Thanks for the help!
Sep 14th, 2008, 10:25 AM
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Thanks for the help!
My daughter and I had a fabulous firsit trip to Venice-Florence-Rome earlier this year, greatly aided by help from this forum. Your advice to do the planning myself made for a trip we'll never forget; we can't wait to go back! Here are some of my notes and links from this forum that was especially helpful:
Reach Venice from Marco Polo airport:
Water taxi
Right out of the airport, you find the bus area. There are two types of busses that leave from the airport towards Venice, just take the first one you see as they have different schedules, either service run all day. The ATVO private line (blue bus) takes you directly to Venice Piazzale Roma; the cost per person, luggage included, currently amounts to 3 Euro and the trip takes 20 minutes. The ACTV public line (orange bus number 5) takes you to Venice Piazzale Roma in 25 minutes, after making several stops. The cost of the ticket is 1 Euro: rigid suitcases and those bigger than 50cm x 50 cm are charged by 1 Euro, hand luggage like trolleys and soft bags are not charged.
When you've claimed your baggage, go to the money-exchange window and buy euros. Better yet, use the Bancomat (ATM), where you're likely to get a better exchange rate.
Hotel Antiche Figure Santa Croce 686, Venice Italy--very nice!
Venice eats
Alla Zucca, (the Pumpkin) Excellent! Have hotel make reservations.
Osteria Al Portego, a very small place, quiet, locals, even though it was close to the Rialto Bridge going towards S.Stae stop.
Osteria alla Botte, www.osteriaallabotte.it. Campo San Bartomelo (foot of Rialto Bridge)
TRATTORIA ALLA MADONNA, on calle Madonna between San Silvestro and Rialto bridge-(vaporetto Rialto) is one of the best, and most popular restaurants in Venice for Venetians and tourists alike. Very charming Venetian interior.
Venice activities
• St. Mark’s Basilica—Free; Piazza San Marco
• Ducal (Doge’s) Palace—Secret Itineraries Tour ($16); contact hotel to book; Piazzo San Marco *Secret Itineraries tour of Doge’s palace Phone number from US: 011- 39- 041- 520 9070, more than one day in advance. English-speaking operator. No charge if you don't go on the tour.
If I only had 1.5 days (my first trip there was that short), I'd do the Secret Itinerary Tour, visit the Basilica, ride up and down the Grand Canal, go to San Giorgio, walk the Zattere at sunset, visit the Friary
TRAIN
Trenitalia.com
Venezia to Firenze: E25.80 (2)
Firenze to Roma E57.80 (2)
Florence eats
Osteria Belle Donne , via delle Belle Donne . Good food, quaint surroundings .
For lunches try Mariano's , via del Parione , and Enoteca Baldovino , next to the Trattoria
Gilli Cafe, The oldest cafe in Florence, dating back to the early 1700's-
Have a meal a la Casaligna, inexpensive and great food--very busy
*** La Giostra: highly recommended many times on fodors http://www.ristorantelagiostra.com/frameset.html
***Leo’s (Via Torta 7R – www.florencerestaurant.com open for lunch and dinner – closed Mondays – phone 055 210829).
**Sostanza, Via dei Porcellana, 25 not far from the train station.The place most often touted as being the best for bistecca. Saveur magazine did a spread on them not too long ago. Eating is at communal tables and there are two seatings a night at 7:30 and 9pm; reservations are essential.
Marios - in Florence. It’s right near the market in the center of town. It has a green / white stripe awning.
BEST GELATO places hands down are VIVOLI and GROM Via del Campanile
angolo via delle Oche
50012 Firenze Also, I Medici on Viale Statuto within walking distance from the train station.
Gelateria dei Neri in Florence by Santa Croce
Florence activities
Giglio Bianco Bed and Breakfast Via Romana 28, Florence, Italy
Tel +39 055 22 5873
Bapistry (E3) Piazza San Giovanna; M-S noon-6:30 p.m.
Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) Via Por Santa Maria
Duomo; Piazza del Duomo; 10-3:30; Church free
Academy Gallery; Michaelangelo’s David; 8:15 a.m.-6:50 p.m.; $8.45;Via Ricasoli 58-
Uffizi Museum
Shopping
On the other end of the shopping spectrum is the haggling and general fun of the colorful and noisy San Lorenzo street market. Antiques gather dust by the truckload along Via Maggio and other Oltrarno streets. Another main corridor of stores somewhat less glitzy than those on the Via de' Tornabuoni begins at Via Cerretani and runs down Via Roma through the Piazza della Repubblica area; it keeps going down Via Por Santa Maria, across the Ponte Vecchio with its gold jewelry, and up Via Guicciardini on the other side. Store-laden side tributaries off this main stretch include Via della Terme, Borgo Santissimi Apostoli, and Borgo San Jacopo. General Florentine shopping hours are daily from 9:30am to noon or 1pm and 3 or 3:30 to 7:30pm, though increasingly, many shops are staying open through that mid-afternoon riposo (especially the larger stores and those around tourist sights).
Piazalle Michelangelo for the incredible view
Rome eats
La Medusa Restaurant, located on via Vespasiano, 25, just a few blocks from the Vatican. They have two fixed-price menu
near Piazza Navona - Cantina dei Vecchio (via dei coronari) is fantastic. Food is reasonable and really good.
Best gelato – San Crispino in Rome near Tevi Fountain.
Cul de Sac in Rome – this was recommended everywhere so I felt we had to check it out. We had a wonderful late lunch here after a morning of sightseeing at the Coliseum and Forum.
Roscioli in Rome – great bakery near Campo de Fiori. www.anticofornoroscioli.com)
Dar Poeta in Rome (Trastevere) – good pizza. Amazing crust! More upscale pizzeria.
Pizzaria Ai Marmi in Rome (Trastevere) – Very causal. Fun atmosphere. Take the tram across the river. The ultimate Roman pizzeria experience. Very little English spoken here!
Hotel in Rome--Very nice!
Navona Garden Suites Via del Governo Vecchio 73, Rome, Italy
Tel +39 3357066779
• http://www.romaturismo.com/v2/romati...rtematici.html
•I’d definitely suggest a Roma Pass if you’re going to spend any time in Rome. One of the best tips we received http://www.romapass.it/english/cosa.html
For only 20EU, you get a 3 day metro/bus pass and a 3 day museum pass that gives you 2 free admissions and the rest at discount. A lot of the museums are lesser known, but it pays for itself even if you only go to the Galleria Borghese and the Coliseum. The start of the 3 day period for the two passes is independent and a day runs through midnight, not 24 hours. All Museums and sites that have joined the initiative
• Tourist Information Points in the Municipality of Rome:
o Stazione Termini - Via Giolitti, 34 (Binario 24)
o Stazione Termini - Piazza dei Cinquecento - Vetrina Roma
o Piazza delle Cinque Lune - Piazza Navona
• Borghese Gallery.thttp://www.galleriaborghese.it/borghese/en/edefault.htm
• To avoid a line at the Coliseum, buy your ticket at the Palatino or Palatine (Via S. Gregorio—at the exit from the Forum). The ticket for the Coliseum includes the Palatine, which is the hilltop ruin of the aristocrats homes that overlooks the Roman Forum and Coliseum.
• The Forum is free; a ticket(s) is required for the Coliseum and Palatine Hill. As a practical matter, buy your tickets at the Palatine Hill ticket booth, near the entrance to the Forum. The line is MUCH shorter. The Coliseum is worth going in. Go up to the second floor they have a really interesting display on Ancient Rome, some artifacts, and an air conditioned book store / gift shop. If you love ruins go see Palatine Hill. Whether you decide to do Palatine Hill or not from the Coliseum, walk through the Forum to the Capitol Hill at the other end. To some it is old rocks to others it is the echoes of Caesars and the first Republic of Rome. When you reach the other end climb the stairs. If you haven’t had lunch there are several cafes just across the street. If you are inclined, climb up the step of the Victor Emanuel II monument (aka the wedding cake). The VIEW from the top is breath taking. You see the entire core of Ancient Rome before you.
•
Another great place to go is the Janiculum Hill; take a taxi to Piazzale Garibaldi on the Janiculum. There is a beautiful park up there. There are some great sites up there that we did not see due to time constraints. Find out the bus schedule as the walk up the hill is very steep and strenuous. The Janiculum is just south of the Vatican, so you could go before or after your Vatican visit. The view on the Janiculum Hill is fantastic: the loftiest and best in Rome. Stroll south along the hilltop to the 17th-century “Fontanone,” then walk down the staircase into Trastevere, a good example of a Roman neighborhood with narrow cobbled streets and the feel of a crumbling labyrinth.
• Tevi Fountain-it was pouring rain when we went, but still amazing.
The Pantheon is a MUST. Do not miss it. It is free, no tickets, no lines.
• link for Ancient Rome: http://tinyurl.com/36nj8n
• The Vatican Museums' own guided visit can be reserved directly at www.vatican.va.
• The cost to get into the Basilica was free.
• You have to walk behind the actual Basilica and around a street corner to the left. The line started next to this type of stone wall that is on your left. The chapel is at the end of the museum, and after seeing it, you walk through a store and then you’re done!
•TAs you face the basilica the post office (where you can also buy stamps) is on the left. They also have CLEAN Toilets.
•Once inside the gates, you are in St. Peter's square and you can just walk right in to the basilica. The church is amazing, and be sure to go downstairs to see the tombs of the deceased popes-fascinating.
You do need to go through security and sometimes the lines can be long, but generally move pretty fast.
•Audiences with the Pope are held just about every Wednesday morning. Tickets can be reserved well ahead of time. They also can be picked up in Rome without pre-ordering them. There are a couple of easy ways of accomplishing this:
-You can call Tel: 011-39-06-698-83017
-You can fill out a Web Form thru the
Santa Susanna website
http://www.santasusanna.org/popeVatican/tickets.html.
There is also very good information at this site on how you can get a rare papal blessing.
A "secret" tip: You really don't need to fill out the form. Just show up at the Tuesday between 5 and 6:30 and get in line. Most give a 5eu donation, but don't need to.
Another "secret":If you show up without a ticket, you’ll still be let through the turnstyle.
Rome to airport transfer
•Instead of a taxi, I recommend that you prebook with Rome Shuttle Limousine (http://www.romeshuttlelimousine.com), cost less than a taxi and the service is excellent.
Again, many thanks for your experiences and perspective. I look forward to using this site again when planning future travels.
Reach Venice from Marco Polo airport:
Water taxi
Right out of the airport, you find the bus area. There are two types of busses that leave from the airport towards Venice, just take the first one you see as they have different schedules, either service run all day. The ATVO private line (blue bus) takes you directly to Venice Piazzale Roma; the cost per person, luggage included, currently amounts to 3 Euro and the trip takes 20 minutes. The ACTV public line (orange bus number 5) takes you to Venice Piazzale Roma in 25 minutes, after making several stops. The cost of the ticket is 1 Euro: rigid suitcases and those bigger than 50cm x 50 cm are charged by 1 Euro, hand luggage like trolleys and soft bags are not charged.
When you've claimed your baggage, go to the money-exchange window and buy euros. Better yet, use the Bancomat (ATM), where you're likely to get a better exchange rate.
Hotel Antiche Figure Santa Croce 686, Venice Italy--very nice!
Venice eats
Alla Zucca, (the Pumpkin) Excellent! Have hotel make reservations.
Osteria Al Portego, a very small place, quiet, locals, even though it was close to the Rialto Bridge going towards S.Stae stop.
Osteria alla Botte, www.osteriaallabotte.it. Campo San Bartomelo (foot of Rialto Bridge)
TRATTORIA ALLA MADONNA, on calle Madonna between San Silvestro and Rialto bridge-(vaporetto Rialto) is one of the best, and most popular restaurants in Venice for Venetians and tourists alike. Very charming Venetian interior.
Venice activities
• St. Mark’s Basilica—Free; Piazza San Marco
• Ducal (Doge’s) Palace—Secret Itineraries Tour ($16); contact hotel to book; Piazzo San Marco *Secret Itineraries tour of Doge’s palace Phone number from US: 011- 39- 041- 520 9070, more than one day in advance. English-speaking operator. No charge if you don't go on the tour.
If I only had 1.5 days (my first trip there was that short), I'd do the Secret Itinerary Tour, visit the Basilica, ride up and down the Grand Canal, go to San Giorgio, walk the Zattere at sunset, visit the Friary
TRAIN
Trenitalia.com
Venezia to Firenze: E25.80 (2)
Firenze to Roma E57.80 (2)
Florence eats
Osteria Belle Donne , via delle Belle Donne . Good food, quaint surroundings .
For lunches try Mariano's , via del Parione , and Enoteca Baldovino , next to the Trattoria
Gilli Cafe, The oldest cafe in Florence, dating back to the early 1700's-
Have a meal a la Casaligna, inexpensive and great food--very busy
*** La Giostra: highly recommended many times on fodors http://www.ristorantelagiostra.com/frameset.html
***Leo’s (Via Torta 7R – www.florencerestaurant.com open for lunch and dinner – closed Mondays – phone 055 210829).
**Sostanza, Via dei Porcellana, 25 not far from the train station.The place most often touted as being the best for bistecca. Saveur magazine did a spread on them not too long ago. Eating is at communal tables and there are two seatings a night at 7:30 and 9pm; reservations are essential.
Marios - in Florence. It’s right near the market in the center of town. It has a green / white stripe awning.
BEST GELATO places hands down are VIVOLI and GROM Via del Campanile
angolo via delle Oche
50012 Firenze Also, I Medici on Viale Statuto within walking distance from the train station.
Gelateria dei Neri in Florence by Santa Croce
Florence activities
Giglio Bianco Bed and Breakfast Via Romana 28, Florence, Italy
Tel +39 055 22 5873
Bapistry (E3) Piazza San Giovanna; M-S noon-6:30 p.m.
Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) Via Por Santa Maria
Duomo; Piazza del Duomo; 10-3:30; Church free
Academy Gallery; Michaelangelo’s David; 8:15 a.m.-6:50 p.m.; $8.45;Via Ricasoli 58-
Uffizi Museum
Shopping
On the other end of the shopping spectrum is the haggling and general fun of the colorful and noisy San Lorenzo street market. Antiques gather dust by the truckload along Via Maggio and other Oltrarno streets. Another main corridor of stores somewhat less glitzy than those on the Via de' Tornabuoni begins at Via Cerretani and runs down Via Roma through the Piazza della Repubblica area; it keeps going down Via Por Santa Maria, across the Ponte Vecchio with its gold jewelry, and up Via Guicciardini on the other side. Store-laden side tributaries off this main stretch include Via della Terme, Borgo Santissimi Apostoli, and Borgo San Jacopo. General Florentine shopping hours are daily from 9:30am to noon or 1pm and 3 or 3:30 to 7:30pm, though increasingly, many shops are staying open through that mid-afternoon riposo (especially the larger stores and those around tourist sights).
Piazalle Michelangelo for the incredible view
Rome eats
La Medusa Restaurant, located on via Vespasiano, 25, just a few blocks from the Vatican. They have two fixed-price menu
near Piazza Navona - Cantina dei Vecchio (via dei coronari) is fantastic. Food is reasonable and really good.
Best gelato – San Crispino in Rome near Tevi Fountain.
Cul de Sac in Rome – this was recommended everywhere so I felt we had to check it out. We had a wonderful late lunch here after a morning of sightseeing at the Coliseum and Forum.
Roscioli in Rome – great bakery near Campo de Fiori. www.anticofornoroscioli.com)
Dar Poeta in Rome (Trastevere) – good pizza. Amazing crust! More upscale pizzeria.
Pizzaria Ai Marmi in Rome (Trastevere) – Very causal. Fun atmosphere. Take the tram across the river. The ultimate Roman pizzeria experience. Very little English spoken here!
Hotel in Rome--Very nice!
Navona Garden Suites Via del Governo Vecchio 73, Rome, Italy
Tel +39 3357066779
• http://www.romaturismo.com/v2/romati...rtematici.html
•I’d definitely suggest a Roma Pass if you’re going to spend any time in Rome. One of the best tips we received http://www.romapass.it/english/cosa.html
For only 20EU, you get a 3 day metro/bus pass and a 3 day museum pass that gives you 2 free admissions and the rest at discount. A lot of the museums are lesser known, but it pays for itself even if you only go to the Galleria Borghese and the Coliseum. The start of the 3 day period for the two passes is independent and a day runs through midnight, not 24 hours. All Museums and sites that have joined the initiative
• Tourist Information Points in the Municipality of Rome:
o Stazione Termini - Via Giolitti, 34 (Binario 24)
o Stazione Termini - Piazza dei Cinquecento - Vetrina Roma
o Piazza delle Cinque Lune - Piazza Navona
• Borghese Gallery.thttp://www.galleriaborghese.it/borghese/en/edefault.htm
• To avoid a line at the Coliseum, buy your ticket at the Palatino or Palatine (Via S. Gregorio—at the exit from the Forum). The ticket for the Coliseum includes the Palatine, which is the hilltop ruin of the aristocrats homes that overlooks the Roman Forum and Coliseum.
• The Forum is free; a ticket(s) is required for the Coliseum and Palatine Hill. As a practical matter, buy your tickets at the Palatine Hill ticket booth, near the entrance to the Forum. The line is MUCH shorter. The Coliseum is worth going in. Go up to the second floor they have a really interesting display on Ancient Rome, some artifacts, and an air conditioned book store / gift shop. If you love ruins go see Palatine Hill. Whether you decide to do Palatine Hill or not from the Coliseum, walk through the Forum to the Capitol Hill at the other end. To some it is old rocks to others it is the echoes of Caesars and the first Republic of Rome. When you reach the other end climb the stairs. If you haven’t had lunch there are several cafes just across the street. If you are inclined, climb up the step of the Victor Emanuel II monument (aka the wedding cake). The VIEW from the top is breath taking. You see the entire core of Ancient Rome before you.
•
Another great place to go is the Janiculum Hill; take a taxi to Piazzale Garibaldi on the Janiculum. There is a beautiful park up there. There are some great sites up there that we did not see due to time constraints. Find out the bus schedule as the walk up the hill is very steep and strenuous. The Janiculum is just south of the Vatican, so you could go before or after your Vatican visit. The view on the Janiculum Hill is fantastic: the loftiest and best in Rome. Stroll south along the hilltop to the 17th-century “Fontanone,” then walk down the staircase into Trastevere, a good example of a Roman neighborhood with narrow cobbled streets and the feel of a crumbling labyrinth.
• Tevi Fountain-it was pouring rain when we went, but still amazing.
The Pantheon is a MUST. Do not miss it. It is free, no tickets, no lines.
• link for Ancient Rome: http://tinyurl.com/36nj8n
• The Vatican Museums' own guided visit can be reserved directly at www.vatican.va.
• The cost to get into the Basilica was free.
• You have to walk behind the actual Basilica and around a street corner to the left. The line started next to this type of stone wall that is on your left. The chapel is at the end of the museum, and after seeing it, you walk through a store and then you’re done!
•TAs you face the basilica the post office (where you can also buy stamps) is on the left. They also have CLEAN Toilets.
•Once inside the gates, you are in St. Peter's square and you can just walk right in to the basilica. The church is amazing, and be sure to go downstairs to see the tombs of the deceased popes-fascinating.
You do need to go through security and sometimes the lines can be long, but generally move pretty fast.
•Audiences with the Pope are held just about every Wednesday morning. Tickets can be reserved well ahead of time. They also can be picked up in Rome without pre-ordering them. There are a couple of easy ways of accomplishing this:
-You can call Tel: 011-39-06-698-83017
-You can fill out a Web Form thru the
Santa Susanna website
http://www.santasusanna.org/popeVatican/tickets.html.
There is also very good information at this site on how you can get a rare papal blessing.
A "secret" tip: You really don't need to fill out the form. Just show up at the Tuesday between 5 and 6:30 and get in line. Most give a 5eu donation, but don't need to.
Another "secret":If you show up without a ticket, you’ll still be let through the turnstyle.
Rome to airport transfer
•Instead of a taxi, I recommend that you prebook with Rome Shuttle Limousine (http://www.romeshuttlelimousine.com), cost less than a taxi and the service is excellent.
Again, many thanks for your experiences and perspective. I look forward to using this site again when planning future travels.
Sep 14th, 2008, 01:53 PM
#2
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Hello Gor, great trip report and how good that your daughter and you could enjoy Italy together!
Just one comment, I am almost 100% certain that there is a fee to now enter the Roman Forum but I believe the ticket for the Coliseum and the Palatine does including the Forum.
I have always enjoyed the Alla Modonna in Venice! And I sure enjoyed your post! May you have more fabulous trips in the future.
Just one comment, I am almost 100% certain that there is a fee to now enter the Roman Forum but I believe the ticket for the Coliseum and the Palatine does including the Forum.
I have always enjoyed the Alla Modonna in Venice! And I sure enjoyed your post! May you have more fabulous trips in the future.
Sep 15th, 2008, 06:12 AM
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Join Date: Nov 2006
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Hi, Gor:
I opened your post titled <Thanks for the help> quite by accident to find a lovely trip report about Italy! I was most interested in your comments about Venice & Florence - lots of good information about transportation, accomodations, restaurants & sights! Thank you!
May I suggest reposting your report with Venice-Florence-Rome in the title so that more people can benefit from your experiences?
Regards, 2010
I opened your post titled <Thanks for the help> quite by accident to find a lovely trip report about Italy! I was most interested in your comments about Venice & Florence - lots of good information about transportation, accomodations, restaurants & sights! Thank you!
May I suggest reposting your report with Venice-Florence-Rome in the title so that more people can benefit from your experiences?
Regards, 2010
