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What to Pack for Italy Itinerary Reed Anniversary Trip with Grimsley and McGuire tagalongs Weds, Sept. 11 - Day 1: Depart Atlanta for Milan 4:00 pm Arrive at ATL airport 6:45 pm Depart ATL on Delta #0174 Thurs, Sept. 12 - Day 2: Arrival in Milan and Explore (Easy) 9:55 am Arrive at MXP airport, clear customs and get bags 11:13 am Train from MXP to Milano Centrale (54 minutes; can also take 11:43) 12:37 pm Arrive at Milano Centrale Railway Station 1:00 pm Lodging: ABNB: Skyline Milan (5 min walk from train station) 1:15 pm Lunch 2 pm Head to Duomo area (20 min from hotel by car/train; 40 min walk) 3 pm Private Tour of Duomo di Milan 4:30 p.m. Shop/Explore 6:30 pm Dinner and Explore/Rest 9:30 pm Bedtime Fri, Sept. 13 - Day 3: Travel to and Explore Lake Como (Easy) 8 am Breakfast near AirBnB 9:45 am Arrive at train station 10:20 am Train to Bellano (~1hr) 11:29 am Store bags at Villa Marina 12:30 pm Lunch 1:30 pm Explore/Relax (Note: Hikes nearby, paddleboarding, etc.) 6:30 pm Dinner at Ristorante Crotto Cech (30 min walk or 15 min train) 9:30 pm Bedtime Sat, Sept. 14 - Day 4: Lake Como (Easy) 7:30 am Breakfast (at hotel or nearby) 8 a.m. Rest or Explore 10 am Private Boat Tour from Bellano Water Taxi Pickup near Restaurant Cavallo Bianco and contact is Andrea) 12 p.m. Lunch 1 p.m. Explore/Relax (Note: Hikes nearby, paddleboarding, etc.) 6:30 pm Dinner at hotel, Taverna Malanotte (Lasagna) or Che Pasta 9:30 pm Bedtime Sun, Sept. 15 - Day 5: Travel to Cinque Terre (Easy) 7:30 am Breakfast (near AirBnB) 8:30 am Train to Milan for connecting train to CT 12:10 pm Train from Milan to Cinque Terre 3:05 pm Arrive in Cinque Terre 3:15 pm Check-in/Drop off Bags 4 p.m. Explore 7 pm Dinner at L’Osteria (7 min walk from AirBnB; reservation complete) 9:30 pm Bedtime Mon, Sept. 16 - Day 6: Cinque Terre by Land (Go) 8 am Breakfast 9 am Explore 5 Villages of CT/Rest/Shop (MyPass app for Parco Cinque Terre) Optional: The Blue Path is 7.5 miles and takes 5-6 hours. 6 pm Dinner 9:30 pm Bedtime Tues, Sept. 17 - Day 7: Cinque Terre by Sea (Easy) 8 am Breakfast 9 am Train to Riomaggiore 10 am Private Boat Tour of CT 12:30 p.m. Light lunch/explore in Riomaggiore 2:30 p.m. Private Pasta (Pesto) Making Class in Riomaggiore 4 p.m. Explore 6:30 p.m. Optional BachYard. A concert in the vineyard 9:30 pm Bedtime Weds, Sept. 18 - Day 8: Travel to Pisa and Florence Walking Tour (Go) 7:30 am Breakfast 9:07 am Train to Pisa (1h 13m) 10:20 am Store bags at train station 10:30 am See Leaning Tower (25 min) 11 am Get a sandwich to go at L’Ostellino 11:54 am Train to Florence 1:08 pm Arrive in Florence and taxi to AirBnB 1:30 pm Check into AirBnB 3 pm Afternoon walking tour of Florence Statue of David, Duomo di Florence, Brunelleschi’s Dome, Ponete Vecchio 7 pm Dinner at Ristorante Diverso Firenze (fancy) 9:30 pm Bedtime Thurs, Sept. 19 - Day 9: Florence Tuscany Wine Tour (Easy) 8 am Breakfast 9:30 am 3 Wineries Tuscan Wine Tour (Jonathan/Katie/Justin/Lauren) 4:30 pm Relax 6:30 pm Dinner 9:30 pm Bedtime Fri, Sept. 20 - Day 10: Florence City Tour 7:45 am Breakfast 8:15 am Leave for Duomo 9 am Duomo and Dome Tour 12 pm Pasta Cooking Class 3 pm Leather market/Shop/explore Florence 6:30 pm Dinner 9:30 pm Bedtime Sat, Sept. 21 - Day 11: Depart for Sorrento and Capri (Go) 8:30 am Head to train station 9:48 am Train to Napoli 12:48 pm Arrive in Napoli 1 pm Napoli to Pompeii 1:30 pm Arrive in Pompeii and store bags 2 pm Private tour of Pompeii 4 pm Travel to AirBnB and relax 6:30 pm Private Home Chef Experience at AirBnB Sun, Sept. 22 - Day 12: Sorrento/Almafi by Sea (Easy) 8 am Breakfast 9 am Private boat tour of Positano and Almafi Coast 6 pm Dinner 9:30 pm Bedtime Mon, Sept. 23 - Day 13: Travel to Rome (Easy/Go) 7:30 am Breakfast 9 am Explore Sorrento/shop/relax 1 pm Train to Rome 5 pm Arrive and Check In 6 pm Dinner Tues, Sept. 24 - Day 14: Rome (Go) 7:15 am Breakfast 8:45 am Tour of Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill NOTE: Everyone has to bring passport/photo ID 11:45 am Lunch 1 pm Explore top sites nearby (optional) Pantheon Trevi Fountain Piazza Navona 6 pm Dinner (to do) Justin to pick-up papal tickets at Bronze Door between 3 - 7 p.m. 9:30 pm Bedtime Weds, Sept. 25 - Day 15: Rome (Go) 7 am Breakfast 7:30 am Head to Vatican 8:45 am Pope walks through St. Peter’s Square 9 am Pope holds General Audience Blessing 11 am General Audience Ends; Walk to Vatican Tour 12 pm Private Tour of Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica 6:30 pm Dinner 9:30 pm Bedtime Thurs, Sept. 26 - Day 16: Depart Rome and Arrive in Atlanta 6:30 am Wakeup and breakfast 7:30 am Arrive at airport 10:30 am Depart Rome on Delta #0215 3:30 pm Arrive in ATL Overview of the Blue Path: The Blue Path (Sentiero Azzurro) is the most famous hiking trail in the Cinque Terre, offering breathtaking views as it connects the five villages along the Ligurian coast. Here's how to hike the Blue Path: Distance: Approximately 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) in total. Difficulty: Moderate, though some sections can be challenging with steep ascents and descents. Time: Hiking the entire path can take 5-6 hours without extended breaks. Many people choose to hike only specific segments between the villages. Segments of the Blue Path: The Blue Path is divided into four main segments, each connecting two villages. You can start in any of the five towns and hike in either direction: Monterosso al Mare to Vernazza Distance: About 3.5 km (2.2 miles) Time: 2 hours Difficulty: Moderate to challenging, with steep climbs and narrow paths. This segment offers stunning views of the coastline and vineyards. Vernazza to Corniglia Distance: About 4 km (2.5 miles) Time: 1.5-2 hours Difficulty: Moderate, with some steep sections, but less challenging than the previous segment. Corniglia sits higher than the other villages, so be prepared for some uphill walking. Corniglia to Manarola Distance: About 3 km (1.9 miles) Time: 1 hour Difficulty: Easy to moderate. This segment is not as steep and is a pleasant walk through olive groves and vineyards. Manarola to Riomaggiore (Via dell'Amore) Distance: About 1 km (0.6 miles) Time: 20-30 minutes Difficulty: Easy. This is the famous "Lovers' Path" (Via dell'Amore), a paved, flat walk along the cliffside. Note: This section has been closed for restoration in recent years, so check the current status before planning to hike it. How to Hike the Blue Path: Start at Any Village: You can start in any of the five villages (Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, or Riomaggiore). Monterosso is the largest and most accessible by train, so many people start here. Buy the Cinque Terre Card: Purchase the Cinque Terre Trekking Card, which covers access to the Blue Path and other trails. You can buy it at train stations, park offices, or online. Check Trail Conditions: Before starting your hike, check for trail closures at the park offices or online. Certain sections may be closed due to landslides or maintenance. Follow the Trail Markings: The Blue Path is well-marked with red and white trail signs. Follow these signs to stay on the correct path. Take Breaks in the Villages: The beauty of the Blue Path is that you can stop in each village for a rest, some food, or to explore before continuing to the next segment. Trains run between the villages if you need to shorten your hike. Carry Essentials: Wear comfortable hiking shoes, carry water, snacks, sunscreen, and a hat. The trail can be exposed to the sun, and some parts are quite rocky. Key Tips: Start Early: The trail can get busy, especially in peak season, so starting early in the morning helps you avoid crowds and the midday heat. Bring Cash: Some small cafes and shops in the villages may only accept cash. Trail Closures: As mentioned, some sections (like Via dell'Amore) may be closed for repairs, so be sure to have alternative plans in place. Cinque Terre Treno MS Card (what we have via the MyPass app): Access: This card provides everything in the Trekking Card, plus unlimited travel on the Cinque Terre Express trains between Levanto and La Spezia. It allows you to hop on and off the trains as you visit the villages, in addition to accessing all the hiking trails. - Packing Checklist

What to Pack for Italy Itinerary Reed Anniversary Trip with Grimsley and McGuire tagalongs Weds, Sept. 11 - Day 1: Depart Atlanta for Milan 4:00 pm Arrive at ATL airport 6:45 pm Depart ATL on Delta #0174 Thurs, Sept. 12 - Day 2: Arrival in Milan and Explore (Easy) 9:55 am Arrive at MXP airport, clear customs and get bags 11:13 am Train from MXP to Milano Centrale (54 minutes; can also take 11:43) 12:37 pm Arrive at Milano Centrale Railway Station 1:00 pm Lodging: ABNB: Skyline Milan (5 min walk from train station) 1:15 pm Lunch 2 pm Head to Duomo area (20 min from hotel by car/train; 40 min walk) 3 pm Private Tour of Duomo di Milan 4:30 p.m. Shop/Explore 6:30 pm Dinner and Explore/Rest 9:30 pm Bedtime Fri, Sept. 13 - Day 3: Travel to and Explore Lake Como (Easy) 8 am Breakfast near AirBnB 9:45 am Arrive at train station 10:20 am Train to Bellano (~1hr) 11:29 am Store bags at Villa Marina 12:30 pm Lunch 1:30 pm Explore/Relax (Note: Hikes nearby, paddleboarding, etc.) 6:30 pm Dinner at Ristorante Crotto Cech (30 min walk or 15 min train) 9:30 pm Bedtime Sat, Sept. 14 - Day 4: Lake Como (Easy) 7:30 am Breakfast (at hotel or nearby) 8 a.m. Rest or Explore 10 am Private Boat Tour from Bellano Water Taxi Pickup near Restaurant Cavallo Bianco and contact is Andrea) 12 p.m. Lunch 1 p.m. Explore/Relax (Note: Hikes nearby, paddleboarding, etc.) 6:30 pm Dinner at hotel, Taverna Malanotte (Lasagna) or Che Pasta 9:30 pm Bedtime Sun, Sept. 15 - Day 5: Travel to Cinque Terre (Easy) 7:30 am Breakfast (near AirBnB) 8:30 am Train to Milan for connecting train to CT 12:10 pm Train from Milan to Cinque Terre 3:05 pm Arrive in Cinque Terre 3:15 pm Check-in/Drop off Bags 4 p.m. Explore 7 pm Dinner at L’Osteria (7 min walk from AirBnB; reservation complete) 9:30 pm Bedtime Mon, Sept. 16 - Day 6: Cinque Terre by Land (Go) 8 am Breakfast 9 am Explore 5 Villages of CT/Rest/Shop (MyPass app for Parco Cinque Terre) Optional: The Blue Path is 7.5 miles and takes 5-6 hours. 6 pm Dinner 9:30 pm Bedtime Tues, Sept. 17 - Day 7: Cinque Terre by Sea (Easy) 8 am Breakfast 9 am Train to Riomaggiore 10 am Private Boat Tour of CT 12:30 p.m. Light lunch/explore in Riomaggiore 2:30 p.m. Private Pasta (Pesto) Making Class in Riomaggiore 4 p.m. Explore 6:30 p.m. Optional BachYard. A concert in the vineyard 9:30 pm Bedtime Weds, Sept. 18 - Day 8: Travel to Pisa and Florence Walking Tour (Go) 7:30 am Breakfast 9:07 am Train to Pisa (1h 13m) 10:20 am Store bags at train station 10:30 am See Leaning Tower (25 min) 11 am Get a sandwich to go at L’Ostellino 11:54 am Train to Florence 1:08 pm Arrive in Florence and taxi to AirBnB 1:30 pm Check into AirBnB 3 pm Afternoon walking tour of Florence Statue of David, Duomo di Florence, Brunelleschi’s Dome, Ponete Vecchio 7 pm Dinner at Ristorante Diverso Firenze (fancy) 9:30 pm Bedtime Thurs, Sept. 19 - Day 9: Florence Tuscany Wine Tour (Easy) 8 am Breakfast 9:30 am 3 Wineries Tuscan Wine Tour (Jonathan/Katie/Justin/Lauren) 4:30 pm Relax 6:30 pm Dinner 9:30 pm Bedtime Fri, Sept. 20 - Day 10: Florence City Tour 7:45 am Breakfast 8:15 am Leave for Duomo 9 am Duomo and Dome Tour 12 pm Pasta Cooking Class 3 pm Leather market/Shop/explore Florence 6:30 pm Dinner 9:30 pm Bedtime Sat, Sept. 21 - Day 11: Depart for Sorrento and Capri (Go) 8:30 am Head to train station 9:48 am Train to Napoli 12:48 pm Arrive in Napoli 1 pm Napoli to Pompeii 1:30 pm Arrive in Pompeii and store bags 2 pm Private tour of Pompeii 4 pm Travel to AirBnB and relax 6:30 pm Private Home Chef Experience at AirBnB Sun, Sept. 22 - Day 12: Sorrento/Almafi by Sea (Easy) 8 am Breakfast 9 am Private boat tour of Positano and Almafi Coast 6 pm Dinner 9:30 pm Bedtime Mon, Sept. 23 - Day 13: Travel to Rome (Easy/Go) 7:30 am Breakfast 9 am Explore Sorrento/shop/relax 1 pm Train to Rome 5 pm Arrive and Check In 6 pm Dinner Tues, Sept. 24 - Day 14: Rome (Go) 7:15 am Breakfast 8:45 am Tour of Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill NOTE: Everyone has to bring passport/photo ID 11:45 am Lunch 1 pm Explore top sites nearby (optional) Pantheon Trevi Fountain Piazza Navona 6 pm Dinner (to do) Justin to pick-up papal tickets at Bronze Door between 3 - 7 p.m. 9:30 pm Bedtime Weds, Sept. 25 - Day 15: Rome (Go) 7 am Breakfast 7:30 am Head to Vatican 8:45 am Pope walks through St. Peter’s Square 9 am Pope holds General Audience Blessing 11 am General Audience Ends; Walk to Vatican Tour 12 pm Private Tour of Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica 6:30 pm Dinner 9:30 pm Bedtime Thurs, Sept. 26 - Day 16: Depart Rome and Arrive in Atlanta 6:30 am Wakeup and breakfast 7:30 am Arrive at airport 10:30 am Depart Rome on Delta #0215 3:30 pm Arrive in ATL Overview of the Blue Path: The Blue Path (Sentiero Azzurro) is the most famous hiking trail in the Cinque Terre, offering breathtaking views as it connects the five villages along the Ligurian coast. Here's how to hike the Blue Path: Distance: Approximately 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) in total. Difficulty: Moderate, though some sections can be challenging with steep ascents and descents. Time: Hiking the entire path can take 5-6 hours without extended breaks. Many people choose to hike only specific segments between the villages. Segments of the Blue Path: The Blue Path is divided into four main segments, each connecting two villages. You can start in any of the five towns and hike in either direction: Monterosso al Mare to Vernazza Distance: About 3.5 km (2.2 miles) Time: 2 hours Difficulty: Moderate to challenging, with steep climbs and narrow paths. This segment offers stunning views of the coastline and vineyards. Vernazza to Corniglia Distance: About 4 km (2.5 miles) Time: 1.5-2 hours Difficulty: Moderate, with some steep sections, but less challenging than the previous segment. Corniglia sits higher than the other villages, so be prepared for some uphill walking. Corniglia to Manarola Distance: About 3 km (1.9 miles) Time: 1 hour Difficulty: Easy to moderate. This segment is not as steep and is a pleasant walk through olive groves and vineyards. Manarola to Riomaggiore (Via dell'Amore) Distance: About 1 km (0.6 miles) Time: 20-30 minutes Difficulty: Easy. This is the famous "Lovers' Path" (Via dell'Amore), a paved, flat walk along the cliffside. Note: This section has been closed for restoration in recent years, so check the current status before planning to hike it. How to Hike the Blue Path: Start at Any Village: You can start in any of the five villages (Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, or Riomaggiore). Monterosso is the largest and most accessible by train, so many people start here. Buy the Cinque Terre Card: Purchase the Cinque Terre Trekking Card, which covers access to the Blue Path and other trails. You can buy it at train stations, park offices, or online. Check Trail Conditions: Before starting your hike, check for trail closures at the park offices or online. Certain sections may be closed due to landslides or maintenance. Follow the Trail Markings: The Blue Path is well-marked with red and white trail signs. Follow these signs to stay on the correct path. Take Breaks in the Villages: The beauty of the Blue Path is that you can stop in each village for a rest, some food, or to explore before continuing to the next segment. Trains run between the villages if you need to shorten your hike. Carry Essentials: Wear comfortable hiking shoes, carry water, snacks, sunscreen, and a hat. The trail can be exposed to the sun, and some parts are quite rocky. Key Tips: Start Early: The trail can get busy, especially in peak season, so starting early in the morning helps you avoid crowds and the midday heat. Bring Cash: Some small cafes and shops in the villages may only accept cash. Trail Closures: As mentioned, some sections (like Via dell'Amore) may be closed for repairs, so be sure to have alternative plans in place. Cinque Terre Treno MS Card (what we have via the MyPass app): Access: This card provides everything in the Trekking Card, plus unlimited travel on the Cinque Terre Express trains between Levanto and La Spezia. It allows you to hop on and off the trains as you visit the villages, in addition to accessing all the hiking trails. - Packing Checklist

By Plantrip Travel Team | Published August 24, 2024