To Tour or Not to Tour
Aug 24th, 2011, 07:54 AM
#61
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When you're at St. Peter's, climb all the way up to the roof. Fantastic view of all of Rome and walking up all those stairs is an experience in itself.
Rick Steves has free podcasts to be downloaded with maps for Rome. Highly recommended especially in the Roman Forum. He probably has them for Florence and Venice. It's easier than consulting a guidebook.
Travestere - need I say more? Fantastic place to wander around at night with many restaurants for every pocket.
RoninRome is a great site.
Have fun!
Rick Steves has free podcasts to be downloaded with maps for Rome. Highly recommended especially in the Roman Forum. He probably has them for Florence and Venice. It's easier than consulting a guidebook.
Travestere - need I say more? Fantastic place to wander around at night with many restaurants for every pocket.
RoninRome is a great site.
Have fun!
Aug 24th, 2011, 08:35 AM
#62
When you're at St. Peter's, climb all the way up to the roof. Fantastic view of all of Rome and walking up all those stairs is an experience in itself. >>
Taltul - can you do this without paying to go up to the dome? we only discovered the roof when we were en route to the Dome; i agree that it's a fascinating area though, and well worth seeing in its own right.
it also has toilets and a cafe, and is accessible either by the lift or by the stairs that take you 1/2 way to the Dome.
Taltul - can you do this without paying to go up to the dome? we only discovered the roof when we were en route to the Dome; i agree that it's a fascinating area though, and well worth seeing in its own right.
it also has toilets and a cafe, and is accessible either by the lift or by the stairs that take you 1/2 way to the Dome.
Aug 25th, 2011, 06:28 AM
#63
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Thanks again you guys. If I wanted to change my Florence stay to somewhere less city and more country what would you suggest? I would like to see a good balance or art, museums, architecture, country, farms, wineries etc. Rome and Venice are must haves for us, so I am thinking I would like to stay somewhere near to Florence (maybe near enough for a day trip) but where we could do some day trips with a more country feel. My husband still must see The Leaning Tower. For a photo, thats about it. so that would be another side trip. What would you suggest? Sticking with Florence? Siena? Cinque Terra? Maybe somewhere I haven't thought of? There is a resort we could stay in pretty inexpensivly in Rapallo. Also one in LORO CIUFFENNA if we were to change our visit to March instead of May. Nothing is booked as of this point. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Aug 25th, 2011, 06:38 AM
#64
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I think Rapallo would be too far for a day trip to Florence? Good for Pisa and Cinque Terre though. Could I skip Florence this time...?
LORO CIUFFENNA Would be good for Florence, and probably Pisa but not Cinqe Terre.
As far as time of year. March vs May?
Also General Fodors Question... Do you usually keep asking different questions about the same trip on the same thred or should I start a new one?
LORO CIUFFENNA Would be good for Florence, and probably Pisa but not Cinqe Terre.
As far as time of year. March vs May?
Also General Fodors Question... Do you usually keep asking different questions about the same trip on the same thred or should I start a new one?
Aug 25th, 2011, 06:48 AM
#65
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annhig, you have to pay whether you use the elevator or the stairs in order to get to the first level (with bathrooms, cafe etc..) But it's worth it (6 euros for the stairs, 7 for the elevator). For anyone who is interested, here's the official site: http://saintpetersbasilica.org/touristinfo.htm
If you're already at St. Peter's, why not? This doesn't require any advance arrangements like the Scavi Tour.
If you're already at St. Peter's, why not? This doesn't require any advance arrangements like the Scavi Tour.
Aug 25th, 2011, 07:10 AM
#66
>>>here's the official site: http://saintpetersbasilica.org/touristinfo.htm<<<<
That isn't the official site. That is just a site started by someone with lots of interest in the Vatican. It does have excellent info/maps. The official site for the Vatican will end with .va.
http://www.vatican.va/phome_en.htm
http://www.vaticanstate.va/IT/homepage.htm
To stay outside of Florence and do day trips, you would need a car. You can reach a few places by bus or train, but it's not as easy. If you are busing/training, I don't see the point in skipping Florence as you will probably have to transit through there. For Tuscany, it depends on what you are interest in seeing.
That isn't the official site. That is just a site started by someone with lots of interest in the Vatican. It does have excellent info/maps. The official site for the Vatican will end with .va.
http://www.vatican.va/phome_en.htm
http://www.vaticanstate.va/IT/homepage.htm
To stay outside of Florence and do day trips, you would need a car. You can reach a few places by bus or train, but it's not as easy. If you are busing/training, I don't see the point in skipping Florence as you will probably have to transit through there. For Tuscany, it depends on what you are interest in seeing.
Aug 25th, 2011, 07:43 AM
#67
The official cupola site/info:
http://www.vatican.va/various/basili...pola/orari.htm
http://www.vatican.va/various/basili...pola/orari.htm
Aug 26th, 2011, 05:56 AM
#68
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To answer your latest questions:
1. May has better weather than March and longer days. And not yet too many people
2. No, you don't have to go to Florence. Just stiffen your spine when your friends say "You didn't go to Florence? I loved Florence. It's so beautiful." Can't go everywhere, see everything. Just pick what's important to you. And plan to come back.
That said, Florence makes a good transportation hub, for daytrips to places like Pisa.
3. Now that your thread title is out-of-date and you're working on an itinerary, maybe start a new thread.
Odds and ends: I like looking at the DK quidebooks for trip planning; they have lots of pictures. When trying to prioritize destinations, I look at the green Michelin guide and Rick Steves. In fact, I get all the guidebooks I can from the library.
For train times, the German train site is good for all Europe: www.bahn.de/i/view/GBR/en/index.shtml. You can't get actual train departures more than 3 months in the future, but you can get an idea of how often the trains run and how long a trip takes.
1. May has better weather than March and longer days. And not yet too many people
2. No, you don't have to go to Florence. Just stiffen your spine when your friends say "You didn't go to Florence? I loved Florence. It's so beautiful." Can't go everywhere, see everything. Just pick what's important to you. And plan to come back.
That said, Florence makes a good transportation hub, for daytrips to places like Pisa.
3. Now that your thread title is out-of-date and you're working on an itinerary, maybe start a new thread.
Odds and ends: I like looking at the DK quidebooks for trip planning; they have lots of pictures. When trying to prioritize destinations, I look at the green Michelin guide and Rick Steves. In fact, I get all the guidebooks I can from the library.
For train times, the German train site is good for all Europe: www.bahn.de/i/view/GBR/en/index.shtml. You can't get actual train departures more than 3 months in the future, but you can get an idea of how often the trains run and how long a trip takes.
Sep 3rd, 2011, 06:11 AM
#69
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http://www.slowtrav.com/cl/detail.asp?l=4104
If you haven't yet crossed paths w/ 'Seat61', the site is very helpful for train information in Italy ..... http://www.seat61.com/Italy-trains.htm
If you haven't yet crossed paths w/ 'Seat61', the site is very helpful for train information in Italy ..... http://www.seat61.com/Italy-trains.htm
Sep 3rd, 2011, 06:26 AM
#70
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Hub and I made Pisa a base one time. We took train and bus trips to San Gim, Siena, Cinque Terre, Lucca, Fiesole and Florence. We stayed at the Royal Victoria right on the water and I've recommended it often if you like antiques and old world charm. Ask for a quiet room as it fronts on a busy street on the Arno. Others can suggest others. It was about a 15 minute stroll to the main station.
Fiesole (say 'fee AY so lay') is a brief hop from Florence btw.
Fiesole (say 'fee AY so lay') is a brief hop from Florence btw.
Sep 3rd, 2011, 07:27 AM
#71
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You could easily stay between Siena and Florence and do day trips to both as well as Pisa. Look at options inSan Gimignano, Monteriggioni, or Poggibonsi. What I don't like about most guide books is that they don't give you info about where to park just outside of Florence, where you could then take a bus into town for the day. But you should be able to get that info here, and reconfirm it with your "hosts" or hotel staff where you are staying.
I think, in that case, you could do 3 nights in Venice, 5-6nights in Tuscany (rent a car for a week and get better rate) staying in a small town base, then spend the rest of your time in Rome. You can either pick up your car just outside of Venice, or near the train station in Florence (but avoid driving through Florence at all costs!). You can return it either at the Florence train station, or possibly someplace like Orvieto and take a train into Rome. It depends on the deal you can get on a rental car. Spend at least 3 nights in Rome. IMO this gives you an amazing experience of Italy. Some people are overwhelmed by Rome, but by saving it for last, you will be confident enough to enjoy it to the max. Venice is gorgeous and small and a gentle way to start a romantic vacation. Tuscany is easy to get around, and you can see the beautiful country plus all the bucket list places you've mentioned.
It is the kind of trip where you can be in charge of your own schedule, even just spending a couple hours on a lazy picnic in the shade on a sunny day overlooking a field of red poppies. Or sitting at a table on the square in a tiny town, watching people and editing the digital photos you've taken, and walking back to your room in peace and quiet. Happy Planning!
I think, in that case, you could do 3 nights in Venice, 5-6nights in Tuscany (rent a car for a week and get better rate) staying in a small town base, then spend the rest of your time in Rome. You can either pick up your car just outside of Venice, or near the train station in Florence (but avoid driving through Florence at all costs!). You can return it either at the Florence train station, or possibly someplace like Orvieto and take a train into Rome. It depends on the deal you can get on a rental car. Spend at least 3 nights in Rome. IMO this gives you an amazing experience of Italy. Some people are overwhelmed by Rome, but by saving it for last, you will be confident enough to enjoy it to the max. Venice is gorgeous and small and a gentle way to start a romantic vacation. Tuscany is easy to get around, and you can see the beautiful country plus all the bucket list places you've mentioned.
It is the kind of trip where you can be in charge of your own schedule, even just spending a couple hours on a lazy picnic in the shade on a sunny day overlooking a field of red poppies. Or sitting at a table on the square in a tiny town, watching people and editing the digital photos you've taken, and walking back to your room in peace and quiet. Happy Planning!
Sep 5th, 2011, 06:56 AM
#72
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Thanks Again... I re-working my rough draft itererary and will post it soon. So stay tuned for it in a new thred if you are still interested. I still haven't ruled out touring all together but pretty much. The next couple days I am doing the math and trying to figure out how much we can actually save by doing it on our own. I am seeing now that traveling at our own pace may just be invaluable. I have pre orded Rick Steves Italy 2012 (which releases in October) for up to date pricing/site reviews and possibly up to date discounts for book carriers. Also I have been researching online in every free moment I have. 
It has been fun. I will share with you my current plan soon.
It has been fun. I will share with you my current plan soon.
Sep 5th, 2011, 09:36 AM
#73
hi charlotte,
I just did the same costing exercise comparing a river cruise in holland with DIY.
the cost for 2 of us for 5 nights was going to be about £1200 each.
by doing it ourselves, we have got it down to £130 [flights, they wanted £200 each] £300 for hotels, £100 for car hire. ok, we'll need to pay for food, petrol and excursions but even so, we should come out well in profit.
I just did the same costing exercise comparing a river cruise in holland with DIY.
the cost for 2 of us for 5 nights was going to be about £1200 each.
by doing it ourselves, we have got it down to £130 [flights, they wanted £200 each] £300 for hotels, £100 for car hire. ok, we'll need to pay for food, petrol and excursions but even so, we should come out well in profit.
Sep 5th, 2011, 05:30 PM
#74
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Just compared cost of a 14 day tour with my own 14 day itinerary. Not much different. I am feeling kind of discouraged. So now I just have to weigh out the low stress (booking etc) of the tour with the freedom of a diy trip.
Sep 5th, 2011, 06:00 PM
#75
<<I have pre orded Rick Steves Italy 2012 (which releases in October) for up to date pricing/site reviews and possibly up to date discounts for book carriers>>
You don't need to lug around heavy books during your vacation. Photocopy the pages that you want and throw them away after you've used them in a particular city.
I've gotten the Rick Steve's discounts this way, too.
You don't need to lug around heavy books during your vacation. Photocopy the pages that you want and throw them away after you've used them in a particular city.
I've gotten the Rick Steve's discounts this way, too.
Sep 5th, 2011, 06:29 PM
#77
Here's my website of all our trips. Italy, France, Czech Republic, Poland, Austria, Croatia, Slovenia and more. No tours. All independent. We screw up a lot, which usually makes for our best travel stories and great memories. I'm 59. When I am too old to travel on my own, well, I think I'll be dead by then. Travel on your own. Make mistakes. Go at your own pace. You'll be glad you did. Remember, when traveling gets tough, there is always wine at your next destination.
http://travelswithmaitaitom.com/
http://travelswithmaitaitom.com/
Sep 6th, 2011, 02:10 AM
#78
Just compared cost of a 14 day tour with my own 14 day itinerary.Not much different>>
really? I'd be surprised. but even if this is correct, what you get is THEIR choice of hotel, THEIR choice of food [or at least of restaurant and menu], THEIR choice of how long you stay at any place. What if you HATE the Uffizi and want to leave? or LOVE St Peter's and want to stay longer?
having freedom to go at your own pace is beyond price, I think.
and if the costs ARE comparable, what's to lose by doing it yourself?
really? I'd be surprised. but even if this is correct, what you get is THEIR choice of hotel, THEIR choice of food [or at least of restaurant and menu], THEIR choice of how long you stay at any place. What if you HATE the Uffizi and want to leave? or LOVE St Peter's and want to stay longer?
having freedom to go at your own pace is beyond price, I think.
and if the costs ARE comparable, what's to lose by doing it yourself?
Sep 6th, 2011, 10:29 AM
#79
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I debated starting a new thread for my itinerary but after crunching the numbers, alas I have found that the prices are closer than I had hoped. So I am truly still asking the question “to tour or not to tour?” Of course some of my totals were estimated averages. As far as the cost of food, transportation, admissions to museums etc, and lodgings we have taken averages from guidebook prices and online prices. Neither of our estimated prices (for tour or my own) include spending money for the extras like souvenirs, gelato, laundry... Coffee of course was factored in For both trips we may have estimated high for food and lodgings but in my opinion it is better to estimate high, because there are always things that pop up.
Please let me say this. I am still thinking that going it on our own will be the best experience, but I have to weigh everything out and factor everything in. Please don’t be too hard on me that I still haven’t ruled the tour out completely.
Just a note about hotels: We will probably go with lower priced hotels that are safe, clean and not too far away from where we want to be. We don’t want to go with hostel type and we would like a bathroom in our room. We also don’t want to pay more than necessary for rooms with views etc. , just a clean bed in a safe location.
As far as tours go there were a few that we liked but factoring in value, pace, etc etc etc. these two were our favorites: http://www.globusjourneys.com/Produc...taly_Vacations
http://www.globusjourneys.com/Produc...taly_Vacations
We added the cost of all of our meals that are not included in the tour as well as our flights
My itinerary is still rough but it is a bit more detailed at this point. I have decided that instead of using the middle section of our trip for Florence only we are adding the Cinque Terre. I wanted something different then city and museums in there too. So here goes:
Day 1: Leave Seattle fly to Venice
Sleep in: Venice
Day 2,3, and 4: Venice...explore on foot and by Vaporetto, St Marks Square, Murano/Burano (possibly)
Sleep in: Venice
***I have three full days in Venice here, I am open to moving one of the days somewhere else if needed. Although I know that first day we will be the most tired so I don't want to rush.***
Day 5: Travel to Cinque Terre (it is a 6 hour train trip, doesn't look like a night train is an option)
Sleep in: Cinque Terre (not sure which town yet)
Day 6 and 7: Cinque Terre... explore, hike, beach time, possibly kayak
Day 8: Travel to Florence (about 2.5 hours train travel)
Sleep in: Florence
***Could possibly Travel to Pisa from 5 Terre, see what we would like to see there and then travel on to Florence. They have a bag check at the Pisa train station. Are these safe?***
Day 9: Florence...Accadamia, Uffizi Gallery, general exploring and gelato of course
Sleep in: Florence
Day 10: Day trip to Pisa (if we do not go there on our way to Florence) for the Field of Miricles. Possibly explore more of Tuscany this day.
Sleep in: Florence
***I also have an option to stay in Siena with a day trip to Florence instead of staying there. Hotels in Siena seem to be cheaper. Again we could stop in Pisa on the way to Siena. Once again I am wondering about the security of the train station baggage check.***
Day 11: Travel to Rome (2.5 hours)
Sleep in Rome
Day 12 and 13: Rome...explore on foot and by bus, the Colloseum , The Vatican Museum including the Sistine Chapel and more
Day 14: Leave from Rome. Fly to Seattle
That's it. I still have a lot of research and fine tuning to do. You all have been so helpful. Thanks a bunch.
For both trips we may have estimated high for food and lodgings but in my opinion it is better to estimate high, because there are always things that pop up. Please let me say this. I am still thinking that going it on our own will be the best experience, but I have to weigh everything out and factor everything in. Please don’t be too hard on me that I still haven’t ruled the tour out completely.
Just a note about hotels: We will probably go with lower priced hotels that are safe, clean and not too far away from where we want to be. We don’t want to go with hostel type and we would like a bathroom in our room. We also don’t want to pay more than necessary for rooms with views etc. , just a clean bed in a safe location.
As far as tours go there were a few that we liked but factoring in value, pace, etc etc etc. these two were our favorites: http://www.globusjourneys.com/Produc...taly_Vacations
http://www.globusjourneys.com/Produc...taly_Vacations
We added the cost of all of our meals that are not included in the tour as well as our flights
My itinerary is still rough but it is a bit more detailed at this point. I have decided that instead of using the middle section of our trip for Florence only we are adding the Cinque Terre. I wanted something different then city and museums in there too. So here goes:
Day 1: Leave Seattle fly to Venice
Sleep in: Venice
Day 2,3, and 4: Venice...explore on foot and by Vaporetto, St Marks Square, Murano/Burano (possibly)
Sleep in: Venice
***I have three full days in Venice here, I am open to moving one of the days somewhere else if needed. Although I know that first day we will be the most tired so I don't want to rush.***
Day 5: Travel to Cinque Terre (it is a 6 hour train trip, doesn't look like a night train is an option)
Sleep in: Cinque Terre (not sure which town yet)
Day 6 and 7: Cinque Terre... explore, hike, beach time, possibly kayak
Day 8: Travel to Florence (about 2.5 hours train travel)
Sleep in: Florence
***Could possibly Travel to Pisa from 5 Terre, see what we would like to see there and then travel on to Florence. They have a bag check at the Pisa train station. Are these safe?***
Day 9: Florence...Accadamia, Uffizi Gallery, general exploring and gelato of course
Sleep in: Florence
Day 10: Day trip to Pisa (if we do not go there on our way to Florence) for the Field of Miricles. Possibly explore more of Tuscany this day.
Sleep in: Florence
***I also have an option to stay in Siena with a day trip to Florence instead of staying there. Hotels in Siena seem to be cheaper. Again we could stop in Pisa on the way to Siena. Once again I am wondering about the security of the train station baggage check.***
Day 11: Travel to Rome (2.5 hours)
Sleep in Rome
Day 12 and 13: Rome...explore on foot and by bus, the Colloseum , The Vatican Museum including the Sistine Chapel and more
Day 14: Leave from Rome. Fly to Seattle
That's it. I still have a lot of research and fine tuning to do. You all have been so helpful. Thanks a bunch.
Sep 6th, 2011, 10:51 AM
#80
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I don't like the location of ANY of the hotels in either of the globusjourneys tours. To me, the poor locations of tour hotels is even more of a negative than the prescribed restaurant choices and inflexibility that come with tours.
Your self designed itinerary looks very rushed (though not so bad as the tour's packed schedules). That's still a lot of moving around. Rome, in particular, looks very shortchanged. There's as much to see/do in Rome as all your other cities combined.
Train station baggage checks are perfectly safe.
Other than that, I am not sure what kind of feedback you are looking for. Can you post your questions in the form of questions?
Your self designed itinerary looks very rushed (though not so bad as the tour's packed schedules). That's still a lot of moving around. Rome, in particular, looks very shortchanged. There's as much to see/do in Rome as all your other cities combined.
Train station baggage checks are perfectly safe.
Other than that, I am not sure what kind of feedback you are looking for. Can you post your questions in the form of questions?
