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-   -   Culture, food and gelato - 3 weeks in Bella Italia (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trip-reports/1966482-culture-food-gelato-3-weeks-bella-italia.html)

offerendum Apr 22, 2019 2:35 pm

Culture, food and gelato - 3 weeks in Bella Italia
 
Here my new Trip Report about my recent journey through Italy. Stations with overnight stays were:
Rome
Florence
Ladispoli
Bologna
Venice
Bergamo

As food is important in Italy it was also on our journey. We experienced 21 stars in 13 restaurants but had also nice dinners at non-starred restaurants. But most important we experienced many cultural highlights and of course a lot of great gelato…...

offerendum Apr 22, 2019 3:02 pm

Flight DUS - FCO
 
Flying to Rome from DUS is not that funny as the only reasonable option is Eurowings abd they donīt even offer BIZ on this route (which is best option with more than 2 pieces of laguage). In the end I found an discounted Basis fare which was even after booking first row seat and laguage cheaper than Smart.
Fortunately the airport was empty with no waiting time at check-in and security. So we did a short stop at Hugo Junkers lounge. Offers improved since my last visit, the now offer scrambled eggs. OK, they tasted not very good, but at least they are available….

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a32aa24947.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...641b6faf9c.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...49505cac50.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...bee0893e0e.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...73bc57541b.jpg
They now have "art" at the restrooms, first time I saw such graffiti at a lounge.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4d8a572a98.jpg
Weather during the flight was clear so we had some good views:

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9f5643f67a.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f5f2f69d59.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...52947cf59d.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...949eb1c1b1.jpg
Finally:
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...cf5a81d38f.jpg
At the airport I learned someone seems to know more:
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...3412419644.jpg
Perhaps I should call?
Also I learned why you should never buy the cheapest bag:
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...65d9cde750.jpg
Glad it wasnīt mine….
I pre-ordered a car (S-Class) via Blacklane, the driver waited for us at the exit. Also there waited many scammers who try to guide you to their "taxi". Surprisingly it was quite a long way to the parking space. More surprisingly our 2 bags didnīt fit in the S-Class trunk, which is really a joke. After the Driver dinined to put one bag in the passenger footwell and already called someone I used some force and got the third bag in. Not so good for the bag but we were ready to start….
Ride to our hotel was comfortable with a good equiped car. Trafic was heavy as expected.

stu1985 Apr 22, 2019 3:28 pm

Gorgeous views on the way to Rome! :)

offerendum Apr 22, 2019 3:49 pm


Originally Posted by stu1985 (Post 31026567)
Gorgeous views on the way to Rome! :)

Indeed and much more impressive in real. Always hard to take pictures from a plane.

eightblack Apr 22, 2019 9:26 pm


Originally Posted by offerendum (Post 31026393)
Here my new Trip Report about my recent journey through Italy. Stations with overnight stays were:
Rome
Florence
Ladispoli
Bologna
Venice
Bergamo

As food is important in Italy it was also on our journey. We experienced 21 stars in 13 restaurants but had also nice dinners at non-starred restaurants. But most important we experienced many cultural highlights and of course a lot of great gelato…...

We are about to set off on a family holiday to Florence shortly so I am very interested to read about your exploits and dining experience there. I intend to eat my body weight in cheese and pasta and as much gelato as the other side of my stomach can handle.

offerendum Apr 23, 2019 12:12 am


Originally Posted by eightblack (Post 31027447)
We are about to set off on a family holiday to Florence shortly so I am very interested to read about your exploits and dining experience there. I intend to eat my body weight in cheese and pasta and as much gelato as the other side of my stomach can handle.

Good idea! Only 2 days in Florence this time but at least one good dinner (Pizza). Will need some time before I "reach" Florence.

offerendum Apr 23, 2019 3:20 pm

Hotel Eden Rome
 
After considering different options I booked finally Hotel Eden in Rome. The whole mess with their riff-raff owner came up during our stay, so I woudnīt book it again for this reason. This said I now slide it out and only report about the hotel.
From outside:

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...040cfeef30.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...91bca8d5c7.jpgWe were greated very friendly at the door and escorted to the front desk. Were were introduced to the manager on charge and the concierge, definitively an arrival above average. Our room wasnīt ready so we were invited to some drinks during the short waiting time.
The lobby of the Eden is stunning, even at high standards. Itīs divided in 3 main-parts.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...3d3bdbc4eb.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...1f09875f39.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...663279725b.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...29ffe147a6.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e2a40177dc.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e030d6beb6.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...bb6b16779a.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e2a836b805.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...848f4bded6.jpg
After a short wait we were escorted to our Junior Suite 101 on the ground Level.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...3f98cefa41.jpg

It was located in a side tract which you can see here.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8da1ed90a0.jpg
The room had a special layout as you can see here.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...912e0f21d9.jpg
Unfortunately no place to hang up your coat in the corridor.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...73690c8e6d.jpg
While the room wasnīt big it was furnished very well with high quality materials.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e16340ea26.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...fd2b77eb71.jpg

Perhaps the closets were a little small for my clothes.....
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...7bd5017e6b.jpg
Bathroom was also very nice, even if it had a little few storage pace and only one sink.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...cb226d6209.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d3ba576df4.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8921bb97f3.jpg
OK, when you turned on the towell heater too much water came out....
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0b151e9902.jpg
My biggest concern was the location of the room. During the morning it was very loud as the trash was collected in front of the room. During the day sightseeing busses drove in front of it and people could look straigt in your window. Not so great!
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...26c2391516.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a87b011c7b.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...57d2fb2960.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...280a5fb1db.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...58784edc60.jpg

offerendum Apr 23, 2019 3:29 pm

Hotel Eden Rome
 
Breakfast was served on top floor with stunning views:
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8e42bfff66.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e82a8277d0.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...af591b306a.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a89675bab3.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9996d4a25d.jpg
Guest one morning:
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...3eedd5e54a.jpg
Choices were not extensive, but everything of high Quality (hot choices with eggs, sausages, grilled tomatoes etc. not shown.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...5c1548b724.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...30fbc3564c.jpg
Made to order dishes were great, especially the gelato they served with the waffles and on request with their Pancakes.https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e5f55473ab.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...87318fb697.jpg
Perfect was the service at breakfast, you never waited for new cuttlery and plates were removed immediately.

Romanianflyer Apr 23, 2019 3:29 pm


Originally Posted by offerendum (Post 31026494)
Flying to Rome from DUS is not that funny as the only reasonable option is Eurowings abd they donīt even offer BIZ on this route (which is best option with more than 2 pieces of laguage). In the end I found an discounted Basis fare which was even after booking first row seat and laguage cheaper than Smart.
Fortunately the airport was empty with no waiting time at check-in and security. So we did a short stop at Hugo Junkers lounge. Offers improved since my last visit, the now offer scrambled eggs. OK, they tasted not very good, but at least they are available….

If I'm correct I remember using that lounge ones in the days of Air Berlin 3 or so years back.

Massively overcrowded back then, but they did have lots and lots of mini Wiener schnitzels at that time which was reason enough for me to like it :)

looking forward to read the rest and see all the pictures of the food! Last time I visited Italy (Bergamo) I had fabulous food as well in local taverns, just thinking about the buffalo ravioli and I get the urge to book a ticket back.

offerendum Apr 23, 2019 3:33 pm

Hotel Eden Rome
 
One evenimg we did room service, quality was OK. Prices of course high. 28 € for a Pizza arenīt too cheap…..
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9b6b9b15e7.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...767dc22713.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c6b58f780d.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...efa29edae2.jpg
Will separately report about the Michelin-starred restaurant.
All in all a hotel with great service and good rooms. Perhaps a little bit overpriced (consider even with guaranteed upgrade via Diamond Club 1000 € per night for a JS without view) but nice. Someway sad the are owned by rat pack.

offerendum Apr 23, 2019 3:39 pm


Originally Posted by Romanianflyer (Post 31030259)
If I'm correct I remember using that lounge ones in the days of Air Berlin 3 or so years back.

Massively overcrowded back then, but they did have lots and lots of mini Wiener schnitzels at that time which was reason enough for me to like it :)

looking forward to read the rest and see all the pictures of the food! Last time I visited Italy (Bergamo) I had fabulous food as well in local taverns, just thinking about the buffalo ravioli and I get the urge to book a ticket back.

Yeah, Air Berlin used it for the Schengen-flights. It changed a lot during the last years, they now even have a second level which they open at peak-times. Never visited at dinner-time so far, Always fly in the morning at Schengen area.

DanielW Apr 23, 2019 11:18 pm

Three weeks in Bella Italia sounds very appealling:). Looking forward to Venice too.


Originally Posted by offerendum (Post 31030232)
After considering different options I booked finally Hotel Eden in Rome. The whole mess with their riff-raff owner came up during our stay, so I woudnīt book it again for this reason.

I guess this is regarding the controversy over the Sultan of Brunei?

offerendum Apr 24, 2019 1:47 am


Originally Posted by DanielW (Post 31031417)
Three weeks in Bella Italia sounds very appealling:). Looking forward to Venice too.


I guess this is regarding the controversy over the Sultan of Brunei?

Yes, thatīs the reason. Feels not good to me to give my money to such a person.

offerendum Apr 24, 2019 11:25 am

Rome: Trinitā dei Monti and Spanish Steps
 
We decided to do a little walk and started at the Spanish Steps. But first a quick visit to Trinitā dei Monti.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...496caaca16.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...7c047e224f.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...1dc37adb1c.jpg
The view from above:
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...74c62775b1.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...cb09727808.jpg
The Spanish Steps - who makes a picture without peoples get a free Gelato.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c7b956d082.jpg
The famous Fontana della Barcaccia
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b27f95e7d1.jpg

offerendum Apr 24, 2019 11:32 am

Rome: Basilica Dei SS Ambrogio E. Carlo
 
We really wanted out first Gelato but we passed SS Ambrogio E. Carlo so we went in:
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9d058bb48a.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f11574b73c.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0c36710c2c.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...30500bc407.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d60064a484.jpg

offerendum Apr 24, 2019 11:47 am

Gelato: Rome Giolitti
 
Now it was definitively time for our first Gelato. We choosed Giolitti, which is the Roman classic. I already visited in 2009 and itīs named in nearly every guide. As you see itīs not a secret and if I consider the crowds I guess the owner canīt stop laughing when seeing the Sales figures.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...00dcee9761.jpg
They not only sell Gelato:
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...54a3374588.jpg
But here the most important! Normally itīs not a good sign if a Gelateria offers many flavours. In this case I guess the Sales figures allow some choices….
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d08071babd.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4005faaf85.jpg
My "grande" Gelato
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...43e6794f89.jpg
Another day we ate inside. Thatīs what you get when ordering a grande Gelato.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...16a889741c.jpg
Giolitti is a classic. While they donīt offer my favorite Gelato itīs a good Option while in Rome.

work2fly Apr 25, 2019 8:55 am

There's this place in the old part of Bergamo that has this pizza / foccacia thing that's so good, it would pretty much justify flying the 10+ hours it would take me to get there.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaura..._Lombardy.html

I don't know if this is authentic, comparable to other places, whatever. I loved it. If you have the chance to give it a try, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

offerendum Apr 25, 2019 9:34 am


Originally Posted by work2fly (Post 31036024)
There's this place in the old part of Bergamo that has this pizza / foccacia thing that's so good, it would pretty much justify flying the 10+ hours it would take me to get there.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaura..._Lombardy.html

I don't know if this is authentic, comparable to other places, whatever. I loved it. If you have the chance to give it a try, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Thanks! Already home again so perhaps next time. I saw it from outside but didn't buy one.

offerendum Apr 25, 2019 1:43 pm

Rome: Pantheon
 
Only few churches are as unique as the Pantheon. The square in front was crowded.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...94ce9c15bc.jpg
In front of the entrance was a line….
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...15e4389893.jpg
The antique porch:
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...384f0e995d.jpg
The inner room is dominated by the dome with itīs famous opening.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...52b107d2eb.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...1aa7a00e59.jpg
Main altar:
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8bf92ea59e.jpg
Run-off for rain:
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...683ed02324.jpg
The Pantheon houses the graves of 2 Italian kings, Viktor Emanuel II and Umberto I.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4885536315.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4709fcf911.jpg
The grave of Raffael:
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ef0c2acb87.jpg

offerendum Apr 25, 2019 2:03 pm

Rome: Saint-Louis des Francais
 
A short visit to the church Saint-Louis des Francais
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d71bd0bdc9.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...627167c0c5.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...3ca46c976f.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...013d10dadf.jpg

offerendum Apr 25, 2019 2:28 pm

Rome: Piazza Navona
 
One of my favourite places in the world was always Piazza Navona. While itīs still beautiful it seems more and more selfie-stick traders and beggars take over. The layout of the place is quite unique:
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9284dc3dad.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ceae0a5c96.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b9034e0525.jpg
The 2 famous fontains
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0efce4a5a3.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a8b719a697.jpg
Santa Agnese in Agone
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e019a35521.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...32a9aff69d.jpg
Always loved this place. Even if I have the feeling to see more selfie-stick traders and beggers every visit Piazza Navona has some magic.

offerendum Apr 25, 2019 2:51 pm

Gelato: Rome Fiocco Di Neve
 
We ate our last Gelato over 1 hour ago so it was time for the next one;) In preparation of the journey I found a very useful thread at FT which recommended a list of the Top 100 Gelaterias in Italy from Dissapore. This should be my guide to good Gelato but unfortunatelly many of them are located in small town or outside the city centres so they are not easy to reach, I also tried to get some other Information and watched Videos on YouTube and read in travelguides. One video recommended Fiocco Di Neve and I remembered when we passed randomly.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...31cdb5ac07.jpg
I found the Gelato didnīt really look great but I was too curious.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...fae1a7db2d.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9668d2e20e.jpg
Well, it would be unfair to say it was bad but I wasnīt enthusiastic. Also think it was ice-cream and no "real" gelato.

offerendum Apr 25, 2019 4:03 pm

Rome: Lago di Torre Argentina
 
Lago di Torre Argentina is a place with the ruins of the Campus Martius.
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c0e4e83dce.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...91bd61884b.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c1a39c6fdb.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...7df12a2d46.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4b7f4ab53b.jpg
While it is an important historic monument most people visit for anoter reason. At the ruins live many cats:
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...125a997f4a.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...94b5aaeda9.jpg
There is also a cat asylum which you can visit. Itīs also possible to adopt a cat.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8b73928eee.jpg

roadwarrier Apr 27, 2019 2:19 am

Stunning photos!! Thank you for sharing.

offerendum Apr 27, 2019 4:55 am


Originally Posted by roadwarrier (Post 31041846)
Stunning photos!! Thank you for sharing.

Welcome!

offerendum Apr 27, 2019 5:11 am

Rome: Fontana di Trevi
 
I guess everyone knows Fontana di Trevi. Here my impressions:
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b92ee1ec34.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...3e1d155e14.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...39d2aab769.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f88a4f9782.jpg

offerendum Apr 27, 2019 6:15 am

Rome: Santi Vincenzo e Anastasio a Trevi
 
Near Fontana di Trevi is the church San Vincenzo. Itīs not the most interesting church in Rome but it was on my must see list for another reason. In former times popes were buried "separately". So the body at one place and the organs at another place. San Vincenzo were the place were they buried the popes organs from 1590 to 1903 Unfortunately it wasnīt allowed to take fotos inside the church so I canīt show you the plate with the popes names. Itīs on the right side at the altar.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...58cc3ad9b9.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d136f7bcf2.jpg

offerendum Apr 27, 2019 7:04 am

Dinner: La Terrazza 1 star
 
For the first evening we decided to dine at La Terrazza, the Eden gourmet restaurant which is awarded with 1 Michelin star.
The restaurant is located and offers similar views as the breakfast restaurant. Unfortunately I couldnīt take fotos as the light was mirroring in the windows glass.
We started with some Amuse Bouche:
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...023403f9b8.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2b9e91b35a.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...3fa694fca3.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0fda433def.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e4187bbca5.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d8214ca200.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c673088aa7.jpg
You may choose between a la carte, a choose of each one Antipasti, Primi and Secondi for 130 €, a 6 Course Tasting for 165 € and a 8 Course dinner for 200 €. Considering the 130 € menu doesnīt contain a desser which costs 28 € the Tastings are far better value. As we didnīt like many of the dishes the offered in the Tastings we went with the 3 course.
First Course:
Langoustine Variation
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...089255de42.jpg
Scallops, mango and passion fruit
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...671efbad65.jpg
Both dishes were good, I liked the langoustine more.
Second Course:
Gran riserva risotto with almond, curry and red prawns
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...7071bb6bd7.jpg
Calamarata pasta with steamed oyster, coconut and rocket
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...5e53dd783d.jpg
Again both dishes were good.
Third couse:
Organic salmon with mixed herbs
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8ff5736118.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...bdf1094f94.jpg
Personally this dish wasnīt my taste, but technically it was well done.
Crispy red mullet, seaweed tartareand Kalamata olives
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d71507fe8a.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...611fd03b91.jpg
A solid dish.
Pre-dessert
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a013b37968.jpg
Time for Dessert. They offer a card which was created together with Angelo Musa from Hotel Plaza Athénée. First I wanted choose the chocolate and pear soufflé but they told me it would need too much time. I love such things!
We took Amalfi Lemon
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...25156914b6.jpg
Taste was OK (not more, not less), but consideringthe price of 28 € I would skip dessert next time.
Petit fours
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a96f0d60ea.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d69d4cb5d7.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a1d64e10c4.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...6b20c75d59.jpg
Over all a good dinner, even if I thought it was "generous" prized. If I would stay at the Eden I would eat here again. But I wouldnīt if I stay somewhere else.

offerendum Apr 27, 2019 7:23 am

Rome: San Carlo Alle Quattro Fontane
 
Letīs start the day with a church;)
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b5ab080312.jpg
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SanDiego1K Apr 27, 2019 9:18 am

Your pictures are beautiful. I'm enjoying everything including the gorgeous interiors of churches. I'm looking forward to more Rome restaurant reviews. Did you find any that were outstanding in walking distance of the Pantheon or Piazza Navone?

offerendum Apr 27, 2019 12:07 pm


Originally Posted by SanDiego1K (Post 31042611)
Your pictures are beautiful. I'm enjoying everything including the gorgeous interiors of churches. I'm looking forward to more Rome restaurant reviews. Did you find any that were outstanding in walking distance of the Pantheon or Piazza Navone?

Thanks!
Without spoilering I found Imago at Hassler very good and Moma great value.

offerendum Apr 27, 2019 3:16 pm

Santa Maria ai Monti
 
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zip10001 Apr 27, 2019 5:12 pm

THAT picture of the "Gran riserva risotto with almond, curry and red prawns" ^ looks yummy

Thank you for your trip (and restaurant) report

offerendum Apr 27, 2019 6:36 pm


Originally Posted by zip10001 (Post 31043860)
THAT picture of the "Gran riserva risotto with almond, curry and red prawns" ^ looks yummy

Thank you for your trip (and restaurant) report

It was yummy^

offerendum Apr 28, 2019 5:40 am

Entrances in Rome
 
I wonna say some general words about entrances in Rome. Many sights can be pre-booked online and some with limited capacities like Domus Aurea must. At places like Vatican Museum or Colosseum itīs more or less obligaory.
You find also passes which include entrances and transportation. When I visited last time in 2009 I had a great pass which include more or less everything and gave you fast track access. Unfortunatelly this pass is no longer available. Now you get mostly very expensive passes with questionable value.
We decided to buy Roma Pass which Costs 34 € for 72 Hours. It Comes with 2 free Museum entrances, free transportation and some reductions. I bought it as I read at the Internet you can enter Colosseum with it anytime. This was wrong. You have to book a "time-window" online which I did but never received a confirmation, also the fee was taken from my credit card. So I ended up buying a new ticket for Colosseum (which includes Palatine/ Forum Romanum which I did before with Roma Pass) and to pay double. The transportation in Rome is of limited value. Yes, there is a metro. Unfortunately the next Station is mostly not near the sight you wonna see. So you better walk completely or take a taxi which is much more conveniant. When I one time tried to take a bus it didnīt come (time-tables are more guidelines) and I wasted 20 minutes with waiting. In the end I got perhaps 20 € value from each card, definitively not 34 €. Donīt buy it!

offerendum Apr 28, 2019 5:44 am

Rome: Palatine
 
When you are in Rome you must of course visit the Palatine. First task is to enter. As itīs one sight together with Forum Romanum there are 2 entrances. One at Forum Romanum and one at Palatine. At Forum Romanum was a long line even for ticket holders. At Palatine was a long line for people without tickets
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but only a short for ticket-holders.
At Palatine there are different areas which are more or less good preserved.
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After visiting the Palatine we went to the Forum Romanum.

offerendum Apr 28, 2019 9:17 am

Rome: Forum Romanum
 
From the Palatine we came to the Forum Romanum. I recommend to visit Palatine first as you have from above a good overview:
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An even better viewpoint is located at the top, but we didnīt visit this time. Also you have a good view from the Capitoline Museums, took this picture later:
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I love Forum Romanum, one of my favourite places in Rome. No wonder it was crowded:
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Tempio del Divo Romolo
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I Always try to see San Lorenzo in Miranda from inside but again I wasnīt successful:
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You canīt count all the beautiful monuments…
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Arch of Septimius Severus
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Temple of Castor
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Basilica Iulia
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Basilica Aemilia
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View to the Capitoline Museums and Porticus Dei Consentes
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House of the Vestals
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As I said in a previous post due the crampy Roma Pass we had to buy separate tickets for Colosseum which included entrance to Forum Romanum. So we visited a second time at around 6 pm which braught us a nearly empty Forum. Heavenly….
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Always a pleasure….

offerendum Apr 28, 2019 4:00 pm

Rome: Basilica Dei Santi Cosma E Damiano
 
After we left the Forum and I did another unsuccessful attempt to enter San Lorenzo we were on our way to Basilica Dei Santi Cosma E Damiano. First we stood in a cloister, the entrance to the Basilica.
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The Basilica itself is relative small but offers a mosaic from the 6st century.

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In the back is a window from which you can look in the Temple of Romolus which is adjected to the church.
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offerendum Apr 28, 2019 4:13 pm

Rome: Fori Imperiali
 
We came across the Fori Imperiali
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The most known is probaly the Forum of Trajan with the Trajanīs Colum:
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offerendum Apr 29, 2019 4:26 pm

Rome: Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II
 
Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II is one of the most controversial buildings in Rome. While it was surely no good idea to destroy parts of medival Rome to build it I think it gives some Impression how monuments looked in ancient times.
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The monument is dominated by a statue of Victorio Emanuel II and the tomb of the unknown soldier.
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Inside you first see this Quadriga:
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We visited the Museo Del Risorgimento (Shrine of Flags).
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At the museum you find the crypt with the tomb.
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You can also visit the roof but we didnīt this time.
We saw the change of the guard:
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View to Piazza Venezia from the steps:
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