We are a couple who has been traveling throughout the U.S. for the last 1.5 years in a 34 ft. (all the bells and whistles) 5th wheel. We've loved it! NOW...we want to sell the 5th wheel (we'd both traveled the U.S. before so we've seen what we'd like to see.) NOW, we'd like to start in Italy (my guy has family there and is only 1st generation American - So becoming a citizen is being discussed.) We have no idea where we'd like to eventually end up...only know that we'd like to probably spend the rest of our life having as many european adventures as we can. We can travel very light..and move around day to day..week to week or month to month. We just want to have to ties as much as possible. If we see a place we want to stay and explore..we stay. If it's not what we thought and we want to move on...great..we move on. Sometimes we'd love the city and sometimes we'd love the countryside..there's fun and history in both. We don't have ANY agenda.
So, anyone ever done this? We're open to lots of suggestions! If anyone you know would like to trade a GORGEOUS *3 slides..king size bed..fireplace, granite counter tops, flat screen TV's, Surround sound (like I said, bells and whistles!) for a place in Italy...we'd like to talk. PICTRES available. 6 year warrenty..AND 3/4 ton truck to drive anywhere you want with it! comes with dishes, linens etc..etc..)
Other than that...
Posted by
Jonesboro, Arkansas, USA
606 posts
Congratulations on getting to live such a dream life!
I guess the first suggestion would be to look into that citizenship deal, because as I understand it, the law over there is that Americans can only stay 90 days. Then you have to leave the EU for 90 days before you can return.
Of course, there are ways to get extended visas if you meet the criteria, but you have to pursue it.
You might start by studying the info HERE (start by clicking the "Getting Started" link in the upper left corner of their website).
Posted by
Eden Prairie, MN, USA
168 posts
Wow! This sounds like a dream.
Well just responding on the "Where" to go. Here is where I would recommend:
Venice: It's so magical there. Spend at least 2-3 nights depending on your pace. At night time San Marco square is wonderful (orchestras playing, dancing, drinking wine).
Cinque Terre: This is one of my favorite places in the world. There are 5 small fishing villages along the coast to choose from. I was in Riomaggiore and loved it.
Sorrento/Amalfi Coast Area: We stayed in Sorrento as it was a good main base to go to all the places we wanted. We went to Pompeii and Hiked Mt. Vesuvius. You can also go to the island Capri (blue grotto is there). Also just taking a bus along the coast and stopping in the small towns is fun.
I also really enjoyed going to Sienna & San Gimignano which were smaller towns outside of Florence. For a great winery experience check out at Castello di Verrazzano(http://www.verrazzano.com/). That was probably one of the highlights of our trip. It's winery in the Chianti Region (approx 35min outside of Florence).
And of Course Florence & Rome are the classics.
I know others have suggested other great places in Tuscany. And I'm sure Lake Como would be a great place as well. Also, depending on how much time you have...you are very close to Switzerland which might also be fun to add onto your trip to see the Alps!
Have a wonderful trip!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32357 posts
Whitley & Marty,
Although your "other half" may be able to get citizenship, that's not in place yet so you should probably limit your stay this time to 90 days.
Also, even if his citizenship does come through in the near future, you would likely still have to apply for some kind of a Visa or whatever to stay longer than 90 days.
As we're prohibited from offering legal advice here, I'd suggest you contact the nearest Italian Embassy for specific information if you're planning on staying in the Schengen Zone longer than three months.
In the meantime, you might find it interesting to read This Website.
Good luck!