- Italy
- (1017)
-
The Sicily podcasts were the reason I chose Sicily as a destination. I found them invaluable when planning my trip because they are informative and successfully convey a sense of place.
Rick's podcasts: www.ricksteves.com/radio/archive.htm
BB22 is centrally located: close to main roads and two bus stations. The setting is intimate and the breakfast room is charming. The decor is very Elle Decor.
www.bb22.it
Largo Cavalieri di Malta, 22
(Palazzo Pantelleria)
alle spalle di Piazza S. Domenico
90133 Palermo
Tel./Fax +39 091 6111610
My Sicily trip report: www.travelmusings.net/sicily-2009/
Residenza San Faustino is a bed and breakfast located in the historical centre of Verona in the shadow of the old remains of the Roman Theatre and the Ponte Pietra, near to the house of Romeo and Juliet. The bed and breakfast is well located and our room was very clean and comfortable. The owner Monica was very helpful and kind. She gave us so many good tips.
www.residenzasanfaustino.it
Corticella San Faustino, 7 - 37129 Verona
Telefono: +39 045 9690400
Google map: tinyurl.com/y8dfr45
One of Rome’s highlights has to be climbing the Dome. Set off early in the morning on a clear day with a bottle of water and camera and prepare for a view of Rome that cannot be equalled.
The Climb
Arrive in St. Peter’s Square and join the queue which forms at the security check. This queue does move quite quickly even if it seems long. Once through security, follow the path around to the Basilica, and head for the ticket office which is clearly signposted. You can opt to climb the whole way or take the lift which takes you to the first part and the roof area where you will find a small cafe.
Once you have reached this roof area, you then start your journey into the dome proper. Just at the start, there is an opportunity to walk around the base of the dome high inside the basilica, giving you a true sense of its scale when you see the tiny tourists below you.
Start the climb up varying staircases for a total of 330 steps. For the most part you follow spiral staircases, but there are also parts where you walk on a slight incline as the walls lean in forming their dome shape, and also very straight steep parts where there is a rope to help you keep your balance, until finally you emerge breathlessly to the top and the stunning views of Rome that meet you from every side.
Slowly make the 360 degree circle absorbing views of the Vatican gardens, the rear view of the statues that stand above the entrance to the Basilica, St Peter’s Square, Castle St Angelo and the cityscape of church domes, buildings, green spaces and the river that stretch out before you. At peak times it can be hard to look properly due to the sheer volume of people at the top, but don’t be hurried.
Then its time to start the descent down to the ground, to stand in St. Peter’s Square and look up at the top of the Dome to appreciate your hard work.
Hints and Tips:
At busy time, there will be a large queue on your right hand side after you have passed through security and headed round to the Basilica – this is the Dome queue – those passing on the left are going straight into the Basilica which is free to enter. This queue can be quite slow moving, and you are really advised to get here early (around 8.30am) not only to avoid a long wait, but also to enjoy the climb and the views at the top more easily.
Opening times are 8.30 to 4.45
It will cost you €4 to make the climb (or €7 if you use the lift at the start) Get your tickets at the office just next to the Basilica entrance, clearly marked after you have passed through security checks.
As with any visit to the Vatican, cover shoulders and do not arrive in shorts or a mini-skirt. You will not be allowed in. In hot weather, get into the habit of carrying a cardigan with you to put on as you enter churches around the city. apart for the decorum aspect, they can be quite cool inside.
St Peter's Basilica is in the St Peters Square, in the Vatican City. Nearest metro is Ottiviano or take the 64 or 62 bus.
Taking the tour underneath St Peter’s Basilica within the Vatican City is one that takes you to the very heart of the ancient Rome. The highlight has to be the visit to St Peter’s Tomb, a key symbol of Catholicism. The longstanding belief that St. Peter’s relics lay underneath is the reason that the present day Basilica and its predecessor which was built by Constantine was located here.
Take time to admire the street of mausoleums which is almost perfectly preserved and imagine it open to the elements as ancient Roman families came by to visit their families, often bringing picnics and wine to spend the day in the family vaults. Those that have been excavated reveal intricate mosaics and frescoes which are still brightly coloured even 1700 years later.
Sadly excavations stopped after just a few years as it was feared they could endanger the structure of the immense Basilica which has this area as its foundations so only a small area is revealed and open to the public.
Hints and Tips
As with any Vatican visit, keep shoulders covered and do not turn up in short or a mini skirt. You need comfortable shoes and layers are advised as the temperature underneath the Basilica is quite humid. This is NOT a tour for people with access needs or for those susceptible to claustrophobia. The tour lasts around 75 mins and you cannot take photos or bulky bags with you.
Booking your place:
This tour is not one that you can do spontaneously as you need to book it several weeks ahead. Email or fax your request to the Excavations Office and await your allocated time if a tour is available on your chosen date and in your chosen language. You will then need to pay immediately to confirm your place. Only people aged 15 or over are allowed on the tour and you must book directly as no reservations through agencies are allowed.
Send an email or fax that includes the following information:
The exact number of visitors and names
Language desired for the visit
The dates available during which the Office can arrange the visit (The precise time of the visit will be determined by the Excavations Office).
Contact information (an e-mail address, fax number, or full postal address) so that the Excavations Office may advise you about your visit
Cost: 12 euros per person (January 2010 price)
For more details about the tour, visit www.traveltalesfromrome.com
Excavations Office
Fabbrica di San Pietro
00120 Città del Vaticano
Tel: 0039 0669885318
Email: uff.scavi@fabricsp.va
Fax: 0039 06 698 73017
Nearest Metro - Ottiviano
We arrived early and the staff were gracious and got us into a wonderfully large, well appointed room early at 11:00AM. After flying overnight it was much appreciated.
We loved the location. Quiet, yet easily walkable to the Via Veneto, the Spanish Steps and Metro.
The meal and view from the Mirabelle Terrace restaurant was delicious and breathtaking (if quite pricey)
We highly recommend this property and will be sure to return.
Via di Porta Pinciana, 14
00187 Roma (RM), Italy
phone :+3906 421 689
www.splendideroyal.com/
Google map: tinyurl.com/y9evvf4
It is a B&B run by two women from Firenze for women travellers. It is in the heart of Firenze - and from my room I could see the Duomo and a little garden. It is small, cosy, extremely clean and you meet interesting women there. They were kind enough to put me up for free for a night as I was on a tight budget as I was travelling from India. Extremely warm and hospitable women offering a great service to women travellers. They also welcome pets.
B and B for women only
Borgo Pinti 31, 50121 Florence, Italy
Tel : 0044 203 027 7155
Santa Maria Novella station
Google map: tinyurl.com/ydmodtb
Some of the greatest take away pizzas in Venice are to be found here at MauMa’s. The shop is just to the right, straight across the little bridge to the east of the Campo dei Frari (in front of the Frari Church).
It has no official sign – we only found out its real name after talking to the exceedingly friendly owners, Mauro and Massimo. Their English is limited but it’s possible to get by without having Italian.
It’s a tiny place with a shutter front which, when open, houses an appetizing display of bulging calzone and pizza slices. Calzone are around three Euros and pizzas start from four Euros.
Both are very generous; with a thin, crispy crust and delightfully herby and flavourful tomato sauce.
The place is tiny with no seating so everything is to take away. Buy a soda while Massimo prepares your pizza to order before your eyes; in the light summer months you could just take it across the bridge into the campo to enjoy.
There are no official business hours (whenever the guys feel like opening up!) but it’s usually open every day except Wednesdays.
Undoubtedly some of the best (and cheapest) pizza in Venice. I’ll definitely be going back next time I visit the city, as much to chat to the lovely owners as to sample the mouth-watering fare.
Campo dei Frari, San Polo 30125, Venice
Google map: tinyurl.com/ybmhccm
Best way to enjoy Tuscany is by staying in the countryside - maybe near Siena or Florence, better Maremma or Arezzo. Good deals are on top of hills around Lucca - search for agriturismo, but most B&B are farms that rent rooms or self catering flats.
Search www.traditional-tuscany.com for real authentic farm staying. I know Loli personally - she is a lovelly lady and will find exactly what you need for your stay in Tuscany. Call or email her.
Flats in Venice is a website with a wide choice of accommodation in Venice Itlay. Private apartments to B&Bs, hotels etc all personally checked.
Old cave town with natural park full of vaces and grottos - not as big as Matera but more unique.
it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginosa
Google map: tinyurl.com/y8gu3jk
Pistoia is a very cute small medieval city. The old part is very cute - nice medieval walls, towers, palazzi, churches and the medieval market is really lovely.
Montevettolini is a really cute walled small villa with castle and old church. Top of the hill, perfect for a day walk around small alleys of the village. Nice view and refreshing breeze if you are there in summer.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pistoia
Google map: tinyurl.com/yct65ft
Incredible beach club, wonderful atmosphere. Arriving at Singita is like going on a lost island, the sea is not clean as a Caribbean one but you can swim and the beach is white and long.
Food is good and cocktails amazing. There are four post and beds all around the beach, at sunset time they put many white towel and pillows all around. DJ set every day and gong play for sunset ceremony.
There is a nice fish restaurant too and you can have dinner on the beach or laying in the four post! The perfect place to relax and chill out.
Viale delle Nazioni - t +39 06 0544 538851
www.singita.it
Google map: tinyurl.com/y899tqf
If you don't want to queue for hours book your Colosseum ticket before you go, on line.
We arrived at the Colosseum and found a long snake of a queue. For ticket holders you can head for a different ticket office with no queue.
This is highly recommended especially if you have children.
A day trip to fantastic Siena and an excellent lunch at this osteria. It made our day.
Great Italian food, great Italian wine and great atmosphere.
Arrive early or book as this is a popular restaurant.
We had to wait a half hour for a table, but it was definitely worth it.
Via del Porrione 33, Siena, Italy
0577/48-013
Google map: tinyurl.com/y8dhz2j
What great Italian food and service at this Trattoria situated in a small back street.
Just ask the owner Carlo what is the special today, relax and take your time sampling the excellent food and wine.
This is a must for anybody who likes fresh genuine Italian food.
Vicolo del Popolo, 9, 05018 Orvieto, Italy
0763343916
Google map: tinyurl.com/y9vaxed
From the shore of the large Lake Bolsena at Capodimonte hire a small motor boat and venture out onto the lake and to the scenic island of Bisentina. Dive overboard and swim in the crystal clear water and sun bathe on the deck. My kids (14 & 12) loved having a go at driving the boat.
www.lagodibolsena.org/
Google map: tinyurl.com/yf35sn3
What a great day out we had as a family rafting near Norcia on the river Corno. It was great fun and thrilling. The guides were excellent, we even had water splashing fights with the other groups. The scenery is fantastic.
It certainly made our holiday a holiday to remember.
Best to book before on line.
www.raftingumbria.it/
Google map: tinyurl.com/yb68aqg
Locanda palazone near Orvieto is a great place to stay.
The owners have done a great job at restoring the place and are excellent hosts. You must stay for dinner as they serve excellent Italian cuisine served by the charming owners. A pre dinner drink of wine produced by them before dinner to meet the other guests is a must.
We had a great time there and would recommend it for anyone staying in the area.
www.locandapalazzone.com/
Rocca Ripesena - Orvieto (TR) Italy - Tel.: +39 (0) 763 344921
Google map: tinyurl.com/y8kydy2
I went to Florence a good few years ago for the first time and loved it. Subsequent visits only improved the place for me as I found more and more I missed the first time! I even proposed to my wife on the Pontevecchio bridge and bought the ring there the next day!
I would recommend staying either in the city centre for 1-2 days and then taking a villa to also see some of Tuscany and then you can compare to other towns like Siena or San Gimignano. Try www.qualityvillasitaly.co.uk
Is this your business?