If you’ve ever dreamed of a long, leisurely European getaway, you’re not alone! In 2021, we began planning our very first slow travel two-month trip through Europe, specifically Malta and Italy. With so many details to organize—hotel bookings, car rentals, domestic flights, rail tickets, and tours—the process was exciting but also a bit overwhelming.
Planning a Slow Travel European Vacation: A Journey from Dreaming to Doing
Since we were handling all of the logistics ourselves, we knew the importance of starting early. As soon as we had our dates set, we dove into the planning process. We spent countless hours researching the best destinations, reading blogs for insider tips, and watching YouTube videos to get a feel for the local culture and attractions. Platforms like Booking.com, Viator, and TripAdvisor became our best friends as we sifted through endless options for accommodation, tours, and experiences.
Though it wasn’t always smooth sailing (we often found ourselves adjusting and tweaking our itinerary), the end result was absolutely worth it. After months of planning, rethinking, and fine-tuning, we finally nailed down our dream itinerary for this epic European trip.
Why Malta & Italy?
Why did we choose Malta and Italy for this adventure? Both offer rich history, stunning landscapes, and a chance to immerse ourselves in European culture in unique ways. Malta, with its gorgeous Mediterranean coastline and historical sites, provided a tranquil start to our journey. Italy, on the other hand, was the perfect destination to dive deep into art, food, and breathtaking views, with cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice,. as well as lesser known ones, on our radar.
Our 2022 Malta & Italy Slow Travel Itinerary: Highlights of the Trip
We’re excited to share the full itinerary that made this two-month European escape unforgettable. Whether you’re planning your own long-term European adventure or just a quick getaway, we hope our experience will inspire your travel plans. As this is a write up on our itinerary, details will be given in later posts.
September 7th: Vancouver to Rome, then Malta – A Seamless Flight Experience
Our two-month European adventure began with a flight from Vancouver to Rome’s Fiumicino Airport. After landing in Rome, we hopped in a taxi to Ciampino Airport to catch our Ryanair flight to Malta. Since Ryanair only operates flights to Malta from Ciampino, it’s important to plan ahead, as the taxi ride between the airports takes about 30 minutes. Make sure to factor in this travel time when booking flights!
September 7 – 10: Valletta, Malta – A Stay at Jean de Vallette Boutique Hotel
Our first stop in Malta was the vibrant capital, Valletta, where we stayed at the Jean de Vallette Boutique Hotel. This charming hotel, located in the heart of Valletta, offers a quirky and eclectic Alice in Wonderland-inspired decor. The self-check-in process was smooth and easy, making us feel right at home.
The hotel’s central location meant we could walk to all the major sights, including the Upper Barracca Gardens and The Bastion. If you’re a photography enthusiast like me, you’ll love the proximity to the best sunrise spots. I always plan my photos around the time of sunrise and look for the perfect vantage point, setting an early alarm to capture that golden hour magic.
September 10th: Mdina, Malta – Staying at Xara Palace Relais & Chateau
After our time in Valletta, we headed to the medieval city of Mdina for a stay at the Xara Palace Relais & Chateau. Known as the “Silent City,” Mdina is a car-free destination surrounded by imposing walls and stunning architecture, including a beautiful bridge and moat. We took a taxi to the city’s gate, then walked through the peaceful streets to the hotel, which was just a short stroll away.
Upon arrival, we were welcomed with a glass of Prosecco and checked in while lounging on a plush, comfy couch in the stylish lobby. The hotel exudes luxury, with opulent decor and a spacious room complete with high-end bedding and a cozy outdoor seating area.
Mdina’s charm is undeniable, especially once the day-trippers leave. The city, which is bustling with tourists during the day, quiets down in the evening, offering the perfect opportunity to explore the narrow alleys and snap photos without the crowds. We spent the evening and the following morning wandering the serene streets, soaking in the history, and capturing the city’s timeless beauty. Another advantage to the slow travel mantra – you can wait out the tourist hordes without any stress.
September 11th: Valletta, Malta – Overnight at the Grand Hotel Excelsior
While we typically avoid staying at resorts, we decided to book a night at the Grand Hotel Excelsior in Valletta, hoping for a relaxing day by the pool. Unfortunately, the pool wasn’t open during our stay, but we didn’t let that dampen our spirits. Instead, we spent the day exploring more of Valletta and its surroundings.
We kicked off our day with a visit to Fort St. Elmo, an iconic landmark that offers sweeping views of the Mediterranean and the city. Afterward, we set off for a harbour tour on a small motorized boat, which gave us a unique perspective of the Grand Harbour. The tour dropped us off in Birgu, a charming town often considered Valletta’s little sister. Birgu is also walled and sits gracefully on the harbor, offering a quieter, more peaceful vibe compared to the bustling capital.
While our resort experience didn’t go exactly as planned, the day spent discovering the historic sights of Valletta and Birgu made for an unforgettable adventure.
September 12 – 17 : Catania, Sicily – The Four Elements Apartment
- Malta to Catania – Air Malta – 45 Min. Flight
After spending an incredible day exploring the charming streets of Valletta, it was time to head to our next destination—Sicily! We took a flight with Air Malta and landed in Catania just under an hour later at 9:30 PM. The short flight was a breeze, and we were excited to experience the unique vibe of this vibrant Sicilian city.
As soon as we stepped off the plane, it was clear that Catania would offer a very different experience than the peaceful, laid-back atmosphere of Malta. The energy here was palpable, with the lively streets and bustling nightlife giving us an immediate sense of the dynamic Italian culture we were about to immerse ourselves in.
September 14th: Catania, Sicily – Picking Up Our Rental Car
Midway through our stay in Catania, we picked up the car that would accompany us on the majority of our Sicilian road trip. We rented through Budget at Catania Airport, and though the process was smooth, little did we know the real adventure was about to begin—driving in Catania.
If you’re planning on exploring Sicily by car, especially in Catania, be prepared for a wild ride. Catania’s traffic is notorious for being chaotic, with narrow streets, aggressive drivers, and a constant buzz of activity. Navigating the city can either make or break your trip, so it’s definitely not for the faint of heart. But if you’re up for the challenge, driving in Catania opens up endless possibilities for exploring this historic region at your own pace.
Easily explored from Catania – Syracuse; Taormina; Ragusa; Noto; Bronte; Modica; Caltanisetta
September 17 – 22 – Palermo – New Loft Apartment
- Catania to Palermo – 240 km / 3.25 Hours
The drive from Catania to Palermo is about 240 km, taking around 3.25 hours, but the journey itself is where the real adventure lies. One of the greatest joys of having a rental car in Sicily is the freedom to explore the countryside at your own pace. We found that veering off the main roads often led us to unexpected, hidden gems that we would have missed if we had stuck to the highways.
The road from Catania to Palermo was absolutely stunning. As we cruised through rolling hills, we were treated to breathtaking views of the Mediterranean coastline. The picturesque landscape, dotted with olive groves and vineyards, added a touch of magic to our drive, making this one of the most memorable segments of our Sicilian road trip.
Easily explored from Palermo – Trapani; Monreale; Sciacca; Cefalu; Agrigento
September 22 – Cosenza, Italy – Italiana Hotel Cosenza
- Palermo to Messina Ferry – 234 km / 2.5 Hours
- Messina to Villa San Giovanni Ferry via Direct Ferries – 20 min
- Villa San Giovanni to Cosenza – 176 km / 1.45 Hours
Our first stop after leaving Sicily was Cosenza, in Calabria. Essentially for us, this was a stop of convenience. There was not anything in particular that drew us here, other than it was a place we could spend the night, probably find a decent meal, and then carry on to our next destination.
September 23 – 26 – Pisticci, Italy – Fontana la Pietra (Agriturismo)
- Cosenza to Pisticci – 227 km / 2.5 Hours
When planning for our trip, I snagged a copy of Meet Me in the Piazza, by Frances Mayes. One of the websites she suggested was the Agriturismo website – a government initiative to get tourists out into the more rural areas of Italy, staying in guesthouses on the properties fo wineries, farms, and orchards. This was a fantastic stay for us, and only cost 50EUR per night.
Easily explored from Fontana la Pietra – Craco; Pisticci; Matera; Alberobello; Ostuni;
September 26th: Pescara, Italy – A Memorable Stay at The Victoria Hotel
- Pisticii to Pescara – 404 km / 4 Hours
Our time in Pescara, Italy, turned out to be a delightful surprise. We had initially planned just a quick stopover, but The Victoria Hotel made our brief stay an unforgettable one. From the moment we arrived, the hotel staff made us feel incredibly welcome. Their kindness and helpfulness went above and beyond, making it clear that guest satisfaction is their top priority.
To our surprise, Pescara’s beach was absolutely stunning. I’m not sure why I hadn’t expected it to be as beautiful as it was, but I was certainly impressed by its soft sands and clear waters. Though we were only in Pescara for one evening, we both agreed that, had we known more about the area, we would have extended our stay to two slow travel nights. A full day on the beach would have been the perfect way to relax and unwind—a missed opportunity, for sure!
September 27th/28th: Urbino, Italy – Discovering Tenuta Santi Giacomo y Filippo
- Pescara to Urbino – 255 km / 3 Hours
Our stay in Urbino was a highlight of the trip, thanks to the stunning Tenuta Santi Giacomo y Filippo, a beautiful winery we discovered through the Agriturismo website. Located just outside the city, the estate offered both a main building and several charming outbuildings where guests could stay. We were in one of the outbuildings, were absolutely blown away by how quiet, elegant, and peaceful the setting was. It truly felt like a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The best part? The entire experience, including the accommodation, cost just 105 EUR per night—an incredible bargain for the quality and beauty of the place. It was a hidden gem in every sense, offering both a relaxing retreat and a chance to immerse ourselves in the local culture.
We also found that Tenuta Santi Giacomo y Filippo was an ideal base for exploring the surrounding areas. A short drive from Urbino, we also took a day trip to San Marino, one of the smallest countries in the world, making for a perfect day out.
Easily explored from Urbino – San Marino; Pesaro; Rimini; Ravenna
September 29th – October 2nd: Montespertoli, Italy – Our Stay at Castello di Montefugoni
- Urbino to Montespertoli – 284 km / 3 Hours
Our stay in Montespertoli was marked by a unique experience at Castello di Montefugoni, a beautiful castle we found through the Agriturismo website. With its winding staircases, charming alcoves, and old-world charm, it seemed like the perfect spot to experience Italy’s medieval heritage. The property itself was breathtaking, offering a sense of history and beauty that made for a memorable stay.
However, things took a bit of a turn. During our visit, we were the only guests not attending a wedding one night and a conference the next. As the castle’s courtyard was the gathering point for these events, it was incredibly loud—definitely not the quiet, slow, relaxing retreat we were hoping for. While the events were beyond the hotel’s control, they did impact our overall experience.
To top it off, a massive rainstorm led to an unfortunate mishap in our room. Water began pouring in from a hole in the ceiling, flooding the floor and even our bed. When we reached out for help, the front desk offered us just three towels to clean up the mess. Needless to say, we were pretty disappointed by the lack of assistance.
That said, the Montespertoli area was beautiful, and we discovered a few nearby restaurants that truly exceeded expectations—one of the highlights of our stay. While Castello di Montefugoni was an interesting place to stay, the service and unexpected events left us questioning whether we would book here again.
Easily explored from Montespertoli – San Gimignano; Massa Marittma; Siena
October 3 – 6 – Florence, Italy – Apartmente Mirrors Sur Ponte Vecchio
- Montespertoli to Florence – 35 km / 40 minutes
One of my absolute favorite stays during our trip was an apartment right on the banks of the Arno River, with an incredible view of the iconic Ponte Vecchio. This apartment, though compact, was beautifully designed with a modern and elegant feel that made it feel like a true home away from home.
The location couldn’t have been more perfect—just steps from the door, you’re facing the Ponte Vecchio, and within a short stroll, you can reach all of Florence’s must-see attractions. The picture of the sunset over the Ponte Vecchio below was literally taken from the balcony of our apartment. Absolutely incredible!
Everything you want to experience in Florence is within walking distance, which makes this the ideal base for exploring. There’s so much to say about Florence, and it deserves an entire post of its own, but here’s one key takeaway: Florence is not a city to rush through.
If you can, spend some time here, not just ticking off the typical tourist sites, but truly wandering the streets, exploring the hidden corners, and soaking in the beauty of this historic city. She’s definitely worth the time! She is the very definition of slow travel done right!
Easily explorable from Florence – Pisa; Lucca, Pistoia; Livorno
October 6 – 8 – Modena, Italy – Hotel Castello
- Florence to Modena – 128 km / 1.5 Hours
Another stay in a castle, this time without the water on the floor! This was a very well-priced venue and what I would call a solid three star stay. It was nice, and included breakfast, clean, and well kept.
Easily explored from Modena – Parma; Bologna; Piacenza; Ferrara
October 8 – 13 – Venice, Italy – Apartment Contarini through property rental company Truly Venice
- Modena to Venice – 188 km / 2 Hours
This was our third stay in Venice with Truly Venice, and once again, they exceeded all expectations. From the moment we arrived, their service and attention to detail made us feel right at home in this magical city. For this trip, we decided to drop off our rental car—we wouldn’t need it in Venice, and we didn’t want to pay for days we wouldn’t use. It made much more sense to return the car and plan to pick up a new one in Milan, where we would be traveling by train from Venice.
There’s something truly magical about approaching Venice by boat. Whether you’re taking a privately booked taxi boat or hopping on the vaporetto (the public water bus), it always feels like you’re entering another world. I never tire of seeing the famous Campanile growing larger the closer you get to the city—it’s one of those quintessential Venice experiences that never gets old.
This time, we stayed in the quieter Dorsoduro district, away from the crowds of tourists. It was the perfect escape, a slow travel state of mind, offering a peaceful atmosphere while still being close enough to explore everything Venice has to offer.
One of my favourite nights here was when we grabbed a bottle of Prosecco and headed to the steps of a small church just 100 feet from our apartment. We sat there, enjoying the moonlight, watching people come and go from the nearby Palazzo. It was an unforgettable, serene moment in the heart of Venice—another memory to cherish. But that’s a story for another time…
Easily explored from Venice (although why would you want to leave??) – Verona; Padua; Treviso; Vicenza; Valdobiaddene
October 13 – 16 – Milan, Italy – NH Collection – Milano President
- Venice to Milan via Italia Rail / 2.5 Hours
- Pick up rental car from Europcar
After a leisurely two and a half hour train ride from Venice to Milan, we were greeted with beautiful scenery—rolling hills soon giving way to the expansive urban landscape that marks the outskirts of Italy’s fashion capital. Milan demands attention from the moment you arrive, with its sleek, modern vibe and unmistakable energy. As the fashion capital of the world, Milan certainly doesn’t do things by halves.
However, one of our biggest missteps came with our casual attitude towards the iconic Milan Duomo. Having already climbed to the tops of churches and basilicas in places like Palermo, Catania, and Florence (with an upcoming climb in Vatican City), we figured we’d skip the Duomo. Big mistake.
We had no idea just how stunningly beautiful the Milan Duomo would be, both from the outside and inside. The intricate architecture, soaring spires, and the sheer scale of the building left us in awe, but sadly, by the time we realized our error, the tickets to go inside were sold out. We tried everything to get a spot, but it was all in vain. It’s definitely one of those moments where you wish you could hit rewind.
Stay tuned for more about our Milan experience in a future post!
Easily explored from Milan – day trip to Lake Como; Piacenza; Bergamo; Monza; maybe Turin although I might do that as it’s own day and night stop.
October 16 – 18 – Bellagio, Italy – Hotel Bellagio
- Milan to Bellagio – 69 km / 1.25 Hours
When I think about our stay in Bellagio, Italy, the first thing that comes to mind is, quite frankly, stairs. And not just a few steps—five flights of stairs to get to the hotel entrance, plus an additional three stories to reach our room. There was no elevator in sight, and by the time we reached the top, I couldn’t help but think, “Where’s George Clooney when you need him?” (As a side note, George Clooney does have a villa in Bellagio, so it felt like a fair thought!)
One thing we’ve learned on our extended holidays is the importance of traveling light. We’ve agreed to only bring carry-on luggage, which makes navigating through small airports, catching domestic flights, and avoiding extra baggage fees much easier. I’ve never been more grateful for this rule than when I stood at the bottom of those five flights of stairs in Bellagio, looking up at the daunting climb ahead. Trust me—every pound of weight in my bag felt heavier with each step!
But, despite the climb, the view from our room was absolutely worth it. Bellagio, with its picturesque streets and stunning views over Lake Como, is a place that simply takes your breath away.
Easily explored from Bellagio – Como; Lecco
October 18 – 21 – La Morra, Italy – Apartment
- Bellagio to La Morra – 245 km / 3 Hours
Easily one of our very favorite stays on this trip, our time in La Morra was unforgettable, and definitely fit our slow travel mantra. From the moment we arrived, our host made us feel incredibly welcome with their kind and genuine hospitality. The area, nestled in the hills, was simply stunning—second to none in its beauty.
We spent our days hiking and exploring the area on foot. It’s a bit hilly and definitely not for the faint of heart, but the panoramic views and charm of the landscape made every step worthwhile. There’s something truly magical about discovering a destination by foot, even if it means a bit of huffing and puffing on the way up. The beauty of the area was more than enough to make up for the effort.
One thing we did notice was that this particular region was a bit more challenging when it came to navigating in English. While many of the places we’ve visited have had at least some familiarity with the language, this region was a bit trickier. But despite the language barrier, the experience was absolutely worth it.
This area is full of charm—quaint, peaceful, and with fantastic restaurants where we found ourselves happily stumbling home a little tipsy after enjoying delicious meals. It’s one of those places that you don’t expect to fall in love with, but you do. More on that in a future post!
Easily explored from La Morra – Fossano; Bra; Alba
October 22 – 25 – Monterossa al Mare, Italy (Cinque Terre) – Apartment
- La Morra to Monterossa al Mare – 244 km / 3 Hours
Once again, we found the perfect apartment for our stay, and this one may have been our favorite yet. What made it so special? The location—right across the road from the Ligurian Sea. From our window, we had unobstructed views of the sparkling waters, and it became the perfect base for exploring not only the town we were staying in but also the other four towns of Cinque Terre.
We spent our days hiking the beautiful Cinque Terre trails, riding the local trains, and indulging in delicious Italian meals. The region’s food and wine are absolutely outstanding—superb wine paired with fresh, local cuisine made every meal memorable. Whether we were perched on a terrace overlooking the sea or sitting at a quaint café in one of the villages, each day felt like a new adventure
But, as with every journey, not everything is perfect. While we absolutely loved our slow travel time in Cinque Terre, there are some reasons why we probably wouldn’t go back. I’ll dive into that in a future post, but for now, let’s just say that this experience was one we’ll always treasure.
October 26 – 28 – Lucca – Albergo Villa Marta
- Monterossa al Mare to Lucca – 134 km / 2.5 Hours
Lucca, Italy has long been on my slow travel bucket list. Known for its well-preserved Renaissance walls, massive 16th and 17th-century ramparts, and charming historical center, it was an absolute must-see. The city’s beautiful, peaceful vibe made it sound like the perfect destination for exploring and snapping photos—until we arrived and realized the entire town had been taken over by Comic Con.
Now, I have nothing against Comic Con—it’s just not my thing. I know it’s a favorite for many, but as a traveler hoping to capture picturesque views of Lucca, I wasn’t quite prepared for the sea of anime posters and costumed crowds at every corner. Literally everywhere. I was hoping for serene shots of the ancient city walls and cobblestone streets, but instead, I found myself dodging oversized anime character banners and crowds of cosplayers.
That said, Lucca itself remains a lovely town—highly recommended if you’re looking for history, charm, and a quiet Italian experience. But, if you’re planning your trip, my advice is simple: check the calendar before you go. A little research ahead of time would’ve saved us from this unexpected detour into the world of pop culture.
October 28 – November 4 – Rome, Italy – Apartment in Trastevere
- Lucca to Rome – 384 km / 4.20 Hours
As we find ourselves back in Rome for the third time, we realize just how familiar this city has become. And by familiar, I don’t mean in a boring, routine way. It’s the kind of familiarity where you know exactly where you are without constantly consulting a map. We’re no longer rushing to hit the typical tourist attractions; this is all about slow travel and soaking it all in—although, don’t get me wrong, those iconic sites are still absolutely worth seeing. But this time, with a bit of experience under our belts, we’re free to explore the city at our own pace.
Our latest stay was in Trastevere, one of the coolest and most up-and-coming neighborhoods in Rome. Known for its authentic Roman vibe, this area is filled with charming restaurants, local artists, and a lively crowd of young people. It’s a neighborhood that feels vibrant yet laid-back, offering a mix of traditional Roman culture and a contemporary edge.
An added bonus? Trastevere is more economical compared to other areas closer to the city center. Yet, it’s still within walking distance of all the must-see spots: Vatican City, Ancient Rome, Monti, and the Centro Storico—everything you’d want to explore in Rome is just a stroll away.
We loved every minute of our time here, and we’ll be sharing more of our Roman adventures in future posts. Stay tuned as we dive deeper into the wonders of Rome, from hidden gems to timeless classics!
This slow travel itinerary is the result of many, many days of research and exploration. Each section of our journey through Italy holds a world of sights, experiences, and hidden gems that enriched our time in this beautiful country. We wanted to share everything we did in as much detail as possible, but since this is already a long read, I’ll be breaking it down into separate posts. That way, you can digest everything at your own pace!
Our approach to slow travel is all about finding balance. It’s easy to get caught up in trying to see everything, but we’ve learned that slow travel often leads to the most rewarding experiences. We always strive to give ourselves enough time in each location to truly enjoy where we are. After all, what’s the point of rushing through a destination just to check things off a list?
We focus on taking it slow, relaxing, and soaking in the sights—and if we miss something along the way, that’s perfectly okay. The key is to sink into the moment, without getting distracted by what you aren’t doing. Let the journey unfold naturally, and enjoy the experiences you are having in the present.
This itinerary is meant to inspire you to travel mindfully through Italy, at a pace that allows for true enjoyment. So take your time, relax, and embrace the beauty of this incredible country!
