Travel to Pisa, Rome

Get a copy of Rick Steves' ITALY 2010, read it, then ask your questions.

Thanks I'll do that hoped though to get some other perspectives on the trip.

Not everyone has the time to read Rick Steves' Italy before their travels-the purpose of this helpline is to get feedback and tips from other travelers, whether or not you read the book. I hope you get your answers Deborah (sorry I can't help you as I haven't been there yet!) Happy travels!

I respectively disagree, Karen. I feel this helpline is meant to compliment Rick's books, not act as a replacement. In any case, all of Deborah's answers can be found (for free) under "Travel Tips" on this site with minimal effort. Beyond that, she can educate herself on the basics and come back with specific questions that may have not been covered.

deborah,

Travel to Pisa and Rome is easiest and quickest by train. You can find the schedules and other information at This website.

As you've never been to Italy, you might also want to pre-read Europe Through The Back Door, especially the Rail Skills section. You can also obtain good information on the railways by downloading the FREE PDF Rail Guide from this website (click the "Railpasses" tab at the top and then the link to the Guide).

Aside from petty theft and pickpockets, you shouldn't have any problems with "safety". Be sure to wear a Money Belt! The risks are greatest in more crowded locations, such as the Metro in Rome, and especially the #64 Bus (which has a bit of a "reputation").

If at all possible, I'd suggest packing along a copy of the Italy 2010 Guidebook, as I find the books are excellent reference during trips. There's lots of information there on things like how to minimize the queues at the Colosseum, opening & closing hours of the local attractions, admission costs, local Guides, etc. If you have a Chapters or other large bookstore in your community, you should be able to buy one there.

Packing along a small Phrasebook would also be a good idea, as it will help to know a few words (ie: "Binario" is track no., "Uscita" is exit)

Happy travels!

Thanks everyone for their replies. I did indeed download on my kindle his guide to Cinque Terre and picked up the hardcopy of Italy 2010. He says pretty much the same in both books and only devotes 2 half pages to Portovenere where we'll be staying, the Hotel Della Baia which I don't find in his books. Does anyone have information on that? As far as dress for that region any suggestions?

I will read his extensive chapter on Rome as we will continue on trip there and fly from there back home.

Can you give us more detail on your itinerary...you mention Portovenere and Rome-where does Pisa fit in? It would help to know more where you are going. Also, you mention elevators-don't expect alot of those in Italy if you are staying in 2 or 3 star hotels.

I agree that picking up a book to find out the answers is not the only solution-- why else would you post on the forum, of course!

deborah, i was in italy (venice, milan, rome) during May a couple years back, and it was pretty hot. I was able to wear a basic trenchcoat during the evenings, but during the day, it was definitely hot (shorts and T-shirts). I flew via budget airlines and took the trains within italy; I had one luggage and recommend packing light.

btw pisa and rome, i think train is probably the best option (i'm currently planning a trip back to italy). you won't have to bother w/ paying for transportation to the airports or check-in times--so you save time and money!

that's just my input, but there are italy veterans on this board and hope you find some suggestions helpful!