Beth, Twin or anyone with insight or experience in Italy

[tjreese]

I think both of you indicated you had spent time in Italy previously and think Twin may be going in the northern half next fall and you Beth had spent a lot of time in the north? I’m mostly interested in historic sites and architecture of which I know there are many and will spend several days (5-7?) in Rome with one day going to Pompei. I was thinking of Amalfi and/or Sorrento but unsure on those at this time. I love the beach, but I can find some beach in the USA and so I’m not sure I’m going farther south than Pompei. I will spend a couple of days in Florence, maybe a day in Siena or elsewhere in Tuscany and 1-2 days in Venice. I was going to include a few days in Germany, but unsure about that…although I would like another trip to the Hofbräuhaus in Munich as one place. Do either of you have places between Florence and Venice that has some historical significance or beautiful architecture? I understand the food and wine is great everywhere? Anyway…didn’t know if there were some places to check out on the net for consideration. Thanking you two in advance should you have any ideas.

 

[Bethboilerfan]

I have not spent a lot of time in the north if you mean Milan or Genoa or Piedmont. I have spent a lot of time in the Tuscany region as I lived near Pisa. I have visited and spent time in every place you mentioned. Please question me further as I love Italy and love to share my knowledge.

There is a high speed train from Florence to Venice [about 150+ miles from Florence to Venice]. The three most famous places in between are Padua, Ferrara and Bologna. Bologna has the oldest university in the world and is basically a lively university town with interesting architecture from the middle ages and the renaissance. It is considered by the Italians to be the best eating city in Italy. Ferrara is a UNESCO world heritage city with a very well preserved center. Padua has original frescoes by Giotto and if you love art, it is well worth a visit. I would rank them as 1. Bologna, 2. Ferrara and 3. Padua. Venice is beyond amazing but summers are impossibly crowded.

There is a lot - and I do mean a lot- to see in Florence which is a must see but is unbelievably crowded in the summer. Masses and masses of tourists so that it is almost impossible to walk and it takes ages spent in long lines. If you want to go to the Uffizi museum you MUST reserve your ticket in advance so that you walk right into the museum and don't stand in the line for two hours. Nice rooftop restaurant in the Uffizi for lunch.

Rome is wonderful - but again the crowds are massive. I was there in October and it was still much too crowded. There is a new museum overlooking the forum that had just opened that was very interesting and not crowded. But of course, you have to see the big ones and those will be crowded.

I find Pompeii amazing but again crowds. Herculaneum is nearby and is an alternate archaeological site buried by volcanic ash from Mount Vesuvius. It is not so crowded, smaller and interesting.

The Amalfi coast is one of the most beautiful and outstanding places in the world. Even if you do not go to a beach the sights are worth the trip. I had the best meal in Italy cooked by a Nonna [grandmother] in a small restaurant on the Amalfi coast. Again, please ask me anything and I will try to answer. I have no idea why this line is over the text???? HELP

 

[TwinDegrees2]

I have not been, but Beth and I did have a nice long conversation about visiting before she went over to the dark side. I miss conversing with her.. She seems well versed on the country, and we are going this summer/fall when the kids are back in school in Italy.

While over there, I'd suggest visiting Belgium where we Americans are loved and adored. Bruge, Dubrey, North Sea, take a side trip to Luxemborg and the American cemetery where Patton and 7000 troops are buried. I can help you with that.

 

[tjreese]

I have not spent a lot of time in the north if you mean Milan or Genoa or Piedmont. I have spent a lot of time in the Tuscany region as I lived near Pisa. I have visited and spent time in every place you mentioned. Please question me further as I love Italy and love to share my knowledge.

There is a high speed train from Florence to Venice [about 150+ miles from Florence to Venice]. The three most famous places in between are Padua, Ferrara and Bologna. Bologna has the oldest university in the world and is basically a lively university town with interesting architecture from the middle ages and the renaissance. It is considered by the Italians to be the best eating city in Italy. Ferrara is a UNESCO world heritage city with a very well preserved center. Padua has original frescoes by Giotto and if you love art, it is well worth a visit. I would rank them as 1. Bologna, 2. Ferrara and 3. Padua. Venice is beyond amazing but summers are impossibly crowded.

There is a lot - and I do mean a lot- to see in Florence which is a must see but is unbelievably crowded in the summer. Masses and masses of tourists so that it is almost impossible to walk and it takes ages spent in long lines. If you want to go to the Uffizi museum you MUST reserve your ticket in advance so that you walk right into the museum and don't stand in the line for two hours. Nice rooftop restaurant in the Uffizi for lunch.

Rome is wonderful - but again the crowds are massive. I was there in October and it was still much too crowded. There is a new museum overlooking the forum that had just opened that was very interesting and not crowded. But of course, you have to see the big ones and those will be crowded.

I find Pompeii amazing but again crowds. Herculaneum is nearby and is an alternate archaeological site buried by volcanic ash from Mount Vesuvius. It is not so crowded, smaller and interesting.

The Amalfi coast is one of the most beautiful and outstanding places in the world. Even if you do not go to a beach the sights are worth the trip. I had the best meal in Italy cooked by a Nonna [grandmother] in a small restaurant on the Amalfi coast. Again, please ask me anything and I will try to answer. I have no idea why this line is over the text???? HELP

Thank you for taking the time to write all that. As of now I'm looking at mid sept to early oct. I orginally was going to fly into munich and spend a few days to the east of that in Plauen and possibly Nuremburg as well as Munich. That would be a few more days to match up with my daughter in Germany (she will be gone the same time frame) before we meet in Rome for 3+ days. Now, I'm undecided if I am just going to spend all my time in Italy or some in Germany. Wouldn't be a decision if Kim could get off more days...I'd do both.

So right now I'm trying to decide how many places I want to see in Italy. Kim likes cooking and so I know she would like to perhaps take a class...and wine tasting might be an option although that is so so for me. For the most part the big three are on schedule, but I'm adding Siena and if there are other places in Tuscany of interest I'm interested as well. I was looking at Bologna last night as well. I'll check out the other two you mentioned as well. Thank you. Also if you have thoughts on Sorrento and or Amalfi coasts I'm interested, but just highlights I don't need you to spend a lot of time on this although it is appreciated as far as best approach to seeing things. Most likely would stay in Sorrento and make a day trip, but that could change all depending in how I work out the days gone from the USA. I do NOT speak Italian...will that be a problem? In Germany there was no issue in not speaking deutsch except in Plauen a very small town that probably very few Americans have ever been. Only reason I know it exists is the son-in-law is from there. Also, what are your thoughts on whether using a credit card (international) will be an issue instead of paying with Euros? Lastly, concerning Venice...did you stay mainland and make the daily trip or stay in Venice? Sorry can't help with the strikethroughs...

 

[tjreese]

I have not been, but Beth and I did have a nice long conversation about visiting before she went over to the dark side. I miss conversing with her.. She seems well versed on the country, and we are going this summer/fall when the kids are back in school in Italy.

While over there, I'd suggest visiting Belgium where we Americans are loved and adored. Bruge, Dubrey, North Sea, take a side trip to Luxemborg and the American cemetery where Patton and 7000 troops are buried. I can help you with that.

Appreciated, but if I end up in Germany it will be on the east side (Munich and to the east mostly). I did not like Frankfort when I was there. I spent a day in Ramstein Air Force base where Kim's cousin was a colonel and he showed us around and took us inside one of there cargo planes. The area he was in was nice, but Frankfort was too commercial for me. I know he mentioned we were very close to Patton's grave...an hour away and said you could still see what appeared to be some fox holes. Anyway, "IF" I stop in Germany "this trip" it will mostly be about seeing Tobi's parents and friends we know a little as well as a few more sights close, but Germany is not the main trip this time although I liked Germany as it too is rich in history. I suspect you are in Italy before me and so if you get back before I leave after having been to some of the places I'm going...I may pick your brain as well...

 

[Bethboilerfan]

Thank you for taking the time to write all that. As of now I'm looking at mid sept to early oct. I orginally was going to fly into munich and spend a few days to the east of that in Plauen and possibly Nuremburg as well as Munich. That would be a few more days to match up with my daughter in Germany (she will be gone the same time frame) before we meet in Rome for 3+ days. Now, I'm undecided if I am just going to spend all my time in Italy or some in Germany. Wouldn't be a decision if Kim could get off more days...I'd do both.

So right now I'm trying to decide how many places I want to see in Italy. Kim likes cooking and so I know she would like to perhaps take a class...and wine tasting might be an option although that is so so for me. For the most part the big three are on schedule, but I'm adding Siena and if there are other places in Tuscany of interest I'm interested as well. I was looking at Bologna last night as well. I'll check out the other two you mentioned as well. Thank you. Also if you have thoughts on Sorrento and or Amalfi coasts I'm interested, but just highlights I don't need you to spend a lot of time on this although it is appreciated as far as best approach to seeing things. Most likely would stay in Sorrento and make a day trip, but that could change all depending in how I work out the days gone from the USA. I do NOT speak Italian...will that be a problem? In Germany there was no issue in not speaking deutsch except in Plauen a very small town that probably very few Americans have ever been. Only reason I know it exists is the son-in-law is from there. Also, what are your thoughts on whether using a credit card (international) will be an issue instead of paying with Euros? Lastly, concerning Venice...did you stay mainland and make the daily trip or stay in Venice? Sorry can't help with the strikethroughs...

There will not be a problem speaking English as long as you are in tourist areas which you will be so you will be fine. I have stayed on mainland and in Venice where I usually book through VRBO. I tend to stay on mainland if I am flying into or out of Venice Marco Polo airport otherwise I stay in Venice. If you stay in Venice stay away from the area around the cathedral but near the grand canal so you can use vaporetta or water taxi. Vaporettas are not expensive, come regularly and you are traveling like a Venetian. To prepare read a couple of mysteries by Donna Leon. If your daughter wants to take a cooking class and you want to do a wine tour, I suggest you do that in Florence. She can cook while you drink

 

[Bethboilerfan]

I am posting short notes as I don’t want that strike through to happen. I use a Capital One Visa as there are no fees and my debit card but only at ATMs where there are no additional fees. Do not change money at airport as it is ridiculously expensive. I go to my bank before I leave and change $$ to Euros as I have found that is cheapest. You will need euros for taxis, buses, etc. In Italy sometimes they insist on cash. Do not mail anything from Italy!

I love Siena so I encourage you to go. The “square” (not square at all) where the Palio is held is a great place to sit and people watch. The cathedral is worth a visit and restaurants are good (well it is Italy!) and less expensive than Florence. Pisa is a quick train ride from Florence and is worth a day trip if you have time. University is there where Galileo worked and the Leaning Tower and cathedral. The latter is all together and easy to see in a day trip.

 

[tjreese]

There will not be a problem speaking English as long as you are in tourist areas which you will be so you will be fine. I have stayed on mainland and in Venice where I usually book through VRBO. I tend to stay on mainland if I am flying into or out of Venice Marco Polo airport otherwise I stay in Venice. If you stay in Venice stay away from the area around the cathedral but near the grand canal so you can use vaporetta or water taxi. Vaporettas are not expensive, come regularly and you are traveling like a Venetian. To prepare read a couple of mysteries by Donna Leon. If your daughter wants to take a cooking class and you want to do a wine tour, I suggest you do that in Florence. She can cook while you drink

Thank you. It would be Kim with the cooking, but it may still work as you stated. My daughter (in my avatar) will only be in Italy a week and half of that is in Rome. They may make a longer trip another time. They will be leaving their daughter with Tobi's parents when they go to Italy. I thought I read about 25 minutes using a water taxi from Venice to the airport and about 150 Euros. My daughter will fly out of Marco Polo to Munich to pick up her daughter, but I will fly out of Rome either to the states or to Munich and then home. I know there was a daily train from close to the airport to Venice that made trips throughout the day, but they will have that battle to fight. When I go to Venice it will be from Florence on a train...just not sure if I want to stay over night in Venice or the mainland. Gotta see what is there once I have an idea of a starting date, finishing date and places to see. All I know now is that I will be with my daughter and her husband in Rome in an Airbnb for 3+ days. I may be in Rome before that and will be in Rome after that.

 

[tjreese]

I am posting short notes as I don’t want that strike through to happen. I use a Capital One Visa as there are no fees and my debit card but only at ATMs where there are no additional fees. Do not change money at airport as it is ridiculously expensive. I go to my bank before I leave and change $$ to Euros as I have found that is cheapest. You will need euros for taxis, buses, etc. In Italy sometimes they insist on cash. Do not mail anything from Italy!

I love Siena so I encourage you to go. The “square” (not square at all) where the Palio is held is a great place to sit and people watch. The cathedral is worth a visit and restaurants are good (well it is Italy!) and less expensive than Florence. Pisa is a quick train ride from Florence and is worth a day trip if you have time. University is there where Galileo worked

I went to the bank to get Euros for Germany a couple of years ago...got dinged on the exchange when I got them and dinged when I returned them and that is why I was hopeful that credit cards would be accepted as frequent as Germany, but some video suggested the Italians didn't fully trust credit cards at this time and many places to eat and such wanted cash. So it appears I'm going to have to buy some. AS of today 1 euro is $1.11. I think it was somewhere around $1.13 to $1.15 a couple of years ago when I went to Germany.

 

[Bethboilerfan]

I gave it a lot of thought and depending on time constraints, It may be better to save the Amalfi coast for another visit. Distances in Europe take more time to travel plus there is so much to see everywhere in Italy. However, if you do decide to go the most important advice is: Do not drive the Amalfi coast- take the autobus. Easy to do, inexpensive and convenient. I stay in Sorrento because it is flat and less expensive and the bus stop for Amalfi coast is very convenient. Sorrento is a pleasant town with a very famous gelateria, david, (lower case) on Via Marziale,19.
Again, DO NOT DRIVE the Amalfi coast. You will be alive to thank me for this advice.

 

[Bethboilerfan]

I went to the bank to get Euros for Germany a couple of years ago...got dinged on the exchange when I got them and dinged when I returned them and that is why I was hopeful that credit cards would be accepted as frequent as Germany, but some video suggested the Italians didn't fully trust credit cards at this time and many places to eat and such wanted cash. So it appears I'm going to have to buy some. AS of today 1 euro is $1.11. I think it was somewhere around $1.13 to $1.15 a couple of years ago when I went to Germany.

I of course, can not say for sure, but my last couple of trips it was cheaper to use Chase Bank for exchange. It used to be that wasn’t true. Also, the banks in Italian airports are now owned by that exchange company and are horrible on fees and exchange rate. I only change about $500 at local bank and use debit card at ATMs in country where I am. But I try to put as much as I can on credit card. They are accepted most everywhere in Italy but not as much as in Germany.

 

[Bethboilerfan]

Venice is wonderful and personally, I would stay in Venice so you can do and see more. There is a train and a bus to airport. Allow a lot of time. If I am in Venice and need to get somewhere quickly I arrange (Hotel can do this) for a water taxi as Vaporettas make too many stops when you are in a hurry. Look at VRBO for nice places to stay in Venice, Florence, Rome. Ask owner questions about location, nearest autobus, etc etc They are usually extremely helpful.

 

[indy35]

I went to the bank to get Euros for Germany a couple of years ago...got dinged on the exchange when I got them and dinged when I returned them and that is why I was hopeful that credit cards would be accepted as frequent as Germany, but some video suggested the Italians didn't fully trust credit cards at this time and many places to eat and such wanted cash. So it appears I'm going to have to buy some. AS of today 1 euro is $1.11. I think it was somewhere around $1.13 to $1.15 a couple of years ago when I went to Germany.

I was in Italy 4 years ago, went to Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre, and Venice. That was my 2nd time in the country, the first was a few years before that. We used credit cards basically the entire trip. Anywhere around the cities accepted credit cards, the only time we really needed euros was in some of the smaller towns we went to with mom & pop restaurants and shops.

 

[tjreese]

I am posting short notes

I gave it a lot of thought and depending on time constraints, It may be better to save the Amalfi coast for another visit. Distances in Europe take more time to travel plus there is so much to see everywhere in Italy. However, if you do decide to go the most important advice is: Do not drive the Amalfi coast- take the autobus. Easy to do, inexpensive and convenient. I stay in Sorrento because it is flat and less expensive and the bus stop for Amalfi coast is very convenient. Sorrento is a pleasant town with a very famous gelateria, david, (lower case) on Via Marziale,19.
Again, DO NOT DRIVE the Amalfi coast. You will be alive to thank me for this advice.

agrees with all I have read.

 

[Bethboilerfan]

I was in Italy 4 years ago, went to Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre, and Venice. That was my 2nd time in the country, the first was a few years before that. We used credit cards basically the entire trip. Anywhere around the cities accepted credit cards, the only time we really needed euros was in some of the smaller towns we went to with mom & pop restaurants and shops.

Did you take public transportation?

 

[tjreese]

I was in Italy 4 years ago, went to Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre, and Venice. That was my 2nd time in the country, the first was a few years before that. We used credit cards basically the entire trip. Anywhere around the cities accepted credit cards, the only time we really needed euros was in some of the smaller towns we went to with mom & pop restaurants and shops.

Thank you. I was looking at Cinque Terre a bit the other day

 

[indy35]

Did you take public transportation?

Rome and Florence we did. With Cinque Terre we stayed in La Spezia, walked to the train station and took the train to the towns. In Venice, our hotel was about halfway between the train station and the Rialto so we just walked.

 

[Bethboilerfan]

Rome and Florence we did. With Cinque Terre we stayed in La Spezia, walked to the train station and took the train to the towns. In Venice, our hotel was about halfway between the train station and the Rialto so we just walked.

Yes, I walk much more in Europe as it is more “walkable”

 

[BoilermakerG]

My wife and I did a European tour this spring. We mostly visited the popular sites when in Italy...which I can’t say anything bad about Italy, other than the astonishing number of tourists at virtually every city.

As others above mentioned- credit cards weren’t a problem 99% of the time.

Need coins for public restrooms(this includes gas station restrooms) ...some actually take credit cards.

Venice is just an amazement to me. The canal rides are a little cheesy, but a great way to see parts of the city. Very crowded everywhere we went in Venice.

We only passed through Genoa...traffic there is not good due to the bridge that collapsed.

 

[tjreese]

Yes, I walk much more in Europe as it is more “walkable”

A couple of years ago I walked 13 miles in Prague in one day. I REALLY liked Prague as I'm sure I will like Italy as well. Now, Kim says she can probably take more time off and so Germany for a few days might be in the cards as well. Being type 2 diabetic I was able to eat anything due to so much walking and my Achilles Heel is bread. I think I could live in Germany and I imagine Italy for some duration were it possible.

 

[tjreese]

My wife and I did a European tour this spring. We mostly visited the popular sites when in Italy...which I can’t say anything bad about Italy, other than the astonishing number of tourists at virtually every city.

As others above mentioned- credit cards weren’t a problem 99% of the time.

Need coins for public restrooms(this includes gas station restrooms) ...some actually take credit cards.

Venice is just an amazement to me. The canal rides are a little cheesy, but a great way to see parts of the city. Very crowded everywhere we went in Venice.

We only passed through Genoa...traffic there is not good due to the bridge that collapsed.

When did you go? I'm looking at mid Sept to early Oct...weather around 75 on average and hope for less than usual tourist...but not holding my breath

 

[TwinDegrees2]

When did you go? I'm looking at mid Sept to early Oct...weather around 75 on average and hope for less than usual tourist...but not holding my breath

T...you going with a group? If not, you guys could go with us if you want.

 

[tjreese]

T...you going with a group? If not, you guys could go with us if you want.

no, going with Kim and matching up on some days with my daughter. When I know where I will be and on what days I'll send that to you and if in the same areas we can meet. I just don't know enough yet as the only things I have schedule is Rome with my daughter. I'll get in touch once I'm able to tie down some schedule...which I attempt to sort through where we want to go a bit every day...

At this time...I don't even know if I'll include any Germany this time or not