One Week to GO!!!
 

One week left until my wife and I leave for our first trip to Europe on our Honeymoon! We are so excited we can barely focus on anything else this week!

We're starting our trip in Rome - staying at the Empire Palace. After there we move on to the Bernini Palace in Florence, followed by 2 nights at Sofitel Paris le Faubourg in Paris before going home. We're packing just carry-ons and backpacks (with a small folding duffel bag that will be used to store any gifts we purchase along the way) for the trip there and checking bags on the return, planning on doing laundry at some point in Florence.

Any last minute tips/advice/suggestions on travelling in those 3 cities this time of year? Any favorite or recently found cafes around those hotels we should check out?
I've already reserved tickets at the Vatican, and in Florence we've hired a driver to take us to a winery and show us the countryside- Guido with Discover Tuscany (if anyone knows him?).

Grazie and Merci!!!

Congratulations! Take the easily packable silk long johns as cold weather insurance.

How many nights in Rome? I hesitate to make specific recommendations but others may know of special eateries near your hotels. My husband (DH) and I end up eating at the restaurants in sight when we get hungry and are usually happy.

May this be the first of many trips for you!

Here are sonme tips that may help:

TWENTY TERRIFIC TRAVEL TIPS !!

After enjoying 25 trips to Europe, most of them in the past 25 years, here are some tips that we have found helpful. We hope that you agree:

MONEY:
1. Use your CREDIT CARDS for most major expenses[ hotels, car rentals, Ristorantes ] It will provide the best exchange rate and give you a good record after you get home.
2. There is no reason to get local currency until you arrive in Europe. Use the airport ATM for cash. ATMs are everywhere in Europe and work just like your hometown machine—even in English.
3. Bring 2 credit cards and both should have 4 digit PINS. Be sure to tell your CC companies that you are traveling in Europe—check your limits.
4. Forget TRAVELERS CHECKS—they were obsolete years ago.
5. Keep several 1E & 2E coins easily accessible---very convenient.

PACKING:
6. Pack lite and pack smart ! It is too much luggage that signals a typical novice traveler. Your primary rolling bag should not exceed 24”—check it ! Take a smaller carry-on bag that should contain everything you will need to survive if your primary bag does not arrive for 48 HOURS.
7. Pack a canvas tote bag to hold the extra goodies you will buy in Europe. Also consider bringing a wash cloth, liquid soap, raincoat and a hat for bad hair days. Be sure your knife with corkscrew is in your checked luggage.
8. Do not dress to advertise that you are a tourist, although it will likely be evident. Plan your outfits using basic colors and do not be afraid to wear the same outfit 3 days in a row. Try to dress in layers—shirt, sweater, jacket.
9. If you need to save packing space, wear your bulkiest items on the plane [ sport coat, dress shoes, raincoat, sweater etc.]

SAFETY:
I feel safer in Rome or Munich than I do in Miami or Chicago. However, Americans do get targeted by pick pockets and purse snatchers, especially in crowded areas of major cities. Here are some tips that may help:
10. Keep purses/cameras around your neck—do not lay then down.
11. Wear a money belt for those items you cannot afford to have lost. This includes passports, credit cards, travel documents.
12. Stay alert and vigilant— thieves will use DISTRACTION as their tactic.
13. Always lock your rental car and keep nothing in view you want to keep.


WILD CARD TIP:
The best tip I can give to any novice traveler to Europe is to always smile, be respectful, and never forget you are a guest in their country !

TRAVEL TIPS CONTINUED:

CARS AND TRAINS:

Rental cars in Italy can be expensive due to the high mandatory insurance. However, often a car is the best way to see many parts of BELLA ITALIA.
Rail travel is often less costly but can be quite inconvenient in rural areas.

14. Avoid driving in major cities—it is often a real hassle.
15. When driving on the extensive AUTOSTRDA system, be sure to stay in the right lane except when passing. You will need to pay toll as you exit the system—look for the VIA lane to pay by credit card.
16. You will need a driver, a navigator, and a good map. The road signage is good on the major roads, but do not rely on road numbers on secondary roads—that will frustrate you. Do learn to trust the directional signage.
17. Study your daily maps in advance so you can ANTICIPATE decisions.

TRAVEL TID-BITS:

18. Take the time to learn a 50 word vocabulary to include basic courtesies.
19. Learn to use the 24 hour clock and the European way to list a date—both may save you a major blunder [ June 15 is really 15 June or 15/06]. It does make good sense---do we not call it the 15th of June?
20. Here are some TRAVEL TOOLS that you will want to have with you:

• Swiss Army knife with a decent corkscrew.
• Extra batteries for your camera—and/or a dual voltage charger.
• Copies of credit cards and travel documents—including passports.
• Extra reading glasses—I put 3 pairs in different locations.
• Adapter plugs—typically two prongs for round holes
• A flashlight or reading light---rooms are often too dark.


BUON VIAGGIO & BOUNA FORTUNA !!

Wow thank you so much for the swift replies already!! We will have 3 nights in Rome, 4 in Florence and 2 in Paris. Wow Bob those are some detailed and AMAZING tips!! I am definitely going to print this out at the end of this week to make sure we've got your checklist covered!

Just curious - since we aren't checking bags and we know we can't bring a swiss army knife with us, where would you suggest we find a wine bottle opener in Rome when we arrive?
Any other tools/things we should get when we arrive that will be useful (specifically things we cannot bring onto the plane?)

I'm going to make some sight-seeing recommendations. Some of the best art in Rome is free, and you can see it in churches all over central Rome. There's a marvelous statue of Moses by Michaelangelo in San Pietro in Vincoli, a wonderful ceiling by Andrea Pazzo in Sant' Ignazio, paintings by Caravaggio in St. Maria del Popolo, San Luigi dei Francesi, and Sant'Agostino, The Ecstasy of Saint Therese by Bernini in Santa Maria della Vittoria, and lots more that I've forgotten. I'd also try to see the Ara Pacis, an altar from the time of Augustus, and the Capitoline Museum. Congratulations on your wedding, and have a wonderful trip.

We usually buy our wine openers in grocery stores, or small markets.

Stuart:

Wishing you and your bride a life full of happiness and travel! and good luck..(Mazel tov).

You'll want to visit (and perhaps go for the informative tour) the sinagoga in Rome's ghetto (on the Tiber-side Lungo Centi..next to the Teatro di Marcello). Don't be put off by the armed police at front and back entrances...that's just the way it is around the world today. You'll find the same in Florence at the beautiful Moorish-domed sinagoga...just a ten-fifteen minute walk east of the Duomo (only here the police are in a large glass booth, and the buildings, including a museum on the upper floors) are enclosed by a security fence. We recently enjoyed an "ecunemical" Sunday, by observing mass at the Duomo and then going off to the sinagoga for our first visit since 1993 (there was no fence then..but a 24-hour police van was stationed there).

The Moses statue mentioned by sjj above, is the renowned "horned" Moses...the church is a bit difficult to find since it is actually located off Via Cavour (not too far north of the coloseum)...there's a flight of stairs from Cavour to the church (very close to the metro station) and I don't recall any signs.

To add to our resident Navigator's ultra-comprehensible list (pay heed to it), go to any Borders or Barnes and Noble in the SF area and purchase three plastic-coated, folded maps of the "Street Wise" series for Rome, Florence and Paris...they can slip into a jacket pocket of handbag...and are very unobtrusive when opening while meandering.

Stu Tower [email protected]

Stuart...make that Lungotevere Cenci, not Centi.

Congrats Stuart! Having just come back from all three destinations last week here are a few recommendations (please forgive the gastro-centric focus, but it honestly, you are going to some pretty heavy food destinations!):

Rome: Pear Gelato from San Crispino along side a scoop of Valhrona chocolate with maybe another scoop of the fresh fig gelato just because the other two might be lonely. On Piazza Maddalena behind the Pantheon.

Villa Borghese – book your tickets online BEFORE you go and try to get an appointment early in the day. You can add on a tour once you are there (better than the audioguide). Very worthwhile.

Shake off your jetlag with a climb to the top of Saint Peters. You can take an elevator up most of the way, then its 300+ steps to the tippy top where you get an unparalleled view of Rome. The narrow winding staircase follows the curve of the dome of St Peters so you truly feel that you are sandwiched in between the interior and exterior layer of the structure. Even though I had to use my asthma wheezer a few times I would do it again in a heartbeat . A fast, pounding heartbeat.

Florence: Panini from 'ino on Via dei Georgofili, around the corner from the Uffizi entrance and just down the street from the Uffizi olive tree. Deeee-lish. Ask for suggestions and they will point you in the right direction. I would have gone back the next day but our train left too early. Note to self: must have better planning next time.

Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella - the herbalist shop of Santa Maria Novella. Perfumers for Catherine de Medici, Hannibal Lecter and several Popes. The pot pourri is still made by Dominicans according to the original recipe and they have beautifully packaged face creams, room scents, essential oils. You don't have to buy anything to enjoy the setting and get a good sniff. It's located down the street from the church on via della Scala.

Il Latini - some people have been less than thrilled with their diner here, but I found it to be the most delicious steak I have ever had (we live in beef country). The atmosphere is convivial and you'll get to know your neighbors whether you want to or not. Fortunately it's a lively, interesting clientele and you may even end up with an invitation to Sicily for next Christmas (as we did). When your formidable waiter asks you a question just answer "si" and you'll end up with a memorable meal. Just be sure to arrive hungry, very hungry. The restaurant is located on via de Palchetti near the Palazzo Rucellai. Have your hotel make reservations for 7:30 when they open. If you book for later you may end up waiting outside having a complimentary slurp of vino and a bit of local sausage.

Paris: Another great climb is to the top of Sacre Coeur. It will help to work off those calories you’ve been banking from the cacio e pepe, pizza bianco and steak frites. Besides, getting a birds eye view of a city helps to put it in perspective and gives you a great photo op. Look honey, the Eiffel Tower is sitting on your shoulder!

Shop at Monoprix, the Woolworths (or Target) of France. Relive your trip every morning with a tube of French toothpaste or pick up little unexpected gifts. At least get a bit of mustard (Amora is a good brand and sometimes comes in a tube). How are you going to recreate those fabulous salads with out a bit of sinus clearing french mustard?

Bring home another edible souvenir of your trip. Stop at the Poilane bakery on rue du Cherch Midi (between d’Assas and rue de Sevres). Buy a whole round loaf (ask for uncut) and take it on the plane in the paper bag it comes in – no need for plastic wrapping it will only kill the loaf. When you return home you can toast up a slice with a bit of unsalted butter and perhaps some chestnut honey (picked up at Volpetti on via Marmorata in Testaccio, Roma) and sit back and smile. La vie est belle.

Milenmiles - the gastro-centric focus is news to my ears! My wife doesn't eat meat, but I ON THE OTHER HAND will eat ANYTHING! I am going to be printing out this thread before we leave so that I can have all of this advice handy!

Any other "FOOD" for thought for me? If anyone has favorite dishes that I need to try I would love to hear some suggestions on that topic.

Also, my wife LOVES to shop - but she's not a high end girl. She gets a "high" off finding a deal - any specific stores that she can get some good accessories and maybe even a leather "bomber" jacket? She seems to have mentioned that jacket quite a few times these past few weeks.

Call your credit card companies and let them know the dates you will be gone and to what countries. They will note this in your file. Sometimes, if they see foreign charges, card companies put a hold on your card.

"Il Latini...Have your hotel make reservations for 7:30 when they open. If you book for later you may end up waiting outside having a complimentary slurp of vino and a bit of local sausage."

I would actually make reservations for later (9:00) because you get more of a local crowd. Yes, you might have to wait a bit, but be sure and make yourself noticeable and they'll get you in. We had one of our most memorable meals here, sitting with a room full of Italians singing Dean Martin songs (yes wine...lots of it...was involved).

Have fun. If you run into a couple of crazy Americans in Rome next week, that will be us!

((H))

((H))

Definitely going to call my bank and CC companies to REMIND them...I spoke them already but I've heard so many stories of cards being put on hold and accounts frozen because the bank forgets.

We're going to "wing" it in terms of time for restaurants - at least for the first few days. I know our stomachs will be guiding us in that area until we can get used to the time of day there. We don't plan on going to sleep until later at night on our first night so we can acclimate better.

Maitaitmom - if you see two EXTREMELY happy and smiling people running around Rome, Florence or Paris in the next 2 weeks say hi!! That will be US :) We'll keep an eye out for you

Stuart, you are going to have a great time. Don't know if this has been mentioned, but since you have a few days in Rome purchase the Roma Pass that will get you into the first two museums/sites for free and offers discounts at the others on the list (also free metro and bus for three days). Google "Roma Pass" to see which places it covers. If you are going to the Colosseo, use it there as a freebie, but more importantly to skip the line. Beware of Roman Gladiators who want to take your picture (for a fee).

((H))

Stuart,

PLEASE PLEASE write about your trip when you get back. I will be smiling for the next few weeks thinking of you two discovering these incredible cities for the first time.

I agree that a later reservation at Il Latini (or any restaurant) for that matter is a better idea. I just find it challenging waiting that late.

If you are visiting the sinagoga in Rome, there is a restaurant nearby called Dal Pompiere that serves a luscious lemon tagliolini. Located on Via S. Maria dei Calderari off of Piazza Cinque Scole - the restaurant is located upstairs.

As for a bomber jacket, prices may not be lower than in the states, but Florence is a leather center. Just be careful that the quality isn't lower than the price.

Buon viaggio Stuart et Signora Shapiro

wishing you more joy than your heart can hold...

The clerk in the wine store opened the bottle for us! Then we bought one from him another time!

bob's the bomb!

I have always counseled travelers to learn to say 'good day', 'please', 'thank you' and 'good bye' in the appropriate language if they don't have time to learn anything else.

Always greet people with whom you come in contact.

Another useful phrase to know:

mescolati, non agitati

shaken, not stirred

(comes in handy for all sorts of things!)

<i>If you are visiting the sinagoga in Rome, there is a restaurant nearby called Dal Pompiere that serves a luscious lemon tagliolini</i>

Stuart, I heartily second this choice of <b>Pompiere</b>..as MilesandMiles says it's second floor (of an old fire house)...also try the Jewish-style artichokes (carciofo...kahr-cho-fo) and zucchini flowers...the baked cod in tomato sauce is deee-licious...good spot for lunch...just a few blocks from the sinagoga. Reasonable prices.(Thanks for the heads up, Miles!)

stu

I know DW wants to head over to the Jewish part of town (we are Jewish (for those of you who I haven't written with before). She heard there was some good shopping in that area...to hear that there is good food makes me very excited to know I'll have something to do while she shops!!! :) I'm a huge fan of artichoke and zucchini so those two items will now be added to my must haves! I'm really looking forward to try new foods so that I can add them to my repetoire (sic?) of recipes at home!

We've printed out a few sheets of "must know" phrases for Italy and France, but I've also downloaded some stuff to my Ipod touch that will be able to give us some help on that area too.

This will be my first vacation since I've become a member on here so you can bet your a** I'm going to write a trip report! I never would've learned as much as I have for this trip without scouring this site for trip reports and asking questions. I want to make sure the next guy/girl in my shoes will be able to use the information I've learned and I want to share with everyone who's given me information that I've taken their advice!

We leave next Monday so keep the good tips coming!!!

THANKS AGAIN!

Oh and Maitaitom I will be getting the Roma Pass when we land in Rome. I read about it on here and it seems like a very good investment (all big cities should have something like this!), but I decided against purchasing it online for I read that I'd have to pick it up at the kiosk at FCO anyways...

Stuart...for you and your wife (how does that sound??), when in Paris plan to spend some time in and around Rue des Rosiers in the heart of The Marais district. Perhaps a lunch at Marianne's, or L'as due Fallafel, and incredile pastry at Sacha Finkelsztajn's (small building painted yellow, across from Marianne's) or at Florence Finkelsztajn's down the street....many shops, some upscale, others moderate in and around the aformentioned street...even a kosher sushi bar!

Visit the fairly new Jewish Museum, near the Picasso...both in the Marais. Fair warning, you may be drafted for a <i>minyan</i> if you're there in the early morning or late afternoon...the <i>Chabadnicks</i> are lurking everywhere. It might be an interesting experience for you (wife not invited). I did once several years ago, in a <i>shtiebel</i> (storefront synagogue) and they made me feel like a visiting dignitary, even tossed an <i>aliyah</i> my way. They probably thought I had deep pockets...surprise!!

Have a great time, you two love birds!!

stu tower

Haha I hope I don't get called for an aliyah! If it happens though, it'll be a good story to tell :)

Sushi is our one of our favorite foods to eat, we just might have to try to find that place...although we already have a hard time understanding the menu here I'm sure we'll have an even harder time there!

Almost to mid-week, I feel like I'm counting the seconds until we leave!

If you take a picture of sushi, be sure to do it in Raw....




[stolen from a photo colleague]

Stuart...two sushi bars are right on Rosiers...a few doors down from L'as and Marianne's. Here are some pics of the street...

stu tower

http://picasaweb.google.com/stuartto...MaraisPix2006#

Here's some good advice - slip Florence. Go to Venice or someplace else.

Florence is the most overrated place in Europe. There is little there but thr Cathedral and a bunch of museums. If you are into that kind of thing fine. But it is amazing how people who would never bother going across the street to a museum at home get cowed buy guidebooks and the art Nazi's on diascussion sites like this intro thinking that they absolutely, positively must go to museums in Europe.

Goodness, Imhornet. Art Nazi's, indeed! If the museum across the street had a Raphael in it, damn straight I'd visit it.

What made you choose to participate with Fodors?

Al Pompiere is indeed a good restaurant. Another good one in the old ghetto is Gigetto near the Portico di Ottavia. Also, if you're in the area try to get to Largo Torre Argentina,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Largo_di_Torre_Argentina

It's close to Via Arenula, the western boundary of the ghetto, and consists of a sunken area containing several Roman temples along with innumerable cats - its a cat sanctuary.

Rome is my favorite European city, and I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Mazel Tov to you and your bride.

Stuart and bride...I have a Hanukkah present for you...as of this morning the Euro has weakened to 1.45...that means a 5-6 drop since ten days ago....don't go wild with it.

Have fun, kids..

stu

more like a month ago...

What a wonderful trip you have planned! If you have time in Florence, may I suggest taking the #7 bus to Fiesole? It is beautiful and has some nice little restaurants away from the crowds of the city. I believe the hop on/hop off bus also makes the trip. I also second the suggestion for visiting Rue de Rosiers in Paris. L'as du Falafel is delicious and the surrounding neighborhood is very charming. Congratulations and have a great time!!

<b>TDudette</b>

<i>Here's some good advice - slip Florence. Go to Venice or someplace else.</i>

The "HORNET" stings again...see this grossly insulting trashing by her on Elaine's comprehensive TR on Istanbul and Ephesus thread....who the hell IS this person?

Stu
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-july-2009.cfm

Your time in Paris is quite short so you will have to prioritize, but for "Romantic" this time of year (unless you have deep pockets to really go all out)I would recommend dinner at La Duree's on the Champs Elysee. Ask for a table in the Salon Castiglione (upstairs) and reserve on-line...so easy.

Last Sunday we took the #72 bus from Chatelet direction Port Muette, skirting along the Rue de Rivoli and the Louvre, around Place de la Concorde and the lit-up 4-star hotels traversing the Champs with a full view of both ends and the Eiffel Tower (just happened to be at the top of the hour and we caught the special light show as well) and got off at the Grand Palais/Seine River. Preferring to stand in the middle of the bus along the window provided great photo-ops in a warm environment. Yes, we could have taken a taxi, but it was fun being among the Parisians.

We then walked back one block to the Champs and visited the Christmas market, which was very festive,on our way to La Durees. People in the right line were almost backed out the door trying to get a table for dinner (the line of the left is for those buyinng macarons/pastries in the shop) so I was glad I had reserved on line.

Being a little early, we went for an apertif in their fantastic Art-Deco Bar. The prices for "coctails" are rather stiff but I had a glass of white moelleux wine that was divine, and an even more reasonable choice of a glass of Rose can be had for 6 euros. Very, very romantic.

AT 8:00 we skipped the line and were taken up the marble stair case to our table. Dinner was excellent and the vignette-style view of the Champs from the second story window framed in holiday lights and decorated pine boughs was unbelievably beautiful.

I also like that the "formule" menu includes, besides dessert, 2 macarons -flavors of your choice- which they will ceremoniously box upfor you if you just can't eat another bite. (This way I get one of their beautiful boxes AND get to prolong the enjoyment for the next day. Yum!)

When we were finished, we completed the evening by walking the short distance down to the Arc de Triomphe before taking the metro (cross the Champs onto the opposite side for quickest access to the underground walkway/metro)at the Etoile. Or we've also done taxi from a taxi stand if we felt we'd enjoyed a little too much wine with dinner (great way to see Paris by night and get home with a little energy left for some Midnight Romance, being newly-weds and all :) )

I'd be glad to email you pictures if you want.

just one note about France, Paris specifically .. first enjoy yourself .. it is a wonderful city.

But note .. that in the US we tend to think that everything is rushed and servers, specifically wait staff at restaurants, are to be at our beck and call.

Well what we experienced in Paris was much different .. we ate wonderful meals and when we were finished the waiter presented us with our bill and most of the time, never came back (except to collect). Here in the US some would consider that rude .. there .. it is just the culture .. they give you your space .. to sit, relax and enjoy your meal and your company. If the weather permits .. enjoy eating on the Champs-Elysees .. what an expereince in "people watching".

Wishing you a wonderful life and a fantasic trip.

Thank you everyone for all the well wishes and the amazing advice! And let the Euro v Dollar keep on dropping!!! such a nice present!
I've just printed this whole thread out - disregarding anything that "Hornet" wrote, obviously that guy's got a little extra holiday cheer to spread around.

I know we've got a short time in Paris, but fortunately some really good friends have gotten us standing reservations at their favorite restaurant (the name escapes me at the moment) and they've also booked us a champagne tour on the Seine (wedding present from them) I will be posting pictures when we return and I will do my best to write a detailed trip report for everyone to enjoy!

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to everyone!! Europe - here we come!

You can download some free audio podcasts for Italy and France touring...

http://www.ricksteves.com/news/podcast_menu.htm

Klondike:

you wrote:<i>I'd be glad to email you pictures if you want.</i>

How about letting us all enjoy the pics? Please post when you can....very few Fodorites are reluctant to share their pics.

stu

Stuart: Bon Voyage and enjoy the Seine Champagne Tour! Maybe we're odd ducks, but we almost always do a Vedettes du Pont Neuf cruise each time in Paris just for the beauty and relaxation of it.

Stu: It's not that I'm reluctant; sheepishly, it's that I'm pretty ignorant of the technology to post pix on line--more because I just haven't had the time to research how to do it up to now.

But my last house guest for the year was delivered to the airport yesterday and I have the next couple of weeks off, so I should find myself with some free time to figure this out.

Cheers!

klondike

If any of us can be of help, please signify...we'd be happy to. I use Google's Picasa...but I'd bet almost every pic storage, edit and display method is used by someone on the Forum...let us know.

stu