Advice for travel to Italy?

Show all answers

foamcem

talking about italy is so complicated...
is a nation with an incredible history, developed during 3 thousands year! so you can imagine how many artist, musicians, writers, conquerors, monuments, cultures...are still living in my country.

I think the most amazing event for a stranger is walking in cities as rome and being surrounded by buildings from ancient roman empire to modern...perfectly preserved.

and what about the churches, the special food, wines, kindness of people, sea...?

I can suggest you to buy a guide as a lonely planet and have a look of whole the nation.

italy is full of surprises, you have just to come and love my country.

diva

I spent a week in Rome and Venice last Nov. you'll love..Rome, try walking thru the cities instead of taking cabs.. we walked once from Vatican city to the Colisieum(of course stopping at cafe's, shopping) in a day/to early evening, the streets are absolutely beautiful.. the buildings, so much history, just soak it in.. I felt safe at night with my 2 other gf's walking thru the city...beware of pickpockets(like any big city) men take a smile or a glance as an invitation to come flirt with you so if you dont want the attention keep that in mind... the Termini is probably where you'll get dropped off after leaving the airport either Ciampino or FIU airport.. thats were you can take the train to anywhere..and the metro can take you straight to the Colisieum...

Domenica P

Where are you planning to go? I'd say at least Venice, Florence and Rome. And then Milan. The following is a good website I can personally recommend: http://www.scoobit.com safe site and you can book on line. No booking fees. Keep in mind Italian Cuisine Isnâ€™t Italian-American Cuisine. Italian food consists of a healthy, Mediterranean-style cuisine. Traditional Italian pizza is much different from the one we're used to, as well. Don't forget the Voltage in Italy is different than the U.S.
You will need a voltage converter since Italy is wired for 220V, 50HZ electricity. You may also be interested into this website http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/italy-country-profile.html

.Laura

Not more not less than in any other european country. You can dress the way you like more (as far as you are not half naked is allright)
Shops here close for about 2 hours between 12.30 and 15.00 pm but if you go in a bigger store it will be opened all day long. Loads to see here about history just head any historical city and walk around
Dont worry about italian men they are armless plus more respectful towards lady than you expect the rest is only mythology for movies...obviously as in any other place make sure to stay between people you can trust

Andrea A

Hi I'm Italian if u need help call me :) Is very nice ur choise yes but if u really like to enjoy Italy come to Summer u can enjoy beach ppl ecc is very cute in summer and very hot i love summer! :) Bye

live

Mrs Mullah, stop it with your BULL ****. I hope Amanda reports you, not only is this harrasment, your not even answering the damn question. do us all a favor and get reported.

im traveling to Italy as well in the spring!!!! :)!!! im really exited! search Rome travel guide on youtube. They do a great job!! hope this helped! oh i heard that italian men there really know how to treat a lady ;) and occaisionally you will hear a Ciao Bella! hehe im so exited !!!

mela

Depends where you are going but the Veneto region of which Venice, Vicenza and Verona are a part, is full of architectural beauty. The most famous architect of this area was Andrea Palladio who lived 500 years ago and he built some of the most beautiful villas around - even the White House is based on his style. It's a lovely area.

Mom of Will

Amanda,

First,, you need to report Ms. Mulah -- she did you no service and she is abusing the community.

I have traveled extensively, but sad to say, I have never been to Italy.

However, I recently contacted the Vatican for my friends who were granted tickets to His Holy Father's Easter Mass and they are not Roman Catholic, but asked me for assistance. I was pleased to write a letter on their behalf.

If you are going anywhere near Rome, I would recommend that you acquire tickets to a Papal Mass - Catholic, Christian, or not. I will provide the link in this answer.

For most Americans, this opportunity will never present itself -- you are one of the lucky ones who have the resources to travel abroad to an exciting land -- a historical place to share with your children one day.

Have fun on your adventure!

If you do decide you want to visit the Vatican, and if you are Catholic, you can have your parish Priest write on your behalf. If you are not, I am certain you know a Catholic friend. Email me and I will give you a copy of the letter I sent, which includes the Bishops name at the Vatican who oversees ticket distribution -- tickets were granted in about 18 hours.

hocfecit

Italians are warm and friendly and appreciate any attempt at speaking their language. The biggest thing to prepare yourself is not to get pick pocketed, robbed by gypsy children or gypsies, also watch out for wild dogs and cats in ancient areas. Only take the day's need for cash and leave the rest in the safe. Gypsy children will run at you in a herd, surround you with little hands all over. When you see them coming; stand firm, put your hand out and shout "NO". Money, ATM card, whatever keep inside clothing. Negotiate price with cab driver before you get in.
Things to learn to say:
Bon Giorno
Ciao
Dove toilet?
Por Favore
Gracia
Counto costo?
numbers
Just spend some time at Borders and read and take notes. Talk to people who've been there.
Italians consider Americans naive. We are. They like us any way.But at least we're not rude or cheap like some other unmentioned are. Stop in a camera shop and ask for a good place for pizza. You want a 'forno al legna' which is wood fire oven. Ask where the locals eat. Get two blocks away from the tourist areas.
Art; oh my gosh.
Rome - Capitoline Museum, the two villa museums in Parko Borghese
Vatican Museums, See the Pantheon and Castel Sant'Angelo. St. Peter's has the famous Pieta.
Florence - Bargello Museum, Museo San Marco, name escapes me but where the "David" statue is don't miss the "Prisoners" also by Michelangelo and about 100 feet down a near by corridor. Absolute must "The Uffizi" 1/3 of the worlds great art rests in this single museum.
Naples - The Nazionale Museo
Venice - the Doges Palace.
Numerous churches.
Beg , borrow or steal but get to Capri for the Blue Grotto.

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: