Mama Mia Italy!

Old Jul 31st, 2014, 12:24 AM
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Mama Mia Italy!

I started off planning for this trip with 3 goals in mind - I wanted to go to the Cinque Terre, the Amalfi Coast and Lake Como. George Clooney had something to do my wish to go to Lake Como but that obsession is another topic altogether.
So having come back from my fabulous holiday I was in 2 minds about this trip report. Should I write it, should I post it?? In the end I decided that I get such enjoyment in reading trip reports on this forum that I had to post.
So here goes...
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Old Jul 31st, 2014, 12:27 AM
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8 & 9 June Travel day and Dubai stopover

Flew on Emirates from Adelaide, South Australia. This is an evening flight and the day felt extra long….

The flight was really good. There were a of couple empty seats between my neighbour and me which she let me use during the night to sleep.

Emirates have an incredible entertainment selection and the food was really tasty. I finished everything on the tray J

Dubai airport has good signage and I was through customs in a jif. I picked out what I thought was my bag and decided to throw my back pack inside. Oh oh not my bag! I quickly retuned it to the carousel and waited for my bag. There were a lot of Samsonite Cosmolite suitcases and a a couple of red ones!! The red suitcase might have to become a hot pink suitcase in future….

I ended up in private taxi from airport (Lexus) and was charged 70 AED which I know was too much.

I stayed at the hotel Al Ghurair Rayhaan by Rotana which I had got on hotwire for a bargain AUD110.

As I walked into the hotel my impressions were – Hotel was really nice, very 5 star, huge room. I had landed at 5:15am was at the hotel by 6:15am. The reception staff asked me to wait in restaurant and had my room ready in 45 mins. I had a complimentary cappuccino in Liwan restaurant while I waited.

Once in the room which was huge I called home to let the family know that I had arrived safely. Then took a short nap and then shower before taking the metro to Dubai mall. Metro was clean and right across the road from hotel. Cost 11AED. I was in Dubai Mall in 20 mins.

Dubai mall was amazing! Saw the fountain show at 1pm. Really big and beautiful. I ended up buying 2 jeans from American Eagle Outfitters for 260 AED. I wore these on my trip so it was worth the extra weight in my suitcase. I saw the aquarium wall, the ice skating rink and souk section of the mall. It was so hot in Dubai. 40 degrees and humid.

Took a taxi to Al Karama and went to an Indian restaurant called “Bikanerwala” for dinner/snacks at 5pm. I had intended to go to the Gold souk but was too tired to continue. So after my meal I took another private taxi to the hotel because couldn't find a metered cab.

At the hotel, I managed to do online check in and print my boarding pass.

Then to bed by 8pm. Up at 5am for morning flight to Rome FCO at 9:10am. I took normal metered cab which was only 13AED!

Here is the a link to the post with photos
http://redsuitcasetravel.blogspot.co...-stopover.html
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Old Jul 31st, 2014, 02:51 AM
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10 June Arriving in Rome

Had a very good flight from Dubai. It was a 9am flight and I had my boarding pass so no rush in the morning. I flew on the A380. It always amazes me that something of that size can fly. A comfortable few hours to Rome.

They served lunch enroute and it was the tastiest airplane food ever! I had ordered the Asian vegetarian meal. I am a vegetarian so it wasn’t just to get my meal early J

Landed in Rome on time at 1pm. I had read so much about the terrible FCO airport and was worried about luggage but it popped out within a few minutes .

Outside the luggage claim were 50 people with names waiting to pick passengers. It was a free for all but I found my lady after a few minutes and we were on our way in a minivan! There was just me and another couple and I was first on the list. I had booked the shared transfer from Viator and had no issues or problems.

On the way the driver took us around the Roman Forum and Circus Maximus. Also saw the Capitoline Museum and Vittorio Emmanuel monument. He dropped me off on Via Del Corso as the hotel is down a pedestrian lane. All I had to do was cross the street and walk 50 meters.

I stayed at the Albergo Cesari for 5 nights. Check in was smooth and easy. The room was clean and larger than I thought. Furnishing is tired but it is adequate. The location is incredible.

Unpacked and changed into something lighter as it was hot in Rome. 32 degrees and humid.

I headed out to the Pantheon via Giolitti. The best gelato I've ever had – or so I thought J I had Cassata and Amarena. Yum...

I strolled to the Pantheon.

Note:- Here I’ll quickly mention that I used my phone for directions all through the trip. I have an Iphone on Aust Vodafone plan and an option which allows me to use the plan overseas for $5 per day extra.

I did the Rick Steves’ walking tour on my phone which worked really well. I can’t really express this feeling that comes over you when you are inside the Pantheon. It is over 2000 years and so well preserved. But as I gazed up at the oculus I thought that we may have made progress in terms of technology but maybe lost something along the way.

I walked from the Pantheon to the Basilica Santa Maria sopra Minerva. This is the only gothic church in Rome. The ceiling is absolutely stunning – blue with gold stars. This was one of the few peaceful quite churches I visited.

From there I walked to the Piazza Navona. The square was packed full of tourists trying to find a spot in from of the famous fountain for a photo. I decided to sit, relax and people watch for a bit. The Fountain of the Four Rivers is topped by an impressive Egyptian obelisk. Bernini’s art is spellbinding. I had booked a tour of the Villa Borghese the next day and this was just a preview of what was to come. There are 2 other fountains at either end of the square in addition to the central master piece.

There were a number of artists selling art work. I was so tempted to buy a painting from one of the sellers in the Piazza. It would look amazing in my room at home but I worried about carting it about Italy. At 5pm I felt a few drops of rain and decided to head back to hotel. On my way back I stopped at a little grocery where they were doing free liqueur tastings. I went in and tried the Limoncello which was delish but once again too early in the trip for me to purchase anything.

I had a little rest before heading out at 6:30pm for passeggiata down Via del Corso. I popped into the massive Zara store. How could I not J Could have bought loads. Everything there I would buy and wear. European Zara is excellent! But wait - I’m on a shopping diet so walked away. I'm still proud of myself of having so much self control. Ladies you know what I'm saying

Walked through Galleria Alberto Sordi. Another example of stunning architecture. I saw a café in the centre of the Galleria doing apperitivo and decided to come back the next day.

I went to Il Leoncino on Via Leoncino based on Elizabeth Minchilli’s Rome app. I had mixed feelings about this place. Grumpy waiter but pizza was nice. I had the margherita pizza. Soft drink plus pizza for 11E.

Back to hotel for complementary spritz on rooftop before bed at 10pm.

Here's a link to my blog post with photos
http://redsuitcasetravel.blogspot.co...june-rome.html
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Old Jul 31st, 2014, 02:52 AM
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Looking forward to Italy! Apparently the Clooney thing didn't work out for you since he's engaged to another...hope that didn't spoil the trip! ;-)
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Old Jul 31st, 2014, 04:20 AM
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Great start to what seems to be an interesting report.
I too understand the Clooney obsession and I would definitely be considered a cougar.
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Old Jul 31st, 2014, 05:34 AM
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Wonderful report so far, looking forward for more.
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Old Jul 31st, 2014, 06:09 AM
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Oh, I am going to enjoy following your journey, ozgirl07! We've stayed twice at the Césari and couldn't agree more about its great location! I imagine you walked by the Pantheon many times during your visit in Rome. This city inspires wonder & awe, doesn't it?
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Old Jul 31st, 2014, 07:57 AM
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Great start to your trip report, looking forward to more!
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Old Aug 1st, 2014, 12:15 AM
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Thank you for reading! Here is the next instalment

11 June Rome – Food tour and Villa Borghese

I got up at 3am in the morning and it was no use telling myself that it too early. My body had not adjusted to the time change yet. I decided to read in bed for a bit and then try to sleep again. I had a tour at 10:30am in the morning and there was no rush. Fortunately, I was able to go back to sleep after reading for an hour or so and slept until a “normal” wake up time.

After a wonderful breakfast on the hotel rooftop I walked towards Piazza Farnese to meet my Gourmetaly tour.

So here’s one of the tips I had read about and it made sense. One way to avoid putting on weight on holidays is by refraining from going crazy at the hotel breakfast. The hotel of course has a lot more on offer then what we normally eat at home.

I had booked the Small-Group Rome Food Walking Tour: Trastevere, Campo de' Fiori and Jewish Ghetto morning tour on Viator and it turned out to be the Food Crawl Rome Tour with Gourmetaly. I was a little bit early and so I walked around the market in Campo di Fiori. The fresh food was just so colourful and beautifully displayed. But note you are not allowed to touch anything. If you want to buy something, point towards the item and ask the stall owner to measure it out for you.

I found tour leader Francesca at the appointed meeting point and we were off. It was a small group of 6 plus Francesca. First a walk around Campo di Fiori followed by Buffalo Mozzarella tasting. This was proper freshly made in the morning Buffalo Mozzarella. OMG! So delicious! The best I’ve ever tasted. Apparently you are not meant to refrigerate mozzarella. It should be eaten fresh and so lasts only up to 3 days. They also served us some Pecorino Romano cheese with green olives for me. Yummm….

We then walked to Forno Roscioli and tasted some Pizza Bianca. We went on to the Jewish Ghetto for suppli (ball of rice with tomato sauce similar to aranchini) and mozzarella stuffed deep fried zucchini flowers. From here we walked to Trastevere for some Roman style pasta. Then to a small artisanal gelato shop for some delish gelato.

Along the way Francesca gave a little history about what we were seeing and the food we were eating. It was a perfect combination of history and anecdotes. She was obviously passionate about Rome and food. I would recommend this food tour to anyone.

After this tour I had booked an afternoon tour of the Villa Borghese on Viator. It turned out to be with City Wonders (Dark Rome). As the food tour had run sightly over and I needed to make my way from Trastevere to Villa Borghese in half an hour I took a taxi. The taxi driver had the meter running but when we go to Villa Borghese he quickly turned it off and asked for 15E. I had seen that the meter reading was at least 11E, so grumbling a bit I paid him 15E.

I met the City Wonders representative who assigned me to one of 2 groups. My tour leader was Rebecca who was so enthusiastic and knowledgeable. She had a real talent for telling the history of artwork as if she had been there when the deal was struck between Bernini and Cardinal Scipione Borghese.

The Galleria has an amazing collection of Bernina sculptures and Caravaggio paintings. The entry to this museum is timed so you have a time slot and limited time in the Galleria. So the advantage of the tour is that you see the main artwork efficiently in that time and don’t miss out.

After the tour of the Galleria we walked with Rebecca through the gardens still listening to her lovely descriptive stories to a vantage point over the Piazza del Popolo. From here we had some stunning views of Rome. As I bid Rebecca and group farewell, I followed her instruction on how to walk back down the Spanish Steps. The fountain in front of the steps was under construction which was shame.

I did a bit of window shopping around Via Condotti. Along the way I saw Gucci, Dior, LV, Max Mara, Furla, Salvatore Farragamo, Bulgari, Burberry, Versace stores….

And then I went to Zara…..

I know I said I was on a shopping diet but the window shopping was just too much for me. I had to indulge a little and my budget did not extend to those other stores.

I bought a maxi skirt and a top that I love!

I was in the perfect spot to have an aperitivo at the Galleria. I was feeling so tired the I decided to bypass a Spitz for a non alcoholic cocktail. But I had the yummy snacks. The selection was extensive. They had mini quiches, pizzas, dips, salads, breads, etc. It was the perfect place to have a drink with the girls but I had none of my girls with me so it was a solo aperitivo. They had large proper plates that you could serve yourself from buffet. The service was prompt and professional. All this for 10E! And the people watching was for free!

I walked to the hotel and crashed early….
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Old Aug 1st, 2014, 04:49 PM
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Here is a link to my post and photos

http://redsuitcasetravel.blogspot.co...and-villa.html
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Old Aug 1st, 2014, 05:35 PM
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And the next day...
12 June Tuscany day trip from Rome
12 June Tuscany day trip from Rome
I had booked on Viator the Tuscany in One Day Sightseeing Tour from Rome. The meet up point was 7:15am at Piazza del Popolo for a 7:30am departure. So I left the hotel at 7am and walked to Piazza Del Popolo. I had a museli bar I had from home for breakfast but no coffee!! I was not human yet.
I met the City Wonders rep and was assigned to Guilia’s group. We walked a short distance to the bus. Probably about 40 people on this tour. The bus ride to Montepulciano was about 2 hours. We stopped for a coffee and toilet break after an hour.
Ahhhh finally I was feeling the Tuscan sun. In Montepulciano we met our local guide who took us on a walking tour of the town. Montepulciano had Etruscan beginnings and is surrounded by beautiful vineyards. It served as a filming location for the Volterra scenes in the New Moon Twilight film.
From there we were driven towards Montelcino area and stopped at Sant' Antimo Abbey to hear the monks reciting Georgian chants.
We were then taken to a stunning Montelcino vineyard for wine tasting and lunch. We got to taste the famous Brunello di Montepulciano and also the vineyards own very fresh and fruity white wine which was my favourite. The lunch was really good too. I did not expect to be so impressed given that I am vegetarian but they set up a separate table for a few of us with special dietary requirements and I think we ate just as well as everyone else.
After lunch we had the opportunity to take some photos before being driven to Pienza. This is a quaint UNESCO World Heritage-listed town. Utterly charming with a few grocery/wine and artisan shops. This town was also quieter than Montepulciano. But everywhere is touristic. I think one might have to come in the off season or go to more off the beaten path towns to skip the hordes of tourists.
I went to one of the small coffee shops to have an afternoon macchiato. This part of Tuscany is so picturesque and many films like Under the Tuscan sun, Gladiator, The English Patient and Twilight
have been filmed in this region.
The tour had us back in Rome by 7pm. On my way down the Via del Corso I stopped off at for a look around in Sephora and Mac stores. I have to say that there were no bargains to be had. The prices were only a few dollars cheaper than Australia. I bought a couple of things. Once at the hotel, I freshened up and asked the hotel reception for a recommendation. I felt like having some Ravioli. They called a little place near the Trevi Fountain and booked a table for me. I strolled up towards the
Fountain but saw that it was closed! Oh no How will I come back to Rome if I don’t throw in my coin!!
Ravioli with pear and Gorgonzola and a glass of Prosecco plus bread. 20E. The pasta was perfect. I had never had that combination.
Stroll back to the hotel and early night…..again….


Here's a link to my post and photos
http://redsuitcasetravel.blogspot.co...from-rome.html
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Old Aug 1st, 2014, 05:38 PM
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The restaurant near Trevi Fountain was Spiriti e Forme http://www.spiritieforme.it/
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Old Aug 1st, 2014, 10:20 PM
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Enjoying your report. I would now be interested in doing the Tuscany trip after reading about your visit.
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Old Aug 1st, 2014, 11:35 PM
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I am in the planning stages of a trip back to Italy so absolutely loving your report-we could be travel buddies for sure!
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Old Aug 2nd, 2014, 12:37 AM
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Thank you for reading ! Planning a trip is half the fun. I did the most independent travel days on this then I've ever done and loved it!
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Old Aug 2nd, 2014, 05:37 AM
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The Trevi Fountain was closed? How could that be? Well, hopefully you made it by on another day to toss in a coin & make a wish.

Glad you enjoyed your Tuscany tour. It truly is a lovely region, especially the area around Pienza. Nice photos!
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Old Aug 2nd, 2014, 08:04 AM
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i heard a funny story about the coins thrown into the Trevi fountain, which for years were collected by the same man, who everyone assumed was employed by the city. it was only when he was sick and failed to turn up that it was realised that he had been lining his own pocket with the money!

loving your report - keep it coming!
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Old Aug 2nd, 2014, 08:15 AM
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Wonderful combo of TR and blog, brava, Ozgirl07! I have a similar shot from Montepulciano.
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Old Aug 2nd, 2014, 08:27 AM
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With all the work travel I do, I am still waiting to sit next to George on a flight but it has yet to happen.

We have just booked hotels for the AC and Rome in 2015---very excited for both, so reading with interest!
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Old Aug 2nd, 2014, 10:25 PM
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Denise I managed to get my George fix on the plane by watching "The Monuments Men"

LOL @ Annhig

2010 there was construction fence around the fountain and it never came down. I walked past at least 3 times during my stay...
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