Bragging rights: Planning my first trip to Italy this May
Apr 8th, 2006, 07:55 AM
#21
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Ok, now I think we've made our final itinerary change... (famous last words)
We've decided to make it simple: three nights in each city. We've changed the order in which we visit them, to eliminate the long Venice- Nice train ride, and to take advantage of EuroStar routes.
Now the plan is:
Rome, 3 nights at Domus Julia
Florence, 3 nights at Relais Cavalcanti
Venice, 3 nights at Hotel Riva
Santa Margherita Ligure, 3 nights at Nuova Riviera
Nice, 3 nights at Le Grimaldi
So, we're focusing on museum tours/reservations now, for Florence and Rome. Hooray! Less than one month and counting down. Better get the Ambien...
We've decided to make it simple: three nights in each city. We've changed the order in which we visit them, to eliminate the long Venice- Nice train ride, and to take advantage of EuroStar routes.
Now the plan is:
Rome, 3 nights at Domus Julia
Florence, 3 nights at Relais Cavalcanti
Venice, 3 nights at Hotel Riva
Santa Margherita Ligure, 3 nights at Nuova Riviera
Nice, 3 nights at Le Grimaldi
So, we're focusing on museum tours/reservations now, for Florence and Rome. Hooray! Less than one month and counting down. Better get the Ambien...
Apr 8th, 2006, 08:35 AM
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Maureen, I just returned this week from visiting my daughter, who is studying in Rome this semester. I'm finally recovering from jetlag and will get my notes together for a trip report. Enjoy your planning and your trip; I'm sure it will be fabulous. Our itinerary was similar to yours except we didn't go to Florence, as we'd both been a few times before and her program actually started in Florence in January. I actually rented a car on our way out of Rome and we drove to Tuscany, then on to CT, and then Venice, where I returned the car. We then took the train to Rome. I just wanted to respond to your question about the crowds in CT in May. I was actually shocked at how crowded it was last week when I was there. I thought since it was somewhat off-season (some places hadn't even reopened from the winter)that it wouldn't be too bad. It wasn't horrible, just many more people than I expected. Also, it was my first trip to Venice, which I absolutely loved, but one thing I didn't count on was that while I could manage my suitcase on wheels every place else, it was impossible to manage over the bridges in Venice. (I guess I just assumed that they'd be curved w/o steps and that I could just pull my bag but I couldn't.)
Apr 8th, 2006, 09:47 AM
#23
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Sounds like a memorable trip for you and your daughter. And your itinerary is settling down well. 2 thoughts: I much preferred the Uffizi to the Accademia museum. In fact, the Uffizi is one of the most famous art museums in the world. It's not huge but choice.
And an excursion you can do by public bus from Nice is to the Villa Ephrussi-Rothschild on Cap Ferrat. Beautiful house, beautiful gardens with a view of the Med on both sides of the peninsula. Here's a link: http://www.villa-ephrussi.com/www.cu...ussi/index.htm.
And an excursion you can do by public bus from Nice is to the Villa Ephrussi-Rothschild on Cap Ferrat. Beautiful house, beautiful gardens with a view of the Med on both sides of the peninsula. Here's a link: http://www.villa-ephrussi.com/www.cu...ussi/index.htm.
Apr 9th, 2006, 10:25 AM
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Maureen,
My wife and I are from Colorado and will be visiting Rome, Florence, Venice, and Nice at about the same time that you will be visiting. We've got our hotels booked and are now figuring out trains and sightseeing. It seems that you've done quite a bit of research and I'm hoping that perhaps you'd be willing to share your consolidated knowledge. If you are willing, then we can either share our email address or start a new thread. We'll also share any tips that we've learned.
Thanks!
My wife and I are from Colorado and will be visiting Rome, Florence, Venice, and Nice at about the same time that you will be visiting. We've got our hotels booked and are now figuring out trains and sightseeing. It seems that you've done quite a bit of research and I'm hoping that perhaps you'd be willing to share your consolidated knowledge. If you are willing, then we can either share our email address or start a new thread. We'll also share any tips that we've learned.
Thanks!
Apr 9th, 2006, 10:54 AM
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Travman, that sounds like a good idea. I was just talking with my daughter via phone to Florence. Our goal now is to get museum reservations in Rome and Florence. I finally found the fax number to the Vatican in Rome, to request a tour, and faxed it this a.m.. Because she's there, my daughter can get reservations at the Uffizi herself. I also need ideas for things to do in Nice. Let's keep communicating here, unless you've already posted your trip info. elsewhere?
Apr 9th, 2006, 08:56 PM
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I haven't gotten too far on gathering information.
A person in another forum suggested going here in Nice: http://www.villa-ephrussi.com/www.cu...ussi/index.htm
My wife wants to go to a Picasso museum that she's heard of.
We're getting a France - Italy rail pass. FYI that we are also going on to Orlean, Normandy, and Paris. We've seen in numerous threads that people recommend to not get seat reservations ahead of time. Just buy those, if needed, at the rail stations a few days in advance. They are cheaper and often you won't even need them.
What Rome tours have you decided on? What Vatican tour did you end up booking?
Thanks!
A person in another forum suggested going here in Nice: http://www.villa-ephrussi.com/www.cu...ussi/index.htm
My wife wants to go to a Picasso museum that she's heard of.
We're getting a France - Italy rail pass. FYI that we are also going on to Orlean, Normandy, and Paris. We've seen in numerous threads that people recommend to not get seat reservations ahead of time. Just buy those, if needed, at the rail stations a few days in advance. They are cheaper and often you won't even need them.
What Rome tours have you decided on? What Vatican tour did you end up booking?
Thanks!
Apr 10th, 2006, 08:25 AM
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Travman, I just saw your other thread re: rail passes, etc. I also suggest you go to BudgetEuropeTravel.com and call their 800 number. They can explain the whole thing and give you excellent advice. Then you can buy your tickets/passes from them and have paper tickets in hand before you leave home. They charge a very small S&H fee, and it's more than worth it.
Since my daughter has been living in Florence this semester, and traveling all over Italy, she will be my tour guide. She says we can take EuroStar trains without advance purchase, so I'm counting on that strategy to work. We will have some flexibility in times of day to travel. I've also done the research on-line to compare the price of a pass to the price of point-to-point tickets, and a pass doesn't make sense for our relatively short travels.
I'm not buying a Rome city tour. But I have heard it's best to have a reservation that comes with booking a tour of the Vatican. I've faxed the Vatican directly, to request a reservation, as instructed on their website.
In Florence we will use my daughter's Uffizi card. We think she can take one other person to the head of the line with her, but we're researching it now.
Thanks for the Nice link. I'll check it out. Keep posting here, ok?
Since my daughter has been living in Florence this semester, and traveling all over Italy, she will be my tour guide. She says we can take EuroStar trains without advance purchase, so I'm counting on that strategy to work. We will have some flexibility in times of day to travel. I've also done the research on-line to compare the price of a pass to the price of point-to-point tickets, and a pass doesn't make sense for our relatively short travels.
I'm not buying a Rome city tour. But I have heard it's best to have a reservation that comes with booking a tour of the Vatican. I've faxed the Vatican directly, to request a reservation, as instructed on their website.
In Florence we will use my daughter's Uffizi card. We think she can take one other person to the head of the line with her, but we're researching it now.
Thanks for the Nice link. I'll check it out. Keep posting here, ok?
Apr 10th, 2006, 07:45 PM
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Maureen, if the Eurostar don't require a reservation, then why do the websites say that reservations are compulsory? Perhaps when you buy the point to point ticket it is just included? I'm going to call Budget Travel in the morning.
I'm 90% sure we'll get a pass and take PalQ's advice to go to Florence, drop off our luggage and then ride back to Pisa for the afternoon and then back to Florence.
Don't know if you saw it, but PalQ on the other forum recommended the following on Nice: "I've been to Nice many times and the beach there is pebbles and not so relaxing as it's often mobbed - but if you take the commuter train a few miles west to a place like Biot station there are nice sandy beaches less mobbed."
Are there any moderately priced restaurants in Florence that your daughter would recommend?
I'm 90% sure we'll get a pass and take PalQ's advice to go to Florence, drop off our luggage and then ride back to Pisa for the afternoon and then back to Florence.
Don't know if you saw it, but PalQ on the other forum recommended the following on Nice: "I've been to Nice many times and the beach there is pebbles and not so relaxing as it's often mobbed - but if you take the commuter train a few miles west to a place like Biot station there are nice sandy beaches less mobbed."
Are there any moderately priced restaurants in Florence that your daughter would recommend?
Apr 10th, 2006, 08:14 PM
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Travman, good question re: EuroStar reservations. I can't say that I understand the system. But BudgetEuropeTravel.com can help. Ask Bob there. He will know if a pass makes sense for you. I believe he told me it would only make sense for us to get a pass if we were doing longer train rides, not the short ones we're doing.
Here's some info. I copied from a previous fodorite re:Nice (but I forget who):
"Train travel along the coast is very easy and cheap. Eze is wonderful, and you can do it in the same day as Nice. It's mostly about the views, but what views! It's only about 20 minutes east of Nice, up a mountain. You can take the train for a few minutes from Nice and then a 25 euro cab ride up the hill from the Eze station (there's a public bus from the train station, but it only runs in the summer). However, I'd recommend going to the Nice bus depot (it's about a 10-minute walk east of the market) and taking a bus to Eze-Village. The view of the town from the road as you approach is beyond amazing, and it's also cheaper and faster. And while you're in Eze, make sure to go all the way to the far reaches of the cemetery at the top of the village. That's where the best views of the Mediterranean are.
"There isn't much to do in Monaco unless you're a millionaire, and I wouldn't suggest going to Cannes. It was like Nice without any of the nice things about Nice (haha--I just had to fix my capitalization). However, I will say that one of the most romantic things I've ever done was to take the ferry from Cannes to Ile Sainte-Marguerite (I think that's what it's called). You can wander around this very beautiful monastery, and take in great views of the area and of Cannes. Also, you can visit the cell where the Man In the Iron Mask was kept! There are some paths for walking down to the beach where it's rocky and dramatic. Take some champagne and you're good to go. There's no one there, and it's kind of a random thing to do, but it was very calm, beautiful and romantic, in a Bronte kind of way."
Another Nice thread has information on a hike, too:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34770848
Also, when I called BETS, Bob told me there's a great train ride to Digne which is a very nice part of Provence, for an easy day-trip from Nice. Pick his brain, as he really likes the south of France and has a lot of good ideas off the top of his head.
I'll ask my daughter re: a restaurant, but she's living with a family there and they make the most fabulous lunches and dinners for her every day. You should hear the unbelievable full-course dinners and multi-dessert meals the wonderful woman makes every day. So my daughter doesn't eat at restaurants really in Florence.
Believe it or not, I know the students go to the Old Stove Irish Pub for a quick bite, but perhaps mostly because there's also free internet there. Coincidentally, our hotel is above that Pub.
Let's keep sharing info.
Here's some info. I copied from a previous fodorite re:Nice (but I forget who):
"Train travel along the coast is very easy and cheap. Eze is wonderful, and you can do it in the same day as Nice. It's mostly about the views, but what views! It's only about 20 minutes east of Nice, up a mountain. You can take the train for a few minutes from Nice and then a 25 euro cab ride up the hill from the Eze station (there's a public bus from the train station, but it only runs in the summer). However, I'd recommend going to the Nice bus depot (it's about a 10-minute walk east of the market) and taking a bus to Eze-Village. The view of the town from the road as you approach is beyond amazing, and it's also cheaper and faster. And while you're in Eze, make sure to go all the way to the far reaches of the cemetery at the top of the village. That's where the best views of the Mediterranean are.
"There isn't much to do in Monaco unless you're a millionaire, and I wouldn't suggest going to Cannes. It was like Nice without any of the nice things about Nice (haha--I just had to fix my capitalization). However, I will say that one of the most romantic things I've ever done was to take the ferry from Cannes to Ile Sainte-Marguerite (I think that's what it's called). You can wander around this very beautiful monastery, and take in great views of the area and of Cannes. Also, you can visit the cell where the Man In the Iron Mask was kept! There are some paths for walking down to the beach where it's rocky and dramatic. Take some champagne and you're good to go. There's no one there, and it's kind of a random thing to do, but it was very calm, beautiful and romantic, in a Bronte kind of way."
Another Nice thread has information on a hike, too:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34770848
Also, when I called BETS, Bob told me there's a great train ride to Digne which is a very nice part of Provence, for an easy day-trip from Nice. Pick his brain, as he really likes the south of France and has a lot of good ideas off the top of his head.
I'll ask my daughter re: a restaurant, but she's living with a family there and they make the most fabulous lunches and dinners for her every day. You should hear the unbelievable full-course dinners and multi-dessert meals the wonderful woman makes every day. So my daughter doesn't eat at restaurants really in Florence.
Believe it or not, I know the students go to the Old Stove Irish Pub for a quick bite, but perhaps mostly because there's also free internet there. Coincidentally, our hotel is above that Pub.
Let's keep sharing info.
Apr 10th, 2006, 09:17 PM
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Hi Maureen,
I searched on the vatican site for tours, but did not see one. I found a great sounding private tour, but it is rather expensive for only two people. Subsequent people only add a few Euros. By the time you get to 5 or 6 people it sounds quite good. Will you be in Rome May 7th - 11th by chance?
http://www.initaly.com/regions/artists/vatican.htm
I searched on the vatican site for tours, but did not see one. I found a great sounding private tour, but it is rather expensive for only two people. Subsequent people only add a few Euros. By the time you get to 5 or 6 people it sounds quite good. Will you be in Rome May 7th - 11th by chance?
http://www.initaly.com/regions/artists/vatican.htm
Apr 11th, 2006, 06:03 AM
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Travman, the Vatican site has the information buried under 'education'. It took me several tries to find it.
Here's the information I found on the Holy See website for the
Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel tour:
(2 hours) "includes Pio Clementino, Geographical Maps and Tapestries Galleries, the Raphael's Rooms, and the Sistine Chapel.
"Rates: full fair 21.50 EUR, reduced fare 17.50 EUR, includes admission to the Museums, guided tour service and headset.
It is necessary to book in advance by fax, and you must have a fax confirmation to be shown at the "Guided Tours" desk on the day of the visit. Make reservation from one month to one week in advance.
Avoid queue by entering through the exit gate of the Vatican Museums on Viale Vaticano, 15 minutes before schedule.
Fax reservation to 011 39 06 6988 5100."
I faxed mine two days ago, but no response yet. I read on another post that you can call the Vatican (but the Vatican site itself doesn't suggest that): 06 6988 4466
I am wondering if that rate is better than you found?
We actually leave Rome on May 10, so couldn't share a tour, but it's a good idea. Please let me know when you get word back from the Vatican. I'm sure it takes a few days, as they must get swamped with requests.
Here's the information I found on the Holy See website for the
Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel tour:
(2 hours) "includes Pio Clementino, Geographical Maps and Tapestries Galleries, the Raphael's Rooms, and the Sistine Chapel.
"Rates: full fair 21.50 EUR, reduced fare 17.50 EUR, includes admission to the Museums, guided tour service and headset.
It is necessary to book in advance by fax, and you must have a fax confirmation to be shown at the "Guided Tours" desk on the day of the visit. Make reservation from one month to one week in advance.
Avoid queue by entering through the exit gate of the Vatican Museums on Viale Vaticano, 15 minutes before schedule.
Fax reservation to 011 39 06 6988 5100."
I faxed mine two days ago, but no response yet. I read on another post that you can call the Vatican (but the Vatican site itself doesn't suggest that): 06 6988 4466
I am wondering if that rate is better than you found?
We actually leave Rome on May 10, so couldn't share a tour, but it's a good idea. Please let me know when you get word back from the Vatican. I'm sure it takes a few days, as they must get swamped with requests.
Apr 11th, 2006, 11:33 AM
#34
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I am impressed with how helpful the Domus Julia is being, via e-mail regarding my upcoming stay.
They have arranged an airport shuttle according to their e-mail to me: "as per your request , we have reserved for you 2 tickets for the shuttle service from the Fco Airport at the cost of Euro 13,00 each person. Be advise that the shuttle bus is available from 7.45 am to 10.00 pm and leaves every 45 minutes. You have to go to Hotel Reservation desk located in the international arrival terminal to take the voucher : you will pay the ticket in hotel."
And gave this answer in regards to my question about a Vatican tour:
"To see the Vatican , there is no problem.
You'll find in our reception a reservation service for city tours which can reserve even one hour before the tour
starting time."
So, this good customer service from the Domus Julia bodes well for the hotel, as far as I'm concerned. I always appreciate a responsive and helpful hotel management.
They have arranged an airport shuttle according to their e-mail to me: "as per your request , we have reserved for you 2 tickets for the shuttle service from the Fco Airport at the cost of Euro 13,00 each person. Be advise that the shuttle bus is available from 7.45 am to 10.00 pm and leaves every 45 minutes. You have to go to Hotel Reservation desk located in the international arrival terminal to take the voucher : you will pay the ticket in hotel."
And gave this answer in regards to my question about a Vatican tour:
"To see the Vatican , there is no problem.
You'll find in our reception a reservation service for city tours which can reserve even one hour before the tour
starting time."
So, this good customer service from the Domus Julia bodes well for the hotel, as far as I'm concerned. I always appreciate a responsive and helpful hotel management.
Apr 11th, 2006, 04:07 PM
#35
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Maureen,
Thanks for the info. I'll try to post some more here in the next few days. I've been rather busy on just getting the rail passes figured out (which extended to the museum pass offered by rail europe) and haven't had time to focus any more on the actual site seeing aspects.
Thanks for the info. I'll try to post some more here in the next few days. I've been rather busy on just getting the rail passes figured out (which extended to the museum pass offered by rail europe) and haven't had time to focus any more on the actual site seeing aspects.
Apr 12th, 2006, 08:24 AM
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Hi Maureen,
I purchased the France - Italy pass through budget travel (Bob is great - I highly recommend calling and talking to them for everybody else). They recommended that pass. It turns out that when budget travel sells that particular pass that they sell it for rail europe for the same price that I can get it directly from Rail Europe. I assume they must get a kick-back. Bob gave some great advice.
I purchased the France - Italy pass through budget travel (Bob is great - I highly recommend calling and talking to them for everybody else). They recommended that pass. It turns out that when budget travel sells that particular pass that they sell it for rail europe for the same price that I can get it directly from Rail Europe. I assume they must get a kick-back. Bob gave some great advice.
Apr 22nd, 2006, 06:30 AM
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Hi Maureen,
Just wanted to let you know that we reserved a vatican tour and a forum and coloseum tour with through eternity tours. They were really good at email communication and they seem to have a lot of happy customers. I'm not looking into Florence and Venice tours.
Just wanted to let you know that we reserved a vatican tour and a forum and coloseum tour with through eternity tours. They were really good at email communication and they seem to have a lot of happy customers. I'm not looking into Florence and Venice tours.
Apr 22nd, 2006, 07:20 AM
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Your trip brings back memories of my time living in Italy. You and your daughter have done a nice job of carving out a memorable trip. I remember the feeling of wanting to show my family and friends all the wondeful places I had discovered. Don't forget that your daughter is the "expert" on Italy. She will deserve her own "Bragging Rights". Have an amazing time. Buon Viaggio.
