We returned October 4th from one month in Italy. We used Rick's recommendations to book in Venice and Vernazza. A perfect four days in Venice including the annual Regatta. We booked the room with its own deck at Guiliano Basso in Vernazza and loved it. We were there during the wine harvest and could easily watch it from our deck. Five nights in one place was great. One suggestion: Try to not travel by train or book a rental car on a Saturday if possible because we were surprised by a train strike. We managed to get out of C.T. and pick up our rental car at the airport in Pisa instead of Arezzo, but a lot of folks lost a couple of travel days, as we found out later. The strike was only in Tuscany, and there was one train from Milan to Rome that came through, with many people left standing at the station upon departure.
Two weeks at one place in Tuscany was perfect (Cortona). We had six full days in Rome at the last of September. I had planned ahead for the SCAVI tour through the Vatican. We did not stand in a single line that week due to advance planning. In fact, this was true of Florence also with reservations to the Academia and Uffizi Gallery. One of our most favorite experiences was the Borghese Gallery in Rome. We relaxed one day at Ostia Antica, which was more meaningful after reading a lot of Roman history books before and during the trip. A memorable month. Thanks to all of Rick's travelers online for recommendations and his books on Venice, Rome and Tuscany.
Ciao,
Pat
Posted by
Atlanta
3262 posts
Pat, Your trip sounds amazing--it must have been a great experience to be in Vernazza during the wine harvest. Also, it sounds like you did a good job of relaxing with 2 weeks in Crotona and nearly a week in Rome. I love the Borghese Gallery in Rome as well! Welcome back and enjoy planning for your next trip.