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Message
T-ZERO DAYS until Italy, final logistics to-do list
Posted on 4/12/17 at 11:17 pm
Posted on 4/12/17 at 11:17 pm
Finalizing everything for my trip from 4/21-4/30. Hitting Rome->Pisa->Florence->Venice. A few final questions...
Cash: Should I attempt to acquire some euro here in the US or wait until I arrive? If here, how much should I bring (walking around money)?
Clothes: While I'm going over there as a tourist (obviously) and will look like it, I don't want to be typical American. I wear shorts and flip flops here as casual wear. Is that acceptable or passe? Shorts and tennis shoes better? No shorts? Note: this doesn't count for religious places where I'll be wearing long pants. I also plan on bringing only sport fabric polo style shirts and t-shirts. Also, what about a cap? Should I leave my American flag Columbia fishing hat at home? Can I rock my LSU hat?
International driving permit: was planning on driving from Rome to Florence and see that i need (or i think i need) an international driving permit and that these are only available from AAA. There's an AAA about an hour from my house that i can hit one morning next week. Is this something that's required to drive there? If so, is it a one-day turn around at AAA?
Toiletries: We're not planning on checking any bags so we'll have ti buy most of our toiletries there. This should be no big deal, right?
Getting around Rome: We're staying in the Trastevere neighborhood. What's the best way to get from the Airport to there? Also, what's the best way to get around Rome in general (longer distances).
Tours/Pisa: I have booked short tours in each of the three big cities for us to get a feel for them but am leaving a good bit of "on our own" time to meander and discover things. That being said, what's the best way to attack Pisa? We'll kind of be just passing through on the drive from Rome to Florence. All we plan on doing is seeing the tower and baptistery. Do i need to try to book something in advance for this?
Florence: We have two full days scheduled for Florence.
At this point, Day1 will be a whole free day. We will hit all the main attractions on Day2 (I wish we could have lined this up for day one but it didn't work out). Anyway, on Day1 should we plan a day trip out to Tuscany or spend the day just taking in Florence on our own?
Cash: Should I attempt to acquire some euro here in the US or wait until I arrive? If here, how much should I bring (walking around money)?
Clothes: While I'm going over there as a tourist (obviously) and will look like it, I don't want to be typical American. I wear shorts and flip flops here as casual wear. Is that acceptable or passe? Shorts and tennis shoes better? No shorts? Note: this doesn't count for religious places where I'll be wearing long pants. I also plan on bringing only sport fabric polo style shirts and t-shirts. Also, what about a cap? Should I leave my American flag Columbia fishing hat at home? Can I rock my LSU hat?
International driving permit: was planning on driving from Rome to Florence and see that i need (or i think i need) an international driving permit and that these are only available from AAA. There's an AAA about an hour from my house that i can hit one morning next week. Is this something that's required to drive there? If so, is it a one-day turn around at AAA?
Toiletries: We're not planning on checking any bags so we'll have ti buy most of our toiletries there. This should be no big deal, right?
Getting around Rome: We're staying in the Trastevere neighborhood. What's the best way to get from the Airport to there? Also, what's the best way to get around Rome in general (longer distances).
Tours/Pisa: I have booked short tours in each of the three big cities for us to get a feel for them but am leaving a good bit of "on our own" time to meander and discover things. That being said, what's the best way to attack Pisa? We'll kind of be just passing through on the drive from Rome to Florence. All we plan on doing is seeing the tower and baptistery. Do i need to try to book something in advance for this?
Florence: We have two full days scheduled for Florence.
At this point, Day1 will be a whole free day. We will hit all the main attractions on Day2 (I wish we could have lined this up for day one but it didn't work out). Anyway, on Day1 should we plan a day trip out to Tuscany or spend the day just taking in Florence on our own?
This post was edited on 4/21/17 at 7:36 am
21
Posted on 4/12/17 at 11:57 pm to poochie
quote:
Cash: Should I attempt to acquire some euro here in the US or wait until I arrive? If here, how much should I bring (walking around money)?
I would just take out money at an ATM as you need it. You will have to pay higher ATM fees, but you're on vacation and that's the easiest thing to do. A couple hundred euros is good to start. Don't carry it all around with you in case you get pickpocketed.
quote:
Clothes: While I'm going over there as a tourist (obviously) and will look like it, I don't want to be typical American. I wear shorts and flip flops here as casual wear. Is that acceptable or passe? Shorts and tennis shoes better? No shorts? Note: this doesn't count for religious places where I'll be wearing long pants. I also plan on bringing only sport fabric polo style shirts and t-shirts. Also, what about a cap? Should I leave my American flag Columbia fishing hat at home? Can I rock my LSU hat?
This doesn't seem like a big deal, but if you are trying not to look like an American stereotype, wear some nice fitting jeans and a polo and halfway decent shoes. Pumas or something similar for the day and decent brown shoes for night. New Balance or Nike running shoes will give you away. Columbia fishing hat is a no go as is LSU hat
quote:
Toiletries: We're not planning on checking any bags so we'll have ti buy most of our toiletries there. This should be no big deal, right?
Not a big deal. I imagine most hotels will have those anyway. But you can bring travel sizes of liquids up to 3 ounces on the plane with you and I usually bring a travel size shampoo and toothpaste with me.
Don't really know about your other questions, but I remember it was a straightforward train ride from Florence to Rome when I went-is there a reason you want to drive?
I recall drivers in Rome being pretty aggressive so I'd consider avoiding that unless you want to for some reason.
Posted on 4/13/17 at 6:36 am to poochie
Enjoy Italy. Wonderful, wonderful place- very normal but with the coolest vibe.Don't expect ice, trains are listed by their final destination, doors open in, you don't need an international drivers license, you can get euros easily anywhere ( a bit expensive at airport but convenient), water is fizzy, tipping is optional but accepted, cooks want to know how you meal was, croissants and gelato galore. Pisa overrated, Cinque Terre is close and a must. Rome is Rome, Venice might be coolest spot on earth. Early morning in particular as the merchants set up for the day. Saw not one car accident despite reputation, and felt very safe entire time there. Just random input- love that place.
Posted on 4/13/17 at 7:05 am to poochie
Trastavere is a cool neighborhood. Check out Dar Poeta. Great pizza hidden down a small street in the neighborhood. There will be a lot of students around, because of the university in the area.
Definitely book a tour at the tower. Otherwise you may have to wait a while. Not sure about the baptistry though.
If you are only going to be in Florence for 2 days, I would just hang out and explore the city. Check out Ditta Artigianale for breakfast. It's a cool little coffee bar with very good food. If you have more than 2 days in Florence, a trip to a smaller town in Tuscany would be a nice addition. Don't miss out on the laid back atmosphere of Florence though.
Definitely book a tour at the tower. Otherwise you may have to wait a while. Not sure about the baptistry though.
If you are only going to be in Florence for 2 days, I would just hang out and explore the city. Check out Ditta Artigianale for breakfast. It's a cool little coffee bar with very good food. If you have more than 2 days in Florence, a trip to a smaller town in Tuscany would be a nice addition. Don't miss out on the laid back atmosphere of Florence though.
Posted on 4/13/17 at 7:33 am to poochie
Although my first trip to Europe is in a month, I wanna say not many men wear shorts over there. I recall reading that somewhere. Also, it might be a little chilly I'd imagine right now so you may not want to wear shorts and flip-flops? anyway.
Posted on 4/13/17 at 7:37 am to poochie
You be fine in shorts, flip flops and a hat for the most part. However, if you tour a church show proper respect and wear long pants, shoes and no hat.
You'll get your driving permit while you are at AAA. I would not attempt to drive in Rome. The countryside is fine. Driving in the cities is not recommended.
Enjoy Italy. I love spending time there.
You'll get your driving permit while you are at AAA. I would not attempt to drive in Rome. The countryside is fine. Driving in the cities is not recommended.
Enjoy Italy. I love spending time there.
Posted on 4/13/17 at 8:08 am to VABuckeye
Dress like a guy from the jersey shore, that's how all the Italians dress.
Cash, don't bring any euros but I would bring $200-400 american as an emergency.
Cash, don't bring any euros but I would bring $200-400 american as an emergency.
Posted on 4/13/17 at 8:16 am to VABuckeye
Thanks guys.
I was hoping to drive from Rome to Florence through the countryside. Would drive near the coast then cut straight across from the coast through Pisa to Florence. Basically a one day car rental see the countryside tip. No planned stops other than Pisa unless we see something that we want to check out.
Will plan to just spend the day in Florence n Day1. Reading this and old Italy threads for restaurant recs.
Again, thanks for the info, we're really excited!!
I was hoping to drive from Rome to Florence through the countryside. Would drive near the coast then cut straight across from the coast through Pisa to Florence. Basically a one day car rental see the countryside tip. No planned stops other than Pisa unless we see something that we want to check out.
Will plan to just spend the day in Florence n Day1. Reading this and old Italy threads for restaurant recs.
Again, thanks for the info, we're really excited!!
Posted on 4/13/17 at 8:24 am to poochie
Just remember when driving in Italy to drive offensively, literally 100% of people do. Stop signs or stop lights and no one is at the intersection, no reason to stop. If two people get to an intersection at the same time the one that brakes less goes first.
It's crazy at first but actually works great. Be prepared to have more crazy passes on country roads in one day than possibly your entire life in the states.
It's crazy at first but actually works great. Be prepared to have more crazy passes on country roads in one day than possibly your entire life in the states.
Posted on 4/13/17 at 8:27 am to baldona
Thanks for the tips!
So we never established if an "international driving permit" is required. It just seems weird to me that the only place that offers is isn't a government agency (AAA).
So we never established if an "international driving permit" is required. It just seems weird to me that the only place that offers is isn't a government agency (AAA).
Posted on 4/13/17 at 8:59 am to poochie
Not necessary, I've rented a car at least 3 times in Europe with just an American drivers license.
Posted on 4/13/17 at 11:32 am to baldona
Not great advice there.
Get the IDL. It makes everything easier.
quote:
Americans visiting Italy as tourists and intending to drive should obtain an International Driving Permit before leaving the U.S.
quote:
Tourists may also use their valid American driver’s license if accompanied by an official translation in Italian. Americans registered as residents with the local Vital Records Bureau (known as Anagrafe) must apply for an Italian license within one year of the date of registration.
Get the IDL. It makes everything easier.
This post was edited on 4/13/17 at 11:34 am
Posted on 4/13/17 at 12:03 pm to poochie
I'll be getting one for Spain next month.
From what I've read you most likely will never have to show it, but it's good to have just in case you get pulled over or something. For $20 it's worth not having to worry about IMO.
From what I've read you most likely will never have to show it, but it's good to have just in case you get pulled over or something. For $20 it's worth not having to worry about IMO.
Posted on 4/13/17 at 12:10 pm to poochie
You will not, generally speaking, see Italian grownup males wearing shorts in a city center. Jeans, yes...but shorts on adult men will not be a common sight. And certainly no shorts in a sit down restaurant. On balance, Italians still care about "Bella figura" and you will see lots of men in suits & great shoes. Sure, you'll see plenty of euro styled athleisure shoes, but they love loafers & cashmere. On an average day in Rome, if you see a guy in shorts & hiking sandals, he's a German tourist. LOL.
RE: traveling from FCO to Trastevere...follow the "Treno" signs in the terminal to the train station at the airport. Take the F1 train (listed as "Fara Sabina" for its end station)...departs about every 1/2 hour. You can buy a ticket from a machine or from a person (machine is easy enough)...stamp your ticket at the machine before you get on the train. While you wait for the train, get an espresso at the train station coffee bar and wonder why every hole in the wall in Italy can turn out a decent espresso at 1.50 euro but Starbucks can't manage it at twice the price.....
Get off the train at Trastevere station....exit the station (a couple flights of stairs, IIRC). Depending on where you are staying in Trastevere, you will probably need to walk through the drop off area in front of the station and go out to the middle of the street opposite the station to catch the #8 tram line (going toward the right if you stand w/your back toward the station). A tram ticket is 1 euro; you can buy one from the little store at the train station. Validate the tram ticket once you board the tram...the machine might be at front, or it might be midway down the tram car. Definitely stamp your ticket--the fine for riding w/o a validated ticket is fat (like 100 Eu). To determine which stop is closest to your lodging, use the ATAC website in English: you can look up your destination and plot the best stop: LINK . If you stay on until the Tiber river, you've gone too far.
If you like ancient ruins, consider a trip out to Ostia Antica...easy train ride, sprawling Roman era ruins with some preserved floor mosaics, small museum of artifacts, nicely preserved amphitheater. It was the ancient seaport of Rome.
Enjoy your trip....Trastevere is still a real neighborhood, unlike so much of Rome's city center.
RE: traveling from FCO to Trastevere...follow the "Treno" signs in the terminal to the train station at the airport. Take the F1 train (listed as "Fara Sabina" for its end station)...departs about every 1/2 hour. You can buy a ticket from a machine or from a person (machine is easy enough)...stamp your ticket at the machine before you get on the train. While you wait for the train, get an espresso at the train station coffee bar and wonder why every hole in the wall in Italy can turn out a decent espresso at 1.50 euro but Starbucks can't manage it at twice the price.....
Get off the train at Trastevere station....exit the station (a couple flights of stairs, IIRC). Depending on where you are staying in Trastevere, you will probably need to walk through the drop off area in front of the station and go out to the middle of the street opposite the station to catch the #8 tram line (going toward the right if you stand w/your back toward the station). A tram ticket is 1 euro; you can buy one from the little store at the train station. Validate the tram ticket once you board the tram...the machine might be at front, or it might be midway down the tram car. Definitely stamp your ticket--the fine for riding w/o a validated ticket is fat (like 100 Eu). To determine which stop is closest to your lodging, use the ATAC website in English: you can look up your destination and plot the best stop: LINK . If you stay on until the Tiber river, you've gone too far.
If you like ancient ruins, consider a trip out to Ostia Antica...easy train ride, sprawling Roman era ruins with some preserved floor mosaics, small museum of artifacts, nicely preserved amphitheater. It was the ancient seaport of Rome.
Enjoy your trip....Trastevere is still a real neighborhood, unlike so much of Rome's city center.
Posted on 4/13/17 at 12:21 pm to poochie
Driving permit?
Damn I was driving all over Tuscany for 2 weeks and never got one.
Damn I was driving all over Tuscany for 2 weeks and never got one.
Posted on 4/13/17 at 12:33 pm to poochie
Forgot to mention: on many trips thru FCO, I've found cashless ATMs. Perhaps I've just had bad luck to arrive after long holiday weekends when the cash machines don't get refilled, but I always land w/some euros in my pocket. I wanna be able to stagger over to the Taza d'Oro coffee bar & get caffeinated without having to find an ATM.
Your local bank can get euros with a few days' notice.
Hell, I once got to FCO for a 9 am departure and EVERY SINGLE restroom (men's & women's) was closed for cleaning. There literally was not a single available toilet in the entire terminal for 1.5 hours.
Your local bank can get euros with a few days' notice.
Hell, I once got to FCO for a 9 am departure and EVERY SINGLE restroom (men's & women's) was closed for cleaning. There literally was not a single available toilet in the entire terminal for 1.5 hours.
Posted on 4/13/17 at 12:57 pm to rintintin
quote:
Also, it might be a little chilly I'd imagine right now so you may not want to wear shorts and flip-flops? anyway.
I've been to Italy in April, and I wore a light jacket in the mornings and at night. During the day I typically wore pants and a casual button down shirt, and I was not hot at all.
I want to say the temps were in the low 60's at night and got to the low to mid 70's during the day.
Posted on 4/13/17 at 1:31 pm to poochie
Try, if at all possible , to get an advanced ticket/appointment to get into Academia Gallery to see "The David" while in Florence.One of the most recognizable pieces of art in history. It was truly incredible to see the real thing. There is a replica in the square, but its just not the same. If not, the wait can get quite long if you don't get there early. Also, I think it is closed on Monday. I would spend every minute I had in Florence, IN FLORENCE. It's truly one of my favorite, if not my favorite place in the world. Great food, great vibe, just a beautiful place.
Posted on 4/13/17 at 1:33 pm to Epic Cajun
Where were you? Italy is a pretty big country north to south with a lot of variation in weather. I'd personally pack for anything from what you described to possibly in the 50's during the day further north. You never know this time of year.
Posted on 4/13/17 at 2:28 pm to poochie
I just want to remind you in Rome beware of pickpockets on city buses. A 6 year old girl almost pick pocketed my wife. Luckily I caught her in the act. If you are in a tight space like a bus, make sure to hold on to your wallet, phone, and wife's purse.
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