Help for Spring Break in Italy
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Nov 28th, 2006, 04:19 PM
#23
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OK all...I'm getting psyched. Now I'm thinking of adding an additional day to our trip. At the moment I'm leaning towards flying into Venice then moving to Florence and then onto Rome. Other desired cities would be side trips once major plans are in place. I figured that I might be better off leaving Rome on Monday instead of Easter Sunday. Don't know if that will make a difference in flights or not. What is a reasonable airfare for those flights. I'd prefer non-stop, but that might be pushing it. Remember I'm in Atlanta.
Someone way back mentioned budget...I guess overall I'm looking at the 4-5K range. I don't even know if that is a reasonable expectation because I haven't done enough research. I don't care about big and fancy...as a matter of fact I generally prefer smaller, unique hotels. Just want clean and convenient.
Keep those ideas coming.
Someone way back mentioned budget...I guess overall I'm looking at the 4-5K range. I don't even know if that is a reasonable expectation because I haven't done enough research. I don't care about big and fancy...as a matter of fact I generally prefer smaller, unique hotels. Just want clean and convenient.
Keep those ideas coming.
Nov 28th, 2006, 05:01 PM
#24
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Hi Suze...just sent a request for hotel availability to Pensione La Calcina for our Venice stay. Since they don't have many rooms, I don't know if I'll have any luck. Any other suggestions?
Nov 28th, 2006, 09:49 PM
#26
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Deb: I am taking my granddaughter to some of the same cities on her spring break (extended) also. In Venice we are staying at the Antico Doge.
http://www.anticodoge.com/en/index.htm
I checked many reviews and decided it suited us. You might check it out as it seems to be a good value.
Someone mentioned flying Ryan Air to Venice and I would check that out as I believe I read a post that they do not fly into Venice but use a small airport that is some distance away. Let me know if I can be of further help.
http://www.anticodoge.com/en/index.htm
I checked many reviews and decided it suited us. You might check it out as it seems to be a good value.
Someone mentioned flying Ryan Air to Venice and I would check that out as I believe I read a post that they do not fly into Venice but use a small airport that is some distance away. Let me know if I can be of further help.
Nov 28th, 2006, 11:11 PM
#27
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Just read a wonderful post that is very helpful to me and I thought it might also be of interest to you:
http://fodors.com/forums/pgMessages....22&start=0.
You will find this also in the above post; but if you miss them I am including them as I think anyone consider trains should read this info:
http://slowtalk.com/groupee/forums/a...871#6321047871
The other important one is:
http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/trains/tickets.htm
http://fodors.com/forums/pgMessages....22&start=0.
You will find this also in the above post; but if you miss them I am including them as I think anyone consider trains should read this info:
http://slowtalk.com/groupee/forums/a...871#6321047871
The other important one is:
http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/trains/tickets.htm
Nov 29th, 2006, 05:08 AM
#28
I think I would fly into Milan and store my luggage at the train station (Milan Centrale) for a few hours and hop the subway to the Galleria, Duomo, opera house. From Milan, I would train to Verona (1 1/2 hours) and spend the first night. The historic center of Verona is very compact so it won't take you long to find the things you want to see. If you prefer to skip Milan sightseeing and spending the night in Verona, just take the train to Verona. Store your luggage at the Verona station and spend a few hours and then train onto Venice.
If you fly into Venice, stay a few nights and train to Verona from there. If you only want to see the balcony, then you don't really need a night in Verona. Have lunch, tour around and then train onto Florence.
I've been in Rome on Easter. The Pope had Sunday service in the square (no tickets required when I was there). Be sure to go if you are in Rome that Sunday.
The Vatican museum usually is open longer hours than their normal Saturday hours the day before Easter. They don't have their 2007 schedule up yet, but you can tell the times by looking at last Easter.
http://mv.vatican.va/3_EN/pages/z-In...fo_Orario.html
If you fly into Venice, stay a few nights and train to Verona from there. If you only want to see the balcony, then you don't really need a night in Verona. Have lunch, tour around and then train onto Florence.
I've been in Rome on Easter. The Pope had Sunday service in the square (no tickets required when I was there). Be sure to go if you are in Rome that Sunday.
The Vatican museum usually is open longer hours than their normal Saturday hours the day before Easter. They don't have their 2007 schedule up yet, but you can tell the times by looking at last Easter.
http://mv.vatican.va/3_EN/pages/z-In...fo_Orario.html
Nov 29th, 2006, 05:12 AM
#29
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Thanks kybourbon...so based on your name...are you a Maker's Mark fan as my relatives from Lexington and Cincinnati are?
Yes...I saw that Easter Monday was a national holiday and that would be the day we would fly back to the states. I assume flight schedules would be fairly normal.
Will have to review details on these most recent posts this evening...off to work...have to pay for this play time.
Yes...I saw that Easter Monday was a national holiday and that would be the day we would fly back to the states. I assume flight schedules would be fairly normal.
Will have to review details on these most recent posts this evening...off to work...have to pay for this play time.
Nov 29th, 2006, 07:08 AM
#30
Sorry Deb, La Calcina is the only one I know personally. I've stayed there twice, originally on the recommendation of friends in Europe. But it has since become an extremely popular hotel here on Fodor's as well. It's really pretty perfect for a reasonable price, hopefully they will have something for you.
Dec 1st, 2006, 04:26 PM
#31
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What is a reasonable airfare from Atlanta to Venice returning from Rome? At the moment I hope to leave on a late (9-10 PM) flight out of Atlanta to Venice on Wed. 3/28/07 with a return from Rome to Atlanta in the morning of Mon. 4/9/07.
Dec 1st, 2006, 06:16 PM
#33
Deb - I'm a few miles outside of Lexington. My bourbon of choice would have to be my ancestor's, Elijah Craig (arguably the inventor of bourbon - google the name). Elijah Craig 18 year single barrel bourbon - not easy to find and the only one aged this long I believe. There is also a 12 year.
http://www.heavenhill.co.nz/prod01_copy(1).htm
Maker's is fun and will let you dip a glass in the wax when you tour.
http://www.heavenhill.co.nz/prod01_copy(1).htm
Maker's is fun and will let you dip a glass in the wax when you tour.
Dec 1st, 2006, 06:23 PM
#34
Deb, we did a 10-night trip over Easter break with our teen daughters in 2005. We flew in and out of Rome. Our itinerary was 3 nights Rome, 3 nights Venice, 3 nights Florence (day trip to Pisa) & 1 night Orvieto. Of course we would have liked to have more time, but it was a great trip.
In Venice we loved Locanda Orseolo. Do a search here and you will find glowing reviews. In Rome, we stayed at Residenza Coronari. We loved the location and thought the price was reasonable. Some people have found the hotel noisy but that wasn't our experience.
By the way, we were In Orvieto on Easter Monday, and virtually nothing was closed.
In Venice we loved Locanda Orseolo. Do a search here and you will find glowing reviews. In Rome, we stayed at Residenza Coronari. We loved the location and thought the price was reasonable. Some people have found the hotel noisy but that wasn't our experience.
By the way, we were In Orvieto on Easter Monday, and virtually nothing was closed.
Dec 3rd, 2006, 07:29 AM
#36
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JeanneB and Suki...Locanda Orseolo does look wonderful...wish they had a better breakdown of rates...it looks like the only way to get a fairly exact quote is to request one online from the hotel.
Appears that Residenza Canali ai Coronari and Residenza Coronari are one and the same, but can't seem to find a link with current prices...have found hits on google for years past. Any additional info?
Also...what kind of budget should I expect for food per person per day in Florence, Rome and Venice. I like good food, but it need not be fancy. My Mom told me she paid $12.50 US in Venice for a cup of coffee!
Appears that Residenza Canali ai Coronari and Residenza Coronari are one and the same, but can't seem to find a link with current prices...have found hits on google for years past. Any additional info?
Also...what kind of budget should I expect for food per person per day in Florence, Rome and Venice. I like good food, but it need not be fancy. My Mom told me she paid $12.50 US in Venice for a cup of coffee!
Dec 3rd, 2006, 08:28 AM
#37
Yes, Residenza ai Coronari is just off Piazza Navona on a narrow street known for its antique shops. There were 4 of us and we had 2 connecting rooms and 2 baths and I think we paid 250 euro per night for both rooms. We walked everywhere from this location.
It is definitely worth contacting Locanda Orseolo to get their room rates. The folks who run the hotel are the best hosts I've ever had the pleasure of staying with. The breakfasts are great (they include homemade crepes), and are included in the rate. Again, from memory, I think we paid maybe 165e for a courtyard room, and a littl emore for a small canal view room.
I think you can spend as little or as much as you want on food. There is always pizza for lunch. Venice is probably more expensive than the other two cities. I'd figure 100e per day for food for 2, but really this very variable.
It is definitely worth contacting Locanda Orseolo to get their room rates. The folks who run the hotel are the best hosts I've ever had the pleasure of staying with. The breakfasts are great (they include homemade crepes), and are included in the rate. Again, from memory, I think we paid maybe 165e for a courtyard room, and a littl emore for a small canal view room.
I think you can spend as little or as much as you want on food. There is always pizza for lunch. Venice is probably more expensive than the other two cities. I'd figure 100e per day for food for 2, but really this very variable.
Dec 3rd, 2006, 09:25 PM
#38
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Hi, Deb15July,
We have made two trips to Rome --Lent/Holy Week several years ago, and then last Christmas.
First, if you are going to be in Rome near a major holy day, I'd consider that hotel to be the first to reserve, right after the plane tickets. You are not the only one booking a hotel for Rome during this busy time.
There are several right near the Vatican that would make more sense for you than what is usually recommended on this board (staying near Piazza Navona, in the historic center). On Holy Days the taxi stand lines are incredibly long, and the mass transit is limited. How nice to be able to walk back to your lodgings instead of waiting two hours.
On our first trip we stayed at the Hotel Alimandi at the end of our trip. We liked it for the free shuttle to the airport (which would take care of your taxi on Easter Monday). Be sure to mention you need the shuttle when reserving. Rooms were very small, but updated, and nice modern bathrooms.
My uncle stayed there two weeks this past Christmas on our second trip, and it all seemed as nice or nicer than before -- a breakfast buffet was added. (We were in an apartment.) Staying at the Alimandi puts you across the street from the entrance to the Vatican Museums and about two blocks from a Metro stop.
Another hotel quite near the Vatican (saw reviews and peeked when going by, but have NOT stayed there) the Hotel Sant'Anna. Looked very nice.
Other relatives stayed at the Franklin Feel the Sound, but it did cost more than the Alimandi, and was a bit further from Vatican City. They liked it, but said the plumbing was "a bit quirky." Don't know if they have a shuttle.
Finally a number of convents offer rooms, another uncle and aunt both stayed in one and loved the experience. The sisters were very sweet. These were private rooms and theirs included private bathrooms. It depends on the convent.
If you are so inclined, St. Peter's offers confession in English -- look for the signs or ask a guard for help on that.
The Paulists run the parish for American Catholics in Rome, Santa Susanna, a beautiful church. Their website may be very helpful in planning your trip.
http://www.santasusanna.org/index.html
We enjoyed this book, which looked at the churches and monuments less from an artistic perspective and more a historical perspective:
http://tinyurl.com/yg8sdm
(A Catholic's Guide to Rome, by Frank Korn.)
Not sure if it's always the same weekend, but the Roman Marathon was on Palm Sunday. A great day for a daytrip or use the subway if needed. Just don't try to taxi in and out of the historic center. In Italian, the word for marathon sounds like "martona."
Sorry if this rambled but hopefully it helped some.
We have made two trips to Rome --Lent/Holy Week several years ago, and then last Christmas.
First, if you are going to be in Rome near a major holy day, I'd consider that hotel to be the first to reserve, right after the plane tickets. You are not the only one booking a hotel for Rome during this busy time.
There are several right near the Vatican that would make more sense for you than what is usually recommended on this board (staying near Piazza Navona, in the historic center). On Holy Days the taxi stand lines are incredibly long, and the mass transit is limited. How nice to be able to walk back to your lodgings instead of waiting two hours.
On our first trip we stayed at the Hotel Alimandi at the end of our trip. We liked it for the free shuttle to the airport (which would take care of your taxi on Easter Monday). Be sure to mention you need the shuttle when reserving. Rooms were very small, but updated, and nice modern bathrooms.
My uncle stayed there two weeks this past Christmas on our second trip, and it all seemed as nice or nicer than before -- a breakfast buffet was added. (We were in an apartment.) Staying at the Alimandi puts you across the street from the entrance to the Vatican Museums and about two blocks from a Metro stop.
Another hotel quite near the Vatican (saw reviews and peeked when going by, but have NOT stayed there) the Hotel Sant'Anna. Looked very nice.
Other relatives stayed at the Franklin Feel the Sound, but it did cost more than the Alimandi, and was a bit further from Vatican City. They liked it, but said the plumbing was "a bit quirky." Don't know if they have a shuttle.
Finally a number of convents offer rooms, another uncle and aunt both stayed in one and loved the experience. The sisters were very sweet. These were private rooms and theirs included private bathrooms. It depends on the convent.
If you are so inclined, St. Peter's offers confession in English -- look for the signs or ask a guard for help on that.
The Paulists run the parish for American Catholics in Rome, Santa Susanna, a beautiful church. Their website may be very helpful in planning your trip.
http://www.santasusanna.org/index.html
We enjoyed this book, which looked at the churches and monuments less from an artistic perspective and more a historical perspective:
http://tinyurl.com/yg8sdm
(A Catholic's Guide to Rome, by Frank Korn.)
Not sure if it's always the same weekend, but the Roman Marathon was on Palm Sunday. A great day for a daytrip or use the subway if needed. Just don't try to taxi in and out of the historic center. In Italian, the word for marathon sounds like "martona."
Sorry if this rambled but hopefully it helped some.
Dec 3rd, 2006, 10:21 PM
#39
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Deb - I will be in Italy from 4/18-4/30. Months ago I tried to get a room at La Calcina and they were booked. I will be in Venice 4/27-4/30. Maybe something has opened up since then. I am staying at Pensione Accademia which came highly recommended to me by many people. Good luck.
Dec 4th, 2006, 03:04 PM
#40
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Thanks for the info Madison...I actually was quoted a rate at La Calcina, but am now leaning towards Loacanda Orseolo, assuming I can get a reservation. It's a little more expensive, but got glowing reviews on trip advisor.
5alive,
I'll have to check into your hotel suggestions. You have good points about getting to the airport for departure and being near the Vatican for the holy week activities.
I appreciate everyone's ideas. Keep them coming...
5alive,
I'll have to check into your hotel suggestions. You have good points about getting to the airport for departure and being near the Vatican for the holy week activities.
I appreciate everyone's ideas. Keep them coming...
