We used the Rick Steve's Italy 2012, Europe through the Back Door and the Europe 101 to plan and prepare. Some great things: all of the hotels were fabulous! Quiet location right near the heart of everything in Venice. Took the "secret iternaries tour" which was fascinating. Then off by train to Cinque Terra. Stayed two nights at the Hotel Villa Steno in Monterosso - the best views and breakfasts. Cinque Terra folks were so friendly, eager to share pictures and stories of the mudslide and their recovery efforts, that we didn't want to leave. Then off to Florence (took a day tour with Art Viva - great walking tour and a way to avoid lines at Accademia and Uffizi) with a side trip to Pisa and then Rome. Rome was hot but we found ways to beat the heat. The Vatican tour was definitely worth it and again, easy to avoid lines. Can't wait to go back.
Posted by
harwich, mass, usa
42 posts
we were just in Rome the end of July temps near 110 but no oppressive humidity like back home on Cape Cod, Mass. my husband and I found the bus system overwhelming at first until we got to know which buses went where. But Rick's books helped so much on this trip I CANNOT THANK HIM ENOUGH!! We had a us tour of Tuscany to Mulipuciano, Firenze, Pienza, St Altimo Abbey for gregorian chants, and a lovely winery for lunch and wine tasting. I took a chance on a hotel on the outskirts of the northeast corner of the city. Boy did it pay off!! a 10 minute bus ride on #90 and we were at the best little hotel. Excellent staff the biggest buffet complimentary breakfast. cleanest of clean and for history buffs a WWII museum. the building was the allied forces base center. prices for this hotel were low what a bargain. Relais 6 Via Tolmino Nomentana. Was there any trouble with english in the rural towns that you went to? Monterosso, Venice, and Florence? Did you get the Roma Pass? Rick was right! They really save you time and money. we were able to skip the 3 hour line to the colosseum. And like you we cannot wait to go back.
I hopeyour trip was enjoyable. What hotel in Rome did you stay at?
Posted by
OP
Poulsbo, WA, USA
2 posts
We did get the Roma pass and it worked just like Rick had written - never had to wait in line. We ended up not figuring out the buses but found we could get most places we wanted using the subway and then walking. Helped us explore Rome. There we stayed at the Hotel San Pio - not one of Rick's recommended places but recommended through a friend of mine who works in Rome and that is where they put up their business travelers. It was very close to the Piramede stop and lots of great, family run Italian restuarants. Out of downtown, quiet residential neighborhood so it worked for us. No problem anywhere with our phrase book Italian - everyone was eager to practice their English on us, particularly waiters and the younger, college students we met on trains. I do want to learn Italian now, though, and practice on them!