Hello! My husband and I will be spending 15 days in Italy next September 30-October 15th. We will be going to Venice, Florence, Cinque Terre and Rome. Beside the obvious churches, etc. what things did you do in these cities that were unforgettable?
My big thing is history, art and religion. My husband's thing is fishing and we are both huge foodies (both also recovered alcoholics so won't be interested in any winery tours, etc.). Thanks for any insight!
Jordin, your question is much too broad for any of us to answer as all of our interests are different. Many 'unforgettable' experiences are not planned but happy accidents of simply being in the right place at the right time. That was certainly the case for us, and I could not tell you how to repeat them or even if they'd mean as much to you if I could. Heck, they will not happen to US again!
Get a good guide book. Browse the forum. See what appeals to YOU and not necessarily to someone else. Then go and keep your eyes and ears open. History, art and religion in Rome, Florence and Venice? You could spend a lifetime and not absorb it all. I can tell you that with a few exceptions, our fondest memories don't have anything to do with Top 10 attractions or terrific food.
We may not remember everything in the Accademia in Florence - and we LOVE art - but will never forget an impromptu dance under the moon to a jazz band in Piazza della Repubblica one balmy night.
The meal at ___ may have been good, not fabulous, but the fascinating chat with the astronomers at the next table more than made up for it. And the couple from France than left us with their address and invitation to come and stay. And the Irish wedding party in Sorrento who made us one of their own for a few hours.
It was the unexpected room upgrade that gave us a gorgeous, wide-open view of the Gulf of Naples. O my.
It was a wander through a totally deserted Forum in Rome one very early, drizzly morning back when it was still free.
It was finding our way to the CT from Florence in the middle of a train strike. It took all day but we did it, and is a funny (now) story we've laughed about many times.
So find your moments!
Beside the obvious churches, etc
There are 900+ churches in Rome. Stop into whatever is open and you're likely to find something interesting!
For your amount of time & interests I suggest you not miss.
Florence- Uffizi & the Duomo
Rome - colosseum & St. Peter's
Venice - gondola ride (especially at night) , St. Mark's, Guggenheim museum
Anywhere - eating, especially gelato
Venice - getting up at first light, riding the vaporetto along the otherwise deserted Grand Canal through the mist to San Marco, then watching the sunrise over the lagoon with a few other photographers, one or two painters, a street sweeper and the pigeons. Also riding the vaporetto very late at night on the Grand Canal. Taking the vaporetto across the lagoon to Burano (not impressed with the island, but the ride was lovely). Walking the back canals any time, away from the crowds. The Ghetto and the synagogue tour.
Florence - seeing David at the Accademia.
Cinque Terre - the ferry from Monterosso to Riomaggiore in the afternoon, the towns and coastline are beautiful with the sun at your back.
Rome - Berninis at the Borghese. Then watching some geezers playing bocci in the park on my way out. San Luigi church and its Caravaggios (around the corner from the Pantheon). The Vatican Museums (incredibly rich and varied collections - spent the best part of a day there twice). Ostia Antica was a nice break from the city and well worth a visit.
In general, pop into every church you pass - they are all art museums. Keep a pocketful of coins. In Rome, many works are illuminated, but you have to feed the meter to turn the lights on. Gelato or coffee breaks - a good excuse to sit and rest and people-watch. The food is great, with or without wine and that's probably as close as Mr. will get to fish.
You might also want to visit the Accademia Museum in Venice - a lot of the art there pertains to the history of Venice. I really liked that whole area, with the Accademia bridge, the great view of the della Salute Church (which you can go inside), etc.
Right up the street from the Accademia in Firenze is the !useum of San Marco, which combines your interest in history, art and religion. It's small, so give it an hour or a bit less.
Just remain open to possibilities. It's Italy, anything can happen.
In Florence, at 8 pm, go to Teatro del Sale, near Piazza San Ambroggio.
It is both Nice entertainment and florentine dining. It costs more or less 30 euros but are doing some promotion this year for their anniversary.
Two memories come to mind:
Early morning in Florence, the street sweepers still finishing their rounds, the purveyors making their deliveries to restaurants for the following night, their voices echoing through the narrow streets. I'd stop at the same place every morning for a roll & espresso, sometimes two. It was like time stopped.
Late afternoon in the Jewish Ghetto in Rome. Quiet, historic. On the way there, had a quick bite at Filetti di Baccala--fried codfish fillet wrapped in newspaper. Then we stopped at Da Giggetto for the traditional (but not my favorite) carciofi alla giudia--fried artichoke. Then--unexpectedly because we ordered it by accident--the best pasta dish I've had in all of Italy, bucatini alla Amatriciana. This is thick spaghetti topped (not drenched) with crispy guanciale (pork cheek), tomatoes, crushed red pepper, and Pecorino Romano cheese. Perfection.
....the best pasta dish I've had in all of Italy, bucatini alla
Amatriciana.
Oooh, Jay, stop!!! You're making my stomach growl!
Attend a Mass at St Peters' and at San Marco. Light a candle in every church
Got up early in Venice, took the vaporetto to the food market and spent most of the morning. We watched the garbage boats!
Be open to wandering.
I also enjoy stopping in the department store - housewares es. Enjoy!
I would strongly recommend going up to the top of the Victor Emmanual Monument in Rome for the best view. When in Florence, I would try and have dinner in the "Golden View" restaurant. The view of the Ponte Vecchio Bridge can't be beat. Their prices are very reasonable and the food is very good. You need reservations for dinner many months in advance for a window table, but if you eat early, around 6:00 pm, you can get a table by the window as long as you promise to leave by around 8:30 pm.
Jordin,
Lots of good advice in the previous posts but here's my 2 cents.
Venice - if you have time, hop the train to Vicenza (30 minutes by fast or 65 minutes by regional) to see the Teatro Olimpico. It will blow your mind. I would also visit some of the outer islands in the lagoon if only to escape the crowds. Rialto Market in the morning is a must. Just wondering around in the evening after all the other tourists go home I a real treat.
Florence - Take a winery tour day trip! It's the perfect time of year. The grape and olive harvests are getting underway. I would suggest the WalkaboutFlorence Chianti Wine and Food Safari (also available on Viator). 3 wineries including a great agriturismo for a fabulous family-style lunch. The Mercato Centrale is quite an experience. Don't forget to go inside and there is a great food court on the second floor.
Rome - The Borghese Gardens offer a nice respite from the crowds. I also wish I had gone to the Appian Way and/or Aqueduct Parks (next time). The Forums! Campo De Fiori morning or mid-day. Piazza San Pietro (St Peter's Square) is just sublime in late evening when all the crowds are gone.
Venice ...church concert!
Florence dinner at : il Latini
Rome an evening in Trastevere strolling along the Arno
Museums, galleries churches, piazza all are wonderful but as many will agree. ..it is the little things you will remember most. Kathy said it!
Have a great time
Lorieann
In Cinque Terre, hike between Vernazza and Monterosso. Views are unbelievable. Also, in Riomaggiore there is a restaurant down by the harbor, overlooking a cliff. Has one of the best views. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187821-d2333859-Reviews-Bar_Conchiglia-Riomaggiore_Cinque_Terre_Italian_Riviera_Liguria.html
The Trastevere stroll would be along the Tevere, the Arno is in Firenze. Jay, Filetti di Baccala has moved to a new location, across the street, perhaps since you were last there.
Geez, Zoe--that's a tiny, tiny, triangular piazza as it is, with an ancient chiesa (church) at the apex. Where could they have moved it? Directly across was a clothes boutique of some sort. And it would probably take a generation to get that fried fish smell out of the old joint! We were last there in October 2010. Do they still serve puntarelle (chicory leaves & stems) salad, with olive oil and anchovies? A short walk from the Campo de' Fiori open air market, where you can see older woman washing and scoring the chicory leaves for sale.
