Tiff

cigalechanta ~ Hi Mimi, thank you.

TRSW ~ Oh how delightful! That sounds like a wonderful trip. You really must try Tavernetta San Maurizio (San Marco 2619 – phone 041 5285240) while in Venice.

And in Florence, Leo's is a must! (Via Torta 7R – www.florencerestaurant.com open for lunch and dinner – closed Mondays – phone 055 210829)

DH and I pine away for these two places still almost on a weekly basis, LOL. Hidden treasures.

Soooooooo delicious! Have fun, looking forward to your report!

Tiff

topping for twiz...

amandab

Thank you so much Tiff. You made me laugh and cry with this. Hubby and I are off to Italy for the first time this January and cannot wait.

Tiff

Oh thank you, amandab.

You and your DH are going to have such a fabulous time. Six years ago I fell in love with Italy like no other destination I have ever experienced, and last winter being able to share her with my DH, well, it was more than I could have asked for, it was timeless.

Remember to layer your clothing. Florence is typically 5-10 degrees warmer than Venice during that time of year, but when we were there it was just the opposite, Venice was 10 degrees warmer and so sunny!

Wear a jacket that you absolutely love and won't tire of, something that is very comfortable and can kind of go dressy or casual, something you feel sassy in, hee.

I would be happy to answer any questions. Best wishes to you.

Arrivederci!

gabrieltraian

Thank you for this entertaining report, Tiff!

I enjoyed it thoroughly.

Now I'm looking forward to visiting Italy in 2007, whether in January or July. I can't wait!

Tiff

Hi gabrieltraian ~ It is my pleasure, glad you enjoyed it.

I have been following your thread, please do keep us posted on which time of year you decide.

You are going to have a lovely time no matter what!
These are the easy decisions in life, no? What a delightful question to ponder.
Have fun!

gabrieltraian

Delightful question to ponder, indeed, Tiff.

Were there many people at the Uffizi? Would you have succeeded to visit without a reservation?

Tiff

Oh completely. To sit and gaze with your husband, in the Botticelli room, with virtually no one with you was a gift beyond comprehension. My DH and I were in awe.

I almost couldn't leave!

gabrieltraian

Thank you, Tiff.

I asked this because we might decide at the last minute to visit Italy in January, when we may not have time to make reservations.

We just might go in January! We'll wait and see how we're gonna be with our finances.
I'll let you all know on my thread about this.

Tiff

Oh please do keep us posted on your thread, gabrieltraian! We all appreciate updates.

Best wishes!

callalilli

o i WISH i had time to read more tonight... bookmarking for later.

amandab

Thank you so much for the advice Tiff. We are not used to cold climates such as a European winter. We will layer our clothes. Bought DH a gortex jacket last weekend. It was ridiculously expensive so it had better do the job. I have a choice of 2 wool coats (black) - one knee length, the other mid calf length (both stylish) Which one would you suggest? I am favouring the knee length - just prefer this one. I will also take a rain coat (lined, knee length, not stylish looking - just practical) We have long johns, wool socks, boots, etc. DH has some lovely shetland wool jerseys and I have a few thin merino wool jerseys, which I can layer with other items, such as polar fleece jacket, thermal vests etc. Of course, we will also take scarves, hats and gloves. Do you think this is okay? Might also pack a small umbrella.
I can't believe that in 3 months time we will be in Venice !!!!!!
Tiff, do you think we will need to pre book visits to see the 'David', the Uffizi (haven't decided yet if we will visit this museum - is it really a definite 'must see'?),or the Vatican? I am a bit torn at the moment of whether to prebook or just turn up.
I'd be very grateful for your advice.
Amanda

Tiff

Hi Amanda,

I would make reservations. You are not charged for the reservation at the Academia or Uffizi if you do not use them. It was not busy while we were there, but you never know when tour will come in, etc. It can't hurt.

I will cut and post the instructions and phone numbers that I followed from Ira. It is so fun to call and you can book both by using the same number. Right away ask for an English speaking operator.

Florence:
Uffizi and Academia Museum Reservations
The easiest and cheapest way is to call Florence 1016868 (dial around number) 011 (U.S. international access code) 39 (Italy's country code) then 055-294-883 8:30-18:30 M-F and 8:30-12:00 Sat. Florence time. You will get an English speaking operator and in 2-3 minutes YOU CAN RESERVE FOR BOTH. This is through the reservation service at the Uffizi and costs beyond the normal entry fee only about 3 euro for the service. This is MUCH cheaper than the commercial booking services.

You will not be charged for the reservations unless you use them.

In Venice:
Secret Itineraries tour of Doge’s palace Phone number is 011 39 041 520 9070. English-speaking operator.
You will not be charged for your tickets if you don't go on the tour.

Amanda, I think your list of clothing etc, is great. Just layer and you will be fine. Of the two coats you listed I would bring whichever one is more comfortable. I think the Gor-tex for your DH is great, and I know they are expensive, but it will break the wind and keep him warm. My DH wore a similar outerwear jacket the entire time. We saw many with this type of wear. The lightweight rain jacket for you is a great idea too, it won't take up much room and if you do get some warmer weather, you could wear that with a lightweight shirt underneath.

The main thing I can't stress enough is to be comfortable, wear things you love and feel good in. Wear one pair of shoes and pack one pair that you can alternate. You feet will swell on the flight over. I would bring shoes that are not tight and well broken in. If they are somewhat water resistant, that is even better, but you will always have an extra pair back at the room if they get soaked.

We did pack our mini Brookstone umbrella and did use it. It is little and clipped on to my DH's jacket with ease. Don't worry if you forget one though, you can purchase one anywhere.

It is such a romantic time of year to be in Italy. And you feel so much like you live there when it is not crowded. Again, I have been in May and last winter and I would do winter again in a second!

Do pop in for a limoncello or glass of vino when the mood strikes. Do bask in the glory. Sit, relax, observe. Try not to plan too much, be spontaneous, go with the moment.

I am so excited for you. You are going to enjoy this journey. I hope you fall in love with Italy.

My best wishes, I check often, so if you have any other questions please feel free to post - I love talking about Italy, LOL.

Take care, the next three months will FLY!

amandab

Hi Tiff, you are a mind of information! Thanks so much. Glad you approve of our travel wardrobe - it has been difficult deciding what we will/may need.
Thanks also for the comments on reservations. I was searching the Net on commercial sites and the prices quoted for prebooking were very expensive - alot more than the entrance fees themselves. I will make some reservations closer to the time with the phone numbers you have given me. At least then I won't need to worry about whether we will get in or not and I will plan our days around the bookings. Sounds sensible. I'm sure we will just love Italy - it is our first trip to Europe, both DH and I have just turned 40, so it's our birthday present - couldn't do much better than that could we.
I'm sure I'll chat to you again. Hope you are enjoying your weekend.
Take care, Amanda

Tiff

ttt for monalua

sgny

Just stumbled upon your report because it was high up on the Europe forum list. I was just going to give it a glance but I was instantly pulled in and couldn't resist. Bravo!!! We were just in Venice in October as part of our honeymoon and I felt like I was there again while reading your report. If the boat ride back to the airport doesn't make your eyes well up, than you just didn't get Venice.

We had been to Venice once before. Our honeymoon was going to be Prague and Budapest but my fiancee knew that there was no way we couldn't go back to Venice, especially on our honeymoon. She suprised me with the news a couple of weeks before the trip. Excellent.

Your report reignited our love of Venice and the rest of our honeymoon. My trip report is up if you need a little hit of the drug called Venice.

Good day and happy holidays from Brooklyn.

Tiff

Excellent, sgny, I will pull up your trip report. Not only to read of your adventures in Venice, but also because I have always been so drawn to Prague and am interested in your impressions.

What a fun surprise your now DW had in store for you! I love it. I have only been to Europe twice and both times it was to Italy. I start to plan trips to other countries, yet to be so close to my beloved Italy and not visit, well it's inconceivable, ha!

I am excited now to go and read your report. Thank you for your beautiful sentiments and happy holidays to you and your DW too, your first holiday season married, it is a special time.

Best wishes to you sgny - we hope to someday be skating in Central Park during this lovely time of year.

Tiff

topping for julieann

BRR

Tiff, I'll add my thanks to your trip report! You may recall my daughter and I will be staying at the Laconda Orseola at the end of December. I assume you think the extra cost for a water taxi is worth it? I'll check with Bruno about the recommendation, just in case anything has changed. You mentioned envelopes with tips as you were leaving, could you elaborate on who all you left these for? thanks again!

BRR

Tiff

Hi BRR,

Yes, of course, I remember, you must be getting so excited with all your planning! Let's see here, your questions...

Venezia Taxi is the water taxi company Locanda Orseolo considers reputable. Did I think it was worth it? Yes. However if someone was on a limited budget, I think the vaporetto would be fine, especially if you are traveling light. Bruno at LO provides very specific directions on which vaporetto to take and which stop to depart if you decide to go that route.

Also, I believe their website has detailed information:
www.locandaorseolo.com

Tipping... the staff at LO were very insistent about not accepting a tip in our presence. When we tried upon receiving services such as assistance with luggage, tips for restaurants, etc, they very politely refused. So at the end of our stay I left some sentiments in a note, along with Euros to show our appreciation. I left an envelope in our room for our maid. Provided one for the night watchman as he assited with bags as we left, and also left a letter with Euros for the owners and day staff. What can I say, by the time you leave, you feel as though you are saying good-bye to family. I have never left a letter when tipping in the past. These good people make you want to write the finest review possible.

You are going to have such a fabulous time. Please don't hesitate to ask if you have any further questions, ok?

Best wishes for a pleasant journey!