I'm going to Italy

[Alidar Jarok]

In about 2 weeks (I really can't believe it's that soon), I'll be going to Italy. While a lot of the trip is planned out for me, I'll also have a lot of free time (although it's only a month and I do have to go to class, so not as much free time as I would like).

I'll definitely be seeing Rome, Siena, Naples, Venice, and Florence. I'm really excited right now.

So who's been to Italy before? What did you think? What was the favorite place you went and what would you recommend I see?

 

[Ashu]

I loved Italy when I went, however it was only a week and we didn't stay in the places we went very long. We did a lot of Northern Italy, but didnt go to Naples or Siena like you will be.

My favourite was walking through ancient Rome and being at the spot where Caesar was assasinated on the ides of march.

Next city to that was probably Venice just because it was fun walking around.

It's hard to tell you what to go see cause I wasn't there for very long, and you'll probably be going to all the same places I went to in the first place.

Plus, one of my favourite parts of the trip was just sitting in a half hidden restaurant in Rome having lunch and I probably couldn't tell you exactly where that was at this point.

Either way, have fun and take lots of pics for me k?

 

[Atlas]

I saw Rome and Florence. Since you're already planning it, sounds like I don't need to tell you to spend more than one day in Florence. That was a mistake I made. See, Rome, and do the touristy stuff. It may be touristy, but it's still amazing stuff (Colosseum and Palantine Hill and the Forum). Oh, there's a good three on top of Palantine Hill to take a picture of, so do that

 

[Gary Mitchell]

Grab me some pizza, would ya?

 

[Krieg1981]

I've been told Trieste is nice, and historically interesting(used to be Austria!), and the Skiing in the Alps is supposed to be phenomenal. I've yet to travel to Italy, so this persons opinions could be worthless...... Looks nice in pictures, though!

 

[Australis]

I misread for a moment, because they were next to each other I thought this thread was started by MadBaggins!

Anyway, have a good one. Never been but want to go. See Pompeii ifg you have a chance, the way things are going, if Vesuvius blows again it'll be gone.

 

[PKTrekGirl]

I've been to Italy twice and am planning another trip there in the summer. It is easily one of my favorite countries - tons to do, great food and friendly and fun-loving people. You really can't do better than that.

Rome has the most to do, so definitely plan alot of time there. There is no point in listing all of the 'must sees' as, between the Catholic Church/Vatican and the Roman Empire, you could easily spend weeks in Rome and environs and not see it all.

Florence is fabulous (probably my favorite Italian city), but particularly so if (like me) you are an art museum fan. You absolutely MUST go to the Accademia* in Florence and see Michelangelo's David. This, IMO, is essential viewing as no photo you have ever seen in a book does it justice. If you see one piece of art in all of Italy, let it be this one. In Florence the highlights are art (particularly the Accademia* and the Uffizi*), the Catholic Church (particularly Santa Maria del Fiore) and all things Medici. Ponte Vecchio is nice to look at as well, but unless you care about buying jewelry, it's not worth a ton of your time.
*note about Florence museums: you need to make reservations in advance if you don't want to waste an entire day standing in line or risk not getting in at all. Ask about this at your hotel IMMEDIATELY upon arriving in Florence. They should be able to help you get your reservations - at this time of year you should be able to get in within a day or two.

Venice is very nice, but IMO pretty touristy and overpriced. Still, you can't take a first trip to Italy and not see Venice, so make the trip. Saint Mark's and environs is the center of the universe here.

Milan is very nice also but is much more a business city. The cathedral is absolutely breathtaking and they have some very nice museums there. And for what it's worth, I had my best meal on the last trip I made to Italy in Milan.

I've also been to Pisa (tourist trap), Assisi (before the earthquake though - love the stuff related to St. Francis), Bari (in the south), Matera (also in the south & used for filming several movies including King David - the Sassi is very cool), and Castellanetta (Rudolph Valentino's hometown). A few other places too, but those are the highlights.

Italy is one of those countries that you can go back to again and again. There is tons to see, the weather is nice, the people are very friendly, and the food is fabulous. And (not that you'd care) Italy has the highest percentage of absolutely GORGEOUS men I've ever seen. Your wife will love it.

Hope you have a great time!

 

[Alidar Jarok]

Anyway, have a good one. Never been but want to go. See Pompeii ifg you have a chance, the way things are going, if Vesuvius blows again it'll be gone.

I'm definitely seeing it. It'll be hard to pass up since I love Roman history so much.

 

[Hardin]

Anyway, have a good one. Never been but want to go. See Pompeii ifg you have a chance, the way things are going, if Vesuvius blows again it'll be gone.

I'm definitely seeing it. It'll be hard to pass up since I love Roman history so much.

then go to Ercolano as well, just west of Naples, on the gulf. The ruins (preserved from the same eruption that destroyed Pompei) are smaller but better attended to and equally amazing, if not more. Also, there's a string of XVIII and XIX villas, part of what is called the "Golden Mile" (which starts on the skirts of Naples and ends west in Torre del Greco).

 

[WillsBabe]

And (not that you'd care) Italy has the highest percentage of absolutely GORGEOUS men I've ever seen. Your wife will love it.

This is true. The only downside to visiting Italy, and I say this tongue in cheek, as I love the country and the Itallian people themselves are marvelous, is that it's a bit intimidating, style wise. The Italians are all so handsome, stylish and healthy-looking that you need a good 6 month run up to get yourself in shape before you can go. (I say this out of respect to any Italian people here, I'd never want to offend you. I admire your style too much!)

 

[StolenThunder]

Anyway, have a good one. Never been but want to go. See Pompeii ifg you have a chance, the way things are going, if Vesuvius blows again it'll be gone.

I'm definitely seeing it. It'll be hard to pass up since I love Roman history so much.

I was amazed at quite how impressive Pompeii was. I was expecting to be underwhelmed but it was amazing.

 

[Niorah]

And for what it's worth, I had my best meal on the last trip I made to Italy in Milan.

And which one was that?

The Roman Forum and Imperial Fora in Rome and the Palazzo Ducale in Venice are simply a must.

Have a great trip.

 

[Roger Wilco]

I was amazed at quite how impressive Pompeii was. I was expecting to be underwhelmed but it was amazing.

Yeah, I thought so too when I was there, definately worth seeing; and at this time of the year it's probably even better - I was there during summer and it was unbearably hot.

Naples itself though is in my opinion neither a pleasant nor an interesting city, I'd skip that completely if I travel to that region again. It's loud, ugly, dirty, overpopulated and intimidating.

 

[Niorah]

^ And dangerous.

 

[Roger Wilco]

Yeah I guess, although I fortunately didn't experience that first-hand.
Also, Naples has to be one of the worst places in the world to drive a car; I've been to Delhi too and not even the Indian cab drivers are as crazy as the Neapolitans.

 

[RJDiogenes]

Have a great time.

Watch out for the sharks in Venice.

 

[Niorah]

^ Yeah, when the high tide comes in you can never know what is lurking below the wooden planks they put in place to walk around town.

 

[JAG]

Wow, that sounds like a wonderful opportunity. Italy is on my list of places to see. I would love to go to the Vatican and the Amalfi coast.

 

[iguana_tonante]

This thread makes me feel all fuzzy inside.

In about 2 weeks (I really can't believe it's that soon), I'll be going to Italy. While a lot of the trip is planned out for me, I'll also have a lot of free time (although it's only a month and I do have to go to class, so not as much free time as I would like).

I'll definitely be seeing Rome, Siena, Naples, Venice, and Florence. I'm really excited right now.

So who's been to Italy before? What did you think? What was the favorite place you went and what would you recommend I see?

I don't know if my advices could be useful, but I'll give a try.

Beware of taxis: compared to other countries, they are crazily expensive. Use the bus or the subway where there is one.

As stereotyped as it sounds, the trains are always late: don't fight with it, don't get mad, it will not get you anything but an headache. Just relax and enjoy the ride.

In the same vein, don't expect everything to work as expected or in due time. Things will be done when they will be done. Just be patient, and have a coffee during the wait.

Everybody is warm and friendly, but not *everybody* is warm and friendly. Don't expect every person you meet to be in the right mood for talking with you.

Don't get mad at jokes. They are a national past-time, not to be intended as serious. Expect an high level of sarcasm. Italians can be very cynical.

We love to belate and degrade our country and our politicians, but we don't like people from other countries doing that. Don't get fooled: Italian patriotism runs deep, but runs strong. Expect also an high level of parochialism: centuries of warfare between neighbouring cities have left some sourness between each other.

Physical contact is much more accepted than in English-speaking countries. Men hugs and girls kiss on the cheeks, but don't confuse it with signs of affection.

We don't live in a postcard, so expect some ugly places, rude people and some litter around. We make up for this in other departments.

Since you are coming in January, remember that Italy is cold in winter. Not freezing usually, but cold. Around 0-10 Celsius, often below zero at night. Bring a raincoat, and some heavy sweaters. Don't forget heavy shoes, too.

Don't be surprised when people will go out of their way to help you. We take great pride in our hospitality. Don't refuse, it won't work.

I hope you will have a great time staying here! Tell us how it went when you are back!

 

[Niorah]

In the same vein, don't expect everything to work as expected or in due time. Things will be done when they will be done. Just be patient, and have a coffee during the wait.

Best piece of advice ever. How true.

Oh and Alidar, do take your time to enjoy the food whenever you can, it's worth it (understatement of the century, I know).
Restaurants can be a bit expensive if you try to have a meal in a "tourist trap", so stay out of the main streets and squares.
I find that when I'm visiting a new place in Italy if I see policemen on patrol and ask them where they go for their lunch I always end up in places that give you great food for little money.