Just returned from Italy
 

Just returned from Italy – Rome, Florence, Venice, Pompeii, Reggio di Calabria and Capri. Would like to answer any questions about our trip.<BR>Thanks so much to Elaine, Rex and all Fodorites whose help and suggestions were invaluable.<BR>Some brief notes:<BR>·In Rome we stayed in “Margutta” on via Laurina, a few steps from Piazza del Popolo. The staff was very helpful and our room had a terrace with a view of villa Medici. We walked in Rome everywhere, and I think it is the best way to actually see the city.<BR>·It is a wonderful idea to buy tickets to Accademia and Uffici in advance. You don’t have to wait in long line.<BR>·One Fodorite suggested a great way to visit San Marco in Venice: attend the morning mass. We had approximately 40 minutes to enjoy beautiful mosaics while listening to music and service. Normally tourists are rushed through the cathedral, since the line is so long (at least when we were there).<BR>·Trains (especially Eurostar) are a great way to travel in Italy!<BR>·On Capri we had a nasty experience with the hotel Weber Ambassador. We reserved a junior suite with a terrace, and upon arrival late in the evening were given a single room instead. A receptionist promised to make things right next day (after 12:00). Instead of unpacking and relaxing we had to worry about another “relocation”. When in the morning my husband asked the manager how he can reimburse us for this inconvenience, he was told that “this is not America, and we are free to go, since at the pick of a tourist season rooms are in great demand”. Following his “advice” we checked Villa Krupp – a little family run hotel, and were not disappointed. Their staff was very helpful, senorita Donatella (owner’s daughter) gave us plenty of information about Capri (from places to eat to secluded beaches). <BR>·Even rudimentary knowledge of Italian is important: people do appreciate your efforts to communicate. Even though most Italians know English (I am talking about store owners), along with few other European languages, you are much better off understanding some basics (if you asking for directions on a street, it is helpful to understand “right”, “left” and “straight”).<BR>

Please give us your comments on Reggio di Calabria. Were you passing through or did you stay overnight? Did you visit the Museum and see the Bronzi di Riace?

Please send your comments, especially<BR>on Venice. Thanks.

We went to Reggio specifically to see the Warriors of Riace. From Naples it is a 5-hour train ride. If you love history and archaeology, it is absolutely a must! We spend about two hours in the museum; they have an interesting collection of classic art and marine archaeology.<BR>In the evening the Promenade is very busy - virtually the whole town is there<BR>for an evening stroll. And across the strait is Sicily.

In Venice you need at least three full days (nights). We had only two and it was not enough! Venice had the most “fairy tale” flavor of all places we visited. To understand it, you just need to spend an evening on Piazza San Marco, listening to musical competition between two orchestras (Florian and another one across the Piazza), while setting sun paints the Cathedral in all shades of gold.<BR>Definitely try to reserve guided Itinerari Segreti (“Secret Itinerary”) tour of the Doge’s Palace Ph# 041 520 9070, another one 041 522 4951. This is a tour of the secret passages and prisons in and around the Palazzo Ducale (including the story of the famous Jacomo Casanova).<BR>We used vaporetto only twice: from and to the train station. You can walk anywhere, and it is the best way to enjoy Venice. <BR>Prices are higher than anywhere else, so do not get carried away buying souvenirs.<BR>

Sorry I missed this before. A very sincere "you're welcome" - - belatedly.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>