dj_ivocha on 10/11/2014 at 19:49
In the second half of December we (4 adults and a small child) we'll be doing a 10 day trip to Italy from Germany with a camper ((
http://english.autocaravanasdelsol.es/preowned-motorhome-for-sale-details-model-rimor-katamarano-5.htm) Rimor Katamarano 5, though that link's an example, we'll just be renting one) and I was wondering if someone had ideas about where to go, what to see and suggestions what (not) to do etc.
The route is mostly decided, in that we'll probably start with (
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manarola) Manarola, maybe go see (
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civita_di_Bagnoregio) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civita_di_Bagnoregio, then stay in Rome for a few days and see everything there is to see there, then go to Venice on the way back. Rome and Venice are set in stone and we'll probably spent a total of 4-5 days in them, but I'd also like to see some small Italian towns and even better, villages, where tourism hasn't made its way in like in the bigger cities. Try typical "homemade" Italian cuisine in said small villages (I don't think anyone will invite strangers in their home, but small family owned restaurants should be close enough, I think), experience the hospitality of the Italians there, that kind of thing.
We can't go lower than Rome, so we are limited to Central/Northern Italy but even so there should still be plenty of options, even in winter. 3 of the 4 of us are from central Russia/southern part of Siberia and two have never been anywhere away from their admittedly big home city, metropolis really. So wherever we end up going during our trip, I think they'll find it interesting and NOT too cold ;).
With all that in mind, what do you guys and gals suggest?
Caradavin on 11/11/2014 at 01:02
My Italian professor once told us that there was a place in Italy where you needed to watch out for pickpockets. Unfortunately, I've forgotten the place's name. Not much help, I'm afraid. However, my family is from the old Trieste; so if you plan to be near the mountains maybe you can go there and take some pictures to share. I hear it's quite beautiful there.
Medlar on 11/11/2014 at 17:00
Lake Como is one of my favourite places in Italy. If Venice is a given then take the Murano ferry, fascinating place.
SD on 11/11/2014 at 19:48
Quote Posted by Caradavin
My Italian professor once told us that there was a place in Italy where you needed to watch out for pickpockets.
Yes, it's called "Italy".
Also, I'd think any trip to Northern Italy should include at least a day in the fair city of Florence.
Specter on 12/11/2014 at 04:23
Quote Posted by dj_ivocha
... then stay in Rome for a few days and see everything there is to see there
That should say "...then stay in Rome for a few days and see the tiniest bit of what there is to see there."
I spent ten days there last December with the sole intention of seeing and photographing ONLY those sites that relate to ancient Rome, and still didn't see it all. And that was only inside the Aurelian walls.
My advice is not what to see there, but to tell you to buy a guide book or two and plan. There are so SO many things to see that if you want to spend your time wisely, you have to have a plan.
That said, Im jealous of your trip. Big time. Rome owns my heart, and that is saying something. I've lived in four cities in three countries. Rome isnt one of them, but Ive visited twice and it astounds me every time.
EDIT: I second a stop in Florence if you have any interest at all in the Renaissance.
dj_ivocha on 24/11/2014 at 22:55
Quote Posted by Caradavin
my family is from the old Trieste; so if you plan to be near the mountains maybe you can go there and take some pictures to share.
That's a bit too far from our planned path, but we'll certainly make pictures and I'll post a couple when we are back.
Quote Posted by Medlar
Lake Como is one of my favourite places in Italy.
I didn't know about that lake, thanks for the suggestion. Is it still worth it in the winter, though? Or does it not matter much whether there's greenery or not?
Quote Posted by SD
Yes, it's called "Italy".
Hehe, true that. Thank god we are poor so there won't be much to pick from our pockets :D.
Quote Posted by Specter
My advice is not what to see there, but to tell you to buy a guide book or two and plan. There are so SO many things to see that if you want to spend your time wisely, you have to have a plan.
Oh yeah, we'll be planning a lot before we go. My wife has been in Rome and Venice before for a couple of days, though, so she already knows a few of the interesting places to visit.
Not sure about Florence, though. Apart from museums and churches (because we'll get enough of those in Rome anyway), is there enough to see to warrant spending a day there, versus staying a bit longer in Rome instead?
faetal on 25/11/2014 at 08:42
Florence is pretty good if you're into parkour, though I say that having never (technically) been there.
Medlar on 25/11/2014 at 08:46
Quote:
I didn't know about that lake, thanks for the suggestion. Is it still worth it in the winter, though? Or does it not matter much whether there's greenery or not?
I would visit Como again in a heartbeat, winter or summer. :)
ToolHead on 25/11/2014 at 12:13
You need to go to Siena, San Gimignano and Volterra.
Also, if you're even the tiniest bit interested in wine, visiting wineries along the S222 Via Chiantigiana is an absolute must. The small towns of Chianti are well worth a visit as well - Castellina, Greve, Radda, for instance.
Specter on 25/11/2014 at 23:35
Yes, it really does depend on what you want to see. There is certainly enough to do in Florence to be there for a day, depending on what you enjoy. If one cathedral is the same as every other for you, then il Duomo wont hold much charm. Ponte Vecchio is pretty neat, and historical, but wont eat up much time. There is a lot of sculpture and art in the city (note that as massive understatement), but those things aren't for everyone.
I know Florence much less well than Rome, but I would think it's worth at least a day. You could easily fill that time just walking around the main sites. Piazzale Michelangelo is a view worth seeing.
