Sicily and Italy report
Oct 6th, 2004, 06:39 PM
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Sicily and Italy report
Just returned from 28 days in Italy.
we flew into Punta Raisa airport, Palermo, sicily. It is a small airport, and was very easy to get to the town of Palermo from there, as there were buses waiting just outside the terminal. For 5 Euros each, we were taken to the central station. the buses were very nice coaches, clean, good seats, and
airconditioned, and stored our luggage underneath.
We stayed at the Hotel Ambasicatori, on via Roma. Funky outside of the hotel building, but once inside, and on the 5th floor of the building (where the Hotel was), we found it to be quite nice--a 3*. the rooms were large, clean, and very attractive. they had ensuite bathrooms, and were airconditioned. and the view? worth a million bucks. the night lights, on all the different rooftops, and duomos, was breathtaking. the golds, and yellows and oranges of the roof tops-awesome.
Breakfast was served on the terrace. It consisted of several types of cereals, milk, juices, yogurts, and freshly made breads/rolls, etc. also, coffee and tea were available. It was buffet--and that was nice as you could get full, and get the day off to a good start. the view from the terrace? magnificent. All for 85 euros a night.
We had arranged from the USA, for an english-speaking tour guide, to pick us up, and take us to the old town that my grandparents came from. It was Poggioreale. The tour guide was terrific, pleasant, and informative. the price of the tour guide/air conditioned van/gasoline/fees, etc, was less than the cost to rent a car for the day, to do the exploring. and, since the guide knew the way, it was not frustrating. Lovely day out-and yes, we found my grandparents' old home. It was very emotional for me.
We also went to Selinunte (sp?). We went to some of the temples. they were awesome, and since it was my first time to see any, I was amazed at how large they were. a truly fabulous day.
the next day we left, going by train to Sirucusa.
more later----
we flew into Punta Raisa airport, Palermo, sicily. It is a small airport, and was very easy to get to the town of Palermo from there, as there were buses waiting just outside the terminal. For 5 Euros each, we were taken to the central station. the buses were very nice coaches, clean, good seats, and
airconditioned, and stored our luggage underneath.
We stayed at the Hotel Ambasicatori, on via Roma. Funky outside of the hotel building, but once inside, and on the 5th floor of the building (where the Hotel was), we found it to be quite nice--a 3*. the rooms were large, clean, and very attractive. they had ensuite bathrooms, and were airconditioned. and the view? worth a million bucks. the night lights, on all the different rooftops, and duomos, was breathtaking. the golds, and yellows and oranges of the roof tops-awesome.
Breakfast was served on the terrace. It consisted of several types of cereals, milk, juices, yogurts, and freshly made breads/rolls, etc. also, coffee and tea were available. It was buffet--and that was nice as you could get full, and get the day off to a good start. the view from the terrace? magnificent. All for 85 euros a night.
We had arranged from the USA, for an english-speaking tour guide, to pick us up, and take us to the old town that my grandparents came from. It was Poggioreale. The tour guide was terrific, pleasant, and informative. the price of the tour guide/air conditioned van/gasoline/fees, etc, was less than the cost to rent a car for the day, to do the exploring. and, since the guide knew the way, it was not frustrating. Lovely day out-and yes, we found my grandparents' old home. It was very emotional for me.
We also went to Selinunte (sp?). We went to some of the temples. they were awesome, and since it was my first time to see any, I was amazed at how large they were. a truly fabulous day.
the next day we left, going by train to Sirucusa.
more later----
Oct 7th, 2004, 02:02 AM
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Glad you had a good time & found your grandparents' old home, surfingmommoma - that must have been very special. But did you spend any time exploring Palermo ? We stayed there for a week a couple of years ago and thought it was brilliant - we'd go back anytime.
We've not yet been to Selinunte - did you do it as a daytrip from Palermo and if so, was that with a car & driver too ?
BTW I am intrigued by this use of the word 'funky' which I've noticed a few times on this board : it sounds like you use it to mean not very nice, dirty or something ? I've also seen references to people smelling funky. This seems very bizarre to me as in the UK it means groovy, trendy or excitingly modern (as in, a new boutique hotel might have funky decor).
We've not yet been to Selinunte - did you do it as a daytrip from Palermo and if so, was that with a car & driver too ?
BTW I am intrigued by this use of the word 'funky' which I've noticed a few times on this board : it sounds like you use it to mean not very nice, dirty or something ? I've also seen references to people smelling funky. This seems very bizarre to me as in the UK it means groovy, trendy or excitingly modern (as in, a new boutique hotel might have funky decor).
Oct 7th, 2004, 05:26 PM
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Gee-I love this website.
We did Selinunte on a day trip, using the same tour drive. So, that one day was very long, but absolutely delightful.
then, we went by train to Syracusa.
We stayed in the Syracusa area for 4 days, exploring the awesome ruins. We actually stayed inside the walled city of Isola Ortigia/Artesa. the city is 2,800 years old! I was just intrigued by it all.
Then, we went by train, back to Palermo for 2 more days to explore there. Wonderful city, too. We saw the cathedral at Monreale-going there by public bus. It worked very well for us--letting us out right in front of the mosaic cathedral. We like to travel with the locals/eat with the locals/etc, when we travel. We're not much on renting a car and drivng ourselves around, though.
A thousand pardons for the confusion over the word "funky". I meant--we arrived in Palermo on a night flight from London, and--in the dark-- the 4 of us found it strange, that the doors to the hotel was actually big wrought iron/ornamental gates. They were locked--and it took a while to actually find a button to push, to get the clerk's attention (on the 5th floor) to let us in.
When we were buzzed in, we still weren't sure if we were at a hotel, or not. It looked like a very large, and very clean, garage! in the far corner, we found a 1/2 flight of stairs, and what we considered to be a small, and very very old elevator. there was a small, narrow staircase next to the elevator. 2 of us decided to take the stairs, and the other 2 decided to take the elevator. we went up to the 5th floor. To us, it still looked like the inside of a storage building, or a commercial warehouse, so we weren't sure if there was actually a hotel there, or not. but, to our delight, when we rang the bell, the door was buzzed open, to an absolutely lovely hotel lobby! the rooms were wonderful, and clean, and a/c--just great. It was just an entrance to a hotel, that none of the 4 of us had ever encountered, and we have done extensive traveling. Just different--but we loved it.
We left Palermo at night, traveling on the overnight ferry to Naples, so that's why we didn't stay another night in Palermo. the ship was just great--been on several cruises--and this ship could keep up with any of them.
WE arrived in Naples, and took a cab out of there--to take us to Pompeii. I've read so many frightening stories on this website, about Naples, that we decided to get out of there quickly. (Glad we did, as we met 2 women later, that had gone through Naples, and a scooter came by, and grabbed the woman's day bag--and the handle on the bag twisted. She said-the driver of the skooter kept going, dragging her down the street, as the handle would not break.)
After Pompeii, we took the train to Rome.
but, we lovvvved Sicily, and would gladly go there again.
OOO--I can ramble on about this trip--Italy was just awesome.
sincerely,
surfingmomma
We did Selinunte on a day trip, using the same tour drive. So, that one day was very long, but absolutely delightful.
then, we went by train to Syracusa.
We stayed in the Syracusa area for 4 days, exploring the awesome ruins. We actually stayed inside the walled city of Isola Ortigia/Artesa. the city is 2,800 years old! I was just intrigued by it all.
Then, we went by train, back to Palermo for 2 more days to explore there. Wonderful city, too. We saw the cathedral at Monreale-going there by public bus. It worked very well for us--letting us out right in front of the mosaic cathedral. We like to travel with the locals/eat with the locals/etc, when we travel. We're not much on renting a car and drivng ourselves around, though.
A thousand pardons for the confusion over the word "funky". I meant--we arrived in Palermo on a night flight from London, and--in the dark-- the 4 of us found it strange, that the doors to the hotel was actually big wrought iron/ornamental gates. They were locked--and it took a while to actually find a button to push, to get the clerk's attention (on the 5th floor) to let us in.
When we were buzzed in, we still weren't sure if we were at a hotel, or not. It looked like a very large, and very clean, garage! in the far corner, we found a 1/2 flight of stairs, and what we considered to be a small, and very very old elevator. there was a small, narrow staircase next to the elevator. 2 of us decided to take the stairs, and the other 2 decided to take the elevator. we went up to the 5th floor. To us, it still looked like the inside of a storage building, or a commercial warehouse, so we weren't sure if there was actually a hotel there, or not. but, to our delight, when we rang the bell, the door was buzzed open, to an absolutely lovely hotel lobby! the rooms were wonderful, and clean, and a/c--just great. It was just an entrance to a hotel, that none of the 4 of us had ever encountered, and we have done extensive traveling. Just different--but we loved it.
We left Palermo at night, traveling on the overnight ferry to Naples, so that's why we didn't stay another night in Palermo. the ship was just great--been on several cruises--and this ship could keep up with any of them.
WE arrived in Naples, and took a cab out of there--to take us to Pompeii. I've read so many frightening stories on this website, about Naples, that we decided to get out of there quickly. (Glad we did, as we met 2 women later, that had gone through Naples, and a scooter came by, and grabbed the woman's day bag--and the handle on the bag twisted. She said-the driver of the skooter kept going, dragging her down the street, as the handle would not break.)
After Pompeii, we took the train to Rome.
but, we lovvvved Sicily, and would gladly go there again.
OOO--I can ramble on about this trip--Italy was just awesome.
sincerely,
surfingmomma
Oct 7th, 2004, 06:09 PM
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Hello Momma, We will be spending 2 weeks in sicily next May--the last 3 nites in Palermo before departing from there to home. We will be driving the rest of Sicily but will drop the car as we arrive in Palermo. Please tell me the name of your guide/driver and the cost. We may use them one day.
Oct 8th, 2004, 04:47 AM
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Wow, the entrance to your Palermo hotel sounds bizarre in the extreme - I think you were very brave to go in !
V. interested to hear that the ferry from Palermo to Naples is nice, as I've often wondered about whether that's a good way to travel. Did you just book it when you were there or in advance - if the latter, how did you do it ? Thanks.
Siracusa is fantastic, isn't it ?
V. interested to hear that the ferry from Palermo to Naples is nice, as I've often wondered about whether that's a good way to travel. Did you just book it when you were there or in advance - if the latter, how did you do it ? Thanks.
Siracusa is fantastic, isn't it ?
Oct 10th, 2004, 05:47 PM
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Hello Bob the navigator--
the tour company was --Albergheria Viaggi--and our guide's name was Salvino. He was a very polite, and nice young man. also, he did not smoke, which was a request/requirement of ours.
I've gotta check the price when the credit card bill comes in, for USD exchange rate--and i'll be glad to share that info. We had compared the price of renting a car, to find my family's hometown. But, with the prices we got from this Agency, it was only about $16.00 USD per person more, than if we rented a car ourselves (and none of us was thrilled about trying to drive their roads, and find this tiny town).
We got the name of this tour company, by calling the Italian Embassy (in the USA), and they put us onto the Italian Travel Dept (the one I talked to was in California).
then, this agency, gave us the name of Albergheria Viaggi, of Palermo. We corresponded with them by email.
hi Caroline-
As far as the ferry, we took the night ferry from Palermo, departing at 8:30pm, to Naples. There were 4 of us, and we got a cabin for the night trip. It was clean, had 4 twin/bunk beds, a full bathroom/shower, etc. It was also air conditioned.
the ship had a nice buffet restaurant. the food was very good, and priced reasonably, we thought. We ate an evening meal on board, and then a light breakfast.
We purchased our tickets online. They were express-mailed to us from the Traggatoni Lines (I know that is mispelled). I"ve been on a number of cruises, and this was ever bit as delightful a ship, as the regular passenger ships i've been on. They did have an assortment of accomodations/seats to make the journey. There was a large lounge-type room, with large plush/reclining type seats, that people had reserved to sleep in. also, there were just seats, like in a movie theater--in rows, like a theater. The prices varied, of course, according to what you selected. The ship seemed pretty full to us--and we traveled on a Friday.
we arrived in Naples, as 6:30am.
Well spent money, we thought.
and Oh-my-goodness, syracusa was just fabulous, I thought. And the walled city of Ortiga/Aretusa was wonderful. We stayed at a B&B inside the walled city. wonderful.
the tour company was --Albergheria Viaggi--and our guide's name was Salvino. He was a very polite, and nice young man. also, he did not smoke, which was a request/requirement of ours.
I've gotta check the price when the credit card bill comes in, for USD exchange rate--and i'll be glad to share that info. We had compared the price of renting a car, to find my family's hometown. But, with the prices we got from this Agency, it was only about $16.00 USD per person more, than if we rented a car ourselves (and none of us was thrilled about trying to drive their roads, and find this tiny town).
We got the name of this tour company, by calling the Italian Embassy (in the USA), and they put us onto the Italian Travel Dept (the one I talked to was in California).
then, this agency, gave us the name of Albergheria Viaggi, of Palermo. We corresponded with them by email.
hi Caroline-
As far as the ferry, we took the night ferry from Palermo, departing at 8:30pm, to Naples. There were 4 of us, and we got a cabin for the night trip. It was clean, had 4 twin/bunk beds, a full bathroom/shower, etc. It was also air conditioned.
the ship had a nice buffet restaurant. the food was very good, and priced reasonably, we thought. We ate an evening meal on board, and then a light breakfast.
We purchased our tickets online. They were express-mailed to us from the Traggatoni Lines (I know that is mispelled). I"ve been on a number of cruises, and this was ever bit as delightful a ship, as the regular passenger ships i've been on. They did have an assortment of accomodations/seats to make the journey. There was a large lounge-type room, with large plush/reclining type seats, that people had reserved to sleep in. also, there were just seats, like in a movie theater--in rows, like a theater. The prices varied, of course, according to what you selected. The ship seemed pretty full to us--and we traveled on a Friday.
we arrived in Naples, as 6:30am.
Well spent money, we thought.
and Oh-my-goodness, syracusa was just fabulous, I thought. And the walled city of Ortiga/Aretusa was wonderful. We stayed at a B&B inside the walled city. wonderful.
Oct 11th, 2004, 07:24 AM
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surfingmomma- Can't tell you how glad I am that you gave such a good description of the Hotel and the entrance because my wife freaks over stuff like that and we are staying 2 nights in November. Your description will make her a lot more comfortable when we arrive. Had to change Hotels once in Rome 2 years ago because she refused to go into the small elevator and get to the 5 th floor. Fear of the unknown will really get to some travelers. Thanks again.
Oct 11th, 2004, 09:00 AM
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Hi StephenG--
Glad my hotel description helped someone. (easy for me to ramble, as I was borne with lots of words --he-he)
Well--since i was responsible for booking this hotel--and there were 4 of us going in--I kind of got pretty worried when we saw it. also, that tiny elevator would have just freaked out some people if they are claustrophobic. The "saving" grace of the elevator, was that all 4 sides were made of a metal/mesh/expanded metal, that you could see through--so it seemed to give more "breathing room" or "air". But, that was one old elevator. (I even took the stairs a few times).
But, the Italian embassy/tourist dept, said that the Ambasciatori hotel chain is a very very nice hotel chain in Italy--and I saw pics of the ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOMS on the internet--NOT one pic of the REAL entrance/elevator, etc. ,though. But, that's one of the "adventures" of travel, right?
We rode the trains from city to city--never rented a car. But the trains were great, with one exception. It was the train from Palermo, to Messina. and-in all fairness, maybe it was because we traveled on Saturday? It was sooooooooo crowded, and we didn't know we had to make reservations for a seat, in 2nd class. it was a baddddddd experience--very hot, very crowded, no seats, not even the pull-down seats in the hallways. People had dogs, and babies crying, and no air cond working in most cars, so most windows didn't go down, yadda yadda yadda.
After that ride, one in our group said--don't know about the rest of you--but I AM going first class train from now own--you guys go 2nd if you want to.
It was a big laugh for all of us--but, We did pay the extra money to go on first class the rest of the trip. We were glad we did, sometimes, too. We had one train in Sicily break down, and had to wait for another Engine to be sent to us, connect our cars, and travel on. But, again, a good adventure.
After Sicily, and the ferry ride to Naples, etc, we traveled by train to Rome. One of the Fodorites here, told about the Scavi Tour. We managed to get reservations, and go. Oh, my--it was wonderful--below the vatican. Excavations were done in 1958, i believe.
We stayed at a Monastery in rome. Wow--it was great. It was very very clean--very clean. The rooms were small, but, ok, with twin beds, and an ensuite bathroom. Fresh towels, room cleaned, daily, Air conditioned, and a lovely breakfast buffet was served. It felt very safe, and the staff were very helpful--and it was RIGHT BEHIND the Vatican. A great spot, we thought. We spent a lot of time, in and around the vatican. The bus and train were nearby if we wanted to go elsewhere, and there is cab stand in front of the Vatican square.
the Borghese Gallery was awesome, and i've seen lots of art in Europe. But the sculptures by Bernini--awesome. No wonder he did the wooden carvings in St. Peter's!! You are timed when you go in the Borghese--only 2 hours allowed--and they were strict about the 2 hours, too. so, my suggestion--when you go in, go straight to the sculptures and absorb their beauty. If you have any time left of your allotted 2 hours, check out the paintings. You do need a reservation ahead of time, to get into the Borghese gallery.
more later---
surfingmomma
Glad my hotel description helped someone. (easy for me to ramble, as I was borne with lots of words --he-he)
Well--since i was responsible for booking this hotel--and there were 4 of us going in--I kind of got pretty worried when we saw it. also, that tiny elevator would have just freaked out some people if they are claustrophobic. The "saving" grace of the elevator, was that all 4 sides were made of a metal/mesh/expanded metal, that you could see through--so it seemed to give more "breathing room" or "air". But, that was one old elevator. (I even took the stairs a few times).
But, the Italian embassy/tourist dept, said that the Ambasciatori hotel chain is a very very nice hotel chain in Italy--and I saw pics of the ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOMS on the internet--NOT one pic of the REAL entrance/elevator, etc. ,though. But, that's one of the "adventures" of travel, right?
We rode the trains from city to city--never rented a car. But the trains were great, with one exception. It was the train from Palermo, to Messina. and-in all fairness, maybe it was because we traveled on Saturday? It was sooooooooo crowded, and we didn't know we had to make reservations for a seat, in 2nd class. it was a baddddddd experience--very hot, very crowded, no seats, not even the pull-down seats in the hallways. People had dogs, and babies crying, and no air cond working in most cars, so most windows didn't go down, yadda yadda yadda.
After that ride, one in our group said--don't know about the rest of you--but I AM going first class train from now own--you guys go 2nd if you want to.
It was a big laugh for all of us--but, We did pay the extra money to go on first class the rest of the trip. We were glad we did, sometimes, too. We had one train in Sicily break down, and had to wait for another Engine to be sent to us, connect our cars, and travel on. But, again, a good adventure.
After Sicily, and the ferry ride to Naples, etc, we traveled by train to Rome. One of the Fodorites here, told about the Scavi Tour. We managed to get reservations, and go. Oh, my--it was wonderful--below the vatican. Excavations were done in 1958, i believe.
We stayed at a Monastery in rome. Wow--it was great. It was very very clean--very clean. The rooms were small, but, ok, with twin beds, and an ensuite bathroom. Fresh towels, room cleaned, daily, Air conditioned, and a lovely breakfast buffet was served. It felt very safe, and the staff were very helpful--and it was RIGHT BEHIND the Vatican. A great spot, we thought. We spent a lot of time, in and around the vatican. The bus and train were nearby if we wanted to go elsewhere, and there is cab stand in front of the Vatican square.
the Borghese Gallery was awesome, and i've seen lots of art in Europe. But the sculptures by Bernini--awesome. No wonder he did the wooden carvings in St. Peter's!! You are timed when you go in the Borghese--only 2 hours allowed--and they were strict about the 2 hours, too. so, my suggestion--when you go in, go straight to the sculptures and absorb their beauty. If you have any time left of your allotted 2 hours, check out the paintings. You do need a reservation ahead of time, to get into the Borghese gallery.
more later---
surfingmomma
