel planning.

Go Travel, and Travel Fearless.

Andi Brown, Once in a Lifetime Travel ©copyright 2019

The post Cortona Italy Visitor Guide appeared first on Italy Travel Planner | Consultant | Once In a Lifetime Travel.

Over the years of traveling, I have been duped on more than one occasion. Each time I’ve learned from my mistakes and grown quite street savvy.

Using my past experiences, I help steer my clients clear of any negative situations.

I have become scam proof.

My last trip to Italy, I was preparing to drop my rental car off at the Rome airport late in the evening. All I had left to do was top off the tank. Gas stations line the roads around the airport making a final fill up very easy. The rates are higher but worth the convenience at this time of the night.

I pulled my sweet ride into the first station spotted. The attendant popped his head into my window, scanned the gas gauge and announced flatly, 20€.

Thank you but no, please fill up the tank.

No fill up. 20€ cash only, he replied.

Are you kidding me? I stood my ground. So did he.

He obviously he no idea who he was dealing with. Not a chance big guy.

I took off down the road full of disgust wondering how many poor travelers had fallen for this appalling sham.

Easing into the very next station, the attendant came to my window and I requested once again to fill up the tank.

He leaned in, glanced at my gauge.

No fill up. 20€ cash only.

What is the great green blazes was going on here. 20€ cash my eye. Nice try boys.

As I ripped out of station number two, the thought crossed my mind that perhaps I was not a pawn in an elaborate airport fueling scheme. Could this indeed be the process when you waited until the last minute to fill up as I had done? I drove further down the road, passing several stations before meekly turning into station number three.

Before the attendant could finish he sentence, I handed over a 20€ note. The gauge promptly pointed to full. Right on the money.

The ride to Hertz was one of humble reflection ending with near uncontrollable laughter.

Maybe I should stick to two wheels.

Who we are:

Once in a Lifetime Travel is a passionately run company focused on mindful and fearless travel through authentic experiences and connections. We feature small, fully

guided group tours to Italy for women

. Our

Italian travel consultant

services feature focused itinerary reviews and detailed

Italy travel planning.

Go Travel, and Travel Fearless.

Andi Brown, Once in a Lifetime Travel ©copyright 2019

The post The Rip Off appeared first on Italy Travel Planner | Consultant | Once In a Lifetime Travel.

Saltimbocca. Jumps in the mouth.

The names give to some Italian dishes could not be more fitting. Saltimbocca is one of them.

This dish highlights another talent that Italians have. The ability to create a prefect recipe using only a few, simple ingredients.

While I love a challenging recipe now and then, I truly fell accomplished when I’ve hit the mark with only a handful of items.

As I was savoring my lunch in the hills of Tuscany with Raffaella Cova (an incredible chef and master Instagramer), I noticed I was being watched closely. With only a few pieces of the saltimbocca left on the serving tray and my host in the other room plating dessert, I suddenly became self conscious about seconds.

All I could think of was shoving everything in my face and licking that plate. Every molecule in my body was screaming for more. More. MORE.

Frozen, I left them there.

To this day, this remains one of my biggest regrets and my mouth waters every time I think of this lunch.

Link to Lunch with Raffaella.

Raffaella’s beautiful IG account.

Who we are:

Once in a Lifetime Travel is a passionately run company focused on mindful and fearless travel through authentic experiences and connections. We feature small, fully

guided group tours to Italy for women

. Our

Italian travel consultant

services feature focused itinerary reviews and detailed

Italy travel planning.

Go Travel, and Travel Fearless.

Andi Brown, Once in a Lifetime Travel ©copyright 2018

The post Saltimbocca Regrets in Tuscany appeared first on Italy Travel Planner | Consultant | Once In a Lifetime Travel.

The story is short and sweet today. Is it TMI? Probably.

I am almost 45 years old and I still get grossed out when my parents show too much PDA.

Several years ago, in our favorite trattoria in our favorite hill town, my parents had a little too much of the house wine. They were getting frisky. We hug and say I Love You constantly in my family, so affection isn’t shocking to me.

French kissing like I’m invisible is.

I made them promise not to give me nightmares that night as I tried to focus intently on my second plate of Tuscan sausage. Or was it my third plate? The salsiccia at Trattoria Dardano in Cortona is to die for. The meat is perfectly cooked, served simply and without frills on a little plate. A mandatory side for our family regardless of what we are eating (or drinking). Which, in my parents case, was quite a lot that night.

Buon Appetito,
Andi

Who we are:

Once in a Lifetime Travel is a passionately run company focused on mindful and fearless travel through authentic experiences and connections. We feature small, fully

guided group tours to Italy for women

. Our

Italian travel consultant

services feature focused itinerary reviews and detailed

Italy travel planning.

Go Travel, and Travel Fearless.

Andi Brown, Once in a Lifetime Travel ©copyright 2018

The post How to Survive When Your Parents Get Too Frisky in Tuscany appeared first on Italy Travel Planner | Consultant | Once In a Lifetime Travel.

We’ve updated our information for 2018 to give you everything you need to know for getting passport ready for Italy. There are loads of changes, so buckle up as we help you get passport ready for Italy.

Still have more questions? Contact us to learn more about our services and how we can help make your dreams come true.

Passport Requirements for Italy

You will need only your passport to enter most European countries, although some countries (especially outside of Western Europe) will require you to have a visa, as well. There are rumors that the EU will require visas for American travelers in the future, but at this time there is nothing in the works.

Best Time to Apply for an American Passport

Well, honestly…NOW. This year is going to be a crazy one and the State Department is predicting about 20 million renewals. There are two reasons for this.

Half of the states and territories in the US will require a passport for domestic travel. This is called the Real ID Act and states were given until January 22, 2018 to comply. That’s right. Your driver’s license may not be good enough any more for a quick trip to Vegas. These states (mine included) do not issue compliant state identification and were given the above extension to get their act together. At this writing, things are a bit up in the air and unclear. Click HERE to see if your state is on the naughty list.

Secondly, there were a record number of passports issued in 2006-2007 in response to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative put into action in 2008. That’s when everyone needed a passport to visit places like Canada, Mexico and the Bahamas (which is an embarrassing story I may never share with any of my followers). Guess when these are all set to expire. Yep. This year.

Timelines have changed and instead of needing 4-6 weeks for your passport, you should anticipate 6-8. November is the best month to apply (actually from Oct-Dec you will do well). For those that missed the window, make sure you take care of things before March. This is the absolute, hands-down worst month to apply.

You can expedite your passport for an extra fee and get yours back to you in about 2 weeks. Form and details HERE.

United States Passport Fees

Passport Books, required for international travel, are $110.

Passport Cards, for domestic use only, are $30.

Save yourself some trouble and just get both for $140

Expediting is usually an additional $60

The 6-month Rule

Your passport must be valid for six months AFTER you return home. This is no longer a should do but a must. Record numbers of travelers were refused entry back into the states that didn’t follow this rule. Unfortunately, you can leave the country without a problem but getting back in becomes a bugger. That’s no way to end a vacation of a lifetime.

How to Apply for Your Passport for the First Time

All first time passport applications are only accepted in person, you can not apply on-line or via mail. You will need to bring valid proof of identity if two forms and and they are strict about this.

You must submit one of the following. Your evidence must be an original or certified copy. Photocopies and notarized copies are not acceptable.

• Fully-valid, undamaged U.S. passport (may be expired)
• U.S. birth certificate that meets the following requirements:
  • Issued by the city, county, or state of birth
  • Lists your full name, date of birth, and place of birth
  • Lists your parent(s)’ full names
  • Has the date filed with registrar’s office (must be within one year of birth)
  • Has the registrar’s signature
  • Has the seal of the issuing authority
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
• Certificate of Naturalization
• Certificate of Citizenship

You must also present one of the following identification documents.

• In-state, fully-valid driver’s license
• Fully-valid, undamaged U.S. passport (may be expired)
• Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
• Government employee ID (city, county, state or federal)
• U.S. military ID or military dependent ID
• Valid foreign passport
• Matricula Consular (Mexican Consular Identification, commonly used by the parent of a U.S. citizen child applicant)

They will also require the ever attractive passport photo. These can be done at some application offices but I always bring mine with me and ready to go.  Photos can be taken at AAA offices, most drug stores and large warehouse stores. The photo requirements are strict and if not followed can result in a delay in processing. See the guidelines below and consider yourself warned.

• Printed on matte or glossy photo quality paper
• Size of photo
  • 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) in size
  • Size of head must be between 1 -1 3/8 inches (25 – 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
• Recent, taken in the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance
• No glasses
  • If you cannot remove your glasses for medical reasons, please include a signed note from your doctor with your application.
• Background must be plain white or off-white
• Head must be directly facing the camera with your full face in view
• Taken with a neutral facial expression or a natural smile, with both eyes open
• In color
• Taken in clothing that you normally wear on a daily basis
• No hats or head coverings, unless you wear it daily for religious purposes. Your full face must be visible and your head covering cannot cast shadows on your face.
• No headphones or wireless hands-free devices.

Renewing your Passport or Making a Name Change

For simple renewals or name changes that do not need to be expedited you can send your application via mail. The link HERE will help you determine which form you need, as the documents for a simple application or renewal are much different from the ones for a name change or minor.

Passport Applications for Minors

In addition to the above requirements for a first time passport application, minors under 16 require documentation that lists the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the child applying for a passport.  The following may be used to show parental relationship:

• U.S. birth certificate (also evidence of U.S. citizenship)
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad (also evidence of U.S. citizenship)
• Foreign birth certificate
• Adoption decree
• Divorce/Custody decree

Both parents/guardians must authorize the issuance of the child’s passport. The best way to do this is for both parents/guardians to go with the child in person to apply for the passport. For situations where one parent can’t be located or only one parent has sole custody, additional paperwork is requested. For full details on minor applications click HERE.

Who we are:

Once in a Lifetime Travel is a passionately run company focused on mindful and fearless travel through authentic experiences and connections. We feature small, fully

guided group tours to Italy for women

. Our

Italian travel consultant

services feature focused itinerary reviews and detailed

Italy travel planning.

Go Travel, and Travel Fearless.

Andi Brown, Once in a Lifetime Travel

©copyright 2018

The post Getting Passport Ready for Italy appeared first on Italy Travel Planner | Consultant | Once In a Lifetime Travel.