Question:

>Hi everyone, >We are going on Oceania on 4/13 on the Insignia. Athens to Rome 2004 >(10 Days)  We have never been to Europe. > We will be visiting >: >ATHENS (PIRAEUS)

One of the few places I would take a cruise excursion. >MYKONOS No >SANTORINI No >RHODES No >AGHIOS NIKOLAOS (CRETE) No >TAORMINA, SICILY No >SORRENTO No >AMALFI No >CIVITAVECCHIA (ROME)

If you are headed for the airport, you might want to take a cruise bus.  If you are headed into Rome, just hop on the train to Termini. Mason Barge "If this is coffee, please bring me some tea.  If this is tea, please bring me some coffee."         — Abraham Lincoln

Response:

ATHENS (PIRAEUS) – Take the guided Tour – you’ll see a lot in 1 day – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> MYKONOS – just get off ship & stroll, or take water taxis to Paradise or SuperParadise beaches (don’t go to Super if naked gay men offend you, but the side of the beach where you land is more family oriented – still topless, but not nekked) > SANTORINI – unless you are interested in excavations, just take donkey ride to Thira & explore the town.  Rent "Summer Lovers’ before you go for a great intro to Santorini.  If you can get to Oia, do so – views back of the Caldera are fantastic!  Sit at a local restaurant, enjoy Santorini wine & Greek food & revel in the wonderful atmosphere! > RHODES – never been here, but a larger island & I hear great ruins, so I’d take a tour > AGHIOS NIKOLAOS (CRETE) – """""" > TAORMINA, SICILY – visting here in June! > SORRENTO – same w/ these 2 – we are going to take our 1 tour here to do the Amalfi drive & again, don’t miss Pompeii > AMALFI > CIVITAVECCHIA (ROME) – If you disembark here, definitely do at least 3 nights

Response:

> Hi everyone, > We are going on Oceania on 4/13 on the Insignia. Athens to Rome 2004 > (10 Days)  We have never been to Europe. >  We will be visiting > : > ATHENS (PIRAEUS)

You can take the metro from Piraeus to Athens, though it’s about a 20-minute walk from the cruise terminal to the station. Get off at the flea market at Monastiraki, but don’t waste too much time there. Cut through and you will find many bars alongside the railway line. Cross the line to get to the Agora, and pay 12 euros to see the Agora, the museum in the Agora, and the Acropolis. If you have time, this 12 euros includes other monuments. Whether you will have time for lunch and a wander through Plaka as well, is doubtful. > MYKONOS > SANTORINI

My friends weren’t impressed with Santorini. I’m going later this year, and intend to take the tour to Oia, in the north of the island. Thira is accessible only by cable car and donkey. > RHODES

Rhodes Town is fully accessible from the dock and is well worth a wander. Beware though, the castle shuts at 3pm so get there long before that. A bus trip which includes a visit to Lindos is worth it. This way you get to see a bit of the Island as well. > AGHIOS NIKOLAOS (CRETE)

Pretty place. Quite a long drive for Knossos, so I would recommend taking the ship’s tour which should include a guide. Greece is not terribly well organised at orgnising its own tours, just yet. > TAORMINA, SICILY

Wonderful little place. It’s a long way from the port of Messina (if that’s where you’re docking) so it’s as well to take the offered tour. Clambering about on Etna is worth it, but it will be very cold. > SORRENTO

Many people adore Sorrento, but I prefer Taormina. It’s a pretty enough town. If you can include Sorrento (great views) with a trip to Pompeii, then don’t miss it. > AMALFI

This is a wonderful drive, so I am told, and well worth it. The views are spectacular. > CIVITAVECCHIA (ROME)

A difficult one. Many cruises offer coach-only options, but there is so much to see in Rome that the whistle-stop tour might be the best option, particularly if you have never been there. We did such a tour, but I got fed up with being herded round St Peter’s. On the other hand, we would have missed much. > I am looking for words of wisdom on shore excursions. Which place > should we go on them? Which places are better just to wander? SHould > we take the cruise lines or do you know of good alternatives. > The link to the cruise line offerings is below.

As to the weather, it will be cool. Last year, we were in Knossos on Easter Saturday (late April), and I nearly froze wearing a jacket and blouse. This year, Easter Monday is the 12th April, a week after the rest of Europe. Greece shuts for Easter. At the moment in Athens, it is about 17 degrees. Not warm enough for sunbathing. Whatever you decide to do, you will have a great time. Renia – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Thanks for the help. > Bill Dwyer. > http://oceaniacruises.com/T_MainContentPage.aspx?PageUID=f2de3f3a-cfe…

Response:

Hi everyone, We are going on Oceania on 4/13 on the Insignia. Athens to Rome 2004 (10 Days)  We have never been to Europe.  We will be visiting : ATHENS (PIRAEUS) MYKONOS SANTORINI RHODES AGHIOS NIKOLAOS (CRETE) TAORMINA, SICILY SORRENTO AMALFI CIVITAVECCHIA (ROME) I am looking for words of wisdom on shore excursions. Which place should we go on them? Which places are better just to wander? SHould we take the cruise lines or do you know of good alternatives. The link to the cruise line offerings is below. Thanks for the help. Bill Dwyer. http://oceaniacruises.com/T_MainContentPage.aspx?PageUID=f2de3f3a-cfe…

Response:

I have been to the other side of the med, but it stopped at CIVITAVECCHIA (ROME)… Unless you are going to ROME, don’t bother getting off the boat… Civitavecchia is an ugly industrial port… and the town itself has nothing of note. So unless you’re making your own way to Rome, or going an excursion enjoy the day on the boat!

Response:

Hi Bill, Wife and I did A Med cruise last year. Some suggestions. Athens…see the Acropolis…but get an early start so the crowds won’t be too bad. Amalfi…take a tour down the Amalfi coast and make sure it includes a tour of Pompeii. Other than that have a great time and try the different drink and food in the ports. Dave

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi everyone, > We are going on Oceania on 4/13 on the Insignia. Athens to Rome 2004 > (10 Days)  We have never been to Europe. >  We will be visiting > : > ATHENS (PIRAEUS) > MYKONOS > SANTORINI > RHODES > AGHIOS NIKOLAOS (CRETE) > TAORMINA, SICILY > SORRENTO > AMALFI > CIVITAVECCHIA (ROME) > I am looking for words of wisdom on shore excursions. Which place > should we go on them? Which places are better just to wander? SHould > we take the cruise lines or do you know of good alternatives. > The link to the cruise line offerings is below. > Thanks for the help. > Bill Dwyer.

http://oceaniacruises.com/T_MainContentPage.aspx?PageUID=f2de3f3a-cfe… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

Can’t help you with Greece. For Taormina, there is a sky lift which will take you from the port up to the town.  It really consists of a single street, lined with shops and restaurants.  It’s beautiful, though touristy.  The Greek Theater is very impressive.  Fantastic views of the Etna volcano.  You can easily do this on your own. For Sorrento:  like Taormina, very touristy but quite beautiful.  Everything is fairly compact, so it’s nothing you need a group for.  If there’s time, you might take a boat to Capri. Where in Amalfi are you going?  It’s a coastline, not a town. Rome: I wouldn’t even consider doing this in a single day.  Take the excursion and let them bus you around to the big sites.  You won’t really get a sense of Rome, but at least you’ll have seen them.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi everyone, > We are going on Oceania on 4/13 on the Insignia. Athens to Rome 2004 > (10 Days)  We have never been to Europe. >  We will be visiting > : > ATHENS (PIRAEUS) > MYKONOS > SANTORINI > RHODES > AGHIOS NIKOLAOS (CRETE) > TAORMINA, SICILY > SORRENTO > AMALFI > CIVITAVECCHIA (ROME) > I am looking for words of wisdom on shore excursions. Which place > should we go on them? Which places are better just to wander? SHould > we take the cruise lines or do you know of good alternatives. > The link to the cruise line offerings is below. > Thanks for the help. > Bill Dwyer.

http://oceaniacruises.com/T_MainContentPage.aspx?PageUID=f2de3f3a-cfe… 9ec3-0071018088fc&CruiseTemplateUID=63c9e54e-023b-4a73-8c6e-82a51ce56435 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

As a point of correction…. as Ray would say if he wasn’t busy giving interviews on his cell phone… The city of Amalfi is the largest and best city/harbor along the coast and thus the area is known as the Amalfi Coast. Mostly it is the stretch between Amalfi and Positano that is so famous. Winding roads, sheer cliffs, incredible scenery, and mind boggling traffic jams in the Summer. If you are in Sorrento for a long day you can catch a local bus in the Tasso Square and ride it all the way to Amalfi, getting off one bus and back on another when the urge strikes. They run every few minutes but it may be standing room only at times. The bus lines terminate in Amalfi right at the waters edge. There is a small place there where all the drivers hang out. Coffee is not that great but a purchase entitles you to restroom privileges which you will no doubt need by then. After walking around the town you can catch the bus back to Sorrento as it makes the reverse trip back along the coast. All in all it will not cost much but the memories you will bring back will be priceless. Cal Ford Lido Deck Cruises – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Can’t help you with Greece. >For Taormina, there is a sky lift which will take you from the port up to >the town.  It really consists of a single street, lined with shops and >restaurants.  It’s beautiful, though touristy.  The Greek Theater is very >impressive.  Fantastic views of the Etna volcano.  You can easily do this on >your own. >For Sorrento:  like Taormina, very touristy but quite beautiful.  Everything >is fairly compact, so it’s nothing you need a group for.  If there’s time, >you might take a boat to Capri. >Where in Amalfi are you going?  It’s a coastline, not a town. >Rome: I wouldn’t even consider doing this in a single day.  Take the >excursion and let them bus you around to the big sites.  You won’t really >get a sense of Rome, but at least you’ll have seen them. > Hi everyone, > We are going on Oceania on 4/13 on the Insignia. Athens to Rome 2004 > (10 Days)  We have never been to Europe. >  We will be visiting > : > ATHENS (PIRAEUS) > MYKONOS > SANTORINI > RHODES > AGHIOS NIKOLAOS (CRETE) > TAORMINA, SICILY > SORRENTO > AMALFI > CIVITAVECCHIA (ROME) > I am looking for words of wisdom on shore excursions. Which place > should we go on them? Which places are better just to wander? SHould > we take the cruise lines or do you know of good alternatives. > The link to the cruise line offerings is below. > Thanks for the help. > Bill Dwyer. >http://oceaniacruises.com/T_MainContentPage.aspx?PageUID=f2de3f3a-cfe… >9ec3-0071018088fc&CruiseTemplateUID=63c9e54e-023b-4a73-8c6e-82a51ce56435

Response:

> SORRENTO

Sorrento is a lovely place to get out, walk and wander.  Don’t try to drive; Neapolitan drivers are nuts!  Get a good Foder’s guide and enjoy.  Be careful of some of the rip off places that sell inlaid wood or lace.  Be very careful of lemoncillo (lemon liquore).  That stuff is very potent! > AMALFI

Take a van tour down the Amalfi coastline, but only if sheer cliffs and sharp turns don’t freak you out.  It is really quite interesting to watch cars back DOWN the road so that a bus coming from the other direction can get around some of those curves!  Don’t just stay on the coast, walk inland a bit for some incredible sights! > CIVITAVECCHIA (ROME)

Find an excursion that will just take you into the city and pick you up, get a good tour book and walk.  Most of the things that people want to see are within walking distance and the subway system can get you most everywhere else. I wish I could tell you more about actual excursions, but I learned everything I know from living there and visiting Italy over the last 12 years. — fmomoon If you want to make God laugh, tell him your future plans. (Woody Allen)

Response:

> Can’t help you with Greece. > For Taormina, there is a sky lift which will take you from the port up to > the town.  It really consists of a single street, lined with shops and > restaurants.  It’s beautiful, though touristy.  The Greek Theater is very > impressive.  Fantastic views of the Etna volcano.  You can easily do this on > your own. > For Sorrento:  like Taormina, very touristy but quite beautiful. Everything > is fairly compact, so it’s nothing you need a group for.  If there’s time, > you might take a boat to Capri. > Where in Amalfi are you going?  It’s a coastline, not a town.

Amalfi is both a coastline and a town.  Quite a lovely town, actually.  See "Under the Tuscan Sun" and you’ll see some beautiful shots of the area. — Monica If you want to make God laugh, tell him your future plans. (Woody Allen)

Response:

Hello Bill, We were on 2 Med cruises -2002 and 2003 so have covered some of your ports – but not all.. Athens – we did take a private tour. A man met 4 of us at the pier in his AC Mercedes and gave us a great tour of Athens and then drove to Sounion (SP?) to see the Temple of Posiedon, etc. He was very reasonble and we saw much more than the tour groups from the ship. We went to a neighbor cafe for authentic Greek food and enjoyed that very much. Santorini – we did take the ship tour to the winery which eventually left us in the town where we had made reservations at the Sphinx – for the wonderful sunset and good food too. Then we walked a few blocks and took the cable car down where a shuttle bus was waiting to return us to the tender. Beautiful at night. Amalfi- 8 of us used a marvelous tour guide/driver named Marcello. He picked us up at the pier and we did the wonderful Amalfi coast drive, but we did have some time in Amalfi – and other towns, such as Sorrento. It was a great buy – We saw more than the ship people and had a wonderful lunch up in the hills with the lemon trees. He made special stops for requests also – one lady wanted a cameo, another wanted some pottery – Civitavecchia – Probably noone will agree with me on this! The last time we were there, we had just been to Rome a few monts earlier or we would have taken the train into Rome. Very easy and safe. But since we had been there so recently (and it was raining) four of us explored Civitavecchia and we loved it! It’s a real town where real people live and work. The shuttle from the ship took us right in the middle. We walked around – explored little shops and found the town market – we would have stayed longer but we only had 2 umbrellas and were getting soaked. We had spotted a cafe which would have been great for some wine, pasta, or seafood and people watching. We found that sometimes the little towns are just the thing to do when you have had many port days and just want a chance to wander around and look – not be in a hurry and not have to meet someone else’s schedule. So give yourself some down time if you can and just enjoy being there. Best of luck! Feel free to email me if you need addresses etc. We are going on Oceania on 4/13 on the Insignia. Athens to Rome 2004 (10 Days)  We have never been to Europe.  We will be visiting : ATHENS (PIRAEUS) MYKONOS SANTORINI RHODES AGHIOS NIKOLAOS (CRETE) TAORMINA, SICILY SORRENTO AMALFI CIVITAVECCHIA (ROME) I am looking for words of wisdom on shore excursions. Which place should we go on them? Which places are better just to wander? SHould we take the cruise lines or do you know of good alternatives. The link to the cruise line offerings is below. Thanks for the help. Bill Dwyer.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Civitavecchia – Probably noone will agree with me on this! The last > time we were there, we had just been to Rome a few monts earlier or we > would have taken the train into Rome. Very easy and safe. > But since we had been there so recently (and it was raining) four of > us explored Civitavecchia and we loved it! It’s a real town where real > people live and work. The shuttle from the ship took us right in the > middle. We walked around – explored little shops and found the town > market – we would have stayed longer but we only had 2 umbrellas and > were getting soaked. We had spotted a cafe which would have been great > for some wine, pasta, or seafood and people watching. > We found that sometimes the little towns are just the thing to do when > you have had many port days and just want a chance to wander around > and look – not be in a hurry and not have to meet someone else’s > schedule. > So give yourself some down time if you can and just enjoy being there. > Best of luck! Feel free to email me if you need addresses etc.

I agree, I have often wondered why people dislike this little place. We enjoyed walking around it and wished that we had had  more time to spend there after returning from Rome on the train. –Jean

Response:

You are right on Jean. The big cities are where the mandatory sites are and everyone needs to do that but to get up close and personal and to be a traveler and not a tourist you are much better off in the smaller towns and villages. On a recent trip to Italy we had a small group of teachers for a Tour of Rome and Florence. Five days before their tour began we flew to FCO, picked up a rental car, and drove down the Coast road through Anzio and Naples to Sorrento. Stayed there four nights and explored the area and towns at leisure before driving back to Rome to pick up the group. Four days was not enough, should have allocated a whole week. Think I will next time. Old Naples, Capri, Pompei, Vesuvius, Almalfi, Positano, and just a day to sit by the Square in Sorrento and drink coffee, a bite of Gelato, a sip of Lemoncello……. Oh well ……. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Civitavecchia – Probably noone will agree with me on this! The last > time we were there, we had just been to Rome a few monts earlier or we > would have taken the train into Rome. Very easy and safe. > But since we had been there so recently (and it was raining) four of > us explored Civitavecchia and we loved it! It’s a real town where real > people live and work. The shuttle from the ship took us right in the > middle. We walked around – explored little shops and found the town > market – we would have stayed longer but we only had 2 umbrellas and > were getting soaked. We had spotted a cafe which would have been great > for some wine, pasta, or seafood and people watching. > We found that sometimes the little towns are just the thing to do when > you have had many port days and just want a chance to wander around > and look – not be in a hurry and not have to meet someone else’s > schedule. > So give yourself some down time if you can and just enjoy being there. > Best of luck! Feel free to email me if you need addresses etc. >I agree, I have often wondered why people dislike this little place. We >enjoyed walking around it and wished that we had had  more time to spend >there after returning from Rome on the train. >–Jean

Response:

> Four days was not enough, should have allocated a whole week. Think I will next > time. Old Naples, Capri, Pompei, Vesuvius, Almalfi, Positano, and just a day to > sit by the Square in Sorrento and drink coffee, a bite of Gelato, a sip of > Lemoncello……. Oh well …….

You are bringing back some wonderful memories~I’d love to go to Amalfi and do the entire coast and sit at the blue & white umbrella covered tables on Capri again! The very beautiful city, San Remo, is on the Italian Riviera and a hidden treasure. There are flowers everywhere~it is known for its flowers ~all the hillsides are covered with greenhouses filled with every flower you can think of. They ship flowers all over the world from San Remo. The hotel that we stayed in was at the top of  a very high hill facing the Mediterranean Sea and its huge lobby was filled with vases of fragrant lilies~wonderful! The front lawn was tiered all the way down to the street and filled with many different blooming plants and flowers, In the middle was a pool surrounded by  tables with yellow umbrellas. Speaking of Lemoncello, I still have some left in a violin shaped bottle that I got in Florence! You are so right, Cal, months would not do Italy justice and that is not even counting beautiful Sicily! Makes me want to extend our cruise time in Italy! –Jean

Response:

Thank you to everyont that has responded. It seems that the general opinion is that most of the places we will visit we can find local people when we get there that will do a better/cheaper tour than the ship will or we can simply wander ourselves. Has anyone been there in mid April recently that can give us a handle on the weather? I can look up averages but the way global warming is going I wonder if it would be accurate. Thanks again for the responses. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Four days was not enough, should have allocated a whole week. Think I will >next > time. Old Naples, Capri, Pompei, Vesuvius, Almalfi, Positano, and just a >day to > sit by the Square in Sorrento and drink coffee, a bite of Gelato, a sip of > Lemoncello……. Oh well ……. >You are bringing back some wonderful memories~I’d love to go to Amalfi and >do the entire coast and sit at the blue & white umbrella covered tables on >Capri again! The very beautiful city, San Remo, is on the Italian Riviera >and a hidden treasure. There are flowers everywhere~it is known for its >flowers ~all the hillsides are covered with greenhouses filled with every >flower you can think of. They ship flowers all over the world from San Remo. >The hotel that we stayed in was at the top of  a very high hill facing the >Mediterranean Sea and its huge lobby was filled with vases of fragrant >lilies~wonderful! The front lawn was tiered all the way down to the street >and filled with many different blooming plants and flowers, In the middle >was a pool surrounded by  tables with yellow umbrellas. Speaking of >Lemoncello, I still have some left in a violin shaped bottle that I got in >Florence! >You are so right, Cal, months would not do Italy justice and that is not >even counting beautiful Sicily! >Makes me want to extend our cruise time in Italy! >–Jean

Response:

> Thank you to everyont that has responded. It seems that the general > opinion is that most of the places we will visit we can find local > people when we get there that will do a better/cheaper tour than the > ship will or we can simply wander ourselves. > Has anyone been there in mid April recently that can give us a handle > on the weather? I can look up averages but the way global warming is > going I wonder if it would be accurate. > Thanks again for the responses.

Rain, rain and more rain.  Bring a couple of umbrellas.  The temperature is moderate in Italy that time of year and everything will be lovely green. — fmomoon If you want to make God laugh, tell him your future plans. (Woody Allen)

Response:

Agreed!!!! We stayed in town once rather than going into Rome: never again. Either stay on the ship or go into Rome or on a ship’s excursion. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I have been to the other side of the med, but it stopped at CIVITAVECCHIA > (ROME)… > Unless you are going to ROME, don’t bother getting off the boat… > Civitavecchia is an ugly industrial port… and the town itself has nothing > of note. So unless you’re making your own way to Rome, or going an excursion > enjoy the day on the boat!

Response:

First of all, I’d really like to see your comments on Oceania Cruises when you return……Please don’t forget us! My suggestions based on our last Med. Cruise(s): Athens is huge……it’s great to walk in and explore, but you’ve gotta be fit!. You really need at least 4 days in Athens, but if you have only one day, IMO the highlights are: -The Plaka district, especially for a good Greek meal. -The Acropolis, but awfully crowded. -The Agora, but opening hours are brief -The national Archeological Museum Crete: the Minoan ruins at Knossos: You can get there and back easily by local bus, and explore on your own. But you need an English guide book or English-speaking guide, or the ability to eavedrop on tours to know what you’re seeing. For this reason, some prefer the ship’s tour. Sicily: when we were there a little over a year ago, Mount Etna was very active. We opted for the ship’s tour to Taormina. In spite of poring rain and ash on everything, we enjoyed the tour. It would have been quite spectacular if it had been clear weather. Civitavecchia: I vote with those who do not recommend wandering around in that little port town. We found it rather boring (and we LIKE small, out-of-the-way towns!). But a trip to Rome for the day is frustrating….. far too much to see in so little time. If a tour somewhere else is offered (maybe to Viterbo or, especially, to Orvieto!), that would be my choice.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi everyone, > We are going on Oceania on 4/13 on the Insignia. Athens to Rome 2004 > (10 Days)  We have never been to Europe. >  We will be visiting > : > ATHENS (PIRAEUS) > MYKONOS > SANTORINI > RHODES > AGHIOS NIKOLAOS (CRETE) > TAORMINA, SICILY > SORRENTO > AMALFI > CIVITAVECCHIA (ROME) > I am looking for words of wisdom on shore excursions. Which place > should we go on them? Which places are better just to wander? SHould > we take the cruise lines or do you know of good alternatives. > The link to the cruise line offerings is below. > Thanks for the help. > Bill Dwyer.

http://oceaniacruises.com/T_MainContentPage.aspx?PageUID=f2de3f3a-cfe… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

I agree with the ‘too much to do in rome’ thing too… For us who stay UK(Eurpoe) obviously a weekend trip to rome is possible! However should you be from the other side, you definatly need to do an excursion to Rome. I have done this both, so you should do it if a weekend option is not viable to you. Otherwise, hold off and do a weekend visit to rome… as there is far too much to enjoyably take in on the excusrions, they were very rushed due to the amount to see!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> First of all, I’d really like to see your comments on Oceania Cruises when > you return……Please don’t forget us! > My suggestions based on our last Med. Cruise(s): > Athens is huge……it’s great to walk in and explore, but you’ve gotta be > fit!. You really need at least 4 days in Athens, but if you have only one > day, IMO the highlights are: > -The Plaka district, especially for a good Greek meal. > -The Acropolis, but awfully crowded. > -The Agora, but opening hours are brief > -The national Archeological Museum > Crete: the Minoan ruins at Knossos: You can get there and back easily by > local bus, and explore on your own. But you need an English guide book or > English-speaking guide, or the ability to eavedrop on tours to know what > you’re seeing. For this reason, some prefer the ship’s tour. > Sicily: when we were there a little over a year ago, Mount Etna was very > active. We opted for the ship’s tour to Taormina. In spite of poring rain > and ash on everything, we enjoyed the tour. It would have been quite > spectacular if it had been clear weather. > Civitavecchia: I vote with those who do not recommend wandering around in > that little port town. We found it rather boring (and we LIKE small, > out-of-the-way towns!). But a trip to Rome for the day is frustrating….. > far too much to see in so little time. If a tour somewhere else is offered > (maybe to Viterbo or, especially, to Orvieto!), that would be my choice. > Hi everyone, > We are going on Oceania on 4/13 on the Insignia. Athens to Rome 2004 > (10 Days)  We have never been to Europe. >  We will be visiting > : > ATHENS (PIRAEUS) > MYKONOS > SANTORINI > RHODES > AGHIOS NIKOLAOS (CRETE) > TAORMINA, SICILY > SORRENTO > AMALFI > CIVITAVECCHIA (ROME) > I am looking for words of wisdom on shore excursions. Which place > should we go on them? Which places are better just to wander? SHould > we take the cruise lines or do you know of good alternatives. > The link to the cruise line offerings is below. > Thanks for the help. > Bill Dwyer.

http://oceaniacruises.com/T_MainContentPage.aspx?PageUID=f2de3f3a-cfe… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

>Civitavecchia: I vote with those who do not recommend wandering around in >that little port town. We found it rather boring (and we LIKE small, >out-of-the-way towns!). But a trip to Rome for the day is frustrating….. >far too much to see in so little time.

Hi Everyone, I would really think it a shame to miss Rome.  I only had a day there when I visited in Oct. 2002.  I very easily visited the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican.  I spent a short amount of time watching the Pope speak.  I had a leisurely lunch at a beautiful hotel.  Then we went and saw Trevi fountain, walked around the area, and then ended the visit with a wonderful tour of the Colosseum.  I probably saw some other points but they don’t come to mind right now.  I did this with a ship’s tour in a van that held about 8 cruise passengers,tour guide, & driver.  I did not feel rushed at all. Best regards, Ray LIGHTHOUSE TRAVEL 800-719-9917 or 805-566-3905 http://www.lighthousetravel.com

Response:

>Thank you to everyont that has responded. It seems that the general >opinion is that most of the places we will visit we can find local >people when we get there that will do a better/cheaper tour than the >ship will or we can simply wander ourselves. >Has anyone been there in mid April recently that can give us a handle >on the weather? I can look up averages but the way global warming is >going I wonder if it would be accurate.

Yes the averages are accurate.  Whatever one might say about global warming, it isn’t going to change things more than a degree or two in the next decade.  It is more a problem with wind patterns that causes large fluctuations year to year.  (If global warming is occurring, I think that northen Europe will see more impact actually.)  But in any case, warmer will not be worse in April — your trip is more likely to be adversely impacted by a cold snap. The parts of Italy you mentioned are delightful in April, even though they are still skiing in the Appenines!  I drove from Modena to Siena in April once — in the same day, we needed light sweaters in Modena, down parkas at the top of the Appenines, and shirtsleeves in Lucca. I love that time of year generally in the Mediterranean, because it is so green and the flowers are in bloom. Mason Barge "If this is coffee, please bring me some tea.  If this is tea, please bring me some coffee."         — Abraham Lincoln

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Hi everyone, We are going on Oceania on 4/13 on the Insignia. Athens to Rome 2004 (10 Days)  We have never been to Europe.  We will be visiting : ATHENS (PIRAEUS) MYKONOS SANTORINI RHODES AGHIOS NIKOLAOS (CRETE) TAORMINA, SICILY SORRENTO AMALFI CIVITAVECCHIA (ROME) I am looking for words of wisdom on shore excursions. Which place should we go on them? Which places are better just to wander? SHould we take the cruise lines or do you know of good alternatives. The link to the cruise line offerings is below. Thanks for the help. Bill Dwyer. http://oceaniacruises.com/T_MainContentPage.aspx?PageUID=f2de3f3a-cfe…

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I have been to the other side of the med, but it stopped at CIVITAVECCHIA (ROME)… Unless you are going to ROME, don’t bother getting off the boat… Civitavecchia is an ugly industrial port… and the town itself has nothing of note. So unless you’re making your own way to Rome, or going an excursion enjoy the day on the boat!

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Hi Bill, Wife and I did A Med cruise last year. Some suggestions. Athens…see the Acropolis…but get an early start so the crowds won’t be too bad. Amalfi…take a tour down the Amalfi coast and make sure it includes a tour of Pompeii. Other than that have a great time and try the different drink and food in the ports. Dave

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi everyone, > We are going on Oceania on 4/13 on the Insignia. Athens to Rome 2004 > (10 Days)  We have never been to Europe. >  We will be visiting > : > ATHENS (PIRAEUS) > MYKONOS > SANTORINI > RHODES > AGHIOS NIKOLAOS (CRETE) > TAORMINA, SICILY > SORRENTO > AMALFI > CIVITAVECCHIA (ROME) > I am looking for words of wisdom on shore excursions. Which place > should we go on them? Which places are better just to wander? SHould > we take the cruise lines or do you know of good alternatives. > The link to the cruise line offerings is below. > Thanks for the help. > Bill Dwyer.

http://oceaniacruises.com/T_MainContentPage.aspx?PageUID=f2de3f3a-cfe… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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Can’t help you with Greece. For Taormina, there is a sky lift which will take you from the port up to the town.  It really consists of a single street, lined with shops and restaurants.  It’s beautiful, though touristy.  The Greek Theater is very impressive.  Fantastic views of the Etna volcano.  You can easily do this on your own. For Sorrento:  like Taormina, very touristy but quite beautiful.  Everything is fairly compact, so it’s nothing you need a group for.  If there’s time, you might take a boat to Capri. Where in Amalfi are you going?  It’s a coastline, not a town. Rome: I wouldn’t even consider doing this in a single day.  Take the excursion and let them bus you around to the big sites.  You won’t really get a sense of Rome, but at least you’ll have seen them.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi everyone, > We are going on Oceania on 4/13 on the Insignia. Athens to Rome 2004 > (10 Days)  We have never been to Europe. >  We will be visiting > : > ATHENS (PIRAEUS) > MYKONOS > SANTORINI > RHODES > AGHIOS NIKOLAOS (CRETE) > TAORMINA, SICILY > SORRENTO > AMALFI > CIVITAVECCHIA (ROME) > I am looking for words of wisdom on shore excursions. Which place > should we go on them? Which places are better just to wander? SHould > we take the cruise lines or do you know of good alternatives. > The link to the cruise line offerings is below. > Thanks for the help. > Bill Dwyer.

http://oceaniacruises.com/T_MainContentPage.aspx?PageUID=f2de3f3a-cfe… 9ec3-0071018088fc&CruiseTemplateUID=63c9e54e-023b-4a73-8c6e-82a51ce56435 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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As a point of correction…. as Ray would say if he wasn’t busy giving interviews on his cell phone… The city of Amalfi is the largest and best city/harbor along the coast and thus the area is known as the Amalfi Coast. Mostly it is the stretch between Amalfi and Positano that is so famous. Winding roads, sheer cliffs, incredible scenery, and mind boggling traffic jams in the Summer. If you are in Sorrento for a long day you can catch a local bus in the Tasso Square and ride it all the way to Amalfi, getting off one bus and back on another when the urge strikes. They run every few minutes but it may be standing room only at times. The bus lines terminate in Amalfi right at the waters edge. There is a small place there where all the drivers hang out. Coffee is not that great but a purchase entitles you to restroom privileges which you will no doubt need by then. After walking around the town you can catch the bus back to Sorrento as it makes the reverse trip back along the coast. All in all it will not cost much but the memories you will bring back will be priceless. Cal Ford Lido Deck Cruises – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Can’t help you with Greece. >For Taormina, there is a sky lift which will take you from the port up to >the town.  It really consists of a single street, lined with shops and >restaurants.  It’s beautiful, though touristy.  The Greek Theater is very >impressive.  Fantastic views of the Etna volcano.  You can easily do this on >your own. >For Sorrento:  like Taormina, very touristy but quite beautiful.  Everything >is fairly compact, so it’s nothing you need a group for.  If there’s time, >you might take a boat to Capri. >Where in Amalfi are you going?  It’s a coastline, not a town. >Rome: I wouldn’t even consider doing this in a single day.  Take the >excursion and let them bus you around to the big sites.  You won’t really >get a sense of Rome, but at least you’ll have seen them. > Hi everyone, > We are going on Oceania on 4/13 on the Insignia. Athens to Rome 2004 > (10 Days)  We have never been to Europe. >  We will be visiting > : > ATHENS (PIRAEUS) > MYKONOS > SANTORINI > RHODES > AGHIOS NIKOLAOS (CRETE) > TAORMINA, SICILY > SORRENTO > AMALFI > CIVITAVECCHIA (ROME) > I am looking for words of wisdom on shore excursions. Which place > should we go on them? Which places are better just to wander? SHould > we take the cruise lines or do you know of good alternatives. > The link to the cruise line offerings is below. > Thanks for the help. > Bill Dwyer. >http://oceaniacruises.com/T_MainContentPage.aspx?PageUID=f2de3f3a-cfe… >9ec3-0071018088fc&CruiseTemplateUID=63c9e54e-023b-4a73-8c6e-82a51ce56435

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> SORRENTO

Sorrento is a lovely place to get out, walk and wander.  Don’t try to drive; Neapolitan drivers are nuts!  Get a good Foder’s guide and enjoy.  Be careful of some of the rip off places that sell inlaid wood or lace.  Be very careful of lemoncillo (lemon liquore).  That stuff is very potent! > AMALFI

Take a van tour down the Amalfi coastline, but only if sheer cliffs and sharp turns don’t freak you out.  It is really quite interesting to watch cars back DOWN the road so that a bus coming from the other direction can get around some of those curves!  Don’t just stay on the coast, walk inland a bit for some incredible sights! > CIVITAVECCHIA (ROME)

Find an excursion that will just take you into the city and pick you up, get a good tour book and walk.  Most of the things that people want to see are within walking distance and the subway system can get you most everywhere else. I wish I could tell you more about actual excursions, but I learned everything I know from living there and visiting Italy over the last 12 years. — fmomoon If you want to make God laugh, tell him your future plans. (Woody Allen)

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> Can’t help you with Greece. > For Taormina, there is a sky lift which will take you from the port up to > the town.  It really consists of a single street, lined with shops and > restaurants.  It’s beautiful, though touristy.  The Greek Theater is very > impressive.  Fantastic views of the Etna volcano.  You can easily do this on > your own. > For Sorrento:  like Taormina, very touristy but quite beautiful. Everything > is fairly compact, so it’s nothing you need a group for.  If there’s time, > you might take a boat to Capri. > Where in Amalfi are you going?  It’s a coastline, not a town.

Amalfi is both a coastline and a town.  Quite a lovely town, actually.  See "Under the Tuscan Sun" and you’ll see some beautiful shots of the area. — Monica If you want to make God laugh, tell him your future plans. (Woody Allen)

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Hello Bill, We were on 2 Med cruises -2002 and 2003 so have covered some of your ports – but not all.. Athens – we did take a private tour. A man met 4 of us at the pier in his AC Mercedes and gave us a great tour of Athens and then drove to Sounion (SP?) to see the Temple of Posiedon, etc. He was very reasonble and we saw much more than the tour groups from the ship. We went to a neighbor cafe for authentic Greek food and enjoyed that very much. Santorini – we did take the ship tour to the winery which eventually left us in the town where we had made reservations at the Sphinx – for the wonderful sunset and good food too. Then we walked a few blocks and took the cable car down where a shuttle bus was waiting to return us to the tender. Beautiful at night. Amalfi- 8 of us used a marvelous tour guide/driver named Marcello. He picked us up at the pier and we did the wonderful Amalfi coast drive, but we did have some time in Amalfi – and other towns, such as Sorrento. It was a great buy – We saw more than the ship people and had a wonderful lunch up in the hills with the lemon trees. He made special stops for requests also – one lady wanted a cameo, another wanted some pottery – Civitavecchia – Probably noone will agree with me on this! The last time we were there, we had just been to Rome a few monts earlier or we would have taken the train into Rome. Very easy and safe. But since we had been there so recently (and it was raining) four of us explored Civitavecchia and we loved it! It’s a real town where real people live and work. The shuttle from the ship took us right in the middle. We walked around – explored little shops and found the town market – we would have stayed longer but we only had 2 umbrellas and were getting soaked. We had spotted a cafe which would have been great for some wine, pasta, or seafood and people watching. We found that sometimes the little towns are just the thing to do when you have had many port days and just want a chance to wander around and look – not be in a hurry and not have to meet someone else’s schedule. So give yourself some down time if you can and just enjoy being there. Best of luck! Feel free to email me if you need addresses etc. We are going on Oceania on 4/13 on the Insignia. Athens to Rome 2004 (10 Days)  We have never been to Europe.  We will be visiting : ATHENS (PIRAEUS) MYKONOS SANTORINI RHODES AGHIOS NIKOLAOS (CRETE) TAORMINA, SICILY SORRENTO AMALFI CIVITAVECCHIA (ROME) I am looking for words of wisdom on shore excursions. Which place should we go on them? Which places are better just to wander? SHould we take the cruise lines or do you know of good alternatives. The link to the cruise line offerings is below. Thanks for the help. Bill Dwyer.

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Civitavecchia – Probably noone will agree with me on this! The last > time we were there, we had just been to Rome a few monts earlier or we > would have taken the train into Rome. Very easy and safe. > But since we had been there so recently (and it was raining) four of > us explored Civitavecchia and we loved it! It’s a real town where real > people live and work. The shuttle from the ship took us right in the > middle. We walked around – explored little shops and found the town > market – we would have stayed longer but we only had 2 umbrellas and > were getting soaked. We had spotted a cafe which would have been great > for some wine, pasta, or seafood and people watching. > We found that sometimes the little towns are just the thing to do when > you have had many port days and just want a chance to wander around > and look – not be in a hurry and not have to meet someone else’s > schedule. > So give yourself some down time if you can and just enjoy being there. > Best of luck! Feel free to email me if you need addresses etc.

I agree, I have often wondered why people dislike this little place. We enjoyed walking around it and wished that we had had  more time to spend there after returning from Rome on the train. –Jean

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You are right on Jean. The big cities are where the mandatory sites are and everyone needs to do that but to get up close and personal and to be a traveler and not a tourist you are much better off in the smaller towns and villages. On a recent trip to Italy we had a small group of teachers for a Tour of Rome and Florence. Five days before their tour began we flew to FCO, picked up a rental car, and drove down the Coast road through Anzio and Naples to Sorrento. Stayed there four nights and explored the area and towns at leisure before driving back to Rome to pick up the group. Four days was not enough, should have allocated a whole week. Think I will next time. Old Naples, Capri, Pompei, Vesuvius, Almalfi, Positano, and just a day to sit by the Square in Sorrento and drink coffee, a bite of Gelato, a sip of Lemoncello……. Oh well ……. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Civitavecchia – Probably noone will agree with me on this! The last > time we were there, we had just been to Rome a few monts earlier or we > would have taken the train into Rome. Very easy and safe. > But since we had been there so recently (and it was raining) four of > us explored Civitavecchia and we loved it! It’s a real town where real > people live and work. The shuttle from the ship took us right in the > middle. We walked around – explored little shops and found the town > market – we would have stayed longer but we only had 2 umbrellas and > were getting soaked. We had spotted a cafe which would have been great > for some wine, pasta, or seafood and people watching. > We found that sometimes the little towns are just the thing to do when > you have had many port days and just want a chance to wander around > and look – not be in a hurry and not have to meet someone else’s > schedule. > So give yourself some down time if you can and just enjoy being there. > Best of luck! Feel free to email me if you need addresses etc. >I agree, I have often wondered why people dislike this little place. We >enjoyed walking around it and wished that we had had  more time to spend >there after returning from Rome on the train. >–Jean

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> Four days was not enough, should have allocated a whole week. Think I will next > time. Old Naples, Capri, Pompei, Vesuvius, Almalfi, Positano, and just a day to > sit by the Square in Sorrento and drink coffee, a bite of Gelato, a sip of > Lemoncello……. Oh well …….

You are bringing back some wonderful memories~I’d love to go to Amalfi and do the entire coast and sit at the blue & white umbrella covered tables on Capri again! The very beautiful city, San Remo, is on the Italian Riviera and a hidden treasure. There are flowers everywhere~it is known for its flowers ~all the hillsides are covered with greenhouses filled with every flower you can think of. They ship flowers all over the world from San Remo. The hotel that we stayed in was at the top of  a very high hill facing the Mediterranean Sea and its huge lobby was filled with vases of fragrant lilies~wonderful! The front lawn was tiered all the way down to the street and filled with many different blooming plants and flowers, In the middle was a pool surrounded by  tables with yellow umbrellas. Speaking of Lemoncello, I still have some left in a violin shaped bottle that I got in Florence! You are so right, Cal, months would not do Italy justice and that is not even counting beautiful Sicily! Makes me want to extend our cruise time in Italy! –Jean

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Thank you to everyont that has responded. It seems that the general opinion is that most of the places we will visit we can find local people when we get there that will do a better/cheaper tour than the ship will or we can simply wander ourselves. Has anyone been there in mid April recently that can give us a handle on the weather? I can look up averages but the way global warming is going I wonder if it would be accurate. Thanks again for the responses. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Four days was not enough, should have allocated a whole week. Think I will >next > time. Old Naples, Capri, Pompei, Vesuvius, Almalfi, Positano, and just a >day to > sit by the Square in Sorrento and drink coffee, a bite of Gelato, a sip of > Lemoncello……. Oh well ……. >You are bringing back some wonderful memories~I’d love to go to Amalfi and >do the entire coast and sit at the blue & white umbrella covered tables on >Capri again! The very beautiful city, San Remo, is on the Italian Riviera >and a hidden treasure. There are flowers everywhere~it is known for its >flowers ~all the hillsides are covered with greenhouses filled with every >flower you can think of. They ship flowers all over the world from San Remo. >The hotel that we stayed in was at the top of  a very high hill facing the >Mediterranean Sea and its huge lobby was filled with vases of fragrant >lilies~wonderful! The front lawn was tiered all the way down to the street >and filled with many different blooming plants and flowers, In the middle >was a pool surrounded by  tables with yellow umbrellas. Speaking of >Lemoncello, I still have some left in a violin shaped bottle that I got in >Florence! >You are so right, Cal, months would not do Italy justice and that is not >even counting beautiful Sicily! >Makes me want to extend our cruise time in Italy! >–Jean

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> Thank you to everyont that has responded. It seems that the general > opinion is that most of the places we will visit we can find local > people when we get there that will do a better/cheaper tour than the > ship will or we can simply wander ourselves. > Has anyone been there in mid April recently that can give us a handle > on the weather? I can look up averages but the way global warming is > going I wonder if it would be accurate. > Thanks again for the responses.

Rain, rain and more rain.  Bring a couple of umbrellas.  The temperature is moderate in Italy that time of year and everything will be lovely green. — fmomoon If you want to make God laugh, tell him your future plans. (Woody Allen)

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Agreed!!!! We stayed in town once rather than going into Rome: never again. Either stay on the ship or go into Rome or on a ship’s excursion. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I have been to the other side of the med, but it stopped at CIVITAVECCHIA > (ROME)… > Unless you are going to ROME, don’t bother getting off the boat… > Civitavecchia is an ugly industrial port… and the town itself has nothing > of note. So unless you’re making your own way to Rome, or going an excursion > enjoy the day on the boat!

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First of all, I’d really like to see your comments on Oceania Cruises when you return……Please don’t forget us! My suggestions based on our last Med. Cruise(s): Athens is huge……it’s great to walk in and explore, but you’ve gotta be fit!. You really need at least 4 days in Athens, but if you have only one day, IMO the highlights are: -The Plaka district, especially for a good Greek meal. -The Acropolis, but awfully crowded. -The Agora, but opening hours are brief -The national Archeological Museum Crete: the Minoan ruins at Knossos: You can get there and back easily by local bus, and explore on your own. But you need an English guide book or English-speaking guide, or the ability to eavedrop on tours to know what you’re seeing. For this reason, some prefer the ship’s tour. Sicily: when we were there a little over a year ago, Mount Etna was very active. We opted for the ship’s tour to Taormina. In spite of poring rain and ash on everything, we enjoyed the tour. It would have been quite spectacular if it had been clear weather. Civitavecchia: I vote with those who do not recommend wandering around in that little port town. We found it rather boring (and we LIKE small, out-of-the-way towns!). But a trip to Rome for the day is frustrating….. far too much to see in so little time. If a tour somewhere else is offered (maybe to Viterbo or, especially, to Orvieto!), that would be my choice.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi everyone, > We are going on Oceania on 4/13 on the Insignia. Athens to Rome 2004 > (10 Days)  We have never been to Europe. >  We will be visiting > : > ATHENS (PIRAEUS) > MYKONOS > SANTORINI > RHODES > AGHIOS NIKOLAOS (CRETE) > TAORMINA, SICILY > SORRENTO > AMALFI > CIVITAVECCHIA (ROME) > I am looking for words of wisdom on shore excursions. Which place > should we go on them? Which places are better just to wander? SHould > we take the cruise lines or do you know of good alternatives. > The link to the cruise line offerings is below. > Thanks for the help. > Bill Dwyer.

http://oceaniacruises.com/T_MainContentPage.aspx?PageUID=f2de3f3a-cfe… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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I agree with the ‘too much to do in rome’ thing too… For us who stay UK(Eurpoe) obviously a weekend trip to rome is possible! However should you be from the other side, you definatly need to do an excursion to Rome. I have done this both, so you should do it if a weekend option is not viable to you. Otherwise, hold off and do a weekend visit to rome… as there is far too much to enjoyably take in on the excusrions, they were very rushed due to the amount to see!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> First of all, I’d really like to see your comments on Oceania Cruises when > you return……Please don’t forget us! > My suggestions based on our last Med. Cruise(s): > Athens is huge……it’s great to walk in and explore, but you’ve gotta be > fit!. You really need at least 4 days in Athens, but if you have only one > day, IMO the highlights are: > -The Plaka district, especially for a good Greek meal. > -The Acropolis, but awfully crowded. > -The Agora, but opening hours are brief > -The national Archeological Museum > Crete: the Minoan ruins at Knossos: You can get there and back easily by > local bus, and explore on your own. But you need an English guide book or > English-speaking guide, or the ability to eavedrop on tours to know what > you’re seeing. For this reason, some prefer the ship’s tour. > Sicily: when we were there a little over a year ago, Mount Etna was very > active. We opted for the ship’s tour to Taormina. In spite of poring rain > and ash on everything, we enjoyed the tour. It would have been quite > spectacular if it had been clear weather. > Civitavecchia: I vote with those who do not recommend wandering around in > that little port town. We found it rather boring (and we LIKE small, > out-of-the-way towns!). But a trip to Rome for the day is frustrating….. > far too much to see in so little time. If a tour somewhere else is offered > (maybe to Viterbo or, especially, to Orvieto!), that would be my choice. > Hi everyone, > We are going on Oceania on 4/13 on the Insignia. Athens to Rome 2004 > (10 Days)  We have never been to Europe. >  We will be visiting > : > ATHENS (PIRAEUS) > MYKONOS > SANTORINI > RHODES > AGHIOS NIKOLAOS (CRETE) > TAORMINA, SICILY > SORRENTO > AMALFI > CIVITAVECCHIA (ROME) > I am looking for words of wisdom on shore excursions. Which place > should we go on them? Which places are better just to wander? SHould > we take the cruise lines or do you know of good alternatives. > The link to the cruise line offerings is below. > Thanks for the help. > Bill Dwyer.

http://oceaniacruises.com/T_MainContentPage.aspx?PageUID=f2de3f3a-cfe… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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>Civitavecchia: I vote with those who do not recommend wandering around in >that little port town. We found it rather boring (and we LIKE small, >out-of-the-way towns!). But a trip to Rome for the day is frustrating….. >far too much to see in so little time.

Hi Everyone, I would really think it a shame to miss Rome.  I only had a day there when I visited in Oct. 2002.  I very easily visited the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican.  I spent a short amount of time watching the Pope speak.  I had a leisurely lunch at a beautiful hotel.  Then we went and saw Trevi fountain, walked around the area, and then ended the visit with a wonderful tour of the Colosseum.  I probably saw some other points but they don’t come to mind right now.  I did this with a ship’s tour in a van that held about 8 cruise passengers,tour guide, & driver.  I did not feel rushed at all. Best regards, Ray LIGHTHOUSE TRAVEL 800-719-9917 or 805-566-3905 http://www.lighthousetravel.com

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>Thank you to everyont that has responded. It seems that the general >opinion is that most of the places we will visit we can find local >people when we get there that will do a better/cheaper tour than the >ship will or we can simply wander ourselves. >Has anyone been there in mid April recently that can give us a handle >on the weather? I can look up averages but the way global warming is >going I wonder if it would be accurate.

Yes the averages are accurate.  Whatever one might say about global warming, it isn’t going to change things more than a degree or two in the next decade.  It is more a problem with wind patterns that causes large fluctuations year to year.  (If global warming is occurring, I think that northen Europe will see more impact actually.)  But in any case, warmer will not be worse in April — your trip is more likely to be adversely impacted by a cold snap. The parts of Italy you mentioned are delightful in April, even though they are still skiing in the Appenines!  I drove from Modena to Siena in April once — in the same day, we needed light sweaters in Modena, down parkas at the top of the Appenines, and shirtsleeves in Lucca. I love that time of year generally in the Mediterranean, because it is so green and the flowers are in bloom. Mason Barge "If this is coffee, please bring me some tea.  If this is tea, please bring me some coffee."         — Abraham Lincoln

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>Hi everyone, >We are going on Oceania on 4/13 on the Insignia. Athens to Rome 2004 >(10 Days)  We have never been to Europe. > We will be visiting >: >ATHENS (PIRAEUS)

One of the few places I would take a cruise excursion. >MYKONOS No >SANTORINI No >RHODES No >AGHIOS NIKOLAOS (CRETE) No >TAORMINA, SICILY No >SORRENTO No >AMALFI No >CIVITAVECCHIA (ROME)

If you are headed for the airport, you might want to take a cruise bus.  If you are headed into Rome, just hop on the train to Termini. Mason Barge "If this is coffee, please bring me some tea.  If this is tea, please bring me some coffee."         — Abraham Lincoln

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ATHENS (PIRAEUS) – Take the guided Tour – you’ll see a lot in 1 day – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> MYKONOS – just get off ship & stroll, or take water taxis to Paradise or SuperParadise beaches (don’t go to Super if naked gay men offend you, but the side of the beach where you land is more family oriented – still topless, but not nekked) > SANTORINI – unless you are interested in excavations, just take donkey ride to Thira & explore the town.  Rent "Summer Lovers’ before you go for a great intro to Santorini.  If you can get to Oia, do so – views back of the Caldera are fantastic!  Sit at a local restaurant, enjoy Santorini wine & Greek food & revel in the wonderful atmosphere! > RHODES – never been here, but a larger island & I hear great ruins, so I’d take a tour > AGHIOS NIKOLAOS (CRETE) – """""" > TAORMINA, SICILY – visting here in June! > SORRENTO – same w/ these 2 – we are going to take our 1 tour here to do the Amalfi drive & again, don’t miss Pompeii > AMALFI > CIVITAVECCHIA (ROME) – If you disembark here, definitely do at least 3 nights

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> Hi everyone, > We are going on Oceania on 4/13 on the Insignia. Athens to Rome 2004 > (10 Days)  We have never been to Europe. >  We will be visiting > : > ATHENS (PIRAEUS)

You can take the metro from Piraeus to Athens, though it’s about a 20-minute walk from the cruise terminal to the station. Get off at the flea market at Monastiraki, but don’t waste too much time there. Cut through and you will find many bars alongside the railway line. Cross the line to get to the Agora, and pay 12 euros to see the Agora, the museum in the Agora, and the Acropolis. If you have time, this 12 euros includes other monuments. Whether you will have time for lunch and a wander through Plaka as well, is doubtful. > MYKONOS > SANTORINI

My friends weren’t impressed with Santorini. I’m going later this year, and intend to take the tour to Oia, in the north of the island. Thira is accessible only by cable car and donkey. > RHODES

Rhodes Town is fully accessible from the dock and is well worth a wander. Beware though, the castle shuts at 3pm so get there long before that. A bus trip which includes a visit to Lindos is worth it. This way you get to see a bit of the Island as well. > AGHIOS NIKOLAOS (CRETE)

Pretty place. Quite a long drive for Knossos, so I would recommend taking the ship’s tour which should include a guide. Greece is not terribly well organised at orgnising its own tours, just yet. > TAORMINA, SICILY

Wonderful little place. It’s a long way from the port of Messina (if that’s where you’re docking) so it’s as well to take the offered tour. Clambering about on Etna is worth it, but it will be very cold. > SORRENTO

Many people adore Sorrento, but I prefer Taormina. It’s a pretty enough town. If you can include Sorrento (great views) with a trip to Pompeii, then don’t miss it. > AMALFI

This is a wonderful drive, so I am told, and well worth it. The views are spectacular. > CIVITAVECCHIA (ROME)

A difficult one. Many cruises offer coach-only options, but there is so much to see in Rome that the whistle-stop tour might be the best option, particularly if you have never been there. We did such a tour, but I got fed up with being herded round St Peter’s. On the other hand, we would have missed much. > I am looking for words of wisdom on shore excursions. Which place > should we go on them? Which places are better just to wander? SHould > we take the cruise lines or do you know of good alternatives. > The link to the cruise line offerings is below.

As to the weather, it will be cool. Last year, we were in Knossos on Easter Saturday (late April), and I nearly froze wearing a jacket and blouse. This year, Easter Monday is the 12th April, a week after the rest of Europe. Greece shuts for Easter. At the moment in Athens, it is about 17 degrees. Not warm enough for sunbathing. Whatever you decide to do, you will have a great time. Renia – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Thanks for the help. > Bill Dwyer. > http://oceaniacruises.com/T_MainContentPage.aspx?PageUID=f2de3f3a-cfe…

Response:

Question:

We will be cruising the Mediterranean on the Star Princess in August. Port cities include Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Livorno, Civitavecchia, Naples, Rhodes, Kusadasi and Venice. We are a family with teenagers. Any recommendations for shore excursions for these ports? Thanks!

Response:

Greetings from Italy ! From Civitavecchia port I suggest the following excursions. Rome – itinerary 1: Vatican Museums,  Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica,  Vittoriano,   Roman forum,  Trevi fountain,  Spanish steps, Pantheon,   Piazza Navona , Colosseum. Rome – itineray 2: Albano, Castelgandolfo, Appian way, Catacombs, Colosseum, Piazza Venezia The above excursions are fine for people who have never seen Rome before. In case you have already seen Rome, you might book these unusual excursions: Civita di Bagnoregio Gubbio Montepulciano & Pienza Best Regards Mario Italy www.idealimousines.com – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > We will be cruising the Mediterranean on the Star Princess in August. > Port cities include Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Livorno, Civitavecchia, > Naples, Rhodes, Kusadasi and Venice. > We are a family with teenagers. Any recommendations for shore > excursions for these ports? > Thanks!

Response:

We will be cruising the Mediterranean on the Star Princess in August. Port cities include Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Livorno, Civitavecchia, Naples, Rhodes, Kusadasi and Venice. We are a family with teenagers. Any recommendations for shore excursions for these ports? Thanks!

Response:

Greetings from Italy ! From Civitavecchia port I suggest the following excursions. Rome – itinerary 1: Vatican Museums,  Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica,  Vittoriano,   Roman forum,  Trevi fountain,  Spanish steps, Pantheon,   Piazza Navona , Colosseum. Rome – itineray 2: Albano, Castelgandolfo, Appian way, Catacombs, Colosseum, Piazza Venezia The above excursions are fine for people who have never seen Rome before. In case you have already seen Rome, you might book these unusual excursions: Civita di Bagnoregio Gubbio Montepulciano & Pienza Best Regards Mario Italy www.idealimousines.com – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > We will be cruising the Mediterranean on the Star Princess in August. > Port cities include Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Livorno, Civitavecchia, > Naples, Rhodes, Kusadasi and Venice. > We are a family with teenagers. Any recommendations for shore > excursions for these ports? > Thanks!

Response:

Question:

>I’ll be there  for 5 days.  Could somebody give me your experience >what to see, thing to do and where to go and how? I’m not rich and >with  my wife.  This is our first (and could be last) trip to >Europe/Rome. >Thanks, >hq

Walking around is free! Learn a little Italian and get a good street map.  Cheap food in Italy is great. My wife and I strolled down to the Trevi Fountain every evening and just hung out for half an hour, gaping at it, watching the other tourists acting foolish, eating a gelato. There are two major sites you must make expeditions to, in terms of time:  the Vatican and the ancient city.  I would pick a specific day for each of them. The other major and minor attractions such as the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, etc., you can just decide to head towards them any time you feel like it.  You will want a good guide book such as Frommer’s (or, if you want to spend $30+ for something you will really enjoy, "Eyewitness Roma").  Historic Rome is a fairly small city in tems of geography although it is a bit confusing finding your way. If you stay in the center of town, the Vatican may be the only thing you take a taxi (or subway) to, and you can walk to it if you are young, atheletic, and/or don’t mind being completely worn out at the end of the day.   — "If this is coffee, please bring me some tea.  If this is tea, please bring me some coffee."          - Abraham Lincoln

Response:

Thank you very much for all  yours advices.  I’ll do a reseach based on what  you suggested. Again, thank you ALL. hq

Response:

I lived in Rome for two years, I would suggest that Day 1 am Take metro to the colosseum and visit that, enter the forum (free) check the piazza del campidoglio: walk up to chiesa de arcoeli, (free) then piazza venezia and the trojan markets (free) Lunch A great place to have lunch is Bibo’s, It’s right by the wax museum, by piazza venezia. It is a great place to have food. Not expensive. Italians go there. I was a regular customer!! The chicken salad is the best in Rome. Or the chicken club sandwich yummy. Pm Walk onto Via del Corso. Keep to the left go to the Pantheon (free).then walk back and cross on the other side go to  the Fontana della trevi (free) is a 5 min walk away. have Ice cream there. Take the route to the Spanish Steps (Free). DO NOT EAT IN THAT AREA!! VERY EXPENSIVE!! Day 2 Take the metro to San Pietro.(free) Visit that and the vatican.(8 euros??) Castel sant angelo(5 euros??) walk by the river. Lunch Grab some pizza in piazza cavour. Pm Shopping in via del corso. shops are open till 8pm. Day 3 Take metro to Colosseum. walk towards the greenery. palatine hill. Via san gregorio. the circus maximus. bocca della verita, teatro marcello, cross the river to trastevere. eat there. PM visit the ghetto. walk back to largo d’argentinia and visit church of gesu’ Day 4 Piazza della Repubblica. walk up to Barberini, visit the capuchin monks on via veneto. Walk towards villa borghese. take the underpath to spanish steps at the end of the street. PM shopping on via del corso. cheapy shops. Day 5. Termini area, visit Santa Maria in maggiore.(free) eat there. cheap prices… Via cavour. Pm Catacombs. I hope that was detailed enough. I hooe its useful!! have a great time…

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->I’ll be there  for 5 days.  Could somebody give me your experience >what to see, thing to do and where to go and how? > Not to be flip about it, but if I could give you my experience (which > I can’t), it still wouldn’t be yours. You will have your own > experiences in Rome. > I’m not rich > Neither am I. > and >with  my wife. > I was single on two trips and with my family on another. >  This is our first (and could be last) trip to >Europe/Rome. > Congratulations, and enjoy it, but don’t for one second think that you > can cover even all the primary sights in 5 days in Rome; you can’t. My > best advice to you is: Decide what you want to do (if you don’t know, > figure out what you’re most likely to enjoy doing) and then build in > flexibility. One of the most enjoyable things to do in Rome is walk, > and it doesn’t cost a cent. Museums can be pricey but I couldn’t see > them breaking the bank: If you don’t have enough money in the bank to > pay for some museum fees, it would seem to me that you have no safety > net to draw upon, should that be needed. > Saving money on food is as easy as getting breakfast in a bar, having > a picnic lunch of bread and ingredients bought in a salumeria (salame, > mortadella, et al. and fresh mozzarella cheese or whatever kind of > cheese you want, etc.)  and going to inexpensive trattorie for dinner. > I don’t think you’ll find it that hard to do, as long as you are > careful to patronize establishments when they are open: Afternoon > closures are common, and watch out on Sunday. > Michael

Response:

> I’ll be there  for 5 days.  Could somebody give me your experience > what to see, thing to do and where to go and how? I’m not rich and > with  my wife.  This is our first (and could be last) trip to > Europe/Rome.

If someone asks me what to see in the beautiful little walled town where I live, I can give them a fairly good answer, because, lovely though it is, it’s small and I can easily cover its major highlights in a few paragraphs. Rome, however, is a huge city packed with art, architecture, history and other memorable experiences. I’ve been to Rome many times and I don’t think I’ll ever manage to see all that I want to see. I can’t even begin to make suggestions to you unless you help me narrow it down a bit by telling me what sorts of things you would like to see or do. Barbara

Response:

I’ll be there  for 5 days.  Could somebody give me your experience what to see, thing to do and where to go and how? I’m not rich and with  my wife.  This is our first (and could be last) trip to Europe/Rome. Thanks, hq

Response:

>I’ll be there  for 5 days.  Could somebody give me your experience >what to see, thing to do and where to go and how?

Not to be flip about it, but if I could give you my experience (which I can’t), it still wouldn’t be yours. You will have your own experiences in Rome. > I’m not rich

Neither am I. > and >with  my wife.

I was single on two trips and with my family on another. >  This is our first (and could be last) trip to >Europe/Rome.

Congratulations, and enjoy it, but don’t for one second think that you can cover even all the primary sights in 5 days in Rome; you can’t. My best advice to you is: Decide what you want to do (if you don’t know, figure out what you’re most likely to enjoy doing) and then build in flexibility. One of the most enjoyable things to do in Rome is walk, and it doesn’t cost a cent. Museums can be pricey but I couldn’t see them breaking the bank: If you don’t have enough money in the bank to pay for some museum fees, it would seem to me that you have no safety net to draw upon, should that be needed. Saving money on food is as easy as getting breakfast in a bar, having a picnic lunch of bread and ingredients bought in a salumeria (salame, mortadella, et al. and fresh mozzarella cheese or whatever kind of cheese you want, etc.)  and going to inexpensive trattorie for dinner. I don’t think you’ll find it that hard to do, as long as you are careful to patronize establishments when they are open: Afternoon closures are common, and watch out on Sunday. Michael

Response:

> I’ll be there  for 5 days.  Could somebody give me your experience > what to see, thing to do and where to go and how? I’m not rich and > with  my wife.  This is our first (and could be last) trip to > Europe/Rome.

In my experience, the best holiday experiences were the best researched. I would recommend doing the following before you leave: 1. You should  spend some time reading (studying) a reputable travel book such as one from the Fodors, Rough guide or Eyewitness series. If you cannot get these locally consider using www.amazon.com 2. Search the web using an engine such as www.google.com and us the keywords Travel Rome or use the keywords Travel Vatican. This will lead you to many useful sites (and of course some rubbish sites). 3. Use this newsgroup for any specific travel questions that arise from the above. Clive Reid

Response:

> I’ll be there  for 5 days.  Could somebody give me your experience > what to see, thing to do and where to go and how? I’m not rich and > with  my wife.  This is our first (and could be last) trip to > Europe/Rome.

I have a personal website that details my many trips to Rome the last few years. Maybe you will find it useful. http://www.alanzeleznikar.com/travels/travels.html — Alan Z

Response:

I’ll be there  for 5 days.  Could somebody give me your experience what to see, thing to do and where to go and how? I’m not rich and with  my wife.  This is our first (and could be last) trip to Europe/Rome. Thanks, hq

Response:

> I’ll be there  for 5 days.  Could somebody give me your experience > what to see, thing to do and where to go and how? I’m not rich and > with  my wife.  This is our first (and could be last) trip to > Europe/Rome.

I have a personal website that details my many trips to Rome the last few years. Maybe you will find it useful. http://www.alanzeleznikar.com/travels/travels.html — Alan Z

Response:

> I’ll be there  for 5 days.  Could somebody give me your experience > what to see, thing to do and where to go and how? I’m not rich and > with  my wife.  This is our first (and could be last) trip to > Europe/Rome.

In my experience, the best holiday experiences were the best researched. I would recommend doing the following before you leave: 1. You should  spend some time reading (studying) a reputable travel book such as one from the Fodors, Rough guide or Eyewitness series. If you cannot get these locally consider using www.amazon.com 2. Search the web using an engine such as www.google.com and us the keywords Travel Rome or use the keywords Travel Vatican. This will lead you to many useful sites (and of course some rubbish sites). 3. Use this newsgroup for any specific travel questions that arise from the above. Clive Reid

Response:

>I’ll be there  for 5 days.  Could somebody give me your experience >what to see, thing to do and where to go and how?

Not to be flip about it, but if I could give you my experience (which I can’t), it still wouldn’t be yours. You will have your own experiences in Rome. > I’m not rich

Neither am I. > and >with  my wife.

I was single on two trips and with my family on another. >  This is our first (and could be last) trip to >Europe/Rome.

Congratulations, and enjoy it, but don’t for one second think that you can cover even all the primary sights in 5 days in Rome; you can’t. My best advice to you is: Decide what you want to do (if you don’t know, figure out what you’re most likely to enjoy doing) and then build in flexibility. One of the most enjoyable things to do in Rome is walk, and it doesn’t cost a cent. Museums can be pricey but I couldn’t see them breaking the bank: If you don’t have enough money in the bank to pay for some museum fees, it would seem to me that you have no safety net to draw upon, should that be needed. Saving money on food is as easy as getting breakfast in a bar, having a picnic lunch of bread and ingredients bought in a salumeria (salame, mortadella, et al. and fresh mozzarella cheese or whatever kind of cheese you want, etc.)  and going to inexpensive trattorie for dinner. I don’t think you’ll find it that hard to do, as long as you are careful to patronize establishments when they are open: Afternoon closures are common, and watch out on Sunday. Michael

Response:

> I’ll be there  for 5 days.  Could somebody give me your experience > what to see, thing to do and where to go and how? I’m not rich and > with  my wife.  This is our first (and could be last) trip to > Europe/Rome.

If someone asks me what to see in the beautiful little walled town where I live, I can give them a fairly good answer, because, lovely though it is, it’s small and I can easily cover its major highlights in a few paragraphs. Rome, however, is a huge city packed with art, architecture, history and other memorable experiences. I’ve been to Rome many times and I don’t think I’ll ever manage to see all that I want to see. I can’t even begin to make suggestions to you unless you help me narrow it down a bit by telling me what sorts of things you would like to see or do. Barbara

Response:

I lived in Rome for two years, I would suggest that Day 1 am Take metro to the colosseum and visit that, enter the forum (free) check the piazza del campidoglio: walk up to chiesa de arcoeli, (free) then piazza venezia and the trojan markets (free) Lunch A great place to have lunch is Bibo’s, It’s right by the wax museum, by piazza venezia. It is a great place to have food. Not expensive. Italians go there. I was a regular customer!! The chicken salad is the best in Rome. Or the chicken club sandwich yummy. Pm Walk onto Via del Corso. Keep to the left go to the Pantheon (free).then walk back and cross on the other side go to  the Fontana della trevi (free) is a 5 min walk away. have Ice cream there. Take the route to the Spanish Steps (Free). DO NOT EAT IN THAT AREA!! VERY EXPENSIVE!! Day 2 Take the metro to San Pietro.(free) Visit that and the vatican.(8 euros??) Castel sant angelo(5 euros??) walk by the river. Lunch Grab some pizza in piazza cavour. Pm Shopping in via del corso. shops are open till 8pm. Day 3 Take metro to Colosseum. walk towards the greenery. palatine hill. Via san gregorio. the circus maximus. bocca della verita, teatro marcello, cross the river to trastevere. eat there. PM visit the ghetto. walk back to largo d’argentinia and visit church of gesu’ Day 4 Piazza della Repubblica. walk up to Barberini, visit the capuchin monks on via veneto. Walk towards villa borghese. take the underpath to spanish steps at the end of the street. PM shopping on via del corso. cheapy shops. Day 5. Termini area, visit Santa Maria in maggiore.(free) eat there. cheap prices… Via cavour. Pm Catacombs. I hope that was detailed enough. I hooe its useful!! have a great time…

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->I’ll be there  for 5 days.  Could somebody give me your experience >what to see, thing to do and where to go and how? > Not to be flip about it, but if I could give you my experience (which > I can’t), it still wouldn’t be yours. You will have your own > experiences in Rome. > I’m not rich > Neither am I. > and >with  my wife. > I was single on two trips and with my family on another. >  This is our first (and could be last) trip to >Europe/Rome. > Congratulations, and enjoy it, but don’t for one second think that you > can cover even all the primary sights in 5 days in Rome; you can’t. My > best advice to you is: Decide what you want to do (if you don’t know, > figure out what you’re most likely to enjoy doing) and then build in > flexibility. One of the most enjoyable things to do in Rome is walk, > and it doesn’t cost a cent. Museums can be pricey but I couldn’t see > them breaking the bank: If you don’t have enough money in the bank to > pay for some museum fees, it would seem to me that you have no safety > net to draw upon, should that be needed. > Saving money on food is as easy as getting breakfast in a bar, having > a picnic lunch of bread and ingredients bought in a salumeria (salame, > mortadella, et al. and fresh mozzarella cheese or whatever kind of > cheese you want, etc.)  and going to inexpensive trattorie for dinner. > I don’t think you’ll find it that hard to do, as long as you are > careful to patronize establishments when they are open: Afternoon > closures are common, and watch out on Sunday. > Michael

Response:

Thank you very much for all  yours advices.  I’ll do a reseach based on what  you suggested. Again, thank you ALL. hq

Response:

>I’ll be there  for 5 days.  Could somebody give me your experience >what to see, thing to do and where to go and how? I’m not rich and >with  my wife.  This is our first (and could be last) trip to >Europe/Rome. >Thanks, >hq

Walking around is free! Learn a little Italian and get a good street map.  Cheap food in Italy is great. My wife and I strolled down to the Trevi Fountain every evening and just hung out for half an hour, gaping at it, watching the other tourists acting foolish, eating a gelato. There are two major sites you must make expeditions to, in terms of time:  the Vatican and the ancient city.  I would pick a specific day for each of them. The other major and minor attractions such as the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, etc., you can just decide to head towards them any time you feel like it.  You will want a good guide book such as Frommer’s (or, if you want to spend $30+ for something you will really enjoy, "Eyewitness Roma").  Historic Rome is a fairly small city in tems of geography although it is a bit confusing finding your way. If you stay in the center of town, the Vatican may be the only thing you take a taxi (or subway) to, and you can walk to it if you are young, atheletic, and/or don’t mind being completely worn out at the end of the day.   — "If this is coffee, please bring me some tea.  If this is tea, please bring me some coffee."          - Abraham Lincoln

Response:

Question:

Has anyone stayed at Hotel Positano in Rome?  If so, is it nice,a safe place to stay at?  It’s on the Northwest of train station on 49 Via Palestro (intersection stree is Via Vicenza) Also, how far a walk is it to the center of town I read that only South of the train station is not safe but North of it is OK.  Is that true? Thanks!! Angel

Response:

It’s all safe. It’s just that in some areas, you might have a little higher possibility of encountering a pickpocket or "gypsy". — briggl http://www.bestofitaly2001.com Italy Travelogue – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Has anyone stayed at Hotel Positano in Rome?  If so, is it nice,a safe > place to stay at?  It’s on the Northwest of train station on 49 Via > Palestro (intersection stree is Via Vicenza) Also, how far a walk is > it to the center of town > I read that only South of the train station is not safe but North of > it is OK.  Is that true? > Thanks!! > Angel

Response:

>Has anyone stayed at Hotel Positano in >Rome? If so, is it nice,a safe place to stay >at? It’s on the Northwest of train station >on 49 Via Palestro (intersection stree is >Via Vicenza) Also, how far a walk is it to >the center of town

You’ll have to walk right by Termini and in front of the station is the Piazza d. Cinquecento which is a major bus hub and also where the 2 metro lines cross.   So you can save your feet some grief:). [Basically] Metro Line B will drop you right in front of the Colosseum and close-by the Forum. Line A will take you to the Spanish Steps, Piazza Popolo and others plus fairly close to the Vatican Museums & St. Peter’s.  Off-hand the buses that I’ve used and remember:) will get you within easy walking distance of the major and many minor sites.  The Piazza Venezia is another small bus hub and basically in the center of the major tourist sites (between the Piazza Navona to the Colosseum).  These buses go to the P. Venezia #40, #170, #60 and the ever popular "Pickpocket Express" #64:).  The #40 and the #64 then go to the Largo d. Torre Argentina (smaller bus hub) which gets you close to the Pantheon and the Piazza Navona. The #64 continues onward to St Peter’s. The #170 heads over to the Theater of Marcellus area. The #60 heads down Via d. Fori Imperiali to the Colosseum (~halfway between the P. Venezia and the Colosseum is the main Forum entrance).  On your return just take these or buses whose "bus stop sign" lists "Termini" (in bold letters I recall) as it’s stop. >I read that only South of the train station >is not safe but North of it is OK. Is that >true?

That area is fine, even the Southside is OK safetywise. I’ve spent 40+ days in 5 trips on the Southside of Termini and saw nothing to be concerned about except of course pickpockets. The area that I think the guidebooks mean is in and around the Piazza Vittorio Emanuele ll which I think is kind of seedy. Regards, Walter ..And Paradise Was Lost…like teardrops in the rain…

Response:

    I just got back from a month in Rome…lived in a flat just off v. Palestro and walked home from across the city at midnight and after. Never encountered anyone but residents and students and the officers from the Department of Defense. Where you will  be will be dull but not dangerous.  I’d walk from my room to Sta. Maria Maggiore in about 15 minutes..another ten minutes to the Colloseum and the Fora.    will. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > It’s all safe. > It’s just that in some areas, you might have a little higher possibility of > encountering a pickpocket or "gypsy". > — > briggl > http://www.bestofitaly2001.com Italy Travelogue > Has anyone stayed at Hotel Positano in Rome?  If so, is it nice,a safe > place to stay at?  It’s on the Northwest of train station on 49 Via > Palestro (intersection stree is Via Vicenza) Also, how far a walk is > it to the center of town > I read that only South of the train station is not safe but North of > it is OK.  Is that true? > Thanks!! > Angel

Response:

Has anyone stayed at Hotel Positano in Rome?  If so, is it nice,a safe place to stay at?  It’s on the Northwest of train station on 49 Via Palestro (intersection stree is Via Vicenza) Also, how far a walk is it to the center of town I read that only South of the train station is not safe but North of it is OK.  Is that true? Thanks!! Angel

Response:

It’s all safe. It’s just that in some areas, you might have a little higher possibility of encountering a pickpocket or "gypsy". — briggl http://www.bestofitaly2001.com Italy Travelogue – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Has anyone stayed at Hotel Positano in Rome?  If so, is it nice,a safe > place to stay at?  It’s on the Northwest of train station on 49 Via > Palestro (intersection stree is Via Vicenza) Also, how far a walk is > it to the center of town > I read that only South of the train station is not safe but North of > it is OK.  Is that true? > Thanks!! > Angel

Response:

>Has anyone stayed at Hotel Positano in >Rome? If so, is it nice,a safe place to stay >at? It’s on the Northwest of train station >on 49 Via Palestro (intersection stree is >Via Vicenza) Also, how far a walk is it to >the center of town

You’ll have to walk right by Termini and in front of the station is the Piazza d. Cinquecento which is a major bus hub and also where the 2 metro lines cross.   So you can save your feet some grief:). [Basically] Metro Line B will drop you right in front of the Colosseum and close-by the Forum. Line A will take you to the Spanish Steps, Piazza Popolo and others plus fairly close to the Vatican Museums & St. Peter’s.  Off-hand the buses that I’ve used and remember:) will get you within easy walking distance of the major and many minor sites.  The Piazza Venezia is another small bus hub and basically in the center of the major tourist sites (between the Piazza Navona to the Colosseum).  These buses go to the P. Venezia #40, #170, #60 and the ever popular "Pickpocket Express" #64:).  The #40 and the #64 then go to the Largo d. Torre Argentina (smaller bus hub) which gets you close to the Pantheon and the Piazza Navona. The #64 continues onward to St Peter’s. The #170 heads over to the Theater of Marcellus area. The #60 heads down Via d. Fori Imperiali to the Colosseum (~halfway between the P. Venezia and the Colosseum is the main Forum entrance).  On your return just take these or buses whose "bus stop sign" lists "Termini" (in bold letters I recall) as it’s stop. >I read that only South of the train station >is not safe but North of it is OK. Is that >true?

That area is fine, even the Southside is OK safetywise. I’ve spent 40+ days in 5 trips on the Southside of Termini and saw nothing to be concerned about except of course pickpockets. The area that I think the guidebooks mean is in and around the Piazza Vittorio Emanuele ll which I think is kind of seedy. Regards, Walter ..And Paradise Was Lost…like teardrops in the rain…

Response:

    I just got back from a month in Rome…lived in a flat just off v. Palestro and walked home from across the city at midnight and after. Never encountered anyone but residents and students and the officers from the Department of Defense. Where you will  be will be dull but not dangerous.  I’d walk from my room to Sta. Maria Maggiore in about 15 minutes..another ten minutes to the Colloseum and the Fora.    will. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > It’s all safe. > It’s just that in some areas, you might have a little higher possibility of > encountering a pickpocket or "gypsy". > — > briggl > http://www.bestofitaly2001.com Italy Travelogue > Has anyone stayed at Hotel Positano in Rome?  If so, is it nice,a safe > place to stay at?  It’s on the Northwest of train station on 49 Via > Palestro (intersection stree is Via Vicenza) Also, how far a walk is > it to the center of town > I read that only South of the train station is not safe but North of > it is OK.  Is that true? > Thanks!! > Angel

Response:

Question:

<< You’re right on the first count.  It is on the Aventine Hill near the villa  you described, which is a short walk up the hill from the church of Santa  Maria in Cosmedin.  But the keyhole is nowhere near the Spanish Steps.>> I concede that you may be correct, it is many years since I was there. I mistakenly gave the address and location of Palazzo Malta, the HQ of the S.M.O.M rather than Villa Malta which, I believe, is the home of the Grand Priory of Rome and some diplomatic offices. Palazzo Malta is on via Condotti (68) which runs from the Piazza di Spagna to the via del Corso. Humble apologies. Ian Millward

Response:

I will refrain from commenting on the skewed sense of geography people have regarding sight lines in Rome, but I will happily reinforce any interest in the view from the "secret" keyhole. I just took some friends there after their obligatory trip to the "Mouth of Truth". Just a nice stroll up the hill and you’re facing the open piazza designed by Piranesi. The view is fine after dark as long as the lights are on the dome. (Be nice to the Carabinieri.) And PLEASE, as long as you’ve trudged up there, please stop in to the delightful shop (which is INDEED a secret–no sign at all) next door at the Abbey of San Anselmo, the "home house" of the Order of St. Benedict. This lovely shop is an oasis in the already calm and serene enclave of hush that is the top of the Aventine Hill. Claudio, an oblate of the order, will welcome you in to a world of crafts, wine, lotions, potions and rosaries made by monks and nuns from Benedictine abbeys all over the world. (There’s also a cabinet of cold drinks as a reward for the long haul up the hill!) If you’re there at 7:15 pm, you can hear the monks sing their chant service in the church. Walk down the hill the other way (right turn out of the church driveway) and you’ll be on the Via Marmorata where you can stop in to Volpetti for a fabulous snack. Claudio (another Claudio!) will treat you to tastes of whatever he’s pushing for the season. They also vacuum pack food for travelers– cheese, olives, prosciutto… Don’t leave Rome without it! If you’re entranced by the neighborhood and can’t quite afford the Hotel San Anselmo, I’ll let you in on another secret… you can stay in a villa for "convent rates" and be Roberto Benigni’s neighbor. I’ll be happy to make a referral.

Response:

You’re right on the first count.  It is on the Aventine Hill near the villa you described, which is a short walk up the hill from the church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin (where you will find the Mouth of Truth disk where Gregory Peck challenged Audrey Hepburn to put her hand in its mouth in the film Roman Holiday).  But the keyhole is nowhere near the Spanish Steps. The keyhole itself is difficult to find and not well-marked.  If you are standing in front of the villa facing it, turn left and walk about 50 yards, and you will come to what looks like a parking lot.  There, on the same side as the villa you will find a small door with a keyhole.  That’s it!  The view is a perfectly framed St. Peters’s Basilica dome. If you are there on any day that is less than crystal-clear, the view will be disappointing.  I have no idea what the view is like at night, but I doubt it’s very good.  We were there on a sunny day, and none of our photos through the keyhole came out, even with the techniques of digital camera editing.  Our overall view (so to speak) of the keyhole was, "what’s all the fuss about?" Richard – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > << I have heard that there is a keyhole, somewhere near the colosseum, in >  which you can see the Vatican. Can anyone confirm that this is true and > also the location of where I  can find it.>> > It is on the Aventine Hill in a Villa belonging to the Sovereign and > Military Order of Malta (S.M.O.M), The knights Hospitalers of St. John of > Jerusalem.. It is located near the Spanish Steps in a parcel of land on via > Condotti (at No. 68) > Hope this helps, > Ian Millward > Edinburgh

Response:

Hi Joanne, I can’t say much about the keyhole, but I’d be curious to know myself. I was there two weeks ago and thought the short autumn days would be a drag.  Quite the contrary..  The city is alive with people and most of the sites are just (or if not better) to see at dark.  Make your way over to Trastevere and/or take a night tour with Enjoy Rome tours (in English).  I’m considering a return next weekend!  cheers, chris – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hi, > I have heard that there is a keyhole, somewhere near the colosseum, in > which you can see the Vatican. > Can anyone confirm that this is true and also the location of where I > can find it. > Also, can anyone recommend what to do at night.. > Thanks…J

Response:

<< I have heard that there is a keyhole, somewhere near the colosseum, in  which you can see the Vatican. Can anyone confirm that this is true and also the location of where I  can find it.>> It is on the Aventine Hill in a Villa belonging to the Sovereign and Military Order of Malta (S.M.O.M), The knights Hospitalers of St. John of Jerusalem.. It is located near the Spanish Steps in a parcel of land on via Condotti (at No. 68) Hope this helps, Ian Millward Edinburgh

Response:

Hi, I have heard that there is a keyhole, somewhere near the colosseum, in which you can see the Vatican. Can anyone confirm that this is true and also the location of where I can find it. Also, can anyone recommend what to do at night.. Thanks…J

Response:

Hi , I am from Rome and the keyhole is at the AVENTINO, next to GIARDINO DEGLI ARANCI at the residence of the CAVALIERI DI MALTA. If you go up to their entrance door and look through the keyhole you will see St Peter’s Dome. Another great place from where you can get a great view of Rome is GIANICOLO. At night I would suggest a stroll in TRASTEVERE a typical roman quarter and at the ISOLA TIBERINA  (an island right in the middle of the TIBER river) which is very romantic. If you are looking for some pubs, bars or clubs try the TESTACCIO area and of course the magic area of PIAZZA NAVONA, PIAZZA CAMPO DEI FIORI and PANTHEON. If it is a nice day, at Sun set go to CASTEL SANT’ANGELO. There is a brigde right in front of it, with statues of Angels: an amazing view of the city , the Vatican and the river. Very nice at night time as well (during the day there is too much traffic). Have a nice time in Rome Sara Originally posted by Joanne > Hi, > I have heard that there is a keyhole, somewhere near the colosseum, in > which you can see the Vatican. > Can anyone confirm that this is true and also the location of where I > can find it. > Also, can anyone recommend what to do at night..

Thanks…J — Posted via http://britishexpats.com

Response:

Hi, I have heard that there is a keyhole, somewhere near the colosseum, in which you can see the Vatican. Can anyone confirm that this is true and also the location of where I can find it. Also, can anyone recommend what to do at night.. Thanks…J

Response:

Hi Joanne, I can’t say much about the keyhole, but I’d be curious to know myself. I was there two weeks ago and thought the short autumn days would be a drag.  Quite the contrary..  The city is alive with people and most of the sites are just (or if not better) to see at dark.  Make your way over to Trastevere and/or take a night tour with Enjoy Rome tours (in English).  I’m considering a return next weekend!  cheers, chris – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hi, > I have heard that there is a keyhole, somewhere near the colosseum, in > which you can see the Vatican. > Can anyone confirm that this is true and also the location of where I > can find it. > Also, can anyone recommend what to do at night.. > Thanks…J

Response:

<< I have heard that there is a keyhole, somewhere near the colosseum, in  which you can see the Vatican. Can anyone confirm that this is true and also the location of where I  can find it.>> It is on the Aventine Hill in a Villa belonging to the Sovereign and Military Order of Malta (S.M.O.M), The knights Hospitalers of St. John of Jerusalem.. It is located near the Spanish Steps in a parcel of land on via Condotti (at No. 68) Hope this helps, Ian Millward Edinburgh

Response:

You’re right on the first count.  It is on the Aventine Hill near the villa you described, which is a short walk up the hill from the church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin (where you will find the Mouth of Truth disk where Gregory Peck challenged Audrey Hepburn to put her hand in its mouth in the film Roman Holiday).  But the keyhole is nowhere near the Spanish Steps. The keyhole itself is difficult to find and not well-marked.  If you are standing in front of the villa facing it, turn left and walk about 50 yards, and you will come to what looks like a parking lot.  There, on the same side as the villa you will find a small door with a keyhole.  That’s it!  The view is a perfectly framed St. Peters’s Basilica dome. If you are there on any day that is less than crystal-clear, the view will be disappointing.  I have no idea what the view is like at night, but I doubt it’s very good.  We were there on a sunny day, and none of our photos through the keyhole came out, even with the techniques of digital camera editing.  Our overall view (so to speak) of the keyhole was, "what’s all the fuss about?" Richard – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > << I have heard that there is a keyhole, somewhere near the colosseum, in >  which you can see the Vatican. Can anyone confirm that this is true and > also the location of where I  can find it.>> > It is on the Aventine Hill in a Villa belonging to the Sovereign and > Military Order of Malta (S.M.O.M), The knights Hospitalers of St. John of > Jerusalem.. It is located near the Spanish Steps in a parcel of land on via > Condotti (at No. 68) > Hope this helps, > Ian Millward > Edinburgh

Response:

<< You’re right on the first count.  It is on the Aventine Hill near the villa  you described, which is a short walk up the hill from the church of Santa  Maria in Cosmedin.  But the keyhole is nowhere near the Spanish Steps.>> I concede that you may be correct, it is many years since I was there. I mistakenly gave the address and location of Palazzo Malta, the HQ of the S.M.O.M rather than Villa Malta which, I believe, is the home of the Grand Priory of Rome and some diplomatic offices. Palazzo Malta is on via Condotti (68) which runs from the Piazza di Spagna to the via del Corso. Humble apologies. Ian Millward

Response:

I will refrain from commenting on the skewed sense of geography people have regarding sight lines in Rome, but I will happily reinforce any interest in the view from the "secret" keyhole. I just took some friends there after their obligatory trip to the "Mouth of Truth". Just a nice stroll up the hill and you’re facing the open piazza designed by Piranesi. The view is fine after dark as long as the lights are on the dome. (Be nice to the Carabinieri.) And PLEASE, as long as you’ve trudged up there, please stop in to the delightful shop (which is INDEED a secret–no sign at all) next door at the Abbey of San Anselmo, the "home house" of the Order of St. Benedict. This lovely shop is an oasis in the already calm and serene enclave of hush that is the top of the Aventine Hill. Claudio, an oblate of the order, will welcome you in to a world of crafts, wine, lotions, potions and rosaries made by monks and nuns from Benedictine abbeys all over the world. (There’s also a cabinet of cold drinks as a reward for the long haul up the hill!) If you’re there at 7:15 pm, you can hear the monks sing their chant service in the church. Walk down the hill the other way (right turn out of the church driveway) and you’ll be on the Via Marmorata where you can stop in to Volpetti for a fabulous snack. Claudio (another Claudio!) will treat you to tastes of whatever he’s pushing for the season. They also vacuum pack food for travelers– cheese, olives, prosciutto… Don’t leave Rome without it! If you’re entranced by the neighborhood and can’t quite afford the Hotel San Anselmo, I’ll let you in on another secret… you can stay in a villa for "convent rates" and be Roberto Benigni’s neighbor. I’ll be happy to make a referral.

Response:

Hi , I am from Rome and the keyhole is at the AVENTINO, next to GIARDINO DEGLI ARANCI at the residence of the CAVALIERI DI MALTA. If you go up to their entrance door and look through the keyhole you will see St Peter’s Dome. Another great place from where you can get a great view of Rome is GIANICOLO. At night I would suggest a stroll in TRASTEVERE a typical roman quarter and at the ISOLA TIBERINA  (an island right in the middle of the TIBER river) which is very romantic. If you are looking for some pubs, bars or clubs try the TESTACCIO area and of course the magic area of PIAZZA NAVONA, PIAZZA CAMPO DEI FIORI and PANTHEON. If it is a nice day, at Sun set go to CASTEL SANT’ANGELO. There is a brigde right in front of it, with statues of Angels: an amazing view of the city , the Vatican and the river. Very nice at night time as well (during the day there is too much traffic). Have a nice time in Rome Sara Originally posted by Joanne > Hi, > I have heard that there is a keyhole, somewhere near the colosseum, in > which you can see the Vatican. > Can anyone confirm that this is true and also the location of where I > can find it. > Also, can anyone recommend what to do at night..

Thanks…J — Posted via http://britishexpats.com

Response:

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->>> You can also book by phone for both (#?) >> Domus Aurea: 06-39967700 >> Galleria Borghese:  06-328101 > How far in advance is it necessary to book? > I have been able to book both earlier the same day. I don’t know if > it’s always this easy.

Thanks. I may wait until I arrive then. — Ken Blake Please reply to the newsgroup

Response:

Alan, the link you provided below does not work. Joe – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’ll be in Rome in early April, which I understand is not too busy of a > season.  Should I still consider reserving tickets in advance if I’d like to > go see the Colosseum or Palatine Hill or any other museums.  Or is it not > too crowded around this time that I won’t have to wait in long lines? > Rumor has it that one can purchase a combination Palatine Hill/Colosseum > ticket at teh Palatine Hill ticket booth, thus avoiding the long line to > get into the amphitheater. > I have a lot of Rome and Italy info on my personal website, too , which > you might find usefulk. > http://www.alanzeleznkar.com/travels/travels.html > Alan Z

Response:

> Alan, > the link you provided below does not work. > http://www.alanzeleznkar.com/travels/travels.html > Alan Z

 The other Alan had missed an I from his surname – ZELEZN***I***KAR. Alan Harrison

Response:

>> How does one go about getting advance > reservations for these museums? Is there > a web site to sign up on? > I have used this commercial site for both the Domus Aurea and the > Borghese in ‘99 for a ?4 booking fee. > www.romeguide.it/FrameSeting.html >  This one is a better deal > www.italywithus.biz/main_pages/travel_favorites_a.html She has

also Thanks very much. — Ken Blake Please reply to the newsgroup

Response:

> You can also book by phone for both (#?)

Domus Aurea: 06-39967700 Galleria Borghese:  06-328101 Margaret Coffin InfoRoma – The Rome Experts www.inforoma.it/inforoma.htm

Response:

> You can also book by phone for both (#?) > Domus Aurea: 06-39967700 > Galleria Borghese:  06-328101

How far in advance is it necessary to book? — Ken Blake Please reply to the newsgroup

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > You can also book by phone for both (#?) > Domus Aurea: 06-39967700 > Galleria Borghese:  06-328101 > How far in advance is it necessary to book?

I have been able to book both earlier the same day. I don’t know if it’s always this easy. Barbara

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hello all, > I’ll be in Rome in early April, which I understand is not too busy > of a season.  Should I still consider reserving tickets in advance > if I’d like to go see the Colosseum or Palatine Hill or any other > museums.  Or is it not too crowded around this time that I won’t > have to wait in long lines? > The only museums where an independent traveler needs to reserve > (whatever the time of year) are the Borghese Gallery and the Domus > Aurea.

How does one go about getting advance reservations for these museums? Is there a web site to sign up on? — Ken Blake Please reply to the newsgroup

Response:

>Rumor has it that one can purchase a >combination Palatine Hill/Colosseum >ticket at teh Palatine Hill ticket booth, thus >avoiding the long line to get into the >amphitheater.

Yes, the ticket is valid for both sites *that* day.  IIRC there is also a combo Colosseum, Palatine and Baths of Caracalla.  I bought a 6-day ticket that included those 3 plus the Baths of Diocletian also (checking my guidebook:) it included 3 museums (Palazzo Massimo, Palazzo Altemps, Nazionale Romano Terme di Diocleziano). Regards, Walter ..And Paradise Was Lost…like teardrops in the rain…

Response:

>How does one go about getting advance >reservations for these museums? Is there >a web site to sign up on?

I have used this commercial site for both the Domus Aurea and the Borghese in ‘99 for a

Question:

Two options you might want to look at. First if you use GSM in the States why not buy a triband and get it unlocked, then drop in an Italian pay as you go SIM and then drop in your US SIM on your return. Bit expensive for a one off but then you have an unlocked phone that you can use worldwide and back in the US Second is to buy an Italian pay as you go phone, you can get it unlocked at your leisure then, advantage you have an unlocked phone that you can use worldwide except for use in the US Regarding where to buy in Italy I defer to more knowledgeable psoters on that one Regards John

Response:

Try Roadpost at roadpost.com, they can rent or sell you a phone with an Italy (or France or U.K. or Swiss) SIM card.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’m going to Italy for about 10 days and would like to have a cell > phone there for emergency use.  (There is a family member who is ill > and I want to be able to keep in touch with the US.)  I’ve looked at > various we sites that talk about renting or buying phones either before > we leave or after we get to Italy.  Clearly if I buy I’d want to get an > unlocked phone and an Italy SIM card.  This would seem to cost about > 100 dollars/euros.  For details, though, I wanted to poll all you > experts out there for your advice. > So, what’s your opinion about: > (a) renting vs buying? > (b) getting the phone before we leave vs in Italy? > (c) particular places or companines, either in the US or Italy, to rent > or buy?  (We’ll be in Rome, staying near the Colosseum, if that > matters.) > (d) anything else that you might want to share with me? > Thanks in advance for all your help! > -Ben > —

Response:

> > (a) renting vs buying? > Renting is money down a rat hole. For 10 day’s rental you can buy the phone > and have it if you need it in the future.

you’re right! > (b) getting the phone before we leave vs in Italy? > You can do that. www.telestial.com would be glad to set you up with a phone > and a TIM SIM card. There are also other companies that will set you up with > a phone and prepaid SIM.

This is better. Now a my american friend has a rental phone with Tim card, but she’s spending very much. It’s better buy a phone (that you can sell…) and a prepay card (for plans www.prepaidgsm.tk) > In either place I’d buy, not rent. There are shops all over Italy. You may > have a hitch buying in Italy if the sales clerk needs your Codice Fiscale > (Italian Taxpayer Number).

www.comuni.it and you can "have" a Codice Fiscale. Easy and sure eheh — Andrea de Florence, www.windworld.org Staff – La HomePage di it.sport.calcio.fiorentina -> www.iscf.info – Il tuo cellulare all’estero: www.wind-roaming.tk , www.prepaidgsm.tk <<< Per rispondermi sopprimi ACFIORENTINA.NET e tifa Florentia Viola >>>

Response:

> FYI  If you plan on renting a car, Avis is running a promotion > that will loan you a cell phone while you a renting.  I don’t know > if this phone is locked or unlocked, but it seemed like a good > deal for the price – free.

This is – with 100% certainty – a phone with a fixed SIM – so Avis can get its percentage on the fees. It won’t accept any other SIM, not even from the same carrier. M.

Response:

FYI  If you plan on renting a car, Avis is running a promotion that will loan you a cell phone while you a renting.  I don’t know if this phone is locked or unlocked, but it seemed like a good deal for the price – free.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> In either place I’d buy, not rent. There are shops all over Italy. You may > have a hitch buying in Italy if the sales clerk needs your Codice Fiscale > (Italian Taxpayer Number). You don’t want to spend all day trying to find > a > clerk who can get you over that hurdle. If you know your  C.F. be sure to > take it with you. > You can calculate your own codice fiscale here: > http://www.codicefiscale.com/ > Cognome = Last Name > Nome= First Name > Data di Nascita= Date of Birth (the months are a pull down menu in order so > this is easy to figure out) > Sesso= Gender > Selezione Comune di Nascita= Place of birth, you would need to use Estero, > you will then get a popup menu.  Select appropriate place of birth (Stati > Uniti d’America for the USA) > Click Calcola > HTH > Cristina

Or you could use this site  http://www.comuni.it/servizi/codfisc/ It offers the same service free too. K

Response:

> > If the provider wants to subsidize the phone and recoup the cost on > the subscription, they have to give it away. At 100 euros you are > already paying the phone (a no-frills one) for what is worth and > should not be locked. > Strange how the same business model results in opposite logics. In Germany, > the same phone costs less in a prepaid package network-locked than if you > buy it separately & unlocked. That looks like the 100-EUR-ones are still > locked. Or maybe they arrange their pricing to generate the illusion?

I have observed that Italian GSM providers seem to live to a different commercial logic than German ones. I don’t really know why, but I just observe that prepaid GSM cards, initially imagined to get around a tax on subscription, have proved hugely successful (to the point that at present 80% of customers have prepaid cards – and we are talking about a huge customer base). BTW, prepaid cards are hugely convenient to providers also, as they are – well – prepaid, you have no troubles with insolvent customers, and it is really possible to sell multiple cards to every customer (at a time, they were even given away: to the present, my wife phones from a giveaway card on which the provider has since a long time recouped the setup expenses). It looks like the Italian providers try to make money from your calls, not from your cell phone set. A phone is sold once, phone calls go on daily. BTW, there are no "1 euro phones" (as we were telling before) in Italy: you have to pay the phone out of your pocket anyway. However, a base model sells around euro 100 including a prepaid cards, and with a bit of luck you can even find a sale for euro 85 or so.

Response:

> In either place I’d buy, not rent. There are shops all over Italy. You may > have a hitch buying in Italy if the sales clerk needs your Codice Fiscale > (Italian Taxpayer Number). You don’t want to spend all day trying to find a > clerk who can get you over that hurdle. If you know your  C.F. be sure to > take it with you.

You can calculate your own codice fiscale here: http://www.codicefiscale.com/ Cognome = Last Name Nome= First Name Data di Nascita= Date of Birth (the months are a pull down menu in order so this is easy to figure out) Sesso= Gender Selezione Comune di Nascita= Place of birth, you would need to use Estero, you will then get a popup menu.  Select appropriate place of birth (Stati Uniti d’America for the USA) Click Calcola HTH Cristina

Response:

> The unlocked phones will cost more than 100 euros.  The 100 euro price, > and most of the other prices that you see, are for phones that are > locked to one service provider.  The phone price is subsidized by the > service provider.  An unlocked phone will probably cost 200 to 300 euros.

Usually the phones sold in Italy are unlocked. Thinking about it, I don’t remember a company that sold locked phones, but for Omnitel for a short time some years ago. I see a lot of locked phones sold outside Italy with the formula: buy the phone for euro 1 now, but pay monthly subscriptions for no less than two years. This formula was shown to be unsuccessful in Italy, as there is a monthly tax on subscription – prepaid GSM cards were first developed in Italy to circumvent this tax. If the provider wants to subsidize the phone and recoup the cost on the subscription, they have to give it away. At 100 euros you are already paying the phone (a no-frills one) for what is worth and should not be locked.

Response:

> So, what’s your opinion about: > (a) renting vs buying?

Renting is money down a rat hole. For 10 day’s rental you can buy the phone and have it if you need it in the future. > (b) getting the phone before we leave vs in Italy?

You can do that. www.telestial.com would be glad to set you up with a phone and a TIM SIM card. There are also other companies that will set you up with a phone and prepaid SIM. > (c) particular places or companines, either in the US or Italy, to rent > or buy?  (We’ll be in Rome, staying near the Colosseum, if that > matters.)

In either place I’d buy, not rent. There are shops all over Italy. You may have a hitch buying in Italy if the sales clerk needs your Codice Fiscale (Italian Taxpayer Number). You don’t want to spend all day trying to find a clerk who can get you over that hurdle. If you know your  C.F. be sure to take it with you. > (d) anything else that you might want to share with me?

Do you have an American cellphone? Who’s the carrier? They may have an international roaming program that would allow you to use your phone/account in Italy. Some of your Italian relatives may have a SIM that they are not using. In general people will be happy to let you borrow a zero-ballance SIM if you recharge it and keep it active for another year. — Donald Newcomb DRNewcomb (at) attglobal (dot) net Remove ‘NOT’ from address to  reply

Response:

The unlocked phones will cost more than 100 euros.  The 100 euro price, and most of the other prices that you see, are for phones that are locked to one service provider.  The phone price is subsidized by the service provider.  An unlocked phone will probably cost 200 to 300 euros. You will probably be able to buy a phone more cheaply in Europe, where there is lot of competition, than in the USA. The rental deals seem pretty expensive to me, better to buy one, and at the end of the trip, sell it, keep it for a future trip, or throw it away.  There will be phone kiosks on every corner. Richard – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I’m going to Italy for about 10 days and would like to have a cell > phone there for emergency use.  (There is a family member who is ill > and I want to be able to keep in touch with the US.)  I’ve looked at > various we sites that talk about renting or buying phones either before > we leave or after we get to Italy.  Clearly if I buy I’d want to get an > unlocked phone and an Italy SIM card.  This would seem to cost about > 100 dollars/euros.  For details, though, I wanted to poll all you > experts out there for your advice. > So, what’s your opinion about: > (a) renting vs buying? > (b) getting the phone before we leave vs in Italy? > (c) particular places or companines, either in the US or Italy, to rent > or buy?  (We’ll be in Rome, staying near the Colosseum, if that > matters.) > (d) anything else that you might want to share with me? > Thanks in advance for all your help! > -Ben > —

Response:

I’m going to Italy for about 10 days and would like to have a cell phone there for emergency use.  (There is a family member who is ill and I want to be able to keep in touch with the US.)  I’ve looked at various we sites that talk about renting or buying phones either before we leave or after we get to Italy.  Clearly if I buy I’d want to get an unlocked phone and an Italy SIM card.  This would seem to cost about 100 dollars/euros.  For details, though, I wanted to poll all you experts out there for your advice. So, what’s your opinion about: (a) renting vs buying? (b) getting the phone before we leave vs in Italy? (c) particular places or companines, either in the US or Italy, to rent or buy?  (We’ll be in Rome, staying near the Colosseum, if that matters.) (d) anything else that you might want to share with me? Thanks in advance for all your help! -Ben —

Response:

I’m going to Italy for about 10 days and would like to have a cell phone there for emergency use.  (There is a family member who is ill and I want to be able to keep in touch with the US.)  I’ve looked at various we sites that talk about renting or buying phones either before we leave or after we get to Italy.  Clearly if I buy I’d want to get an unlocked phone and an Italy SIM card.  This would seem to cost about 100 dollars/euros.  For details, though, I wanted to poll all you experts out there for your advice. So, what’s your opinion about: (a) renting vs buying? (b) getting the phone before we leave vs in Italy? (c) particular places or companines, either in the US or Italy, to rent or buy?  (We’ll be in Rome, staying near the Colosseum, if that matters.) (d) anything else that you might want to share with me? Thanks in advance for all your help! -Ben —

Response:

The unlocked phones will cost more than 100 euros.  The 100 euro price, and most of the other prices that you see, are for phones that are locked to one service provider.  The phone price is subsidized by the service provider.  An unlocked phone will probably cost 200 to 300 euros. You will probably be able to buy a phone more cheaply in Europe, where there is lot of competition, than in the USA. The rental deals seem pretty expensive to me, better to buy one, and at the end of the trip, sell it, keep it for a future trip, or throw it away.  There will be phone kiosks on every corner. Richard – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I’m going to Italy for about 10 days and would like to have a cell > phone there for emergency use.  (There is a family member who is ill > and I want to be able to keep in touch with the US.)  I’ve looked at > various we sites that talk about renting or buying phones either before > we leave or after we get to Italy.  Clearly if I buy I’d want to get an > unlocked phone and an Italy SIM card.  This would seem to cost about > 100 dollars/euros.  For details, though, I wanted to poll all you > experts out there for your advice. > So, what’s your opinion about: > (a) renting vs buying? > (b) getting the phone before we leave vs in Italy? > (c) particular places or companines, either in the US or Italy, to rent > or buy?  (We’ll be in Rome, staying near the Colosseum, if that > matters.) > (d) anything else that you might want to share with me? > Thanks in advance for all your help! > -Ben > —

Response:

> So, what’s your opinion about: > (a) renting vs buying?

Renting is money down a rat hole. For 10 day’s rental you can buy the phone and have it if you need it in the future. > (b) getting the phone before we leave vs in Italy?

You can do that. www.telestial.com would be glad to set you up with a phone and a TIM SIM card. There are also other companies that will set you up with a phone and prepaid SIM. > (c) particular places or companines, either in the US or Italy, to rent > or buy?  (We’ll be in Rome, staying near the Colosseum, if that > matters.)

In either place I’d buy, not rent. There are shops all over Italy. You may have a hitch buying in Italy if the sales clerk needs your Codice Fiscale (Italian Taxpayer Number). You don’t want to spend all day trying to find a clerk who can get you over that hurdle. If you know your  C.F. be sure to take it with you. > (d) anything else that you might want to share with me?

Do you have an American cellphone? Who’s the carrier? They may have an international roaming program that would allow you to use your phone/account in Italy. Some of your Italian relatives may have a SIM that they are not using. In general people will be happy to let you borrow a zero-ballance SIM if you recharge it and keep it active for another year. — Donald Newcomb DRNewcomb (at) attglobal (dot) net Remove ‘NOT’ from address to  reply

Response:

> The unlocked phones will cost more than 100 euros.  The 100 euro price, > and most of the other prices that you see, are for phones that are > locked to one service provider.  The phone price is subsidized by the > service provider.  An unlocked phone will probably cost 200 to 300 euros.

Usually the phones sold in Italy are unlocked. Thinking about it, I don’t remember a company that sold locked phones, but for Omnitel for a short time some years ago. I see a lot of locked phones sold outside Italy with the formula: buy the phone for euro 1 now, but pay monthly subscriptions for no less than two years. This formula was shown to be unsuccessful in Italy, as there is a monthly tax on subscription – prepaid GSM cards were first developed in Italy to circumvent this tax. If the provider wants to subsidize the phone and recoup the cost on the subscription, they have to give it away. At 100 euros you are already paying the phone (a no-frills one) for what is worth and should not be locked.

Response:

> In either place I’d buy, not rent. There are shops all over Italy. You may > have a hitch buying in Italy if the sales clerk needs your Codice Fiscale > (Italian Taxpayer Number). You don’t want to spend all day trying to find a > clerk who can get you over that hurdle. If you know your  C.F. be sure to > take it with you.

You can calculate your own codice fiscale here: http://www.codicefiscale.com/ Cognome = Last Name Nome= First Name Data di Nascita= Date of Birth (the months are a pull down menu in order so this is easy to figure out) Sesso= Gender Selezione Comune di Nascita= Place of birth, you would need to use Estero, you will then get a popup menu.  Select appropriate place of birth (Stati Uniti d’America for the USA) Click Calcola HTH Cristina

Response:

> > If the provider wants to subsidize the phone and recoup the cost on > the subscription, they have to give it away. At 100 euros you are > already paying the phone (a no-frills one) for what is worth and > should not be locked. > Strange how the same business model results in opposite logics. In Germany, > the same phone costs less in a prepaid package network-locked than if you > buy it separately & unlocked. That looks like the 100-EUR-ones are still > locked. Or maybe they arrange their pricing to generate the illusion?

I have observed that Italian GSM providers seem to live to a different commercial logic than German ones. I don’t really know why, but I just observe that prepaid GSM cards, initially imagined to get around a tax on subscription, have proved hugely successful (to the point that at present 80% of customers have prepaid cards – and we are talking about a huge customer base). BTW, prepaid cards are hugely convenient to providers also, as they are – well – prepaid, you have no troubles with insolvent customers, and it is really possible to sell multiple cards to every customer (at a time, they were even given away: to the present, my wife phones from a giveaway card on which the provider has since a long time recouped the setup expenses). It looks like the Italian providers try to make money from your calls, not from your cell phone set. A phone is sold once, phone calls go on daily. BTW, there are no "1 euro phones" (as we were telling before) in Italy: you have to pay the phone out of your pocket anyway. However, a base model sells around euro 100 including a prepaid cards, and with a bit of luck you can even find a sale for euro 85 or so.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> In either place I’d buy, not rent. There are shops all over Italy. You may > have a hitch buying in Italy if the sales clerk needs your Codice Fiscale > (Italian Taxpayer Number). You don’t want to spend all day trying to find > a > clerk who can get you over that hurdle. If you know your  C.F. be sure to > take it with you. > You can calculate your own codice fiscale here: > http://www.codicefiscale.com/ > Cognome = Last Name > Nome= First Name > Data di Nascita= Date of Birth (the months are a pull down menu in order so > this is easy to figure out) > Sesso= Gender > Selezione Comune di Nascita= Place of birth, you would need to use Estero, > you will then get a popup menu.  Select appropriate place of birth (Stati > Uniti d’America for the USA) > Click Calcola > HTH > Cristina

Or you could use this site  http://www.comuni.it/servizi/codfisc/ It offers the same service free too. K

Response:

FYI  If you plan on renting a car, Avis is running a promotion that will loan you a cell phone while you a renting.  I don’t know if this phone is locked or unlocked, but it seemed like a good deal for the price – free.

Response:

> FYI  If you plan on renting a car, Avis is running a promotion > that will loan you a cell phone while you a renting.  I don’t know > if this phone is locked or unlocked, but it seemed like a good > deal for the price – free.

This is – with 100% certainty – a phone with a fixed SIM – so Avis can get its percentage on the fees. It won’t accept any other SIM, not even from the same carrier. M.

Response:

> > (a) renting vs buying? > Renting is money down a rat hole. For 10 day’s rental you can buy the phone > and have it if you need it in the future.

you’re right! > (b) getting the phone before we leave vs in Italy? > You can do that. www.telestial.com would be glad to set you up with a phone > and a TIM SIM card. There are also other companies that will set you up with > a phone and prepaid SIM.

This is better. Now a my american friend has a rental phone with Tim card, but she’s spending very much. It’s better buy a phone (that you can sell…) and a prepay card (for plans www.prepaidgsm.tk) > In either place I’d buy, not rent. There are shops all over Italy. You may > have a hitch buying in Italy if the sales clerk needs your Codice Fiscale > (Italian Taxpayer Number).

www.comuni.it and you can "have" a Codice Fiscale. Easy and sure eheh — Andrea de Florence, www.windworld.org Staff – La HomePage di it.sport.calcio.fiorentina -> www.iscf.info – Il tuo cellulare all’estero: www.wind-roaming.tk , www.prepaidgsm.tk <<< Per rispondermi sopprimi ACFIORENTINA.NET e tifa Florentia Viola >>>

Response:

Try Roadpost at roadpost.com, they can rent or sell you a phone with an Italy (or France or U.K. or Swiss) SIM card.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’m going to Italy for about 10 days and would like to have a cell > phone there for emergency use.  (There is a family member who is ill > and I want to be able to keep in touch with the US.)  I’ve looked at > various we sites that talk about renting or buying phones either before > we leave or after we get to Italy.  Clearly if I buy I’d want to get an > unlocked phone and an Italy SIM card.  This would seem to cost about > 100 dollars/euros.  For details, though, I wanted to poll all you > experts out there for your advice. > So, what’s your opinion about: > (a) renting vs buying? > (b) getting the phone before we leave vs in Italy? > (c) particular places or companines, either in the US or Italy, to rent > or buy?  (We’ll be in Rome, staying near the Colosseum, if that > matters.) > (d) anything else that you might want to share with me? > Thanks in advance for all your help! > -Ben > —

Response:

Two options you might want to look at. First if you use GSM in the States why not buy a triband and get it unlocked, then drop in an Italian pay as you go SIM and then drop in your US SIM on your return. Bit expensive for a one off but then you have an unlocked phone that you can use worldwide and back in the US Second is to buy an Italian pay as you go phone, you can get it unlocked at your leisure then, advantage you have an unlocked phone that you can use worldwide except for use in the US Regarding where to buy in Italy I defer to more knowledgeable psoters on that one Regards John

Response:

Question:

greetings, try Albergo Sole al Biscione Main:   06-6879.446 Fax:    06-6893.787 Via del Biscione 76 Roma with best regards, sergio. (www.nerone.cc) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Can anyone receommend a nice (3 star or better) cheap, centrally located > hotel, a couple of not to be missed sights, and a place or two to get some > cheap eats? >I have a great deal of Rome information on my personal website located >at http://www.alanzeleznikar.com/travels/travels.html, including basic Rome info and restaurant recommendations.

Response:

.well there is a lot to see inRome anyway I give some hints about eating: La Montecarlo (Campo de fiori) for a good & cheap pizza Augusto (Trastevere) for a real roman meal ‘Gusto ( Via del Corso) for a trendy meal area with bars & nights stuff and nice walking around: Trastevere Campo de Fiori bars with music: Testaccio San Lorenzo there are a lot of 3 stars hotel try to avoid the area of the Termini station Things you shouldn’t miss: Colosseum & roman forum, Castel S.Angelo, St Peters, the catacombs Anyway Rome is also a walking city  a sort of open air museum so take some time to walk around in the ancient Rome. Ciao bello. Daniela —

Response:

> Can anyone receommend a nice (3 star or better) cheap, centrally located > hotel, a couple of not to be missed sights, and a place or two to get some > cheap eats?

I have a great deal of Rome information on my personal website located at http://www.alanzeleznikar.com/travels/travels.html, including basic Rome info and restaurant recommendations.

Response:

Hi all, I’ve got 3 extra days in London this December and want to catch a quick getaway to Rome. Never been and don’t know much about it. Can anyone receommend a nice (3 star or better) cheap, centrally located hotel, a couple of not to be missed sights, and a place or two to get some cheap eats? I know there has to be some Rome experts on this list, share with me your finds! Thanks, Bil

Response:

Hi all, I’ve got 3 extra days in London this December and want to catch a quick getaway to Rome. Never been and don’t know much about it. Can anyone receommend a nice (3 star or better) cheap, centrally located hotel, a couple of not to be missed sights, and a place or two to get some cheap eats? I know there has to be some Rome experts on this list, share with me your finds! Thanks, Bil

Response:

> Can anyone receommend a nice (3 star or better) cheap, centrally located > hotel, a couple of not to be missed sights, and a place or two to get some > cheap eats?

I have a great deal of Rome information on my personal website located at http://www.alanzeleznikar.com/travels/travels.html, including basic Rome info and restaurant recommendations.

Response:

.well there is a lot to see inRome anyway I give some hints about eating: La Montecarlo (Campo de fiori) for a good & cheap pizza Augusto (Trastevere) for a real roman meal ‘Gusto ( Via del Corso) for a trendy meal area with bars & nights stuff and nice walking around: Trastevere Campo de Fiori bars with music: Testaccio San Lorenzo there are a lot of 3 stars hotel try to avoid the area of the Termini station Things you shouldn’t miss: Colosseum & roman forum, Castel S.Angelo, St Peters, the catacombs Anyway Rome is also a walking city  a sort of open air museum so take some time to walk around in the ancient Rome. Ciao bello. Daniela —

Response:

greetings, try Albergo Sole al Biscione Main:   06-6879.446 Fax:    06-6893.787 Via del Biscione 76 Roma with best regards, sergio. (www.nerone.cc) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Can anyone receommend a nice (3 star or better) cheap, centrally located > hotel, a couple of not to be missed sights, and a place or two to get some > cheap eats? >I have a great deal of Rome information on my personal website located >at http://www.alanzeleznikar.com/travels/travels.html, including basic Rome info and restaurant recommendations.

Response:

Question:

> We’ll be going to Rome in mid October and Salzburg in early Nov and > would like to know must see, any advice on where to eat and also > places to party.

Salzburg restaurants: Sternbrau, Getreidegasse (basic Austrian dishes) Herzl, Getreidegasse (quite refined and elegant, still accessible prices) Peterskeller, near St. Peters Abbey Don’t forget a visit to the Niemetz pastry shop (Herbert-von- Karajan-platz, on the right of the tunnel entry).

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> We’ll be going to Rome in mid October and Salzburg in early Nov and > would like to know must see, any advice on where to eat and also > places to party. > Salzburg restaurants: > Sternbrau, Getreidegasse (basic Austrian dishes) > Herzl, Getreidegasse (quite refined and elegant, still accessible > prices) > Peterskeller, near St. Peters Abbey > Don’t forget a visit to the Niemetz pastry shop (Herbert-von- > Karajan-platz, on the right of the tunnel entry).

Not to forget that Salzburg is W.A.Mozart’s birthplace. Pierre —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

Response:

> The last time I was in Europe, I traveled from Rome to Venice to Salzburg.The > train ride from Venice to Salzburg was incredible. As soon as you get into > Austria, the train route is mostly up in the mountains. The view was

fantastic. Could be reason to know there are at least three alternative routes Venice-Salzburg. The most straight is over Villach but with few trains (AFAIK one day connection only) It’s very scenic indeed over the Tauern railway line. Another route is over Innsbruck including much more trains and connections. From Innsbruck it’s divided in one fast route running transit over Germany to Salzburg – Vienna and another slow route  over Zell am See. The last one is preferable as it includes excellent scenic views in the mountains.           L.P

Response:

Hi all, Would like some advice for travelling to the above countries. We’ll be going to Rome in mid October and Salzburg in early Nov and would like to know must see, any advice on where to eat and also places to party. Thank you

Response:

The last time I was in Europe, I traveled from Rome to Venice to Salzburg.The train ride from Venice to Salzburg was incredible. As soon as you get into Austria, the train route is mostly up in the mountains. The view was fantastic.

Response:

Chong, In Rome, I’d recommend you find the Walks of Rome tour group: http://www.romewalks.com/ We were a loose-knit group (17 people) that visited Italy in Nov2000 (the "reason" for the trip was to celibrate my birthday, but even I didn’t know a few of the people who ended up coming). As we weren’t part of a tour group and no one knew everyone in the group prior to the trip, I forged an agreement: Dinner was always done as a complete group. At dinner, people talked about what they did that day & made plans for the next day. This allowed the group to intermix, and people with similar priorities could do what they wanted to do. At dinner, there was plenty of conversation about the different activities from the day, & we ended dinner with an agreement on where dinner would be the following night before everyone went off for the balance of the evening. It worked out great, and I went from being hated for having created a monster (17 is a pretty big group, ahem) to revered for my ingenuity. The group did manage to agree to visit the Colosseum in the morning as a group Thanksgiving Day activity. There, we met one of the Walks of Rome tour guides who was giving free tours. The guides are American history buffs, and they take their jobs seriously (it’s very competitive with other tour guide groups). The pub crawl (see their website) is a great way to mix with others, esp. if you are travelling solo. We did 3 different tours with them. Our tour guide, Luke, liked us enuf that he accompanied us to "the hot spots" in Rome for drinks, late evening snacks & disco on a couple of our nights there. I’ve visited Salzburg a couple of times, but didn’t do any partying there. The churches (Salzburg Cathedral, St. Peter’s Abbey, St. Sebastian’s, Church of the Holy Trinity, Franciscan Church) are incredible – don’t miss them. The view from Hohensalzburg is quite impressive. I found some very kewl rocks (wife is a geologist) at great prices in the market… Steve – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hi all, > Would like some advice for travelling to the above countries. > We’ll be going to Rome in mid October and Salzburg in early Nov and > would like to know must see, any advice on where to eat and also > places to party. > Thank you

Response:

Hi all, Would like some advice for travelling to the above countries. We’ll be going to Rome in mid October and Salzburg in early Nov and would like to know must see, any advice on where to eat and also places to party. Thank you

Response:

The last time I was in Europe, I traveled from Rome to Venice to Salzburg.The train ride from Venice to Salzburg was incredible. As soon as you get into Austria, the train route is mostly up in the mountains. The view was fantastic.

Response:

Chong, In Rome, I’d recommend you find the Walks of Rome tour group: http://www.romewalks.com/ We were a loose-knit group (17 people) that visited Italy in Nov2000 (the "reason" for the trip was to celibrate my birthday, but even I didn’t know a few of the people who ended up coming). As we weren’t part of a tour group and no one knew everyone in the group prior to the trip, I forged an agreement: Dinner was always done as a complete group. At dinner, people talked about what they did that day & made plans for the next day. This allowed the group to intermix, and people with similar priorities could do what they wanted to do. At dinner, there was plenty of conversation about the different activities from the day, & we ended dinner with an agreement on where dinner would be the following night before everyone went off for the balance of the evening. It worked out great, and I went from being hated for having created a monster (17 is a pretty big group, ahem) to revered for my ingenuity. The group did manage to agree to visit the Colosseum in the morning as a group Thanksgiving Day activity. There, we met one of the Walks of Rome tour guides who was giving free tours. The guides are American history buffs, and they take their jobs seriously (it’s very competitive with other tour guide groups). The pub crawl (see their website) is a great way to mix with others, esp. if you are travelling solo. We did 3 different tours with them. Our tour guide, Luke, liked us enuf that he accompanied us to "the hot spots" in Rome for drinks, late evening snacks & disco on a couple of our nights there. I’ve visited Salzburg a couple of times, but didn’t do any partying there. The churches (Salzburg Cathedral, St. Peter’s Abbey, St. Sebastian’s, Church of the Holy Trinity, Franciscan Church) are incredible – don’t miss them. The view from Hohensalzburg is quite impressive. I found some very kewl rocks (wife is a geologist) at great prices in the market… Steve – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hi all, > Would like some advice for travelling to the above countries. > We’ll be going to Rome in mid October and Salzburg in early Nov and > would like to know must see, any advice on where to eat and also > places to party. > Thank you

Response:

> The last time I was in Europe, I traveled from Rome to Venice to Salzburg.The > train ride from Venice to Salzburg was incredible. As soon as you get into > Austria, the train route is mostly up in the mountains. The view was

fantastic. Could be reason to know there are at least three alternative routes Venice-Salzburg. The most straight is over Villach but with few trains (AFAIK one day connection only) It’s very scenic indeed over the Tauern railway line. Another route is over Innsbruck including much more trains and connections. From Innsbruck it’s divided in one fast route running transit over Germany to Salzburg – Vienna and another slow route  over Zell am See. The last one is preferable as it includes excellent scenic views in the mountains.           L.P

Response:

> We’ll be going to Rome in mid October and Salzburg in early Nov and > would like to know must see, any advice on where to eat and also > places to party.

Salzburg restaurants: Sternbrau, Getreidegasse (basic Austrian dishes) Herzl, Getreidegasse (quite refined and elegant, still accessible prices) Peterskeller, near St. Peters Abbey Don’t forget a visit to the Niemetz pastry shop (Herbert-von- Karajan-platz, on the right of the tunnel entry).

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> We’ll be going to Rome in mid October and Salzburg in early Nov and > would like to know must see, any advice on where to eat and also > places to party. > Salzburg restaurants: > Sternbrau, Getreidegasse (basic Austrian dishes) > Herzl, Getreidegasse (quite refined and elegant, still accessible > prices) > Peterskeller, near St. Peters Abbey > Don’t forget a visit to the Niemetz pastry shop (Herbert-von- > Karajan-platz, on the right of the tunnel entry).

Not to forget that Salzburg is W.A.Mozart’s birthplace. Pierre —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

Response:

Question:

We’ll be in Rome for a week in early April. We like to eat well – but not in trendy, costly, touristy places. Please forward information on your favorite tavernas, trattorias, etc.  We’re staying in the Prati district and would welcome restaurants in that area. Has anyone eaten at Taverna del Gracci of late? It was a favorite on previous trips. Does anyone know Barchetta, not far from the Castel St. Angelo? Also a restaurant a couple of blocks off the top of the Via Veneto with displays of fabulous antipasto by the entrance, specializing in grilling? Thanks in advance. Barbara

Response:

>We’ll be in Rome for a week in early April. We like to eat well – but not >in trendy, costly, touristy places. Please forward information on your >favorite tavernas, trattorias, etc.  We’re staying in the Prati district >and would welcome restaurants in that area. Has anyone eaten at Taverna >del Gracci of late? It was a favorite on previous trips. Does anyone know >Barchetta, not far from the Castel St. Angelo? Also a restaurant a couple >of blocks off the top of the Via Veneto with displays of fabulous >antipasto by the entrance, specializing in grilling? Thanks in advance. >Barbara

Somehow I often end up in Armando’s al Pantheon. Cheap, noisy, excellent food, perhaps too many Danish tourists (he must be in one of their guidebooks), but very much value for the money. If you stand in front of the Pantheon, go along the right side of the temple and take first turn right (the street’s name is Salita something or other). Armando is just a few steps in on the right side. Another old stand-by – often used by the students in the University Dept. close by – is Nerone at the Via Terme di Tito between the Colosseum and San Pietro in Vincoli (with Michelangelo’s Moses). A little more expensive – but you can walk over to Moses instead of dessert… Bo Lundin (journalist in Malmoe, Sweden)

Response:

<< Please forward information on your >favorite tavernas, trattorias, etc. >>

We  ended up eating several times at La Buca di Ripetta (a trattoria) — not touristy at all — 36, via di Ripettta, not far from the Piazza del Popolo

Response:

And we ate twice at Trattoria Margutta,  via Margutta,  about halfway between Piazza di Spagna,  and Piazza del Popolo.  Reservations recommended.  Pumpkin Tortellini highly recommended. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > << Please forward information on your >favorite tavernas, trattorias, etc. >> > We  ended up eating several times at La Buca di Ripetta (a trattoria) — not > touristy at all — 36, via di Ripettta, not far from the Piazza del Popolo

Response:

We plan to spend three nights in Rome in early October.  We would greatly appreciate receiving recommendations for restaurants serving high quality traditional Italian cuisine.  Central locations preferred.  Price not that important if the meal merits it.  Thank you for your help. Sergio & Anita

Response:

We found some nice places in the streets at the bottom of the Spanish Steps. The quieter streets had some of the best places. Marcus – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> We plan to spend three nights in Rome in early October.  We would greatly > appreciate receiving recommendations for restaurants serving high quality > traditional Italian cuisine.  Central locations preferred.  Price not that > important if the meal merits it.  Thank you for your help. > Sergio & Anita

Response:

> We found some nice places in the streets at the bottom of the Spanish > Steps. The quieter streets had some of the best places.

you really have to be specific to be useful — we stumbled into several of the worst restaurants in Italy in the area you describe — I am sure you found good ones — but we really need to know WHICH ones.

Response:

We’ll be in Rome for a week in early April. We like to eat well – but not in trendy, costly, touristy places. Please forward information on your favorite tavernas, trattorias, etc.  We’re staying in the Prati district and would welcome restaurants in that area. Has anyone eaten at Taverna del Gracci of late? It was a favorite on previous trips. Does anyone know Barchetta, not far from the Castel St. Angelo? Also a restaurant a couple of blocks off the top of the Via Veneto with displays of fabulous antipasto by the entrance, specializing in grilling? Thanks in advance. Barbara

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>We’ll be in Rome for a week in early April. We like to eat well – but not >in trendy, costly, touristy places. Please forward information on your >favorite tavernas, trattorias, etc.  We’re staying in the Prati district >and would welcome restaurants in that area. Has anyone eaten at Taverna >del Gracci of late? It was a favorite on previous trips. Does anyone know >Barchetta, not far from the Castel St. Angelo? Also a restaurant a couple >of blocks off the top of the Via Veneto with displays of fabulous >antipasto by the entrance, specializing in grilling? Thanks in advance. >Barbara

Somehow I often end up in Armando’s al Pantheon. Cheap, noisy, excellent food, perhaps too many Danish tourists (he must be in one of their guidebooks), but very much value for the money. If you stand in front of the Pantheon, go along the right side of the temple and take first turn right (the street’s name is Salita something or other). Armando is just a few steps in on the right side. Another old stand-by – often used by the students in the University Dept. close by – is Nerone at the Via Terme di Tito between the Colosseum and San Pietro in Vincoli (with Michelangelo’s Moses). A little more expensive – but you can walk over to Moses instead of dessert… Bo Lundin (journalist in Malmoe, Sweden)

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<< Please forward information on your >favorite tavernas, trattorias, etc. >>

We  ended up eating several times at La Buca di Ripetta (a trattoria) — not touristy at all — 36, via di Ripettta, not far from the Piazza del Popolo

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And we ate twice at Trattoria Margutta,  via Margutta,  about halfway between Piazza di Spagna,  and Piazza del Popolo.  Reservations recommended.  Pumpkin Tortellini highly recommended. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > << Please forward information on your >favorite tavernas, trattorias, etc. >> > We  ended up eating several times at La Buca di Ripetta (a trattoria) — not > touristy at all — 36, via di Ripettta, not far from the Piazza del Popolo

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We plan to spend three nights in Rome in early October.  We would greatly appreciate receiving recommendations for restaurants serving high quality traditional Italian cuisine.  Central locations preferred.  Price not that important if the meal merits it.  Thank you for your help. Sergio & Anita

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We found some nice places in the streets at the bottom of the Spanish Steps. The quieter streets had some of the best places. Marcus – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> We plan to spend three nights in Rome in early October.  We would greatly > appreciate receiving recommendations for restaurants serving high quality > traditional Italian cuisine.  Central locations preferred.  Price not that > important if the meal merits it.  Thank you for your help. > Sergio & Anita

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> We found some nice places in the streets at the bottom of the Spanish > Steps. The quieter streets had some of the best places.

you really have to be specific to be useful — we stumbled into several of the worst restaurants in Italy in the area you describe — I am sure you found good ones — but we really need to know WHICH ones.

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