help w/ decisions for Italy
Nov 15th, 2002, 08:12 PM
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
help w/ decisions for Italy
Our daughter will spend second semester in Florence and we will be going over to see her at semester's end. We were thinking of renting an apartment for a week or so in Florence and just hanging out and seeing the city. Any thoughts on this plan and nearby "don't miss" sights?<BR>She is quite fine with the plan and because we have traveled a good deal we don't feel compelled to see it all in a week. Have spent time in Rome so know we will enjoy the country. Also the weekend we arrive is my husbands' 60th b-day my daughters 21st b-day and Easter! Tho we would like to stay longer $ and time will be tight and she will be anxious to be home.<BR>any ideas.....? and thanks<BR>.b
Nov 16th, 2002, 11:15 AM
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
<<We were thinking of renting an apartment for a week or so in Florence and just hanging out and seeing the city.>><BR><BR>I have to think that this is the best plan.<BR><BR>Best don't miss? a place that won'r be in her budget as a student - - go out to dinner at Villa San Michele in nearby Fiesole, and watch dusk descend over the city. A delightful sight.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>
Nov 17th, 2002, 04:24 PM
#7
Guest
Posts: n/a
bkf, my daughter is in Florence this semester at Scuola Lorenzo de'Medici. Good idea to go near the end of the semester, as your daughter will be able to show you around by then. As for the student visa question. You can download a student visa application from the Italian Consulate online site (I dont have the url handy; do a quick search on google), but your daughter will need to go in person to actually apply for the visa. Depending on where you are in the States (I assume that's where you are?) the lines can be quite long, so get there early. They have odd hours, and will only take a certain number of people on a given day. It takes about two weeks to get the visa after you turn in the application. I think the cost was around $25.00. Also, check out apartments for your daughter, as opposed to living at the school. Rents are reasonable, especially if she has one or two others to share with. Feel free to email me if you have other questions, although I'm leaving for Firenze on Thursday! Be back after TG.
Nov 17th, 2002, 06:28 PM
#8
Guest
Posts: n/a
Hello bkf: Why not stay in one of the 8-10 convents and or monasteries in Florence? A number of them also have many paintings and frescoes which your daughter might enjoy too. Besides the cost (compared to hotels/apts) is much less. Hope this helps. Ken L
Nov 17th, 2002, 06:34 PM
#9
Guest
Posts: n/a
US- Your spelling is so bad one isn't able to make plans based on your suggestions - tsk tsk!!<BR><BR>It's San Gimignano, not San Gimanano. Not even close, US. Tsk tsk!<BR><BR>You'd think if you'd been there, you'd at least remember the spelling of the name.
Nov 17th, 2002, 06:40 PM
#10
Guest
Posts: n/a
Spelling Maven,<BR><BR>Thank you so much for your correction. <BR><BR>I'd have never been able to sleep tonight knowing the severity of my error. <BR><BR>Next time, I'll either take the time to look into our scrap books, or I'll go downstairs and get the coffee table books or I'll use my Atlas which is in the same room as my office...or I'll just continue to put up with comments from some frustrated dork like you!<BR><BR>US
Nov 17th, 2002, 06:45 PM
#11
Guest
Posts: n/a
Uncle Sam:<BR><BR>Thank you. I do recommend that you do some research next time before you post. That way, if the poster wants to follow up on the recommendation, either by way of the internet or using an index in a travel book, he/she can actually make use of your information. Spelling the name of a VERY popular place wrong for a newbie can make the difference between that person's being able to get info about the place or not. Pretty simple, no?
Nov 18th, 2002, 06:49 AM
#14
Guest
Posts: n/a
thanks for all your help.....slowtrav.com is terrific and we may have found "the perfect"apartment but am curious about the convent thing....sounds a bit like the paradors in Spain in terms of authentic old feel but as a recovering Catholic I am not so sure...! Anyone know about this area-"Borgo Pinti"street?<BR>strating to want to go NOW!<BR>bkf
Nov 18th, 2002, 09:26 AM
#15
Guest
Posts: n/a
BKF - You may want to look at my trip report from June. My daughter was on a Study Abroad program in Florence. The report is long, so you may want to skip directly to the Florence part. In there I mention a fun restaurant on Borgo Pinti, called La Giostra. Borgo Pinti is a narrow pedestrian street.
Nov 18th, 2002, 09:30 AM
#16
Guest
Posts: n/a
BKF - Sorry, posted too soon! Here is the URL for my trip report:<BR><BR>http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessa...mp;tid=1384279
Nov 18th, 2002, 11:03 AM
#17
Guest
Posts: n/a
Terry - just read your trip report, nice job. I was intrigued by your mention of the Fattoria dell Colle and explored their website. I am going to Italy next summer for 4 weeks with 2 small children in tow. I'm wondering if this would make a good "base" to operate from and how feasible trips to Rome / Florence would be? Any thoughts you have or further comments on the farm would be great. Thanks.
Nov 19th, 2002, 08:51 AM
#18
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mike,<BR>I would recommend Fattoria dell Colle for a portion of your four week trip. It is a nice base for exploring rural Tuscany. For example: Siena, San Gimignano, Pienza, Montepulciano, etc.<BR><BR>It is very tranquil at Colle, and there is a small restaurant on site. Must make your reservation in the morning, if you are planning on dining there. There are scheduled activities for the families that might be of interest. There were several families there during our stay. Youngest child appeared to be about three years old. <BR><BR>From Colle, it is about a 20 minute drive to the A1 that will take you north to Florence or south to Rome. Personally, I think you would be too far from Rome for a day trip, but Florence might work. <BR><BR>My preference for you would be to plan on staying a couple nights in Rome. It would be nice to have a hotel to go back to if the children should need a rest. Hope this helps some.<BR>Terry <BR><BR>
