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Old Mar 10th, 2013, 02:47 PM
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great advice, sassafrass.
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Old Mar 10th, 2013, 06:32 PM
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annhig, I am staying at Hotel American Diensen (Dorsoduro) in Venice.
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Old Mar 11th, 2013, 02:58 AM
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This one?

http://www.hotelamerican.com/

lovely position, i love the way they've taken the photos!

I think that makes your life on the last day very easy as all the things you want to see are so close to your hotel.

had you thought how you are going to get to the station and how long you are going to allow?
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Old Mar 11th, 2013, 03:28 PM
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Yes, this is the hotel. I switched things a little to do the following on the last day:
Walk to Rialto Bridge
Rialto Market
To Friari Church
Tour Ca’ Rezzonico
Explore Dorsoduro
Go back to hotel to get bags? How long would I need get to the station. I am traveling with Italo. Much better prices.

In Florence, I chose Residenza dei Pucci. Via dei Pucci n 9, 50122 Firenze.
Rome: Hotel Residenza in Farnese. Via Del Mascherone 59 00186

I am debating if to go to the Borghese Gallery on Easter Day. It's open and then go to the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain (guessing it must be nice at night?) But I don't want to miss anything special that might happen at the Vatican.

Anyone ate at a great restaurant at either cities that doesn't break your bank?
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Old Mar 12th, 2013, 09:47 AM
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I don't think that the train you are travelling with affects the time you'll need to get to the station! the Italo looks good though.

your hotel's directions suggest that to get to the hotel from the station you take the no 1 or 2 vaporetto to the Accademia stop and that it will take 30 mins plus a 2 minute walk - so reversing that it should take about 30 mins to get to the station, less if you can get a no 2 which calls at fewer stops. therefore i think that I would allow myself an hour to get there.

__________________________________________

i can't see any reason not to go to the Borghese GAllery on EAster sunday, if it's open. it is likely that the spanish steps and Trevi fountain [lovely lit up at night] will be heaving so personally I'd leave them til another time. you have mentioned going to the piazza del popolo and attending mass - the basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo has a number of the works of Caravaggio and has a mass at 18.30 on sundays:

http://www.santamariadelpopolo.it/ingl/index.html

it's difficult to predict what will be happening in st. Peters. Mass takes place at about 9 am [tickets required] and then the Urbi et Orbi greeting is at 12 noon. [in the piazza, no tickets required,] but you're unlikely to be there in time. a lot depends i suppose on whether there is a new pope by then. your hotel is near the campo dei fiori so it'll take you about 20 mins to walk to the Vatican or you could get a bus to get you a bit closer.
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Old Mar 12th, 2013, 06:18 PM
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Definitely try to take the #2 vaporetto from Accademia to the train station. It is way faster. You can see the timetables at the stop. I have never taken the Italo, but I always try to get on a train to Florence or Rome 20-30 minutes before it departs (or as soon as it gets to the station) so it is less stressful to stow luggage and find your seat.
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Old Mar 12th, 2013, 07:26 PM
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thank you all so very much for all the wonderful information and willing to help make my travel more smooth!! Annhig, you have been especially helpful! Thank you!

Last question, if you don't mind. Should I wait to book a tour until a few days before, once I arrive, or book now? One is an afternoon tour at the Vatican to take advantage that I am already there (scavi tour at 11:30am and would like a vatican tour that starts at 2:30pm with Viator)
The other I am interested in is the Roman Forum that only allows max. 10 people with walksofitaly.
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Old Mar 13th, 2013, 04:49 AM
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definitely book a tour asap - Easter week in Rome this year may be vv busy!

Marcast - it's been my pleasure to help you and i look forward to reading your trip report!
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Old Mar 13th, 2013, 04:09 PM
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I can't wait. I'll send you the trip report. Thank you!
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Old Mar 14th, 2013, 12:07 AM
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Book tickets on Viator sooner than later. Some tours are full and early booking sometimes offers a discount.
I would suggest less pre booked tours each day. I would research galleries and pick a few. Try not to see too many. Its I would suggest bus 7 from San Marco to Pizzeria San Domenico toward Fiesole. They have the best risotto raddichio. And pizza with corn rucola and fresh tomato. close at 2pm but you can go for lunch...or for dinner. Great view across the street of Firenze
Take bus 25 and bus20. Just for the round trip around the city. View you will not see if you stay near the Duomo. Take the bus number 12. It goes aound the oltra arno up to Michalangelos. The bus stops for 8 minutes. Go across the street and see the view of Firenze and the Duomo. If you miss the bus another comes in 20 minutes.
If you can go to Verrazzano winery. Take the lunch tour. They pair wine anmd food. It is my favorite place to take friends to. The tour is informative the wine a.d food..fantastic! Book early.
:lastly..enjoy your trip enjoy a cappuccino get lost on side streets. Beware of pickpockets on the bus. (Yesterday he looked as he was dressed like the bus driver..neatly dressed dark blue sweeter)
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Old Mar 14th, 2013, 09:26 AM
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Great info Wanderlust!! I should enjoy Italy a bit more than just museums is what I am getting. Thank you for the recommendations for eating and the winery. Do they have a website where I can book? Or is one of Viator's tours?
In regards to "View you will not see if you stay near the Duomo. ", are you referring to the hotel I chose?
Thanks for letting me know of the picpocketers. Sneaky, aren't they?
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Old Mar 14th, 2013, 10:38 AM
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Verrazzano has a web ste. Try yo book in advance. If you like wine then it is one of the best. They really do a great job with food and pairings. Its a few hours for the tour. It is in Panzano..near the famous butcher. I mentioned the view because the buses wind up to the hills on each side of Firenze. The view from Michelangelo's is spectacular. The views from the Fiesole area are panoramic.
I know the museums are a must. Just realize one can spend several hours in the Uffizi and Accademia alone! There are amazing paintings and sculptures and you want time to enjoy them. As for the pick pockets just keep your handbag closed and close. And if possible wear clothing that goes over the pockets. The gentleman yesterday had pants with loose front pockets..like "dockers" . Have fun!
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Old Mar 14th, 2013, 10:47 AM
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marcast, for more "non-museum" activities, have a look at the TA - activities - page:

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attract...e_Tuscany.html

quite a few winery tours are featured, which you might enjoy.

the "attractions" page is quite good too.

The views from Piazzale Michelangelo are lovely; i used up lot of my camera's memory taking photos from up there. there is a nice bar up there [just below the wall which overlooks the view] to get up your energy for the walk up to San Miniato. [don't forget your €1 and 50c coins to put in the machine to illuminate the mosaics - you'll need these everywhere unless you want to rely upon the generosity of others!]

the bus up to Fiesole is a good idea too; we liked the restaurant in the main square as did quite a lot of locals which is always a good sign.
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Old Mar 16th, 2013, 08:06 AM
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Fantastic wanderlust57 and annhig! It's coming together nicely with what you are recommending. I looked into the trip advisor activities and got a better idea of why you recommend staying in Florence vrs. going on day trips out. What a beautiful view!
Verrazzano looks amazing! Your guests must love you for taking them there! Booking today for the food and wine lunch. My husband will love it!! and of course, me too. I am so forever greatful to all for such kindness in recommendations!!
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Old Mar 16th, 2013, 08:24 AM
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marcast - it's a pleasure - just make sure you don't forget you owe us trip report!
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Old Mar 17th, 2013, 03:53 PM
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ok, I will!
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Old Mar 19th, 2013, 08:45 AM
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wanderlust, I forgot to ask. What is the best way of getting to Verrazanno if you don't have a car?
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Old Mar 19th, 2013, 10:00 AM
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I read that I would have to walk 30 min up to the winery from where the bus leaves you. Better way of getting there?
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