Hello everyone:
My husband and I will be celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary next spring, and we are thinking of a trip to Venice and Florence. We have been to Rome, which was lovely, but had no time to explore the rest of Italy. Is that time of year a problem in any way? Suggestions about where to stay, etc.? I have just sent for the Italy book, etc.
Thanks!
Margaret
Margaret,
Congratulations on your 40th Anniversary! That is indeed something to celebrate!
Some additional information would be helpful. For example, which time "next spring" were you thinking of? How long will your trip be?
The Guidebook will provide lots of information on "where to stay" and other details. That will allow you to choose places that best fit your criteria for price, area, etc. I'd suggest packing the book along on the trip, as I've found it's a valuable reference source.
Happy travels!
Ken:
Next spring is late April/early May. Sorry, should've been more specific!
Margaret
Late April/Early May the weather Should be warm, but weather is weather. Bring a sweater and for sure a light weight rain jacket just in case. Last year it snowed in the South of Spain on April 25, and that was unheard of!
I stayed in a sweet little hotel that used to be in the RS books in Venice: Hotel Bel Sito and Berlino, which was on its own little square and very close to St. Mark's Square. In Florence, I always rent an apartment, because we usually travel with another couple, but for your second Honeymoon, you'll probably want a hotel. I stay from the train station in any city I visit, because I don't like the people that tend to hang around at night. In Florence, I like the Santa Croce neighborhood, the Duomo (of course) and Oltarno (sp) 'other side of the Arno' River.
Make sure you eat at Mario's in Florence!
Margaret,
Thanks for the additional information. Late April and early May should be nice, but of course you'll have to allow for rain. May will also be starting to get into spring shoulder season, so it will be getting a bit busier. If you're planning to visit the Uffizi or Accademia in Florenze, reservations would probably be a good idea.
For hotels in each city, have a look at Pensione Guerrato in Venice or Katti House in Florence.
FWIW, I don't mind the area around train stations. I usually stay in the Termini area in Rome and close to SMN in Florence, and haven't had any problems, even at night.
Cheers!
Let me add my congratulations! My husband and I are planning a trip to Italy next year to celebrate our 45th anniversary! When you make reservations, mention that you are celebrating your anniversary. I did so when we went to Switzerland to celebrate our 41st, and we were given some wonderful upgrades.
I have done a lot of research and have booked two highly recommended places you might want to check out: Residenza Il Carmine, apartments located in the Oltarno in Florence; and Aquavenice B&B in Canerregio in Venice.
Be sure to download the Rick Steves audioguides. My husband just downloaded several to his Kindle Fire HD yesterday and I enjoyed listening to them. I have been reading his Italy Guide on Kindle but am also purchasing the small pocket guides to take with us.
Good luck with your planning!
Thank you all!
Margaret
