Be realistic with your itinerary if you want to be a traveller and not a tourist. My instinct when I started Ciao Italy in 2009 was to have three night stays to allow time for local experiences. If two weeks is all you have, focus on the north or south or a region such as Puglia or Sicily and do it well.

Choose accommodation that is in the heart of a city or town and avoid places close to a train station for convenience. I adore the historic centre of Rome, but would never choose to stay near Termini train station because it may be convenient. Whether you stay in Trastevere, Monti or close to the Spanish Steps, a taxi to Termini is only going to cost 10-15 euros.

Wake up knowing you’re in Italy. It could be the stunning frescoes on the ceiling above the bed; the shuttered window open to the rolling hills of Tuscany or the bells tolling in the village square. I love tolling bells! Or the smell of freshly baked bread from the panetteria across the cobblestone alleyway. Choosing boutique hotels and B&B’s owned and managed by the family delivers a special experience.

Ask a local! Obvious yes, but engage with locals and find out their favourite places to eat. Our vespa riders on our vespa tour in Rome have lived their whole lives in Rome and have always been a great source for a hidden trattoria where nonna is cooking traditional Italian recipes or a secret rooftop bar, not found on Trip Advisor!

Learn a few basic phrases of Italian. Italians love it when you try out a few Italian words, even if you get it wrong. It’s fun to engage with locals, which can lead to wonderful secrets being divulged.

Pack light. If you think you might need it, you won’t. Traversing cobblestones, staying in hilltop medieval villages, ferrying to islands, staying in gorgeous villas without a lift - I could go on! Make sure you can manage your bag. If you go to the Search bar in this newsletter and type in ‘Packing’, there are several newsletters filled with packing tips.

Take early morning walks. We don’t have to avoid the places every tourist wants to visit because they are popular for a reason. Just choose your timing. My favourite time in Rome is walking the streets at sunrise when everyone is still sleeping. I love walking a Tuscan village when only dog walkers are out or seeing the fishing boats arrive in Gallipoli in Puglia and the fishermen unloading the night’s catch.

Understand and respect coffee rules, table etiquette and food rules (there are many). See newsletter “Italian Rituals that are important to know”

The high speed rail system in Italy is excellent with Frecciarossa and Italo connecting city centres like Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan faster and easier than driving or domestic flying. To drive the Amalfi Coast or Cinque Terre during tourist season is never a good idea.

Book a Ciao Italy Tour. Everything above is covered. Just saying.