I am taking Rick's Sicily tour and am planning on spending time in Venice, Florence and Rome before the tour. I plan on staying at a religious house in Venice and am considering Monastery Stays in Florence in Rome. Has anyone had experience with Monastery stays? If not, can you recommend some inexpensive hotels that are safe for a single traveller? I have Rick's Italy and Rome books from a couple of years ago, but I was counting on some advice from fellow travellers. Thanks in advance.
Posted by
Scottsdale, AZ, USA
1127 posts
Monasteries rooms are typically very basic but clean, although some can be as nice as a hotel room. Some enforce a curfew so be sure to verify the hours or you could be stuck sleeping on the street! If you're just looking for a safe place to crash after sightseeing all day you'll be fine.
Posted by
Park Ridge, IL
524 posts
June Have you traveled in Italy before? Perhaps you haven't purchased your flights yet. The reason I ask is you may find it easier to do your solo travel after your tour rather than before. I think of it as getting your travel wings on the tour and you will then be ready to do the rest of Italy on your own. When are you planning on going to mainland Italy? The religious and monasterey stays probably will not have A/C and it has been really really hot in Europe the last 5 years. I checked out monasteries in Rome a couple of years ago and they book up quickly in high season. You do need to purchase the recent RS Italy 2011 book. His gudebook is less than $20 and it is invaluable. Museum hours change, close for renovation, hotels close or quality and prices go up or down, etc, etc. You will have fun in the planning stages of your own trip! And there are great posters here to help you! Bobbie