Italy

I’ve heard so many rave reviews from different friends here in AZ that have gone to Italy in the past couple years. It seems to be the place to go. Their pics are so fantastic. I’m thinking it can also be a very romantic place to go to.

After several failed attempts to get to there, hubby and I finally visited Italy last summer. I fell in love with this land. We saw Rome, Perugia, Florence, Pisa, Cinque Terre, Pompeii, Salerno and Positano. I saw beauty and history and romance in every corner of every street of every city. Can’t wait to go back.

1. Be aware that every place (I mean every frickin little lame ass cafe) charges a “cover charge,” usually 2.50-3.50 Euros PER PERSON.

2. By the end of two weeks, I was dying for something other than a carb based meal with cheese and tomatoes.

3. Don’t go to Rome, at least that’s what I was told.

4. Do hike the Cinque Terre and swim in the Mediterranean.

5. Do visit and stay in Venice. Most of the island is much of the same: stores selling glass jewelery, masks, clothes you won’t like, gelato, etc. Just enjoy hanging out and try to book some tours.

6. Be sure to book tours well ahead of time, because you won’t be able to do so on short notice.

I went to Italy when I was 18 with a tour group called EFtours that consists of students at schools. I was in highschool at the time and the middle school was the school participating in it so I asked if I could go as a chaperone. It was two weeks for $1,200 including room, board and flight. We went to every major city in Italy. The best trip of a lifetime and by going through EFtours I didn’t have to babysit anyone..it was a huge group of about fifty people and we had a tour each day that lasted about two hours and then we were free to run off in the city alone for like ten hours. once we got back to the hotel we could leave and party at night too. it was the best trip i’ve ever gone on. beautiful place.

I took a summer course in Rome on Roman art, architecture, and archaeology. The course lasted only three weeks, but it was the equivalent of a full year course. Basically, it entailed walking around Rome (we used very little public transportation) from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm six days a week for three weeks—I can’t think of a better way to fall in love with a city than to spend three weeks straight discovering it by foot!! It was my first time leaving North America, and it’s still one of my favourite trips ever!

I went to Rome, Venice, Florence and the Cinque Terre, and it was fabulous. Travelling alone, on a tiny budget, my first city was Rome, which kind of scared the fuck out of me. Maybe a city best kept for later when you feel a bit more comfortable with the travelling experience.

Florence was lovely, a pure work of art. Venice was exactly as I imagined, but I think I would have enjoyed it more if I was there on a romantic escape. Next time ;)

The Cinque Terre was a bit of a hard core experience (I was there mid-winter, involved a lot of hiking in wet conditions), but the views where absolutely worth it, and the villages stunning. An amazing experience. Do it!

I went to Italy with a group from school during spring break of my senior year of high school. I’d love to go back in the future with my fiance.

I believe it’s so beautiful! I am going there in four days and i am very excited!!!

My second home. My heart.

Most awesome country ever! Amazing architexture, beautiful cities.

Be aware about pickpockers in Rome!