Italian Wedding Trip
Jul 22nd, 2004 | 07:52 AM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 290
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Italian Wedding Trip
Hi All
Well we made it back (I think). First, I want to just hit the highlights of last week and since you dont know the players, most of the "funny little things" wouldn't mean much to you. Before getting into it, let me take a moment to thank Ira, Elaine, Rex, and many others on this forum for all the guidance and information given to me. All you guys really helped make the 9 days quite memorable. I really appreciate it.
Now -- every story has to have a moral and this one is no exception. It is simply that NEVER AGAIN will I try to orchestrate that many people (8), on that many modes of transportation, with all that luggage, to 4 cities and hotels, in 9 days and do a wedding in the process!!
It didn't help that the morning prior to our departure, I woke up with a really bad sore throat and as such, coughed and sneezed my way through Italy all week. We were not without our challenges however. We left Houston and flew to Amsterdam. An hour later we made the connectin to KLM and on to Rome. Well - we made the connection, but 8 of our pieces of luggage didn't.
We did get them late the following day, however, we were scheduled on the 6:55 Eurostar from Rome to Venice the following moring which we missed. Add to that we also missed the folks in Venice hired to pick us up at the train and water-taxi to the hotel.
Now the first funny situation. You need to understand that each time we loaded or unloaded on a train, bus, etc., there were 8 people and a virtual mountain of luggage to deal with. So when we arrived in Venice, we immediately went into our Keystone Cops luggage routine getting all people and bags on to the platform before the train pulls out of the station. We accomplished that very well and then asked how to get the to the nearest water taxi. This is when we find out that there are TWO Venices, and we had gotton off at the wrong one. The real Venice (the one with the canals) was some 10 miles further on. WHO KNEW!!!!! With that the train guy said that the train just pulling into the station was the last one for the evening to Venice. Here we go trying to get everything back on the train. Well we made it - barely and next stop was the real Venice. I tell you this so in the future, we can advise some novice not to make the same mistake.
Venice -- hotel Concordia which borders St. Marks Square. Wonderful hotel in a beautiful place. A little pricey (270-320/nite). Mid July is not the time to go to Italy unless you really like people. Geez it was wall to wall people. The weather however, was abnormally cool, not getting higher than 83 the entire week. Evenings were lite jackets if you can believe that. Even the natives were puzzled as to why it was so cool. Anyway, being from Texas, it seemed like mid-winter.
Venice was wonderful. The wedding ceremony was at the Palazzo Zenobio which is incredibly beautiful. Wedding went off without anything more major than misplacing the bridal bouquet, and the bride and groom getting such a case of the giggles that the ceremony had to be stopped. Afterward, Gondola ride with Champaigne for an hour or so before dinner.
Dinner was at Antico Martini. It was really magnificent. Again, somewhat pricey but well worth it. Later (about 11pm) we all trouped back to St Marks square. One of the small groups saw the bride and groom and started playing the bridal recessional which attracted everyone's attention and everyone cheered etc. Really cute. Bride, groom and rest of party disbanded, and wife and I remained on the square drinking bellini's and listening to the musical groups on a clear, cool night.
Next day, caught the train to Florence. Again a luggage nightmare, Those city busses to the hotel dont like that much luggage on their bus. As a result we split up and had to take two buses. Stayed at the Pitti Palace hotel which is at the foot at the Ponte Vecchio. Couldn't have picked a better one. Excellent hotel, friendly staff, well managed, with a breakfast on the top floor veranda overlooking the city.
Florence was unbelievable but very crowded. Visited the Accademia and David. The following day, did the Uffizi. Interestingly, we had reservations for Accademia, and none for Uffizi and the wait time was approximately the same. The "go to the head of the line" thing doesnt seem to apply during mid July since there are so many people. Both museums blew me away -- especially David. You simply have to see them.
After the second day in Florence, 6 of the party went on to Rome. My wife and I stayed in Florence the extra day and in the afternoon, caught a train to Siena. Only had 4 or 5 hours in Siena but enough to get a flavor of the place and see the Duomo. I had hoped that it would not be as crowded as the rest, but there was no difference. Still had a wonderful time.
The plan was to go to Piza the following morning for 3 or 4 hours, and beat it back to Florence, catching the 5:30pm Eurostar back to Rome. However, a regional train strike on that day from 11am to 3pm played hell with those plans. Instead we hung out another day in Florence, vistied the Palazzo Pitti, and the Boboli Gardens instead. I highly recommend a visit to anyone with a few hours to spare. That afternoon we left Florence for Rome and the flight out the next day.
About a million pictures taken - will be working on them for a month or so I guess. The trip was expensive, crowded, stressful, tiring and I would do it again tomorrow!
Considering the amount of stuff we tried to pack into a week, I guess we did pretty good. I think however that in the future, summer vacations will be limited to cruises, or to places where maybe not so many folks want to go.
Thanks again guys for all your help --- Next stop -- Austria.
Shrink
Well we made it back (I think). First, I want to just hit the highlights of last week and since you dont know the players, most of the "funny little things" wouldn't mean much to you. Before getting into it, let me take a moment to thank Ira, Elaine, Rex, and many others on this forum for all the guidance and information given to me. All you guys really helped make the 9 days quite memorable. I really appreciate it.
Now -- every story has to have a moral and this one is no exception. It is simply that NEVER AGAIN will I try to orchestrate that many people (8), on that many modes of transportation, with all that luggage, to 4 cities and hotels, in 9 days and do a wedding in the process!!
It didn't help that the morning prior to our departure, I woke up with a really bad sore throat and as such, coughed and sneezed my way through Italy all week. We were not without our challenges however. We left Houston and flew to Amsterdam. An hour later we made the connectin to KLM and on to Rome. Well - we made the connection, but 8 of our pieces of luggage didn't.
We did get them late the following day, however, we were scheduled on the 6:55 Eurostar from Rome to Venice the following moring which we missed. Add to that we also missed the folks in Venice hired to pick us up at the train and water-taxi to the hotel.
Now the first funny situation. You need to understand that each time we loaded or unloaded on a train, bus, etc., there were 8 people and a virtual mountain of luggage to deal with. So when we arrived in Venice, we immediately went into our Keystone Cops luggage routine getting all people and bags on to the platform before the train pulls out of the station. We accomplished that very well and then asked how to get the to the nearest water taxi. This is when we find out that there are TWO Venices, and we had gotton off at the wrong one. The real Venice (the one with the canals) was some 10 miles further on. WHO KNEW!!!!! With that the train guy said that the train just pulling into the station was the last one for the evening to Venice. Here we go trying to get everything back on the train. Well we made it - barely and next stop was the real Venice. I tell you this so in the future, we can advise some novice not to make the same mistake.
Venice -- hotel Concordia which borders St. Marks Square. Wonderful hotel in a beautiful place. A little pricey (270-320/nite). Mid July is not the time to go to Italy unless you really like people. Geez it was wall to wall people. The weather however, was abnormally cool, not getting higher than 83 the entire week. Evenings were lite jackets if you can believe that. Even the natives were puzzled as to why it was so cool. Anyway, being from Texas, it seemed like mid-winter.
Venice was wonderful. The wedding ceremony was at the Palazzo Zenobio which is incredibly beautiful. Wedding went off without anything more major than misplacing the bridal bouquet, and the bride and groom getting such a case of the giggles that the ceremony had to be stopped. Afterward, Gondola ride with Champaigne for an hour or so before dinner.
Dinner was at Antico Martini. It was really magnificent. Again, somewhat pricey but well worth it. Later (about 11pm) we all trouped back to St Marks square. One of the small groups saw the bride and groom and started playing the bridal recessional which attracted everyone's attention and everyone cheered etc. Really cute. Bride, groom and rest of party disbanded, and wife and I remained on the square drinking bellini's and listening to the musical groups on a clear, cool night.
Next day, caught the train to Florence. Again a luggage nightmare, Those city busses to the hotel dont like that much luggage on their bus. As a result we split up and had to take two buses. Stayed at the Pitti Palace hotel which is at the foot at the Ponte Vecchio. Couldn't have picked a better one. Excellent hotel, friendly staff, well managed, with a breakfast on the top floor veranda overlooking the city.
Florence was unbelievable but very crowded. Visited the Accademia and David. The following day, did the Uffizi. Interestingly, we had reservations for Accademia, and none for Uffizi and the wait time was approximately the same. The "go to the head of the line" thing doesnt seem to apply during mid July since there are so many people. Both museums blew me away -- especially David. You simply have to see them.
After the second day in Florence, 6 of the party went on to Rome. My wife and I stayed in Florence the extra day and in the afternoon, caught a train to Siena. Only had 4 or 5 hours in Siena but enough to get a flavor of the place and see the Duomo. I had hoped that it would not be as crowded as the rest, but there was no difference. Still had a wonderful time.
The plan was to go to Piza the following morning for 3 or 4 hours, and beat it back to Florence, catching the 5:30pm Eurostar back to Rome. However, a regional train strike on that day from 11am to 3pm played hell with those plans. Instead we hung out another day in Florence, vistied the Palazzo Pitti, and the Boboli Gardens instead. I highly recommend a visit to anyone with a few hours to spare. That afternoon we left Florence for Rome and the flight out the next day.
About a million pictures taken - will be working on them for a month or so I guess. The trip was expensive, crowded, stressful, tiring and I would do it again tomorrow!
Considering the amount of stuff we tried to pack into a week, I guess we did pretty good. I think however that in the future, summer vacations will be limited to cruises, or to places where maybe not so many folks want to go.
Thanks again guys for all your help --- Next stop -- Austria.
Shrink
Jul 22nd, 2004 | 11:53 AM
#5
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
Welcome back fellow Houstonian! We also live in Houston and are going to Amsterdam to get to Italy. What flight were you on that you could connect into Rome an hour after you got there? We are on a flight into AMS that arrives at noon.
When you say crowded...........how crowded? too crowded to enjoy ourselves? Should we stay in Amsterdam instead? (We only have 4 nights--not 9 days)
THANKS!
When you say crowded...........how crowded? too crowded to enjoy ourselves? Should we stay in Amsterdam instead? (We only have 4 nights--not 9 days)
THANKS!
Jul 22nd, 2004 | 01:14 PM
#6
Original Poster
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 290
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Laura
Our flt was Continental 47 (or 48) leaving IAH at 330pm arriving next morning in Amsterdam at 9:20. Leaving Amsterdam on KLM at 11.
Have never been to Amsterdam -- only thru it. In spite of crowds, I still would do Italy. Maybe stick to small towns -- Lots of them on this forum. Siena, Lucca, etc. Maybe smaller villages not so crowded. Rome very busy. Venice - St Marks square had several thousand people in it during mid day. That was last week. It was peak season - so I dont know how it will be for you. Next time I plan to take Ira and Bobthenavigator's advice and stick to the smaller towns.
shrink
Our flt was Continental 47 (or 48) leaving IAH at 330pm arriving next morning in Amsterdam at 9:20. Leaving Amsterdam on KLM at 11.
Have never been to Amsterdam -- only thru it. In spite of crowds, I still would do Italy. Maybe stick to small towns -- Lots of them on this forum. Siena, Lucca, etc. Maybe smaller villages not so crowded. Rome very busy. Venice - St Marks square had several thousand people in it during mid day. That was last week. It was peak season - so I dont know how it will be for you. Next time I plan to take Ira and Bobthenavigator's advice and stick to the smaller towns.
shrink
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Jul 23rd, 2004 | 03:06 AM
#10
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 74,699
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Hi Laura,
> I am a little overwhelemed at doing the little towns when we have not done the major ones......could we do it with only 4 nights??<
With only four nights, I suggest that you pick one city.
>We can stay in Florence and take a train for the day to Siena??<
It's easier to take the SITA bus.
The bus station in Florenceis around the corner from the train station on Via Santa Caterina da Siena. The bus station in Siena is a short walk from the Il Campo.
> I am a little overwhelemed at doing the little towns when we have not done the major ones......could we do it with only 4 nights??<
With only four nights, I suggest that you pick one city.
>We can stay in Florence and take a train for the day to Siena??<
It's easier to take the SITA bus.
The bus station in Florenceis around the corner from the train station on Via Santa Caterina da Siena. The bus station in Siena is a short walk from the Il Campo.
Jul 23rd, 2004 | 07:38 AM
#12
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 290
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Ira and Laura
Ira - no sweat on the wrong Venice stop. Looking back it was one of the 'highpoints' of the trip. Should have seen 8 of us wrestling 15 pieces of luggage on in a couple of minutes. I really appreciated all your help.
Laura -- by all means go to Siena from Florence on the train. About an hour and a half. Very beautiful trip. Take a bus from the train station to "downtown Siena". You will love it - even if it is crowded.
Shrink
Ira - no sweat on the wrong Venice stop. Looking back it was one of the 'highpoints' of the trip. Should have seen 8 of us wrestling 15 pieces of luggage on in a couple of minutes. I really appreciated all your help.
Laura -- by all means go to Siena from Florence on the train. About an hour and a half. Very beautiful trip. Take a bus from the train station to "downtown Siena". You will love it - even if it is crowded.
Shrink
Jul 23rd, 2004 | 07:42 AM
#13
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Joined: May 2004
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Laura
I agree with Ira that with only 4 nites, maybe pick one city (or 2 at the most). I'm personally biased, but I love Tuscany. If I were in your shoes, I think I would go to Florence and if time permitted, do day trips to Siena, and maybe Piza. You can probably pick up Lucca also, since according to the bus guy, you must change buses there if you go on the bus to Piza. Train to Piza is much easier - only 1 hour -- Bus 3 hours according to bus guy.
I agree with Ira that with only 4 nites, maybe pick one city (or 2 at the most). I'm personally biased, but I love Tuscany. If I were in your shoes, I think I would go to Florence and if time permitted, do day trips to Siena, and maybe Piza. You can probably pick up Lucca also, since according to the bus guy, you must change buses there if you go on the bus to Piza. Train to Piza is much easier - only 1 hour -- Bus 3 hours according to bus guy.
Jul 23rd, 2004 | 07:57 AM
#14
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 185
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Thanks! I am really leaning towards Florence instead of staying in Amsterdam. There is a flight from Amsterdam on Meridiana Airlines to Florence at 6 or 7 pm getting into Florence at 9pm on Sat. Then an oubound flight at 7am on Wed into Amsterdam at 9am with our flight to US at 3:50pm. Lon layovers, but only non-stop between Amsterdam and Florence. (Anyone had any experience with Meridiana?? My only fear is that there is only one flight back to Amsterdam and MUST catch the flight that day back to US!)
SO we would get to Florence late Sat night, have all day Sun, Mon, and Tues in Florence. With EARLY flight to Amsterdam Wed morning.
If museums in FLorence are closed on Mon, I guess we oculd check out Siena that day?
THANKS!!!
SO we would get to Florence late Sat night, have all day Sun, Mon, and Tues in Florence. With EARLY flight to Amsterdam Wed morning.
If museums in FLorence are closed on Mon, I guess we oculd check out Siena that day?
THANKS!!!
Jul 23rd, 2004 | 08:50 AM
#15
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,130
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Welcome back, Shrink! Another native Houstonian here.
Although your trip sounds exhausting, I'm glad to hear you still enjoyed it. Also glad to hear the wedding went off without a hitch. Great news! Sounds like it was a lovely day.
You must have gotten off the train in Mestre (the stop just before Venice). We have heard of people making that mistake often.
I'm also glad to hear that you and your wife got some quiet time alone in Florence before heading to Rome to meet up with the rest of your party. I'm sure you needed the break by that point!
Our next stop is Austria, as well...and back to Venice, of course.
Thanks for the report!
Although your trip sounds exhausting, I'm glad to hear you still enjoyed it. Also glad to hear the wedding went off without a hitch. Great news! Sounds like it was a lovely day.
You must have gotten off the train in Mestre (the stop just before Venice). We have heard of people making that mistake often.
I'm also glad to hear that you and your wife got some quiet time alone in Florence before heading to Rome to meet up with the rest of your party. I'm sure you needed the break by that point!
Our next stop is Austria, as well...and back to Venice, of course.
Thanks for the report!
Jul 24th, 2004 | 11:20 AM
#17
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 290
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Hi Statia
We're actually about 60 miles north of Houston. I cant believe you are going to Austria. When?? We are tenatively planning in over Xmas. I have posted on the Austria forum to test the wisdom of Austria in December. Please stay in touch here.
MGFIT --- you will make a lifetime of memories if you marry in Italy. Go for it, and Good Luck!!
Shrink
We're actually about 60 miles north of Houston. I cant believe you are going to Austria. When?? We are tenatively planning in over Xmas. I have posted on the Austria forum to test the wisdom of Austria in December. Please stay in touch here.
MGFIT --- you will make a lifetime of memories if you marry in Italy. Go for it, and Good Luck!!
Shrink
Jul 25th, 2004 | 08:49 AM
#18
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,130
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Hi Shrink. You must be up near Conroe or Willis.
We are planning to be in Austria for a week the beginning of April and then spend the following week in Venice. I've been to Austria before (way back in high school) but my husband hasn't been, so we are looking forward to it.
Christmas in Austria will be beautiful, I'm sure! I've always wanted to spend Christmas in Salzburg in particular.
We are planning to be in Austria for a week the beginning of April and then spend the following week in Venice. I've been to Austria before (way back in high school) but my husband hasn't been, so we are looking forward to it.
Christmas in Austria will be beautiful, I'm sure! I've always wanted to spend Christmas in Salzburg in particular.
Jul 25th, 2004 | 09:03 AM
#19
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Joined: May 2004
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Hi Statia
A little farther north and way out in the sticks!! A couple of days ago I posted another blurb on the Austria forum here about whether to spend Xmas in Austria or Tahiti. I want the Christmas Card scenes in Austria, but my wife abhors cold weather -- and I can imagine that to a Texan, Austria will be cold in December. If you had to choose between Tahiti and Salzberg in December -- what would it be and why.
Shrink
A little farther north and way out in the sticks!! A couple of days ago I posted another blurb on the Austria forum here about whether to spend Xmas in Austria or Tahiti. I want the Christmas Card scenes in Austria, but my wife abhors cold weather -- and I can imagine that to a Texan, Austria will be cold in December. If you had to choose between Tahiti and Salzberg in December -- what would it be and why.
Shrink
