Italy recommendations

[EL PRESIDENTE]

Going to Italy in about 2 weeks. Hiring a driver, going with family (parents, brother, aunt and uncle). Have to get a driver since my uncle is in a wheelchair and it'll make it easier to get to places if we're just dropped off, etc. Anyways, so we'll have a van taking around.

Mainly looking right now for Venice and Florence tips and general things about driving or getting driven around. Basic route is starting off in rome, going southeast to San Giovanni Rotondo then north along the adriatic coast to Venice then down to Florence then back to Rome.

I've gotten a few notes here and there..have lodging already...doing side trips to Pisa, San Giovanni Rotondo (Padre Pio), Assisi, and maybe Sienna. Food, things to see, etc. I've been to Italy in the past (Rome, Milan, etc) so i'm pretty good with culture and have to get around.

Basically I've got:

Venice: Eat seafood rissoto. Walk around. Glass factory.

Florence: Bistecca ala Florentina, buy cologne at the Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy and see the Statue of David and Birth of Venus
:MARIS61:

 

[HailBlazers]

Eat Bread/Cheese/Pasta, Drink Wine.

 

[porkchopexpress]

Going to Italy in about 2 weeks. Hiring a driver, going with family (parents, brother, aunt and uncle). Have to get a driver since my uncle is in a wheelchair and it'll make it easier to get to places if we're just dropped off, etc. Anyways, so we'll have a van taking around.

Mainly looking right now for Venice and Florence tips and general things about driving or getting driven around. Basic route is starting off in rome, going southeast to San Giovanni Rotondo then north along the adriatic coast to Venice then down to Florence then back to Rome.



I've gotten a few notes here and there..have lodging already...doing side trips to Pisa, San Giovanni Rotondo (Padre Pio), Assisi, and maybe Sienna. Food, things to see, etc. I've been to Italy in the past (Rome, Milan, etc) so i'm pretty good with culture and have to get around.

Basically I've got:

Venice: Eat seafood rissoto. Walk around. Glass factory.

Florence: Bistecca ala Florentina, buy cologne at the Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy and see the Statue of David and Birth of Venus
:MARIS61:

Venice maybe hard if you need a driver to take you around. I remember walking.. a lot. I was going to suggest cinque terra as well, but that would be hard with your situation. You could still take the train between the 5 towns, but walking from town to town is the best way to visit there.

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

Yeah, going with family is always a problem not doing what i want to do. they tend to do too much touristy stuff too...but whatevz. I think in venice you park the car then take a water taxi to the hotel and just chill there. Was looking at maybe either Verona or Padua for a daytrip from Venice. It'll be fine with the wheelchair hopefully. Is a Gondolier worth it? There's also a water taxi tour I think that takes you all around.

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

Eat Bread/Cheese/Pasta, Drink Wine.

ugh, last time I went with family they chose crappy restaurants. actually went to a chinese mongolian grill type restaurant in Milan. so bad. they loved it though.

 

[porkchopexpress]

Yeah, going with family is always a problem not doing what i want to do. they tend to do too much touristy stuff too...but whatevz. I think in venice you park the car then take a water taxi to the hotel and just chill there. Was looking at maybe either Verona or Padua for a daytrip from Venice. It'll be fine with the wheelchair hopefully. Is a Gondolier worth it? There's also a water taxi tour I think that takes you all around.

I was on a pretty tight budget when I was there (10 week trip through Europe on ~ €50/day including lodging) so I didn't take a Gondolier. I took the water taxi once, but i don't really remember it. We just wandered the streets for a few days.

Since you like coffee, go to Torrefazione (not related to the roaster/chain that Starbucks bought and killed). I remember the espresso being really good. I think I remember reading that they supply most of the cafes in town with beans.



http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaura...ews-Torrefazione_Costarica-Venice_Veneto.html

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

nice. yeah, i love getting the espresso and cornetto in the AM.

What about nightlife? I heard venice is kind of dead at night. But Florence is good?

anything i need to take home? I see those stupid carnival masks...might get one, but it'll break in my bag probably. But I have a few similar masks hanging in my hallway for decorations, so who knows.

 

[porkchopexpress]

nice. yeah, i love getting the espresso and cornetto in the AM.

What about nightlife? I heard venice is kind of dead at night. But Florence is good?

anything i need to take home? I see those stupid carnival masks...might get one, but it'll break in my bag probably. But I have a few similar masks hanging in my hallway for decorations, so who knows.

Can't say about Venice's nightlife. Like I said, we were on a budget (so we didn't go out much in general), but in Venice that meant we had to "camp" 30 minutes outside of the city. We always had to make sure we caught a bus back by 9 or so at night. We bought a mask and somehow it survived. My girlfriend (now wife) wanted one. it was a pain to carry, but luckily we met her parents in Rome in our next stop and they took it back for us.

Florence has a nice street market. A lot of leather, but not knock off stuff. I would have bought a bag if I wasn't so broke. I'm sure you can get something worthwhile there .

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

yeah, heard the leather there is nice. probably don't need anything leather though. just take pics or something. hotels in venice are super expensive. holy shit.

 

[Mediocre Man]

If you are going to be near Piazza Santa Trínita, Il Latini is a great place to eat in Florence.

 

[speeds]

Venice is nice to see but I don't know if you'll want to spend a lot of time there. It is very crowded and expensive (the main island at least). At night (early evening, even) most of the islands are so deserted that they look like empty film sets. The older folks might like the glass blowing demonstration at Murano. Short water taxi to get there and the quality of the craftsmanship is off the charts, if you care about that kind of thing. A grizzled glass blower made a multi-colored horse out of a hot blob of glass in a few minutes with tongs--not normally the kind of thing I'd be interested in but it was impressive.

If you get a chance to go South of Rome to Naples and beyond, Amalfi is very beautiful. Instead of tourists you'll meet up with Italians on vacation, which is preferable. It's also close to Capri which is just an awesome place to be.

 

[speeds]

Also, maybe this is unnecessary advice--but if you're traveling with someone who can't walk or stand for long periods, be prepared to pay to sit at an table in Venice whether you order drinks or not. Extra if the table has linens, IIRC.

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

Not sure if I'm down to see glass blowers if its out of the way or takes a while. I've seen them before...

yeah, i heard shit in St. Mark's square is expensive as fuck. they nickle and dime you. eating outdoors, etc.

 

[TradeNurkicNow]

I'm moving to Turin in July, I would highly recommend it. It's a foodie city like no other. It's got the Gastronomic university close by. It's got Eataly, which if you like good food (cheap too!), it is a must see. Other than that, the night life is awesome, there's a ton of public art, and you're super close to the alps. The public transportation is great as well (though I see you're hiring a driver, so never mind.) Lots to do, and it's up north so it wont be so balls hot as Rome. Really friendly people as well.

 

[The_Lillard_King]

Sienna is worth a day trip.

 

[Run BJM]

I lived in Florence from September to December last year studying abroad so I know a lot about the city if you have specific questions.

As for what you should see. As far as touristy stuff goes, its mostly all very close together at the city center. Il Duomo is a must see, I never actually went inside or up the tower as there was usually a massive line and I don't really care about touristy stuff/art. There's usually a huge fuggin line. The David is a few blocks away and that's definitely worth seeing. Took me all of 15 mins to get in, admire the statue for 7-8 minutes, and leave, but that was after tourist season. If you're into art then definitely check out the Uffizi. Gotta take a look at the Ponte Vecchio too and absolutely go to Piazza Signorina, Republica, and Santa Croce. And they have a cool market near San Lorenzo. Like I said all this stuff is quite close to each other but also make not that much of this area will have cobblestone sidewalks/streets which could be a pain in the ass for someone on a wheelchair.

I'd say make sure to check out Piazza Michaelangelo which is atop a big ass hill on the southeast of the city but its a truly spectacular view. You can drive to the top. There's also a replica David up there.

As for nightlife, what do you like? There are no massive clubs in Florence but there's plenty of small/medium sized discotecas. If Central Park is open then definitely go there. I would imagine the weather is nice enough where its open, really cool club (coming from someone who isn't a huge fan of clubs lol). DON'T LOSE YOUR FUGGIN CARD though. They give you a card at the beginning of the night to get drinks with and you pay at the end. If you lose the card its an automatic 50 euros you have to pay them. Several clubs do this in Florence. I can tell you some other cool clubs or bars or whatever you like.

Bisteca Fiorentina is going to run you 25-30 euros probably BTW. Probably not an issue for you but I never got one lol. Gusta Pizza near Piazza Santo Spirito is really fuggin good and its on the other side of the river which is much less touristy.

Some thoughts on Venice: I don't think you can drive anywhere in the touristy areas as there are no roads. I took a Gondola which was expensive as fugg for about 20-30 mins of meandering through some canals. Kind of cool but not a necessity. I didn't stay the night but friends told me there's nothing to do at night.

And I'm going to second Cinque Terre, however I read that it was ravaged by a landslide that destroyed a lot of the towns. You can do some research to see if its still possible to go there. Its literally unbelievable. The water is bath tub warm and you can see the sea floor 10 feet beneath you. Freaking AMAZING. I can't even put it in words.

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

I'm moving to Turin in July, I would highly recommend it. It's a foodie city like no other. It's got the Gastronomic university close by. It's got Eataly, which if you like good food (cheap too!), it is a must see. Other than that, the night life is awesome, there's a ton of public art, and you're super close to the alps. The public transportation is great as well (though I see you're hiring a driver, so never mind.) Lots to do, and it's up north so it wont be so balls hot as Rome. Really friendly people as well.

Yeah, I went to Turin about 2 years ago when the shroud of turin was being exhibited. Stayed right by the Po River off of Corso Vittorio Emmanuel...the royal palace was pretty awesome as were all the museums, etc. I want to return, didn't get to see everything (wanted to see the Egyptian Museum especially).

I loved it there. I hit up Eatly and ate there too...awesome stuff, in the restaurant downstairs with some italian beer. that wine cellar is the bomb. I think my favorite thing was the Alessi vending machine.

mixed up this vid.
[video=youtube;4ZB8-f-s810]

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

Sienna is worth a day trip.

yeah, i've wanted to go there since seeing the opening of Quantum of Solace, but I want to go during the horse races....so maybe will save that.

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

I lived in Florence from September to December last year studying abroad so I know a lot about the city if you have specific questions.

As for nightlife, what do you like? There are no massive clubs in Florence but there's plenty of small/medium sized discotecas. If Central Park is open then definitely go there. I would imagine the weather is nice enough where its open, really cool club (coming from someone who isn't a huge fan of clubs lol). DON'T LOSE YOUR FUGGIN CARD though. They give you a card at the beginning of the night to get drinks with and you pay at the end. If you lose the card its an automatic 50 euros you have to pay them. Several clubs do this in Florence. I can tell you some other cool clubs or bars or whatever you like.

Awesome. Just trying to bang some hot italian girls (or travelers). Easiest area for this? Bar crawls any good? somewhere english friendly I guess?

I don't like standing in line so if there is one, i'll probably skip it. lol.

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

I'm thinking the gondolas are only good if you're with a wifey or something. its not like I haven't been on a boat in the water before. maybe just do the water taxi tour, i am supposed to research it.

 

[porkchopexpress]

I'm thinking the gondolas are only good if you're with a wifey or something. its not like I haven't been on a boat in the water before. maybe just do the water taxi tour, i am supposed to research it.

Hey El Prez, where is a good place to park at LAX? I just booked a flight to Tokyo, but the only way to use miles to to leave out of LAX.

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

Hey El Prez, where is a good place to park at LAX? I just booked a flight to Tokyo, but the only way to use miles to to leave out of LAX.

Hmm. I've only parked in the LAX lot once since I've been here. There are a ton of them. Sometimes if you book a hotel stay at the hotels you can leave your car there for several days for free in the price of the hotel. there are a shitload of lots in the area, mainly on century blvd...again i haven't used them though.

http://www.yelp.com/search?find_des...f82392b14130896#find_loc=90045&show_filters=1 Yelp might be good to see the reviews

this is down the street from me, about 5 min from LAX. http://www.jdvhotels.com/hotels/losangeles/custom_hotel/specials


I live right by the airport so I just leave my car at home and take a taxi.

 

[Run BJM]

Awesome. Just trying to bang some hot italian girls (or travelers). Easiest area for this? Bar crawls any good? somewhere english friendly I guess?

I don't like standing in line so if there is one, i'll probably skip it. lol.

Its pretty tough to get anywhere with italian girls. Americans and foreigners are nothing exotic in Florence, in fact you're likely looked down upon more than anything. They are quite closed off in public because Italian men holler at every piece of ass they see, and they're especially creepy in clubs. Mostly when you're in clubs you're going to be dealing with international women who want to go clubbing and the hoards of creepy local men that they attract.

All the other foreigners are DTF though. The Lion's Fountain is the biggest Irish pub and it will be pretty much 100% english speakers (Americans, Irish, English people). Not the best place to go if you're looking for a hook up but it will certainly have plenty of people. Red Garter is pretty American/foreign, its kind of a hybrid bar with dancing, more likely to find a hook up there. Twice is a pure discoteca with a lot of American girls and a LOT of creepy dudes. You'll find a lot of DTF people but you also have to compete with those creepers and its effing packed all the time. All three of these spots are pretty close to one another on or right off of Via de Benci.

The one time I went to Central Park there was no line. Its kind off far out of the city center, but you'll find plenty of DTF people and less creeps (relatively speaking). Good mix of Italians and foreigners. Astor is right by the duomo, its American owned and kind of a combo bar/discoteca, lots of Americans.

Dunno about bar crawls, never went on one in Florence. Most of the places Italians frequent will have almost no one inside as they prefer to hang out on the street outside the bar.

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

sweet. I found when dealing with international girls, they LOVE it if you are from California. :MARIS61:

 

[Run BJM]

You'll definitely get a better reaction than jut saying you're from the U.S. lol

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

You'll definitely get a better reaction than jut saying you're from the U.S. lol

Yup. being from california over there is exotic haha. Irish bars seem good though. And if it's anything like spain, there is no competition jajajaja!

{Poasted via palm pilot}

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

anyone ever do VAT refunds? How do they workout, do they take a long time? I see its about 20% back...that might be worth the hassle?

http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/vat.htm

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

back! fun ass trip. pretty tiring.


BACK!

Here's our best meal of the trip. Podere Torricella Agriturismo in Tuscany. On a farm about 30 minutes from Florence, so fucking bomb. Everything super fresh. Meal was expensive, about $350 for 6 people or so. But worth it. Wine from their vineyards, etc.

Kitchen

prepwork:

making our amuse bouche, fried fresh pasta.

a little dark in the room and I didn't want to disturb the other diners with flash

a Parmesan type of flan appetizer off the menu with fresh pears and balamic. really smooth and creamy.

Fresh Gnocci

fresh pasta with a bolognese sauce. outstanding. deep flavors.

Bistecca ala Florentina. HUGE.

after:

Perfectly rare.

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

I saw 2 timbers jerseys there representin' as well, over in Assisi.

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

Can't say about Venice's nightlife. Like I said, we were on a budget (so we didn't go out much in general), but in Venice that meant we had to "camp" 30 minutes outside of the city. We always had to make sure we caught a bus back by 9 or so at night. We bought a mask and somehow it survived. My girlfriend (now wife) wanted one. it was a pain to carry, but luckily we met her parents in Rome in our next stop and they took it back for us.

Florence has a nice street market. A lot of leather, but not knock off stuff. I would have bought a bag if I wasn't so broke. I'm sure you can get something worthwhile there .

Venice was EXTREMELY touristy. I preferred taking the Vaparetto over to Burano, which was just a magical little island/town. Really quaint. There, I ate at Da Romano, which was featured on No Reservations. Stayed in Venice, it became a ghost town when everyone left. Food in Venice wasn't really good. Internet was really spotty so I couldn't find proper restaurants. I'd come back, but only with a wifey, not much partying going on.

The America's Cup was happening while I was there. If I weren't with family, I would have caught that.