Trip report Venice, CT,Tus,Flo
Jun 10th, 2005 | 03:02 PM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 76
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Trip report Venice, CT,Tus,Flo
Hello out there. Just want to start off by saying our trip planning with Fodors talk forum was a totally new experience with the help of so many of you. I honestly got to the place that if somebody said it on fodors than it must be so.
This was our first trip to Italy and we did want to see as much as we could. We were there 14 nights and we moved 5 times. I would not feel like I had to do that next time.
We started in Venice at Pensione Accadamie at the suggestion of my sister and after many trys finally got a room. It was wonderful there. Everyting was perfect. It is beautiful, the room was large and comfortable and most of all had the Italian feel I wanted in all our accomadations. The breakfast was the best on our trip. It was the only place that had hot eggs which I need. We were in rm #7 which is on the ground floor. It had a large bath with shower, no tub, hall and a tiny extra single bedroom which we used for our luggage for 2 nights. One of our windows opened on a small canal. It is very close to the Accadamie bridge and museum. Justlooking for a spellcheck...oh well. It was pricey. 275E for 2nd week in May. We did the major new tourist stuff and alot of wandering which we love. Wandering goes to a new level in Venice as one place just beckons you on. I flipped over the shopping which I was not expecting. I thought I should be seeing some great art and I'm SHOPPING? But it was fun. The Murano glass jewelry was my weakness and I did induldge quite a bit. The hotel has a relationship with a restaurant called Raphael's where they will make your reservation and you get a 10% discount. We liked the restaurant very much. It was on a small canal and we sat outside by the water. It was very romantic. Went to a Vilvaldi Concert in a wonderful old church where the cello player caused quite a stir with his wild flalying around...he was engrossed in the music. We definitely want to go back to Venice and stay. I guess this trip was to see what we want to do next time.
Next stop, Padua, just to see Scrovegni Chapel which was wonderful. We stayed right across from the train station and I found it to be a very nice neighborhood. Had dinner at LaCova which was excellent! Walked to Scrovegni, easy.
Next stop CT. Stayed at Villa Steno. We new going in we would not have a view, just what happens when you don't plan 8 months out. Turned out fine. Love the wine bar at Monterossa, Miki's restaurant, the boat trip to Vanazza and walking around in the ancient villages. We especially liked walking up to the top where the masoleums are because they are beautiful and have great views. Wondering about getting an apartment there for a couple of weeks and having the kids over. My DH thinks we would get bored but Florence is an easy day trip away.
Took train to LaSpezia where we picked up the car. Thought my DH was going to explode trying to get out but it turned out to be easy. We had no planned place to stay that night because we didn't want to have to be anywhere at any certian time. Once we got off the autostrada and saw the scenery in Tuscany we were goners! We just rode and rode looking and taking in that goregous land. When we decided it was time to quite since it was getting dark we stopped at the next sign for a Agriwhatever and it was great. No dinner but they sent us to Carlos where my DH thought it was wonderful to see the locals. I thought is was Shoney's with wine. The table next to us was a man with his son and father. It appeared they had been working all day. Here is what they had for dinner. First course, peaches which thy cut up and put in their drinks. next, large plates of spagethi ( I can not spell but you know what I mean). next course, large plates of skinned, boiled potatoes. Next, large plates of broiled chickens. This is the course I had and it was good. We were done when their next course was being delivered.
Next day we had the whole day to get to Montefollonico. We stopped in San Gim and my shopping genes popped up again. so did the DH. I bought, he shopped. The rest of the trip he looked for the briefcase he didn't buy in SanGim. By now we are up to 2 gelatos a day. Everyday, at the end of the day, we would say to each other, " This was the best day". We had an easy time finding tiny Montefollonico because by now I had learned from you all about Mappy. Bob the Navigator had told me about La Costa residenza and it was perfect for what we wanted. Our room was again "old Italian". The inn had a restaurant which was very good and also a terrace view looking out on the valley. It was heaven! There were even tiny goats whose little bells you could hear if you were still. ( We are animal lovers ) There is nothing to do in the tiny town but it is located for other places we wanted to see. We drove to Assisi one day, Montepulciano to see San Biagio and to Montalcino to attend vespers at Sant Antimo.
We turned in our car at Siena and took the train to Florence. Did not realize just how close HotelParis was to the station but our cab driver rode us around a while and took us back to the hotel where you could almost see the station. We didn't care, cause we were so happy to be there. Our room was huge and had a great view of the doumo. #335. I loved the location because it was easy to walk to all the places we wanted to go. We had tickets to Accademia and Ufizzi on different days. My DH was not happy that the signage was so small at Accademia as to which line you were supposed to be in so ask if it isn't clear to you. Shopping was again fabulous...probably the best. I was not expecxting this in Italy but loved it and did not regret the time I spent on it or feel at all bad about the $$$ spent. Actually thought the prices were very good so it was just that much more fun. Last day we went to the Pitti Palace. I think this was my most emotional experience with art. I love the impressionest and the Pitti's "modern" wing was full of them. I made a 3 page list of artist I had never heard of but wanted to research starting with the bookstore. But no. The Medici's had bought them all and there were no postcards, posters or listings in the book titled "Everything in the Pitti Palace" or something close to that. I am going to have to go back and stand if front of those paintings again..for hours.
Favortie restaurant in Florence was Garga. We did not do any restaurant reserch for this trip becasue we just didn't want to be looking for where we were supposed to be by diner time. Next time I will, but I loved Garga and went twice. Would love to be able to get their Parm cheese. Salad was hunks of tomatoes, avacodas, hearts of palm and this wonderful mild parm cheese. Great atmosphere and service. Reservations a must.
I hope this report helps someone who is planning a trip. I will be glad to answer any questions about specifics I may have left out. And again, thanks to all you veterans who helped us along. I will never plan another trip with out your wonderful suggestions!!!
This was our first trip to Italy and we did want to see as much as we could. We were there 14 nights and we moved 5 times. I would not feel like I had to do that next time.
We started in Venice at Pensione Accadamie at the suggestion of my sister and after many trys finally got a room. It was wonderful there. Everyting was perfect. It is beautiful, the room was large and comfortable and most of all had the Italian feel I wanted in all our accomadations. The breakfast was the best on our trip. It was the only place that had hot eggs which I need. We were in rm #7 which is on the ground floor. It had a large bath with shower, no tub, hall and a tiny extra single bedroom which we used for our luggage for 2 nights. One of our windows opened on a small canal. It is very close to the Accadamie bridge and museum. Justlooking for a spellcheck...oh well. It was pricey. 275E for 2nd week in May. We did the major new tourist stuff and alot of wandering which we love. Wandering goes to a new level in Venice as one place just beckons you on. I flipped over the shopping which I was not expecting. I thought I should be seeing some great art and I'm SHOPPING? But it was fun. The Murano glass jewelry was my weakness and I did induldge quite a bit. The hotel has a relationship with a restaurant called Raphael's where they will make your reservation and you get a 10% discount. We liked the restaurant very much. It was on a small canal and we sat outside by the water. It was very romantic. Went to a Vilvaldi Concert in a wonderful old church where the cello player caused quite a stir with his wild flalying around...he was engrossed in the music. We definitely want to go back to Venice and stay. I guess this trip was to see what we want to do next time.
Next stop, Padua, just to see Scrovegni Chapel which was wonderful. We stayed right across from the train station and I found it to be a very nice neighborhood. Had dinner at LaCova which was excellent! Walked to Scrovegni, easy.
Next stop CT. Stayed at Villa Steno. We new going in we would not have a view, just what happens when you don't plan 8 months out. Turned out fine. Love the wine bar at Monterossa, Miki's restaurant, the boat trip to Vanazza and walking around in the ancient villages. We especially liked walking up to the top where the masoleums are because they are beautiful and have great views. Wondering about getting an apartment there for a couple of weeks and having the kids over. My DH thinks we would get bored but Florence is an easy day trip away.
Took train to LaSpezia where we picked up the car. Thought my DH was going to explode trying to get out but it turned out to be easy. We had no planned place to stay that night because we didn't want to have to be anywhere at any certian time. Once we got off the autostrada and saw the scenery in Tuscany we were goners! We just rode and rode looking and taking in that goregous land. When we decided it was time to quite since it was getting dark we stopped at the next sign for a Agriwhatever and it was great. No dinner but they sent us to Carlos where my DH thought it was wonderful to see the locals. I thought is was Shoney's with wine. The table next to us was a man with his son and father. It appeared they had been working all day. Here is what they had for dinner. First course, peaches which thy cut up and put in their drinks. next, large plates of spagethi ( I can not spell but you know what I mean). next course, large plates of skinned, boiled potatoes. Next, large plates of broiled chickens. This is the course I had and it was good. We were done when their next course was being delivered.
Next day we had the whole day to get to Montefollonico. We stopped in San Gim and my shopping genes popped up again. so did the DH. I bought, he shopped. The rest of the trip he looked for the briefcase he didn't buy in SanGim. By now we are up to 2 gelatos a day. Everyday, at the end of the day, we would say to each other, " This was the best day". We had an easy time finding tiny Montefollonico because by now I had learned from you all about Mappy. Bob the Navigator had told me about La Costa residenza and it was perfect for what we wanted. Our room was again "old Italian". The inn had a restaurant which was very good and also a terrace view looking out on the valley. It was heaven! There were even tiny goats whose little bells you could hear if you were still. ( We are animal lovers ) There is nothing to do in the tiny town but it is located for other places we wanted to see. We drove to Assisi one day, Montepulciano to see San Biagio and to Montalcino to attend vespers at Sant Antimo.
We turned in our car at Siena and took the train to Florence. Did not realize just how close HotelParis was to the station but our cab driver rode us around a while and took us back to the hotel where you could almost see the station. We didn't care, cause we were so happy to be there. Our room was huge and had a great view of the doumo. #335. I loved the location because it was easy to walk to all the places we wanted to go. We had tickets to Accademia and Ufizzi on different days. My DH was not happy that the signage was so small at Accademia as to which line you were supposed to be in so ask if it isn't clear to you. Shopping was again fabulous...probably the best. I was not expecxting this in Italy but loved it and did not regret the time I spent on it or feel at all bad about the $$$ spent. Actually thought the prices were very good so it was just that much more fun. Last day we went to the Pitti Palace. I think this was my most emotional experience with art. I love the impressionest and the Pitti's "modern" wing was full of them. I made a 3 page list of artist I had never heard of but wanted to research starting with the bookstore. But no. The Medici's had bought them all and there were no postcards, posters or listings in the book titled "Everything in the Pitti Palace" or something close to that. I am going to have to go back and stand if front of those paintings again..for hours.
Favortie restaurant in Florence was Garga. We did not do any restaurant reserch for this trip becasue we just didn't want to be looking for where we were supposed to be by diner time. Next time I will, but I loved Garga and went twice. Would love to be able to get their Parm cheese. Salad was hunks of tomatoes, avacodas, hearts of palm and this wonderful mild parm cheese. Great atmosphere and service. Reservations a must.
I hope this report helps someone who is planning a trip. I will be glad to answer any questions about specifics I may have left out. And again, thanks to all you veterans who helped us along. I will never plan another trip with out your wonderful suggestions!!!
Jun 10th, 2005 | 03:39 PM
#2
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,435
Likes: 0
Hi,
Thank you for the trip report. I love reading them. I love the CT. I have a very dear friend that lives in Levanto who I have had the great pleasure of visiting several times. It never disappoints. Tuscany isn't bad either.
Thank you for the trip report. I love reading them. I love the CT. I have a very dear friend that lives in Levanto who I have had the great pleasure of visiting several times. It never disappoints. Tuscany isn't bad either.
Jun 11th, 2005 | 03:12 AM
#7
Original Poster
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
Bob,
Roberto may be gone now. The owner, Paolo, was never too happy though. Just a bit wierd but tried very hard. On the Saturday night that we were there they were hosting a wedding reception on the terrace..a beautiful evening..Paolo was there in his work clothes putting the finishing touches on the buffet. When the guests arrived he never changed out of his work clothes, but rather mingled with the guests in his cut off T-shirt. To his credit though he had a great bod. And later that night when my DH couldn't get the jacuzzi to work he came to our room and showed him how.
There also was a very pleasant bartender who was happy to make American cocktails for us. They made a special place for inn guests to dine on the terrace during the wedding reception ( after we complained that seeing their terrace and view on their website was a deciding factor in our booking). I hope this doesn't sound like we were unhappy there. I would recommended it to anyone wanting that medevial atmosphere, great views and good location.
Thanks again for letting me know about it! Our extra large room with a distant view of San Biagio was only 90e/night. A bargain compared to Venice.
Roberto may be gone now. The owner, Paolo, was never too happy though. Just a bit wierd but tried very hard. On the Saturday night that we were there they were hosting a wedding reception on the terrace..a beautiful evening..Paolo was there in his work clothes putting the finishing touches on the buffet. When the guests arrived he never changed out of his work clothes, but rather mingled with the guests in his cut off T-shirt. To his credit though he had a great bod. And later that night when my DH couldn't get the jacuzzi to work he came to our room and showed him how.
There also was a very pleasant bartender who was happy to make American cocktails for us. They made a special place for inn guests to dine on the terrace during the wedding reception ( after we complained that seeing their terrace and view on their website was a deciding factor in our booking). I hope this doesn't sound like we were unhappy there. I would recommended it to anyone wanting that medevial atmosphere, great views and good location.
Thanks again for letting me know about it! Our extra large room with a distant view of San Biagio was only 90e/night. A bargain compared to Venice.
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Jun 11th, 2005 | 04:54 AM
#10
Original Poster
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
Julie,
We really didn't mind at all and were happy to discover how close we were to the station and not feel like we were in a train station neighborhood. We walked to the station when we left for home. I loved the Hotel Paris because it had that old Italian feel. My DH thought it was past it's prime, but so am I so I just consider that historical character. The ceiling in the breakfast room was probably 16' high and was frescoed. Tiny elevator, too small for you and your luggage. The bellman brings your luggage up after he shows you to the room.
We really didn't mind at all and were happy to discover how close we were to the station and not feel like we were in a train station neighborhood. We walked to the station when we left for home. I loved the Hotel Paris because it had that old Italian feel. My DH thought it was past it's prime, but so am I so I just consider that historical character. The ceiling in the breakfast room was probably 16' high and was frescoed. Tiny elevator, too small for you and your luggage. The bellman brings your luggage up after he shows you to the room.
