Thread: Italy

I'm heading to Italy at the end of next week for a two week holiday. Anything on I should keep an eye out for, or shops I shouldn't miss?
I'll be visiting Venice, Florence, Naples and Rome.
Thanks! ..g.:

Go to Milan if you can. It is the fashion capital of the world. Whether you can afford it or not, they have the biggest Italian fashion houses.

Buon viaggio! I am so jealous and happy for you!

Venice. Venice. Venice. My friend and I danced across the Piazza de San Marco with roses in our teeth last week. The men are handsome, the food is *wonderful*. If you get a chance, eat at a tiny little place called Anima Bella. It was delicious, and reasonably priced. A warning - restaurants in Venice charge a cover, and a lot of people will try to talk you into eating at theirs. This one convinced us by giving us free glasses of wine!

[ame="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jimnista/3005088565/"]Trattoria Anima Bella, Venice on Flickr - Photo Sharing![/ame]

Milan is wonderful for shopping, but the city itself is not one of my favourites (trying to be diplomatic here lol) What a shame you won't be near Bergamo!
I can't speak for Naples, but Rome and Florence (especially Florence) are wonderful. Watch out for the 'tourist' restaurants in Rome, check your bill carefully - you will pay more because you are not Italian bt some places are ridiculous and take tourists for fools. In Venice, don't miss La Fenice theatre - even though it had to be restored in the 90's because of a fire and everything you see is new, its still stunning. Lose yourself in the backstreets, and if you really want to take a gondola ride try pick one up there. expect to pay around €80 for half an hour...though I'm not sure what the tourist price is!
No matter where you are in Italy, if you want to visit a church or cathedral, even as a tourist, you must have your shoulders covered and a skirt/shorts at least knee length. I visited il Duomo in Milan with friend a couple of weeks ago, totally forgetting about this and I was refused entry because I was wearing a tank top that didn't have sleeves...

In bocca al lupo e buon viaggio! (Good luck & have a good trip!) pm me if you have any specific questions :)

Originally Posted by valeskah

I'm heading to Italy at the end of next week for a two week holiday. Anything on I should keep an eye out for, or shops I shouldn't miss?
I'll be visiting Venice, Florence, Naples and Rome.
Thanks! ..g.:

re: venice

there's a fabulous restaurant in venice called alla zucca. you must make reservations a few days before you arrive because they only have a few tables. totally worth the trouble.

imo the bellinis at harry's bar are not the best i've had, but worth it for the experience and the view.

def. take a canal cruise. weather might still be cool enough to keep the canal stench down for a gondola ride (very pricey) but i got much better pics shooting from the bow of a water taxi. higher vantage point and *much* less expensive. just elbow your way to the front ;)

got some great deals on wool hats, scarves, gloves. check the little shops.

there's a shop in st. mark's square that has the most beautiful antique cameos. if you are facing away from the right side of st marks, with the harbor on your left, the shop is 1/2 way down in your left side. dont remember the name. ask to see the antique cameos in the safe. those are the best and most unique. the owner is a sweet old guy and if you visually appreciate the art and offer a cash deal in euros you can really win. bargain like you're in the casablanca medina. you can do really well despite the high overhead location.

have a fabulous time! safe travels

Thanks for the tips, everyone! Much appreciated :)

Ah, bella Italia, my second home!

I try to visit Firenze once a year and always stay in a flat in the Piazza Santa Croce area. Great restaurants there -- a real find is "Il Fagioli" at Via dei Neri 47/r. Traditional Tuscan dishes and a real favourite amongst the locals, only now becoming more known by tourists. For the best gelato in the world, go to "Vivoli" at Via Isole delle Stinche 7.

Well, I could write a book on Firenze; lived there for a year in my early 20's and am totally in love, "innamoratissima", with the place.

Venezia is incredible, a world of mirrors and reflections. Noisy with all the motor boats, but on late night walks one can still experience the quietude and the mystery of the watery canals. We stayed in a magnificent palazzo in Cannaregio, complete with frescoed ceilings, antique furnishings, and a beautiful balcony on the enchanting Rio di Santa Caterina: all in all, an amazing experience.

Here's a link to that flat if you'd like some eye candy ..g.:
Cà Zen Apartment in Strada Nova, Cannaregio District - Venice

Went to "Harry's Bar" one night dressed to the nine's with my sis and met up with Italian celebrity Stefano Masciarelli and his entourage and were invited to join them for a sumptuous feast in the upper dining room. Dio mio, what a riot! We closed the place at 1 a.m. and barely made it back on the last vaporetto to our flat, where my mum and other sis were anxiously waiting for us. Too much fun!

All this to say, enjoy "la vita dolce" when you're there, be open to new experiences, indulge in the art, the food, the vino, the landscapes, and yes, "In bocca al lupo e buon viaggio!"


Khalida