re: T-ZERO DAYS until Italy, final logistics to-do list

This happened to someone on our trip getting on the metro in Rome. Three young girls, maybe 10-12 years old. They waited until the doors were about to close, snatched and jumped through the doors.

Take the minimum with you that you need for the day and lock everything else up in the hotel safe. I didn't carry a wallet. Just a single credit card, ID and whatever cash I thought I needed but IIRC I charged everything possible. I also bought tickets for The Vatican, galleries, etc. online beforehand so I just had to show up with my print out.

I usually have a Pacsafe backpack with me that has zippers that hide away and clamp down, or can be locked. Got it on Amazon, it was like $100 I think. It's lined with a wire mesh that does not allow it to be sliced open by razor (some thieves will cut the bottom so your things fall out, pick up what they can and run). It also has RFID blocking compartments in it to keep cards,etc... I keep my ID, credit card, and cash in a holder inside my waist band. small cash and coins in my pocket, cell phone in pocket, but always know its there.

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Skip Venice? Is that a joke?

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no

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But Venice is spectacular.

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it's a giant tourist trap. It sucks.

That's pretty much what Pisa would be.

Either a) drive from Rome to Florence via the coast/Pisa or b) train from Rome to Florence then bus from Florence to pisa and back. If I'm going to Italy, I'm definitely checking that box.


Pisa check
Coliseum check
Vatican check
David check
Gondola ride check
Spanish steps check
trevi fountain check

Etc

The above won't be taking up the whole trip (hell, just a small fraction), but I'm hitting them.

ETA: option a was just to give us a slower paced drive through the countryside to see non-city Italy. Im from the country here, I want to see what their chackbay looks like.

Their Chackbay is way prettier. Even the most rural landscapes have been under cultivation for 1,000s of years, so there isn't much truly wild left, unless you're in the mountains too steep for farming.

One other tour we did in Rome that I highly recommend to everyone going was Le Domus Romane di Palazzo Valentini. It's two old villas underground that were discovered during a renovation. They put glass floors and walls throughout the whole thing and use modern projection to enhance the areas that were destroyed over time. It was a nice, relaxing time and an awesome way to see preserved architecture that you would have to use your imagination for otherwise.

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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)?

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I brought 250 euro, then used ATM's as needed. Make sure to use bank or credit union ATM's though.

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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?

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You'll stick out regardless, unless you dress like a millennial living in NYC. That said, you will see very few locals wearing shorts or hats. Your call though. I wore pants every day of our trip.

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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?

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Shouldn't be, farmacias are everywhere. But it also can't hurt to bring travel sized toiletries anyway.

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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).

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If you can't walk, use the cabs. Make sure it's an official Rome taxi though.

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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?

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Day trip would be a good idea, but may be too late to book. Having a free day in Florence is not a bad thing though, it's a fantastic city. One of my most fond memories of Florence was enjoying a bottle of white with my fiance in front of the duomo in the perfect weather.

Enjoy the trip, Italy is a special place.

ETA: regarding the weather, I was there first week of May last year. Hot enough during the day to sweat if walking a lot, cool enough at night to need a jacket. It makes packing tough, especially for your SO (if she's anything like mine - mine packed a 60lbs suitcase )

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Cash:

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Just get cash once you're there. It's easiest. As mentioned, the busier points in Rome and Florence (airports, train stations, markets, etc.) are notorious for pickpockets. Keep your wallet in your front pocket.

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Clothes

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Just dress like you normally dress. Don't wear flipflops in Rome or Florence. You're going to be walking A LOT. Plan your footwear accordingly.

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International driving permit:

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If you're driving, you'll need one. It only took me about 30 minutes to get mine at AAA.

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Toiletries

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Won't be a problem to get.

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Pisa

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Just show up as early as possible at the tower. There will be a line.

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Florence

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I'd stay in the city the full two days. You won't be able to see everything in a day. It's a great city, and you can get some beautiful views of the countryside from the top of the hill in the Medici garden behind the Palazzo Pitti (must see).

I went to Rome for the second time last month. Trastevere is a great neighborhood. Check out Bir and Fud, great pizza. And if you get sick of pizza and pasta, Open Baladin has a great craft beer selection and one of the best burgers I've ever had.

Enjoy the food. Drink the house wine (trust me). Take in the sights.

I wore shorts everywhere for the most part... Most it seems wear linen pants though