My mom and I are traveling to Italy and I was wondering if it is possible to travel around without speaking Italian and without a tour. Would we be able to see the city for all its glory?

If you're approaching it with the notion of not speaking any Italian, you're going to miss so much of what Italy has to offer. You can learn five a words a day. Today would be a good day to start.<BR><BR>Yes, you can "see" the "CITY" (I assume you mean Rome) for all its glory - - but you can kinda do that by watching a video also. To explore, learn and experience, every bit of Italian you learn will add so much more to your trip.<BR><BR>Others will say you will do fine without speaking any Italian - - and it's true you can "get by" - - though you will necessarily limit yourself to many less well-traveled, more rural and "real people" parts of the city of Rome and the country of Italy.<BR><BR>You don't need a tour. But you will benefit from a sense of exploration and learning.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

Thanks Rex, I do like adventure. Where are the good dance clubs in Rome?

http://fodors.com/miniguides/mgresults.cfm?destination=rome@130&cur_section=nig &pg=10<BR>

You're welcome, Jessica.<BR><BR>Oh, and I am a Hawkeye too... residency in Pediatrics, 78-80.<BR><BR>I'm glad you took the suggestion in the constructive conext in which I offered it. With the number one literacy rate in the nation, Iowans should have no trouble learning a little bit of a second language.<BR>

I only partially agree with Rex. For sure a few words in Itlaian will help you both by themselves and because they can make us feel more keen on kelping such a kind person that has leared at leat a few basics. On the other hand do not forget that most Italian youth study a foreign language (which is usually English or French) for at least 3 but more often 8 years at school, so that youy will also be able to speak English (although often only the basics) too.

Hi Jessica,<BR><BR>I agree with Rex. You can get around Italy, especially the larger towns and cities without speaking Italian. However, it is such a beautiful language, and the locals are much more appreciative if you at least try with the basics. In the smaller towns and villages, you may have a harder time, unless you speak French and/or Spanish.<BR><BR>Buon viaggio!

topping<BR>

If you've never been to Italy before and don't speak Italian, I would strongly suggest a tour. My mom and I did a tour in October - great time of year to go. Although it can be a hectic pace at times, its a wonderful way to visit for the first time. See a little of everything, understand the rich history, and eat and drink wine to your hearts content. Then go for another visit on your own at a later time for the sights you didn't get enough of.

I have no suggestions for Jessica, but found the conversation regarding the Italian language interesting. I think it is such a beautiful language and for fun have been trying to learn a bit of it....thinking of a future trips there perhaps. Anyway, I have been to the bookstores and libraries looking for books and tapes and they seem to just barely scratch the surface of the language. Does anyone know of any good internet sites for learning Italian or other languages for that matter?<BR><BR>Thanks for any suggestions.

Jacqueline, what tour group did you use? My Mom went to Italy 30 years ago with her Mom and just winged it. However my grandmother speaks fluent Italian (my great-grandparents were born in Sicily. My Mother knows only the "interesting" words.

Considering a trip to Italy in the future? You might want to read about the option of taking part in a Fodorites' trip.<BR><BR>Let me know if you want to learn more.<BR>

Thanks Rex, need to have all the info you have. We're leaving on Friday for Rome if there is not a ATC's strike

Jessica,<BR><BR>We went a few years ago and just learned a few words to be polite and know if we were getting something to eat that we might not like! We did fine.<BR><BR>My sister did take a tour a couple of years ago to Italy and loved that everything was taken care of for her - getting into sites easily, bus rides, etc. <BR><BR>The bottom line is f you are nervous or would feel uncomfortable take a tour. If not, I would say try it on your own.

To Jessica - - assuming that Jessica (xxx), leaving this Friday is the same as Jessica-kyanka, the original poster.<BR><BR>My comment about a Fodorites trip was directed at mary (grammo2). A Fodorites trip is a self-arranged small group trip of people who come together by virtue of "meeting" here on this forum.<BR><BR>Not a "(day) tour" you sign up to go on, once you get over there - - which appears to be what you are asking about.<BR><BR>No sucu Fodorites' trip currently on the drawing board for the foreseeable future, but the initial inquiry to start trying to assemble one can come anytime, from anyone.<BR><BR>I can simply advise, or take an active role in planning, organizing, leading.<BR><BR>All totally non-commercial.<BR>

up<BR>

You'll be fine in Italy without Italian if you stay in the large cities. Do learn the basic words though just to be polite.

Just returned from two weeks in Italy. I learned just the basics in Italian, I could get on the train, order in a restaurant, make a purchase, ask directions, especially for the WC, etc. I do now wish that I had spent more effort learning Italian. While we did "get by," I can tell you that virutally every Italian we met seemed so friendly when I tried to speak to them that I wish my skills were better. <BR>It is so much fun speaking Italian, almost like singing, except you use your hands more.

We used 'Central Holidays' - landed in Milan, and ending in Rome after 15 days. It was called the 'Magnificent North' Tour. We really enjoyed each stop and found the tour guides really informative and enjoyable. It was great seeing the beauty of a cathedral or duomo or ancient site and learning the history of each. The tour worked great for us because we have no Italian heritage, don't speak Italian, and would never have known the first place to start in visiting Italy. There was also enough down time where we could explore on our own. We're planning to go back in the next year or so! And there are plenty of tour companys out there - reasearch a few and see what works!