10 Day Trip starting in Rome, ending in Zurich
Apr 16th, 2013, 10:35 AM
#41
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Thank you mimar and sarge! I think I've got the itinerary down now and I've found trains that fit my schedule. My only concern is I'm afraid I will miss out on some of Rome. I'd have a (tired) evening there after the flight. Then two days to enjoy. In saying that, I don't mind doing a whole lot each day, especially with the initial enthusiasm of being in Rome.
I also plan to come back to Rome soon (easy to fly into and conducive to future trips). So I think I'd prefer 3 full days in Florence and Venice. Then be in the lake region for a day and a half and arrive in Zurich in the evening on the 22nd before departing. So I'm happy that's pretty well set!
I appreciate all the hotel advice. I'll do some research and update. My only other questions will be what are some rarer experiences people have seen? Outside of the main tourist attractions? Like, a certain restaurant, a great cafe, etc.
I also plan to come back to Rome soon (easy to fly into and conducive to future trips). So I think I'd prefer 3 full days in Florence and Venice. Then be in the lake region for a day and a half and arrive in Zurich in the evening on the 22nd before departing. So I'm happy that's pretty well set!
I appreciate all the hotel advice. I'll do some research and update. My only other questions will be what are some rarer experiences people have seen? Outside of the main tourist attractions? Like, a certain restaurant, a great cafe, etc.
Apr 16th, 2013, 01:21 PM
#42
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Brad- I'll tell you my favorite Italy moment..every trip.
In Florence, if the weather is nice (not cloudy or rainy), make sure you are in the Piazzale Michelangelo about 20 mts before sunset. (You can walk up, taxi up or bus up.) This is a high point in Florence. The view of Florence, the hills, the Arno river and all her lovely bridges at sunset... there is nothing comparable, IMHO. (the photo with my profile is this view).
Don't miss it!
Buon viaggio!
In Florence, if the weather is nice (not cloudy or rainy), make sure you are in the Piazzale Michelangelo about 20 mts before sunset. (You can walk up, taxi up or bus up.) This is a high point in Florence. The view of Florence, the hills, the Arno river and all her lovely bridges at sunset... there is nothing comparable, IMHO. (the photo with my profile is this view).
Don't miss it!
Buon viaggio!
Apr 16th, 2013, 02:51 PM
#43
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In Rome - for lunch or dinner (or even just a snack/appetizer and/or drink if it's mid-afternoon or not prime lunch or dinner hour)
http://www.ristorantesangallo.com/
If at all possible, snag an outdoor table. Amazing food, relaxed friendly service, located on a super-charming pedestrian street and located midway between St. Peters and Piazza Navona so it's easy to work into your schedule.
This would make an excellent "one special meal" for your trip.
http://www.ristorantesangallo.com/
If at all possible, snag an outdoor table. Amazing food, relaxed friendly service, located on a super-charming pedestrian street and located midway between St. Peters and Piazza Navona so it's easy to work into your schedule.
This would make an excellent "one special meal" for your trip.
Apr 16th, 2013, 03:20 PM
#45
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Reading this in a rush as I leave the house - but do seriously take advice re train travel into Switzerland and especially re the Bernina Express - especially as I think you are from Australia?
The scenery on this train and in this area is amazing!
The scenery from the lakes is also great - but I always want to see those alps on each visit to Europe.
I would agree that Zurich is not going to be quite as fulfilling as the stopover in the alps but this is a personal opinion.
You are young and have lots of energy so enjoy your first fantastic trip!
The scenery on this train and in this area is amazing!
The scenery from the lakes is also great - but I always want to see those alps on each visit to Europe.
I would agree that Zurich is not going to be quite as fulfilling as the stopover in the alps but this is a personal opinion.
You are young and have lots of energy so enjoy your first fantastic trip!
Apr 17th, 2013, 04:37 AM
#47
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Re. Sangallo - Not cheap and probably a splurge meal for a very young couple. Figure a little less than €100 EUR all in (mineral water, 2 glasses of wine, 2 main courses, and app or dessert) for lunch for two (includes a token 5E tip) and maybe €150 EUR for dinner, again, all in. Another option would be wine or coffees and snacks or dessert mid-afternoon - around €40 for two people.
Apr 17th, 2013, 08:15 AM
#48
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So, I now have a pretty good itinerary set and hotels sort of planned out (based on some recommendations and my own research)!
I am now just wanting to confirm what places I should make a reservation for...
Rome: Colosseum, Forum, Palantine Hill, Vatican museums (anything else?)
Florence: Acaddemia, Uffizi, (anything else?)
Venice: Do I need any here?
I was a little concerned about having less time in Rome than Florence or Venice, but after talking with my girlfriend, we think that'll be the best thing. We'll start the trip with a lot of enthusiasm so the first couple days we should overcome any fatigue. Plus, Rome is just a wonderful city to walk through from what everyone says. So I think an evening walking around after we get there (seeing Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, etc) near where we're staying will be nice. Then a whirlwind second day with Ancient Roman sites, walking around some of the parks, and seeing a few churches. Finally, a day where we wake up and do the Vatican and enjoy Rome a little longer before taking a train to Florence at around 8:50 in the evening.
Thank you all for your input and please offer more tips as much as possible!
I am now just wanting to confirm what places I should make a reservation for...
Rome: Colosseum, Forum, Palantine Hill, Vatican museums (anything else?)
Florence: Acaddemia, Uffizi, (anything else?)
Venice: Do I need any here?
I was a little concerned about having less time in Rome than Florence or Venice, but after talking with my girlfriend, we think that'll be the best thing. We'll start the trip with a lot of enthusiasm so the first couple days we should overcome any fatigue. Plus, Rome is just a wonderful city to walk through from what everyone says. So I think an evening walking around after we get there (seeing Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, etc) near where we're staying will be nice. Then a whirlwind second day with Ancient Roman sites, walking around some of the parks, and seeing a few churches. Finally, a day where we wake up and do the Vatican and enjoy Rome a little longer before taking a train to Florence at around 8:50 in the evening.
Thank you all for your input and please offer more tips as much as possible!
Apr 17th, 2013, 08:33 AM
#49
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Rome - you HAVE to see the Pantheon. To me it is the most beautiful and intact of Roman 'ruins'. Giolitti gelato is right around the corner...one of the best! Borghese Gardens is also nice if you have some extra time
Florence - your girlfriend may want to visit the leather market
Florence - your girlfriend may want to visit the leather market
Apr 17th, 2013, 11:43 AM
#50
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I always find the Piazza Novona area a great way to spend a day. There are so many wonderful churches to see in this area. Besides the Pantheon, there is Santa Maria Sopra Minerva (the ceiling is stunning and this church is literally around the corner from the Pantheon), Il Gesu, St. Ignatius, St. Agnes in Agony, Santa Maria delle Valle, San Luigi de Francesi. Not to mention the fabulous fountains in the square itself. (Bernini was a genious!)
If you have the money, I'd definitely book a tour for the Forum/Palatine Hill. I got so much more out of my private tour with Francesca Caruso than I did from my guidebook. You could also do a small tour with Context Rome or some other reputable company. There are dozens. Just search these threads and you'll find plenty.
Sounds like you're on a roll! Have a good trip!
If you have the money, I'd definitely book a tour for the Forum/Palatine Hill. I got so much more out of my private tour with Francesca Caruso than I did from my guidebook. You could also do a small tour with Context Rome or some other reputable company. There are dozens. Just search these threads and you'll find plenty.
Sounds like you're on a roll! Have a good trip!
Apr 18th, 2013, 12:43 PM
#54
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I recommend having pizza rossa and a sour cherry crostata at Antico Forno Marco Roscioli for lunch. It's centrally located, cheap, and one of best lunches I've ever had in my life.
I love both Florence and Rome. Before visiting them I fully expected to love Florence more than Rome from all the pictures I had seen, but I was wrong. The food in Rome is better and the town feels more authentic to me. There is enough to see both places to keep you busy for weeks but personally I think the sights in Rome are a little more spectacular.
I hear you on wanting to pack a lot in the first few days but keep in mind jet lag is real. I know for me days two and three of a trip are when I most feel jet lag since the euphoria of being on the trip have worn off a little. I predict you will have more energy in the last two thirds of your trip than in the first few days.
I love both Florence and Rome. Before visiting them I fully expected to love Florence more than Rome from all the pictures I had seen, but I was wrong. The food in Rome is better and the town feels more authentic to me. There is enough to see both places to keep you busy for weeks but personally I think the sights in Rome are a little more spectacular.
I hear you on wanting to pack a lot in the first few days but keep in mind jet lag is real. I know for me days two and three of a trip are when I most feel jet lag since the euphoria of being on the trip have worn off a little. I predict you will have more energy in the last two thirds of your trip than in the first few days.
