Hello, I recently found out that my great grandparents were born here. I would love to explore this and the surrounding area areas for two weeks in September… I would greatly appreciate any tips or ideas!
Posted by
5734 posts
I’m always in awe of people who get to do a family history trip like this. What kind of info are you looking for—overall logistics for the whole trip or ?
Are any flights booked yet?
Are you prepared to rent a car, as may be needed for some villages?
Posted by
Phoenix🌵
3261 posts
Lucky you to go to the town of your ancestors. You will have such a great learning experience about the region. My sister-in-law and I visited her grandparents' village in Mongrassano Cozenze Calabria in 2019. Here are my hints:
1) You will need to rent a car. The villages are small and the roads are narrow and curvy. We rented from AutoEurope/Hertz at the Naples Airport after the RS South of Italy Tour. If you rent elsewhere, be sure the agency is open when you need to return. Research told us that some closed early on Saturday and/or were closed on Sunday when we needed to return the car.
2) Freeways in Italy are very good. Allow extra time to pull over to see the views and take potty breaks. The Waze app gave us the best directions; the car didn't have GPS.
3) Watch out for toll roads. Some booths are manned, others aren't. Keep change handy. I think most now also use credit card. Follow the signs at the toll stop to the correct payment booth.
4) Know the speed limit and how to read street signs. We couldn't see speed limit signs so didn't know how fast to drive. We just stayed behind the flow of traffic to be on the safe side. There are speed cameras everywhere, not police on the road.
5) Watch for ZTLs and restricted parking even in villages. You don't want a fine because you don't know where the public parking is.
6) Mongrassano was so small it didn't have a hotel. We stayed in a village 6 km away. On Google Maps, it shows Lauropoli as much larger.
7) Do your Family History homework. I had not travelled with my SIL before and was amazed how unorganized she was. I thought she would research her family history (not my family). Nope, she was clueless and couldn't even use a translator app. Thankfully the villagers were very kind and helpful even though only one spoke English and he was visiting his family from elsewhere.
You will get a feel of the village by visiting the cemetery. Be prepared that you may not find much since most graves are newer than 100 years old. I have no idea what happens to the very old graves.
8) Finally, have a great time! Enjoy your time in the village. SIL was just happy to wander around. We were the weekend entertainment in a village that gets no tourists.
PS. Surprisingly, I would travel with my Sister-in-law again. I know the game plan and like to organize.. Unfortunately she has health issues and doesn’t want travel.
Posted by
OP
21 posts
I have never visited Southern Italy so I would like to see all the highlights as well as explore my roots! I have two weeks, no flights booked yet - no direct flights from Idaho, USA - planning to travel the beginning of September. Definitely plan to rent a car and do a self-drive tour. Airbnb or Hotel? Must-See? Thanks for any tips!
Posted by
Phoenix🌵
3261 posts
In that case, fly into Naples, spend a couple nights, visit the Archeological Museum for Pompeii artifacts and go to Sansevero Chapel. Naples is where most emigrants sailed from.
Rent the car at Naples Airport. Drive to Pompeii. Then to Salerno for a couple nights. Logic should be to rent the car in Salerno, but that was one of the agencies where car return times didn't work for us. If timing works for you, you can take the train to Salerno instead of driving. I'd skip the Amalfi Coast this trip so you have time to explore Calabria and Southern Italy (the toe, instep and heel of the boot).
If you like Greek temple ruins, you can stop at Paestum.
Then drive to Calabria to family village and surrounds, stay several nights.
In Southern Italy, go to Matera for history and to stay in a cave hotel. Also go to Alberobello for the tulli houses if you have time.
Flights may be cheaper flying into and out of Rome instead of Naples. Take the train from Rome to Naples. Weigh the cost difference vs travel time to decide which is best for you.
Guide books for Southern Italy are difficult to find. Lonely Planet has one, not great but better than nothing. There is more information on the web so use that to help determine your route and sightseeing.
Buon Viaggio!
Posted by
5734 posts
Much depends on what you mean by southern Italy and how quickly you like to move. I agree Naples would be a good start, or you could also pair with Puglia. There are not as many guides to Calabria, but there is plenty online to help you begin to narrow down your choices. I’d start by playing around with flight searches to see all of your options. You have to change planes anyway, so you might as well search all airport options.
Once you have a better sense of the rough outlines of a plan, post that for help. Good luck!