I spent a week in Italy, returned 5/17/00; 3 nights in Rome, then 3 nights in Florence, followed by my last night in Rome. The following views reflect my personal experiences and are only meant as an F.Y.I. (for your information). Note: prices are in Italian Lire/admissions indicated are per adult. (US$1.00 = Lit 2,000 approximately) <BR> <BR>ROMA: <BR> <BR>One way fare from Fiumicino Airport to Roma Termini train station: 16,000 (** be sure to validate your ticket prior to boarding the train, there are machines located at the station near the train tracks) <BR> <BR>Colosseo: 10,000 <BR>English speaking guide (at Colosseo): 6,000 <BR> <BR>Vatican Museum: 18,000 <BR> <BR>Galleria Borghese: 14,000 <BR>(Note: photos (cameras) and video taping are not allowed, you will have to check them before being allowed into the Galleria) <BR> <BR>Palatino/Museo: 12,000 <BR> <BR>Catacombe (S. Callisto): 8,000 (closed Wednesdays) <BR> <BR>Accommodations: <BR> <BR>Albergo Romano (5 min walk to Colosseum) <BR>phone: 06.6795851 <BR>email:
[email protected] <BR> <BR>135,000 per night/single room with private bath; breakfast included <BR> <BR>Santo (at the concierge's desk) was very helpful, friendly and has an adequate command of English. The accomadations were sparse, but clean and adequate. I would definitely consider staying here again. <BR> <BR> <BR>Hotel Bel Soggiorno (5 min walk to Termini) <BR>phone: 06.4881701 <BR> <BR>100,000 per night/single room with private bath; breakfast included <BR> <BR>While this hotel was conveniently located near the train station, I did not feel very safe in the building the hotel is located. You take a tiny elevator to the 5th floor, there's a staircase as well, however, very dimly lit, and dirty. The people at the concierge's desk were friendly, helpful and speak english. The room was clean, sparse, but adequate. Though the breakfast was quite lavish by Italian standards, I would not stay here again. <BR> <BR>Dining: <BR> <BR>Edy (near Piazza del Popolo) <BR>Vc. d. Babuino 4 <BR> <BR>38,000 (dinner for one, including tip) <BR> <BR>Highly recommend this restaurant. Very good food, attentive service and reasonable prices. <BR> <BR>Ristorante Al Ragno d'Oro <BR>Via Leonina 30-31-33 <BR> <BR>Prices were reasonable, tasty food, but nothing exceptional. <BR> <BR>FIRENZE (FLORENCE): <BR> <BR>2nd class/ one-way fare from Roma Termini to Firenze Santa Maria Novella station: 26,300 <BR> <BR>Galleria degli Uffizi: 12,000 <BR> <BR>Galleria dell'Accademia: 12,000 <BR>(Michelangelo's DAVID) <BR>(Note: I went on a Sunday morning, around 9am, I had no reservations, waited approx. 20 minutes on line) <BR> <BR>Giardino de Boboli (Boboli Gardens): 4,000 <BR>Breathtaking view of the countryside; lovely spot for a picnic. <BR> <BR>Dining: <BR> <BR>Trattoria Il Tirabuscio <BR>Via dei Benci <BR> <BR>Unpretentious restaurant; excellent service, delicious food. <BR> <BR>42,000 (dinner one person/includes tip) <BR> <BR>PISA: <BR> <BR>Day trip from Firenze; approximately an hour and ten minutes from Firenze S.M.N. train station: round-trip ticket 16,000 <BR> <BR>Various museums/Baptistery/Cathedral: combination ticket (allows entrance to 5 sites): 18,000 <BR> <BR>(NOTE: the tower is surrounded by a partition , to allow construction to take place; however it is still an amazing site) <BR> <BR>Other information: <BR> <BR>For the Papal Audience, arrive at least an hour and a half early (Wednesday mornings at 10am). I contacted the Church of Santa Susanna in Rome and was able to pick up my ticket the night before the Wednesday audience. (Unfortunately I don't have the phone number, but it can be found on the web). Very moving ceremony (and is conducted in several languages: English, Spanish, German, French). <BR> <BR>The gelato (ice cream) is delicious. <BR> <BR>Be prepared to walk for what seems like forever; wear comfortable shoes. <BR> <BR>The subway system in Rome is pretty uncomplicated (only two lines A & B). I had no troubles riding the trains (if you travel during rush hours-early morning or late afternoon-be prepared for the crowds & lots of pushing). <BR> <BR>If you're not fluent in Italian, a dictionary may be helpful. It's always a good idea to know basic phrases (good morning, how much is it, etc...). <BR> <BR>I found the Italian men to be quite aggressive, but nonetheless charming. (I was travelling alone, that might be why i encountered so many of them). <BR> <BR>As far as gypsies, I didn't have too much of a problem. Unfortunately, I did see several PREGNANT women begging with small children. <BR> <BR>There are dozens of piazzas.....great for strolling, people watching, meeting locals, enjoying a gelato (you get the idea). <BR> <BR>The food is delicious, the people friendly, the sites beyond words. Had a great time. <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>