http://www.flyertalk.com/forum Italy as we know it is more than a hike among olive groves or the steep area of Cinque Terre, riding the cable cars over Mont Blanc, the best pasta, the Vatican Museums, driving the Great Dolomite Road, Tuscany, the grand hotels of Rome, little-known trattoria’s, partying at the spring Carnevale in Venice, cruising the Brenta Canal and the Lake District. Now, do we have your interest? en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:57:48 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.flyertalk.com/forum http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/italy/1019289-x-mas-northern-italy-your-thoughts.html Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:07:48 GMT We are looking for an area to spend Dec. 25 and a few days after. We fly in to Zurich (because that's our last stop) so are looking for something a days train ride away. We are considering Milan and the Lake Como area but are concerned that things will be pretty quiet and closed down. Any thoughts that could help us decide?

Thanks ]]> Italy alagar http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/italy/1019289-x-mas-northern-italy-your-thoughts.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/italy/1018897-3-day-trip-rome-first-weekend-dec.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:11:38 GMT Punki and I will be taking a 3 day MR to Rome on the first weekend in Dec arriving on Friday. This is our first trip to Rome, and the only important site that we want to visit on this trip is the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel. We are planning... Punki and I will be taking a 3 day MR to Rome on the first weekend in Dec arriving on Friday. This is our first trip to Rome, and the only important site that we want to visit on this trip is the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel. We are planning on doing this on Saturday afternoon. We'll fit in other sites as we find the time.

Should we expect any significant lines or wait times at the Vatican? Should we make reservations for the Vatican before we leave?

We are staying at the St Regis Grand and expect to buy a Roma Transport Pass so that we can use the Metro or buses. I'm assuming that we can purchase one at the airport when we arrive. However, we don't depart until Monday morning, so is it possible to get a longer than 3 day pass? ]]> Italy Hunki http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/italy/1018897-3-day-trip-rome-first-weekend-dec.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/italy/1018258-does-meridiana-have-allocated-seating.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:32:33 GMT I would be very grateful for any help on this one...

I am thinking of flying Meridiana Gatwick to Florence with my family but I'm not interested in doing it if there isn't any allocated seating at check-in (in other words we can't cope with the "run for it" seating policy that easyJet and Ryanair use). Does anyone know what Meridiana do about seating?

If you can choose your seats at the time of booking that would be even better although not essential.

Many thanks in advance for your advice. ]]> Italy flying doc http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/italy/1018258-does-meridiana-have-allocated-seating.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/italy/1017574-rome-hotel-ac-question.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:32:10 GMT My wife and I are thinking about spending our Anniversary in Rome around April 15th of 2010. This would be our first visit to Italy and would last 7 nights. My only concern relates to how AC is handled in city hotels. I have conducted a very... My wife and I are thinking about spending our Anniversary in Rome around April 15th of 2010. This would be our first visit to Italy and would last 7 nights. My only concern relates to how AC is handled in city hotels. I have conducted a very extensive search of reviews and visitor comments for all highly-rated hotels in Rome through Expedia, Concierge.com, TripAdvisor, Fodors, Frommers, etc. What I have found is that even if you are willing to spend $500 per night on a hotel room, many of the Rome hotels, including the 4 and 5 star properties, do not turn on AC to guest rooms until June. That will not work for us. Even with their normal temperature range in April, the rooms would be too stuffy without AC for us to sleep well. And we do not want to sleep with open windows as an alternative (my wife is a very light sleeper and the noise from any large city, much less Rome, would make this option impossible).

So my question is this: Do any of you know of a Rome hotel that makes AC available to guest rooms all year?

We really would like to go to Rome for our Anniversary. But not if we will be unable to rest so we can truly enjoy our trip.

Thanks very much for your help.

JW ]]> Italy jameswjd http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/italy/1017574-rome-hotel-ac-question.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/italy/1017423-first-time-milan-venice.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:08:19 GMT We're coming to Milan for a week at the end of November (yes, I know, better in a different month :) ), and wuld be grateful for a recommendation of a pleasant charcterful hotel in the centre of the city, so we can walk around to many things and/or easily get on the metro. It's our first time in Italy, havig covered most other European countries, and we are looking forward to :

Italian food in profusion
Shopping
Day trips to the lakes (by train)
Couple of days trip over to Venice
La Scala (if there is anything we can get to)
Old Trams (me being a tram buff; Mrs WHBM :) tolerates this a small amount)
etc etc

Anyone who knows the Relais Bosquet in Paris, a pleasant hotel a number of FlyerTalkers have introduced to each other, will understand the type of place we like.

Thank you all in advance for any pointers. ]]> Italy WHBM http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/italy/1017423-first-time-milan-venice.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/italy/1016862-looking-restaurant-milan.html Sat, 14 Nov 2009 16:30:33 GMT Hello,
I am trying to find a restaurant I ate in many years ago in Milan. I don't remember if it was in the city center or just near Milan. I have a ceramic commemorative plate which says:

LA CUCINA DIEDGARDO IL MONTALCINO VITELLO DEI LONGARARDI [this must be their specialty] MILANO

Does anyone know if this still exists, the address and or phone # of the restaurant? I have been googling it and have found no results.

Thanks for your help,
Sharon ]]> Italy fmkgb http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/italy/1016862-looking-restaurant-milan.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/italy/1016713-day-tour-pompeii-rome.html Fri, 13 Nov 2009 04:11:26 GMT Ill be in Rome in 10 days for 3 days My 1st day will be to take in what I missed when I was there back in Aug. My 2nd day will be a day trip (via train) to Florence. I was thinking of doing Pompeii, but dont really want to train it to Naples and... Ill be in Rome in 10 days for 3 days

My 1st day will be to take in what I missed when I was there back in Aug. My 2nd day will be a day trip (via train) to Florence. I was thinking of doing Pompeii, but dont really want to train it to Naples and then taxi it to Pompeii.

Does anyone know of a decent day tour that will go to Pompeii from Rome, and not be way expensive?

Ill be sleeping in Rome (not the airport) for the 3 nights ]]> Italy craz http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/italy/1016713-day-tour-pompeii-rome.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/italy/1016026-milan-more-suggestions.html Wed, 11 Nov 2009 07:13:19 GMT All -

I've read through the Italy thread and there does not seem to be a whole lot of enthusiasm for Milan. Outside of 1) the Last Supper; 2) Duomo; 3) Teatro alla Scala; and 4) a cemetery (name escapes me) no one seems to like Milan - just the impression from the comments. Is it that unexciting?

We'll be in Switzerland for X-mas/New Years visiting with my g/f's relatives. I have a few free Hyatt nights to burn (t/y ffn) and was thinking the Park Hyatt Milan - which has rooms available b/w X-mas and N/Y. We thought it might be worth the train ride from ZRH for 2-3 nights. We could see the Last Super and Duomo one day, urban/city trek for another day [which we like to do everywhere we go], see the ballet at Teatro one night.

Maybe 2 nights in Milan and a trip up to Como? (isn't the hotel/villa from James Bond/Star Wars up near Como?) or even up to Bellagio. Something outside of Milan itself?

Doesn't seem that bad to me. Is this a "smart" plan - for lack of a better term?

Other info. First time in Italy - have been to ZRH previously; not foodies but a decent Italian meal would be nice; we actually like winter time traveling so cold isn't a big deal; coffee junkies so cafe correcto (sp?) seems great.

Ideas and suggestions would be greatly appreciated

Thanks in advance

Cheers - ]]> Italy thegrailer http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/italy/1016026-milan-more-suggestions.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/italy/1015612-first-class-seats-together.html Tue, 10 Nov 2009 05:54:37 GMT What is the best and roomiest first class, large cabins,etc. where two people can sit together, facing forward, with one by a window? Hard to find! What is the best and roomiest first class, large cabins,etc. where two people can sit together, facing forward, with one by a window? Hard to find! ]]> Italy zhankoye http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/italy/1015612-first-class-seats-together.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/italy/1015463-best-airport-rome-then-florence.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:08:00 GMT My gf and I have decided to go to Italy for our vacation. We want to spend 3 nights in Rome and then 3 nights in Florence. I know there is a train that goes from Rome to Florence (takes a few hours). Which is a better option? (we are coming... My gf and I have decided to go to Italy for our vacation.

We want to spend 3 nights in Rome and then 3 nights in Florence.
I know there is a train that goes from Rome to Florence (takes a few hours).

Which is a better option? (we are coming from NY)
1. Fly into Rome (I think its FCO), spend 3 days and take the train to Florence and fly out of Florence
2. Fly into Florence, spend 3 days and then take the train to Rome, and fly out of Rome.
3. Fly into Rome, spend 3 days, take train to Florence, and then take the train back to fly from Rome. (since its a bigger airport)

Thanks! ]]> Italy sard http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/italy/1015463-best-airport-rome-then-florence.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/italy/1013269-italy-train-ticket-question.html Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:03:56 GMT Hi all, I am arriving at FCO and Immediatley heading to Florence. I am spending a few nights there then going back to Rome for a few nights then after that heading back to FCO. Can I just buy a Return ticket at FCO for the whole journey and use... Hi all,

I am arriving at FCO and Immediatley heading to Florence. I am spending a few nights there then going back to Rome for a few nights then after that heading back to FCO. Can I just buy a Return ticket at FCO for the whole journey and use the airport segment from Rome to FCO at a later date or do I have to use the Florence-Rome segment all the way back to the airport? Also do return tickets offer a good discount verse one way tickets?

Thanks! ]]> Italy remphish1 http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/italy/1013269-italy-train-ticket-question.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/italy/1011372-help-venice.html Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:19:46 GMT I am currently on a cruise (Princess,in Rhodes right now) which will dock in Venice on 11/06. I have an early morning flight (8:00 a.m.). The airport is not far, but the cruise ship is telling us that there are no taxis (water or otherwise) until... I am currently on a cruise (Princess,in Rhodes right now) which will dock in Venice on 11/06. I have an early morning flight (8:00 a.m.). The airport is not far, but the cruise ship is telling us that there are no taxis (water or otherwise) until after 8:00 a.m.

Therefore we need to purchase a "transfer " at $59 per person in order to get to the airport. This doesn't sound right. Does anyone have any experince with this? If so, please advise.

Thanks! ]]> Italy Starprincess http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/italy/1011372-help-venice.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/italy/1011331-1-2-northern-italy-1-2-southern-france-suggestions.html Thu, 29 Oct 2009 04:20:22 GMT Hi Everyone, first time poster here, great site! :)

Anyway, I'm looking through the other posts and getting some great ideas. My wife and I were invited to the Cannes Film Festival by our friend who has a movie in it. However, we've always wanted to go to Northern Italy and so I figure now is the time. We will arrive in Milan around May 1, 2010 and leave from Milan on May 18th. This is the first trip without the kids so we want it to be special and romantic. Right now, we have ZERO plans other than to be in Cannes on May 14th.

The last 5 days of the trip will be Nice and Cannes, but we have nothing planned for the other 13 days. I'm thinking I would love to see Florence, and possibly Venice or Pisa but I don't know. I don't want to spend our whole trip on trains and I'd love to get out in the country a bit.

I'm not sold on Rome just because I don't want to wait in line and get overcharged in a large tourist city. Plus, there is so much there that I would want to do a week there and so think that is best left for another trip.

So, where would you go if you arrived in Milan and had about 10 days to explore Northern Italy? I know this is the Italy forum but if you have any suggestions for southern France too that would be wonderful. I really want to get this trip right so any little tucked away places or hidden gems would be amazing. We're not millionaires but are willing to splurge for what would make it a great experience.

Thanks in advance! :cool: ]]> Italy dmanson http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/italy/1011331-1-2-northern-italy-1-2-southern-france-suggestions.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/italy/1010834-connecting-fco.html Wed, 28 Oct 2009 02:40:04 GMT I've never flown through Europe before. Is a 2 hr 15 minute connection in FCO enough time?

I'll be arriving on an American Airlines flight JFK-FCO at 8:25am. I'll need to clear passport control, customs, pick up luggage, and bring it over to EasyJet for a 10:40am departure to Athens. I did a cursory search about FCO luggage delays and read about long wait times ... how worried should I be about this?

I'll be booking traveler's insurance regardless, which should cover missed connections, but I don't know how understanding they will be if the flights arrived on time and it took too long for baggage to come out. ]]> Italy cornellalum http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/italy/1010834-connecting-fco.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/italy/1010671-italy-advice-please.html Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:33:25 GMT Planning a trip to Italy in June. Spending a week in Venice (I know some will say that is too long but we love Venice and we'll take some side trips) and then we have 3 weeks to spend. How long in Florence and Rome and can we throw in a trip to Pompeii and Capri? I don't want to be doing a frantic day trip thing - just want to take our time and soak up the flavors. Flyertalkers, I believe, are the most knowledgeable so any advice is appreciated. Linda ]]> Italy Linda VH http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/italy/1010671-italy-advice-please.html