I WANT AN INEXPENSIVE TRIP TO ITALY!!
ROME: Of course the Coliseum and the area surrounding it. Make sure you see the Pantheon - it is really cool, but check the hours (we got there 10 minutes it closed). Piazza Novona is neat and Trevi Fountain is a fun place to hang-out at night. We saw the Vatican, but were disappointed at not seeing the Sistine Chapel - try to see it. Note: Book at least your first night ahead of time. It's no fun getting off a plane, a train, and then searching for a hotel in a strange city.
VENICE: Loved this city so much we stayed an extra day. St. Peters Square is fantastic and you have to take a gondola ride even thought they're overpriced. Just wander - there is no city like this in the world. Nearby glass-making island Merano (sp?) is interesting. Email me and I'll find the name of number of the simple, cheap and clean pensione we stayed in.
FLORENCE: Least of our favorites, but we're not as iterested on museums, etc. GO SEE DAVID. Unbelivable at 16 feet tall. Go to the top of the Duomo (large church). Shop for hours on the Pointe Vecchio (sp?) bring for a neat piece of jewelry.
Any other questions, email me and I'll do my best to help. You'll love it!
to Italy. However, all of the big cities have the same mutual problems-----the 3 "C's"-----cost, crime, and crowds. If you want to explore the best
of Italy and control the cost then consider staying
outside the cities. I you desire more input then
contact me directly.
For sights to see, I was disappointed in Florence (way too crowded, and not much going on after you saw David), and loved Venice! Get the Rick Steve's guide and do his Osteria (wine bar) tour there--too much fun. There also isn't much going on in Milan. I heard Pisa was overrated as well. Rome was great. I liked touring the Foro Romano, although don't go during the heat of the day--I thought I was going to faint. Allow a full day for the Vatican. The night-time City walk was fun too. I didn't find any part of Italy any more dangerous than any other city--there were a few pickpocketing children in Florence, but that was all. We also made it down to Pompeii, which was really something to see. And the smaller towns, like Assisi and Siena are nice too. You can get to all of these places via train, which I highly recommend!
Monica
We plan on visiting my fiance's grandmother there in a small village. He is familiar with Italy because he is Italian and has been there many times. His recommendations for me was to plan only two meals a day, which will cut your costs down and it makes sense because they don't eat breakfast over there anyway. Also, avoid the big cities. I know Rome is must for most, but once again, it is crowded and very expensive. Try visiting small cities or towns and you will not only see more but you cut your costs as well.