April

I am planning my first trip to Italy. I have never been outside Canada being a single mother (which means BROKE). I have won this trip and we will be traveling to Rome and Florence for 4 days each. I am so excited I want to leave tomorrow but we have choosen to go in April, 2002. <BR> <BR>We will be staying at the Colonna Palace in Rome and the Plaza Lucchesi in Florence. Have any of you stayed in these hotels? <BR> <BR>I have several questions and I hope you will all keep in mind that I am a first time traveler! Any advice would be so helpful. <BR> <BR>I have heard about the gypsies and been told not to carry a purse. I have also been told that any bag (camera etc.) that I do carry should always be carried on the "wall" side of the sidewalk to avoid being snatched by the motorcycle gangs. Ok, so hopefully I will be able to keep my money and belongings safe I have been told not to wear jewellery - this sounds a little extreme to me, I know any tourist hot spot is going to have high crime but isn't this a little ridiculous? <BR> <BR>I, of course, plan to see the major tourist attractions (colloseum, Vatican City, St. Peter's and the museums etc.). If you have been to Rome is there anywhere that you went that particularily took your breath away, anything that I abosultely should not miss that might not be mentioned in tourist books? Same goes for Florence? <BR> <BR>Were there any restaurants that you would recomend for particularly wonderful food? <BR> <BR>I doubt that I will ever have a chance to go back to Italy so I do not want to miss anything (I plan to sleep little for 8 days . <BR> <BR>I had wanted to take a day trip to Pisa but a friend who has been to Italy said not to waste my time - did anyone go to Pisa? <BR> <BR>Seriously, I would love to hear about anyone's experiences in Rome and Florence. <BR> <BR>Thank you.

Sharon

I agree, don't waste time in Pisa. <BR>It is a nice side trip if you are in the area, but it is a long way to go to see a tower that is leaning and snap a <BR>picture. <BR>You probably wont have time to see much else in either city than the major sites. Just see them and pick out good outdoor restaurants and enjoy the evenings. <BR>

BOB THE NAVIGATOR

Enchanted April, Go to www.twenj.com for all things Roman. Good luck--you seem to already had some.

April

Bob, <BR> <BR>Thanks, but I think the luck was short lived - I have never won anything before. I am still holding my breath for the lottery, have to find a way to pay off my student loans somehow otherwise my great, great grandchildren will be paying them

Robin

Hi April-- CONGRATULATIONS!! <BR> <BR>I just topped the "concise travel tips" thread for you. Besides the practical advice, there are some wonderful thoughts about how to realy appreciate your experience, and to experience it fully. <BR> <BR>Both Rome and Florence are vibrant, stimulating places, with tons to see. My advice is to consciously try to slow down and appreciate them, which will be tough since you're so excited and have so much to try to fit in. But do try. And I don't believe that you'll never be back. It may be a while, given your life and pressures now, but I'm sure you've seen from many here that lives get reorganized to make travel possible. If Rome and Florence can't hook you, nothing will!

Katherine

I have to disagree with the passing on Pisa. You can make that trip in about 5 hours from Florence and I recommend doing it on an afternoon. It's an hour train ride and I suggest that you DON'T catch a bus or cab to the piazza di miracoli but walk across town. One of the most interesting things about Pisa is Pisa. You walk along streets past shops filled with Italians. When you get to the place where the tower and Duomo are it gets suddenly very touristy. But the town of Pisa is a charming view of a medium size, modern, Italian University town. I learned in Pisa how to prop my bike up with the pedal on the curb. Works like a charm!

Deb

April, <BR>My last trip to Rome was about 18 months ago and believe me when I tell you not to wear Jewelry (well, good jewelry anyway). I had a fairly expensive bracelet removed from my wrist in less than 5 seconds by a so called Gypsie and I was devastated! <BR>It happened the second day I was there. <BR>From that point on I learned NOT to wear Jewelry, carry a purse or a camera bag. I've purchased a tiny hand sized digital camera for travel, wear NO jewelry and keep my daily money and only a copy of my Passport with me in a money belt under my clothing while I am out seeing the sites. I always lock up my original Passport in the room or hotel front desk safe. Believe me when I tell you that this will save you so very much grief. A companion of mine had his Passport stolen and we spent almost 9 hours trying to replace it to enable him to leave Europe and return home! All of this said if you take these precautions you will have a wonderful trip as Italy truly is an amazing experience. Once you see it you will want to go back again and again. My next trip is this October and I really cannot wait.......

nancy

April, <BR>Congratulations!! <BR>You will love Italy. <BR>To find hotel info, do a Text Search here. <BR>At the top of the Europe forum pg. there is a Box, Text Search. <BR>Type in the name of the hotel, wait because it can be slow, and it should then pull up all posts that even mention the hotel. <BR>I know both of these have been discussed before. <BR> <BR>As far as purses, and jewelry. <BR>I must tell you, I never had a problem with my bag. <BR>I did have a scarf stolen off it, but that was really my fault <BR>I had the scarf tied onto the strap, and it was Saturday night, in crowded P.Navona, and I was NOT paying attention. <BR> I also wore a few pieces of expensive gold jewelry. <BR>And even walking around at night, never had a problem. <BR>But, all the good pieces are insured against loss and theft. <BR>I would not take anything that I would cry over losing though, such as a family piece or something with sentimental value. <BR> <BR>Pisa; <BR>We took a daytrip up from rome, because the children wanted to see it. <BR>I really enjoyed the city, because it was a nice contrast ,smaller and quieter, than Rome. <BR>The streets are lovely. <BR>the same river, the Arno , runs through the city.and standing on a bridge, the houses lining it are lovely to look at. <BR> <BR>It is terribly touristy as far as the many vendors on the side of the piazza, but, we are all glad we went. <BR>the Torre is lovely, but the Baptista and the Church,are also treats to go into. <BR>In the Baptista, we were treated to a musical demonstration. <BR>A guard came in a sang a few simple notes. <BR>It sounded like a choir!And brought tears to my eyes. <BR>I shyut my eyes, and could imagine being there hundreds iof years ago. <BR>The ceiling of the building, is constructed with a cone -shape, then surrounded with a dome. <BR>this accounts for the magical accoustics. <BR>You can walk the many stairs up and walk around under the dome. <BR>there is a small window that looks out onto the Torre. <BR>It is a beautiful site. <BR> <BR>Since you are so close to it,I think it would be worth fitting in, but then again, I have not seen Florence. <BR> <BR>In Rome, go to Campo de' Fiori, and also Piazza Navona, <BR>If the weather is warm enough to sit outside, go to the P.Navona at night. <BR>It is beautifully lit up. <BR>The first night I walked there alone <BR>(left my family at the apt.) <BR>there was a classical orchestra of about 30+ pieces, playing right in front of the first fountain. <BR>I knew I had stepped into someplace magical. <BR>Also, P.della Rotonda, where the Pantheon is, is also lovely to see at night. <BR>We liked the Trevi fountain better in the day, you can see the details better. <BR> <BR>Restuarants, almost anywhere. <BR>Don't be afraid to go into a place with only a few tables,because we found some of the best pizza in one place, that had only 1 table for 4 persons. <BR> <BR>The Villa Borghese is a treat with all the Bernini statues, and numerous paintings. <BR> <BR>Make sure you have comfy shoes, I wore Naot sandals, (it was summer) and was glad I had them. <BR>You will do alot of walking. <BR> <BR>Oh, have fun planning! <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

az

Rome info previously posted <BR>April--See "Rome/Amalfi Coast/South driving, hotels, sites" about 110 posts below this one (8/7/2001, 9:20) for some tips on Rome sites/timesavers. Let us know if you need help finding it. <BR>You will ENJOY Rome!

SteveJames

Hello April, <BR> <BR>If you have time for a day-trip from Florence I'd choose Siena rather than Pisa. It's about 75 minutes by bus. <BR>If you especially want to go to Pisa I would combine it with Lucca. Together they make an easy day-trip by train. from Florence. <BR> <BR>Steve <BR> <BR>P.S. The advice not to wear jewelry is well-founded, - take heed.

Graziella

April, congratulations, I am thrilled for you. <BR>All the advise regarding security is well founded, get your self a belt to go under the cloth, put everything there and forget about the purse. <BR>Carry some small cash in your pocket . That is all. <BR> <BR>Pisa do not go. <BR>I would agree with ROme and Florence . But keep in mind the more you stay in a place the better it will be <BR>You cannot see a lot of different places in one week, so it will be a question of quality versus quantity and also a lot of time is wasted getting from one place to the other, checking in and out of a hotel etc. <BR>`Again , it is wonderful you won , have fun.

Gigi

Just wanted to add my sincerest congratulations for winning this trip. <BR>How marvelous for you! <BR>May I suggest that you go to the library and a bookstore and search for guidebooks to Italy. I purchased the Fodor's Affordable Italy before my trip there and really found it useful. Look through several and buy one or two that you like. Use it to record tips from this board as well as a place to tape small maps, metro, walking, etc. <BR>You may ask the library to order in some travelogues for you. They can be very helpful. There is a great thread that lists posters favorite movies. There were many that were filmed in Italy. This will help pass the time and give you some insights into this amazing country. <BR>Continue to ask questions of this group. I had been to Europe several times before I found this board. Now, I wouldn't travel without 'em! <BR>You have my very best wishes! <BR>Gigi

robin

April - <BR> <BR>If you do a search on "Pisa" I'm sure you'll come up with past threads in which everyone debates the merits of going / not going to see the Leaning Tower. Here's my 2 cents worth on the topic (and this is coming from someone who's been to Italy four times). <BR> <BR>Pisa is NOT a 'must see' for a first trip to Italy, unless you're going for an extended vacation --- and by my definition, we're talking close to 3 weeks. In your situation (an 8 day visit in Italy), you most definitely want to put Siena on your list as a day trip from Florence. You can easily get to Siena via the SITA bus. Think the Florence to Siena trip takes 30, maybe 45 minutes on public transportation. You'll find ALOT of discussion on forum about going to Siena & what to see in Siena. It's a delightfully charming walled medieval town. Smaller than Florence, and offers that "oooo --- wow! I'm in an really cool old place in Italy" experience. <BR> <BR>Another alternative is the city of Lucca, which is an easy train ride from Florence. <BR> <BR>Returning to the Pisa issue --- and despite everyone's opinions (& certainly mine), you STILL want to go to Pisa then you'll want to keep an eye out for information once they re-open the tower. Last that I'd heard they were planning to have it open again in November. Don't know if that's still an accurate timeframe. Guessing that by April of next year, it certainly should be open --- but it is Italy, after all . . . . <BR> <BR>Finally, have you checked your calendar with regards to your dates of travel in April? If going around Easter time, it's busier then & your choices of what to see when may be impacted.

Cindy

As for wearing jewelry, I'd say leave it at home. Remember, the thieves are looking for the low-hanging fruit. If you don't have anything that looks like it is worth stealing, they'll leave you alone. Plus, then you don't have to spend as much mental energy "guarding" your valuables. Also, even if they are not successful, it is still unsettling to have anyone even attempt to rob you. <BR> <BR>I know a lot of folks report wearing jewelry and having no troubles. But then again, a lot of people don't wear seat belts and don't have an accident, but that doesn't mean wearing your seat belts is unnecessary.

Tina

Here's a couple websites that give you descriptions of Colonna Palace hotel in Rome. <BR> <BR>http://hotelsitaly.com/rome/colonna_palace/ <BR> <BR>http://www.tourcrafters.com/Hotels/colonna/colonna.htm <BR> <BR>I don't have a personal experience on it --- sites say it's been recently renovated.

up-up-away

ttt

barb

Congratulations! Now a few words of advice from a follow female traveller. Wear only jewels you don't mind losing. Do not use a purse - money or neck belt only. Take a small camera and secure it at all times. The person that recommended the copies of passports and documents gave excellent advice - follow it. I would also advice you to purchase (or get from the library) Fodors Italy 2001 to make the most of your trip. Also, get good walking shoes <BR>(black ones - white sneakers advertise you as an American and make you a target for robbers) as you can't imagine how much walking you are going to do! And then enjoy! Florence is the most beautiful city in the world and Rome is one of the most exciting.

John

Hi April, <BR> <BR>Hope you have a wonderful experience - Italy is super. <BR> <BR>First time travelers need to learn a lot. Do a search on this site for every question that you have. But, remember you are going to Europe to have fun. <BR> <BR>Assume you are on a zero budget. <BR> <BR>1. Get to know the transportation systems. Both Rome and Florence have excellent public transportation that is C H E A P and F L E X I B L E. Research this until you know it cold. <BR> <BR>2. In Rome - Go to the Forum and buy the pass for multiple venues (cheap). Then visit them all. It is a wonderful cross section of Rome. Through in the Catacombs (a bus ride) and the normal Vatican, Piazza Navonna, Trevi Fountain etc. and Rome is wonderful. <BR> <BR>The most, most, most important tip for Rome is wear comfortable shoes - whatever the color. Most things that you may want to do are within 3 - 4 miles. <BR> <BR>3. In Florence - visit the tourist office to get current information on the sites that are the 'least crowded' during your visit. (Florence is even more compact than Rome). Read this as the easiest to get into without waiting in line for years. <BR> <BR>Pisa - I would not do, as you will have many, many options in Florence that will fill your time. The time and expense of a trip there is a luxury based upon your limited time and funds.

LJCJBJ

Forget Pisa; it's not worth taking time out from Rome or Florence. If there is extra time, I'd do Siena or one of the hill towns. But Rome and Florence have everything and you don't want to rush. Always think, "I will be back". <BR>As for jewelry, why bring anything expensive? Who cares. I just bring what I'm wearing; one pair of earrings and my rings. Nothing to leave behind that way. I never carry a purse; I usually have my camera, money belt and a day pack with sweater, travel info, etc. We have been to Italy several times and have never had a problem. The people are wonderful and friendly. Enjoy yourself to the fullest!!!!

elaine

Hi april <BR>I'm happy for you. <BR>I have files on Florence and Rome; if you'd like to see them, email me. <BR> <BR>Since you don't know when you will return, take one day from Florence (heresy) and go to Siena as Steve suggested. It's not that Florence isn't worth every minute, it's just that Siena imo is so special. <BR> <BR>I've never been a crime victim, knock wood, but my rule of thumb is don't travel with or pack anything you can't bear to lose (or that isn't insured). <BR> <BR>In addition to this Fodor's website and Fodor's books, lonelyplanet.com, frommers.com and <BR>ricksteves. com have a lot of hints for budget travel.