Just back from Rome and Florence

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May 19th, 2000, 12:05 PM

Annette

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Just back from Rome and Florence

I spent a week in Italy, returned 5/17/00; 3 nights in Rome, then 3 nights in Florence, followed by my last night in Rome. The following views reflect my personal experiences and are only meant as an F.Y.I. (for your information). Note: prices are in Italian Lire/admissions indicated are per adult. (US$1.00 = Lit 2,000 approximately) ROMA: One way fare from Fiumicino Airport to Roma Termini train station: 16,000 (** be sure to validate your ticket prior to boarding the train, there are machines located at the station near the train tracks) Colosseo: 10,000 English speaking guide (at Colosseo): 6,000 Vatican Museum: 18,000 Galleria Borghese: 14,000 (Note: photos (cameras) and video taping are not allowed, you will have to check them before being allowed into the Galleria) Palatino/Museo: 12,000 Catacombe (S. Callisto): 8,000 (closed Wednesdays) Accommodations: Albergo Romano (5 min walk to Colosseum) phone: 06.6795851 email: [email protected] 135,000 per night/single room with private bath; breakfast included Santo (at the concierge's desk) was very helpful, friendly and has an adequate command of English. The accomadations were sparse, but clean and adequate. I would definitely consider staying here again. Hotel Bel Soggiorno (5 min walk to Termini) phone: 06.4881701 100,000 per night/single room with private bath; breakfast included While this hotel was conveniently located near the train station, I did not feel very safe in the building the hotel is located. You take a tiny elevator to the 5th floor, there's a staircase as well, however, very dimly lit, and dirty. The people at the concierge's desk were friendly, helpful and speak english. The room was clean, sparse, but adequate. Though the breakfast was quite lavish by Italian standards, I would not stay here again. Dining: Edy (near Piazza del Popolo) Vc. d. Babuino 4 38,000 (dinner for one, including tip) Highly recommend this restaurant. Very good food, attentive service and reasonable prices. Ristorante Al Ragno d'Oro Via Leonina 30-31-33 Prices were reasonable, tasty food, but nothing exceptional. FIRENZE (FLORENCE): 2nd class/ one-way fare from Roma Termini to Firenze Santa Maria Novella station: 26,300 Galleria degli Uffizi: 12,000 Galleria dell'Accademia: 12,000 (Michelangelo's DAVID) (Note: I went on a Sunday morning, around 9am, I had no reservations, waited approx. 20 minutes on line) Giardino de Boboli (Boboli Gardens): 4,000 Breathtaking view of the countryside; lovely spot for a picnic. Dining: Trattoria Il Tirabuscio Via dei Benci Unpretentious restaurant; excellent service, delicious food. 42,000 (dinner one person/includes tip) PISA: Day trip from Firenze; approximately an hour and ten minutes from Firenze S.M.N. train station: round-trip ticket 16,000 Various museums/Baptistery/Cathedral: combination ticket (allows entrance to 5 sites): 18,000 (NOTE: the tower is surrounded by a partition , to allow construction to take place; however it is still an amazing site) Other information: For the Papal Audience, arrive at least an hour and a half early (Wednesday mornings at 10am). I contacted the Church of Santa Susanna in Rome and was able to pick up my ticket the night before the Wednesday audience. (Unfortunately I don't have the phone number, but it can be found on the web). Very moving ceremony (and is conducted in several languages: English, Spanish, German, French). The gelato (ice cream) is delicious. Be prepared to walk for what seems like forever; wear comfortable shoes. The subway system in Rome is pretty uncomplicated (only two lines A & B). I had no troubles riding the trains (if you travel during rush hours-early morning or late afternoon-be prepared for the crowds & lots of pushing). If you're not fluent in Italian, a dictionary may be helpful. It's always a good idea to know basic phrases (good morning, how much is it, etc...). I found the Italian men to be quite aggressive, but nonetheless charming. (I was travelling alone, that might be why i encountered so many of them). As far as gypsies, I didn't have too much of a problem. Unfortunately, I did see several PREGNANT women begging with small children. There are dozens of piazzas.....great for strolling, people watching, meeting locals, enjoying a gelato (you get the idea). The food is delicious, the people friendly, the sites beyond words. Had a great time.

May 19th, 2000, 01:40 PM

chrissy

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THanks for the extremely useful information. Is it necessary to have your both legs covered and both arms to get into the churches? I am concerned because I am going in July. Did you feel the need for a guided tour for any site? thanks

May 19th, 2000, 10:09 PM

Lisa H.

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We are leaving for Rome/Florence in a few days. Never have been to Italy. What did you pack? What would you recommend as must haves for wearing? Are capri type pants acceptable? Thanks,Lisa

May 20th, 2000, 08:16 AM

Annette

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Chrissy: Most people wore long pants and shirts with sleeves (I wore sleeves to about the elbow and had no problem). I was very surprised when I noticed a woman in Bermuda style shorts in one of the basilicas (however, to be on the safe side, I'd suggest you go with pants or a long skirt--not opened on the sides or back). Since it was warm (in the 70's & 80's) many women I noticed had on tank tops/sleeveless shirts and were ALWAYS told by security/or someone at the entrance to "cover yourself" (bring a sweater just for entry to the churches). As for guided tours the only one I took was the Colosseum (very helpful), at many sites you have the option of renting taped guides with a headset or something that looks like a telephone and you can play it as you walk through the various sites (I'm pretty sure they were available in several languages). Lisa: I packed cotton slacks/a long cotton skirt/cotton shirts/sandals & a pair of comfortable walking shoes. I'd definitely suggest comfortable sandals since it gets very warm during the day (maybe even sneakers). As far as must haves, I'd bring along a few tank tops (a sweater or short sleeved shirts if you plan to enter the churches), light fabrics such as cotton. Honestly, I didn't notice women wearing capri pants, though I had initially considered packing several because they're so comfortable. I'd say go with capris, but bring along other clothes as well (skirts/shorts). Hope this helps.

May 20th, 2000, 10:34 AM

Dave Hutchinson

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Excellent information Annette. It turns out that after a great trip like you had I always have a hard time remembering what I paid and what the exchange rate was. Please check out my Italy pictures at www.CrazyAboutTravel.com -Dave-

May 24th, 2000, 07:53 AM

Jennifer

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In Rome, the churches maintained by the Vatican are the ones that require both men and women to have their shoulders and legs covered to enter. St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City is the most prominent. Last summer I returned for a trip and wore a tank top with comfortable khakis and carried along an anorak for the Vatican City (to be on the safe side, I wore it the entire time I was in the Vatican City). However, I recall years ago my father was refused entry into another Roman church (St. John the Lateran maybe??) because he was wearing shorts. Just thought y'all might like to know this information.

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