Questions for Franco! about Italy
Nov 1st, 2012, 07:22 PM
#1
Questions for Franco! about Italy
Hi Franco, you seem to be the Italy expert here on Fodors. I am in the beginning stages of planning a family trip with DH and two daugthers 20 and 19 to Italy. A first time to Italy for all of us. 20 year old daughter is taking Italian next semester in college.
Planning on a trip in May for about two weeks. I think we need to spend 5-6 nights in Rome to really see the sights, possibly then Florence and Venice. I don't want to do a rush through Italy seeing it all in two weeks, but enjoying our time there. I think staying in an apartment in Rome would be ideal since the kids are adults and having the space would be great for a more reasonably priced trip.
I have looked at your thread that is over 440 responses on where to stay and I thought I would throw out some new requests since reading it all is overwhelming. Where to stay? Would like a two bedroom apartment with a/c in a good central location where we can sleep at night, but walk to everything or a lot of stuff and easy access to transportation. People seem to recommend the campo de fiore and trastevere (not spelling right). Found one in the Piazza del popolo which is near the Pantheon and Spanish Steps. SleepinItaly seems to be a reputable company to rent from from recent Fodors posting.
http://www.sleepinitaly.com/rome/pia...ent-popolo?r=s
This is the apartment I was looking at.
So much to read about to find a good spot, safe and centrally located for a decent price!
Do you recommend visiting Florence and Venice or would you recommend another part of Italy instead, perhaps the Italian Riviera?
Planning on a trip in May for about two weeks. I think we need to spend 5-6 nights in Rome to really see the sights, possibly then Florence and Venice. I don't want to do a rush through Italy seeing it all in two weeks, but enjoying our time there. I think staying in an apartment in Rome would be ideal since the kids are adults and having the space would be great for a more reasonably priced trip.
I have looked at your thread that is over 440 responses on where to stay and I thought I would throw out some new requests since reading it all is overwhelming. Where to stay? Would like a two bedroom apartment with a/c in a good central location where we can sleep at night, but walk to everything or a lot of stuff and easy access to transportation. People seem to recommend the campo de fiore and trastevere (not spelling right). Found one in the Piazza del popolo which is near the Pantheon and Spanish Steps. SleepinItaly seems to be a reputable company to rent from from recent Fodors posting.
http://www.sleepinitaly.com/rome/pia...ent-popolo?r=s
This is the apartment I was looking at.
So much to read about to find a good spot, safe and centrally located for a decent price!
Do you recommend visiting Florence and Venice or would you recommend another part of Italy instead, perhaps the Italian Riviera?
Nov 1st, 2012, 09:53 PM
#2
I'm not sure Franco has been on Fodor's recently. There are lots of reviews for apartments on slowtrav and TA. This one has several reviews here on Fodor's.
http://www.vrbo.com/283439
http://www.vrbo.com/283439
Nov 1st, 2012, 09:57 PM
#3
Review of the apartment I linked on Kristina's 2008 Rome report with pictures.
http://www.wired2theworld.com/our-tr...me-march-2008/
http://www.wired2theworld.com/our-tr...me-march-2008/
Nov 1st, 2012, 10:12 PM
#4
"<i>Hi Franco, you seem to be the Italy expert here on Fodors. </i>"
The last time Franco posted was in July . . . Instead of calling out one Fodorite who may or may not even see your post, why not ask for help from <i>anyone</i>?
The last time Franco posted was in July . . . Instead of calling out one Fodorite who may or may not even see your post, why not ask for help from <i>anyone</i>?
Nov 2nd, 2012, 04:56 AM
#5
janis, when searching for apartments in rome here on fodors, a thread with over 440 posts came up. Franco was the one who seemed to know a ton about Italy. That is why I specifically called out to him.
I was hoping other knowledgeable fodorites would chime in.
ky, will check out your links! Thanks!
I was hoping other knowledgeable fodorites would chime in.
ky, will check out your links! Thanks!
Nov 2nd, 2012, 06:48 AM
#7
I agree with janis. You will likely get more people clicking your thread if you aren't directing it at one person.
You would also get better responses if you state your budget.
>>>Do you recommend visiting Florence and Venice or would you recommend another part of Italy instead, perhaps the Italian Riviera?<<<
I don't think anyone can tell you that without knowing your interests.
You would also get better responses if you state your budget.
>>>Do you recommend visiting Florence and Venice or would you recommend another part of Italy instead, perhaps the Italian Riviera?<<<
I don't think anyone can tell you that without knowing your interests.
Nov 2nd, 2012, 06:54 AM
#8
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You are right Girlonthego: seeing it all in two weeks would of course be absolutely impossible even in a rush, Italy is not just Rome,Venice Florence. Italy is mountains, seas, lakes, countless of cities and towns with gorgeous historical centers. Of course you have to choose very few sights(for instance Venice, Florence,Rome with a day trip to either Siena from Florence or Padua or Verona from Venice could make a full two-weeks trip and could be enough for a first Italy trip )
Here I post a link to a website about Italy which suggests the "perfect two weeks itinerary " So, it may be worth taking a look at that.
http://www.italylogue.com/planning-a...two-weeks.html
Here I post a link to a website about Italy which suggests the "perfect two weeks itinerary " So, it may be worth taking a look at that.
http://www.italylogue.com/planning-a...two-weeks.html
Nov 2nd, 2012, 08:49 AM
#9
Thanks Feda! The itinerary looks good!
Might consider a longer stay in cinque terre since I have the daughters on the trip.
kybourbon, budget? That is a good question. Not sure what it will be yet. I am thinking for 5 or 6 nights in Rome in an apartment, we would spend approx 1800-2000 USD. 2bedroom/2bath would work the best.
Hotels, I will have to see since we will need two rooms in each place. The kids aren't little anymore! I have some hilton and marriott points and may be able to use some in Venice.
We are not museum people, but will do the Vatican and some churches and famous sights. We all like to eat. Girls will want to shop some. We are active. So, a bike tour or something like that would be cool. Also, I think a cooking class would be something we would all like.
Might consider a longer stay in cinque terre since I have the daughters on the trip.
kybourbon, budget? That is a good question. Not sure what it will be yet. I am thinking for 5 or 6 nights in Rome in an apartment, we would spend approx 1800-2000 USD. 2bedroom/2bath would work the best.
Hotels, I will have to see since we will need two rooms in each place. The kids aren't little anymore! I have some hilton and marriott points and may be able to use some in Venice.
We are not museum people, but will do the Vatican and some churches and famous sights. We all like to eat. Girls will want to shop some. We are active. So, a bike tour or something like that would be cool. Also, I think a cooking class would be something we would all like.
Nov 2nd, 2012, 09:17 AM
#10
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How about a wine class
http://www.vinoroma.com/
http://www.vinoroma.com/
Nov 3rd, 2012, 02:43 PM
#11
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We are in Rome now. I would highly recommend Trastevere. We are staying in a small apartment (just 2 of us). However the owner has a larger apt. in the same area. Here is a link to his website. Angelishouse.it. He ha been very easy to deal with!
Nov 3rd, 2012, 03:01 PM
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My first visit to Rome was just a little over a month ago. I read a lot of what was posted on this site before going. Kybourbon was especially helpful to me when I had very specific questions. Time to say thanks very much.
Nov 4th, 2012, 05:48 AM
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I second the wine tasting suggestion at Vino Roma! We had a blast and the ancient wine cave below the store are so cool.
I recommend Elizabeth Minchilli for food tours or a workshop. She offers workshops on olives, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and grappa. She also offers all kinds of food tours, depending on what you like. For us, it was a great way to learn about an area of Rome, the history and the food! She also has an excellent food app..
http://www.elizabethminchilliinrome....ood-tours.html
http://www.elizabethminchilliinrome....workshops.html
If you aren't a museum person, check out Villa d'Este in Tivoli. Beautiful fountains everywhere! It's a short train ride from Rome. We loved it. Check out their site and click on the photogallery to see some of the fountains.
http://www.villadestetivoli.info/storiae.htm
I recommend Elizabeth Minchilli for food tours or a workshop. She offers workshops on olives, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and grappa. She also offers all kinds of food tours, depending on what you like. For us, it was a great way to learn about an area of Rome, the history and the food! She also has an excellent food app..
http://www.elizabethminchilliinrome....ood-tours.html
http://www.elizabethminchilliinrome....workshops.html
If you aren't a museum person, check out Villa d'Este in Tivoli. Beautiful fountains everywhere! It's a short train ride from Rome. We loved it. Check out their site and click on the photogallery to see some of the fountains.
http://www.villadestetivoli.info/storiae.htm
