Im going to Italy in March, its the first time I have been abroad. My partner and I are planning to visit the historic landmarks of Rome and Naples, we have seven days to play with. Can anyody reccomend anywhere to visit? Any places to eat (vegetarian)? Are there any tips and tricks we should know?
I am trying to learn a few Italian phrases but we are not very good at picking up languages!
I have been to Italy once, in Milano, and I had the pasta of my life! It was in a small restaurant around the corner and the waitresses and we could not speak one word in the same language. I would always recommend to try little cafes and restaurants in small streets, off the main tourist paths. Go a few hours later than usual ;)
If you have time (it's just under 3 hours from Rome by train) try to visit Florence. Food-wise I'd always go for the Trattorias--rustic and intimate. Not that the restaurants aren't good(!) but Italian friends have always told me to try those, and they're generally cheaper too.
We went to Rome about 2 years ago. We stayed at Hotel Giolli which was really nice and everywhere we ate was amazing aswell- my boyfriend is a vegetarian and all of the waiting staff were really helpful with special requests and recommending dishes. Theres a really nice little pizzeria on Via Milano- Pranzo something I think its called- which sold an amazing potato and rosemary pizza thing. I second whats been said- try the smaller restaurants and cafes which are more family run and generally a better place to eat.
We didn't know any Italian and got by using an online translator on my phone (which worked out expensive- only use it when you really really need to) and everyone was really patient and helpful- most people we met spoke a little English anyways.
We were only there for 4 days, and we managed to see most of the touristy things like the Vatican, Trevi fountains, pantheon, colosseum- luckily, our hotel was pretty much an equal distance from everything and we managed to walk everywhere pretty easily (except the vatican city) and I never do walking, and a pretty lazy :p
One other thing, the taxi drivers are INSANE. You'll be terrified but they know what they're doing! Enjoy your trip x
In Naples, it's well worth spending a day at Pompe - fascinating place. The streets are very narrow and windy and make you understand why Italians favour small cars like the Fiat 500!
Also watch out for restaurants slipping prosciutto (ham) into your food, especially in the south. They don't regard that as meat and can't understand why vegetarians won't eat it.
It would help if we knew what part of Italy you were staying.
I,ve been up North in Aosta and have done Florence, Pisa, Sienna, San Gig, San Vincenzo & Figline Valdarno areas.
A truly wonderful country :-)
Never been but I recommend reading the first part of "Eat, Pray, Love" before you go. Made me want to go to Italy so bad! I'm very jealous, hope you have a great time xx
Even if you aren't religious I highly recommend the Vatican City
Hi there...
I am Italian and I would reccomend a visit to my home town Amalfi it is about 1 hour away from Naples
a quick google search and I am sure you will fall in Love
Ciao !
I visited Sorrento many years ago. It's in the bay of Naples, just accross the water with an anamazing view of Vesuvius. If you have the time, i highly reccomend climbing this Volcano. The views veiws are exilierating, the air is thin, and the facyt an eruption is long over due, makes it all the more exciting!
As 5 mil said, you should definately visit Pmompe. It... will change your life. The town had / has streets, with shops, and sign posts, vafes, pubs, houses, running water, facilities, and entertainmeant areas. Fundamentaly, it is no different to any modern day town. Even the angle of the seating in the arena's is the same as todays, and this was 2000 years ago!! It really makes you wonder "what have we actually done in 200 years?? All those wars, the conquests, the disputes, the parties, the technological advanmeants.... yet fundementaly, life, humanity hasn not progressed" So, yeah, definately go and visit.
What ever you do, have an amazing holyday, and I cant wait to hear all about it xx
wow, thanks for all the answers!
First we are staying in Naples, climbing vesuvius then visiting Pompeii and Herculanium, hopefully trying some real Italian Pizza too!
Then Rome to the colluseum and the fountain, and onwards I think to Florence. We have not booked our hotels yet so still have time to change our minds :) I really fancy visiting Sorrento, and thanks for the tip Jimi, Amalfi looks fab!
Thanks for all the tips! I would never have known about the taxi drivers or the prosciutto! I only just found out that haggling is a big thing :)
If you can, try a trip to Capri. It's really beautiful.
Cat Lady wrote:
If you can, try a trip to Capri. It's really beautiful.
There was a cave in Capri I want to visit :)
Oh now i'm jealous. In 2008 me and my OH spent time in and around Venice and Verona (fairly north, about 4 hours from Rome via train). Lovely country, some lovely people and really wonderful cities. Adding to the noise here i'm sure, but always roam the back streets for food. Like most touristy countries restaurants near landmarks seem average at best.
Should you find yourself in Venice (and I appreciate it's unlikely given you're going to Rome) I would whole heartedly recommend a restaurant called Da Franz if only for the Tiramisu.
In fact one of my favourite ever memories was from that trip. KISS were playing in the old colosseum... didn't get tickets :(... but i'll always remember seeing a fairly overweight gent decked out in complete KISS army gear and face paint, licking an extra large lemon icecream while leaning against the window of some horrifically expensive designer jewellery shop.