paqrtravis

Hello All,

My girlfriend and I leave for Italy in one week for 11 days, and we are both very excited.

My question is....I know there are interesting things that people have gone to or done that are not in a book. Would love to hear some ideas.

We fly into Venice, head by train to Florence, maybe a trip to Pisa, then try to hit the Amalfi coast before heading to Rome, which is where we leave from.

TravMimi

Sounds like a great basic plan. Let people know about what things interest you and you'll get many great ideas here.

missypie

This is not a site to see, but something not in a book: I needed a lot more cash in Italy than I needed in Paris. In Paris, virtually everyone but the crepe vendors on the street took credit cards. In Italy, we seemed to always be at the ATM.

If you reserve ticket to climb the leaning tower in advance, be sure to take your passports with you. I'd prepaid for 5 tickets. They wanted my passport as ID; we had to BEG to get them to take my driver's license for ID.

paqrtravis

thanks!

our interest are to just suck it all up. no real plans and we just want to go where the day leads us. we do plan on eating and drinking a lot we just want to appreciate that we are in Italy, and remember it as much as we can.

the only thing that is a must is the Vatican, otherwise everything else in between.

thanks for the ATM update

TravMimi

You already sound like you are going to have a great trip. I like your travel style. Vatican hint. Museums are free last Sunday in the month, can we say crowds?!!! check all museum websites, most are closed Monday, a few are mean and surprise you with Tuesday closings.

missypie

Along the same line, check the times for things you want to see in Florence...closings are crazy there...some places are closed, for example, the first, third and fifth Sundays of the month. I think most (all) of the museums are closed on Mondays.

Can I implore you to add one more "must see" in Rome? The Galleria Borghese. Book in advance to make sure you get in. The sculpture is amazing...I've never been a huge sculpture fan, but what you see there is truly incredible.

Dayle

Another hint: most museums don't take credit cards! Make sure to keep a good supply of small bills to pay your admissions and audioguide rentals. They are NOT prepared to give change for all the large Euro notes dispensed to tourists out of the ATMs!

It is also required to eat gellato at least once a day.

Buon viaggio!

ira

Hi P,

You have a good plan in Venice, Florence, Rome.

There is one possible flaw:
March weather on the Amalfi coast can be cold, rainy, windy and foggy.

Many hotels and restaurants don't open until April 1.

I suggest heading to Rome and checking the weather before going to the AC.

Enjoy your visit.

TravMimi

I mentioned checking museum times because you can be surprised. Archaeological Museum in Naples is closed Tuesday. Mammamia cio e' Napoli!!

paqrtravis

thanks everyone...keep them coming!

I love all the info, it just makes you more and more excited.

This is the first for the both of us to Italy by the way, and her first time across the pond at all, so I am more excited for her.

paqrtravis

forgot to ask, how do you book in advance for museums or other things? I might be really blonde in this question, but I really have no clue, and it sounds like at some places it is a good idea.

mkf99

You can go onto the museum's website and get their e-mail address and request a reservation that way. Each one might have their own procedures for making reservations. Make sure you print your confirmation and bring it with you to the museum. Or, your hotel may also be able to make the arrangements for you.

mpoohcol

When we went to Italy one of the few paid tours we took was one on the amalfi cost...It was just a ride on a bus, but what a view...Loved it!
So if you can go there,it will be very nice.
I know you said that you don't really plan on drinking or eating a lot but the wine is excellent and way cheaper than a coke...so enjoy the wine!

TravMimi

Here is a hint if you go to see Il Davide where I take people quite often. There are 2 lines. Looking at the door the one on the right is a real line (no reservations) the one to the left isn't so much a line but people holding their email reservations forming a "line". There is a little crowd that forms around the door when the man comes out. They are waving around their emails. Go up there around your reservation time. Don't worry you aren't cutting in line. It is confusing I know, and torture to people there who don't know this.

halfpint

They said they DO plan on eating and drinking a lot. Halfpint

ira

Hi P,

>how do you book in advance for museums or other things?<

Uffizi and Academia Museum Reservations
The easiest and cheapest way is to call Florence 1016868 (dial around number), 011 (U.S. international access code) 39 (Italy's country code) then 055-294-883 8:30-18:30 M-F and 8:30-12:00 Sat. Florence time. You will get an English speaking operator and in 2-3 minutes YOU CAN RESERVE FOR BOTH. This is through the reservation service at the Uffizi and costs beyond the normal entry fee only about 3 euro for the service. This is MUCH cheaper than the commercial booking services.

You will not be charged for the reservations unless you use them.

Secret Itineraries tour of Doge’s palace Phone number is 011 39 041 520 9070. English-speaking operator.

You will not be charged for your tickets if you don't go on the tour.

Enjoy your visit.

TravMimi

For Sorrento if you go: It's in books but most tourist never get there. Vallone dei Mulini. It's a gourge with old mill ruins. It's only a few hundred meters up Via Fuorimura from Piazzo Tasso. It's quite a surprise when you come up on it.

zorba_01

When you are in Venice have a "Mozzarella in Carrozza" in "Calle delle Rasse" (this last is the adress).
Mozzarella in carrozza is fried mozzarella cheese filled with anchois or ham.
You got to try it

LJ

Not in a book, but (I hope) useful hints...

Go to Fiesole and visit the Etruscan Museum and grounds at twilight-take the bus back down pretending you are from Firenza and returning home from work.

Don't buy pizza, coffee, gelato et al at the place closest to the exit/entrance of ______Museum/Gallery. It will invariably be more expensive/less tasty than any other.

Do bring your indigestion remedy of choice: Italians are either impervious to this malady or I never cracked the code for "Like a fool, I ate too much and am suffering for it" in the local Farmacia.

As others have mentioned, be prepared with change...even the most charming cashier can turn surly if you don't at least attempt to make change. And the smaller, less touristy and "authentic" the town, the surlier the clerk.

Have a wonderful trip!

SeaUrchin

Put a little note pad in your purse, it will come in handy when you have to write directions, bus #'s, train #'s, addresses, etc. during the day. I use it to write down where and what we ate and quick notes to put in a journal at the end of the day (hopefully).