ITALY-need yr. help w/ b-day suggestion?
 

Mom is going to Italy 9/15 and need suggestions on what to give her as a b-day present? Problem is B-day is next week and the gift has to take place in Italy. I'm running out of time as to what to get her! Not so worried about budget, just need fresh, new ideas that can take place while she is on her trip? Help! Help! I'm counting on all you Fodorites who have helped me in the past with great information and ideas? Don't let me down now!!! Txs

I dont get it. Are you getting her a gift before she goes on her trip? Or waiting to give her something until she goes on her trip? Are you going on the trip with her?

In 2003 friends sent me flowers to my hotel in Amsterdam for my birthday. What a lovely surprise. I enjoyed them for the 3 days I was there and then I gave them to the deck clerk to enjoy.

Flowers are a very common gift, but to get them in Amsterdam!! Wonderful.

Steviegene - I'll clarify - I am not going on the trip with her and I need it to be something she can enjoy while on her trip aor something for her to do on her trip! Thanks.

Please fodorites - don't fail me. I need all your input to pull off a great birthday surprise!

ok, where in italy is she going?

Context Rome (and Naples,Florence) sell gift certificates.You could treat her to a guided tour of the Vatican Museums,or someplace else that interests her.

www.contextrome.com

Ooh- I like that! A private tour of someplace.

What city will you be in on her birthday?

If it was MY birthday, and I was in Rome, I'd want a private driver to take me to all of the churches "outside the walls" and otherwise a little more difficult to get to.

I too like the idea of a private guide or private tour.

Tracy

OK guys - I like the idea too of the driver - how do I go about getting one? And no, I won't be with her (unfortunately). she will be in Rome for 4 days (with a friend) before moving on to her next stop! But her birthday surprise has to be in Rome. Thanks for yr. help!

I'd find a driver by starting a new thread with a very specific title like: Can you recommend a private driver in Rome?

Thank you - I will do just that! perfect!

travelbuff127,
Try http://www.slowtrav.com/cl/detail.asp?l=1289

Tony can setup a custom tour.

For Steviegene: She's doing Rome for 4 days then our hometown so I can only surprise her with something in Rome. I would give you further info. but she's peeking in on his site for other info so I have tobe careful. Thanks

Massagediva - As this is her 3rd trip, I rather not do any gift certificates. She's a hard woman to please with certain things so I rather it be something general. But I thank you for your input.

Keep it coming fodorites!!!!

Whatever it is, it has to include the friend she's travelling with, no?

So the private driver thing is great.

I know that some company gives a totally private and hugely expensive tour of the Sistine Chapel. I've checked it out on line a few times and drooled, but it was way out of my budget range.

What about her hotel? Do you speak Italian? Can you call them and ask for some suggestions? Maybe they will help you set up a really special dinner.

Asincotto in Trastevere is supposed to be good, and they have a website. You might try them...

And I like the flower idea. My husband had flowers in our room when we arrived, on one occasion. On another occasion, when I was with a friend, he had flowers sent to my room. I thought it was fabulous.

Tuscanlifeedit - many thanks. It will include the person she's travelling with and I did try her hotel already! They were useless! Very dissapointed in their lack of response. No, I don't speak Italian and think the flower idea with her (in particular) would be useless too! She;s a tudd nut and that's why I figured I'd give her the liberty of a driver she can drive mad!!! Yet, I can't seem to find one!!!

Bringing it back to the top for a big MAY DAY time is of the essence and Tony isn't returning e-mails!!!!

Travelbuff, try Jerry Soldo. I have an e-mail address for him, but you may want to phone him.

e-Mail: [email protected]

Cell: 39.06.3482105883 or 39.06.3393488019

Phone: 39.06.97842796 or
39.06.7480960 or

Fax: 39.06.71075721

In Bocca Al Lupo,
BC

Thank you bookchick - I e-mailed Mr. Soldo but unfortunately, it seems no one is responding to my urgent pleas and my Mom's birthday is Tuesday. I absolutely must have something to present to her by then! So Fodorites -any other suggestions wiating for me out there???????

Dear friend, you e-mailed him in what is the middle of the night for him. I'm not saying you shouldn't explore other options, but give him more than a pre-dawn hour to respond. Also, phoning may be the way to go, so don't count it out.

Sincere best wishes,
BC